Condolences

On the ground, the soil seemed to be imbued with life, constantly shifting and changing.

This transformation caused the trio of Naiyuan, who were on their way back to Nazarick, to come to a halt.

"If I recall correctly, this magic is Earth Surge."

Naiyuan observed for a moment before speaking to the other two.

"Earth Surge? But isn't the range of this spell a bit too large? The power has already exceeded its original capabilities."

Herohero said, sounding somewhat surprised.

"It must have been enhanced using specialized job skills."

Momonga saw the issue at a glance and explained it to Herohero.

"Looking at it like this, the one who cast it must be Mare. After all, he is the only one capable of unleashing an Earth Surge of this magnitude."

Naiyuan looked at the two with a confident expression, striking a pose as if to show off, practically saying:

See that? Isn't it impressive? As expected of my child.

That smug look made Momonga and Herohero feel quite annoyed. If it weren't for the fact that Demiurge and Sebas were standing nearby, making it inconvenient to act, they would have wanted to walk up and punch him.

"My lords, what are your next plans?"

Completely unaware that he had just prevented a battle between Supreme Beings, Demiurge stepped forward to ask.

"We're going to check on Mare."

Naiyuan replied, and Momonga and Herohero, standing beside him, nodded in agreement.

For them now, they could do whatever they wanted; they were entirely free to follow their whims.

The five of them then changed direction and flew toward the ground below.

On the ground, the group's unmasked flight allowed Mare to immediately spot their figures.

Seeing the three Supreme Beings flying toward him, Mare immediately ceased his magic, bowed, and spoke with a hint of nervousness.

"Um, welcome, Father, and the two Supreme Beings."

His somewhat timid voice reached their ears. Naiyuan looked at the Mare before him and nodded with satisfaction.

"Good work, Mare. The effect of the magic is excellent. The concealment of Nazarick depends on you."

Naiyuan approached him to offer praise, one hand stroking the hair on top of his head.

Whether it was because of his past life in the Head-Patting Village or because of the transmigration, he had grown fond of patting others on the head; it gave him a sense of satisfaction.

And since the person being patted on the head didn't object, but rather enjoyed it, why shouldn't he do it? This way, everyone was happy.

"Uu, this is my duty as a Floor Guardian. Thank you for your concern, Father."

Mare said in a happy tone while enjoying the sensation on top of his head.

For the Floor Guardians, nothing made them happier than the concern of a Supreme Being, especially when that person was their own creator.

Momonga and Herohero, standing to the side, were somewhat moved. They also had NPCs, but they had never treated them like this.

The loving and heartwarming atmosphere before their eyes made them fall into a reverie.

Herohero was fine; at least he had met Solution, and it seemed the relationship between the two was quite good.

But Momonga had not visited the NPCs he created since he transmigrated. Seeing this scene now, he couldn't help but form a new idea.

Perhaps I should go see Pandora as well.

Momonga thought to himself. Previously, because he considered the other party to be his dark history, Momonga hadn't really wanted to see him. But now, thinking about it, the fact that the other party turned out that way was entirely due to the settings he had created back then.

As a creator, although he couldn't treat him the way Naiyuan did, showing some concern was still necessary. After all, he was his child too.

"Since you've completed the mission, as your father, I must give my child an appropriate reward."

Naiyuan did not know that Momonga had seen his interaction with Mare and consequently formed the idea of visiting Pandora; instead, he was thinking about what gift to give Mare.

"I suppose I'll give you this. Mare, one for you and one for Aura. Remember to give it to your sister later."

Naiyuan thought for a moment and finally decided to give them rings.

Although Mare was a Floor Guardian, since teleportation was prohibited within Nazarick, one could only reach other places by walking. Therefore, Naiyuan decided to give him two rings.

"This... these are rings exclusive to the Supreme Beings. How could I, a Floor Guardian, wear them!"

Mare looked at the rings in the other's hand with a heart full of longing, but he immediately regained his senses and replied with a look of panic.

"It's fine. And I don't think Momonga and Herohero have any objections, right?"

"Since it's Naiyuan's decision, I have no objections."

"I don't have any issues either."

Hearing Naiyuan's inquiry, Momonga and Herohero nodded in response.

As his close friends, they completely supported Naiyuan's idea. After all, they were just a few rings; even if he gave away a divine-class item to everyone, they wouldn't care, as long as he was happy.

Demiurge, standing to the side, looked at the rings in the other's hand with longing, but there was no envy or resentment in his heart.

As the child of a Supreme Being, it was only natural for him to receive the rings.

Demiurge spoke to himself, secretly resolving to work hard to complete the plans of the Supreme Beings. Perhaps, in doing so, he might also have a chance to obtain it.

Not noticing Demiurge, who had inexplicably become fired up, Naiyuan continued.

"And as my children, you and your sister Aura can go visit the Eighth Floor more often."

"Go find Sephis, your older brother, and play with him. I think he will be very happy to see you both."

"Don't let his cold and unapproachable demeanor fool you; when it comes to family, he values them above all else."

Naiyuan chuckled as he looked at Mare. As the creator of Sephis, he was the one who understood him best.

Back then, he had created him while harboring a deep longing for family, and under that emotion, he had added one core directive to his settings.

"Family is the most important existence."

"Any existence that threatens or harms family must be eliminated."

Recalling these two commands, Naiyuan knew that he would surely be a good older brother.

"Brother Sephis?"

"I understand, Father. Then I will accept them."

Hearing this, Mare did not continue to decline. After all, Father had already spoken to this extent, and the other two Supreme Beings had also agreed.

Looking at the two rings in his palm, Mare revealed a pure smile. This was the first time he had received a gift from Father.

"If you like them, keep them safe. It wouldn't be good if you lost them."

Watching as the boy carefully put the rings away, Naiyuan gently cautioned him.

"Yes, Father. I will protect them with my life."

"Ow, that hurts!"

Mare's expression shifted from his usual demeanor, and he spoke with a face full of determination.

But as soon as he finished, he was met with a heavy fist knocking against the top of his head.

Feeling the pain radiating from his head, Mare covered it with both hands and let out a cry.

"Don't protect such trivial things with your life. In my eyes, even a hundred rings aren't as important as a single strand of your hair."

Naiyuan looked at Mare and said sternly, though he felt a bit speechless inside.

The Floor Guardians were great in every way, but they were far too stubborn in certain aspects.

If he didn't make it clear, in a future life-or-death battle against an enemy, the boy might actually risk his life to protect a ring.

"Understood, Father."

Mare replied in a soft voice, though he felt a surge of joy in his heart.

Is this warm feeling what Brother Sephis described as the feeling of family?

I must do my best to repay Father's love.

Seeing his reaction, Naiyuan nodded in satisfaction.

"Keep up the good work, Mare. We'll be heading out now."

"Understood. Take care, Father."