Chapter 20

Update! ('ω')!

I hope you enjoy it.

"……?"

I couldn't help but pause in my thoughts for a moment.

Then, questions began to arise.

(What is he talking about...? Go back? Me?)

"I've been talking with Barry. Don't you want to go back to 'Thunderpike'?"

How did he come to such a conclusion?

Did he get his mind messed with by a Mind Flare in the dungeon?

If I had been exiled for some reason, I might have understood.

But I left 'Thunderpike' of my own will.

I made the decision to part ways with the 'Thunderpike' party and its members based on my own judgment.

The treatment and rewards were part of the reason, but they weren't the main ones.

I had always felt that staying with them would never lead us to the 'Gate of the Abyss.'

This resignation and certainty led me to decide to leave.

In other words, I have no regrets at all; in fact, I feel quite refreshed.

Sigh, going back is out of the question.

To suddenly make such a troublesome suggestion... What is he thinking?

Still, I'm a grown man. I shouldn't let my emotions get the better of me.

I'll set aside my past grievances and irritation and respond calmly.

"I'm sorry, but I have no intention of doing that."

"Huh?"

Why are you looking so surprised?

"I'm the party leader of 'Clover.' I have no intention of going back to 'Thunderpike.'"

"What's with that attitude...!"

...?

I'm just being normal.

Don't throw a tantrum in the middle of the tavern, Simon. What if we become the entertainment for the patrons?

We both have parties to lead, after all.

"In fact, we are being inconvenienced... That's the truth. You need to take responsibility for this. It's only natural as an adventurer, no, as an adult, right?"

I'm amazed at how self-righteous and childish you can be.

Did you really get your brain messed with by a squid's tentacle?

You should get the curse of mental pollution dispelled as soon as possible.

"Simon, what specific inconveniences are you talking about?"

"We're failing quests. It's because you left."

"Then, just get new members. Besides, you always said I was a burden. If the load is lighter, the pace will be faster, right?"

I glare at Simon as I sigh.

I don't do this often, but I just realized how tiring it is to glare...

"Anyway, what are you talking about now after treating me like dirt all this time? Do you think I'll forgive you just because we're childhood friends?"

"N...!"

Simon, who looked completely taken aback, stared at me with a frightened expression.

He's always been condescending since we were kids.

He probably never expected me to argue back.

"I have no intention of going back to 'Thunderpike.' That's all."

"You're being deceived by those beginners! They're just using you –..."

"You're the ones who treated me like a lackey. See you, Simon."

I walked past Simon and headed towards the quest counter where Marina and the others were waiting.

"Don't get too cocky...! You'll definitely regret it!"

Leaving Simon, who was red-faced and spouting off, I left the scene.

◇

"Sorry, I kept you waiting."

"Who was that person?"

Marina, who had been watching Simon and me from a distance, asked with a worried look.

"He's the leader of the party I used to be in."

The moment I answered, Marina, still in her armor, dashed and hugged me.

"Ugh!"

Why do you hug me when you're in armor?

"Are you going back!?"

"Don't worry. I'm not going back."

"Really, really?"

"Of course."

I chuckled and brushed off the dust from the dungeon from Marina's red hair.

Sigh, to make the members so anxious like this is a failure as a leader.

I should have ignored Simon.

"Did you report the completion?"

"Yes, everything went smoothly. I've confirmed the reward and put it in the party treasury."

"Thank you."

Silk, who still looked a bit anxious, smiled at my words.

"Alright, let's go for a drink. Come on, Marina... You're going to drink until you pass out today, right?"

"Yep. I'm going to make Yeu pass out too."

"Hey, cut it out."

But I do feel like drinking today.

I finally said what I've wanted to say for a long time. I'm sure I'll enjoy the drinks.

"Alright, I'll sober you up with a spell."

Rain smiled softly and returned her magic bag to me.

For some reason, I have a feeling... Rain, you were eavesdropping on our conversation with magic, weren't you?

It's not a conversation I mind being overheard, but it's not a very good habit.

"I'll listen to your complaints, so get drunk."

"...I'll take you up on that."

Indeed, she looks young, but sometimes she acts like an older sister.

That's why I can't underestimate Rain.

"Alright, let's go!"

"Hey, Marina, don't push."

Marina, who seemed to have recovered, pushed my back in a good mood.

How was it? ('ω')?

If you found it "interesting" and want to see more, please change the ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★ to support the author!

The next update will be at 8 PM!

Thank you very much.