Chapter 32

Today marks two weeks of this work!

Thank you all for your support!

I'll keep working hard! (‘ω’)

Two days after the somewhat eventful move.

I, having calmed down a bit, was walking down the street where the flea market was held. Finis is a labyrinth city surrounded by many labyrinths. Therefore, a flea market, where adventurers and armed merchants sell the artifacts they excavate, is set up almost daily on the street near the Adventurer's Guild.

With a bit of luck, one might find a rare treasure, and for an alchemist like me, it's a place that makes my heart race just to look around.

...Today, however, there's someone with me whose heart is racing even more than mine.

"Magic tools, so many..."

"Don't get too excited. You'll get ripped off."

Rain, who seemed a bit excited, was pulling my hand.

"So? What are we looking for?"

"No, not really. I just wanted to come with you, Yuke."

Rain suddenly relaxed her expression and smiled softly.

It seems she was considerate, thinking I was worried about the recent broadcast.

──Two days ago.

It was announced that ‘Thunderpike’ would lead the large-scale investigation request for ‘The Colorless Darkness’ and ‘The Door of the Abyss’ from the country.

My dream since childhood, the edge of the world... ‘The Door of the Abyss’.

Recently, it had been sealed off due to its danger, making dungeon attacks impossible.

To overturn this, it was said that a strong request from at least an A-rank party was needed, but this time, the country lifted the seal in the form of a joint investigation request from multiple A-rank parties.

I might be feeling regretful for not being able to participate...

"Don't worry about that."

We held hands again and slowly walked through the crowded bazaar. I thought I'd say it was to avoid getting separated if anyone complained, but Rain squeezed my hand back.

"Don't worry. We're not competing to reach it first, after all."

"Right. I was just feeling anxious."

When we were alone, the honest Rain looked up at me.

So... Rain had been listening to Simon and me with magic that day.

She thought I might return to ‘Thunderpike’.

...It seems I, as a man, lack trust.

"I believe in everyone. Besides, the shape of my dream has changed a bit."

"Changed?"

"Yeah. Remember the promise? To go to ‘The Door of the Abyss’ with the four of us. And, by the way, to do a ‘live broadcast’?"

I tried to sound a bit playful, and Rain smiled as if she was laughing.

"Adopting Marina's plan, huh?"

"She's honest and bright, and has the power to lead everyone. Sometimes, I think Marina might be better suited to be the leader."

"No way. Marina would just rely on momentum."

"True."

We laughed together.

"Then, let's take our time today and look for some treasures. I'm counting on Rain's eye."

"Using ‘Magic Perception’ to find something that reacts..."

"Ah, that's a proper way for a mage to spot things."

We bought a few excavated items and junk as we walked around the flea market. Many items needed repair, but Rain seemed to have a talent for finding interesting things.

We were enjoying this date-like time when a small white bird landed in front of us. It chirped in front of me and then turned into a letter, which fluttered away.

"A ‘Letter Bird’. ...It's from the guild."

"What does it say?"

"...It seems I have a personal request."

This is the first time something like this has happened.

It feels a bit fishy.

"Let's go to the guild."

"Yeah. Sorry to cut our fun short."

Rain shook her head in response to my words.

"I'll look forward to making it up to you."

◇

"I just saw the letter."

When I told this to Mamar at the reception, she clapped lightly and handed me a piece of parchment.

"You've been asked to temporarily join Yuke's party. They want your response as soon as possible."

─────────────────────

Personal Request: Yuke Ferdio

Request: Temporary party participation

Duration: Until the completion of the national request ‘Investigation of The Colorless Darkness’

Notes: Quick response required due to the registration deadline for national request members. Formal recruitment after request completion.

Requester: ‘Thunderpike’

─────────────────────

"I see... Then, please tell them ‘I respectfully decline’. And, could you ask them to stop sending me personal requests for a while?"

"Sure."

Mamar, with a wry smile, added some notes to the request form I returned.

‘Temporary joining’ is a system used when a specialized profession is needed for a request or to temporarily fill in for a missing party member. It's usually taken on by freelance adventurers or members of parties on hiatus, working part-time.

It's more like being a mercenary.

Requesting a member of an active party, especially a leader, to join temporarily is not against the rules but is considered bad manners.

Normally, it's too rude to do and too embarrassing to ask.

"Are you sure?"

"Didn't I just say? We're going as a group of four. If I go alone on such a transparent and shallow flattery, it won't be my dream anymore. ...So, Mamar, please handle it for me."

"It's already done. I've sent the ‘Letter Bird’ too. They wanted a super urgent response."

Simon... He probably tried to pressure me for a quick response by dangling the ‘Investigation of The Colorless Darkness’ and intended to use me again, but I'm not that stupid to fall for such an obvious trick.

I think he should realize he's not good at scheming.

You're so stubborn and incredibly stupid.

How many times have I warned you that ‘overly optimistic expectations can trip you up’?

"Is Yuke here!?"

As I was thinking about this, Simon himself rushed into the guild.

Ah, right. He has exceptional action. ...I had completely forgotten.

How was it? (‘ω’)

If you think "Rain is cute!" or "What happens next?", please change the ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★ to support me! I would be very grateful!

Thank you very much!

See you again at 8 PM!