After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
"Everyone, good work. We're on break for a while—make sure you get some proper rest."
At my words, my companions nodded wearily.
Ever since we returned from Vilmuren Island, we’d been incredibly busy.
Even though the issue of the "Achromatic Darkness"—which had endangered this world—had been resolved, the influence of that entity, the extradimensional dragon known as "the Cull," seemed to have been quite extensive. Due to that, investigation requests for dungeons that had become more active were rapidly issued as national priority missions.
It wasn’t just our party, Clover.
Other A-rank parties were involved too, and at some locations, we even worked together in joint alliances.
Under the strong policy of "preventing further dungeon disasters," we were assigned these urgent national missions. Knowing the cause behind it all, we ended up running all over the place.
After all, we possess the instincts of the "Walkers," those who wander, making us especially sensitive to the presence of otherworldly realms like the Reversed Labyrinth Tenebre—and less affected by them.
In short, we were far too convenient a choice for the current missions, which sometimes required delving into labyrinths that might even contain Abyss Gates—doors to the Abyss.
"Finally, a break~"
Marina stretched her body on the chair and let out a slightly bouncy voice.
Even for the tough Marina, these recent missions may have been exhausting.
As the leader, I reflect on whether I should’ve better managed the quest acceptance schedule.
"Mamal said there’s nothing scheduled for a week, so let’s take it easy," Silk added.
"Yeah, seriously… finally," Nene muttered quietly in response.
We’d stuck to our party rule of "three days’ rest per quest," but with all the long expeditions, it didn’t feel like we were truly resting. Honestly, I’d like a whole month off, not just a week.
"You better rest too, alright?"
"…Huh?"
Caught off guard, I froze.
I looked and saw Jamie letting out a small sigh, staring at me with a sharp, exasperated gaze.
"I knew it. You were planning to fill your break with preparations and paperwork, weren’t you?"
"As the leader, there are things I have to take care of. I still need to submit the adventure log, and there’s paperwork piling up—"
My words caused everyone to simultaneously sigh and slump their shoulders.
Maybe I answered wrong?
"Yuke. That can wait. First, this—we have to look into it."
"Oh… right. There’s that, too."
Rain, who gently touched my hand and looked at me with worry, made me smile wryly.
After the incident on Vilmuren Island, my left arm had been turned to amber and still hadn’t returned to normal.
The Royal Academy was looking into treatment options, but since it didn’t interfere with daily life, I’d been neglecting it.
"I’ve already asked them to send a report to Benwood if they find anything. I’ll go pick it up tomorrow."
"Then I’ll come with you," Silk said.
"You can rest, Silk."
"If I leave you alone, you’ll probably end up taking on another job."
She smiled sweetly—but I could feel the firm pressure behind her words.
Do they really trust me that little?
"Everyone’s worried about you. You always push yourself too hard."
"Do I?"
"Yes! Just because you’re the leader doesn’t mean you have to carry everything alone."
Jamie poked her finger right at the tip of my nose, raising her eyebrows.
Since coming back from Vilmuren Island, it really felt like she’d started bossing me around.
Well, it’s not a bad thing—being comfortable enough to be honest is a sign of trust.
Unlike my former students, she’s a peer, and that peer-level bluntness can be eye-opening. Jamie’s words, though strict, are always kind and spot-on.
"We’ll handle the adventure log. We’ll also organize the various reports and applications, so just look them over later. A party should share responsibilities as a party, right?"
"That’s true, but aren’t you all tired?"
"You’re just as tired as we are."
Jamie let out a dramatic sigh, prompting small chuckles and smiles from the others.
"I’ll handle the magic stone recordings and editing for the broadcast video!"
"I’ll check and restock all the consumables!"
"Rain and I will take care of the paperwork."
Everyone took on a role they could manage.
Clover had been through many trials and had become a great party.
Maybe me butting in too much wasn’t a good thing.
"Alright. Then we’ll go with that plan for tomorrow. But don’t overdo it, okay?"
"Sensei, that’s our line to you."
"Yeah. Your face says you’re already thinking of cramming everything into tonight instead."
Silk and Rain's gazes made me instinctively look away.
Why did they catch on? I had just barely thought it was a good idea...
"You know, it's written all over your face. Did you think we wouldn't notice?"
"Yuke, you're really easy to read,"
Jamie’s words made Marina laugh and nod in agreement.
Even carefree Marina noticed…?!
Apparently, I’ve been worrying everyone more than I thought.
"I give up. You got me."
"Good. That’s how it should be. If we all do it together, it’ll be done quickly. Yuke, make sure you rest too."
"Alright, I’ll take you up on that. But before that… dinner. It’s been a while since we’ve been home, so I’m gonna cook up something special."
Just as I rolled up my sleeves, Jamie’s hand chop struck me.
And it was pretty hard.
"Were you even listening? I said no work today!"
"Sensei never learns… Could it be that he’s possessed by some troublesome spirit?"
"Maybe it’s the vengeful spirit of a workaholic. Might be worth getting checked at the temple."
Isn’t that a bit much?
I mean, sure, I get what they’re saying—but I just want to help however I can.
"No way, Yuke-san. You can’t go making Jamie-san angry."
"Yuke can be kind of oblivious, or maybe just unaware. Poor Jamie-san."
"Quiet, both of you. Come on, we’re going."
Jamie, looking a little annoyed, grabbed my hand and pulled me along.
"Where to?"
"After an adventure, you have a party, right?"
Jamie said it a bit gruffly, and I couldn’t help but smile and nod.
"You’re right. We are adventurers, after all…! I'm starting to crave the mountain-sized fries from Dancing Duck Tavern."
Comments
Post a Comment