Chapter 9

This is the last update for today ('ω')! Please enjoy it.

"Something's quite a commotion, isn't it?"

"Yeah."

I can't bring myself to say that the people causing the commotion are from my former party. What are they even doing? Now that I'm no longer the one handling the trouble out in the open, I wish they would show a bit more restraint.

Well, it's not my problem anymore.

"Thunderpike" is still making a fuss, but I turn back to the three of them.

"So, what do you want to do tomorrow? Should we take a rest day?"

"Yes. After completing a quest, I usually take two days off. Of course, I'll leave it up to you, sir."

"Silk, you're calling me 'sir' again."

"Ah..."

Silk covers her mouth and blushes.

"Get used to it, okay? Anyway, let's take the next two days off."

"What about Yuki?"

"Well, I'll casually check out the market... and restock on consumables like magic scrolls and potions."

I'll also make holy water using the 'Blessed Ash' I picked up. It's a useful item, after all.

"Yuki, you're an alchemist, huh? A bit envious."

Rein smiles softly. She might be a little tipsy.

Actually, alchemists aren't really suited for adventurers. Most of their abilities are focused on producing magical items and potions. Moreover, it takes a considerable initial investment to gain knowledge and gather the necessary tools. Honestly, it's a job that only shines later in one's career. After all, most of their abilities rely on consumables, which can be expensive. Alchemists are often called 'money pits' and are often disliked in parties, so most alchemists work in shops or the adventurer's guild rather than as adventurers.

However, there are some useful items and magic scrolls that only alchemists can use, so a few do become adventurers, like me.

"Can we decide on the next job in three days? I can look around tomorrow if you want."

"No way, you need to rest properly. That's what you said, sir."

Silk points a finger at me, scolding me. Maybe Silk should be the leader after all.

"Alright, alright. Then, let's meet here in the morning three days from now. If you have any business, leave a message at the 'Dancing Duck Inn' on West Street. I'll be staying there."

"Can I find Yuki there?"

"Maybe. Do you have something you need?"

Marina shakes her head.

"No, I was thinking of inviting you to hang out if you're free."

"Marina, even if I'm someone you know, you should be a bit more cautious around men. What if I were a bad guy?"

"Bad guys don't give such warnings, you know?"

"..."

I'm speechless. She's right, but it still feels off.

"Well, if the opportunity arises. Besides, we can go on adventures together anytime."

"That's true."

She seems to agree, but it still feels a bit risky. As I sigh, Rein pokes me.

"Hey, isn't that... Yuki?"

Looking up, I see a large screen in the bar displaying 'Today's Featured Stream.' On the screen, I see myself in red adventurer gear.

"Really, Yuki is on the screen!"

Marina half-stands from her chair, staring at the screen. In the video, a red mage is soloing a steel crab without touching it.

The number of viewers at the bottom of the screen... over 5000.

"Huh?"

I can't believe my eyes. It's only been about half a day since I started streaming, and this number is a bit unusual.

'Wow, that's impressive. You're a red mage, right? Soloing a steel crab, known for killing newbies in the Painted Mine, without touching it. Even famous adventurers would find that difficult. What do you think, Gato?'

'No, no, I'm surprised. It's refreshing to see a red mage, a job often considered unlucky, perform like this. The streaming party is called "Clover," but I've never heard of it.'

'I know most of the top-ranked parties, but I haven't heard of this one either. Maybe they'll bring a new wind!'

'Keep an eye on them! That's today's featured stream!'

The official personality of the adventurer's guild wraps it up, and the screen moves to the next video. Still in a daze, I take a sip of my beer.

"The final view count was over 6000... You're amazing, sir."

"I'm surprised too. It's a tricky spot, and maybe some beginners were watching."

"But it's not very helpful. Yuki is just too good."

Indeed, anyone trying to mimic me would need a lot of practice. But if they learn that weakening spells are effective against steel crabs, it might give hope to new red mages who are struggling to find parties.

"Want another drink?"

Rein refills my mug with beer.

"To celebrate."

"Today is full of things to celebrate! All thanks to Yuki!"

"Yeah, it makes me happy to hear that."

Marina's beaming smile makes me smile too. I haven't felt this happy in a long time. As I clink mugs with Marina, I'm also thinking about something else.

(...Actually, it's all thanks to Marina.)

If Marina hadn't appeared at the reception counter that day, I wouldn't be here now. Thinking about it, I feel a growing sense of gratitude.

As mentioned in the stream commentary, red mages are not a popular job. There are few of them, and they lack understanding from others. Their skills, such as buffs and debuffs, are often seen as too subtle and are often avoided. Yet, Marina invited me to this party just because we were acquaintances. And these three accepted me without hesitation.

"Thank you, everyone."

The words slip out, and the three of them look at me with wide eyes.

"What's wrong, Yuki? We should be the ones thanking you."

"Yuki, is something bothering you? Are you okay?"

"If you have something on your mind, please tell us."

Oh, they're worried. I can't help but chuckle, but I'll save this story for another time. When they face a wall, I'll share this feeling with them. And to help them overcome it, I'll become even stronger.

I make this vow in my heart and finish my beer in one gulp.

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