Day 62 in the Trinity-grade Labyrinth
Day 62 in the Trinity-Grade Labyrinth. Today was a rest day. No monster scouting, no villager recruitment searches. So we were all lounging around the oasis shelter in our own spots, killing time leisurely. Omega had even handed off construction to the robots and come over to hang out, now resting right beside me.
[Pung...]
Omega let out a thoughtful hum while closely observing the monsters in the shelter. Wondering if something was up, I turned to look at her.
"What's up?"
[Nothing major. I'm just a bit surprised at how many have been influenced by Melody Fox. Her kind doesn't usually open their hearts to others easily.]
Omega continued, slowly scanning the monsters.
[This must all be thanks to the Helper's taming ability. The Helper truly is remarkable. Pung pung.]
"I think our Melody Fox is just exceptionally friendly... But you say a lot of them have been affected?"
[That's right. Pung pung.]
I took a closer look at the monsters one by one. Monsters buffed by Melody Fox. First, Kinogine Arachne had evolved thanks to a buff...
"Hmm. Excluding the one who broke my seal, the others... Ah, Azeras got a buff? Her intelligence spiked out of nowhere."
[Correct. You noticed late. Pung pung.]
[Not just her—these ones have all received buffs too. Pung pung.]
Omega's finger pointed at a few monsters in turn: Art Pega Unicorn, Hedgehog Summoner God, Medical Mushroom.
"Them too?"
[Pung pung. No flashy changes like evolution, so you must not have noticed.]
Omega explained. Art Pega Unicorn and Hedgehog Summoner God had received talent awakening and growth buffs—art for Art Pega Unicorn, dance for Hedgehog Summoner God.
"Now that you mention it... yeah, Art Pega Unicorn's drawing skills improved way too fast."
I nodded, glancing at Art Pega Unicorn, then shifted my gaze to Hedgehog Summoner God. He was dancing right now.
"But Dochi's dancing doesn't seem any different?"
[Look closer. Pung pung.]
Following Omega's advice, I watched Hedgehog's dance more intently.
[Duumba, duuumba. Dududududuuumba!!!]
Hmm. A bit flashier maybe? I couldn't really tell. Well, if Omega said so, it must be true.
"...Anyway, what buff did Medical Mushroom get?"
[Her personality's become calmer thanks to it. You'll understand when you see her heal allies later. Pung pung.]
Just as Omega finished, splat! Merino Ulla, who was playing with Melody Fox, tripped and skinned her knee. Blood trickled out.
"Ow, it hurts yang..."
[Ppii ppii.]
Medical Mushroom calmly approached and dripped pink liquid on Merino's knee. The wound healed in seconds.
"Definitely different. Normally she'd panic and flutter around."
[Pung pung. That's a great change. Medical Mushroom's healing fluid works better the calmer and more composed she is.]
"Everyone's been quietly getting buffs, huh..."
Glad tidings. Melody Fox was slowly opening her heart to the others.
"But Merino hasn't gotten any yet? She's been closest to Melody lately."
[Merino will see good changes soon too. Pung pung.]
I looked forward to it. What buff would she get? Cooking buffs were crucial, after all.
While still resting...
◇ Patron Rank Up ◇
● Target: Yumi (003)
● Change: BLACK → GOLD
◇ Patron Rank Up ◇
● Target: Mysticism (002)
● Change: BLACK → GOLD
The patrons sending coins via Hwang Mi-reu's money had their support ranks upgraded.
And then one after another.
◇ Patron Rank Up ◇
● Target: RiseNova (004)
● Change: DIAMOND → TRINITY
Our main patron, Rise, had reached Trinity rank—the highest tier.
The moment Rise's rank rose, flashy messages poured into my view.
"What is this? A Trinity patron born, and it created some space inside the Ancient Labyrinth..."
As I muttered, I spotted "Safe Zone Transfer" at the edge of my vision. Cautiously, I clicked it. A silver portal materialized right in front of me.
[Pung pung? What's this portal?]
Omega, standing nearby, asked. After my quick explanation, she stared at it intently before stepping through without hesitation.
[Not sure if I can go too, but it might be dangerous, so I'll check first. Pung pung.]
Omega vanished into the portal. Moments later, she reemerged.
[Safe. Come on through.]
I nodded and followed her in. An empty void of space stretched out. Several voices echoed in my ears.
Explorer's friend 'Omega' has entered the Safe Zone.
Explorer 'Kang Geon' has entered the Safe Zone.
Explorer pays stay costs for explorer friends.
2 coins deducted per minute in Safe Zone.
From the sound of it, not a place to linger long.
"...No idea what this space is for."
[Analysis complete: No death exists here. Pung pung.]
"No death?"
[Yes. Simply put, no one can harm anyone here. Pung pung.]
Sure enough, a true safe zone.
Later, while exploring it with Omega...
Patron 'RiseNova' has entered the Safe Zone.
Explorer covers patron stay costs.
3 coins deducted per minute in Safe Zone.
A silver portal appeared, and a familiar puppet strolled out from it.
"Rise?"
"Ooh! Gauntlet Gong!"
The puppet was none other than patron Rise Nova.
[Gauntlet. That creature feels strangely familiar despite being new... A patron, perhaps? Pung pung?]
"Yeah. That's our fourth patron, Rise Nova."
After introducing Rise, Omega walked up, extended a hand for a shake.
[Nice to meet you. I'm Omega.]
"Rise Nova here. Thrilled to meet in person."
Anyway, I'd roughly grasped this Safe Zone. A space where explorer and patrons could actually meet—like a rendezvous point. Not quite a hideout. More like a fan meetup spot for internet streamers and viewers.
It also let patrons gather without me. Though only Trinity-rank ones could access it.
Only explorers, tamed monsters, and patrons could enter. Even in the labyrinth, no outsiders could invade. Conversely, no exiting to other labyrinth areas—Omega's earnest punch didn't budge the walls.
You couldn't use others' silver portals either. No jumping worlds via this space—not to Earth or isekai worlds, not patrons entering the Ancient Labyrinth proper, nor visiting each other's realms.
"We can watch broadcasts here too. Everyone, aim for Trinity rank. We should all meet here for a gathering."
Before digging deeper, I popped back to the shelter, bringing monsters who knew Rise.
[Duumbaaa!!!]
[Long time, Rise.]
[Ppiii!]
Hedgehog Summoner God. Necro Puppeteer (formerly Psycho Clown). Medical Mushroom. Kinogine Arachne, Black Magma Slime, Blood Jellyfish Princess, and more crossed via silver portal. Rise spread his arms wide in welcome.
"Ooh! Everyone, so glad to see you! It's been ages!"
It was a moment of touching reunion.