Once the second shift is finally wrapped and the store doors are locked behind us, I turn to all my pregnant wives.
"I'll be going now, okay?"
Yomogi is the first to step in close. She gently cups my face with both hands, crashing her lips to mine in a soft, lingering kiss.
"Go and come back safely, Motegi-chan."
"I will, Yomogi."
Chantal is next. Her fingers slide along my jaw before she grabs my face and kisses me.
"Go wild with those monsters out there, Motegi-kun!"
"Of course, Chantal."
Kimberly is next. Her hands are cool against my cheeks as she kisses me softly.
"We'll be waiting... for you… Motegi-sama…"
"I'll be back fast, then, Kimberly."
Pinna steps forward after that, cupping my face and kissing me with surprising gentleness.
"Prioritize the lower floors, Master. Risk mitigation increases if you avoid high-tier combat zones."
"Thanks, Pinna."
Salacia slides in next and kisses me slowly, then slips two small bottles into my palm.
"Here, darling~. Restorative and stamina potions~. I hope you'll need them~…"
"Thanks, Salacia."
Manas follows. Her touch is firm, her kiss deep and reverent.
"Art thou fine to go without thy queen, mine king?"
"Absolutely, Manas."
Lilith slinks up next, kissing me slow and close.
"I really wish I could join you, honey~… but I can't right now~…"
"It's okay, Lilith."
Finally, Brunhild steps close and cups my cheeks in her soft hands, her kiss is quiet and gentle.
"May your journey be blessed, my Lord."
"Thank you, Brunhild."
Then, I look down at Puck on the floor, and then I kneel and rub its little head.
"Take care of everyone for me, okay?"
"Kyuu!"
With that, I turn and step through the portal, descending into Remantia's labyrinth.
REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, SEVENTH FLOOR
Arriving at the seventh floor, I take my first step and uncap Salacia's stamina potion, sipping it and exhaling with immediate satisfaction.
"Oh yeah. Thanks, Salacia."
Even after we cleared the labyrinth a year ago, we still returned sometimes, although it was rare. And it wasn't to conquer either, but to pick up monster drops for dinner. Also, we didn't even need the full party most of the time.
But everything changed after we got married and they got pregnant.
Magic doesn't behave the same when you're carrying a child. Kimberly, Salacia, Manas, Lilith, and Brunhild — every one of them experienced it. Spell formation takes longer, and sometimes the magic fizzles out completely.
And it's not just the mages. Our main frontliners, Yomogi and Chantal, plus Manas and Brunhild, who also filled the hybrid roles of half-melee and half-caster, can't exactly fight the same way either. So all of them stepped back from labyrinth duty without hesitation.
Even Pinna, who is neither a spellcaster nor a brawler, also bowed out. Her reason itself is quite unexpected, yet reasonable... she didn't want the noise to stress the baby, which is a fair point since her gadgets do explode, and half the spells we cast often shake the walls.
But still, I do kind of miss seeing them all in their sexy combat outfits.
I also thought that I'd step away too, wanting to focus on them and take care of things at home... but that didn't last long because they scolded me hard.
"Don't slack off!"
"Go blow something up!"
"You must not grow dull!"
So yeah, here I am. Back in the labyrinth alone. Because I got kicked out of the house by eight pregnant women who still insist I keep my edge. And as for Pinna's reminder earlier, what she meant was: avoid the "loop" floors, which are 36-99, and just stay at floors 4-35 because those are where the monsters are originally from.
But then, I suddenly remembered that since I soloed the beginner floors of 1-3, I've never been here alone before since I stepped to the fourth. Because Yomogi was already with me.
Then, my thoughts snap back to the present as two Trulls emerge in front of me.
Yup, the seventh floor is their "home." And I raise my hand forward.
"Gravity Bind!"
"Guoooohh...!!" "Guoooohh...!!"
Both Trulls bellow as they're slammed down and pinned completely into the ground, unable to rise.
"Take this!"
Then, I land clean slashes that send two heads into rolling.
After that, I collect their leather drops and continue forward, defeating more Trulls and gathering more items until I descend to the eighth floor.
REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, EIGHTH FLOOR
Arriving here, two familiar figures come into view, which are our favorite monsters... the Puncher Woods.
I can't help but reminisce about when the loop mechanic brought them in on floors forty and seventy-two. About how the others gathered flowers for Yomogi's son in solidarity.
And speaking of Yomogi's son, I also had visited her husband's and son's graves once again, before we were married, to be exact. I still remember how Yomogi told them — she had chosen her future, that she would marry me, live with everyone, and protect us all so we wouldn't end up like them, and she asked for their blessing. Even now, remembering it makes my chest ache.
With that, I silently activate [Temporary Boost], but then I stop as an idea strikes.
"Wait... what if I fight them like Yomogi would?
So in the end, I only set my Strength, Durability, and Luck to infinity. After that, I check my status to see how it goes.
"Status Open."
Motegi Sekino
Age: 22
Race: Human
Level 141
HP: 126000/126000
MP: 126000/126000
Strength: ∞
Durability: ∞
Speed: 36000
Agility: 36000
Intelligence: 36000
Charisma: 36000
Willpower: 36000
Perception: 36000
Luck: ∞
Elements:
Fire
Earth
Lightning
Wind
Water
Cosmic
Light
Dark
Skills:
[Appraisal]
[Language Comprehension]
[Storage]
[Copier]
[Resistance]
[Hygienics]
[Blacksmithing]
[Carpentry]
[Pottery]
[Lapidary]
[Temporary Boost]
[Elemental Combo]
[Seedless]
[Fluffmaster]
[Infertile]
[Tailoring]
[Milky Touch]
[Aftercare]
"Okay, that's good."
The familiar status screen popped up in front of me, showing that my Strength, Durability, and Luck are all at infinity.
And yes, ever since I've cleared the labyrinth, I'm at level 141, and all my stats have upgraded again. Also, thanks to my continuous daily consumption of the duplicated Fruit of Luck from the Hairloom, my luck stat keeps jumping impressively until it's now at 24000 if [Temporary Boost] isn't active.
With that set, I begin the next step.
"Earth Wall!"
In an instant, massive rock gloves encase my hands instead of forming a barrier. After that, I charge forward.
"Take this one up!"
My fist slams into the first Puncher Wood, bark splintering as it staggers back, but then...
"Guhh!"
Pain explodes through my side as the second tree lands a punch squarely into my ribs. I'm sent falling to the ground before I rise up and laugh weakly, gasping for air.
"Hahaha… not that easy, huh, Yomogi?"
Of course it isn't.
I'm not a brawler after all, and I'll never compare to her.
Yomogi might not move as fast as Chantal, but her raw power, her endurance, and her martial discipline are unmatched. The way she chains punches together, grapples enemies to the ground, spins them, and throws them like bowling balls always makes me think... if she'd been born in Japan, she'd probably be an MMA fighter by now.
Then, I shake my head and refocus as I charge again.
"Here it comes!"
I hammer my fist into the same tree. The second tree swings at me, but this time I block, bracing myself against the impact. I step back, then surge forward once more.
"Haahh!"
Punch after punch slams into the first Puncher Wood until its body finally collapses.
"You're next!"
I turn immediately to the second with the same rhythm and brutality until it also falls soon after.
Then, I gather their rare white flower drops and reach for Salacia's restorative bottle, uncapping it and drinking deeply. Relief washes through my body, easing the aches instantly.
"Ahh… thank you again, Salacia."
Finally, I look around the floor and murmur.
"Should I keep going or head back?"
I consider it for a moment before I find the answer.
"Well, I think that's enough for today."
With that, I cast a teleportation spell and step through the portal that leads me home.
BACK AT MOTEGI'S HOUSE
Just as I step out from the portal, my wives and Puck welcome me warmly.
"Welcome home!"
"Kyuu!"
"I'm home, girls, Puck."
Kimberly and Brunhild speak first.
"Thank you… for your hard work… Motegi-sama…"
"Thanks, Kimberly."
"I am grateful that your journey was blessed today, my Lord."
"It's thanks to you, Brunhild."
Then, Chantal's question comes...
"So? How was it, Motegi-kun?"
"Good. Got some decent exercise today."
"Okay, then."
... and Salacia's question follows.
"You didn't get hurt, did you, darling~?"
"Nope."
"Haah~ I'm glad to hear that~…"
Of course, that's a lie.
My ribs still ache faintly from trying to fight like Yomogi. Mimicking her brawler style was quite ambitious and a little stupid. But if I admit that, they'll fuss nonstop, so I keep it to myself.
Manas then laughs proudly.
"Mwahaha! That is what befitteth a king! To brave dangers still, rather than grow stagnant at hearth and home!"
"You're right, Manas. In fact..."
I pause and turn to Yomogi.
"I've got something for you, Yomogi."
"Eh…?"
Without explaining further, I reach into my dimensional inventory and take out the Puncher Wood flowers, holding them out to her.
"Take them."
Her hands rise automatically, receiving them with both palms together. For a moment, she just stares down at the flowers, and her eyes tremble slightly.
"Motegi-chan… thank you."
"You're welcome."
After that, Pinna is the next one to ask.
"Confirmation request, Master. Those flowers were obtained on the eighth floor, correct?"
"Yeah, lower floors only. Just like you told me."
"Understood."
Finally, Lilith sighs dramatically.
"Haah~... I really wish I could've been there to watch, honey…"
"Soon enough. We'll all be back at it together, okay?"
With that, I clap my hands once.
"Alright. Let me make dinner tonight."
"Yay!"
"Kyuu!"
As my wives and Puck settle around the table, I head into the kitchen and open the fridge... and then I tap my forehead.
"Oh no. I should've grabbed Blitz Sheep meat earlier. Why did I forget?"
Yeah, I'd been craving curry all day, and I'd even planned to head to the ninth floor specifically for their rare meat drops. But since I turned back after the eighth floor, that plan never happened.
I stare at the options inside and see chicken, which I turn down. But then, something hits me.
"Ah! I can use them instead, right?"
With that, I keep the fridge open and gather the onions, garlic and ginger paste, vegetable broth, homemade crushed tomatoes, and coconut milk. After I close the fridge, I turn to the pantry and gather them, which are kabocha and chickpeas.
"Yup, we still can have a delicious curry with these two."
First up, I wash some Heiligeichen's long-grain rice. Once clean, I pour it into the rice cooker, add water, close the lid, press the button, and leave it.
Next, I pour the chickpeas into a large bowl and fill it with water until they're fully submerged. Then, I cast a familiar Cosmic element spell on the bowl.
"Time Forward."
While that spell is working, I start slicing the onions into thin, even strips, setting them aside in a bowl.
Then comes the kabocha. I brace it carefully against the cutting board and press my sharpest knife into the thick rind. With a steady force, the blade sinks through the dense flesh. Once halved, I scoop out the seeds and stringy membrane, then chop the squash into bite-sized pieces and remove the skin.
By the time I'm done, the chickpeas are ready. I strain them, and just like that, they're plump and soft, as if they'd been soaking overnight.
I place a large skillet on the stove and drizzle in some Spring Olive's oil. As it warms, I toss in the sliced onions. Once they're soft and golden, I add a generous spoonful of garlic and ginger paste, then add the spice blend — curry powder, turmeric, ground coriander, and ground cumin. I stir them all until the scent is fragrant.
Once the base is fragrant and rich, I add in the kabocha, chickpeas, vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, and coconut milk. A few pinches of salt and pepper, then I give the whole pan a gentle stir, letting the ingredients mingle and simmer down. I cover the skillet and let it cook low and slow until the kabocha softens.
After around half an hour, I lift the lid and take a peek at the softly bubbling, rich, and golden-orange curry. I turn off the heat and sprinkle in fresh coriander leaves and garam masala, folding them gently through the mix. At the same time, the rice is perfectly cooked. I open the lid and fluff the hot, fragrant rice, and then I begin plating.
I prepare nine portions, one for each of us. A soft mound of rice on each plate, topped with a generous ladle of thick curry, a dollop of Misdaras's strained yogurt, and a lemon wedge on the rim of each plate. For Puck, I scoop a small serving into its little ceramic bowl with only a tiny scoop of yogurt.
After that, I load everything onto the serving trolley and add one bowl of extra strained yogurt, one bowl of lemon wedges, one bowl of chili flakes, jars of water, and some glasses. Finally, I roll the trolley out to the dining table.
"Dinner's ready, everyone! It's kabocha and chickpea curry tonight!"
"Wow!"
"Smells so good!"
"Kyuu!"
Once I set all the plates down, no one wastes time to dig in.
Yomogi immediately goes for the yogurt and scoops a bit onto her plate. She takes a bite, chews slowly, and her ears give a happy little twitch.
"Mmm! This curry is so good! And the yogurt makes it even better!"
"Hahaha... there's still a lot, so help yourself."
Chantal and Kimberly chew with satisfied hums.
"Seriously, curry without meat is still incredible!"
"I agree. Perhaps… even better… than... the meat version…"
"Good to know that."
Pinna sprinkles a bold amount of chili flakes over her plate. She takes a bite, chews, and begins her report.
"The texture balance is optimal. The kabocha adds natural sweetness and softness, while the chickpeas maintain firm structure. Spice stimulation is adequate. Nutritionally, this fulfills requirements for both myself and the fetus. This chili amount remains within acceptable margin. However, further testing is warranted."
"Don't overdo it, okay?"
Salacia scoops a mouthful of curry into her mouth and casually takes a bite directly out of her lemon wedge, chewing happily.
"Mmm~... this is better than just squeezing it~!"
"Hahaha... is that so?"
Manas chews with calm delight, then murmurs thoughtfully.
"'Tis most delicious already... yet wouldst be perfect with broccoli or cauliflower, mayhaps."
"I'll make one like that next time, okay?"
Lilith lets out a sultry little moan after her bite, and Brunhild smiles as she chews.
"Mmmhh~... there's just so much happening in my mouth right now~…"
"This is... an incredible dinner as always."
"I'm glad you like it, Lilith, Brunhild."
Puck chirps as it nibbles excitedly from its tiny bowl.
"Kyuu!"
Finally, I take my own bite. Sweet, creamy, and rich, with the perfect balance of spices and softness.
"Sometimes meatless food really can be delicious, huh?"
As I look around the table and watch my wives gleam in delight with each bite, I can't help but smile and softly remind them.
"Don't forget to drink water, okay?"
"Yes!"
And just like that, we all settle in for our peaceful and warm dinner together.