"Blackie, you seem to be in a great mood!"
"Stop messing with me, Naohara. I don't even dare move right now."
In the first-floor corridor, Naohara and Momonga walked side by side in front, while Sebas followed behind along with Solution, who had rushed over the moment she received the order.
As for Herohero, he was held in Solution's arms, looking utterly dead inside. His body had melted into a limp puddle, spread across her ample chest.
Solution's affectionate, lovestruck gaze filled Herohero with despair. Whether before or after being transported here, he'd always been a virgin. There was no way he could handle being stared at like that. The slime didn't dare move an inch.
"Just enjoy it. I won't hold what happened earlier against you. Just remember to treat me to a meal next time."
Naohara, seeing Herohero plastered against Solution's chest, teased him through Message.
Herohero looked unwilling on the surface, but Naohara was convinced he was enjoying it deep down. After all, when Solution picked him up earlier, he hadn't said a word. He hadn't even tried to resist, just let himself be carried without complaint.
If that wasn't suspicious, Naohara would eat his own words.
He'd seen enough of that "acting tough while secretly loving it" routine.
"…"
Herohero didn't feel like responding. Right now, he didn't want to do anything. He just wanted to lie there like a salted fish.
Naohara could think whatever he wanted. Like Naohara said, he actually was enjoying it, to the point where it was making him sleepy.
The group continued down the passageway. Seeing how drowsy Herohero was, Naohara stopped bothering him and instead started casually chatting with Momonga beside him.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The corridor wasn't long, and before long, they reached the exit.
The moment they stepped outside, they saw four figures quickly approaching from the distance.
It was Demiurge and his three subordinates.
"Greed, Wrath, Envy."
All three demons were NPCs above level 80, the strongest among Demiurge's servants.
"We humbly welcome the arrival of the Three Supreme Beings. It is our greatest honor."
The three demons immediately dropped to one knee the moment they saw Momonga and the others, their voices trembling with excitement.
To them, the Supreme Beings were exalted existences they almost never had the chance to see. Normally, they could only hear about them through Demiurge, the Floor Guardian. Being able to meet them in person today was beyond anything they could have hoped for.
"Demiurge greets you, my… three lords. May I ask what brings you here?"
Demiurge knelt as well, his tone carrying a hint of confusion.
However, when his eyes landed on the slime in Solution's arms, he froze for a moment. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he shifted his gaze toward Sebas, giving him a look that clearly said, well done.
Sebas did not respond.
In truth, his original plan hadn't even been carried out yet. This outcome was completely accidental.
"Demiurge, we're just taking a look around. There's no need to mind us."
Momonga waved casually as he spoke, then gave a slight nod to the three demons kneeling nearby in acknowledgment.
"I see. As expected of the Supreme Beings, so thoughtful and far-sighted. I understand."
Demiurge immediately put on an enlightened expression, gazing at the three of them with admiration.
Momonga: ??? (Understand what? Did I say something strange?)
Naohara: ??? (He understood that? Seriously?!)
Herohero: ??? (Huh? What just happened? Why is he looking at us like that? Did I miss something?)
"Ahem. Very good, Demiurge. Even I have to praise your wisdom."
Seeing Momonga momentarily freeze, Naohara stepped forward and spoke smoothly.
He had no idea what Demiurge thought he had understood, but that didn't matter. As long as he looked like he did, everything would be fine.
"Thank you for your praise. I am still far from the wisdom of the Supreme Beings. I merely glimpsed the tip of the iceberg by chance."
Demiurge spoke modestly, though the tail swaying behind him made it clear he was in an excellent mood.
"Very well. You may withdraw. Momonga, Herohero, and I have other matters to attend to."
Naohara gave a small nod, indicating they could return to their duties.
"May I be so bold as to request permission to accompany you? If you would allow this selfish wish, I would be eternally grateful."
Instead of leaving, Demiurge remained kneeling, his posture unchanged as he made the request.
His eyes stayed fixed on the ground. For him, this was an extremely bold act. To ask the Supreme Beings to grant his personal wish was something he once wouldn't have even dared to imagine.
But the thought that the three of them might leave Nazarick pushed him to speak.
Even though Sebas and Solution were already at their side, Demiurge could not feel at ease. He dared not gamble. He feared they might one day abandon Nazarick, just as his own creator had, and disappear forever.
"Very well. I permit you to accompany us."
"Thank you, Naohara-sama, for indulging my selfish request. I am deeply grateful."
The moment he received approval, Demiurge felt the tension in his chest ease. He lifted his head, looking at Naohara with sincere gratitude.
"Alright, Momonga, let's go."
"Ah? …Right."
Naohara discreetly patted Momonga twice, snapping him out of his thoughts.
Startled, Momonga responded instinctively before quickly regaining his composure.
He still hadn't figured out what exactly Demiurge had "understood," but seeing how confidently Naohara handled it, he assumed Naohara must know. He decided he would ask about it privately later and let it go for now.
Meanwhile, Herohero watched the entire exchange with a face full of question marks.
After a few seconds, he gave up trying to think it through and flopped back down onto Solution's chest.
"Forget it. I'll leave the thinking to Naohara and Momonga. I'm going back to sleep. Honestly… this is ridiculously comfortable. As expected of an NPC I created."
Herohero lazily shifted into a more comfortable position and quickly drifted off again.
Solution, still holding him, revealed a faintly strange smile. She gazed at Herohero sleeping against her chest with deep affection.
"This time, I won't let you leave again, Herohero-sama. We will stay together forever."