The World's Ego (Book 2)

Otherworldly Experience Pt.2

Third Person POV

Mei's brows knitted in worry as she looked up at the entrance to the labyrinth. It's been a long time since she was here, and many things have definitely changed. She was sure one of the biggest changes would be the largest attraction in Tempest right now, which was standing in front of them. Since Kiana was curious, though, she had no choice but to give in.

"Well..." Mei muttered as she found the counter selling whatever they needed for the labyrinth excursion, "... I'll go purchase whatever we need, and ask them not to record our expedition. We wouldn't want to draw attention to ourselves."

Kiana nodded excitedly toward her, "Okay!"

Welt's glasses glinted over his eyes as he looked at the adventurers around them, "Compared to them, we look a little ill-equipped, don't you think?"

Bronya shrugged, "It's not like we can brandish our weapons so openly either. It'll be best not to show them off now."

"You're right." Welt agreed, "I was just thinking that we could use the monsters we encountered along the way for Arahato's development too."

Bronya perked up when she heard this, "... Not a bad idea. I'll keep my eyes peeled for inspirational material."

And now Mei really had no other choice but to go ahead with the labyrinth exploration. She could only hope that Elysia wouldn't mind (though she probably wouldn't).

"I got everything." Mei said as she returned to their side with the items they needed, "Okay, I got everything. Wear these Resurrection Bracelets first."

They thanked Mei and wore the Resurrection Bracelets (which they honestly wouldn't need, but for the sake of blending in, it was necessary).

"I have the Recording Crystal too, so we can save our progress if we ever want to come back." Mei explained before pulling out the whistles, "And we have the Return Whistles, which we can use to get us out in case of emergencies. You should keep yours close to you, Kiana-chan."

Kiana nodded as she took the whistle and tucked it in her breast pocket, "Got it!"

"There are rules in the labyrinth, and even if our exploration isn't being broadcast to the public, the leaders or managers of the labyrinth will definitely keep an eye on us." Mei reminded them, "So all we need to do is enjoy ourselves and take this as a type of winding down activity."

"I can't wait!" Kiana exclaimed as she led the way to the entrance, "Let's go! Exploring time!"

Mei sighed as she followed behind her, "And I just said to be careful..."

Bronya shrugged her shoulders, "Well, it's Idiotka, so we should keep a vigilant eye for her, just in case."

The two Seeles nodded in agreement while Welt trailed alongside Bronya, making sure to keep an eye on the details in the labyrinth with concealed excitement as they walked through the giant gates. The first few floors weren't a problem for them, so within one and a half hours, they managed to make it to Floor 10, where they eliminated the Black Spider in a span of ten minutes.

"Yay!" Kiana cheered as the chest appeared in front of them, "Good job, everyone! We got the chest!"

"There are new bosses every ten floors, so it will get increasingly difficult to fight for you." Mei reminded her but sighed at her enthusiasm, "But I guess it's still not a problem for you, huh..."

"Navigating without using my usual systems is a minor setback, but if the lower floors become increasingly difficult, then..." Bronya hummed in thought, "... I mean, so far, it's still fairly easy."