Leader.

The commander who stood in the forefront. The individual in the center of a community. The one who proposed a direction.

There were countless qualifications. Martial prowess, wisdom, benevolence... but in the end it boiled down to one thing: trust.

Sophie Chalet had been healed by Maria, but she was slowly sipping a potion to get rid of the shock.

Even so, Straight Face was telling her and Lara to get going.

"You...! Can't you wait? The human body isn't a machine that can just get up and go!" Lara pleaded against Straight Face.

"Tough. Then get on your knees and crawl."

"That's...!"

Sophie stood up and shook her head. "It's fine." After that she walked over to the rummage, looking around for her shield.

But as she did...

"Don't bother."

...I walked over.

Sophie's resolute steps stopped. Her eyes widened and she turned to look at me.

"Hey!" Lara Wolff rounded on me and said, "Are you adding fuel to the fire!? What, you think that-" She started to scold me, but when she saw my expression, her words died in her throat.

I patted Sophie's shoulder and said, "Good job." Then, turning to the others, I said, "I'll take the lead from now on."

The moment I announced that...

Straight Face. Snake Eyes. Maria.

Lara. Sophie. And the other priest, with silver hair and a white headband.

The group showed completely opposite reactions.

Sophie looked flustered, glancing between everyone with an anxious face.

Snake Eyes whistled with a mocking tone. "Hoh~? Prince Charming finally stepping in to rescue the fair maidens? My. I guess it's time to deal with the witch, too." She glanced over to the woman with silver armor. Straight Face.

"Witch?" Straight Face murmured. "How rude." She smiled, but it was clearly not amused.

Maria sighed. "Oppa's doing something dumb again..."

I ignored her and looked at Straight Face.

She looked back and said, "I thought you were pragmatic... but you're surprisingly emotional. Ah~ What should I do?" She gave me a condescending smile and said, "Since Prince Charming wants to get on his white horse, I should move out of the way, right?"

"Well you could, but I'd still like your help.."

"Oh?"

"Right. Since I'm taking the lead, I'd like you to take on the position of the keeper." I glanced back at Lara and Sophia. "You know, keep an eye on the kids."

Straight Face's eyebrows twitched.

"And you." I turned to Snake Eyes and said, "I'm fine up front, but I'd appreciate it if you supported from the back."

"Me?" Snake Eyes pointed to herself.

"A trap might activate. So, just in case, I'd like you to keep your eyes out. Or are you above even just keeping yourself safe?"

Snake Eyes laughed. "Ha! Our prince is quite vain, isn't he? Thinking he can handle all of us like this."

I tilted my head. "Vain?"

She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Of course. But I don't blame you. Surrounded by such pretty flowers, I can see why a guy would think with his dick instead of his head."

"Heh." I shook my head.

Snake Eyes twitched. "You think this is funny?"

I smiled back at her. "Why wouldn't I when you're so badly mistaken? All I care about is the time limit."

"What?" She blinked.

"Like I said, I'm worried about the time limit." I shifted my gaze to the side, staring at the wall.

When I decided to lead, the colors had vanished. But as I stared, a very, very, very faint yellow hue was starting to form.

Snake Eyes frowned and said, "And how do you know that?" She narrowed her eyes. "What makes you think we have to hurry?"

I stared at the walls that were slowly turning yellow.

While it would be easy to explain it as a skill, there was a simpler explanation.

I turned to Snake Eyes and said, "Twice. The Banquet before this and the one before that. Out of the eight we have records, a quarter have been timed. While 25%... I don't think that's a chance someone as cautious as you wants to take. Right, Miss Archer?"

Snake Eyes became speechless.

I turned to Straight Face. "And you too. You're sick of wasting time, right?"

Straight Face... Well, considering faint emotions were flickering now, that wasn't quite an accurate name any more.

"Hm..." She placed a finger on her chin and said, "Fine. Since our prince wants to look after us so much, I see no reason to say no. But..." She slowly moved her hand onto her chest. "What should I do? The wound in my heart hasn't healed yet." She glanced at Lara and smiled. "It hasn't been long since a certain someone dug a blade into it."

Lara flinched and lowered her gaze.

"That's fair." I shrugged and said, "Then... Should I cheer you up?"

She raised an eyebrow. "With words?"

I laughed. "I could, but I think you're a more pragmatic woman than a romantic one. So..." I placed my right hand over my sword hilt and said, "How many doors?"

Straight Face's smile became deeper. After tapping her chin, she said, "Forty should be enough to console me."

"Alright." I glanced at Lara and Sophie and said, "Could I get you two to help out?"

They blinked, dazed.

Lara responded first. "T-Thank you. But um... What should we-"

I looked forward and said, "Just open the doors for me."

Lara blinked. "P-Pardon?"

I drew my blade. At the same time, I focused on the energy I had stored within it, preloading spells. "It'll be faster that way."

"B-But..." Lara looked hesitant.

"It's fine. We've spent enough time here. Ah, and no need for a signal. Just open the door." Since Lara was doubtful, I looked to Sophie. "Would you do that for me?"

Sophie hesitated too. But after a few moments, she nodded and ran to the door. Stopping to take a look back after me to check one last time, she wrenched it open.

Then-

BOOM!

Sophie screamed and fell back.

I lowered my left hand, still crackling with electricity. "One."

Without waiting, I walked forward into the next room.

xxx

Stage 1 resumed.

If anything changed, it was our party formation.

I was the header now, taking the role of Archer and Warrior combined.

Sophie would open the door and step to the side. No matter what, I would enter first and then clear the room, either with a swing of my sword if there were enemies or with a burst of magic if there weren't to make sure that it was trap free.

Of course, with my eyes, it didn't matter if there were any.

The skills that Maldong taught me were showing their worth now.

Myriads of Archer skills reinforcing my eyes. Heightened intuition. Mana sense... That combined skill of 'Combat Flow' was on full force allowing us to advance through the rooms like a walk in the park.

And like that, forty had passed by in less than ten minutes.

But I wasn't satisfied there.

The expressions on Snake Eyes and Straight Face showed that they were already changing their opinion of me... But it wasn't enough. 'Acknowledgement' wasn't useful. 'Respect' only went so far.

For someone like me, the only option...

Eighty, a hundred, two hundred.

Without stopping, I methodically marched through the doors and cleared the rooms, speeding up my pace. And soon, I didn't even bother having Lara and Sophie open the doors, doing it myself with Energy Domination.

Eventually, the number of doors in the room dropped from three to two. And like before, we reached the edge of a wall.

As I was pondering what to do, Maria's voice called out. "How about we take a break, Oppa?"

I shook my head. "It's fine. I can-"

"But I'm not."

I paused and turned back to look at her. 

Like she said, Maria wasn't fine. Her pure white robes were drenched in sweat, clinging to her body. 

Seeing that, I frowned and tapped her shoulder, cleaning her clothes.

Maria's eyes widened and then she gave me a faint smile. "Thanks Oppa."

"It's my bad to begin with. But..." I looked at the others. Specifically at Snake Eyes and Straight Face.

Maria scoffed and said, "You don't need to worry about anyone else, Oppa. With all that you've done, anyone who says a word of complaint is just being an asshole."

Straight Face let out a cold chuckle. "Ha. That sure sounds like it's directed at someone, Kid."

Maria rounded on her. She whipped out the crucifix I made for her and started channeling a surge of holy energy. Glaring at Straight Face, she said, "Yeah! It is! And call me a kid again, bitch, and your head comes off!"

"Oh?" Straight Face raised an eyebrow and lightly rested her hand on her sword. "Now that's not a nice thing to say. Don't people often tell you to watch your mouth?"

Maria didn't back down and said, "And don't people often tell a cold-faced bitch like you that she isn't even worth a roll in the dark? I'd tell you to go fuck yourself, but I think you're already doing that with how big of a stick you've got shoved up your ass!"

...Alright. Maybe Maria really could use a break...

Straight Face's eyebrow twitched and she said, "You know what's a good way to fix anger management issues?" She stood up. "How about it? I'm starting to think I want to help you fix it."

"Try me, bitch! I bet you don't even hit as hard as Chohong!" 

"...What?" Straight Face furrowed her brows. "Chohong... Chung Chohong?"

I sighed and patted Maria's head. "Come on, Maria. It's not worth it."

"Hmph." At my touch, Maria finally calmed down. "Fine. But only because you said so, Oppa." With that, she went to sit in the corner of the room.

Seeing that she wasn't about to blow her lid... or blow off anyone's heads with that supercharged rosary, I let out a sigh and leaned against the wall to take a break of my own. But when I did, Straight Face approached me and gestured to have a private talk in the other room. After that, she walked out.

I glanced at Maria.

She rolled her eyes and shooed me away.

"...I'll be right back." I nodded at her and then walked out.

When I did, Straight Face made a proposal. It wasn't anything special. Just talk about cooperating, ignoring the others and going ahead with just the 'worthy' members of the group... and maybe that other priest since she didn't mess anything up. That way we'd be able to clear even faster.

As to my answer to her proposal...

"That might be true... but have you considered it?"

"Hm?"

I glanced at the wall that was now turning orange and said, "This is too easy. Since you're so skilled, I'm sure you know about it. The previous Banquets have all been a blood bath from the start. This one... While that guy died, it's been too 'safe.'"

Straight Face frowned and said, "Maybe it's because of the parties being split up?"

"That's a good point... But think about how this stage started."

Straight Face paused. "What do you mean?"

"The door only opened when there were eight of us. While the last guy died right away, he was alive for a moment. Long enough for that door to open." I stared at her and said, "This stage is set up to sow discord."

Straight Face didn't respond, but from her thoughtful gaze, it seemed like she was considering my words.

Seeing that, I continued. "Think about it. You're strong enough to handle the threats and Snake Eyes can see them. Meanwhile, I can clear everything by myself, and Maria can face tank anything thrown at her... But what about the others?"

"...I have some doubts that kid could handle those traps and monsters, but sure." She crossed her arms and said, "I'll play along a bit. Going by your logic... They'd die. In the end, it'd just be you, me, Snake Eyes, and that kid priestess of yours. But so what?"

She looked dismissive on the surface, but it was clear that Straight Face was listening now.

I nodded and then said, "This Banquet is different. We saw that from how we all got separated from our parties. And from the way things have unfolded and the natural result, it's clear that whoever's in charge wants to cut down the numbers. But when thinking about the bloody nature of the Banquet and how things seem to be worse this time... Instead of there just being a limit on the time we have to clear, there should also be a limit-"

"On the number of people." Straight Face finished for me and then grimaced. "A party quota. Damn. But letting those others freeload-"

A joyful scream echoed from the other room.

Going back, we saw Lara jumping up and down, waving a map. A map with a clearly sketched out rectangular maze of rooms, our position marked in red, and an 'X' in the center. 

The layout of the rooms that we had been walking through. 

"Heh." I turned back to Straight Face. "Freeloaders, huh?"

"Tch."

xxx

With a clear destination in mind, it only took us ten minutes to reach the center room. Even so, after reaching the center, the exit was nowhere in sight. Instead, we had arrived at a room without any doors except the one we arrived through.

"Hmph." Snake Eyes looked around and said, "Looks like you were wrong."

Lara frowned. "I don't... But this makes sense. Why wouldn't the exit-"

"Wait!" Maria pointed at where we entered and said, "The door disappeared!"

Everyone turned around to look, but I didn't bother. And the reason for that...

'Looks like we cleared it.'

The colors were gone. Not even the slightest hint of light was shining... Well, except for the usual gold and crimson from Maria.

But the others weren't as calm as me.

A loud 'clunk' echoed, and then the room started vibrating.

Straight Face pulled out her glowing, silver long sword and slowly backed up, staring at her surroundings.

"Shit..." Snake Eyes muttered and pulled out her crossbow for the first time, slowly backing off from the center too.

Maria quickly scooted to my side, grabbing my shirt. It definitely made her look like a kid, but it seemed like she was too worried to care.

And then... the ceiling opened.

The sound of spinning gears, the walls falling down- No, us going up, with the floor as a platform.

'An elevator, huh?'

I was expecting a portal to warp us out, but this made sense too.

Maria started to stumble, but I steadied her and looked up.

In the corner of my vision, I saw the other priestess, that silver-haired young woman, look up as well. Staring at the ceiling, she muttered, "This place really must be inheritance of the Empire..."

Heh. If only she knew...

Since the situation was unknown, a tense silence fell over the group, everyone keeping an eye out. And then the walls vanished, revealing a breathtaking sight.

A mountain. That was what we were ascending.

The platform we were on... Or rather the elevator was moving in parallel to a set of stairs going up the mountain. Stairs that stretched all the way from the foot to the peak. And on those stairs, scattered at regular intervals, were pillars that lined up perfectly with a break in the staircases. Spots where it leveled off for a brief moment before continuing upwards.

And we weren't the only ones riding platforms.

There were about thirty other staircases lining the mountain. Thirty platforms as well.

But not all of them were moving like us.

"Huh?" Lara suddenly spoke up and stared at one of the staircases. "What are they doing?"

Snake Eyes looked over as well and then frowned. "Four people... Hm? They're fighting a monster?"

I glanced over and followed their gaze.

Like the archers said, there were four people there. I didn't recognize any of them, but what I did recognize was the fact that they were struggling. The group was made up of warriors, all of them bloodied and battered. Meanwhile their opponent, a group of shadowy goblins, were in fresh form, laughing as they charged to tear them apart.

But not only that.

Like if we were in an RPG, as the group went up the stairs, monsters popped in from thin air.

Seeing that, I frowned and said, "That's a pretty sick sense of humor. I get that our stats seem game like, but to toss in random encounters... that's brutal."

Lara's eyes widened and she spun around to look at me. "You saw it?"

Snake Eyes looked at me as well, frowning. "The fuck? Aren't you a Magic Swordsman?"

I smirked and said, "What can I say? I'm a man of many talents... And yes, Lara. The monsters popped in from thin air to fight those guys after they went up, right?"

Lara rapidly nodded her head. "Yes! That's what I saw!"

"Tch." Snake Eyes stared at me and said, "Guess you've got some skills." She shifted her gaze and then stared at another staircase. "There's only two over there... Fuck. What's going on?"

Straight Face frowned and said, "Just describe exactly what you're seeing."

I stared as well and said, "Two guys got off the platform at the foot of the mountain." I watched the events unfold and said, "They climbed the stairs for a bit, with nothing around. And then monsters popped in from thin air... Some blue blobs- Wait, aren't those slimes? The hell?"

That's a pretty twisted sense of humor... Especially considering how much those two people were struggling.

Lara nodded. "That's what I'm seeing."

"Tch." Snake Eyes clicked her tongue and said, "Me too. Dammit. Does this mean we aren't done yet?"

Straight Face frowned. "...Maybe."

"Nah." I stretched and said,  "We're fine. There are eight pillars by the stairs. The number of people on each staircase are about the same as the level of the staircase they're on. From that..."

"We go up depending on how many people are alive." Straight Face finished and then placed a hand on her chin. "But in that case, we're still one short."

Maria groaned. "Dammit. Should I have healed that person...?"

I placed my hand on her head and said, "Don't worry. We'll head to the top."

Snake Eyes rounded on me and said, "What makes you so sure about that?"

"It's obvious. While twisted, this is all a 'game.'" I stared at the staircases and said, "There are 'rules' and 'results' for following them. The 'rule' in this case would be 'make it out of the platform with people alive.' The 'result' depends on the people remaining out of that total at the start. Now, if my thoughts are right..."

We started to reach the seventh pillar.

"...That guy shouldn't count since he was already-"

The platform started to slow down.

"...Dead."

Straight Face glared at me.

I coughed and then forcibly dragged the platform up with Energy Domination.

It resisted and I felt 'something' look at me. But I ignored it.

After a tense silence, the platform started moving again, only stopping when it reached the end of the staircase on the eighth pillar. The mountaintop.

I smiled and said, "See? Nothing to worry about." I stepped off first, just to make a point.

Maria quickly followed after me. "H-Hold on, Oppa!"

"Tch." Snake Eyes clicked her tongue again and followed as well.

I took a look around to keep an eye on things. Was it because we 'passed'? None of the people in our group had any colors. However, that wasn't true for the people still climbing the stairs.

I'd noticed it earlier, but everyone climbing were either yellow or various shades of crimson... Ah, except for three people. Chohong, Hugo, and Kazuki.

Jun was missing... but I could still sense the connection with his communication crystal and his energy signature somewhere so he seemed to be alive. Just... not here with us.

Also, we weren't the first people on the mountaintop.

There was a group of eight already there when we arrived. Considering how fast we had cleared the labyrinth, the fact that another group had cleared it first should be impossible... until I saw a familiar figure among the group.

I smiled and then walked over. "Yo, Sunshine! You holding up well?"

Yuhui turned towards me and then mimed being angry.

Maria followed me and then whistled as she saw the fully intact group. "Wow. I didn't think you were that great of a priest, but to carry a whole group... No wonder Oppa likes you."

Yuhui nodded and then walked over to pat Maria's head.

"H-Hey!" Maria ducked behind me and said, "I didn't say you could pat me!"

Yuhui held up her sleeve to her face and silently laughed.

At that time, a man standing at the front of Yuhui's group turned towards me and let out a sarcastic laugh. "Wow! I'm jealous." He stared at the women in my group and said, "One man and six women. You must have been one happy camper."

I met his gaze and loosed Impending Demise. "And you got carried by my dear friend, so you must have been just so thankful right? Oh wait, since you stuck your dick out to have a measuring contest, you obviously aren't."

The man flinched and stumbled back, landing on his butt.

Yuhui huffed and then swatted my shoulder with her sleeve.

"What?" I looked towards her and said, "He asked for it."

Yuhui crossed her arms in an 'X' and shook her head.

"You're too nice." I checked Yuhui's robes and then brushed off the wrinkles. "You must have had a hard time huh? Bet some of those guys kept trying to cozy up to you after you showed off a bit."

Maria blinked and then said, "Um... Oppa?"

"Hm?" I looked at her. "Yeah?"

Maria stared at Yuhui and frowned. "...Just who is she? You seem really close to her..."

"Ah." I smiled.

Yuhui froze and then frantically started waving her arms.

Seeing that, I laughed. "Fine, fine." I patted Yuhui's head and said, "She's a good friend of mine that I know from Earth. It's complicated though." I paused and then gave Yuhui a mischievous stare. "Isn't that right, Miss 'Bang'?"

Yuhui's expression was hidden beneath her hood, but she froze and then suddenly jumped at me, trying to swat my head with her sleeves.

I laughed and ducked around her blows. "What? It's true, isn't it?"

Maria blinked and then stared at Yuhui with wide eyes. "Oh my god. You banged Oppa?"

Yuhui froze and then frantically started swinging her arms around, trying to explain herself. But she seemed to realize that it didn't help since she couldn't talk so she spun towards me and sent me a silent glare instead.

I held up my hands and said, "Fine, fine. That's enough teasing... And it's a joke, Maria. I met her at a PC Bang back on Earth. We're definitely not like that."

Yuhui nodded. But then she paused and leaned over as if letting out a deep sigh.

Maria glanced between me and Yuhui and then hummed. "...If you say so, Oppa. But you have to be careful. Women will do a lot to get the attention of a rich guy like yourself, you know?"

I raised an eyebrow and said, "Speaking from experience?"

Maria nodded. "Yep. I mean if it wasn't for the fact that Oppa is so good to me, I might pretend to cozy up to you, you know? Guys do a lot for a pretty girl if she smiles and acts interested." She paused and then glared at me. "Though Oppa's a ridiculous bastard who does that sort of thing for girls without even thinking. Honestly... You're like a gold digger's wet dream."

Yuhui gave a rapid nod and then made some gestures. Probably giving a rant about me being too nice or something.

I sighed and said, "Yeah, yeah. I'll be careful. Anyway, I'm going to check on the others, so you two hang out and relax, alright?" I looked to Yuhui and said, "Keep an eye on Maria for me, alright Sunshine? And Maria, have a good rest."

Yuhui stuck her thumb up and then dragged Maria off to a shaded area.

"H-Hey! What are you- Oppa!" Maria turned to me and said, "Don't leave me with this crazy lady!"

I waved and said, "Just relax, Maria. She'll keep you safe."

"Oppa!"

Yuhui shook her head and then bopped Maria on the top of her head. There was a flash of light and then Maria slumped, falling asleep. After that, Yuhui turned back to me and then gave me a light wave before walking off with Maria.

I shook my head at her antics. "That woman... she's nice, but she really has a yandere streak, doesn't she?" 

After making sure that the two priestesses were fine, I took a look around.

Lara was talking with some people from the other group, sharing information. Sophie and that silver-haired girl went to go rest by a shaded area with some trees. Snake Eyes wandered off to go look around the mountaintop. As for Straight Face... She stared at me, as if waiting for a chance to talk to me.

The moment I met her gaze, she walked over and said, "Hey you. What's your name?"

"Eh... I go by a lot, but here I'm mostly called Seol."

At least, to people who weren't my friends. Of course, I didn't say that part out loud.

"Seol?" Straight Face's eyebrows went up and she said, "From Haramark?"

I paused. "...Is there more than one Seol around?" 

To be fair, it was a fairly common name. But even so...

Straight Face shook her head. "None as impressive as you. But that makes sense." She nodded a few times and then smiled. "Is the Old Man doing well?"

Old Man...

She obviously wasn't talking about Ian, so it was probably Maldong.

I nodded and said, "He's doing great. I've been putting him through a lot recently, but he seems to be enjoying things."

Straight Face laughed and said, "I can imagine that. A crazy guy like you is bound to cause headaches no matter who it is teaching you." She pulled out a cigarette and said, "Anyway. You're pretty good. I didn't like that you dragged those useless bitches with us... But it's pretty nice looking down on the others like this." She snickered and then started walking off.

A cool and collected departure.

Since she seemed so composed, I felt like messing with her a bit. Using Nine Eyes for some quick observation, I waved and said, "See you around, Rahee. I'll let Coach know you said hi."

Straight Face- No, 'Oh Rahee' tensed and then sighed. "Yep. Definitely a headache." She puffed her cigarette and walked off with a small wave. "Try not to die, Seol."

After she left, I turned my attention down towards the other staircases.

There was a barrier up, preventing anybody from heading down to help. It also seemed to be preventing any attacks from connecting by putting things slightly out of phase. A spatial manipulation.

For most people, that meant they couldn't do anything to help the people fighting their way up.

But I wasn't most people.

'Let's see...'

Maria was napping under a tree, with Yuhui watching over her.

That meant I didn't have to worry about them. In that case...

I looked around for a tree with a good vantage point and then jumped to the top. After that, I stared at the staircases, checking on my friends' progress.

Kazuki was doing well on his own. He wasn't a High Rank Archer for no reason... Though his team seemed to be a complete mess. While his abilities were pulling everyone through, the group was completely at odds with each other and shouting the entire time.

Next was Chohong. And as for her...

"Hm. Should I help her out?"

She was doing well with her new equipment. The mace I gave her easily punched through the enemies that popped in before her and the bracelet blocked their attacks. But her teammates were... well, absolutely garbage. 

In Kazuki's situation, everyone was at least working together to fight the monsters, even if they were arguing. But for Chohong... Since she was able to hard carry her teammates, they were shameless enough to leave her fighting on her own while cowering behind her.

And she was clearly pissed off about it.

Chohong kept glancing back at her group members with a murderous look, as if wondering whether or not to just kill them all off.

She had six members on her team, so they weren't far off from the top, but there was still quite a ways to go.

And knowing her, she'd definitely blow her lid and kill those freeloaders. So...

"Hey, Chocho. Calm down a bit, alright?"

I focused on her and sent a voice message.

The communication crystal wasn't working now since this area had more divine interference from the gods watching, but since Chohong was in my sights it was easy for me to just use Energy Domination to communicate directly with soundwaves.

She flinched and then spun around. "Oppa?"

A monster that looked like a cross between a wolf and a man charged at Chohong.

I frowned and flicked my wrist, launching the monster down the stairs and off the mountain.

Almost immediately, I felt five sharp gazes on me. Divine gazes.

I ignored them and said, "You should be more careful, Chocho. I'm flattered that you trust me enough to lower your guard, but it's not a good habit."

Chohong huffed and then focused on her surroundings again. "Not my fault. Who the hell wouldn't be surprised hearing a voice pop in their head? Where the hell are you anyway?"

"At the top, watching you and the others."

"Tch. Of course. You made it up already... Wait, you aren't with the others?"

"I'm with Maria and Sunshine, but Hugo and Kazuki are still climbing in separate groups. Jun isn't here, but I'm pretty sure he just got sent out somehow."

"You lucky bastard." Chohong smashed a monster apart with her mace and then climbed up the stairs. "I got lumped in with a group of complete shit stains who can't do anything but waste air."

"Yeah. I can see that. But try not to kill them, alright? You're almost here, and they're always good to use as meat shields in the next stage."

"Pft. Since Oppa's watching, I guess I'll try. But how the hell did you get up there so fast?"

I shifted my spot and said, "This stage is based on how many people stayed alive. The more that didn't die, the higher up you go. Gotta say, you did pretty well to drag so much deadweight with you."

"...Tch. What kind of sick people designed this stage? Do you know how hard it was to not just flatten everyone?"

"Oh, I'm sure it was hard. But you did well... And you're still doing well."

"Easy for you to say, Mister 'I've already cleared it.'"

I chuckled.

Chohong sighed and kept marching up the stairs.

Was it because she was talking to thin air? The other people in her group kept a wide berth now, staring at her like she was crazy.

Chohong didn't notice though, only continuing to mash monsters as she marched. "How are the others by the way?"

"Mm... Kaz seems like he's doing fine."

I glanced over at Kazuki and saw that he was still making his way up with his group. He looked annoyed to all hell, but he wasn't in any danger.

Hugo though... He was near the bottom of the mountain with only two other people. He was also struggling a bit.

"Hugo... Eh, I guess I should help him out."

The sooner everyone got up here, the sooner we could go onto the next stage.

"What? That muscle head is struggling to climb the stairs? Why am I not surprised?"

I smiled and said, "Hey. Be nice. Unlike you, he's still working with some crappy equipment... Maybe I should have given him something better?"

Chohong laughed and said, "Oh, so Oppa realizes that he keeps flirting with girls now and giving out lavish gifts, does he?"

"I can take yours away, you know... Is what a flirt would say. But I sleep better at night knowing you're safe, so don't worry."

Chohong stumbled and then turned to glare at the mountaintop.

I laughed and then said, "I'll catch up when you get up here. For now, I'm going to help bail out our pal."

"Yeah, yeah. See you soon Oppa."

"Don't kill your party members."

"No promises."

I shook my head and then cut the connection. After that, I focused on Hugo.

Wielding a heavy halberd, he roared and charged up the mountain. But it was hard. The monsters around him weren't getting cut down with his attacks, and he had to wrench his weapon back each time since it got stuck in the monsters. His teammates were helping, but they were being pressed by their own monsters.

"Hm..."

I couldn't just clear the way. So far, the people upstairs seemed to be fine with what I was doing, but that was because I didn't change the rules at all. I wasn't directly interfering.

...Well, I helped Chohong a bit there, but it was my fault she got distracted to start with, so it seemed like they let it slide.

I had a hunch things would change if I did any serious intervention though, so I couldn't just kill off the monsters showing up in front of Hugo.

But...

I focused on Hugo and channeled my voice. "Hey Bro."

Hugo flinched. "Bro? Did you die?"

"Oi. Don't jinx it. And slash to your left."

Hugo did, cutting down a monster that popped into existence. He let out a sigh of relief and then looked around. "If you're not dead... Where are you, Bro?"

"I'm at the top already with Maria and Sunshine. Jun left the Banquet somehow, while Chohong and Kaz are most of the way here."

Hugo frowned. "...Don't tell me I'm in last place?"

"You're not... but you're pretty close."

"Tch." Hugo cut down a minotaur that popped into existence and said, "These bastards are lucky I'm stuck with this crappy equipment. If I had something like Chohong's mace..."

I coughed and said, "Sorry about that. We'll get you better gear when we get out of here."

Hugo laughed. "I'm keeping you to that promise Bro! But... damn." He shoved a kobold out of the way and said, "Could you give me a bit of help here? You're awesome, right? There's gotta be something you can do to help a brother out?"

"If you're talking about killing the monsters for you, no can do. But... Well, you've still got that chain I gave you, right?"

"Yeah?" He cut down some more monsters and then tapped his waist. "Got that wrapped around here like a belt. Why?"

"Mm... Well, I guess I can upgrade that a bit to help out. Since your problem is with your stamina and speed..."

"Hey! I can last all night! Just ask any of the ladies at Eat, Drink, and Enjoy!"

"...I'll give you a boost."

I focused.

The chain's energy signature, Hugo's position...

The guy was reckless, so it'd help him out to get some protection. And then like I said, stamina to keep fighting since he made powerful moves, speed to amplify his strength...

I flicked my wrist and then readjusted the chain's energy signature.

Almost immediately, I felt powerful gazes look down on me, as if trying to figure out what I did.

I held up my hands and said, "Hey now. It was already there in the first place."

And it was. The chain belt existed before we entered, and since it was made from my energy, I was free to change it whenever I wanted.

There was a tense silence, but it seemed that my excuse was good enough. The divine gazes shifted from me.

At the same time, down below...

"Ooooh yeah, baby!" Hugo tightened his grip on his halberd and roared. "That's what I'm talking about!"

The heavy weapon suddenly seemed like a twig in his hand, spinning around with ease. At the same time, the fatigue on his face was washed away, his body rejuvenated by the chain belt.

"Thanks bro! I'll see you soon!" With that, Hugo roared and charged up the stairs, mowing down the monsters.

Since that was the case... I decided to just wait. It'd be a while before everyone was here, so I might as well take some time to rest up.

xxx

A few hours passed. Eventually, Chohong and Hugo made it to the top.

I walked over to Chohong and waved. "Yo."

Chohong heaved out heavy breaths and plopped down on the ground in front of me. "Fucking... hell. I thought I'd die. Really."

I glanced at her mace stained red with blood and said, "Gift working out well?"

"Fucking lifesaver. I'd kiss you if I wasn't so damned exhausted."

I laughed.

"Dammit..." She looked at me and said, "Lucky bastard... making it up here without having to fight so much."

"I'd be fine even if I did, you know? But here." I walked over to her and raised her body.

"H-Hey! What are you- Hnnn~"

I rubbed her shoulders, using a bit of healing magic, and said, "Relax. You did a good job, Chocho."

"Bastard." Chohong sighed and leaned into my massage. "Why the hell are you so good at calming me down?"

"Because I'm a good friend?"

"...Friend, huh? Bastard." Chohong sighed again and closed her eyes, letting me massage her shoulders.

Hugo walked over, his halberd slung over his right shoulder. He took a look at Chohong and then chuckled. "So you're finally trying to hook Bro, huh, Chohong?"

Chohong cracked open an eye and glared at him. "I'm fucking enjoying this, Hugo, so don't piss me off if you know what's good for you."

"Alright, alright. Chill." Hugo shook his head and looked to me. "By the way, thanks, Bro." He tapped the chain belt and said, "This thing's god tier- Wait." He took a step back, covering the chain. "You aren't going to ask for it back, are you?"

I laughed and shook my head. "Keep it. You need it more than I do."

"...Oh yeah. Forgot how much of a stamina monster you are. Heh. Bet you'd even make Chohong collapse."

Chohong tensed. "You mother-"

I shifted my hands up and gently massaged the back of Chohong's neck.

"Mm~ Fuck. Dammit, Oppa. I want to be pissed off at Hugo for that smack. Making me feel so good like this isn't fair." Chohong sighed, loosening up.

Hugo blinked and then stared at me. "...Bro-"

"Can't teach you. Sorry."

"Dammit." Hugo sighed and then looked around. "Well, I'm gonna take a walk." He waved and then left.

Chohong didn't notice, still relaxing with my massage.

...And as a result, those usual crimson threads were starting to wind around me.

Chohong sighed and said, "You're too damned good at everything, Oppa. Cooking, massaging, fighting... Is there anything you can't do?"

"Lots of stuff."

"Like what?"

Making the girls I meet happy without making them fall head over heels for me?

...I couldn't say that though, so instead I said, "Well, I'm bad at keeping a consistent sleep schedule?"

"That's because your body barely needs sleep, you freak."

"True, true. Anyway... You good now? That should have worked out all your knots."

Chohong pushed herself off the ground and then tilted her neck. "Damn... Haven't felt this light in years." She rolled her shoulders and then stared at me, a weird look in her eyes.

"What?"

"...How the fuck are you still single?"

I blinked, pretending not to hear it. "What?"

Chohong stared at me and then sighed. "Nothing." She walked off and waved. "I'm going to take a look around. Call me if you need me."

"Oh, you're offering to be my call girl now? Didn't think you were that type of woman, Chocho."

"...Tch." She flipped me off and then walked away.

I laughed and then shifted my gaze to my surroundings. Most of the people had arrived, so Kazuki should be around... Ah.

Kazuki was standing underneath a tree, smoking a cigarette. He also looked like he'd been put through the wringer, his clothes scuffed up and his face scrunched with tension.

I walked over to him and then made a show of pulling out a can of soda from my bag. A regular cola. I held it out to him and said, "Here, Kaz. You look like you could use a pick me up."

He glanced at me and then smiled. Lowering his cigarette, he grabbed the can and said, "Thanks, Jihu. I appreciate it. Though." He paused and stared at the can. "How did you get this here? Did you spend some contribution points just to get some soda?"

"Don't worry about it."

"...Yeah." He cracked it open and said, "You're right." He took a sip and then let out a relieved sigh.

I leaned against the tree next to him and said, "You put up with a lot."

"Not as much as you did." He glanced at me and said, "I heard you got put in a team of all women?"

I sighed. "Yeah. Thankfully, it worked out without more troublesome events unfolding."

Kazuki laughed and said, "Troublesome events, you say... Hm. I suppose Miss Flone would be upset at you getting close with another women while away from her." He paused and then looked at me. "Wait a minute-"

"If you tell any of the girls that I'm only playing dense, I will personally make you regret your life decisions, Kaz."

Kazuki laughed again and waved his hand. "Don't worry, Jihu. I would never trouble my benefactor like that. Though it is amusing." He tossed his cigarette aside and then kept sipping on the soda. After that, he scanned the surroundings. "You wouldn't happen to know where Jun is, would you, Jihu? You managed to contact us, so-"

"Don't worry. That guy somehow made it out." I focused and sensed Jun's presence somewhere in the distance, half a phase away. It was fuzzy, but it was there.

Kazuki let out a sigh of relief. "That's good. At least I don't have to worry about that."

I pulled out a juice box for myself and then poked a straw in it. "Yep. We're all safe and accounted for. And if we weren't... Well, I'd turn over this game."

"Heh." Kazuki sipped his soda and nodded. "As expected of my benefactor. But anyway, I heard your group was the second to make it here. Congratulations."

"Mm. It could have gone better though." I sipped my juice box and frowned. "I forgot just how much of a headache women could be."

Kazuki laughed. "Coming from the man juggling the adorations of half a dozen women?"

"Please don't-"

I paused, my eyes widening.

...Wait. Six women. That first stage had been me and six women, all who didn't get along with each other. And if I counted the women involved in my life right now here on Paradise...

Flone, Claire, Teresa, Chohong, Yuhui, Maria... Well, there were more if you counted Hannah and Seora. Then there was Seonhwa too...

I groaned, suddenly realizing what the real test in the first stage was.

Kazuki grinned. "You realized it, huh?"

"Please shut up."

Kazuki drained his soda and then scrunched the can, tossing it aside. After that, he pushed himself off from the tree and stretched. "Well... Whatever the case, we made it."

I finished my drink as well and dissolved the container. "Yeah. At least that's over with."

"Yes." Kazuki looked around. "But now what?"

At that time, as if to answer his question, a commotion started up.

In the distance, by one of the remaining stairways, a man stepped onto the mountaintop. That by itself wasn't odd. But his appearance was eye-catching.

First of all, he was tall. I'd put him at around two meters or so... Probably more considering how he seemed to tower over everyone. Not only that, but his body was ripped, carrying the physique of an expert body builder.

But that wasn't the most eye-catching part. Instead, it was the fact that he was completely drenched in fresh blood. Human blood... and none of it his own. Paired with his long hair, he looked like a demon fresh from a massacre.

And the moment he arrived, the pillars around the mountain, all forty of them, started emitting beams of light.

The light shot into the sky before shooting back down into the middle of the mountain, coalescing into a portal.

"Well," Kazuki said. "Seems like Stage 1 is officially at an end."

"Looks like it." I glanced around and saw the rest of our team walk over.

Chohong, Hugo, Yuhui- I mean, Sunshine, and Maria.

We were down one member now with Jun vanishing, but all of us were safe and sound. Something that couldn't be said about most of the other teams.

Kazuki shifted his gaze from the portal to look at me. "Before we go on... There's something I would like to say to you, Jihu. No, to my benefactor."

"Hm?" I looked at him and said, "What is it, Kaz?"

"Stop holding back."

I blinked. "What?"

Stop holding back...?

Kazuki stared at me and shook his head. "This is just my opinion, but..." He turned towards the portal and then glanced back. "My benefactor. You are meant to be an 'Emperor' not a 'Leader'. There's no need to restrain yourself on the account of others."

I froze, the words cutting through to my core.

That...

I see.

A sudden epiphany.

Right. I was the domineering type. Someone who enjoyed taking charge and refused to yield.

What the hell was I doing compromising?

"Heh." I smirked and said, "Thanks Kaz."

"Of course, Jihu."

I glanced around at everyone.

Chohong, standing with a confident stance and waiting on my word.

Yuhui, watching me.

Maria, quickly making her way behind me.

Hugo, giving me a thumbs up.

Seeing that, I turned towards the portal. "Let's go, everyone."

Without waiting for the others, I took the lead and walked into the portal.