Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 182

Chapter 182. The Beginning of Labyrinth Life

When I announced the disbanding, everyone left the plaza with relieved expressions.

Miranda took the drained cup from me and resumed breakfast preparations with Tess. Noticing this, Segret hesitantly approached, confirmed Tess's gender, then hurried back to Rizai and the others.

Feeling a large presence moving behind me, I turned to see Eras Rhino's child dunking its face into the reservoir while Phil yawned atop it.

Returning to my slightly altered daily routine, I entered the forest alone, activated [Pure Water] and [Operate Water] to wash my face and dust off my body. I wasn't particularly dirty, but it was a matter of mood.

After freshening up and lightly stretching, Sahars came to inform me that breakfast was ready. It seemed they had repurposed yesterday's leftovers into soup and freshly roasted venison.

"I'll bring it to the hall shortly."

"Please do."

Giving Miranda a brief reply, I scanned the beastmen. They seemed to have waited for me, as none had touched their food yet.

"No need to wait for me. There'll be days I don't wake up. Eat freely, as you always have."

At my urging, the beastmen bowed slightly before starting their meal.

Aside from Sahars, the others showed some respect but were far from loyalty.

As for whether I even wanted that… it was complicated.

Haimes would surely disapprove, but as long as no conflicts arose, I didn't mind.

Well, regardless of my feelings, Miranda and Tess had been accepted, and their positions were clear.

The glances directed at me felt more guarded than usual, but I ignored it for now. Trust couldn't be won through strength alone, and leaving things as they were would've let suspicion fester.

A tantalizing aroma interrupted my thoughts, and I peered into the pot.

The scent was slightly different from yesterday's leftovers.

They must've improvised, but Miranda was a skilled enough cook that even discerning slave traders would've kept her. It'd be a waste not to utilize her talents fully.

"You're short on ingredients, right? What do you need? Don't hold back."

"Well…"

Miranda hesitated before listing flour, fresh vegetables, and fruit.

All standard, but apparently, even basics were lacking. The village grew wheat, but not enough to share, she said.

Buying small amounts in Sylveck might not raise suspicion.

Otherwise, the forest. Until now, I'd only gathered potion ingredients, but with [Appraisal], I could likely find edible plants.

Promising to handle it, I glanced behind Tess.

She was too focused on ladling soup to notice the massive figure approaching her.

"Eek!?"

Tess let out a startled cry as she was nudged from behind, then froze upon turning around.

Her reaction was understandable, but the scream was a bit odd. It probably reignited the beastmen's suspicions.

Unfazed, Eras Rhino's child loomed over Tess, poking and sniffing her with its snout.

Huh. It never bothers anyone but me.

"Don't be scared. It just wants attention."

Tess timidly stroked its tough hide but soon broke into a smile.

Come to think of it, she'd tended to sheep in Verene Village. Maybe it picked up on livestock scent.

The Eras Rhino child pressed its face against her, seemingly content.

Watching with a smile, I realized my assumption might be wrong.

It didn't feel like mere affection.

More like… concern.

Could it be—that the Eras Rhino is isolated?

I subtly surveyed the group.

Fetching water was Phil's job, and I was the only one who wiped its body.

Though I'd asked it to carry hunted monsters or help with labor, I'd never seen it interact with the beastmen.

That'd explain yesterday's behavior.

The beastmen were part of the group, but not close companions.

So when I returned, it clung to me excessively.

Maybe it approached Tess because she wasn't aligned with the beastmen.

Resting in the labyrinth's hall might've been the deciding factor.

All creatures are vulnerable while sleeping. Seeing Miranda and Tess rest nearby, it likely considered them allies.

Weakness might've played a role too. Even brain-focused Haimes could probably beat it. To the Eras Rhino, Tess might seem like a baby.

As I pondered, Tess cheerfully asked:

"Lord Alter, what's this one's name?"

Caught off guard, I froze.

Slowly turning, I saw Phil silently watching from the reservoir by the entrance.

Didn't know beasts could give judgmental looks.

"A name, huh."

Stalling, I asked Sahars and the others what they called it.

Most had never addressed it directly, and the gathered names were… questionable.

Eras Rhino, "hey you," "rhino monster," "big but tiny"—nothing usable. Honestly, "Eras Rhino's child" was too long, but I'd lacked better ideas.

But now what? Still drawing blanks.

Passing the buck would be bad. Phil's gaze is piercing.

Keeping a straight face, I desperately wracked my brain.

Basing it on "Eras Rhino" felt lazy.

If I used "rhino" as a base, only reincarnators or world-shifted individuals would notice.

Then tweak it slightly…

"Zilv. Its name is Zilv."

"Such a cool name! Nice to meet you, Zilv!"

Tess greeted it brightly, and Zilv rubbed its cheek against her in response.

Noticing Sahars beside me, I saw him gazing at the southern forest.

"A fine name. May it grow into a mighty monster."

I steeled my expression, envisioning a towering peak.

"Come to think of it, my active-duty party was called Belgerio."

"Yes. To forest beastmen, that mountain is special."

A short climb would reveal Belzilv. As one of the few landmarks, it must've supported the beastmen.

Quido and the others seemed to share that sentiment, as they welcomed the name more warmly than expected.

Maybe Zilv could join their circle now.

Petting its snout, I turned to Tess.

"If you have time, could you wipe it down?"

"Understood, leave it to me!"

Nodding at her energetic reply, I turned on my heel.

Exchanging a glance with Haimes, I retreated into the labyrinth, relaxing my expression with a sigh of relief.

I'd never tell.

Rhino → vegetable → Vegeta → Prince of All Saiyans → Wait, there's that stupidly huge mountain—

No way I'd admit the name came from that train of thought.

◇◇◇◇

Finishing breakfast before my slip showed, I secluded myself in the depths to prepare for crafting frost-attribute magic tools.

First, material selection.

Wooden ones could be made endlessly, but durability was low. Metal required a forge, so I'd have to repurpose cheap premade items.

Wood offered higher success rates; metal, better durability.

The lightning-phase sword and simitar of swift wind were well-made, so [Magic Tool Modification] could赋予 their attributes—but failure would be disastrous. Besides, the sword wasn't mine, and I carried the simitar and other tools, leaving none for use during my absence.

That left premade items.

Lining up my tools, I hesitated before picking up a knife.

It was borrowed from adventurers. Until now, I'd lent it to Rizai's group, but village-provided supplies made it obsolete.

I had a slash-enhanced knife for daily use, so this wouldn't be missed.

But it was utterly ordinary. Likely to work, but if it failed, I'd have to hunt for another ice-attribute magic stone.

Staring at the knife, I pondered before leaving the depths.

In the hall, Haimes, Sahars, and Miranda huddled around a table under beast-fat lamplight, discussing food restocking and inventory.

"Mid-discussion?"

"No, we just finished."

Nodding at Haimes's reply, I joined them and placed the knife on the table.

"Need advice. I plan to turn this into a magic tool, but it's mediocre. Want to carve the handle to improve quality. Any design ideas?"

I explained my vision, but the three looked stumped.

Haimes bowed out, claiming it wasn't his forte, while Sahars and Miranda struggled.

After prolonged deliberation, Sahars suddenly clapped.

"Let's call someone knowledgeable."

"Someone here?"

"Eshin."

He'd traveled widely and dabbled in many trades, even crafting the table and chairs with a hatchet.

So Eshin was the maker. Unexpected talent lurked here.

Sending Sahars to fetch him, Eshin soon arrived, glancing around the unfamiliar labyrinth before bowing.

"Uh… you called for me…?"

I repeated my request for frank opinions.

Initially hesitant, he grew bolder after some Q&A, cautiously proposing:

"Simple, but… a withered forest? Piling snow instead of leaves could convey coldness…"

"Ah, a snowy landscape. Good idea."

With the design direction set, I seized the chance to ask more questions.

He'd overseen housing construction too, though his carpentry experience spanned just months.

Despite his modesty, his skills surpassed an amateur's. My Dexterity 18 was exceptional, but knowledge gaps remained. I could manage a table but not a house. Stats were just guidelines.

Offering to assist with furniture-making in exchange for lessons, I earned a flustered but pleased nod.

Not wanting to delay construction, I sent Eshin back.

As I rose to finalize the design, Haimes stopped me.

"Actually, there's another matter."

Prompted, he mentioned water shortages.

With more people, waterskins couldn't keep up.

"Water. [Pure Water] won't suffice when I'm away."

"Diverting a stream is risky too. It'd lead straight to the labyrinth."

"True. Human traces would raise suspicion."

Nodding, Sahars interjected:

"The forest has abundant groundwater. Digging a well should solve it."

"But there's another issue. Apologies for the crudeness, but waste disposal. Dumping it in the forest attracts monsters with the smell."

"Makes sense."

Hunters tracked prey by droppings. Monsters distinguishing human waste wasn't far-fetched.

Still, water and waste? So it's about that.

"You considered diverting a stream to handle waste too?"

"Yes. Killing two birds with one stone."

Accepting general's tea from Miranda, I sipped while thinking.

Haimes's stream idea was understandable. Wells weren't guaranteed, and waterways could manage waste.

But he'd likely dismissed it for the stated reason.

Dig a well for water, dump waste farther away—but the latter was tricky. Beyond the blank zone, only I, Sahars, or Quido could venture safely. And we were all busy.

So—back to waterways. Time-consuming, but doable.

"If surface waterways risk exposure, build them underground."

"A fine idea, but… wouldn't that be a massive project?"

"Earth magic and Merlock's strength would help, but I'd rather not exhaust my mana. It'll be intermittent work, so dig the well first. Success isn't guaranteed, but it's simple."

Hearing this, Sahars raised a hand.

"Wait, leave the well to us. We can't rely on Lord Alter for everything—"

"I'd delegate other tasks, but water's critical. If you'll keep fetching from the stream until the well's done, spend that time on other work. The housing isn't finished either. How long will you camp?"

My refusal silenced Sahars.

I regretted my tone. They'd done well with limited resources. Rushing wasn't my intent, but the "camping" jab was unnecessary.

Though, had I known Rizai's group would stay, I'd have built the houses myself.

Originally, it was a temporary base. Keeping distance from Rizai's group, I'd let them handle it, but…

"Belatedly, should I build the houses?"

"N-No, that's too much!"

Sahars instantly refused.

A square house wouldn't be hard. Insisting on the well, he firmly declined the housing offer.

Maybe a beastman pride thing? Unsure, but I'd leave it to them.

As I stood to end the discussion, Haimes stopped me.

"Since we're on the topic, a proposal. Storage space in the hall is running low. With your permission, we could build an external warehouse. Once completed, I'd like to relocate my living quarters."

Before I could reply, Miranda objected—not to the warehouse, but to Haimes moving out.

She argued they should live in the warehouse instead, but Haimes refused.

"As attendants, we should remain within earshot of Lord Alter."

Faced with logic, Miranda fell silent.

Regardless, a warehouse might be needed. The hall was cramped with Zilv's bed and piled supplies. Three people sleeping there was tight, and Miranda was female. Co-ed quarters couldn't be comfortable. Haimes likely minded too.

But summer's peak was approaching.

The labyrinth was cooler, making it better for food storage. Expanding it with [Earth Wall] would solve things, but areas beyond May's control risked collapse. I could manage, but others would surely die.

For now, a warehouse. Moving pelts alone would free space.

As I opened my mouth to agree, a faint tremor struck.

Dismissing it as imagination, I felt it again. Haimes and the others noticed too, exchanging puzzled looks.

May must've heard the discussion. And my thoughts were practically transparent to her.

So—

"Can you… expand?"

The moment I asked the rocky wall, excited agreement flooded back.

Confirming, stronger assent came, and the hall's walls trembled.

Realizing its intent, I hastily stopped it.

"Wait, May! Not yet!"

The vibrations ceased, replaced by confusion.

After calming May, I explained the situation. Haimes, though surprised, voiced doubts.

"How much can it expand?"

"May, what's possible?"

The reply was immediate but unclear.

Like… a toddler stretching its arms wide.

If accurate, it'd be vast, but May seemed unsure.

"Expansion is possible, but we should plan carefully. Miranda, you're involved too. Share your thoughts."

Thus, we began discussing.

The current labyrinth was a straight path: entrance, passage, hall, passage, bedchamber.

Defense called for complexity, but convenience took priority.

After debate, we decided to extend left and right from the hall—left for facilities, right for living space—and add a room to the bedchamber passage as my private quarters/workshop.

May confirmed rooms could be gradually relocated, allowing large-scale renovations over time.

With the blueprint set, we discussed the expansion order.

Perhaps due to the warehouse talk, Miranda pushed for living quarters first.

Reducing hall occupancy would ease storage issues.

No objections, so living quarters came first, followed by a left-side warehouse—later a kitchen.

The kitchen would wait due to unpreparedness.

Beast-fat lamps already produced smoke and stench. Open flames would be disastrous.

May's spatial control could ventilate, but fixed vs. flowing burdens differed. Unnecessary strain would delay expansion, so ventilation needed separate solutions.

Wrapping up, I showed May a diagram on parchment.

Receiving clear consent, I requested expansion, and we moved left in the hall.

At my signal, faint tremors began.

Lamp flames flickered—not from quakes, but wind.

Wind blew from the right wall, flowing outward.

May was expelling subterranean air. I'd imagined the labyrinth as a hollowed boulder, but it seemed to compress loose soil for strength—like [Earth Wall].

As wind intensified, the hall's walls indented.

Sahars gasped softly; Haimes and Miranda stared intently.

May's control likely extended beyond visible ranges.

Otherwise, large spaces couldn't maintain integrity.

Thus, expansion balanced controlled areas. Conversely, replacing all ranges with high-strength stone would maximize usability.

But that'd dwarf the underground waterway project. Unrealistic, but minor support might work.

"May, must you expand alone?"

The tremors paused, followed by a question mark.

Visualizing the bedchamber's [Earth Wall], I offered help, earning eager approval.

"Stone walls from soil cost more mana. Limited to passages and partial rooms."

Acknowledging, I stood before the indentation.

Unspecified, [Earth Wall] generated three-meter-tall, two-meter-wide, twenty-centimeter-thick barriers. Adjustable, but total size was fixed.

The unfinished passage was three meters wide and tall—enough for Zilv. Adopting this standard, left/right walls would activate normally, while top/bottom would extend from existing walls. May's control could sync timing, but the passage's soil was insufficient.

Activating [Handy Soil], I gathered enough before addressing May.

"Generate side walls first, then top/bottom. I'll need soil control."

Amidst nodding assent, I used [Multi-Cast] for [Earth Wall].

Stronger tremors shook the ground as walls extended left and right with loud cracks.

Following that, ceiling and floor emerged from the walls, joining opposite sides.

Shaking my head at the mana drain, I repeated the process, completing a four-meter passage.

Though drained, I pressed on—next, a room.

Standing right of the passage, I generated walls using existing ones, but nearing mana depletion, May helped finish Miranda's room.

Thanking May, I surveyed the empty space.

Doubling the floor area from two to four stone walls, it became a large room—four meters deep, six wide. Over ten tatami mats, clearly larger than the bedchamber. Better than cramped, though.

Miranda moved a lamp, eyeing the room.

"Um… It's quite grand…?"

*"Haimes will get one later. Want partitions? I'll add them later with *[Earth Wall]."

Her expression said otherwise, but I moved on.

With May's remaining strength, I extended the hall's left side slightly, adding a small space—future kitchen, current storage.

May was still eager, but expansion visibly slowed.

Deeming this the limit, I ended the labyrinth's expansion.