Chapter 8

In the first floor of the log cabin, which serves as their base, Hayato, Esha, and Ash were sitting on chairs, drinking coffee.

The chairs they were sitting on and the table they were gathered around were all furniture that Hayato had crafted using his woodworking skill. While the quality doesn’t change the appearance, Hayato, being a dedicated crafter, had made sure everything was of the highest quality, all five-star items.

Surrounded by such top-quality furniture, Hayato explained the situation to the two of them.

However, given the security measures in place to protect the AI, he didn’t mention hiring NPCs or his desire to win the clan war for the prize money. He simply said that he left the clan because he lacked combat skills and was looking for someone who could fight alongside him, even though he was a crafter.

He also explained that currently, it was just the three of them: Esha, Ash, and himself.

"Ah, I see. From the materials of the equipment you showed me earlier, I thought it was a clan with some pretty strong members, but you were kicked out?"

"I wasn’t exactly kicked out; I left on good terms."

"Is that so? Considering that you were given money and items, it might seem that way, but from an outsider’s perspective, it looks like you were kicked out."

"Frankly, I also think so. You were discarded because you were no longer needed."

"Think about how you say things. It hurts. But, as the former clan leader said, I have no combat skills. I was a burden to the clan, so being kicked out isn’t wrong."

Esha and Ash sighed almost simultaneously.

They weren’t mocking Hayato. Rather, their faces expressed something like, "What are you talking about?"

"Sure, Hayato might lack combat skills, but calling him a burden is wrong. Frankly, I think any clan that kicks out Hayato is doomed."

"What’s wrong with them?"

"Are they aiming for the top ranks? Kicking out Hayato and replacing him with someone who can fight? From my perspective as the leader of a mercenary group, that’s a terrible move."

According to Ash, changing members suddenly would disrupt teamwork, and it’s also questionable whether a new member could be trusted. Clan wars are team battles of ten versus ten, where each member’s role is significant. The basic strategy is to use tactics to create advantageous situations, not just fight one-on-one. Even if a new member is strong, adding someone unfamiliar would not strengthen the team.

"But, as I said earlier, in recent battles, I faced an enemy one-on-one. The clan barely won."

"Leaving Hayato, a crafter, alone is worse."

"Huh? If you mean giving me a bodyguard, wouldn’t that make me a liability?"

"True, but the outcome of a battle isn’t decided in just the one hour of the clan war. Preparation is crucial. From what I’ve heard, Hayato prepared a lot before the battle, right? Preparing potions, food, maintaining weapons, and researching the enemy?"

"Yeah, I did all that. But once the clan war starts, I can’t contribute in combat."

"The value of a clan member should be considered in a broader context. You said the recent victory was a close call, but didn’t you know the enemy’s skill set? You must have prepared items to repel them, right?"

"You’re sharp. I did prepare some, but I didn’t want to use them."

The item he used was a self-destruct item, which deals damage to the enemy by sacrificing the user’s HP. Given the low defense of infiltration-type players, Hayato prepared it in advance, assuming a mutual destruction would be possible.

His assumption was correct. Hayato, as a crafter, had very low HP, only 25. The enemy also had low HP and low defense. The battle ended in a mutual destruction.

However, self-destruct items are expensive, and their materials are also costly. If Hayato had combat skills, he wouldn’t have needed to use such an item.

"The clan you left, ‘Black Dragon,’ right? I don’t think they can advance to a higher rank. Their members’ perspectives are too narrow."

"Master, it’s a ‘serve them right’ situation. You could eat three meals a day, no problem."

"Hey, both of you. Even if you’re trying to comfort me, please don’t say bad things about the former clan members. I might have been kicked out, but they are still my comrades."

Hayato placed an "Adamantite Knife - Supreme" on the table. Esha and Ash were surprised by the item’s performance.

"This knife is just data—"

"Sorry, what did you say? I didn’t catch that."

(Ah, AI protection. Thinking about it, saying ‘data’ is also bad. Maybe ‘just an item’ will work?)

"Um, this knife is just an item. It has incredible performance, but I wouldn’t sell it even for a billion G. It has sentimental value."

To craft this knife, rare items are needed.

Adamantite, a rare mineral; Behemoth’s horn and Kraken’s ink, which can only be obtained from rare monsters; and the branch of the World Tree, which can only be obtained after completing multiple elf quests. These materials are rarely sold, and gathering them takes a considerable amount of time.

"I made this knife multiple times to understand its effects, and I was able to gather the materials thanks to my former clan members. They worked hard for me, even though they didn’t understand the value. We spent hours staking out rare monster spawn points, and there were times when we had to compete with others."

Thinking back, Hayato wonders why they went through such hardships, but it’s a fond memory for him. He was kicked out of the clan, but that doesn’t diminish the memories.

"We may have parted ways, but I still consider them comrades. So, please don’t say bad things about them. I appreciate your concern, but that’s all."

Hayato thought to himself,

(What am I saying to NPCs? Am I rambling? But, maybe I can only say this to NPCs... I’m starting to feel embarrassed.)

Just as Hayato was wondering how to proceed, Ash stood up and bowed.

"I’m sorry. It must feel bad to hear bad things about your comrades. I apologize. Please forgive me."

"No, no, no, you don’t have to do that! Get up! I forgive you, I forgive you!"

Hayato was taken aback by the unexpected apology.

Ash, hearing this, raised his head.

"Indeed, in a mercenary group, similar things happen. Just because someone leaves doesn’t mean they’re no longer a comrade. We’ve trusted our lives with each other. It would be hurtful to be belittled."

"Yeah, that’s the feeling. So, no need to apologize anymore."

"Understood. From now on, I’ll treat you as a comrade. I’ll do my best."

Ash smiled and sat back down.

(Something feels pure and nostalgic.)

Esha looked at Hayato, who was thinking this.

"Master, your generosity and broad-mindedness are truly admirable. As expected of my master."

"I don’t remember becoming your master, but I’m glad you think so."

"Yes. And the male camaraderie with Ash—let’s not hide it. And, please don’t give me the thumbs up. Anyway, I look forward to working with you from now on."

Esha and Ash both nodded.

Hayato was pleased to have such good NPCs as comrades. However, there were only two of them. He resolved to recruit more strong NPCs in the future.