C391, 392, 393
Chapter 391: Captain Barbarian (1)
The living room on the 1st floor of Erwen's CCTV-equipped mansion.
Three women were sitting in a row on the sofa, sipping tea.
"A special forces unit with thirty members... I've never heard of it. It means they're working on it in secret, right?"
Amelia responded to Raven's mumble.
"The war has been going on for a long time, so the royal family must be looking for a way to turn things around."
"Yeah. Considering the names of the candidates the Marquis mentioned, I wonder if it's even possible to put them all on the same team."
"But that part is certain. The Marquis said so himself."
"Then it means they're planning something big."
The two women exchanged serious words, discussing the situation. Erwen, on the other hand, didn't seem interested at all.
"Mister, you don't like things that are too sweet, right? Here, have this. I bought something savory this time."
"Ah, thank you."
I took the peanut cookies from Erwen and started munching on them. Raven looked at me with a dissatisfied expression.
She didn't like me just sitting there after explaining the situation.
I quickly swallowed the cookies and spoke.
"Raven, so what are you going to do?"
"...What do you mean?"
"Didn't I tell you? There are two spots left. Me, Erwen, Emily, and the Dragonkin the Marquis added. That's four."
"Ah..."
"I want you to join us."
I asked directly, and Raven looked away, her expression troubled.
"I'd like to help, but it's difficult right now."
A disappointing answer.
"...Is that so?"
Raven seemed to sense my disappointment and quickly explained.
"Captain Febrosk has been busy lately. He's been summoned everywhere, both on the battlefield and in the city. If I leave, there's no one to manage the Magic Corps..."
Always the responsible one.
Well, that's what made her a trustworthy companion.
I quickly ended the conversation, not wanting to see her dejected expression.
"Don't make excuses. It's not your fault. And besides, it's not something you should apologize for."
"Thank you. I appreciate your understanding."
"It's not understanding, it's just the truth."
"..."
Raven's recruitment had failed.
Then who should I choose for the remaining two spots?
As I was contemplating, Amelia spoke softly.
"Schuitz, do you think we need a navigator?"
"Hmm, we'll be taking a large warship, so I don't think we need one."
"...I see."
Amelia nodded, but the atmosphere felt strange. Did she want to take Auyen, the basement navigator, with us?
Well, no matter how much she enjoyed sailing, there's a time and place for everything...
"Auyen is better off staying here for now. We might need him again after the war."
"Okay. I've been worried about him because he's been skipping meals lately, but I guess I should just increase his walk time."
"...Yeah, that should work."
That settled the navigator issue.
"Raven, do you know anything about that Dragonkin woman?"
"No. I've never heard of Raviyen. But I'll look into it when I get back. The Captain might know something."
"Okay, I'm counting on you."
Raven then left, sensing that the conversation was over.
We were alone again.
"So, who should we choose for the remaining two spots?"
"We need a mage."
"I agree. We'll be at a disadvantage without one."
We quickly agreed on the need for a mage to fill Raven's vacancy.
And...
"What about the last spot?"
"A priest would be nice."
"If we can't find a priest, then a support ability user."
We decided to add a priest or a support ability user to the team.
I was the only tank, Amelia was the melee damage dealer, Erwen was the ranged attacker, and we had a mage.
It would be better to strengthen the melee line and prepare for any unexpected situations with a support member.
It was a rational decision, so I agreed.
But then...
"Okay, then for the mage, we'll choose between these two, and for the priest, this one. And if we can't get a priest, then this ability user!"
Erwen pointed at the names on the candidate list with a cheerful expression.
And then I noticed something.
"Oh, they're all men."
"Well... there are too many women around you, aren't there?"
"...Huh?"
Was that a valid reason to choose only men?
I looked at Amelia for help, but she nodded in agreement.
"It's better to have more men on the team."
"...Why?"
"You can't think straight when women are involved."
What?
What's wrong with her?
I'm a man of steel.
I've always treated men and women equally, especially when it comes to smashing heads.
The first player I killed in the Glacier Cave was a woman.
"Emily, I think you have the wrong idea about me. Why would you think that?"
Amelia didn't even hesitate.
"Because that's how you were with me."
What?
What's my image to these women?
____________________
Ten days before the next labyrinth expedition.
Amelia, who had been going to the commercial district every day to sell the loot, finally returned with good news.
"The loot is all sold."
"That's good to hear. So, how much did we get?"
"350 million stones, after deducting expenses."
Wow, that's a lot of money.
Even if we reached the 7th floor, it would be difficult to earn this much with just magic stones.
'Well, it's not surprising. We robbed an entire 6th-floor clan.'
Still, it was an unbelievable amount.
And we hadn't even sold the largest ship yet. If we sold it, our total earnings would triple.
"So, what are we going to do with the money?"
Amelia asked, and I answered without hesitation.
"We split it evenly, of course."
"That's 110 million stones per person, after rounding."
Amelia smiled for the first time in a while, saying she could finally buy the weapon she had been saving up for.
But her smile didn't last long.
"I think it's better to pay off the debt first."
Erwen's cold voice.
Well, it was a reasonable request.
The situation was complicated, but Amelia was the one who had put my Demon Crusher up as collateral.
She had used the money to buy the Vol-Herchan essence, and we had to take out a loan using Erwen's house to cover the cost.
"The due date is still a long way off..."
"I don't think we'll be able to repay it on time if you keep spending like this."
"...How much do we owe?"
"Everything, of course. If I add my earnings to it, we should be able to repay most of it."
"..."
Amelia looked at me with a pleading expression.
But what could I do?
"...Let's buy the weapon next time."
"You promised you would help me buy it."
"The situation has changed. You agreed to keep the largest ship, didn't you?"
"That's because we might need another ship."
"Yeah, you said that. Just wait a few more months. I'll help you buy it then."
"..."
Amelia didn't answer.
She looked sulky, but she seemed to understand the situation.
What could I do to cheer her up?
She wasn't interested in food...
"Mister, someone's here!"
Huh? Someone?
Erwen's words made me look outside.
A man from the Marquis's family had arrived. He wasn't wearing a uniform, so I couldn't tell if he was a knight.
The conversation was short.
"The Marquis sent this letter."
"Ah, thank you for delivering it."
I quickly returned inside and checked the letter.
It was short and to the point, typical of the Marquis's style. Maybe it was because I was a barbarian.
[The shaman issue has been resolved. I'm sending someone tomorrow morning, so come with him.]
Finally, I could get the 7th-grade Spirit Engraving.
____________________
The next morning.
I left the house as soon as the sun rose and boarded the Marquis's carriage.
It would have taken at least six hours to reach the Imperial City by carriage, but we used the military transfer station again.
'This is really convenient...'
We arrived at the mansion in the morning, even though we had left in the morning.
But I couldn't meet the Marquis this time.
He had left for the royal palace early in the morning because of work.
Well, he wasn't a jobless bum, he was the Prime Minister of the country, so he must be busy.
Actually, it was unusual for him to meet me so often.
It was thanks to his consideration that I had been able to have private conversations with him.
'Well, I prefer not to see him anyway.'
I followed the Marquis's servant and arrived at his office on the 3rd floor.
"..."
The Marquis's son, Eltora, was working at his desk. He looked at me with an awkward expression, and then, as soon as the servant left, he greeted me.
"...Welcome, Viscount Yandel. It's been a while."
He was polite and respectful, but there was an underlying tension in his voice.
Ah, is it because he's avoiding eye contact?
"It's been a while. How are you feeling? I hope your face has healed properly..."
"...As you can see, I'm fine now."
"That's good to hear."
"Ah, and I apologize for my rudeness the other day."
Eltora's words made me want to laugh.
I knew it was just a formality...
But it was still funny to hear the one who got beaten up apologizing for being rude.
"It's fine. It's all in the past. The Marquis and I have already settled it, so don't worry about it."
"Thank you. I feel much better now."
"So, where's the shaman?"
"He's waiting in another room. Renia... the maid outside will guide you."
So I just had to go to another room and get the Spirit Engraving. There was no reason to rush, so I asked a few questions.
"How did you bring the shaman here?"
"My father personally asked the barbarian chieftain to send a shaman. He said someone needed a Spirit Engraving."
"Hmm, wouldn't that be suspicious?"
"Not really. Not all barbarians can freely enter the sanctuary."
"Ah, did you tell him it was for a barbarian who had been exiled from the tribe?"
That was the most likely scenario.
But Eltora shook his head.
"He said it was for a barbarian who was born and raised in the city."
"...I see."
I nodded in understanding.
That was also a possibility.
Barbarians were no different from humans.
If they lived in the city for a long time, they would adapt to the city's culture and become less attached to their traditions.
Some even raised their children in the city instead of sending them to the sanctuary.
"Well, then there shouldn't be any problems. Thank you for taking care of it."
"It's our pleasure to help the Viscount."
"Okay, then I'll see you later."
I left the room after my questions were answered. The maid, Renia, was waiting outside and guided me to the shaman's room.
"I'm not allowed to go any further."
She meant I had to enter alone.
I opened the door and entered.
The room was empty, all the furniture removed. The air was thick with smoke.
A figure was sitting in the center, shrouded in a cloth.
'It's been almost three years since I last saw a shaman...'
I felt a surge of nervousness as I approached.
Even if the Marquis had prepared everything, the shaman would probably recognize me.
Well, knowing his personality, he would probably keep it a secret from the chieftain...
"You've arrived."
A voice came from behind the cloth, stopping me in my tracks.
"Barbarian born and raised in the city."
What? That voice sounded so young...
Whoosh!
The cloth was pulled aside, revealing a young barbarian with an eyepatch.
I recognized him immediately.
He was the shaman's young apprentice, the one I had seen several times during my visits to the sanctuary.
'Kkeuk, kkeuk... Are you nervous to meet the shaman you've been waiting for? I can feel your heart pounding from here."
What's wrong with this kid?
'And what happened to the old shaman? Why is he here?'
---------------------------------------
Chapter 392: Captain Barbarian (2)
The apprentice shaman, who had been doing odd jobs under the old shaman, looked quite impressive.
The eyepatch that gave him a mysterious aura, the tattoos that covered his body...
He looked like a proper shaman, despite his youthful appearance.
But...
"Stop fidgeting and take off your shirt. Little warrior."
His childish voice, forced into a deep, theatrical tone, broke the illusion. Was he even blind in that eye, or was the eyepatch just for show?
Swoosh.
I sat down and took off my shirt, despite my doubts. The baby shaman immediately placed his hand on my shoulder.
And...
"You've already embraced the spirit power of the Undead."
He had figured out my path with a single touch.
His hand moved down to my chest, groping me like a pervert.
"Then let's see how close you are to the ultimate realm."
His voice was laced with skepticism.
But his skepticism didn't last long.
Swoosh.
His hand moved from my shoulder to my chest, then to my side, where my latissimus dorsi muscle was.
The location of the 3rd stage Undead Engraving.
The point where my specialization began.
"Kkeuk, kkeuk... You chose the spirit of the Wild."
That's where I obtained [Wild Release].
A tank needs a threat-generating skill.
"You're young, but you've already received the Soul of the Deceased... You must have worked hard—"
The shaman's voice trailed off as he froze. His hand had moved from my latissimus dorsi to my back.
I seriously considered punching him in the face.
But that would bring his face too close to mine.
And he was practically hugging me from behind.
Swoosh.
His hand moved up my back, reaching the nape of my neck.
"Oh... You've already opened the Spirit Path? Not bad—"
The 4th stage engraving, which increased my Mental and Soul Power stats.
His hand moved back to the front, reaching my heart.
"...Y-you've even opened the Life Path?"
His voice trembled with surprise.
It seemed like he had expected to perform a low-level engraving, based on the Marquis's explanation.
I was getting annoyed, so I forcefully removed his hand.
"W-what are you doing?! I'm performing a sacred ritual to read your path—"
That's why I'm telling you to stop. It's a waste of time.
"Spirit Path, Life Path... whatever. Stop groping me. I've already received the Weapon Soul Engraving."
"W-weapon soul... You've even opened the Blood Path...?"
The shaman flinched again when he heard I had completed the 6th stage engraving.
But he seemed to think it was too anticlimactic.
"Ah... Do you know? You need a very rare offering for the next engraving—"
"I've already brought the Soul of the Deceased, so don't worry about it."
"..."
I didn't understand why the warrior had to lead the engraving ritual... but I had given him all the necessary information.
"We've talked enough, so let's get started."
I lay down on the bed that had been prepared for me.
But the ritual didn't begin.
"Shaman, what are you doing?"
"...Wait a moment. I need to gather my breath and focus before the ritual—"
Focus?
He was just nervous.
I sat up, sensing his hesitation.
And then I voiced my suspicion.
It couldn't be true... but...
"Shaman, you don't mean to tell me..."
"..."
"You've never performed a high-level engraving before?"
"...There were no warriors who requested it. But I've learned how to do it."
Shit, that made me nervous.
__________________
I felt like I had become a guinea pig for a young shaman's training... but I didn't have a choice.
I couldn't ask them to bring the old shaman back.
And this guy didn't recognize me, so it was better to get it done here.
He was a certified shaman, after all.
He would do it properly.
That's what I thought.
Until the first needle pierced my skin.
Stab.
"Aaaaaah!"
"...!"
Stab.
"Kyaaaaaaaaah!"
"...?"
Stab.
"Hey, what the hell? You stabbed me in the wrong place!"
"...N-no, I didn't!"
"You didn't—?"
"Just be quiet! It's going well!"
Stab.
"Kyaaaaaaaaah!"
Was the Spirit Engraving always this painful?
It was excruciating before, but not this bad.
Stab.
Stab.
Stab.
Stab!
Time slowed down, and the pain intensified, searing my brain.
How long did it last?
"I-it's done..."
The exhausted shaman finally spoke.
「Undead Engraving 7th stage activated.」
A strange energy flowed into my body, revitalizing my exhausted spirit.
It felt different from the stat increase you got from absorbing an essence.
It seemed like the engraving itself was successful...
「Special stat 'Recovery Power' created.」
Recovery Power was a stat similar to Muscle Mass.
If Muscle Mass increased your total Strength by 1% per point, Recovery Power increased all healing and regeneration effects proportionally to its value.
It wasn't as noticeable as Strength, but...
「Physical stats increased by +120.」
The stat increase itself was significant.
Special stats, which couldn't be obtained from essences, were proportional to your main stats.
With my current Strength, it would be around 120, right?
"Kkeu, kkeu, kkeu..."
It was a huge reward, worth the pain and suffering.
I chuckled, forgetting the pain, and the shaman next to me let out a strange sound.
"...It's the first time I've seen a warrior smile after receiving a new soul."
"That's because you're inexperienced. Warriors always smile when they're in pain."
"That's not true...! I've engraved countless warriors—"
What? How many could he have engraved in the two years and six months I was gone?
"Yeah... good job. You did well."
I felt my energy returning, so I got up from the bed.
The room was lit by candles, and the curtains were drawn, so I hadn't noticed it was already nighttime.
'They said it could take a while, so they won't be worried.'
The shaman would return to the sanctuary on his own, so I just grabbed my clothes and left.
The servant who had guided me earlier was waiting outside.
But why was she looking at me like that?
She seemed scared...
"Um... are you alright, sir?"
Ah, she must have heard me screaming. She probably thought I had been tortured or something.
"I'm fine. I'm leaving now, so can I just go?"
I hoped they had prepared a carriage for me, like last time.
The servant hesitated and then spoke.
"The Marquis wishes to see you, sir."
"The Marquis...?"
I unconsciously dropped the honorifics, and the servant's face paled.
But she couldn't correct me in front of a guest.
"Yes, the 'Marquis' is waiting for you, sir. Please follow me."
She emphasized the honorifics and led me away.
Shit, I should be more careful.
I couldn't reveal my true identity yet.
Creak.
We arrived at the Marquis's study.
The Marquis looked up from his documents and dismissed the servant.
And then, as soon as the door closed, he greeted me.
"How was the engraving, Viscount Yandel?"
"It went well, thanks to you. But why did you call me again?"
I was tired, so I got straight to the point, but the Marquis didn't seem offended.
He just went along with it.
"I have something to tell you."
He didn't even show any displeasure.
But the more he acted friendly, the more wary I became.
"What is it?"
"First, I've finished persuading the people you wanted to recruit."
He then explained that he had successfully recruited the mage I had chosen, but the priest had refused, so the backup support ability user would be joining us.
Damn, I wish we had gotten the priestess. We would have more options.
"Well, that's the first thing. I guess there's a second."
"Indeed. The first one could have been conveyed in writing."
"I'm curious, so tell me."
"We've decided to hold a meeting with the team leaders tomorrow. I'll try to steer the conversation towards choosing the commander."
"...Tomorrow? So suddenly?"
"The labyrinth opens soon. Even if we can't launch a major operation right away, we need to finalize the organizational structure. Is there a problem?"
"No, I agree. It's better to get this done early. So how will the commander be chosen?"
"I said I would steer the conversation. All five teams have backers, so they'll all want to be the commander."
"So you're going to let them fight it out."
"That's one way to put it. So, are you okay with it?"
"Don't worry. I don't like working under someone incompetent."
This was a special forces unit for dangerous missions.
I would rather be the commander than watch some idiot screw things up.
Well, if there was a competent leader, I wouldn't mind being a subordinate...
"So, where will the meeting be held?"
"I've invited them to my mansion. We'll have lunch together tomorrow."
Lunch tomorrow...
It would be a hassle to come back again.
"Can I stay here tonight?"
"Of course. I'll help you contact your companions so they don't worry."
"Ah, then please do that."
We talked for another 30 minutes, and then the Marquis helped me contact Erwen and Amelia through the Mage Tower branch in the 7th District.
I then went to my room and got ready for bed.
Fluffy!
The Marquis's bed was unbelievably comfortable.
As always, I fell asleep as soon as I lay down.
Snore—!
I hoped no one would try to assassinate me again tonight.
__________________
The next morning.
I woke up early, even though the meeting wasn't until lunch. I had to get ready for the Marquis's sake.
The servants helped me get dressed and styled my hair.
Neatly combed hair and a well-fitting suit.
It had been a long time since I last wore such formal attire...
'Not bad.'
I looked in the mirror and was satisfied with my appearance.
Maybe it was because my body was smaller now?
It didn't feel as awkward as before.
"Please wait a moment, sir."
"Some of them have already arrived."
"We'll go when everyone is here."
I finished getting ready early, but I had to wait in my room.
It would be disrespectful to wait in the dining room.
There was a hierarchy, even in a meeting like this.
"It's time, sir. They're all waiting."
"Okay, let's go."
I followed the Marquis to the dining room.
Creak.
The servants opened the door for us.
"Greetings, Marquis Terserion."
"I didn't expect you to join us for lunch."
"It's an honor to dine with you. I'm truly grateful."
The four people who were already seated stood up and bowed to the Marquis.
The Marquis greeted them and sat down at the head of the table.
I sat down next to him, as instructed.
And...
"Bring the food."
As the servants filled the table with dishes, the Marquis started the introductions.
"Some of you are meeting for the first time, so let's introduce ourselves. What do you think?"
"Yes, then I'll go first."
The man sitting across from me stood up.
"I'll speak informally. You're all younger than me, and none of you are nobles."
Neatly combed red hair and a well-tailored uniform.
The checkered embroidery on his chest.
His name was...
"Melend Kaislan."
Ah, I remembered.
The Marquis had mentioned him yesterday.
The youngest son of Count Kaislan, a veteran knight with a long list of achievements in the military.
He was the youngest son, but he was over forty and had a family of his own.
"I've been in the military for decades, so I'm well-versed in combat. But command is a different matter. I've seen countless talented individuals die meaningless deaths under incompetent superiors."
He had stood up to introduce himself, but he launched into a lengthy self-promotion speech.
"I'm not trying to belittle anyone, but if one of us has to lead, I believe I'm the most qualified."
He was a seasoned veteran, so his military-style speech was impressive...
But it also revealed his lack of flexibility.
And it wasn't just me who noticed it.
"...Oh my, wasn't this just a simple introduction? You're making the rest of us nervous."
The dwarf woman next to him chuckled and stood up.
"I'll go next."
She was smooth.
I recognized her immediately.
There weren't many female dwarf explorers in her age range.
"Titana Akuraba."
Titana Akuraba.
She didn't reveal her age, but everyone knew she was 61.
Of course, she looked much younger than a human of the same age, thanks to her race's longevity.
But age didn't matter to her.
"...Akuraba? Are you really Titana Akuraba?"
The knight next to her looked surprised.
She was that famous.
Or rather, legendary.
"I wouldn't dare lie to the Marquis."
"Of course not. I'm just surprised. I heard you retired ten years ago."
This was the first time I had heard of her.
She had been part of a legendary team that explored the 9th floor, but she retired ten years ago and disappeared from the public eye.
In other words, she was from a completely different generation.
"Ho ho, I guess I'm back in the world. So, can I continue, young knight?"
"...Of course."
She silenced the knight and continued her self-promotion.
"I'm confident that no one here knows more about the labyrinth than me. The same goes for the unwritten rules of explorers. I think that's enough, isn't it?"
She was confident in her abilities.
But as soon as she sat down, another man stood up.
"Haha, I never thought I'd meet one of my idols here. I'll go next."
He had a lighthearted aura.
He was short, barely over 160 centimeters.
"James Kala, Vice-Captain of the Sawtooth Clan."
The Vice-Captain of the Sawtooth Clan, one of the four largest clans in the city.
He also spent a considerable amount of time promoting himself, just like the previous two.
He was up-to-date on the latest information and could synthesize everyone's opinions to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
It was clearly aimed at the old dwarf and the stubborn knight, but I wasn't impressed.
I just remembered the information I had read in the documents.
'He's an archer, right?'
That was all I remembered about him.
As soon as he finished, the paladin next to him stood up.
"Jun, from the Heindel Church. I've abandoned my secular name."
A short introduction, unlike the previous three.
"...Is that all?"
The knight asked, and the paladin clicked his tongue.
"There's nothing more fickle and dangerous than human will. Everything will happen according to fate, according to God's will."
"It seems like the Three Gods Church isn't interested in this mission."
"..."
The knight tried to probe the church's intentions, but the paladin ignored him.
And...
"Now... it's your turn."
All eyes were on me.
They were curious.
I was the Marquis's chosen representative, but they had never seen me before.
They were wary, not knowing anything about me.
Creak.
I pushed my chair back and stood up.
And I simply said my name.
"Lihen Schuitz."
They frowned.
'That's it?'
That's what their eyes were saying.
Even the Marquis looked at me with a similar expression.
He was probably wondering why I wasn't actively promoting myself like the others.
'Geez, stop rushing me. It's embarrassing.'
I wasn't going to waste my breath on a lengthy speech.
They would just forget it anyway.
Swoosh.
I slowly looked around, meeting each of their gazes.
"Knight."
First, the noble soldier.
"Explorer."
Then the old dwarf.
"Clan."
Next, the Vice-Captain.
"And God."
Finally, the paladin.
I looked down at them and said,
"I don't listen to those who are weaker than me."
A short and impactful self-introduction is the best.
---------------------------------------------
Chapter 393: Captain Barbarian (3)
Thud.
As I sat down after my declaration, a brief silence fell over the dining room.
It was to be expected.
This was a meeting where everyone was supposed to appeal to the others, explaining why they should be the leader.
They must have been offended by my words.
"Are you saying you're stronger than all of us?"
The noble knight asked, his displeasure evident in his tightly pressed lips.
I chuckled and answered.
"You understood correctly."
There was no need to deny it.
I wasn't wrong.
"..."
But surprisingly, the room remained silent.
The knight seemed like he wanted to retort, but he held back, perhaps out of respect for the Marquis.
Swoosh.
I glanced at the Marquis, and our eyes met.
He wasn't disgusted by my behavior. Instead, his eyes gleamed with interest, as if he was enjoying the situation.
Hmm, what about the others?
I looked around, and their gazes were a mixture of emotions.
"I hope your skills match your arrogance. A capable subordinate is always welcome."
Hostility stemming from displeasure.
That was the knight's gaze.
"Ho ho, men your age are all the same. Why, I find it quite manly."
Her voice was lighthearted, but her eyes were filled with disdain.
That was the old dwarf's gaze.
"Lihen Schuitz, I've heard of you. You're known as the Blood Spirit Marquis's man, right?"
Intense curiosity and analytical observation.
That was the Sawtooth Clan Vice-Captain's gaze.
"..."
The paladin, Jun, simply stared at me with an emotionless expression.
He didn't seem to care.
Their attention shifted from me to each other, their gazes meeting and clashing.
They were evaluating each other.
Trying to figure out who would be the biggest obstacle to their becoming the leader.
"The mood has become a bit heavy for such a joyous occasion. Let's eat."
The Marquis intervened, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
They all started eating and chatting, but the tension remained.
"As you all know, one of us will be chosen to lead. It's a position with great responsibility."
A position that held the lives of thirty people.
But no one was unaware of the benefits that came with it.
The Marquis had promised me generous support.
"Are you saying we're not qualified, Sir Kaislan?"
The dwarf woman spoke softly, but her message was clear.
She wasn't going to give up her chance.
"Hmm, I just wanted to confirm that you all understood the weight of this position."
The knight clicked his tongue, seemingly disappointed that the dwarf was his biggest rival.
"Haha, I understand what you mean. I also had to endure countless responsibilities and duties to become Vice-Captain."
The Vice-Captain seized the opportunity to subtly promote himself.
This was a battle of nerves.
"Jun, do you also desire this position?"
"Human emotions are fleeting. Everything will happen according to God's will."
It sounded like he was going to remain neutral.
But the knight's expression brightened prematurely.
"However, I believe I am the one who is closest to God's will."
He was joining the competition.
The knight's face darkened. He knew the paladin's backer was the Three Gods Church, a formidable opponent.
"I see."
But why didn't he ask me?
That made me feel a bit left out.
______________
After the tense exchange of words ended...
The knight, with a determined look in his eyes, took charge of the conversation.
"Many desire it, but there's only one position. We have to decide who's the most qualified."
"Do you have a plan, Sir Kaislan?"
"How about we each describe our ideal leader?"
He wanted to understand their personalities and leadership styles.
"That sounds good."
The dwarf woman and the Vice-Captain readily agreed.
I didn't object either, and neither did the paladin.
"Since I initiated this conversation, I'll go first."
The knight, as always, was eager to take the lead.
He stood up and declared in a loud voice.
"A group can only achieve its true potential when it moves as one. The most important quality of a leader is leadership."
"That's too abstract. What exactly do you mean by leadership?"
"It's the ability to create and maintain order. Control starts from there. A perfectly controlled force can achieve its goals without any distractions."
I could already imagine what it would be like under his command.
A rigid and inflexible group, devoid of individual freedom and personality.
He continued his passionate speech, describing his vision for the unit and its advantages.
And after some time...
"That's all."
As soon as he finished, the dwarf woman took over.
"I enjoyed your speech. I'll go next."
Unlike the knight's rigid and predictable speech, the dwarf's words were intriguing.
She was a veteran explorer, after all.
What did someone like her value the most in a leader?
"Historically, most problems in the labyrinth have been solved by explorers. There have been very few instances of military intervention. Why do you think that is?"
"Because the royal family respects the way of explorers."
"That's one reason, but I believe it's because it's more efficient for them. Anything can happen in the labyrinth. They needed someone who could adapt to any situation, and that's an explorer. Armies are too cumbersome to operate in the labyrinth."
"So you're saying the ideal leader should be an explorer, Akuraba?"
"Not necessarily. I'm just saying that if someone has to lead in the labyrinth, they need extensive knowledge and experience, and the ability to make quick decisions."
Her requirements were reasonable.
Honestly, I would rather work under her than that knight.
But...
"Excuse me, but you don't have any leadership experience, do you, Senior Akuraba?"
The Vice-Captain's words made the dwarf frown.
She hadn't expected him to attack her after calling her 'senior'.
But the Vice-Captain didn't stop there.
"I heard you were always the one who followed orders when you were on a team."
"...I led a team before."
"I see. But leading a team and leading a force of thirty are two different things."
Wow, this guy was bold.
Well, it would be ridiculous to prioritize seniority in a business meeting.
"Anyway, I'm done, so you're next, James Kala."
"I'll gladly take my turn."
The Vice-Captain took over, subtly undermining the dwarf.
"The most important quality of a leader is information. Senior Akuraba said it herself, didn't she? A leader has to be able to adapt to any situation."
"And?"
"If you have the right information, you can avoid those situations altogether. And even if you do encounter a problem, you'll have more options."
He was clearly targeting the dwarf.
But she wasn't backing down.
"That's true, if you have that kind of information."
"I have the support of the Alminus Trading Company and the Explorer's Guild. Of course, I don't know everything... but..."
"..."
"I'm confident that I have the best information network here."
The dwarf couldn't refute his claim.
With the support of those two organizations, he could gather more information than anyone else in the labyrinth.
"That's all from me. Who's next?"
"I'll go next."
The paladin, Jun, was next.
He gave a lengthy sermon, like a priest giving a mass.
"Everything starts with faith, and that applies to leadership as well. Strong faith and trust create courage that can overcome any evil..."
Wow, he was talkative.
"The world is full of trials. Some overcome them, and some lose faith and fall. But do you know what?"
His eyes gleamed with passion.
I thought he was a stoic person, but...
"Those who overcome trials are always those who have faith. Only faith can unite people, and only faith can save us from trials."
But even a good sermon gets boring if it's too long.
"Haam..."
I yawned, and the paladin glared at me.
"You find my words about faith boring?"
Well, how could I not?
He glared at me, and then passed the turn.
"It's your turn now."
The others seemed relieved that it was finally my turn.
"Lihen Schuitz, what kind of person do you think should be the leader?"
The Vice-Captain asked.
His tone was subtle, as if he was trying to win my vote.
The others were the same.
"You seem like the type who prefers a strong leader."
The knight was subtly promoting himself.
"A soldier might think that way, but an explorer knows better."
The dwarf couldn't miss the opportunity to counter him.
It was ridiculous.
Why were they trying to win me over?
Didn't I make it clear?
"...Why are you laughing?"
"Because it's funny."
"...?"
"Why are you wasting your time trying to convince me?"
I had been eating while they were talking.
And...
"The strongest one wins. That's all."
I slammed my empty glass on the table.
Thud.
A heavy silence fell over the room.
But no one was surprised.
"Ha... I knew it."
"So you value strength above all else, Mr. Schuitz."
They looked at me with disdain.
They were all hypocrites.
Or maybe they just lacked imagination.
"Do you really think you can convince us with brute force?"
"Yeah."
"A leader isn't just about strength... What?"
"Why can't I convince you?"
I had finished my meal.
It was the perfect time for a workout.
"Stop talking and fight me."
I stood up, and the knight looked at me in surprise.
He was hesitant to fight me in front of the Marquis.
"I won't interfere."
The Marquis seemed to have decided to let us fight.
"I see."
I shrugged, and the dwarf woman spoke in a mocking tone.
"Even if you defeat him, we won't acknowledge you. If someone who only relies on brute force becomes the leader—"
What?
"Would you have accepted it if I said something else?"
That was the reason why I found their speeches so pointless.
I looked at them one by one.
"Strong control, experience-based judgment, a wide information network, and trust."
The qualities of a leader, as described by the four of them.
"Yeah, they're all good."
I meant it.
But there was a fundamental problem.
"But no matter how much you talk about it, do you think anyone will be convinced?"
You can't obtain what everyone desires through consensus.
Especially not with those abstract values.
But...
"Are you saying you're different?"
"Yes."
Strength is different.
"So fight me."
"Don't be foolish. Even if you defeat him—"
They wouldn't accept me.
I knew that.
But...
"Who said it was just one?"
My life as a barbarian had taught me something.
If you can't obtain consent through words...
It's because...
"All of you."
"...?"
You're not strong enough.
The four of them looked at me, their minds struggling to keep up.
I grinned.
"All of you, fight me."
There wasn't a single mage among them.