REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, EIGHTIETH FLOOR
Arriving here, more returning monsters appear, which are Needle Bees this time. They're actually from the sixteenth floor, and they already returned at the forty-eighth floor. But once again, they reappear on this floor.
And obviously, I already activated [Temporary Boost] in silent and set all our stats to infinity, so we can get their rare honey drops. Then, eight Needle Bees burst into view and immediately launch their poisonous stingers toward Manas's pavise.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
As four bees surge forward and dive straight at us, Manas lifts her free hand.
"Fire Stratos!"
"Kheeee...!" "Kheeee...!" "Kheeee...!" "Kheeee...!"
In an instant, sheets of flame rise upward in perfect layers, and the four bees shriek as their bodies ignite and twist in midair.
"Mine king! Kimberly!"
"Wind Cyclone!"
"Wind… Cyclone…"
Kimberly and I raise our hands together and cast the same spell. Each cyclone catches two of the scorched bees, their bodies whirling violently until they disintegrate in the rushing air.
Then, Lilith raises her hand next to the final four bees and coos.
"Fufufu~… come closer, sweeties. Don't be shy now, come play with me~..."
Almost immediately, the bees suddenly falter as if hypnotized, and one by one, they begin to descend, hovering lower and lower until they float lazily within striking range.
Usually, this part would be Pinna's, as she'd send out her Crawler Unit to hook the bees with wires and yank them down towards the striking range. But once again, since we have Lilith in our party, her illusions are the smoother solution.
"Rraaahhh!!"
Yomogi launches herself forward, spinning midair as her heel slams into the fifth bee with a bone-crunching impact directly against the wall.
"I need your honey, buzzy bees!"
Chantal stabs two bees with each of her twin daggers, ripping them apart from thorax to stinger as she dashes forward from thorax to stinger.
"Hyaaaahh!!"
Finally, Brunhild brings her greatsword down, severing the last bee's head mid-flight.
And just like that, we get their honey drops thanks to our infinite Luck. As we begin collecting them, I curiously ask Kimberly.
"Hey, Kimberly. Let's say if someone gets stung by those things and a healer treats it, do they only remove the poison, or do they heal the wound too?"
"Usually… the poison… is the first... thing... treated. That's because... most party healers… are Clerics…"
"And the wound itself?"
"If there's… no Medic around… then most... would use… bandages… for first aid…"
"I see..."
Let me explain once again.
Light element is for cleansing status effects — poison, paralysis, curses, and so on. This is commonly associated with Clerics.
Water element is for physical injuries — closing wounds, erasing bruises, soothing burns, and so on. This is commonly associated with Medics.
So having Salacia as a full medic and Brunhild, who can purify anything, makes us feel lucky because we're covered on both healing and cleansing.
After that, we advance forward, defeating more Needle Bees and gathering their honey until eventually, we reach the boss area and step inside together.
REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, EIGHTIETH FLOOR - BOSS AREA
Arriving inside, a familiar male figure is already waiting for us, although it's not the same one either because this is definitely bigger, taller, and broader. There are also more stitches stretched across his flesh, and he looks like a more seasoned brawler.
So if the Terracotta became the Terracotta Emperor and the Ushabti turned into the Ushabti Witch... then what's this guy's upgraded name?
So, I ask Kimberly for it.
"Hey, Kimberly... what's that monster called?"
"If I'm not... wrong… then… that one... is called... the Frankenstein Kampfer…"
"I see..."
Kampfer, huh?
That's German for "fighter," right?
Frankenstein appeared as the boss in the twenty-fourth boss, to be exact. And now, he's returned in this evolved form.
Just as I'm about to ask Kimberly what this version might be capable of, Yomogi steps forward.
"I think I'll try fighting that one."
And she adds gently.
"I've never seen the Kampfer version before, so I'd like to test it out."
Then, she turns to me and Salacia, offering a warm smile.
"Motegi-chan, no boost this time, okay?"
"Alright."
"I might need a lot of healing later, Salacia."
"Please be careful, Yomogi…"
Chantal then cheers Yomogi up.
"Go wild, Yomogi! Show him who's boss!"
I know Yomogi doesn't ask for a boost, and I know she and Chantal are both on the verge of reaching S-rank once we clear this floor... but still, I don't want her getting seriously hurt. So I silently activate [Temporary Boost] just to set her HP to infinity, which is enough to keep her safe without her noticing.
Then, Yomogi and the monster charge.
"Rraaahhh!!"
"Huuooogghh!!"
They tumble with grapples and strikes. When she hits him in the ribs, he shoves her back. She counters with a twisting kick that sends his arm flailing.
As the two of them are locked in a vicious, almost animalistic brawl, I'm frozen. This is the first time I've ever seen Yomogi fight like this. She's giving everything, and for a moment, she doesn't look like the gentle one in our group but more like a badass warrior.
Manas and Lilith murmur beside me, one is concerned, and the other one is still trying to be sultry.
"My king, art thou certain to leave her unguarded thus?"
"I could twist that big boy's brain in three seconds, you know~ He wouldn't even know where his fists are."
And I just smile and shake my head.
"Just leave everything to the strongest wolf in Misdaras."
Then suddenly...
"Hyaaaaaaaarghhhhhhh!"
Yomogi leaps, slamming a foot right into the monster's chest to propel herself upward. Her body flips midair, and in a blink, her legs clamp around the monster's neck. She twists and spins, dragging the hulking figure downward with her.
BOOM!
The Kampfer slams into the ground, her thighs locked tight around his neck. She plants her palms against the floor and arches, choking the beast until it dissolves into particles.
Yomogi drops her legs, exhales, and wipes a bead of sweat from her brow.
"Phew... that was a tough one."
And we all rush toward her as Chantal, Pinna, and Brunhild are the first to congratulate her.
"Yomogi, you're crazy! That chokehold was insane!"
"Your combat performance exceeded all prior observations. Aerial maneuvering, tactical adaptation, and strength management. I am impressed, Yomogi."
"You are an incredible combatant, Yomogi. I commend your prowess in battle."
Yomogi beams.
"Thanks, everyone!"
Then, I praise her too.
"You did amazing. Seriously… great job."
"Thank you, Motegi-chan!"
Salacia moves in next, her brows furrowed in worry.
"Yomogi, you're covered in bruises… there are so many…"
Yomogi looks down at her arms and chuckles softly.
"Ehehe... can you handle it, Salacia?"
"Of course, Yomogi~. Heal."
A soft blue light surrounds her fingertips and washes gently over Yomogi's body as the bruises fade from her skin.
"Thank you, Salacia!"
"You're welcome, Yomogi~…"
After that, I notice something where the Frankenstein Kampfer is, which are hand wraps that I pick up. Then, I turn to Yomogi.
"Do you want these, Yomogi?"
And her eyes light up.
"Hand wraps! Of course I'll take it, Motegi-chan!"
"Great."
I hand them over, and she presses them to her chest with pride.
Back then, the normal Frankenstein dropped an enhancement pill for strength and endurance boost. But because nobody wanted it, I sold it off to the guild. And now, this superior version drops something useful.
REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, EIGHTY-FIRST FLOOR
Arriving at the eighty-first floor, I cast a teleportation spell and open the portal back home as I look back at the girls.
"Should we go home now?"
"Yes!"
And with that, we step through the portal together.
BACK AT MOTEGI'S HOUSE
Arriving home, I immediately turn to the girls.
"Let's take a bath first now, shall we?"
And everyone blinks as Yomogi asks first.
"Eh? A bath first? Why, Motegi-chan?"
"I think I'll make nabe tonight. And nabe always tastes better after a warm bath, right?"
Just like that, their eyes sparkle in perfect unison.
"Nabe?! That will be amazing, Motegi-chan!"
"Motegi-kun, say no more!"
"Nabe... after soaking… that does sound… quite perfect…"
"Data input accepted. Sensation alignment confirms complete enthusiasm."
"Ugh, you know I can't resist hot food and hot water, darling~..."
"Thine reasoning is wise indeed, mine king. Much steam ere the stew… 'tis an order most divine."
"Hnngg~... you're always five steps ahead of us, honey~…"
Even Brunhild, though looking mildly bewildered, straightens her posture.
"Understood, my Lord. I shall accompany this ritual..."
Without hesitation, we all head to the bathroom. One by one, we settle at the basins, scrubbing ourselves down properly. Hair is washed, bodies are rinsed, and once clean, we step into the enormous bath together with a deep sigh as everyone sinks in.
And I can't help but murmur and lean back as the heat seeps into my muscles.
"Ahhh… this is amazing..."
"Kyuu…"
Puck floats lazily on the surface like a tiny, fuzzy boat as Yomogi stretches both arms out.
"Mmm… I can still feel the fight earlier in my body. But this bath is washing it all away..."
Chantal exhales long and loud as Kimberly sinks deeper with half-lidded eyes.
"Honestly? We should do this before dinner more often."
"No magical properties… and yet… I feel… oddly restored…"
Pinna and Salacia say something dreamily.
"Muscle tension reduced to six percent. Circulation optimal. Neural fatigue down to seven. Current condition: highly stable."
"Mmm, this is paradise~"
Manas sighs, and Lilith droops more over the water.
"So warm… so still. Let this steam embrace me till my soul melts…"
"Mmh… let me just live here forever~..."
And Brunhild says with her tone full of wonder.
"This bathing custom is truly remarkable. I believe I understand the serenity it brings."
Eventually, after enough time letting the heat soak in, we rise from the water and don our robes. As we begin making our way out, I speak up.
"Head to the table first, okay?"
"Yes!"
With that, the girls drift toward the dining room, and I head to the kitchen. Arriving there, I pull out everything I need from the fridge.
First, I briefly dunk my homemade udon into boiling water, just long enough to separate them properly before I drain them and set them aside.
For the broth, I pour chicken stock into a large pot, followed by a splash of sake, crushed garlic and ginger, and a big spoonful of miso. While that simmers, I grab a knife and start slicing — beef into thin sheets, tofu into cubes, deveining the shrimp, and then Drill Carrots and Catapult Cabbages follow, Heiligeichen's mushrooms get their stems removed, and the wakame and spring onions last. Each ingredient goes onto its own plate, neatly arranged.
Once it's simmering, I begin adding half of the prepared ingredients into the bubbling broth. The beef goes in first, followed by carrot, mushroom, and tofu. Shrimp, cabbage, and wakame come in last.
I leave it for a while to bring the portable stove to the dining table, where the girls are already seated and Puck is perched proudly on the table.
"Can you girls help me carry the rest from the kitchen?"
"Yes!"
They follow me in, and I can see Brunhild is stunned.
"There is… so much food. All for a single dish. I have never seen something like this before, my Lord."
"You'll be even more stunned when you taste it, so be ready."
With that, we carry everything from the kitchen to the dining room. Once everything's in place, I lower the hot pot onto the center stove and flick on the Fire magic stone, keeping the broth bubbling gently.
"Alright, let's eat."
The girls waste no time.
Ladles dip to take beef, tofu, shrimp, mushrooms, and cabbage, all sliding into their bowls. I scoop a serving of my own, then quietly spoon out a small portion for Puck with just meat and vegetables because Puck's mouth is so small, so it can't sip broth like we do, as it only licks like a cat or dog.
As everyone raises their chopsticks, and the moment the first bites are taken, the reactions are immediate.
Yomogi beams and Chantal says around a mouthful.
"Mmm! Nabe is amazing as always!"
"This is not good, I might need two bowls of this!"
Kimberly smiles as Pinna analyzes again.
"Such a… warm... dish. It brings everyone together…"
"The balance of textures and flavors is commendable. Protein components are tender. The broth has excellent depth. With nutrient-dense vegetables and complex layering, this is more than just satisfactory."
Salacia and Manas sip the broth with an equally pleased hum.
"Ohhh~... this is sooo yummy~..."
"Ahh… verily, this is most incredible. Thy creation warmeth not just the belly, but the soul."
Lilith already moans.
"Mmmhh~... this is soooo good~..."
Brunhild pauses as she chews, her eyes slowly widening.
"This is better than any soup I have had in Turivel. Truly exceptional."
And I smile at her.
"Told you you'd like it."
Then, Puck chirps as it pecks at its own tiny plate.
"Kyuu!"
"You like it too, Puck?"
"Kyuu!"
"Good boy."
Finally, I take a bite of my own, enjoying the beef melting in my mouth and the rich broth, exactly what I was craving tonight.
"Sometimes, we really need nabe in our lives..."
And from there, we grab more from the pot, toss in the rest of the raw ingredients, let them bubble, eat, and repeat. Once the meats and vegetables are gone, we finish it all off by tossing in the udon and letting it soak up every last drop of flavor.
When the pot's finally empty, I take the sake bottle and start pouring into the girls' ochoko cups. Yomogi quietly reaches over and fills mine in return. As we lift our cups and take a sip, a long, satisfied sigh flows around the table.
"Ahhh!"
Then, Brunhild sets her cup down, her face already flushed.
"I believe I still need to adjust to this alcohol."
And we all burst out laughing as Brunhild also smiles at us brightly.
After dinner, we gather at the sink together, lined up shoulder to shoulder with cups and twigs in hand for our usual toothbrushing routine. Once we're done and rinse our mouths, the girls all lean toward the mirror at once.
Yomogi and Manas grin wide, baring their teeth proudly.
"Ehehe... they look brighter than ever..."
"Behold! Mine teeth shimmer with greater brilliance than most dragons I have known."
Chantal taps one of hers with a finger, smirking.
"And mine feel tougher too. I swear, another week of this and I'll bite through a monster core."
Kimberly and Pinna peer at their reflection.
"Every time we brush… I feel… healthier. It's... comforting…"
"No cavities. No discoloration. Gums firm. Enamel: high resilience. Current dental condition: optimal."
Salacia exhales slowly into her palm, then brings it to her nose and smiles with a sigh. And Lilith mimics her, although she lets out a shivery little moan.
"Mmm~… so fresh. I could kiss myself all night~..."
"Mmmhh~… I could fall from my own mouth…"
Then, I turn to Brunhild.
"So, how does it feel, Brunhild?"
She examines her teeth, exhales softly, and sniffs once before nodding.
"This is… a strange cleansing ritual. And yet… it is beyond acceptable, my Lord."
"Good to know that."
After that, we head out from the sink. I gently tuck Puck into its crib and watch it curl into a perfect little ball.
"Good night, little guy."
"Kyuu…"
Puck answers with the faintest reply, a sleepy chirp that fades almost immediately as his eyes flutter closed.
Then, I turn around to the girls.
"It's time, everyone."
They already know what that means as they head out towards the wardrobe room. And then my eyes land on Brunhild.
"You're joining too, of course."
Her posture stiffens slightly, and a faint blush colors her cheeks as she nods.
"Y-Yes, my Lord… I will join..."
With that, Brunhild follows the girls toward the wardrobe room as I walk to the bedroom. Once inside, I sit down on the edge of the bed and wait for them to come inside.