"Congratulations! Since you've survived in this alternate world for two months, we're awarding you one point as the 'Two Months Survived Prize'!"

It was during a fourth-layer expedition, accompanied by a guild member conducting the Gold Rank (Gnome) Explorer assessment.

A sudden system message from the deity.

There had been one at the one-month mark, but not expecting another at the two-month mark.

In fact, I hadn’t been paying much attention to how many days had passed since arriving in this world, so it came as a complete surprise—had it happened during combat, it could have been dangerous.

"One point will come in handy. Does this mean we get one every month?"

Jeanne murmured, her voice lowered.

"Who knows. I can't fathom the mind of the gods... Anyway, a month here is longer than on Earth, so at this pace, I might even get one every month."

I'm not sure if a month here is determined by the moon's phases or if it's counted differently in this world, but apparently a month is about 45 days, and eight of those make up a year.

I didn't know that until I checked the guild's calendar.

Of course, there might be other regions, like Meltya, where a month is counted differently. I have no idea how much information is shared across regions.

"It's already been 90 days since I arrived in this world..."

I mutter to myself.

I haven't forgotten about Earth entirely, but I no longer find myself confused about where I am when I wake up in the morning.

There’s nothing odd about today being the beginning of this world.

That’s how long it is. Ninety days.

"Three months on Earth... … The message unlock is in another ten days."

When Jeanne mentioned that, I jolted.

The message freeze period is fifty days.

If ten days remain, that means forty days have already passed since then.

"Two Giant Clubs, meow. Watch out—there are two Lizardmen behind them, meow."

　

While Jeanne and I whispered together, Grapefruit, who had been sent out as a scout, returned.

The four guild staff members assigned to inspection—true veterans of the old exploration days—were ready to fight even on the fourth floor, watching over our expedition from behind.

"Hikaru, let’s go!"

"Yeah. Then, as usual."

Whether it's a giant club, a lizardman, or a lamia, facing two of them isn't a problem at all.

One can be handled by Jeanne, and the other two of us—me and Reflia—can take care of the second.

Among the four layers, only Sahagin and lamia appear in three or more, but lamias don't come out unless you reach their nest, and even if there are multiple Sahagins, Reflia can eliminate them all in an instant.

Given this situation, I decided to get through this assessment without using any spells other than Shadow Bind and Summon Knight Bug.

Although dark spirit magic isn't forbidden, and there's no need to hide it, I'm still the beloved one, so it's better to stay unnoticed if possible.

Shadow Bind is convenient but a basic technique, and Summon Knight Bug is necessary for dealing with slimes. I actually wanted to use Dark Sense too, but that's an intermediate-level skill. I was planning to use it only if finding slimes proved difficult, but since Grapefloo can locate slimes almost effortlessly now, I didn't need to use it at all.

The Sahagin that burst out from the water also became manageable with experience, so that wasn't an issue either.

To the assessors, I must have appeared quite unremarkable and low-key.

I circled around the fourth floor without any problems, and the assessment concluded smoothly.

I thought I'd have to return to the guild first after exiting the dungeon, but I was told I'd receive a pass/fail decision immediately.

A short distance away from the dungeon plaza, four assessors began discussing something.

"Could this possibly result in a failure?"

I don't think there's such a thing as "ordinary." It's just an appraisal to see whether the Scylla Stone was obtained through one's own effort or through cheating. If you can clear the fourth layer normally, that should be considered passing.

"Leia, is there really anyone who'd go through the trouble of cheating just to raise their rank? That stone alone is worth one gold coin on the guild market, and you could sell it for over three coins on the black market. Plus, the source would be investigated, so the seller would also take risks."

"Well, that's true, but before official on-site appraisals by guild members began, it was quite common. It was partly about showing off for the wealthy, but the real reason is that gold rank comes with many privileges. The treatment is completely different from silver rank and above."

In short, gold rank and above are so exceptional that suspicion of cheating is warranted.

In reality, several privileges are granted starting from the Gold rank (Gnome) down to Silver.

Rather, from Gold onward, individuals are clearly regarded as "upper-tier explorers."

According to the guild staff who explained each one individually—

・Automatic qualification for the Meltya Cathedral Knight Exam.

Naturally, this applies only if one chooses to take the exam. For now, we have no intention of becoming Cathedral Knights, but it's certainly a welcome benefit.

・While residing in Meltya (as long as the labyrinth remains), one can receive a pension.

In return, one may be occasionally requested to guide younger explorers, and during times of rising demon activity or excessive demonic infestation, to hunt monsters in the fourth layer.

It's possible to refuse, but it depends on one's contribution. Apparently, if you don't work, the guild will pressure you in various ways.

When actively working as a gold-rank explorer, this obligation is completely waived.

The appraisal value for spirit stones increases, but you'll be denied purchases of spirit stones from floors above the second. Generally, floors above the second are reserved for silver-rank explorers or lower.

Incidentally, once you reach the rank of Magic-Blade Silver (Ondine), you'll also be denied purchases from the third floor.

Acquisition of Meltya Level 2 citizenship.

Having citizenship serves as proof of non-criminal status, and if you're a gold-rank explorer, it also proves your strength, resulting in various privileges during sea voyages or shared stagecoach rides. On the other hand, you'll be expected to fight if monsters or mountain bandits appear.

There are various other benefits as well—like being able to buy houses and land.

・You'll be able to purchase spirit stones at a significantly lower price.

This will be quietly helpful. While I already obtain chaotic spirit stones myself, I can now keep reserve supplies of spirit stones from monsters in the fifth or sixth layers—chaos and darkness types—to use as a trump card when needed.

　

・You'll be able to buy treasures from Lilimūfu.

Although Lilimūfu's treasures appear as unique items found by individual players, that doesn't mean others can't use them. Even my gauntlets, for example, can be equipped by anyone who fits the size.

Whether because of this or simply due to their high value, quite a few of these treasures are reportedly being sold on the market.

Since purchases are conducted through auctions, if we end up competing against a party of magic silver grade (Onydra) or higher who have the funds, we'll likely lose outright. But just look at my gauntlet—it's definitely a highly useful item. The other treasures are sure to be just as valuable.

Auctions are held on the first of every month.

Through the guild, you'll be able to place orders for items.

This becomes available starting from silver grade (Silvestor) and above. It seems this also connects us with magic item artisans. We don't currently possess any magic gear, so this perk is certainly worth noting.

—There are other minor benefits as well, such as better treatment at various places when holding a gold grade tag, or enhanced social credibility, but these are the main ones.

When one reaches the rank of Magical Silver Grade, they gain the status of a first-class citizen, allowing audiences with the lord, effectively granting knight-like privileges—though paradoxically, this restricts freedom and makes leaving the city more difficult.

Since we've already decided not to leave the city anymore, this no longer matters anyway.

"Huh, it seems to be over."

About ten minutes later, the guild members approached us.

"First of all, thank you all for your hard work. The evaluation for the Meltya Great Labyrinth Gold Grade Explorer has concluded. We will now announce the results. First, Refleia Ashbord."

"Yes."

"You have passed. You've already demonstrated outstanding contributions as a Silver Grade (Silvestor), and your rank, combat skill, and overall performance are more than sufficient. Your battle style truly lives up to your nickname, 'The Radiant.' You are without a doubt worthy of the Gold Grade (Gnome) title."

"Thank you."

Huh? So there's individual pass/fail for

each person? I thought it would be judged as a group—this is unexpected. Honestly, they should've

explained that properly. That means I could be the only one

failing. "Next, Jeanne Collet. Passed. She's

advancing directly from Ebony Level (Dryad) and, in terms of achievements, she's the lowest among the three, so I was concerned. However, her performance as a frontliner is outstanding, and her combat skill and rank are sufficient to defeat a Lizardman solo. She's clearly qualified as a Gold Rank

." Jeanne naturally passed. So far,

everything's been straightforward. During this evaluation, Reflair and Jeanne took down nearly all the monsters. As

for me, I only defeated a few slimes with magic—otherwise, I haven't contributed much

. I might be the one who fails...

"Lastly, Cross Hyakurou. You're approved."

The examiner said it so casually, it left the audience stunned.

"I-I'm approved?"

"Of course. There was also the matter of your role in defeating the Demon King, which even sparked discussion among us. We were truly surprised by what you've shown us today. Your ability as a mage to support the front line while managing the entire battle, mastering the rare dark spirit magic of Meltya, stepping into combat when necessary, and making flawless decisions exactly when needed—such people are rare even among Gold-rank parties. You can focus intently on the immediate battle—there are many who excel at one-on-one combat. But those who maintain a broad perspective and can control the battlefield? They're truly few and far between. Naturally, Cross, you're fully worthy of Gold-rank status."

Overwhelmed by the unexpected praise, I felt my face grow hot.

Even though I haven't really done anything special, apparently my actions are being highly rated from the guild members' perspective.

It's genuinely heartwarming to know that what I can do is appreciated.

"You did it, Hikaru! Now we're Gold rank! Even in Meltya, Gold is a rare handful, so we won't be looked down on by the guild like we used to!"

"So we're actually above that old guy now, huh…"

"That's right! I never thought I'd reach Gold level just a short while ago. All thanks to you, Hikaru."

"That's true—thanks to Kuro. Kuro's amazing! Kuro's the best!"

"Cut it out!"

The guild members cheer me on warmly, making me feel utterly uncomfortable.

The real stars are Refleia and Jeanne. Even without me, the two of them could easily reach Gold rank on their own.

"Anyway, that wraps up our exploration in Meltya. As long as Crow and Layla are okay with it."

"Of course I don't mind. So what now? Are we leaving right away?"

"No, we might as well travel, so we'll get transportation first. How do people usually handle long journeys here?"

"Horses, probably. Do both of you have riding experience?"

To be honest, I do.

My older sister, Serika, insisted that 'you can't even talk about anything if you can't ride a horse,' and made me and Nanami take riding lessons together for a while.

I was just tagging along, but I actually found horseback riding enjoyable and picked it up pretty quickly. Nanami, who loves animals, was happy about it back then...

Well, normally I'm the one dragged into far more troublesome things.

Anyway, riding should probably be fine for me.""I'm a former recluse, so..."

Jeanne said she had no experience. Well, most people wouldn't have riding experience anyway.

"Then we'll just practice! Of course, you could always ride behind me, but that would wear the horse out faster and make you tired too."

"Then it's settled—we'll practice riding before we set off. Jeanne's got good coordination, so she'll pick it up quickly. I'll practice too; it's a good opportunity for both of us."

The goal we'd set before departure—achieving the Gold rank—had already been accomplished.

All that's left is to train with the horse before we leave.

The second wave of transmigrants hasn't made contact with us yet, but will they eventually? There's that fear.

Plus, the message system will be back online in just ten days.

Once that happens, everything about us will be completely exposed.

If we set out on a journey to Gran Arismalis, by the time we arrive, the lives of the second group should have settled down, and our viewer count will likely have decreased.

It's not hard to feel like we're merely postponing the problem, but conversely, if we can delay it, that alone makes it worthwhile.

I don't have any "future" worth protecting, after all.

◇◆◆◆◇

"Kuro. You've noticed, haven't you..."

"Yeah... It's getting closer... Definitely..."

The next day, we immediately set off to begin horseback riding practice, having rented horses and headed out to the outskirts.

The meaning behind Jeanne's serious expression.

I understood immediately.

A single point appearing on the high-performance world map.

It was a dot indicating a pitiful second-wave transmigrant who had ended up in the dangerous zone known as the Abyss.

It would die immediately, and the dot would vanish.

Pitiful, but there was nothing we could do—this is what we thought.

Yet that person… or perhaps a woman, though it was hard to tell—had survived.

Beyond our expectations, they had overcome the wall said to exist within the Abyss, slowly, gradually drawing nearer to this city of Meltya.

Their destination was undoubtedly this town.

Though we couldn’t tell what kind of person they were, we could sense a dangerous aura.

"Even if it’s not certain they’ll come to this town… we should leave before they arrive,"

I agreed with Jeanne.

If they’re an ally, they’d be a great help—but second-wave transmigrants are beings to be wary of.

It's best to avoid contact if possible.