Chapter 35

Update! ('ω')!

I hope you enjoy it.

We're currently at 69,000 points!

We're just a little away from breaking the big mark!

"Anyway, 'Clover' has been designated for a national commission."

"National commission...!"

Silk, looking at the request form on the table, held her breath.

Of course, that's to be expected. Normally, national commissions are the kind of requests that A-rank parties and top-ranked adventurers take on.

They're not the kind of jobs that usually come to C-rank parties.

"It's not about conquering but investigating... but it's still a dungeon attack."

I pause for a moment before speaking.

Saying this leaves a bit of regret in me.

"...I've been thinking, and I want to turn it down."

On the way back here, I've been thinking about this.

Because it's a national commission, the reward is excellent. We'll also get a significant boost to our adventurer credibility.

We can even challenge the 'Colorless Darkness,' which I've always dreamed of.

But...

The risk is too high.

I can't even judge if we can take it on with our current capabilities.

It's unimaginable.

To begin with, the 'Colorless Darkness' is a dungeon that is considered to be insane from the start.

You can see that just by reading the records, and now it's even backed up by live streams.

The reports of the rapidly changing maze environment are accurate.

For example, records of suddenly encountering a forest area while advancing through a place that looks like an abandoned castle, or the floor itself changing after descending and then ascending a staircase, were something I found hard to believe.

But watching the live stream of the A-rank party 'Mont Blanc' retreating, it's clear that these are undeniable facts.

I can't take these girls into that danger – that's the conclusion I've come to.

"Eh, you're going to turn it down? Why?"

Marina looks at me with a puzzled expression.

"Insufficient preparation and lack of experience. We lack too much to challenge the 'Colorless Darkness.'"

At my words, Silk shakes her head.

"Sir, while experience is one thing, we can prepare. Our equipment is the latest, and Finis can provide us with everything we need for the adventure."

Silk smiles lightly and lets out a small sigh.

"Being overprotective is one of your bad traits, Sir."

"...I'm the teacher, though."

In response, Silk looks me straight in the eye and speaks.

"Then, Yuke. Let's take this national commission."

She picks up the request form on the table, and though she's smiling, it's a bit scary.

Is she angry, perhaps?

"Listen, Yuke. This is a chance for us too. We'll eventually tackle this dungeon and aim for the 'Gate of the Abyss.' We should consider this as a good opportunity to scout the place."

"That's right! Otherwise, the 'experience' you talk about will never be enough!"

I didn't expect to be out-argued by Silk, let alone Marina.

Their points are valid, and I understand them.

However...

"You're scared, Yuke."

Rain, who had been listening silently, speaks softly.

Her words sink into my heart, bringing up emotions I hadn't realized I had.

"Scared... So, I'm scared..."

"Yuke?"

"Sir?"

Marina and Silk look at me.

Oops... I said it without thinking.

"Are you afraid of losing us?"

In response to Rain's admonishing voice, I can't resist.

"Yeah, I'm scared. I can't stand it, it's terrifying. This is the first time I've felt this way."

I never felt this way when I was in 'Thunderpike.'

"Yeah, we're the same."

Rain stands up from her chair and hugs my head.

My vision is blocked, and the warmth and softness fill me.

"Come on, Yuke. Let's do it."

"But –..."

"Is our trust... so low?"

"No, you're the best companions I could ask for."

"Then, let's move forward with the dream."

At that moment, my vision brightened.

On the other side of the table, Marina is smiling contentedly and giving a thumbs up, Silk is smiling with her hands loosely clasped – and Rain is right there with a gentle smile.

"Come on, Yuke. Let's prepare for the adventure! Tell me what we need!"

"Let's make a strategy plan from the live streams. We also need to apply for access to the records."

"See? Trust us."

The three of them look at me.

Ah, well... I can't win against them. I've been outdone.

"Alright. I was wrong."

"That's right! This is the place we all want to go the most, so we can't hold back when there's a chance. Trying to scare us into agreeing was a big mistake!"

"Ugh..."

"Besides, Yuke must have wanted to go a little, which is why you brought it back, right?"

"Marina, that's not a good point to press. I was trying to keep quiet about it."

To be seen through so thoroughly is a bit... no, quite a shock.

"Marina, don't blame the teacher. He prioritized our safety after a lot of thought. This is our whim, so we need to be responsible and not worry him."

"Yeah, that's right. So, Yuke, don't worry about it!"

Being laughed at like that makes me feel silly for worrying on the way back.

But there's a part of me that feels comfortable with this conclusion.

I strongly realize that I really do want to go to the 'Colorless Darkness' with everyone.

"Let's go... to the 'Colorless Darkness'!"

At my words, everyone nods firmly.

How was it? ('ω')

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