That Time I Got Reincarnated as an Underground Labyrinth Manager

The two of them sat down for a meal break.

Kazuma repeated his proposal again.

"Chishiya-aniki, I set up a teleportation point on each floor."

"They connect to the inn and cafeteria. The rest areas are open to adventurers who are willing to pay."

Chishiya nodded.

"Yeah, I saw it on my way down."

"Smart move. Well done."

Kazuma scratched his head awkwardly and took a sip of sparkling wine.

"We can offer food, lodging, item identification and sales, equipment maintenance and cleaning."

"The prices are higher than on the surface."

"It's like one of those overpriced convenience stores on a hiking trail."

"Chishiya-aniki, I've got another idea."

Kazuma's breathing quickened. You could tell he'd been holding this one in for a while.

Chishiya smirked slightly. "Go ahead."

"We can install a boss monster on each floor."

"Adventurers can fight them for loot and rewards."

"They can either exchange the drops with us, or take them if they want."

"This'll attract more adventurers and boost the sales of our Labyrinth items!"

"We could even offer treatment services!"

"That useless goddess has been freeloading for weeks!"

"Do you know she spent hundreds of thousands of Eris on an egg?!"

"So dumb!!!"

Kazuma took a long gulp of sparkling wine, burying his trauma under carbonation.

Chishiya set down his chopsticks and listened calmly.

Kazuma paused.

Wait… Did I go too far?

Did I just steamroll the conversation like I'm the CEO?

Panicking slightly, Kazuma quickly tried to walk it back.

"O-of course, there's still a lot to work out…"

"Like, what kinds of rewards, how to ensure adventurer safety, and so on…"

"Maybe I didn't think it all the way through…"

"Chishiya-aniki, I hope I didn't overstep…"

But then, unexpectedly—

Chishiya clapped his hands twice.

"No."

"Your idea is genius."

As expected of an RPG addict. These ideas are tailor-made for the Labyrinth system!

Guard Bosses.

The Labyrinth had expanded to 20 floors after the last upgrade.

The monsters had evolved into higher-tier races.

He could assign them to guard each level as mini-bosses.

Crusade Rewards.

Chishiya smirked.

Simple stuff.

He had a whole army of Dwarf craftsmen under him.

Just toss some of their failed forging attempts into treasure chests. Adventurers would be thrilled.

As for safety measures...

That was even easier.

Thanks to hiring Aqua, he had unlocked [Healing Technology].

[Soul Isolation Barrier]: Prevents souls from escaping the Labyrinth after death.

[Healing Holy Water Warehouse]: Revives fallen adventurers within the Labyrinth if payment is made.

Resurrection Service: 2 million Eris per revival. Very reasonable.

No cash? No problem. You can revive once you've got the funds.

Chishiya placed both hands on Kazuma's shoulders.

"I'll assign staff to support you."

"We'll do everything just like you said."

"As for the fine details, I'll handle those."

Kazuma stood there, stunned.

He hadn't expected his idea to be accepted on the spot.

"You're really trusting me with this?"

Chishiya replied, "Only hire people you trust. Don't waste time on the rest."

"Just go full throttle. If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility."

Totally not because I want to be a hands-off boss.

Kazuma went quiet for a moment, then set down his chopsticks and said seriously:

"Chishiya-aniki, don't worry. I'll get it done!"

Chishiya smiled and raised his glass.

"Cheers."

—

After Dinner

Chishiya gathered everyone for a meeting.

Mostly so everyone could get to know each other.

It'd help smooth future cooperation.

In addition to Wiz and Vanir, who managed the branch of the Underground Labyrinth Item Shop, most of the team was based in the Labyrinth itself.

Inside the Labyrinth Villa:

"Everyone, this is Benimaru. He'll be in charge of company security from now on."

Calling him a security guard was an understatement.

He was basically a Marshal.

Benimaru bowed to the group from the center of the hall.

Chishiya continued:

"This is Shuna. She's in charge of the textile workshop and will be heading up the Technical Department."

"And this one."

Chishiya turned to the small twin-tailed girl standing next to him.

"This is my friend Milim. She'll be staying with us for a while."

He went on introducing everyone in turn.

Hakurou was the company trainer, responsible for drilling Gobta and the others...

Kurobe and Kaijin were in charge of the forge.

Then there were the three Dwarf brothers, Geld, and more.

Chishiya finished:

"From today onward, we're one big family. I hope we'll all get along and work together."

"That's all. Any questions?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"Alright, meeting dismissed."

To his surprise, everyone adapted faster than expected.

For instance, the Queen Ant was already discussing architectural principles with Geld.

Rim and Milim, the two pink-haired snack fiends, were happily chatting like best friends.

What Chishiya really didn't expect…

Was Kazuma and Gabiru hitting it off like long-lost bros.

Meeting adjourned.

Then came a familiar voice from behind.

"Master!"

After not seeing her for a month, Yunyun ran up cheerfully.

Chishiya turned around.

…and took a sharp breath.

This girl. Did she grow again?

We're from the same hometown—what did she eat growing up?

Megumin immediately turned and narrowed her eyes.

"Master, were you just thinking something inappropriate?"

"No," Chishiya replied flatly.

"Tsk…"

Megumin clicked her tongue and stood off to the side.

"Master, I'm level 20 now!"

Meanwhile, Yunyun clung to Chishiya's side, eyes gleaming.

Clearly fishing for praise.

Chishiya understood and gave her head a gentle rub.

"Good work. Want a reward?"

Yunyun hesitated, lips pressed together.

Megumin had been bragging all morning about her new robe and high-tier staff.

Apparently, Chishiya had bought it for her personally.

To be honest, Yunyun was jealous.

But those gifts were way too expensive.

So instead, she pulled out a small paper bag from behind her back and handed it to Chishiya awkwardly.

"Master… these are cookies. I made them…"

"Because… I wanted to give them to someone important…"

"I'm worried they don't taste good… so I want you to try them…"

"This is the reward I want…"

Chishiya blinked.

He looked down at the cookies in his hand.

Holy crap.

She's a little angel.

So pure. So wholesome.

And when he thought about Megumin in comparison…

Traitor. Zero competition.

"Is this really all?" Chishiya asked.

Yunyun nodded, though her cheeks turned redder by the second.

She wasn't great at expressing herself...

But ever since Chishiya took her in, she'd felt a warmth she never had before.

Everyone in this company had been so kind to her.

So she made cookies for everyone.

But Chishiya's were special.

She'd spent a long time on this one batch. It was her best.

Chishiya took a bite.

Surprisingly delicious.

"For someone important," huh?

Chishiya smiled.

"They're good. I'm sure that person will like them."

Yunyun looked up and smiled brightly.

"Really?!"

"Yeah. Really."

"Th-thank you, Master…"

Her cheeks were pink as she beamed with pride.

Off to the side, Megumin twitched.

She glared at the two of them and muttered:

"Hey. How long are you two gonna keep flirting?"

(To be continued.)

***

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