Chapter 229 Bidding Farewell*
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
As the decree echoed through the chamber, the brown-skinned eyelids behind the glasses slowly closed.
Did that deepest silence come from suddenly remembering the terrible hardships he had endured to reach this lowest point? Yet, after that brief moment of stillness, the divine pressure swelled once more, roaring across several kilometers like a raging storm.
”—I grant you permission. In response to your request to me, I entrust this ‘Abyss (Hofura)’ to you. Touch the ‘dungeon core’ when your heart is set. After that, our Authorities will guide you to a new stage.” Mataaha intoned, her ancient voice booming with absolute majesty.
Once the divine aura—even more violent than before—had finally subsided into a calm, Mataaha calmly delivered her mandate.
Most likely, these echoing, formal words were a divine order handed down many times across the ages to Adventurers who reached the bottom of the Labyrinth. To think that he would receive it himself—even if he had relied heavily on outside help—was the highest possible honor for someone of his standing as a Labyrinth guide.
Therefore, even knowing the great hardship that awaited him from this point onward, he knelt on the spot without a single moment of hesitation.
No, rather, having the brief yet steady accumulations of his mortal life recognized and brought to fruition at the very end of his human existence helped soothe the terror of offering up his body to what was to come.
–As if sensing the chaotic emotions swirling within his chest, Mataaha’s divine presence softened once more.
When he lifted his bowed head, the goddess who had sealed the covenant had closed her eyes yet again. The lingering silence that followed was a silent declaration that this was their absolute final opportunity to exchange farewells with their companions.
”Guys…, are you sure? There’s no going back from here.” Yuuri asked, turning back to face them with a heavy, searching gaze.
This spot was the ultimate watershed-the point where he had to choose whether to cast away everything he currently held in his hands. Though he had already crossed over a step ahead of them, his wives could still barely manage to cling to Ai’s mercy.
For that very reason, turning away from the silent divine presence, He explicitly pressed Ashley and the others standing behind him for their final confirmation. Yet every single one of them instantly shook their heads. If anything, their expressions hardened, as if their resolve had been insulted, making him realize it would be completely foolish to try and dissuade them any further.
”It’s too late now, Yuuri. Don’t ever order me to leave your side again. …Besides, you’ll be taking Yui-san with you anyway. Do you really think I’d just let that slide?” Ashley declared firmly, her emerald eyes flashing with unyielding determination.
”That’s awful, Yuuri. What was that about when you told me to come with you earlier? You even made me cry tears of joy, so this is the time to emphasize it again!” Marina pouted, stamping her foot as she voiced her fiery protest.
”Even I, this time, cannot accept being ordered not to come. I truly am your trusted confidant, To be allowed to keep it close to my heart… If not this, what else could I be happy about?” Suzuri knelt gracefully, bowing her head in absolute, unwavering devotion.
”My role goes without saying, doesn’t it? It was actually Ai’s role, but since I’ve been chosen, I’ll do my best!” Yui chimed in, flipping her hair with a flashy, self-assured grin.
Their words were unique to each of the four, yet every single one carried the clear message that no further explanation was needed. Also, they all crowded around him at the same time, clinging to him from all sides as if to secure one final, desperate touch. The wives refused to pull away, staring up at him with firm lips, clearly waiting for their master’s command.
”I see. No, that’s right… Ashley. I will definitely hold you in my arms again. So, I don’t know how long it will take, but will you wait until then?” Yuuri He murmured softly, gently pulling her into his embrace.
”Yes. I truly believe that Yuuri can accomplish it…!” Ashley whispered back, leaning fully into his warmth.
Because of that unyielding devotion, the only path left for the man who had claimed these girls’ lives was to voice his absolute determination for their eventual reunion. First, wrapping his arms around Ashley as she stood directly in front of him, he gazed down into a face so beautiful it made his chest ache. Looking deep into those clear, emerald eyes, he swore he would never let her go, and his lovely childhood friend offered a firm, dignified nod in return.
He allowed his mana to flow directly into her body, burning her form into his memory so he would never forget a single detail, while at the same time triggering the emergency recall sequence back to the Workshop. Watching the figure he had loved continuously for over a decade begin to blur and destabilize, Ashley made one final, reaching stretch for a kiss before vanishing completely from right before his eyes.
”—Next is Marina. …I won’t say it twice. Keep nagging me forever,” Yuuri said, turning his attention to the knightly princess with a wry smile.
”Hehe. Being relied on really suits my nature, doesn’t it? ♡…Yes, I’d like to ask you to do the same. I’ll continue to dedicate this body and my suggestions to Yuuri, even to the ends of the earth, wherever the future may be.” Marina giggled softly, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
So that the space in front of him cleared, Marina, who had been clinging to his arm, smoothly slid into position. Moreover, in a rare move for the usually cautious holy knight, she had already stored her golden armor inside her sacred ark, leaving her in a tightly fitting undergarment that pressed her soft curves directly against her master to leave a lasting impression.
Naturally, he had no intention of wasting her effort. He enjoyed the body where a young girl’s softness and a warrior’s strength intertwined. existed together. At the same time, he channeled his mana into her and recorded her physical structure again. This seemed to make her highly sensitive servant-flesh throb hard. She knitted her brows in a beautiful, pained expression, but hid it by pressing her lips to his before fading fully into the void.
”Huh, that one. –Next, Suzuri, come here.” Yuuri called out, breaking the lingering silence of the chamber.
”Ha!” Suzuri responded at once, stepping forward with perfect precision.
He watched his adorable, younger companion leave, yet he could not let himself linger on the leftover feeling of their brief kiss. Shaking off his attachment to the princess strategist, who had left a very different impression than Ashley, he called forward the one girl with the fiercest loyalty.
However, despite having clung tightly to his arm just a moment before, the instant it became her turn, Suzuri stood directly before him without throwing She embraced him. She acted first as a subordinate and second as a wife. It was very much like Suzuri—a mix of deep affection and deep humility—which made him hesitate to embrace her without warning.
”Thinking about it, it sounds good to say I helped you, but it’s more accurate to say I forcibly took you away, isn’t it?” Yuuri mused, looking down at her with a gentle, questioning look.
”Obedience or death. You may feel guilty for forcing that upon you. However, in my life, the rewards I received were most generous after I followed you. Rather, for someone like me who aspires to be a blade, what I would most hate is to be abandoned. Therefore, being rescued by you is an unexpected joy.” Suzuri explained, her voice filled with profound deference.
Thus, in order to move forward, it was necessary to deliberately go through the motions of an exchange where her absolute obedience was Re-established. Tracing their history back to their initial encounter to lay bare the pangs of his own conscience, Suzuri adopted a deeply deferential stance, speaking of how incredibly blessed her circumstances had been under his care.
”As both a woman and a blade, I no longer wish for me to fall into the hands of anyone other than Yuuri. In fact, it would be presumptuous of me to even ask that you engrave this within your power so that I can always hold it in my hands,” Suzuri added, keeping her gaze lowered in ultimate submission.
”I see. If you say so, then I have no intention of letting you go. With this body and skill, continue to meet my demands,” Yuuri declared, stepping forward to close the distance between them.
So that as if Suzuri had begged for it herself, he accepted her petition and began to heavily grope and knead her breasts and backside as if to declare her his absolute property. Yet Suzuri accepted the caresses all as she was, her body trembling faintly as a thoroughly melting, ecstatic smile spread across her face.
After that, she stayed completely defenseless as he held her tight and injected his mana, claiming her fully as his own. Even while the huge amount of power filled every corner of her body, she kept her role as a loyal flesh-wife until the end.
Afterward, suppressing his lingering regrets with an iron will, he sent Suzuri back to the Workshop. Finally, he reached out toward Yui, whose body had been pressed against his back the entire time as she watched the farewells of the other wives.
This troublesome wife, who still couldn’t shake her huge goddess complex and arrogant attitude, was usually hard to pin down. However, this wicked being was deeply interested in human love and mortals showing affection, so she had been completely absorbed by the three earlier farewells.
”Aaaah! What, Yuuri-kun!? When did you…!” Yui squealed in total shock, jumping slightly as his hands found her waist.
”Well, last up is you, but you’re still up to something, aren’t you? You intended to make me give up being human and involve my wives from the start, so why would you deliberately join in? And considering what you were saying earlier about it being Ai’s role, it seems there’s something more than just the workshop, right?” Yuuri interrogated her, pulling her close with a knowing smirk.
In the first place, the only reason he had permitted Yui to accompany him was because his initial conquest strategy had stalled. At that time, he hadn’t dreamed in his wildest nightmares that acquiring the Labyrinth would involve literal fusion with a ‘dungeon core’. He had simply been blinded by her perfect beauty and great body, thinking it would be fine He kept her close and forced her into submission.
But now that the truth was laid bare, looking back logically, inserting a fragment of her own divine self into the interior of a newly born kin-entity was clearly indicative of a leash or something far greater in scope.
However, unlike the proxy Ai who had only recently gained a true sense of self, Yui was still required to function as a primary divine pillar. Forcing her to bear that role meant it couldn’t possibly be all detrimental to him. Still, asking cost nothing, and now that he had connected the dots, he felt an absolute urge to comprehend her true motives.
”Ugh, of course! You’re only becoming a god for the first time! Don’t think that a mere human like you can easily understand how to use power just because you can use tentacles a little! I… no, Ai needs to teach you step by step, so I have to let Yuuri-kun bite into my existence!” Yui sputtered defensively, her face flushing Crimson as she crossed her arms.
”Hmm… so it’s like a backdoor? Well, I don’t think Ai would do anything bad, regardless of you. So, when I gain more power, will I be able to prevent interference through this?” Yuuri questioned, shifting his gaze slightly toward the digital space.
”—As expected of you, brother, you have keen insight ♡ Yes, at first I will require your assistance, but by the time you can handle the power I give you without any problems, the advantage gained through Yui will be lost. …It’s all so that you can become a fine comrade, brother. Besides, as your wife, I will eventually use your body too ♡ You may have anxieties, but please, for the sake of us who adore you so much ♡” Ai explained calmly, her text filling the void with clear logic.
Since the rude Yui was hard to trust by nature, he asked Ai directly for the full truth. The answer did not contradict anything so far. They had changed things to make him easier to influence, but there was no reason to condemn them, since he had no way to block a serious effort from Ai under their current power gap anyway.
And what Ai’s words implied was a suggestion that even if the training wheels were removed, his strength would still be so small that it could be blown away with a single breath. That meant at this current stage, there was absolutely no reason to make a fuss over Yui’s existence.
”I see. Then, as long as you’re in that body, I’d like to try to thoroughly reduce your power so that you can’t defy me, right?” Yuuri challenged, looking down at the physical vessel of the goddess in his arms.
”Hmph, go ahead and try if you can! After all, becoming Yuuri-kun’s wife is equivalent to that! …You’d better do your best to prevent my power from going out of control! Because from now on, Skills won’t be helping the independent Yuuri-kun!” Yui scoffed, rolling eyes while throwing an aggressive, flustered pout.
I see, he thought. The words of Yui, who consistently maintained her overbearing demeanor, finally made logical sense.
Over the past two years, he had broken Yui down and made her cry out while she was sealed in her human vessel. But that power balance had only been allowed because the Familial Workshop had placed an unbreakable shackle on her. Once that system vanished, he needed a stable system between his power and the strong goddess’s energy. If not, the newborn being on his side would be in great danger. Her plan to send her own avatar as a bride was only a protective measure to stop him from destroying himself without help from his Skills.
”If you could just tone down that attitude of yours, I could respect you without a single reservation… You really are an incredibly disappointing creature.” Yuuri sighed, shaking his head at her dramatic display.
”Huh? ♡ You suspected me of nothing, and then you get disappointed the moment my name is cleared? What kind of thinking is that? ♡ You should have said something like, ‘I’ll be eternally grateful,’ or ‘I’ll love you forever—’, fuyumuuu♡♡” Yui ranted, completely caught off guard as her mouth was suddenly covered.
However, when dealing with this divine being who always got on his nerves, showing honest respect felt like admitting complete defeat. Because of that, he had tried to guide her toward a little self-improvement, but indirect phrasing failed to reach her arrogant nature. The moment he realized that, all feelings except the wish to spoil this wicked goddess faded away. He felt foolish for expecting anything else.
Then the excuse-like insults drifted completely past his consciousness, and only convenient phrases like gratitude and loving her were filtered out as he naturally moved his arm to grab the handle of her straitjacket. Even if his flight skills were sealed away—no, rather, because there was no resistance due to that-he embraced that voluptuous, beautiful body whose only merit was its sheer perfection tightly to his chest.
As he muffled the lips that were currently spouting arrogant lectures, he mercilessly poured a torrent of mana directly from his crotch tattoo (Crotch Tattoo).
”Fuguuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu ♡]” Yui whimpered, her body going soft against him.
Breathing through her nose alone was not enough. Yui thrashed wildly in his arms, desperate for air. He her held in an iron grip, pressing his gratitude and affection into her through the deep kiss. During that time, the servant-flesh activated evenly under the flowing mana, and the goddess’s resistance slowly weakened until it broke down fully.
”Mmm, mmm, mmmhh♡ Haha, …that’s mean, Yuuri-kun♡ If you do that to me, I’ll want one more round before we say goodbye♡♡” Yui panted heavily, her eyes completely glazed over as she clung to his shirt.
”Are you an idiot? I wouldn’t do something like that while the two of them are waiting. I’ll give you plenty of that when you wake up. Be patient until then.” Yuuri scolded her playfully, giving her forehead a gentle flick.
Whether they would stay conscious while his body was rebuilt after touching the ‘dungeon core’ was still a total mystery. It would likely take a very long time before he could control his new power, so he would need to learn time isolation early. That way, from Ashley and the others’ view, the change would happen in a flash.
Rather, because their minds would completely wear out if he didn’t do that for them, it was highly likely that the curriculum Ai carried out would include guidance He wanted to let him perform that part himself early on.
The single drawback was that he wouldn’t be able to enjoy his wives’ bodies for a long time, and while thinking about that alone was depressing, he had already steeled his resolve.
As he shifted his mindset accordingly, looking at Yui, who was stretching her arms out for at least a few more kisses, he suddenly felt an urge to be mischievous. Catching the exact moment that wicked creature opened her mouth to complain, having sensitively picked up on his malice, he sent her back to the Workshop via emergency recall just like that.
”Sorry to keep you waiting, Mataaha-sama,” Yuuri announced, stepping back into the center of the grand chamber.
”Hmm, you’re getting quite good at handling that thing. That was the biggest headache of my boredom up until now, but knowing that I can entrust it to you from now on is incredibly reassuring.” Mataaha observed, nodding her head with old, formal Approval.
”Perhaps not being intimidated by us is the most desirable quality for a fellow human being,” Ai added softly, her presence radiating a calm, welcoming warmth.
One person and two divine pillars—excluding them, the only thing moving in this space was the single ‘dungeon core’ that repeated its irregular transformations. Having completed his brief farewells with his wives, when he faced the goddesses once more, everyone’s gaze naturally shifted toward it.
”Then, I’ll see you later,” Yuuri said simply, offering a final nod.
”Yes. Let me offer my congratulations on the birth of a new god,” Mataaha replied, her voice echoing with grand dignity.
”Brother, I’ll be there soon,” Ai promised, her tone filled with quiet anticipation.
Now that he had already brought complete closure to every corner of his heart, the terror regarding the end of his human body felt all very small. Cutting the conversation short early since there was nothing left to say, he stood before the writhing the ‘dungeon core’.
And without a shred of hesitation, he held his hand over the spinning surface, thrusting it forcefully forward.
Notes:
• Mataaha – A labyrinth goddess with dark skin, silver eyes, and long black hair, she hovers majestically in deep blue vestments. She governs the Royal Capital Labyrinth with an old-fashioned, stern presence and a deep, authoritative voice. Possessing transcendent power, she is cold to intruders and intensely solitary, sharing an easy familiarity only with Yui and Ai.
• Yuuri – A pragmatic, blunt, and arrogant commoner who conquered the Labyrinth, this master distribution strategist leads the Familial Workshop, hiding grotesque tentacle powers beneath a “Skillless” facade. A dominating provider for his wives, Yui and Suzuri, he is a human kneeling before goddesses, plagued by a crumbling sense of self as he faces the ultimate choice to ascend to godhood.
• Ai – A graceful sub-divinity who manages the world’s Skills, this goddess radiates a blinding, magnificent aura. Serving as a powerful, party-connected energy source, she stands as a steadfast ally to Yuuri. Viewing him as her “Elder Brother,” she harbors deep trust and genuine affection for him, forged through his exceptional mastery and efficiency in utilizing her divine power.
• Ashley – Daughter of Count Alegria and Yuuri’s beloved childhood friend, this poised, dignified noblewoman once adventured in the Capital Labyrinth. Now the head of the servants and a loyal attendant in Yuuri’s party, she stands by his side during the audience with Mataaha. Gracious, deeply smitten, and devoted, she secretly admires her master, seeks to be his dressing aide, and forms deep bonds with others.
• Yui – Once a wicked goddess and now Yuuri’s servant-bride, this silver-haired beauty boasts a flawless, voluptuous physique, long spilling hair, iridescent eyes, and a signature red-black crotch tattoo pulsing with light. Prone to laziness and tentacle-fondness, the hyper-energetic companion exhibits a sugary, yandere-like devotion to Yuuri. She currently lies unconscious in restrictive livery.
• Marina – First Princess of Restea and leader of the Marina-dono faction, this priestess princess clad in golden armor possesses gem-like golden eyes and a sharp, analytical wit. Serving a free-spirited goddess as part of Yuuri’s party, she deeply values her position as his number two. Despite her refined high-society background, she nervously yet capably manages the treacherous depths of the Labyrinth.
• Suzuri – A tall, statuesque, pale-skinned shinobi with ink-black hair, this nameless scout survived 80 years of Labyrinth petrification. Revived by expanding the consciousness of her leader, Yuuri, she serves as his deeply respectful, fiercely devoted herald and informant. She addresses her master with profound reverence, holding absolute trust in his strength, his path, and her comrades.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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