After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
Thanks to Carmine and Misty, we escaped the swarm of monsters gathering around us and dashed through the central district.
At this point, there was no longer any need to hide or sneak around.
Fighting off enemies as we went, we simply rushed toward the Tower ahead.
"Pretty exhausting, huh?"
"Complain later! I’m tired too!"
Jamie encouraged Rain, who was clearly showing signs of fatigue.
Even with enhancement magic cast on us, continuous combat and full-speed movement would wear anyone down.
We had originally planned to rest several times along the way, but my overly optimistic expectations had come back to bite us here.
"We’re already in the central district! Just a little farther!"
The area around us was a heap of rubble, making it difficult to read the terrain, but we should be reaching Adventurer’s Row soon.
Once we passed through there, we'd arrive at the plaza in front of the guild—at the foot of the Tower.
"Up ahead... five large monsters and numerous smaller ones!"
"Nene, disrupt them from the front! Silk, cover fire! Rain, Jamie—scatter the small ones with wide-range magic! Don’t hit Nene!"
I barked out orders quickly and threw down area-control spells like Trip Snare and Thornbind Trap to delay the enemy.
As the horde of monsters closed in, kicking up dust, I braced myself and drew my short sword—when something unbelievable happened.
"N-Nyaaah!?"
Nene bounded back toward us in a panic.
No wonder—just ahead, as if a localized natural disaster had occurred, massive tree roots burst through the cobblestones. Dozens of them.
The monsters caught in the roots were then showered with a barrage of arrows and various magical attacks.
"Milady! The Amberwood Rangers of the Forest of Amber have arrived!"
"Finis Adventurers’ Union, Full Alliance—we’re here to support Clover!"
"Salmutaria Volunteer Corps, here to repay a debt!"
From seemingly nowhere, dark elves and adventurers began to appear one after another.
Glancing around, I saw people carrying various banners rushing toward us.
Among them were warriors and alchemists from Salmutaria, clad in their traditional battle kilts.
"Protect Clover! Don’t let the monsters get near!"
"Spirit users, activate your dryads! Clear the path for the ladies!"
"Activate the Barrier Stakes! Use magic scrolls freely! Don’t let the elves’ path be destroyed!"
People of many races and tribes worked together to literally carve a path to the Tower.
Trees rapidly grew and formed a green archway leading toward the Tower, which was then reinforced by the alchemists of Salmutaria using magical artifacts.
The disturbance drew in more monsters from the central district, but they were held off through coordinated efforts by the Finis adventurers, the Amberwood Rangers, and the Salmutarian clans.
Amid the chaos, one man stood out—clad in luxurious armor, he stepped forward and gave me a sly grin.
There’s no way he should be here, but I couldn't be mistaken.
"Mastoma?"
"Indeed, it is I. Am I a bit late, Red Mage Warlock? I’ve come to repay my debt."
Amidst this deadly battlefield, stood the dignified and composed next king of Salmutaria, smiling.
He’s always been a bit outrageous, but I never imagined he’d show up here of all places.
"You look well. That’s good to see."
"Why are you even here?"
"What, don’t you realize? No need to be so modest. A hero should have a touch of arrogance."
Mastoma laughed heartily and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"We came here of our own free will—to help Clover, and to help you."
"Help us?"
"Start realizing it, Red Mage Warlock. The title ‘Hero’ you bear is not just for show. You’re a shining star, one who overcomes adversity and brings hope to others."
His words left me a bit stunned.
"Maybe say it… a bit more simply?" Rain suggested.
"Oh Rain, you remain an excellent wife, don’t you?"
"Flattery won’t win me over, you know?"
"Still sharp as ever, I see."
Mastoma chuckled and turned to face me again.
"It’s quite simple. Everyone has hope in you… because this is culling, right?"
He looked up at the Tower ahead, his gaze serious.
"Yeah. If we leave it alone, things will get really bad."
"Red Mage Warlock—my friend, Yuke Feldio. You are the ‘Hero’ who shall strike down this entire ‘culling.’ That’s why we’re here—to become even a small part of your heroic tale."
I’ve never thought of myself as someone all that great.
Still, I couldn’t say I didn’t understand what Mastoma was saying.
There were things only I could do—things others expected of me. That much, I could accept.
Whether I could live up to that or not… that would be up to me.
"Now go. If what must be done here falls to us, then your path lies elsewhere."
"…Thanks. I’ll buy you a drink when we get back."
"The kind of liquor that suits my taste doesn’t come cheap, you know?"
"I’ll brace myself for the bill."
It might be a bit too casual, but we bump fists lightly, then look back to our companions.
"Let’s head for the Tower!"
"Got it!"
"Understood!"
"Okaaay!"
Nene, Silk, and Jamie take off running.
Just as I’m about to follow, Mastoma calls out to Rain.
"Rain, take care of my friend."
"Mm. Of course."
"Yuke, I haven’t given up on this girl, you know. If you don’t make it back, I’ll be taking her for myself."
I’m stunned for a second, not sure if Mastoma’s joking or serious, when Rain sticks out her tongue and throws her arms around me.
"I’m Yuke’s. Always, together."
"Even that defiance of yours is charming in its own way."
"But thank you. I’ll come back—with Yuke."
"Good. I’ll await your safe return."
Mastoma gives a small wave, and I nod before lifting Rain into my arms and sprinting off.
We’d fallen a bit behind the others already—we had to hurry and catch up.
"Go on, Clover!"
"Yuke! May fortune be with you!"
"Leave this area to us! Please protect the young lady!"
"The future of Finis is in your hands!"
Pushed forward by their voices of encouragement, we ran toward the green archway.
To maintain spirit communication on this level, especially here in Finis where the spirits had changed so much… It was nothing short of amazing.
With a heart full of gratitude and awe, I raced to rejoin my companions.
"Sorry, looks like I fell a bit behind."
"Everyone worked together to make this path. There’s nothing standing between us and the Tower now!"
Silk pointed toward the lush, leaf-covered tunnel stretching before us.
At the far end of the tunnel, the ivory-colored wall of our destination came into view.
"This is it…!"
"Now the real battle begins!"
"Let’s go, Yuke."
I gave a firm nod to my comrades and stepped into the green tunnel.
"Clover, advance! We’re storming the Tower in one go!"
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