Metro Labyrinth

　The eating and drinking space of the guild branch is wrapped in a festive atmosphere. Of course, the festival is near, but it seems that many people were watching the moment when the governor appeared earlier.

“I was surprised to see you back. I thought you were the actual person, and you are.” (Aomoto)

　The way she rests her elbows on the standing table and sips her coffee so elegantly, he is truly a beautiful boss. If it weren’t for the fluffy white thing on her head.

“Fufufuu… The ‘Xolotl Tribe Stuffed Toys’ are being mass-produced immediately by craftspeople with an eye for detail. They say they are the new Ouji specialty, following the onsen tamago.” (Aomoto)

　I thought she had kidnapped one in Ouji (she had the potential to do it). The stuffed animals are that well made.

“It’s already out of stock, and unfortunately I can only buy four. They’re for the bedroom, living room, storage, and transport, so I prepared some sweets separately as souvenirs for you guys. Later, in my office, you can come to get them.” (Aomoto)

　Tamiko, who had been nibbling on a vegetable stick for lunch, started fidgeting on the table, and Aomoto glanced at her and chuckled.

“Why do you have that carry-on on your head?” (Shuu)

“I’m glad you asked. I’m sorry, Mr. Abe, but the depths of Ouji are no longer under your control. The beef jerky offering caught their hearts. …Actually, it’s my sincerity and spirit of camaraderie. They have opened their hearts to me. I’ve given them so many rides that the word ‘happy’ no longer adequately describes my feeling, and I know what my reason to be born into this world is.” (Aomoto)

　The way he strokes the stuffed animal above his head and smiles ecstatically is about to reach a level where he can be described as a “Dangerous”.

“When I go to bed, they sneak over to my hut to sleep with me, not to beg for a snack, but to sleep with me. When I left, they smiled and waved at me until the end. …I promised them that I would bring new delicacies the next time I saw them. I’ll have to check out some of the other food I’ve ordered from around the country.” (Aomoto)

“I’m sorry, you’ve already told us, it’s all about the food.” (Shuu)

　The inconvenient truth seems to fall on deaf ears as Aomoto hugs her stuffed animal and begins to walk down memory lane.

“So, did your training go well?” (Shuu)

“Hmm? Oh, of course. I’ve been hunting from the 32nd floor onwards, based in the Xolotl tribe village. I heard that the front-line survey team is looking for stairs to the 40th floor, but I went up to the 35th floor with a volunteer from the Xolotl tribe. A lovely young lady named Makko also came to see me. and asked me if I fought with you guys.” (Aomoto)

“Oh, Makko?” (Shuu)

　The two of us looked at each other and nodded. Makko, daughter of Xolotl Chief Nai. The two of them had fought together with us against the Boss Golem and had saved my life. I’m glad to hear that she’s doing well.

　The Sholotl Tribe seems to have kept their promise not to tell other people that I am a “Master Threadweaver”. Considering what will happen in the future, the secret seems to be a dying star, but I want to keep it hidden at least until the Grand Tournament.

“The deep level is a different world from the 30th floor. Not only golems containing rare metals but also powerful enemies such as Tauros and Zhu [T/N: Birds with human hands for feet] were waiting for me. It would have been tough on my own, but thanks to the support of the Xolotl tribe, I was able to raise two levels in this short period of time. I’ve been stagnant lately, so I guess the wave came all at once. They’re not only pretty cute, but they seem to have brought me good luck as well.” (Aomoto)

“Oh, congratulations. Umm… Truly…” (Shuu)

　I confessed that I had been training with her opponent until yesterday and helped him raise one level. Aomoto involuntarily balked, but it was short-lived.

“Well, it’s only a difference of one or two levels. It’s a challenge that can be too much for me to begin with, so don’t worry about it and I will just go for it with all my might.” (Aomoto)

　As one would expect from the guild representative, she was very dignified. If only she didn’t have a chihuahua under her arm.

“That’s right, Ms. Ikari.” (Aomoto)

“Oh, yes.” (Noa)

　Noa, who was nibbling on vegetable sticks with Tamiko, looked up in surprise.

“I heard that while I was away, you completed your transfer to us. Welcome to the Sugamo branch, welcome. I’m sorry to be such a poor representative, but if you have any problems, please don’t hesitate to contact me.” (Aomoto)

“Yes, thank you very much. Please take care of me.” (Noa)

　The transfer process was completed before we left for Ikebukuro, and Sugamo’s insignia was drawn on the side where Ikebukuro’s had been. Not only is she a member of Ikebukuro’s branch, but he is also a hunter here in Sugamo, both in name and in reality.

　Incidentally, Kure, the only outsider, is talking to Karasawa, a veteran hunter who has been drinking and eating at another table for some time. From the overheard conversation, it seems that he is inviting Karasawa, whom he considers a skilled hunter, to join him for a hand-to-hand combat.

“Now then, Mr. Abe. The pre-match meeting is at 4:00 today. I don’t mind if you come with everyone else, so don’t be late. Also, be very careful with her. You’ve probably heard rumors about her temperament.” (Aomoto)

　Sugamo’s largest building, Sugamo Martial Arts Center, is located along the northeastern wall.

　It’s a design that’s a little smaller and simpler than what was in Kudanshita. The octagonal roof, on the top of which has the city emblem of Sugamo, not an onion. [T/N: Kudanshita has a golden onion-like thing on the apex of its roof.]

　In the plaza in front of the main entrance, there were people who looked like employees wearing nametags that read “Grand Tournament Guiding Committee,” and they would guide us inside if we asked them. I entered the related parties’ area from the first-floor corridor of the three-story building, and after walking along a dimly lit corridor for a while, I arrived in front of a double swinging door.

“The stage hall is at the end of the corridor. This is where the players will meet each other and confirm the rules. Everyone else has already arrived.” (Guide)

　It was only ten minutes before the appointment, but everyone was early. Or perhaps the lowest-ranking player is the worst in time management. It was not that I was late, but I felt a little awkward.

　The door is pushed open with a heavy thud. As if the air was filled with sand, and I closed my eyes for a moment.

“…Oh…” (Shuu)

　The room is a large octagonal space surrounded by a two-meter wall. The ceiling, which seems to be retractable, has an atrium, and the still bright summer sky illuminates the hall like a spotlight. The hall is about fifty to sixty meters to the other end, and there is sand underneath. There is a neat row of wooden benches on the wall, an auditorium. It is empty and deserted at the moment.

　A red rope has been placed in a circular pattern in the center, like the boundary line of a ring. A dozen or so people are gathered inside it – are they the players who will participate in the tournament?

　Noa and the others are waiting near the entrance, and only I join the players. Some of the faces on the Sugamo side look familiar, and I am somewhat relieved when Aomoto waves to me and calling, “Mr. Abe.” Gilan, with his familiar wolf head, is also there.

“Sorry, I’m late.” (Shuu)

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not yet the meeting time—” (Aomoto)

“–Ohoho… You made your seniors wait before you appear, you must think highly of yourself.” (Woman)

　The woman who mumbled this in a spiky tone was about the same height as me. She folded her arms, put the back of her hand over her mouth, and looked at me with a snide grin and eyes as if she were sizing me up.

　She is a beautiful woman with sharp contours and slanted eyes. She has the slender figure of a model, and her breasts are almost bursting out of her body, wrapped in a pure white hunter’s jersey. Her skin is dark and tanned, and her hair and eyes are silver. She wears pink makeup around her eyes and lips. And her ears are pointed.

　She doesn’t seem to be a Gyaru girl. Even though she is over 40 years old, she still looks like Utsuki because of her demi-human traits. The so called dark elf.

“Well, I’ll give him credit for not getting scared and running away. Sugamo’s Mr. Golden Rookie. Hoho… Hohoho…” (Woman)

(This person is—) (Shuu)

　She’s my opponent, the “Holy Silver Puppeteer” Hakuou Maria.

(…Yeah, they don’t look alike at all.) (Shuu)

　Not many people know this, but she is Utsuki Sou’s half-sister.