C118, 119, 120
Chapter 118: Dark Cloud (2)
A level 5 monster, the troll.
He may be the poster child of regeneration, but even this guy dies if his heart or head explodes.
But I invested all of the team's strength into severing the guy's 'arm'.
And finally...
[Graaagh-!!]
...we sealed one of the bastard's arms, rendering him helpless.
In other words, we created an environment where Misha can deal damage without any risk.
Tadat.
Misha, who had been keeping her distance and focusing on dodging the troll's long arms, finally leaped.
And landing on my shoulder—
Thump!
—she plunged both swords into his eyeballs simultaneously.
No matter how high the physical resistance, there are always weak points.
[Graaagh-!!!]
The troll's struggle intensified as the swords, enchanted with acidic blood, pierced its vulnerable eyes.
Damn it, what kind of strength is this…?
"Bjo, Bjorn?"
"Don't worry about here, just keep stabbing!"
I shouted, squeezing the troll's arm with my thighs with all my might. Misha, knowing that this wasn't the time to relax, focused on stabbing instead of answering.
The first variable occurred here.
Thump, thump, thump-
As Misha repeatedly stabbed the swords into his eye sockets...
Clang! Clack!
...a scraping sound was heard.
Up to this point, it was as expected.
Even humans have bones behind their eyeballs.
However...
"...Bjo, Bjorn? It's too hard, I can't get it in!"
The problem was the strength of the bones.
Even if it were his thick arm bones, I thought she would be able to break them and pierce his brain quickly...
Right, he won't die easily.
"Keep going."
"Got it!"
Misha then gripped 'Viper's Fang' in a reverse grip and continued to strike the eye sockets.
That's when the second variable occurred.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
As time passed, the troll started to rampage.
Having lost his sight, he gave up trying to shake me off and charged towards one spot using his only remaining free limbs, his legs.
The problem was...
"Dwarkey! He's aiming for Dwarkey."
Somehow, the eyeless troll bastard was running precisely towards where Dwarkey was.
[Graaagh!!]
Rotmiller hugged Dwarkey and dodged left and right, but the troll pursued them relentlessly as if he could see.
"Mana! He's definitely sensing mana!"
Even I didn't know about this phenomenon.
Is he really instinctively sensing and following mana, as the dwarf said?
'Damn it.'
Whatever the reason...
Just when we thought it was a done deal, the situation suddenly took a turn for the worse.
Less than 10 seconds after the situation erupted, Dwarkey and Rotmiller were cornered.
It was inevitable.
If Misha were there, it might have been different...
...but Rotmiller's physical stats weren't high enough to carry someone and escape from a 5th-grade monster.
[Graaagh—!!!]
The troll then charged towards them, cornered. The dwarf tried to stop him somehow, but it was useless.
Kwaaang!
The dwarf was sent flying like a soccer ball and crashed into the wall from the troll's kick. It seems like his [Counterweight] was deactivated because his MP ran out...
Damn it, at a time like this.
"Bjo, Bjorn?"
"Ah, got it!"
Still, Rotmiller managed to escape the corner using the momentary gap created by the dwarf.
Of course, it was just buying a little time.
About 3 seconds?
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Rotmiller, who was running towards the opposite side, was caught by the troll and rolled on the ground to avoid his kicks.
I can't see their situation from my position anymore.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The troll stomps down.
"Hi, eek...!"
Although I don't hear the sound of someone getting trampled, since he's rolling around diligently...
If we leave the troll alone for a bit longer, someone will definitely die.
Dwarkey, Rotmiller…
…or maybe even both.
Thud!
It’s a crossroads of choices.
Misha is focused on stabbing with her swords and is completely unaware of the situation below.
All decisions are up to me.
Thud!
If I let go of his arm and go down, I might be able to save Dwarkey or Rotmiller.
But ultimately, that choice will lead to a total party kill.
If I let go, the troll will attack Misha with its free arm…
…and we won’t get another chance.
‘Damn it.’
I close my eyes tightly.
And I can’t help but think…
…that this was bound to happen someday.
Thud!
[Dungeon and Stone] is not a game that pursues adventures filled with dreams and hopes.
As the game progresses, the deaths of companions become inevitable, and the adventure continues as long as the main character survives.
Yes, that’s the kind of game it was.
This goddamn game—
Kwagic!
That’s when I hear a crushing sound from below.
It’s the sound of flesh and bone being mangled, a sound I’ve heard countless times since waking up in this place.
Misha, sensing something strange, stops stabbing.
Of course, it’s only for a brief moment.
“Keep going!!!”
Misha resumes stabbing at my shout.
Clang, clang, clang!
I grit my teeth and put all my strength into restraining the troll’s remaining arm.
That’s when…
Thwack!
…Dwarkey, who was kicked away by the troll, comes into view. His body is bent at an unnatural angle, as if his spine is broken.
With this, I realize one thing.
Although it wasn’t information I wanted to know…
Then the sound I heard earlier must have been Rotmiller’s body.
“……Heup!”
Did Misha see Dwarkey, who had risen to our eye level?
She flinches for a moment and then starts swinging her swords with an expression that seems like she’s about to cry.
“Die! Die! Die! You monster! Die!!!”
Although we had to just watch our companions suffer for the sake of survival, the situation took a turn for the worse.
With Dwarkey down, the curses were lifted.
The arm is rapidly regenerating due to the [Ultra Regeneration] effect.
「Misha Kaltstein has cast [Ice Crush].」
「Misha Kaltstein has cast [Ice Crush].」
「Misha Kaltstein has cast [Ice Crush].」
As if knowing that time is running out, Misha swings her swords down with all her might. And as those seemingly eternal seconds pass…
Clang! Clang, clang… Kwagic!
…a refreshing sound of impact is heard, and the troll’s body that I was holding onto disappears.
「Killed Troll. EXP +5」
The troll’s body, which has reached death, turns into light and disappears, and Misha and I fall to the ground.
Normally, I would have regained my balance in mid-air and landed on my feet, but neither of us have the energy for that.
Thud!
As I lie sprawled on the ground, staring blankly at the ceiling, a fist-sized magic stone falls next to my head.
Thud. Roll-
That’s all the loot there is.
There’s no dramatic essence drop.
I’m reminded once again that this moment is reality.
Right, it’s not a dream.
Neither is the choice I just made.
Nor the sight of Dwarkey flying away in a mangled state due to that choice…
“Rotmiller! Dwarkey!”
I force my body up, pushing aside my desire to rest. Misha is already running to take care of our fallen companions.
“Rotmiller! Come to your senses!!!”
“Do, don’t shake me…”
“So, sorry!”
Surprisingly, Rotmiller is alive.
One of his legs is not just broken, but completely crushed, but it’s not a fatal injury.
The heavens helped, literally.
If his head or upper body had been crushed, that would have been the end.
“Before me… Dw, Dwarkey first…”
“Ah, got it!!”
While Misha rushes towards Dwarkey, I check Rotmiller’s leg injury, which has been left unattended.
“What happened to Dwarkey?”
“Don’t worry, he’s alive thanks to you. So how about you worry about yourself now?”
“That’s… true. Huhuhu.”
“It’s going to be quite painful.”
“I kno… ugh! Keueueuek!!”
Rotmiller groans and faints after being ‘potion-ed’, and that’s the end of the immediate measures we can take.
It seems like it’s the same for Misha.
“Bjorn…”
Misha looks at me with an expression that seems to seek confirmation.
I chuckle and answer,
“Yeah, they’re all alive.”
“That’s… a relief… truly…”
Misha slumps down, her body losing strength.
It seems like she only realizes it now after hearing my answer.
But I still don’t feel it.
‘I can’t believe… no one actually died.’
It’s not that I wished for them to die.
No, I’m more than happy that they all survived.
However, it’s hard to be completely happy because there are too many unsettling aspects.
After all…
…we didn’t overcome this crisis because I did well.
Because I made a good plan beforehand.
Or because I responded well when a variable appeared.
‘We were… lucky.’
We were just lucky.
And as I acknowledge that, I finally realize…
…what it means to live as an explorer in this damn world.
Today, everyone survived like in a movie.
But…
‘It probably… won’t always be like today.’
I know better than anyone…
…that such luck won’t come to someone like me over and over again.
As time passes, they regain consciousness one by one.
The dwarf is the first to wake up.
“…So, everyone is alive.”
The dwarf, who has confirmed that everyone survived, doesn’t laugh heartily like usual.
He just repeats the same words as if praying.
“Thank goodness. Yeah, that’s right… truly a relief…”
Well, if he’s been an explorer for several years, he must have experienced quite a bit. The death of companions is like a fate for explorers.
“To be safe after encountering a troll, I should make a donation to the temple…”
Rotmiller is the next to wake up after the dwarf.
I approach him hesitantly and apologize with a hint of excuse.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t expect the troll to act like that when it couldn’t even see.”
“…How is that your fault? We should be the ones thanking you. If it weren’t for you, none of us would have survived.”
“But…”
“Your judgment was correct, so don’t blame yourself.”
It seems like Rotmiller already knows that I was willing to sacrifice the two of them.
Well, there’s no way he wouldn’t know.
I was the one who kept shouting at him to do it.
“Keugh, ugh…”
After some time, Dwarkey also groans and opens his eyes.
“Don’t move. Your injuries haven’t fully healed yet.”
“Is everyone… okay…?”
“We’re all fine! So don’t worry!”
“Ah… Mi, Miss Misha… I’m glad you’re safe…”
“Idiot! That’s what you say?”
“Th, that’s…! Cough! Th, that’s true…? Hahaha.”
The heavy atmosphere finally lightens up a bit as Dwarkey, who was in the worst condition, wakes up.
“Haha, to think that the five of us defeated a troll. We can’t even brag about it. No one would believe us!”
The dwarf starts cracking jokes like usual, and Misha does the same.
“Ugh, an essence should have dropped! Somehow, it feels unfair. We went through all that trouble, but we got nothing, right?”
“We saved our lives, didn’t we?”
“Rotmiller, you have too little greed, that’s the problem.”
“Right, you even used a top-grade potion, didn’t you? Ah, of course, don’t worry. We’ll all chip in and pay you back.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Ah, but Bjorn, what are we going to do now? You’re not thinking of going up any further, right?”
“Phew… what do you think of me? Of course, we’re going to rest for a while.”
“Wait, Misha? Why are you asking Bjorn? I’m the leader of the team.”
“Ah… right?”
Anyway, regardless of the dwarf’s question…
…everyone accepts my suggestion of staying on this floor until the labyrinth closes without any objections.
Because we’re not in a state to continue exploring.
We rest in the same place where we had the fierce battle with the troll, soothing our tired bodies and minds.
「The labyrinth is closed.」
「Character is being transported to Lafdonia.」
And so, a week passes, and my sixth expedition comes to an end.
--------------------------------
Chapter 119: Dark Cloud (3)
In the end, the expedition was put on hold after the troll battle.
It was because Dwarkey's condition wasn't improving.
[Even if he drinks more potions, it won't heal any faster. Not everyone's body is as sturdy as yours.]
Even after the wounds are healed, it takes time for the muscles and bones to properly realign if there’s no natural regeneration.
Therefore, we had to rush to the temple as soon as we returned to the city, passing through the checkpoint.
Unlike Rotmiller, Dwarkey wasn't at a level where time would heal his injuries.
"Phew, now I feel a bit better..."
Dwarkey, who couldn't even stand up for a week, finally succeeded in standing on his own after receiving 'High-Grade Healing'.
"No aftereffects? I was worried because the treatment was delayed..."
"Haha, don't worry. I'm in good enough condition to enter the labyrinth right now."
"That's a relief."
Thanks to the initial treatment with a top-grade potion, Dwarkey was back to normal with just one dose of divine power.
It's a relief.
If he had any lingering effects, it would have hindered the next expedition.
"Then let's meet again in two days, and for today, let's each go back and rest."
Since we didn't earn much from the magic stones we acquired after the whole team assembled, we decided to postpone the distribution until after receiving the request reward and disbanded.
'Hmm, is it about 400,000 stones per person?'
I don't know for sure until we divide it, but it should be around that much if we sell all the byproducts of the Frogman Shaman and split it five ways.
We agreed to deduct 200,000 stones per person for potion expenses.
'Damn troll bastard.'
Because of that bastard, my financial loss is significant.
I'll have to pay a lot to fix the bent equipment.
If it caused me this much trouble, it should have at least dropped an essence.
It's fortunate that I earned a lot beforehand, otherwise, we would have actually returned at a loss.
"Bjorn, what are you going to do now?"
"First, I'm going to go back to the inn, wash up, and then go organize the items. Of course, you're coming with me."
"Huh? Me too...?"
"Didn't you just relax in the labyrinth? Don't think about running away."
"I wasn't! Anyway, it's annoying to go back to my place, can I wash up at your inn?"
"Of course."
We head to my accommodation to avoid unnecessary travel.
And I finish washing up quickly.
I need to move fast if I want to visit the commercial district before the carriages stop running.
"Eek? You're already done?"
"You can take your time. It's going to take a while to organize everything anyway."
"Oh, really?"
After sending Misha to the bathroom, I laid out the loot I acquired this time and started organizing them.
Equipment and consumables obtained from defeating the three guys who were targeting Jensia and the baby barbarian.
'I'll sell this, and we can use this... '
I even wrote down a list and was diligently organizing when someone knocked on the door.
"Excuse me, are you in there?"
It was a man's voice I'd never heard before.
When I opened the door, I saw a man wearing an Explorer's Guild staff badge.
"Are you Mr. Bjorn Yandel?"
"...Yes."
"Would it be possible for you to accompany me to the guild?"
Damn it, suddenly?
I felt annoyed as memories of being taken to prison after hearing similar words came back...
...but judging by the employee's tone and expression, the situation is clearly different this time.
And I don't see any guards.
First, let's calmly assess the situation.
"Tell me what it's about first. I'll decide whether to go or not after that."
"Ah, you're right, I should have explained first."
The employee realized his mistake and then cautiously explained the situation.
"...Witness?"
"Yes, they said you would prove that he's not a marauder..."
The baby barbarian is in trouble.
_____________________
"Although such requests are usually not accepted, as you know, after 'that incident', all related regulations have become stricter... I apologize for the inconvenience, but we're just here to confirm. If you're not related to him, you can just refuse—"
"I'll go."
"Yes?"
"Wait here while I change."
I close the door and put on my coat.
And I inform Misha, who's in the shower, that I'm going out.
"Misha, today's plans are canceled."
"What? Why all of a sudden?"
"It seems like something happened to Karon. I'm going to the Explorer's Guild for a bit, so go home or whatever after you're done washing up."
"What? What are you... ! No, explain in more det—!"
"You've been waiting, huh? Let's go."
"Is it that annoying for you to do that, you barbarian!!"
Anyway, regardless of Misha's pointed cry...
...I head to the guild with the employee who was waiting outside.
Coincidentally, the place we arrive at is the same branch where I broke out of prison.
"It's been a while."
"Yes? Ah, yes... Please come in. The branch manager is waiting."
"The branch manager...?"
As I'm reminiscing about old times while looking around...
...I follow the employee to the third floor and see Karon dozing off on the sofa.
The mustached branch manager is sitting across from him.
With a very displeased expression.
"Oh, been well?"
"...Thanks to you."
Geez, he's so curt.
Still, it doesn't seem like a serious situation. If Karon was really accused of being a marauder, he wouldn't be sleeping here, but locked up in the underground prison.
Snore, snore-!
First, I wake up Karon.
Well, is it even right to say I woke him up?
"Karon, stop pretending to sleep and wake up. There's no need to do that even here."
The branch manager and the employee both tilt their heads in confusion at my words, and then Karon slowly opens his eyes.
"...How did you know?"
How did I know?
You left with those meaningful words.
"I thought... you might do that."
"You mean you acknowledge me as a fellow warrior?"
"Yeah, that's right."
Karon smiles genuinely as I nod roughly, and bumps his shoulder against mine.
"Anyway, thanks for coming. Bjorn, son of Yandel."
"It was the natural thing to do. Did these guys do anything bad to you?"
"Don't worry, nothing like that happened. If it did, would this guy be here?"
Hmm, that's true.
But I wasn't asking you.
"Karon, answer me."
"Nothing like that happened."
"I see."
I nod and chuckle.
This is why precedents are important.
Would they have treated us this well if I hadn't caused that ruckus before?
Thud.
I comfortably sit down on the sofa without asking permission. Just in case the branch manager forgot what kind of person I am.
"I'll have rum."
"Don't tell me you're discriminating against me because I'm a barbarian?"
The branch manager lets out a long sigh.
"Whew... We don't have any alcohol. I can offer you some tea—"
"Cold water. With ice."
"Alright..."
Is it because he's a creature that learns?
The branch manager doesn't point out my unreasonable tone or behavior and just gives me what I want.
He's learned firsthand how to deal with an unreasonable barbarian.
'Barbarians really are OP.'
Karon looks at me with sparkling eyes as I put my dusty feet on the expensive-looking desk.
"As expected, you're... an amazing warrior..."
He seems quite impressed that I'm acting so carefree in front of the branch manager of the Explorer's Guild.
Well, I guess the branch manager feels the same way.
Judging by how his mustache is twitching in disbelief.
"You guys really are..."
"What? Do you have something to say?"
"...No."
The branch manager shrinks back as soon as I ask back gruffly, as if I might pick on him if he complains.
Smirk.
It was the reaction I expected.
A lot has changed since I saw him before.
I'm not the powerless 9th-grade barbarian I was back then.
"I've heard about you. They say you're called Little Balkan?"
I became a 6th-grade explorer in just a few months.
And I even have a title, and rumors are circulating that I'm friends with Baron Martoan and that the Count is keeping an eye on me.
And if he investigated me, he would also know that I've been going in and out of the Magic Tower every week because of Raven's research.
Of course, the important thing is something else.
"Here's your ice water..."
I've become stronger.
Strong enough to turn this branch manager's head into a smashed tomato in one second.
Well, it's the city where law comes before violence, but whatever, at least the branch manager will think that I'm not the type to care about that kind of thing.
"Enough with the small talk and let's get to the point. So what are you planning to do about Karon?"
As I push aside the ice water and ask, the branch manager shrugs.
"...Nothing. He can leave now if he wants to. The mage confirmed that it was self-defense."
"...What?"
I'm momentarily stunned by his unexpectedly cool answer.
'He already confirmed it with the mage?'
It's not a strange story.
He's not as high in Magic Resistance as I am.
He could have confirmed whether Karon's story was true or not with just one spell, without needing to call me.
But that means...
'He had a purpose in calling me, not Karon.'
I quickly grasp the situation.
Yeah, that's more like the Explorer's Guild.
Now my heart is starting to race a little.
"Karon, you can leave now."
"Is that okay? I was kind of hungry..."
"You won't grow taller if you skip meals. Go."
"Alright! See you later, Bjorn, son of Yandel!"
I send Karon out first.
It seems like the branch manager also wants to keep the listeners to a minimum.
"Good work, Odrian. You can leave too."
"Yes, Branch Manager."
As soon as the employee who guided me and even brought me ice water leaves, we're the only ones left in the branch manager's office.
"......"
Neither of us speaks, and a natural silence follows.
I wait patiently for him to speak first.
"The reason?"
"Lady Urbans wants to meet you."
"Lady Urbans? Who's that?"
The branch manager asks incredulously,
"Are you serious? You really don't remember the one you held hostage?"
Ah, the regional manager's daughter.
Damn it, why didn't he just say that?
"...You haven't completely forgotten, huh?"
"Ahem, anyway, why does that woman want to see me?"
"Well, you'll find out once you meet—"
What the, is he trying to bait me?
"Then I refuse."
"What?"
"I'm hungry, I don't have time to waste."
I get up as if ending the conversation, and the branch manager hurriedly continues,
"...I can't say much, but it's not something that would harm you. It's more likely to be beneficial."
Hmm, seeing him go this far, it doesn't seem like he'll give me any more information even if I push further.
'The woman I held hostage wants to meet me...'
There was nothing to think about.
"Tell her no!"
Geez, I'm already busy, I don't have time for this.
I'll pass on the troublesome stuff.
______________________
In the middle of the street in broad daylight.
"Ha, ha, ha..."
Erwen is running through the crowd.
Her body, which she just washed clean, and even the skirt she put on after a long time, are already soaked in sweat, but...
'...I hope it doesn't smell...'
Hmm, it should be fine.
They've already seen each other in much worse states, haven't they?
Meeting him is more important to her.
'...As expected, you were alive!'
She's overjoyed, but she also feels a sense of self-deprecation.
Bjorn, son of Yandel.
The first companion she ever had, the barbarian who saved her when she was wandering alone in the labyrinth.
He disappeared before she could repay her debt, and she had thought he was dead.
She feels stupid for locking herself up in her room, lost in her own delusions.
'...I can't believe he became so famous...'
She didn't even have to ask around.
She just asked a few people after returning to the city, and most of them knew his name.
One of them even knew the address of the inn he was staying at.
'Uh, wait a minute... then why didn't my sister tell me anything?'
That thought suddenly crosses her mind, but Erwen doesn't delve any further.
She must not have heard.
There's no way her sister would have intentionally kept it from her.
And it's not an important fact right now.
'Ugh, what should I say to him when I meet him? Come to think of it, I disappeared without a word...'
Her heart can't stop pounding.
It's a pleasant sensation she hasn't felt in a long time.
Although she always kept the curtains drawn because she didn't want to see the sun rise and set, the sunlight on her skin feels warm and comfortable today.
'First, I'll apologize. He must have looked for me too. He probably couldn't find me because he didn't remember where our accommodation was.'
Erwen reaches her destination and organizes her thoughts one last time, preparing for the imminent reunion.
And she smooths out her clothes.
Then she knocks on the door.
Thump, thump.
She hears footsteps approaching from inside.
And they quickly get closer.
Thump, thump!
It feels like her heart is about to burst.
She wants to see him and talk to him like they used to. Like those times when they talked about their daily lives, laughed, and had fun together.
'He'll be surprised when he finds out I can control all four spirits. Uh, no… he's much stronger than me, so maybe he won't even be impressed?'
Although she's a bit worried, he'll definitely praise her in the end.
He'll tell her that she did well, that he's proud of her.
It's mister, so he'll definitely do that.
"Heehee..."
The corners of her lips curl up at the thought.
Slam.
The door finally opens.
But what's this?
"Huh? Who are you?"
The person who opens the door is a beastman.
A cat-person with triangular ears on top of her head.
Erwen checks the room number on the door.
201.
She didn't come to the wrong place.
She asked several times to make sure, so there's no way she misheard. Then could it be that the person who told her the address got it wrong?
Hmm, it seems like that's the case.
Still, she should at least ask in case it's the room next door. He's a famous person, so the people in the same accommodation should know him.
"Um, excuse me... do you know which room Bjorn Yandel is staying in?"
"Huh? You're looking for Bjorn?"
"Yes? What do you mean..."
"Bjorn went out after washing up a while ago, would you like to come in and wait?"
He went out after washing up a while ago...?
No, wait a minute… if she’s saying that, then it means this is mister’s room, isn’t it?
She’s confused.
What’s going on?
“Or, just tell me who you are. When Bjorn comes back, I’ll tell him someone came to see him.”
She’s saying that as if they live together… Erwen raises her head, dazed, and takes another look at the beastman’s face.
She’s beautiful.
It’s to the point where even she, a fairy, can’t deny it.
And…
Drip, drip.
…water is dripping from her red hair.
As if she just finished washing up.
“You said that Bjorn left after washing up a while ago, right?”
“Yeah, why?”
The beastwoman’s answer seems to say, ‘is there a problem?’ and the corners of Erwen’s lips twist into a smirk.
Of course, it doesn’t last long.
“No, it’s nothing. Can I come in and wait?”
“Uh, su, sure…?”
She then enters the room.
It’s messy, with loot scattered across the floor.
“It’s a bit messy, right…? It’s not usually like this…”
“I know what these are. I did them with mister too.”
“Huh? You did them? Ah… you’re an explorer too?”
“Yes.”
“Th, that doesn’t mean anything strange, right? This is all from defeating marauders—”
“Don’t worry, I’m not misunderstanding anything.”
Erwen cuts her off and focuses on the feeling in her chest.
And she smiles sweetly and continues,
“If you coveted what belonged to someone else, you deserve to be punished, wouldn’t you say?”
Her heart, which had been beating passionately just a moment ago, has now turned ice-cold.
--------------------------------
Chapter 120: Dark Cloud (4)
A heavy scent of wood filled the office.
Nile Urbans, the 7th Regional Manager of the Explorer's Guild, chuckled.
He remembered what his daughter had said a while back.
[I have no intention of living the rest of my life as your doll, Father.]
When the prison break incident first happened…
He noticed his daughter's suspicious movements.
Because there was no reason for her to have a private meeting with the branch manager back then.
He launched a full-scale investigation, discovering his daughter had been secretly building her influence within the guild.
'Even women have their own lives to live.'
It was quite a remarkable move for a rebellious act.
He felt troubled, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but feel proud, thinking, ‘as expected of my daughter’.
But…
‘I told him to be careful even when breathing.’
He could only look at that ambition with affection because it was his daughter.
‘So, Branch Manager, you chose my daughter in the end.’
Bjorn Yandel.
The barbarian who achieved tremendous growth in a short period of time.
The Branch Manager tried to make contact with him today.
He still didn’t know what his daughter was planning with that barbarian, but it became clear the Branch Manager had gone under his daughter's control.
That fact was very unpleasant.
‘He dared to rebel against me.’
He couldn't understand why the Branch Manager made that choice.
He was already out of favor, and he already decided on a replacement. Knowing that, he must have tried to grab onto a rotten rope.
But understanding and forgiveness are entirely different words.
‘I'll get rid of both of them this time.’
Nile Urbans' eyes gleamed as he sipped his tea.
He originally planned to leave the barbarian alone.
Although he felt disgusted every time he thought about that humiliation, the barbarian had already built his own standing.
There was no need to create another enemy unnecessarily.
But now it was different.
There had to be a reason his clever daughter tried to contact the barbarian.
‘…And besides, he’s been bothering me for some reason.’
Nile Urbans made a decision.
If something is bothering you, just remove it.
Before it becomes a bigger problem later.
____________________
Kwaaang!
How long has it been since I left the Explorer’s Guild?
As I’m walking back to the inn, thunder rumbles from the clear sky, and heavy rain pours down.
‘Damn it.’
Dark, ominous clouds cover the sky.
I considered just getting soaked and going, but I thought it might be a passing shower, so I entered a nearby restaurant.
Since it was time to eat anyway, I figured I’d have a meal and wait for a while.
“Here’s your order.”
Grilled meat, pumpkin stew, and rye bread.
Although my stomach is warm and full, it feels somewhat lacking.
It’s not like I’m at one of those cheap 300-stone restaurants like before.
‘Indeed… Misha is good at grilling meat.’
As I think about buying a few pounds of meat and having her grill them for me when I get back, I order another glass of rum.
Since I’m here, I’ll wait until the rain stops, or at least calms down a bit.
Misha wouldn’t be at the inn anyway.
‘Ah, I wonder if she’s still there because of the rain?’
As I’m drinking alone, the sound of rain serving as my companion, various thoughts flit through my mind.
It feels like just yesterday I was crawling on the ground, avoiding goblin traps, and eating stone bread, but half a year has already passed.
‘…Seafood pancake and makgeolli… they wouldn’t sell that here, right?’
My desire to return home has faded significantly.
Everything has just become familiar.
The creaky bed, the tiny studio apartment with a single bathroom, and the daily routine of laughing and chatting with my companions while drinking cheap beer.
‘I’ve changed a lot too.’
If you asked me to list the shitty things about this world, I could go on all day. But if you asked if there has never been a single happy moment…
Although survival was my initial goal, I gradually started to feel a gamer’s joy as I saw myself grow.
And it wasn’t bad to joke around and laugh with my companions.
It’s a strange feeling.
‘If I hadn’t been summoned here, I would probably still be playing games alone in my room.’
The 29-year-old office worker Lee Hansu had a very limited social circle. Of course, he wasn’t dissatisfied or inconvenienced by it.
He was diligently preparing for retirement, and he could live on his own without relying on others.
Unlike this world, where companions are mandatory.
‘These thoughts must mean… I’ve become attached to them.’
I take a sip of the rum, which has a strangely sweet aftertaste as if they added sugar.
Dwarkey, Rotmiller, and the dwarf.
Thinking about them makes my mouth feel bitter.
‘To go to the upper floors, I’ll have to form a new team, right?’
With the current members, we’re outmatched from the 5th floor onwards.
Their growth potential is limited, you know?
First of all, Dwarkey is not from the Magic Tower, and he has a serious problem of having low mana capacity.
‘He’s doing well now, learning new spells, but it’s safe to say that he can barely use 6th-grade spells.’
And Rotmiller is needless to say.
In the lower floors, he’s fine as long as he can find the way, but in the upper floors, even scouts need a high level of combat power.
After all, the maximum party size is five.
‘Unless that man awakens as a Guide… his limit would be the 4th floor.’
Of course, unlike those two, the dwarf would be able to perform well even in the upper floors if he just has good equipment.
But a team doesn’t need two tanks.
‘…Once Misha’s specs are a bit higher, I should form a new team.’
It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, but I’ve finally made up my mind.
The troll battle we had this time played a big part in it.
I’m going to keep climbing the floors, and I can’t achieve that goal with them.
It might seem heartless, but it’s also a decision for their sake.
The upper floors are teeming with monsters even worse than trolls.
It’s better not to expect to survive just because we were lucky this time—
“Yandel?”
Uh, what the sudden—
I turn my head at the voice calling me, and a completely unexpected person is standing there.
It’s the bear-like man.
No, I mean…
“Beefcake?”
“…It’s Urikfrit. If it’s difficult to pronounce, you can just call me Avman.”
“Then I’ll do that.”
The macho-looking bear-like man, as if trying to live up to his appearance, sits down across from me without even asking for permission.
I don’t feel offended since I often do that too.
“I never expected to see you as a customer.”
“Customer?”
“Ah, I didn’t tell you, did I? This is the shop my wife runs.”
The owner…
It’s an unexpected piece of information, but it’s not something to be surprised about. 5th-grade explorers should have enough wealth to open a shop.
If I’m going to be surprised, I should be surprised about something else.
“You were entering the labyrinth alone even though you have a wife?”
“The shop hasn’t been doing well lately. I have to work hard and earn money, don’t I?”
Hmm, then I have nothing to say.
It’s not something I should interfere with.
“Anyway, it’s a strange coincidence that the owner of the place I came to avoid the rain is you.”
“It’s a coincidence beyond strange. It gave me certainty, Bjorn Yandel.”
“Certainty?”
The bear-like man answers nonchalantly,
“Let me join your team.”
Huh? What’s this again?
______________________
Join my team all of a sudden?
It’s an unexpected topic, but I understand after listening to the rest of his story. From the bear-like man’s perspective, I’m a verified explorer.
“If you saved a complete stranger in that situation, you wouldn’t backstab them, right?”
Although I asked for 5 million stones, he seems to have a good impression of me for saving his life with a top-grade potion in the rift, where we were cut off from the outside world.
‘…So it’s like this again.’
A tank-type summon and powerful ranged physical damage.
The bear-like man would definitely be able to pull his weight even on the 5th floor or higher.
But…
“It seems like there’s a misunderstanding. We just entered together this time, but I have a fixed team.”
I indirectly refuse his offer.
I’m planning to stay with Dwarkey’s party for a while, and I can’t just kick someone out to let this man in.
Unexpectedly, the bear-like man nods readily.
“If that’s the case. Let’s talk about it again when there’s an opening or if I leave the team.”
“An opening?”
“You know what I mean, right?”
The conversation about joining the team ends with the bear-like man’s meaningful look. Afterwards, we briefly discuss when he’ll pay back the 5 million stones.
“I’ve already listed some equipment I wasn’t using on the exchange, so I’ll be able to give you the money by the promised date.”
I feel a bit heavy-hearted, looking at the empty shop…
But we agree to meet again here in ten days and exchange the money for the collateral.
“See you then.”
“Here, take this and wear it. It’ll fit you.”
Since it doesn’t seem like the rain will stop anytime soon, I borrow a raincoat from the bear-like man and head to the inn.
Swaaaaaaaa-
Heavy rain pours down as if a typhoon has hit.
As I run through the unusually quiet street, I soon arrive at the inn.
But what is this again?
“Ah, Bjorn, you’re back? You have a visitor.”
“Uwaaaaaang! Mister…!!”
Just like the downpour on a sunny day, an unexpected encounter awaits me.
_____________________
Since that incident 10 years ago, I’ve lived a life of restraint.
So I thought I was good at holding back.
At least until today.
“If you coveted what belonged to someone else, you deserve to be punished, wouldn’t you say?”
Erwen freezes as her true feelings slip out.
“Hmm? You… you’re unexpectedly tough.”
Fortunately, it seems like she didn’t notice the meaning behind my words…
‘What, what did I just say…’
Strictly speaking, it’s not something that was taken from her.
Mister isn’t an object.
And she was the one who chose to leave his side and join her sister.
Then what is this feeling?
Crack.
She feels an unusual surge of hostility.
Could she win if they fought?
She finds herself observing the other woman with that thought.
“Come to think of it, we don’t even know each other’s names. I’m Misha Kaltstein.”
“…Erwen Fornachi di Tersia.”
“Wow, you have a pretty name too… Erwen, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Yes…”
She accepts the handshake, hiding her reluctance.
And she sits down and talks to her.
Although she has no intention of becoming friends with this woman, there’s one thing she wants to ask.
“Miss Kaltstein, do you happen to have a boyfriend?”
“Boy, boyfriend…? Don’t say weird things. Bjorn and I are just companions, companions!”
“Hmm, I see.”
For some reason, her anger seems to subside.
She doesn't understand why Bjorn's name came up immediately when she just asked if she had a boyfriend.
Still, she needs to confirm a few more things.
“I’m sorry. I mistook you for his girlfriend because you said you showered together earlier.”
“Sh, shower together? What are you talking about! I just borrowed the bathroom for a moment.”
“You borrowed the bathroom in a strange man’s room, is your accommodation far from here?”
“Uh, it’s not that far…”
“…You’re saying it’s not?”
Erwen raises an eyebrow at her words.
Even if he's not her boyfriend, this woman is definitely harboring lewd thoughts.
To the point where she's even using such a vulgar tactic.
“Ahem! So how do you know Bjorn?”
Did she want to change the subject?
This time, it's the other person's turn to ask a question.
Erwen answers honestly.
“I was mister’s companion.”
“Hmm? Mister…? Bjorn is only twenty years old…”
“Ah, it's just a nickname between us, so you don't have to worry about it."
"Nickname...?"
"Yes, is there a problem with that?"
The beastwoman smiles awkwardly as Erwen tilts her head innocently.
“No, it’s not a problem. Why would there be? Nyaha!”
Although she’s smiling, her tail is swishing back and forth, hitting the bedsheets as if she’s annoyed.
Seeing that, Erwen feels a strange sense of victory.
Until the unexpected counterattack.
"Mister and I are a bit special, you see. We were first companions, and we even had our first return drinks together—"
"Hee, but that only means something to you, doesn't it?"
"...Yes?"
"Well, it's been months since I've been with Bjorn, and I've never heard him mention you. Nyaha!"
The beastwoman smiles brightly and stabs a dagger into her heart. Erwen is speechless at the sudden change in attitude.
But she instinctively knows one thing.
“Erwen, you said your name was? It’s, it’s cute, I guess. But… wouldn’t I get annoyed if you treated me like an idiot while showing this much hostility?”
Misha Kaltstein.
It’s only natural that she felt hostility towards this woman from the moment she saw her.
“Hmm, still, thank you for one thing. Thanks to you, I’m no longer confused.”
“Confused? What do you mean?”
“Well, don’t you already know?”
This woman is an enemy.
Someone who’s trying to take away what’s precious to her.