The World's Ego (Book 2)

Unchanging

Before they realized it, it was soon the third day of the festival. Various things happened, but it resolved itself quickly, and old friends reunited to share stories. But as usual, problems would nevertheless arise, and this time, it involved the infamous labyrinth of Tempest. The rumors went as such:

A group of unknown and well-dressed people was going through the floors, reaching Floor 50 with a good pace and ease comparable to Holy Knights from Lubelius within the third day of the Founding Festival. Some adventurers encountered them while exploring the labyrinths themselves, but not a single recording of them could be found, as they rejected any form of media recording for the public. The question now was, who were they? And where did they come from?

For the answer to that, only the rulers of Tempest and those in charge of the labyrinth knew their identities.

...

Rimuru POV

... This became a bigger issue than I thought.

I sighed quietly to myself as Ramiris bickered with Veldora on what to do with the ones currently mowing through the labyrinth floors.

They really made a huge leap in progress, and even caused a commotion unintentionally. Can you give me a summary of the situation, Ciel?

<Of course, Master. On the first day of the festival, the group consisting of Kiana, Mei, Bronya, the two Seeles, and Welt entered the labyrinth and battled until they arrived at Floor 20. Additionally, Welt and Bronya were analyzing information on the labyrinth and its workings. Once they cleared Floor 20, they found a safe spot on Floor 21 and used a Recording Crystal before leaving the labyrinth for the day. However, just yesterday, there were records of Fu Hua and the Herrscher of Sentience entering the labyrinth as well. They went a bit further and arrived at Floor 25, found a safe spot, and used a Recording Crystal before returning to the surface. Then just this morning, these two groups met up at the entrance to Floor 26, mowing through the Floor monsters and Guardians. Within two hours, they managed to arrive at Floor 50, defeating Gozer, who was guarding the floor this week. Currently, they are making a breakthrough in the trap floors of 51-59. At this pace, they will be able to arrive at Floor 60, which will be guarded by the Demon Colossus that Gadra can remotely pilot now. I'm afraid its destruction is imminent though.>

I wouldn't be surprised. They did really well, but they still drew attention because of those inside the labyrinth spreading rumors.

"I won't let my labyrinth go down that easily!" Ramiris flew over to me, "Can't we do anything, Rimuru?! Like, make the difficulty level for them increase?!"

"We can't do that. They are playing by the rules, Ramiris." I stated as a matter of factly, wagging a disapproving finger at her, "Plus, they will know if we interfere. For now, we should just let them do whatever they want. They are my guests, so I know them better than anyone else here. It's just some harmless fun."

"Grr... But they keep prodding the data inside the labyrinth, it's getting annoying!" Ramiris grumbled, "Though it's not like they are trying to hack the system, so I don't know what they are trying to do."

"Curiosity, I presume." I hummed in thought, "Knowing some of them, they were probably trying to gain inspiration for something. Just remember that they are not from this world, and will eventually return to their world after the week is over."

In fact, I should be grateful that Vita hadn't thought to join them. It's a good thing Feiyun is keeping her entertained. That girl's curiosity is more dangerous than anyone else's.

"Besides, they are only keeping some of the goods they obtained from the labyrinth as souvenirs, so there's no problem, is there?" I continued with a light shrug, "As a reminder to everyone here, they are still playing by the rules, so don't do anything to ruin it for them. They simply want to relax and enjoy themselves, too. I'm pretty sure it's been some time since some of them let themselves loose without needing to think about the consequences. I will get angry if I find out that any of you play tricks on them, do you understand?"