As the golden hue of dusk surrendered to the navy velvet of night, the capital city of Nyvaris shimmered with a life of its own. Lanterns floated up into the sky in soft waves, casting a warm, festive glow. Music flowed from every street and square—lutes, violins, pipes, drums—each note threading joy through the hearts of the people.
From the grand Sanctum, where the meeting had ended moments ago, the honored guardians of Nyvaris began to rejoin the revelry.
Rimuru and Shizu Walk Together
Rimuru strolled calmly through the market street, hands behind his head, beside Shizu. Her smile was soft, eyes glowing under the lanterns.
"You know, I never thought I'd get to enjoy something like this again," she said.
Rimuru grinned. "That's the magic of Nyvaris. It brings people back to life in ways we never expect."
They paused to admire a group of children painting floating lanterns with dreams and prayers. Shizu leaned down and helped a little girl adjust her brush.
Then, from across the crowd, a voice called softly. "Shizu...?"
Shizu turned. Her eyes widened. Standing there, in armor but relaxed for once, was Hinata Sakaguchi.
The two women ran to each other without hesitation, and embraced tightly.
"You're still alive...!" Hinata whispered, her voice trembling.
"And you've grown stronger," Shizu replied, pulling back to see her clearly. "I always knew you would."
Nearby, Rimuru watched the reunion with a warm smile.
After giving them space, Rimuru wandered on and soon found Luminous Valentine, elegantly leaning near a wine stall.
"Your Highness," he said with a mock bow.
Luminous chuckled. "You may drop the formalities, Rimuru. You're a friend of Varvatos, and I suppose that earns you favor in my eyes."
They shared a drink as fireworks began to rise above the rooftops.
"Quite the city you all built," she said, eyes watching the sky light up. "It almost makes me consider establishing a second residence."
Rimuru laughed. "Just don't bring too many vampire nobles. Nyvaris might not be ready for that much fashion drama."
Meanwhile, in a quieter square, Veldora knelt on the ground surrounded by a dozen children. They had made crowns of paper and now placed one on his head.
"You are now the Dragon King of Sweets!" a boy proclaimed.
Veldora puffed his chest proudly. "I accept this title! I shall now declare all sweets free for tonight!"
A group cheer erupted. Merchants laughed, playing along and handing out candies and cakes.
The divine trio strolled down the main avenue, mingling freely. Varvatos, hands tucked into his robe, nodded gently to every person who greeted him.
"It feels good to walk among them," said Velzard, eyes softening at the sight of a child asleep in their father's arms.
Elmesia, ever the queen, kept teasing the two. "You know, darling, the people love you, but I think they adore Velzard more."
Varvatos smirked. "Let them. I've never cared for titles."
As they walked, they saw King Gazel Dwargo deep in conversation with the King of Siltrosso, a merchant-state from the southern coasts.
They approached with respectful nods.
"Evening, Varvatos," Gazel said. "We were just discussing the future of trade through the northern passes."
The King of Siltrosso bowed. "And possibly... joint defense pacts."
Varvatos raised a brow. "Interesting. We'll speak more after the festival. Tonight, we celebrate."
Suddenly, the music softened. A signal flared into the sky—gold and silver sparkles forming an insignia above the central tower.
A voice echoed magically through every corner of Nyvaris:
"To all citizens and guests of Nyvaris: Tomorrow, at first light, the Grand Labyrinth shall open once again. Adventurers, challengers, and explorers from all walks of life may enter—should they possess the courage. Glory and treasures await within."
Excitement exploded.
Children tugged their parents' sleeves, adventurers roared, merchants whispered about new supplies to stock.
The night deepened, but Nyvaris showed no sign of sleep.
And high above it all, Varvatos looked over his people—gods, heroes, citizens, and friends—and allowed himself a rare smile.
"Let them dream," he whispered. "For tomorrow, their legends begin."
The city of Nyvaris awoke to the ringing of ceremonial bells, their melodic tones echoing through the sky like the dawn's own symphony. Sunlight poured over the pearly-white towers and golden streets, bathing the city in a serene, almost divine glow. The long-anticipated day had arrived — the Labyrinth was now open.
From every district, adventurers and spectators alike flooded toward the heart of the city where the entrance loomed — an enormous obsidian archway flanked by twin statues of dragons with crystal eyes, glowing faintly with life. Banners fluttered in the wind, each bearing the golden crest of Varvatos, the Supreme One.
Massive floating crystal screens shimmered into being above the plazas, markets, and open arenas. The entire city would witness the journey through the Labyrinth in real-time.
A sea of color and sound filled the square. Adventurers of every kind — from brash, axe-wielding berserkers to silent, robed mages — stood before the gate, checking gear, strategizing, and some just nervously fidgeting.
At a nearby booth, resurrection bracelets were sold by energetic vendors.
Vendor: "Three uses per bracelet! Keeps you from becoming monster food! Don't enter without it!"
One group stood out — led by Roland, the famous dragon-slayer. His black cloak fluttered as he slung his greatsword across his back.
Roland: "This is more than a dungeon. It's a monument to greatness. Ready?"
Beside him, Yuna, the elven rogue, adjusted her daggers.
Yuna: "Only if you remember that trap detection isn't your strong suit."
Brock the Dwarf, chuckled heartily, his armor gleaming.
Brock: "May the forge guide us — and the traps miss us."
They bumped fists, nodded to the cheering crowd, and entered as the crowd held their breath. The projection above them shimmered — the journey had begun.
The first floor resembled a mystical forest lit by soft, floating lights. Trees with sapphire leaves shimmered, and strange moss-covered beasts watched silently from the shadows.
Narrator (from a magical voice in the projection):
"The Labyrinth reshapes with every entrance. No path is ever the same. Every floor is its own world."
As Roland's team moved cautiously, the screens zoomed in, and cheers erupted throughout Nyvaris.
Child Watching: "There! Look! He sliced that vine-creature in one blow!"
Mother: "They've only just started. Wait until the floor bosses."
Ramiris floated near the central square, eyes wide, mouth open.
Ramiris: "I-I couldn't… I couldn't make something like this even in a thousand years!"
Diablo: (smiling calmly) "Lord Varvatos' creation is beyond conventional magic. Even his traps have layers of logic woven into the mana flow."
She zoomed in closer to one screen showing Floor 3 — a vast desert filled with whirlwinds and a sand leviathan.
Ramiris: "This is cheating! That thing's bigger than a castle! Is that even legal?!"
Rimuru and Shizu sat together on a soft grassy hill, watching the glowing projections. The soft breeze ruffled their hair as Rimuru passed her a warm meat bun.
Rimuru: "Not bad, huh?"
Shizu: (smiling gently) "It's more than not bad. It's… magical. I used to imagine places like this in my dreams."
Rimuru chuckled, leaning back.
Rimuru: "Varvatos doesn't dream. He builds his dreams."
The Supreme One, Varvatos, walked calmly with Velzard and Empress Elmesia along the lower districts, blending among the crowd. Citizens bowed or respectfully stepped aside, but Varvatos raised a hand.
Varvatos: "No need for that. Today is a celebration, not a coronation."
A group of children ran by, shouting excitedly about seeing a giant crab monster on Floor 5. Velzard smiled faintly.
Velzard: "They look at monsters with wonder now… not fear. That's new."
Elmesia: "This dungeon isn't just power on display. It's an inspiration. Look how people cheer. How they dream."
They passed a small plaza where King Gazel stood with a cup of tea, watching the projections beside the King of Siltrosso.
Varvatos: "Gazel. Enjoying the spectacle?"
Gazel: (nodding with a rare grin) "Spectacle? Varvatos, you've outdone yourself. This isn't just a dungeon — it's a masterpiece. Dwarves from Dwargon are already debating its structure. It's… brilliant."
Velzard: "And you haven't even seen the lava caverns on Floor 20."
King of Siltrosso: "I'll have to double my army's training just to keep up with the next generation inspired by this place."
Varvatos chuckled softly.
Varvatos: "Let them be inspired. That was the point."
On the projection, Roland's team had reached the first boss room — a stone chamber filled with shifting lava flows and massive gears. At the center stood a colossus — the Molten Warden, thirty feet tall, wielding twin magma axes.
Narrator: "Each tenth floor holds a guardian. They do not yield easily."
The battle was intense. Roland's blade clashed with flaming metal. Yuna danced across floating platforms, hurling enchanted daggers. Brock shouted, holding the front line with a mana shield.
The entire city held its breath.
Vendor in Market: "Come on! Come on! Just one more hit!"
With a final combined attack — an exploding wind spell, a hammer throw, and a blade through the core — the guardian collapsed, sending a burst of flames skyward.
Announcer's Voice: "Team Roland has cleared Floor 10! Progressing to the next stage!"
Cheers roared across Nyvaris. Fireworks burst into the daylight sky — bursts of blue and gold, celebrating the first milestone. Music filled the streets as performers began playing again.
Child: "I want to be like Yuna!"
Old Man: "That Brock has arms like golems! Did you see that throw?!"
Rimuru: (smiling) "And this is only the first ten floors. Ninety to go."
Hinata: "What's on Floor 100?"
Shizu answered with a smirk.
Shizu: "Veldora."
Rimuru laughed.
Rimuru: "The final boss himself. And he's been looking forward to this moment more than anyone."