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IMPORTANT NOTE: The LN is completed with this volume, aka it was axed and didn’t get a continuation, but the author was nice enough to put a quick summary of the events after this online, which I also translated, uploaded, and called “Afterstory.” It’s super interesting, so I recommend you read it. You can find it on the ToC. Also, thanks for reading all the way here, sorry for the long hiatus, luhmao.
Epilogue: Those Who Embark On Adventures
The following day after the monsters had escaped from the labyrinth, a large crowd gathered in the capital’s center.
“This has never happened before…Just what is going on?”
“The adventurers were there to defeat them so we got off safely, but if this continues…”
“It must be some unfortunate joke. No way that could be true.”
“No, it’s the truth. We should escape from the capital as quickly as possible.
Some were terrified by the rumors, others were riddled with anxiety about it, and some prepared to escape even right now. And as this chaos continued to spread, time passed until the evening, when the current Emperor Geraf appeared in the sky, speaking in a voice full of dignity.
‘My beloved citizens. I’ve decided to explain the recent events to you like this.’
“Y-Your Majesty?!”
This was the first time the current Emperor had chosen such a method, and it only happened a few times over the course of the empire’s long history. It was an expected reaction after such a caliber of an incident, which is why they all had their eyes glued to the Emperor’s reflection in the sky.
‘First, what you heard about monsters having escaped from the labyrinth…is true. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.’
“What?!”
All citizens gasped in unison.
“Why would the Emperor be present at the entrance to the labyrinth this late at night…”
“I heard rumors that he fought with the Dark Knight, though.”
“But isn’t he an adventurer? Why would the Emperor have to fight him?”
“How would I know? An adventurer ally of my brother’s friend saw it happen!”
“That’s right! The Emperor bet his daughter on the line as he fought the Dark Knight!”
“That sounds fishy, to say the least. At least come up with something better.”
Needless to say, the Emperor couldn’t hear any of what the people were saying. However, he could see they were distraught. This time, the truth was even more unbelievable than anything that could be fabricated. He wanted to make up any random excuse to brush it off, but for the sake of the citizens, he had to be clean.
‘We are currently investigating just what exactly happened, but we can’t say anything for certain just yet. We do know that an immense change is happening within the labyrinth.’
“…”
Hearing the Emperor’s words, all the citizens went silent. With such a major event, they all wished him to just brush it off and say ‘It’s all nonsense.’ For the first time, they may have gotten involved with the intricacies of what it meant to be an adventurer beyond seeing them walk along the streets or go to the bank. And with the Emperor’s statement, their anxiety only skyrocketed. Observing that, the Emperor declared with a loud voice.
‘Don’t falter! My beloved citizens, whatever may happen in the future, our empire will continue as our great first Emperor Leonard has envisioned it, and the adventurers, who carry his spirit, will strike away all danger!’
“That’s right! The Empire has the adventurers!”
Smiles returned to the citizens. There was no basis for anything right now, and the adventurers weren’t allies of justice, either. However, they wanted some kind of hope to strike through their anxiety. And before anybody could point out the clear flaw, the Emperor continued.
‘To repeat, we have not uncovered the reason for this. However, we know how to resolve it. It is to reach the 7th floor of the labyrinth.’
“What?!”
The people were baffled, but it also made sense to them. Even the citizens knew of the rumors about the 7th floor being protected by the guardian of the 6th floor, the Dark Knight.
‘By reaching the 7th floor, you can obtain whatever wish you desire, and that is the truth. After all, the great first Emperor Leonard wished for our Empire to prosper a thousand years, which brought us to today.’
“So that’s what happened!”
Naturally, that was also made up. However, as it wasn’t a clear lie, the citizens latched onto any possible hope.
‘And because those thousands of years of prosperity end the next year, we are seeing these weird phenomena…or so we believe.’
“Th-That makes sense.”
‘Thus, I want all adventurers to do their utmost and attempt to reach the 7th floor by next year and wish for our Empire to be fruitful for another 1000 years!’
That was his true goal, so his voice sounded naturally more confident.
‘However, I understand how difficult that is. That is why…the adventurer who accomplishes this will be granted the greatest honor and reward imaginable.’
“Greatest honor and reward?”
‘In other words…the seat of the Emperor of the Goldo Empire!’
“Wh-What?!”
All 20,000 citizens screamed at the sky in unison.
“No way! Am I hearing things?!”
Seeing the citizens panic, the Emperor continued.
‘The one who resolves this crisis by reaching the 7th floor of the labyrinth will be given the title of the 42nd Emperor, and I swear that on our great first Emperor Leonard.’
To the citizens, as well as the royal family and nobles, the name of the first Emperor was like a god. And now that Geraf had sworn by this name, he was not allowed to take them back in the end.
“H-He’s serious…”
The citizens were utterly dazzled as the Emperor continued.
‘It is thanks to his wish that the Empire exists the way it is today. If so, then the individual who reaches the 7th floor and wishes for another thousand years of prosperity should be given the title of the new Emperor.’
“Th-That makes sense…”
And since he was speaking with logic, the citizens accepted it. In fact, saving the Empire was such a deed the seat of the Emperor would be a worthy reward.
‘Now, go forth, my courageous adventurers. Reach the depths of the labyrinth and bring glory and prosperity to this world!’ The Emperor finished with these words as his image disappeared from the sky.
The next Emperor will be an adventurer. If they worked hard, they might even reach that level themselves. All the citizens inside the capital had long forgotten the fear of the incident and were brimming with excitement.
“Good work there.”
Rufa spoke to her father the Emperor after he finished this emergency transmission. In response to that, the Emperor sighed to himself and responded with a calm expression.
“With this, more adventurers should be trying to reach the 7th floor, just as you wished for.”
Naturally, there may be those like the Plunderers who aren’t interested in positions like that, but the majority became adventurers for money or power. And when the position of the Emperor is up for grabs, it will get even more people invested.
“It’ll put a lot of pressure on the various provinces and areas amongst the empire. What a foolish act.”
“Everyone must understand, I’m sure. And this will bring more respect for yourself, as well as the position of Emperor.”
If you declare the fact that the world will go to ruin in one year, the great chaos will leave a lot of adventurers leaving. That’s why, if you keep things as vague as possible while offering bait in the form of the position of Emperor. That was the request Rufa made to her father after he lost his duel against Alba.
“Painfully enough, the 6th-floor rankers probably have no interest in this position, though.”
The Plunderers had their own reasons to adventure the labyrinth, and the people from the White Wings weren’t that hungry for power either. And the other high-level clans were too fanatic, their actions were practically impossible to read.
“Even so, Chidori-sama and Willow-sama from the White Wings wish to continue their fight, and the Plunderers voiced their interest in what lies on the 7th floor, so they should be willing to assist us.”
More than anything, all the 4th and 5th-floor adventurers taking it easy are now probably more motivated than ever and attempt to reach the 6th floor, too. And the more adventurers, the easier it will be to reach the 7th floor. In the worst case, they could get the entire Empire’s military to send them after the Dark Knight, but it would be more beneficial if Rufa and her party managed to accomplish that first.
“And you don’t slack off on your preparations, Father.”
“I know.”
Warned by his daughter, the Emperor sighed. Starting with his close aide the clothed shadow, the Emperor had several strong allies, such as the former 6th-floor adventurers he’d suck dry with Energy Drain, as well as the labyrinth preservation force with Eclair and the others. By training them, the Emperor himself should be able to challenge the Dark Knight himself.
“If you and the others don’t manage to clear the labyrinth one month before the final year has passed, then I shall make my way myself. Is that fine with you?”
“Yes, that’s okay.” Rufa seemed satisfied with that and muttered. “It would be best if Alba-sama saved the world, took the country, castle, and princess all together…”
“You should know that he has no such aspirations, right?”
“Oh shut up!” Rufa grumbled at her father, throwing in a reasonable comment.
Needless to say, she was well aware of that. He wasn’t some devilish Dark Knight who was hungry for power and fame, but just a benevolent idiot unaware of a woman’s feelings. However…
“If I don’t offer him this country and castle, then Alba-sama would never choose a cutting-board elf like me!”
“You’re lacking confidence at the weirdest times.”
She possessed beauty and brains, but when it came to her chest, she immediately lost all belief in herself.
“I guess it’s my fault, too.”
Born as an elf, she was always suffering under discrimination from her sisters and in this society that favored humans over everything. The Emperor loved all his children equally, so he couldn’t give her any special attention. Because of that, she always felt inferior when it comes to affection for the people close to her.
“If not for Redberyl’s daughter, I wonder how much of a monster you would have grown up to be.”
“And who was it that put a rift between me and my good friend?” Rufa sent her father a sharp glare.
It may have been acting, but Rufa still couldn’t forgive Garnet for stealing Alba’s first kiss from her.
“If you do anything like that ever again, then I’ll have Alba-sama save me when you’re about to attack me or accuse you of things you haven’t done.”
If that were to happen, he would lose all trust of his citizens, and he’ll be forced to hand over his seat as Emperor without anybody reaching the 7th floor. But even more than that, he would completely lose everything with his five wives and seven daughters.
“…I will be careful.”
He simply wanted to be a bit of an evil parent towards the man who stole his daughter, but not even he would have imagined this to turn into such a knife pointed at him. And yet again, he was reminded of the fact that…
“Amongst your sisters, you are the one who resembles me the most.”
“Please stop! That’s disgusting!”
He meant it as praise, but Rufa seemed genuinely taken aback, forcing the Emperor to fight against his tears. In fact, Rufa felt like she had gone too far, but figured that staying any longer was meaningless, so she headed for the stairs.
“I will leave the rest to you.”
“Wait a moment.”
With his back turned toward Rufa, the Emperor gave one final warning.
“I promised to assist you as much as I can, but there will be people standing in your way.”
In fact, this very broadcast just now was done in a hurry to avoid the opposing force from moving too quickly. Right now, they must be in great chaos at this sudden revelation.
“As I stated yesterday, you are closest to the throne. Your sisters won’t be of any help and they will only try to get in your way.”
“…I’m aware.” Rufa nodded after a brief silence.
It’s true that her sisters were always quick to bully her, but they never once set for a genuine assassination. That was because all of them were sure an elf like her could never become the Emperor in this empire that favored humans. However, after this declaration, and the fact that Rufa had been traveling the labyrinth for a while, she was the closest to being the emperor out of everyone. Their simple jealousy might soon explode into genuine hostility. Rufa didn’t have positive feelings towards her sisters, but she most definitely didn’t resent them either, and she didn’t want things to escalate like that.
“That being said, Alba-sama went so far as to reveal his true identity, so I cannot run away and make that sacrifice nill.” Rufa looked down from the window and made up her resolve.
Even if the Emperor promised protection for him, the fact that Alba turned out to be a hybrid with a fairy would cause a lot of dangerous people to approach him. But even if they didn’t bring any direct harm to him, they might attempt to question him about his hometown in an attempt to capture the fairies there. Alba may not be bothered by people like that, but Rufa couldn’t forgive that.
“Alba-sama, who has no reason to go this far, is willing to sacrifice his all for the sake of the Empire. No matter who may stand in our way, we will reach the 7th floor and protect the world,” Rufa left these words behind as she stepped down the stairs and disappeared.
Left behind, the Emperor smiled at his daughter’s formidable growth.
*
Two days had passed since Emperor Geraf’s announcement, as the 7th district and its residential area were as active as never before.
“If I become the Emperor, I’ll get myself at least 20 beautiful wives!”
“No way you’ll become the Emperor!”
“Now you said it. Once I’m the Emperor, I’ll have you clean my shoes for the rest of your life.”
Adventurers were joking about their possible plans after becoming Emperor, leaving for the labyrinth early in the morning. The manager of the Eternal Maiden said they’d get tired of it soon enough, but it’s a good thing that they’ve all found a new reason to fight. I can’t lose against them either, which is why I headed over to the apartment Rufa and Garnet were staying at.
“Good morning, Alba-sama. How is your leg doing?”
“Just fine.”
Rufa greeted me and showed a worried expression as I showed her my right leg. After my fight with Geraf-san, I went to the cathedral and got myself completely healed with Regeneration, so I’m back to peak. I did take a rest of two days to completely heal up, but I’m just fine now. During that time, the natural regeneration of my greatsword and jet-black armor finished, too, so now I was ready for more adventure. That being said, the whole process, as well as the Elixir, cost me half a fortune, so I just wanna get back down into the labyrinth! And yet, Garnet sighed at me in disbelief.
“After all that happened, you really never change, do you?”
How cruel…I think I matured a bit after that. The battle against Geraf-san was tough, and so was the torture by Rufa and Chidori-san, but I’ve gotten stronger through that.
“And that I will never kiss a girl again, even if it’s just acting.”
“That’s not the lesson to take from that, you dimwit!”
My declaration was met with Garnet blushing furiously, kicking at my left shin. Despite being angry at me, she was also like a gentle mother, using my unscathed left leg. Right now, I don’t feel much pain from it, but once she becomes a 5th-floor rank, this is gonna be bad for me.
“If you truly feel that way, then stop running your mouth needlessly.”
She read my thoughts as always, firing off one last kick. Watching us, Rufa smiled gently.
“Hee hee, you two have gotten so close. Like brother and sister.”
That makes me happy, but it’s also a bit embarrassing to hear that. That brings up the question, why do all women older than me treat me like a younger brother? I was full of doubts as Garnet showed a dull expression.
“Rufa, I’m not beating around the bush here, I have no such interest.”
“How rude! Are you saying that he isn’t a man worth falling for?!”
“I never said that!” Garnet screamed back at Rufa.
This isn’t too great. I should probably stop them.
“Stop the sibling fighting.”
““Whose fault do you think this is?!””
I tapped them both on the shoulder only for them to scream at me. But they’re not denying the siblings part, huh?
“I swear, the sun is gonna set if we keep this up,” Garnet said and started walking towards the labyrinth.
At the very least, it seems like we avoided any serious fight. I sighed in relief and wanted to follow after her, when Rufa grabbed my arm.
“What’s wrong?”
“About what you said just now…there is one thing you’re mistaken about, Alba-sama.”
“Hm?”
I wondered what was going on, when Rufa placed her hands on my shoulder. She swiftly pushed her face close to me, pressing her lips onto the mouth part of my mask.
“As long as it’s not fake, you’re fine to kiss me.”
“…Huh?”
…Hold on a second. What was that about?! Even if she wanted to prove a point, there was no need to go that far, right? But since it was through my mask…it was acting, right? I was so bewildered that my brain didn’t work, as Rufa went after Garnet.
“Alba-sama, let’s go.”
“What are you spacing out for?”
“Y-Yeah…”
Called by those two, I moved after them, stiff like a puppet. Th-That just now was…No, there’s no way a beauty like Rufa would be interested in a country goon like me…My heart was about to explode, but I reached one conclusion…I’ll think about it later! We’re going down into the bottomless labyrinth, fighting the guardian of the 3rd floor, so I can’t be distracted. Garnet looked at me in disbelief once again.
“Not even death could heal your stupidity.”
“But that’s who Alba-sama is, after all.”
Even Rufa smiled at me with a wry expression. What do I even say…Sorry, I guess? I could only apologize as the two pushed my back.
“Rest assured, we’ll get you fixed before all of this is over.”
“We might even ask that something down in the depths of the labyrinth to get you healed.”
So they said. How reassuring to have these great allies with me…
“Let’s go.”
“Indeed. We’ll worry about the rest after we reach the 7th floor.”
“Yeah.”
Cheered up by the two, I shook my head and looked forward. Even if everything may seem over, I won’t give up unless I’ve seen it with my own eyes. That’s what it means to be an adventurer.
“Let’s go,” I declared as we headed for the bottomless labyrinth once more.
CClaw Translations 