Chapter 317 – Holy Land of the South

“The meet-and-greet tomorrow… apparently the location for the address has been changed,” I informed everyone while relaxing in the living room after returning home from building the shipyard. There was still some time before dinner, so I shared King Melvin’s notification with them.

“You mean the meet-and-greet for the anti-demon unit that was supposed to be held at the Royal Castle?”

“Yes. According to King Melvin, the aim is to boost morale by immediately showing them the newly constructed facility.”

“A meet-and-greet at the shipyard… Since it also serves as the unit’s training facility, it might be just right. I think it also carries the meaning of showing that they have expectations for the unit,” Rosemary said.

“Probably. They might have planned to let them tour it even while under construction. Since it’s almost complete now, I think they changed the gathering location there.”

The permission for Magic Construction likely had reasons along those lines.

“Brother Elliot seems like he’ll be busy,” Ashley said with a wry smile.

“Yeah. Both sides look tough,” I agreed.

In the morning, there’s the meet-and-greet and greetings to unit members. From the afternoon, he has plans to look for a new residence – quite a packed schedule.

As for tomorrow’s meet-and-greet, I’m also supposed to give greetings… Well, it’ll work out somehow. That should be enough about the meet-and-greet.

“Ah, also Claudia. About the Full Moon Labyrinth…”

“Full Moon Labyrinth…”

“Yes. I’m thinking it’s about time we consider conquering that place.”

When I mentioned the plan to conquer the Full Moon Labyrinth, Claudia quietly closed her eyes.

“…I see. I thought we would have to go there someday.”

“Is it truly a dangerous place?” Grace asked.

I nodded in response. “I think it’s more dangerous than the Blazing Fortress. It’s not like we need to go immediately since we want to consider countermeasures. We’ll also need the Magic Stones for the airship after we complete the exterior.”

The Full Moon Labyrinth… originally could only be entered once a month, which is why conquest hasn’t progressed much, and there are few stone tablets.

Rather than gimmicks like terrain and traps, it feels like there are many orthodox power-push type monsters.

However… unless you try to advance deeper, the monster attacks aren’t that fierce. If you just got lost, as long as you act with only escape in mind, survival itself shouldn’t be that difficult.

“I don’t mind taking you there. But before we go, there are several things I should tell you,” Claudia said, looking straight at me.

I nodded and returned her gaze directly.

“First… that labyrinth is different from other places. How should I put it… The labyrinth has monsters appearing in almost all areas… There was a miscalculation there, but if we’re talking about whether it’s fulfilling its purpose, I’d say it’s still functioning.”

“Securing food and resources, and strengthening explorers?”

“Yes. But regarding the Full Moon Labyrinth, the purpose is different. The path leading to the Labyrinth Village, the path leading to the Moonlight Temple. And further beyond. The Moonlight Temple was built later using the location, so it’s slightly different, but for me as the administrator, it’s a path leading to a place I don’t want people to enter.”

I see… So the very nature of the Full Moon Labyrinth differs from other places.

The purpose of the Full Moon Labyrinth is interception and elimination. That’s why if you don’t push deeper and return quietly, it eases its attacks.

I wonder if this reflects Claudia’s wishes… She doesn’t want people to intrude, but she also doesn’t want to take lives recklessly.

“As for the path related to the Labyrinth Village, I’ve already permitted entry, so there’s no need to worry about that. In any case, I’ve sealed the doors, and normally you can’t descend from the Full Moon Labyrinth.”

“…So, I’m thinking of incorporating some content anticipating the Full Moon Labyrinth into our training starting tomorrow.”

“The Full Moon Labyrinth… is it dangerous even for Theodore?” Sheila asked.

“Hmm. There seem to be various troublesome monsters, so it might be dangerous if we let our guard down,” I replied.

We’ve been able to progress smoothly so far because we’ve taken proper countermeasures, but that’s exactly why we might become complacent. I want everyone to stay vigilant.

Marlene and Seraphina nodded with serious expressions. Good, that’s the right attitude.

“There are some descriptions in several documents about the monsters that appear… but I suppose it’s best to ask Lady Claudia about this,” someone noted.

Yeah. I know to some extent too, but there are parts I can’t talk about as if I’ve seen them myself. Working out countermeasures while consulting with Claudia would be more reliable.

“The structure itself is surprisingly simple. The problem is the monsters. As for simple power-push monsters… well, we can overpower them. The first dangerous ones would be monsters with petrification abilities.”

“Petrification abilities – Basilisk and Cockatrice, right?”

At my words, Claudia nodded.

“Yes. Both are there.”

I see… The Full Moon Labyrinth has both Basilisk and Cockatrice – two types of monsters with petrification abilities. This is why we can’t afford to let our guard down.

Basilisk uses Evil Eye. Cockatrice uses breath and direct attacks with its beak. Their methods of petrification differ, so the countermeasures will also vary.

“Is there magic that can cure petrification?” Irmhild tilted her head.

Ashley nodded. “It can be used. It was in the documents we received from Silvatoria.”

“I can also remove it alone. But… it takes time with Circulating Ki, so please assume it’s impossible during combat.”

“So as long as Theo and Lady Ashley are safe, recovery from petrification is possible,” someone noted.

“If even one person gets petrified, we’ll need to immediately consider retreat using Teleportation Magic,” another added.

It’s reassuring that we have several backup measures even if we make mistakes. Looking around at the party members, we also have methods to counter each type of monster. We should maximize safety by leveraging our strengths.

And the next day. For the anti-demon unit meet-and-greet, greetings, and address, people gathered at the newly constructed shipyard.

An airship was docked above the facility, with King Melvin, Prince Josiah, Princess Stephania, and Princess Adriana showing their faces from the deck. Having royalty personally appear to give an address would undoubtedly be the ultimate morale booster. Docking the airship is also part of that.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness Josiah.”

“Ah. Long time no see, Theodore-kun.”

When I greeted Prince Josiah, his face broke into a smile.

“We arrived last night. When I returned to Termwills, the terrain had changed again, which surprised me. I never thought you could build this in one day…”

Saying this while looking around the shipyard, Prince Josiah nodded with admiration.

“I heard you had traveled to the south.”

“Yes. I’m acting as a mediator trying to improve relations between Duke Driscoll and Grand Duke Debonnis. Grand Duke Debonnis said he has intentions to reconcile with the ducal house… but Duke Driscoll is somewhat problematic. Rather than improving relations with the Grand Duke, he seems to want to approach you.”

“Me?”

“Of course, I told him that since you’re my father’s direct vassal, I couldn’t answer anything,” Prince Josiah said with a wry smile.

Though he’s smiling, he seems somewhat tired.

With the Kingdom of Verdugal moving in the anti-demon direction, it appears he’s in the midst of adjustments to ensure no one within the country hinders progress.

“He’s rather worldly, that gentleman,” Prince Josiah commented.

As I was talking with Prince Josiah, King Melvin joined us.

“He sent me a letter too. Asking me to definitely introduce him to Theodore. In short, I think he wants to benefit from association.”

“That man is completely…” Prince Josiah shook his head.

As for me, I could only respond with a wry smile.

“Well, the Duke is our problem, so you don’t need to worry too much about it. We’re thinking of ensuring we don’t get in Theodore’s way as much as possible,” King Melvin said.

“More importantly, while in the south, I also investigated what happened with the Duoveris Cult afterward, and I heard an interesting story,” Prince Josiah said, his expression turning serious as he changed the subject.

“The Duoveris Cult? Are those remnants doing something again?” I asked.

The group led by Gardinis… Come to think of it, with the loss of Gardinis, their founder, I am curious about what happened afterward.

“Ah, no. I heard that group has significantly weakened after losing their central figure, so there’s no need to worry. Since they weren’t originally active within Verdugal’s borders, there was no direct relationship anyway. Rather… it seems there’s a place the cult considers a sacred land.”

“The cult’s sacred land…”

That’s… Considering that cult, regardless of its lower ranks, had Gardinis – one of the oldest demons – as its founder, I can’t help but feel there must be some connection.

While we’re gathering information about demons… based on Prince Josiah’s information, it might be necessary to visit the south at some point.