Chapter 51

This time, it's from Jamie's perspective ('ω')

I hope to be able to explain to some extent what happened while Yuki was sleeping over the next couple of chapters.

Also, I revised a few previous episodes, so if you notice anything, please go back and take a look.

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Watching Yuki and the others fade away, I feel a sense of relief.

“Gah... ah... no, just... no... I don’t... a, ah!”

In front of me, Simon is being torn apart by the orcs while still alive. Barry... I can only confirm his wrist. Maybe he’s a leftover. Camila has already been taken away. It seems the orcs in the dungeon do kidnap women.

I sit down and use the illegal magic item given to me for the surprise attack, but I don’t know how effective it is. I might be killed in the next moment.

Still, I guess... my role, my revenge, and my atonement are now fulfilled.

Yuki and the others managed to escape from the danger that started with Simon’s ridiculous charade. Inside Yuki’s bag, there’s a magic stone filled with the recorded live stream of ‘Thunderpike’ that I documented. Given Yuki’s thorough nature, she will surely find it soon. And it will likely reveal everything we did.

Ah, the only regret I have is that I couldn’t apologize directly.

I couldn’t bring myself to do it, even though there were plenty of opportunities. But because I lingered in ‘Thunderpike,’ I was able to help Yuki and ‘Clover’ this time, so it’s all good in the end.

Because I was there for this surprise attack, the kids didn’t get hurt, and we were able to trick the foolish Simon. If I hadn’t suggested, “If you’re going to use them as reinforcements, just put them to sleep,” things would have turned out much worse.

You should be grateful, Yuki.

...Just kidding.

Actually, I should be the one to thank you. And I wanted to apologize properly.

I only realized it after you were gone.

How you protected us, the rear guard, and how you managed the dungeon, and even took care of my brother’s medicine. I was really surprised. When I complained, Yuki had already prepared cough medicine for my brother, which was so expensive. I always took it for granted, thinking it was cheap.

I feel so ashamed of myself for never paying and saying, “Thanks, hurry up.” It’s really terrible to have relied on Yuki for my family’s needs.

Speaking of terrible, the party’s atmosphere was also bad.

After Yuki left, they started targeting me. Only then did I understand how Yuki felt.

To have endured that for five years, and even to have been part of it, is a real stain on my life. I guess this is how it will end. This life. There’s nothing to do but laugh.

Ah, I really messed up.

I really messed up.

I should have apologized immediately.

Yuki is soft-hearted, so if I had apologized sincerely, she might have forgiven me. And maybe, just maybe, she would have invited me to ‘Clover.’

...That’s probably too convenient.

But I was envious.

Of Yuki and the girls in ‘Clover.’

They looked so happy and relied on each other, like a family.

If I had been with them... I don’t think I would have had to force a smile. I could have been honest with people who accepted me for who I am, and maybe I could have had a happy future. Why did it turn out this way?

Now, I can’t even remember why I treated Yuki the way I did.

If I had to say, maybe I thought I would end up like that if I didn’t.

...It’s just an excuse. It doesn’t change what I did.

As I think, Simon’s fate is finally sealed. He was still alive and being devoured just a moment ago, but now he’s silent and unrecognizable.

“Fug, Fug”

The orcs are looking around.

They might be searching for me or the vanished Yuki. I don’t know how effective the recognition impairment is against the orcs’ keen sense of smell, but it’s pointless to struggle.

If I’m found, it’s over.

“...”

“Fugog”

I remain silent and still.

Surprisingly, my heart is calm, perhaps from the sense of accomplishment after finishing my task. The feeling that my role is complete brings a resigned calm to me.

After a while, the orcs leave.

Left behind are the living me, Simon’s remains with some edible parts left, and Barry’s wrist.

I think this is a fitting end for the foolish ‘Thunderpike.’ I might have survived because I did something good at the end. But without the stairs, I’ll probably die out here.

Anyway, I’ll head for the area with the stairs.

Fortunately, the magic bag has some food and magic items for navigating this area, including illegal ones. And since I’m not part of the reckless Simon’s group, I can move more flexibly.

If I can make it to the stairs, I can wait for rescue there. The magic item I secretly attached to my ear should still work, so I’ll try to get as far as I can.

“...Ah, I need to take this too.”

I pick up the blood-soaked magic bag hanging from Simon’s dead body. It should contain the items I called ‘spoils of war’ that I collected from Yuki and the others. I feel ashamed of myself, but if it can be a reason to apologize, that’s good.

If this isn’t the end... I want to see my brother.

And this time, I want to be honest and start over. As a survivor, I still have that chance.

With that thought, I quietly left the scene.

How was it? ('ω')

If you found it interesting, or if you’re wondering, “Wasn’t she supposed to die?” please change the ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★ and support me.

Thank you very much.