So I'm A Divine Monster, So What?

Part 6: Kingdom of Analeit and Renxandt Empire

' ' - Thinking
" " - Talking
< > - Skills
{ } - Skills Talking
[ ] - Telepathically
<< >> - Voice of the World
===========================

===========================

Somewhere in a village...

In the bustling marketplace, the air was filled with the chatter of merchants and customers alike, their voices blending into the constant hum of trade and negotiations. The lively atmosphere was interrupted by a growing crowd gathering around one particular stall, drawn in by the merchant's bold claims.

"So, you're saying this silk came from the Great Elroe Labyrinth and was produced by a Great Taratect?" a male customer asked, examining the luxurious spider silk in his hands.

"Yes! Thanks to the brave adventurers who ventured into the depths of the labyrinth, this silk is among the finest and highest quality you'll ever find. You won't come across something like this so easily in the market," the merchant boasted proudly.

A skeptical female customer frowned. "How can we believe you?"

The merchant smirked and reached into his bag, pulling out an official appraisal certificate. "Here, take a look. I had it examined and appraised before bringing it here."

The crowd murmured in awe as they gazed at the document, which confirmed the merchant's words—the silk was indeed top-quality, genuine Great Taratect silk.

With their doubts dispelled, customers rushed forward, eagerly purchasing whatever they could. Within moments, the entire stock was sold out, leaving many others disappointed.

As frustration started to rise among those who had missed their chance, the merchant quickly raised his hands to calm the crowd.

"Everyone, I know some of you are upset, but don't worry! A new batch will be available next week, and I'll make sure it's even larger than this one!"

While some were pleased with the announcement, others looked shocked.

"Wait... wait... you're planning to go inside the Great Elroe Labyrinth again?!" one man blurted out, his expression filled with alarm.

The merchant blinked in confusion. "Huh? Is there something wrong?"

A hushed tension settled over the crowd before another man stepped forward, lowering his voice as if fearing the words themselves.

"Since you're a merchant, surely you've heard the rumors... about the Nightmare and the Shadows of the Labyrinth?"

The merchant hesitated. Of course, he had heard the rumors.

Recently, strange and unsettling events had been reported from within the labyrinth. Merchants, adventurers—even trained soldiers—who entered its depths were never seen again. The few who managed to return were so shaken with terror that they refused to speak of what they had encountered.

As fear spread, the government issued warnings, restricting entry to the labyrinth. Now, only those with a special permit could venture inside.

Despite this, the merchant remained determined. The profit from selling Great Taratect silk was simply too great to ignore.

"Yes, I've heard the rumors," he admitted. "But fear not—I'll be careful. I will return with more silk."

His confidence, however, did little to reassure the uneasy crowd.

Deep within the Great Elroe Labyrinth, time had lost all meaning. Shiraori and her subordinates had been trapped in its vast, shadowy depths for months, but without sunlight or any way to track time, it was impossible to tell how long had truly passed.