Frieren: "?"

Fern: "??"

Stark: "???"

Goddess?

Resurrecting the dead?

What?

None of them could wrap their heads around it.

Frieren stared at Aqua.

Sure, the magic signature she emitted was definitely high-tier. A powerful priest, no doubt.

But… a goddess?

Images of Aqua staggering around town with a wine bottle came to mind.

Even drunk, she'd yell and dance in the streets…

It was impossible to connect that woman with divinity.

Just as they were about to ask—

Chishiya appeared on the screen again.

This time, Shogo was no longer in the frame.

But no one cared.

The demonstration was over. They had all been invited to the launch celebration.

What they really cared about was—

When does the Labyrinth open?

"Everyone, the demonstration is officially over."

Chishiya's voice echoed from the broadcast.

"The Labyrinth is now open!"

"The Resurrection Service, originally priced at 50 silver coins, will be completely free today!"

"Opening day special! First come, first served! Guests who want to participate, please head to the reception desk on the first floor!"

"Our professional receptionists will be waiting to assist you!"

Free today?!

The crowd lost it.

People spun around and sprinted straight toward the Labyrinth Tower.

Why be afraid when dying didn't cost you a thing?

As long as you made it back out—

That was free money!

Inside the Labyrinth—

After announcing the final line, Chishiya cut the screen.

Hmm…

The universal currency in [Tensura] was gold coins.

In the [Konosuba] world, it was Eris.

This currency mismatch was annoying.

Even setting prices took too much time.

Chishiya scratched his chin.

Guess it's time to issue our own currency.

Like casino chips.

Anyone entering the Labyrinth from another world would be required to exchange their money for Labyrinth Tokens.

Just like how tourists had to convert to casino chips before gambling.

Within a few days, he could set up a foreign exchange counter for adventurers.

And if the Labyrinth's influence spread far enough…

Maybe Labyrinth Tokens would become the standard global currency.

Focus, focus…

Back to business.

Chishiya looked down at Shogo.

Benimaru had already sliced off his arms and legs.

Business first.

Chishiya crouched, patting the bloodied guy's face.

"So… care to explain?"

"What was your plan?"

According to the original plot—

The Kingdom of Falmuth and the Western Holy Church would surround the city with a barrier to suppress monster power, then send in their army.

But thanks to the butterfly effect, the script had already changed.

Might as well double-check.

Not that Chishiya was worried—Vanir could always extract the truth if needed.

This was mostly for fun.

He just wanted to experience what it felt like to be the big bad behind the scenes.

Let's be honest—

What guy hasn't fantasized about being the mysterious villain pulling all the strings?

It felt… amazing.

So dramatic. So self-indulgent.

So deeply satisfying.

Chishiya straightened up, putting on a serious face.

"Your two companions have been captured."

"I'll give you three seconds to tell me who sent you."

He lowered his voice and darkened his expression.

"What's your objective?"

"What's the plan?"

"Of course, if you don't talk, I've got countless ways to—"

"I'LL TALK! I'LL TALK!!!"

Chishiya blinked.

"Huh?"

Did… did the guy skip ahead in the script?

He hadn't even finished enjoying the intimidation routine.

Shogo was trembling, his voice cracking. He looked like he was going to wet himself.

In this kind of situation, what was the point of acting tough?

For dignity?

For loyalty to Falmuth?

Screw that.

If he hadn't been isekai'd, he'd still be a schoolyard thug.

Now here he was, dismembered and crying like a baby.

Just let me survive. I'll kill you all later.

"I'll tell you everything!" Shogo blurted out.

"I'm part of the advance unit sent by the Kingdom of Falmuth!"

"They wanted us to provoke you, get you to fight back—then they could spin the narrative that monsters were hurting humans, and start a holy war!"

"Falmuth teamed up with the Western Holy Church! They've got troops stationed at all four corners of the city!"

"Over twenty thousand soldiers, just waiting for a signal to storm the gates!"

He dumped all the info in one breath, not even giving Chishiya a chance to interrogate him properly.

Chishiya: "…"

Come on, man. Can't you at least try to resist?

I didn't even get to monologue properly.

But… well.

The intel was useful.

Over 20,000 troops surrounding the city?

Neither the dryads nor Souei had picked up on it.

Must be some sort of concealment technique used by the Western Holy Church.

Not surprising. With the backing of the Holy French Empire, they had some decent tricks.

Still…

Chishiya stared blankly at Shogo.

Surrendering that fast really killed the vibe.

Just then—

Benimaru stepped forward, face serious.

"Chishiya-sama, this may still be a trap. Allow me to continue interrogating him. We'll verify the intel very quickly."

Chishiya: "?"

Shogo: "???"

Panic returned to Shogo's face instantly.

What the hell?

I already spilled everything!

Why are you still torturing me?!

"Wait, wait! I told you everything! It's the truth!"

"You can't do this!"

"This is prisoner abuse! I'm reporting you!"

Chishiya blinked.

As expected of Benimaru. The man never misses.

"Alright then. I'll leave him with you. I'm going to check on Souei."

He believed Shogo wasn't lying.

But if Benimaru wanted to play a little longer, who was he to interfere?

Chishiya turned around and walked away.

He'd just had a very profitable idea.

If Falmuth wanted a reason for war…

Why not give them one?

But on his terms.

"Hey! Don't leave! Don't leave me here!"

Shogo's wails echoed behind him.

Despair twisted his face as Chishiya vanished from view.

In the dimly lit chamber, only Benimaru remained.

The Oni's demonic aura grew thicker as he stepped forward.

"I really didn't lie!"

"I swear it's true!"

Shogo's voice cracked, on the verge of tears.

Benimaru's expression remained neutral.

"I know."

Shogo: "Then… can you let me go?"

Benimaru didn't answer.

He calmly unsheathed his katana, muttering to himself.

"You said some disrespectful things about Chishiya-sama earlier, didn't you?"

Shogo: "Huh?"

Benimaru narrowed his eyes.

"I counted nine uses of the word 'you.' Three threats. Fifteen mocking remarks."

Shogo was drenched in sweat.

"Wh-What are you going to do…?"

Benimaru didn't respond.

A second later—

A blood-curdling scream echoed through the Labyrinth.

——————————

At the same time—

Chishiya had returned to the meeting hall.

He opened the door.

Souei was already there, holding Kyoya and Kirara like they were shopping bags.

Behind them, Shion stood still, eyes glowing with murderous rage.

Her clenched fists cracked with each twitch.

On the other side of the room, Vanir sipped his tea elegantly, eyes gleaming with amusement.

On the table sat a magical flare gun.

Souei stepped forward.

"Chishiya-sama, these two confessed."

Chishiya raised an eyebrow.

"They did?"

Tch… What's with today's crop of enemies? Nobody wants to resist?

Shion stepped up, looking eager to be praised.

"Chishiya-sama, I personally handled the interrogation."

"They were sent by the Kingdom of Falmuth."

"And this flare gun—" she pointed at the table, "is their signal to the troops."

She was practically wagging her tail like a puppy begging for head pats.

It was frustrating being strong but not getting to show off…

Chishiya patted her on the head.

"Nice work."

Then, eyes narrowing, he picked up the flare gun.

The warmth left his face.

"Alright."

"My turn."

(To be continued.)

***

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