Chapter 1

It's a "departure" story!

The novelization and manga adaptation have been decided ('ω')!

"From today, I will leave this party."

My words silenced the excited murmurs.

Perhaps I shouldn't have said it at the celebratory gathering.

But I couldn't bear it any longer.

"Should I at least hear your reasons? Yuuk."

"I have complaints about the distribution of rewards. I've talked about this many times, haven't I?"

I show the Knight Simon, the party leader, the bag containing today's reward, which was just given to me as payment for the recent quest.

"It's too little. This is a loss."

"We adventurers, even when we form a party, are still individuals. It's only natural that rewards increase or decrease based on performance, right?"

"That's right, Yuuk. You don't even participate in battles; you just use items occasionally. You should be grateful just to get a reward at all."

Simon's agreement is echoed by the Warrior Barry, who probably received the second-largest share of the reward after Simon.

"Isn't it for the 'streaming' preparation? It's useful, but anyone can do it, you know—hahaha."

The mage Jamie laughs drunkenly.

"To receive fair rewards, you must do fair work, Yuuk. You should try harder and contribute more to the party."

Camilla... you sound so righteous, but I think you benefit the most from my support as a Cleric.

"How will you manage without us? You can't do anything else, Yuuk. We're only keeping you in 'Thunderpike' out of old friendship."

Simon looks at me with genuine sympathy, but whether consciously or unconsciously, he still has that condescending attitude.

"In other words, you won't be troubled without me?"

"Well, not really..."

His response is slightly hesitant.

He probably just misses having someone to push the menial tasks onto.

"Then I'll leave here. See you."

As I stand up, I hear Barry and Jamie's voices behind me.

"If you come back crying, there won't be a place for you anymore—hahaha!"

"Bye-bye! Don't come back! Hahaha!"

I respond to Simon, who says, "Is this really what you want? I could let it pass as a joke now," by flipping him the middle finger.

"I can't deal with it anymore!"

And just like that, I left the party I had been with for five years.

---

The next day.

I woke up as usual and headed to the Adventurer Guild to look for work.

On the large magical screens in the bar and restaurant, live dungeon attacks by streaming parties are being broadcast. I was in one of those broadcasts yesterday, but only on the side.

The "adventure streams" broadcast by adventurers are now a major content source worldwide.

You can watch live dungeon attacks, edited strategy guides, or even cooking and potion-making streams.

A few years ago, magical devices that made this possible were developed and quickly became widespread, leading adventurers to start streaming en masse.

Why?

Because good streams are good advertising.

Skilled parties receive a flood of requests, and individuals who perform well might even be scouted by nobles.

Moreover, if popular adventurers use a company's products, stores and manufacturers can easily make a profit, and the adventurers often receive a share of the advertising revenue.

As a result, top parties sometimes hire dedicated personnel for streaming.

Well, I was the one doing that role in 'Thunderpike'!

"Ah, Mr. Yuuk. Good morning. What brings you here today?"

As I approach the counter, the receptionist Mamar greets me with a smile.

"Looking for work and registering for job openings."

"Job openings? Weren't you registered with 'Thunderpike'?"

"I left yesterday..."

"Oh, my."

Mamar covers her mouth and smiles wryly.

"Things happen. Please fill out this form, then."

I fill out the necessary information on the form she hands me.

Name: Yuuk Ferdio

Age: 20

Gender: Male

Occupation: Red Mage / Alchemist

Adventurer Credit Rating: B Rank

Skills and Notes:

Enhancement, debuffing, support through item use. Can serve as a middle guard. Capable of adventure streaming and editing. No rank restrictions for participation.

"Alright, that should do it."

"You always have such neat handwriting."

"Accuracy in writing is essential when using alchemy."

"Of course. I'll post this on the job board—Ah! Teacher!"

Before Mamar finishes speaking, someone rushes up to the counter.

"Mr. Ferdio! What are you doing?"

"Huh? Oh, Marina."

"It's Marina!"

The red-haired girl smiles brightly. She was one of the new adventurers I taught in the 'Adventurer Preparatory Training' special request from the Adventurer Guild about half a year ago. I remember her party was a trio of girls, and they showed promise.

"Have you grown a bit? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine! Silk and Rain are doing well too."

"That's good to hear."

The turnover rate among adventurers is high.

It's a dangerous job, and a moment's lapse in attention can cost you your job... or even your life.

"So, what are you doing?"

"Looking for a party."

I wave the job posting I just wrote, feeling a bit embarrassed to show this to a former student.

"Wait, so you're free now?"

"Yeah."

Marina snatches the job posting from me and looks at me.

"How about joining our party!?"

How was it ('ω')?

If you found it "interesting," "fun," or "want to read more," I would be grateful if you could give it a ★★★★★ rating!

I also welcome comments and bookmarks!

Thank you very much!

P.S.:

If you add me as a favorite author, you'll receive updates and activity reports more easily!

I would really appreciate it if you do!