Well, this was definitely worth the wait.
Asterion continues to be such a conflicted, compelling character. I loved it when he loosened up and joked around with MC, despite him being pestered to no end by a *particular* guest. I hope we have many more opportunities to make him happy in the future. He seems so confused by the idea that MC would put his happiness above his own, truly adora-bull. The development of their relationship grows in a very romantic yet organic way, from just trying to make him laugh to physical, almost intimate contact by them just holding each other's hands. And the hugs at the end, dear god my heart. I love seeing his confidence grow. I want to keep him far. FAR away from that valley.
Speaking of the valley, I loved the narration in it in particular. The valley bending to the Master's will is compelling. Argos too was especially intriguing, his reaction to being tricked was both satisfying and surprising. I definitely like him more as a character now. The same can be said for Luke and (I'm assuming, need to do the other route) Kota. I'm glad Asterion and other characters get that interaction time without MC being present. It adds dimension to his character, rather than him just being an extension to MC.
The R&D and Exploration mechanics were interesting, definitively have to run through it a few times to get all the texts. I am especially curious about the ones that detail Asterion's life, is there any way to target them in particular? On a side note, I chose to use Hades' shrine, as he seemed to be the one that was the most merciful to Asterion out of the lot of them. I want to know more about the ancient shrine in the valley though, the one Argos thinks that Asterion built.
And I really can't talk about the update without mentioning *her*. I will not speak her cursed name, but you know of whom I speak. Honestly I did enjoy her character, she was brilliantly written as the typical full-on overbearing... person. Very, very fun character, as was Ismael. Such a fuckin weeb.
I heard as well that you implemented the VIP room music, and Asterion's hum was the Seikilos epitaph again! I love that piece of music.
I'm sorry I haven't been able to give much constructive criticism, I'm just completely enamoured with this update and Asterion as a character. I love this world you've made and all the characters in it. I can't wait for more!
Also, got Great Bronze Peacock as ranking in the end, what are the other rankings available?