Chapter 4

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### 37th Floor

The party led by Kyle, the "Dual Wielder," was steadily making their way back to the surface.

"Isn't the number of monsters a bit high?"

Alan, the tank, opened his mouth in confusion while being healed by Ann.

"Is it? This is normal, right?"

"Yeah. It just feels that way because that incompetent guy is gone and our numbers are reduced."

Hearing Ann and Jack's words, Alan, thinking (They don't seem to mind, maybe it's just my imagination...), took a bottle of water from Luke's bag and threw it to everyone.

"Ah... The water in the dungeon is really special!! Still, that guy's face was really messed up!! When Kyle stabbed his leg... Hahaha."

Jack laughed out loud. Everyone sat down for a short break to rest.

"It's because he had an unrealistic 'dream'!"

"Haha!! If that guy got his hands on the 'End of Dreams,' he could do anything!"

While listening to the laughter of the three, Kyle was thinking about Alan's words, "Isn't the number of monsters a bit high?"

Indeed, he hadn't noticed it before because he was in a good mood after abandoning Luke.

(Sure, there are a bit more... I remember there were a few more last time too...? Could it be that he has some special ability...? Haha! No way...)

He frowned slightly but then laughed again, remembering that pained expression.

Recently, he had often heard about people who had been kicked out of parties doing well, so Kyle had prepared for any eventuality, such as exploring the dungeon without Luke.

He had Kyle prepare the usual equipment and food, and even conducted a test to ensure everything was in order. The only difference was not bringing Luke along.

The result was "as usual." Considering various possibilities, such as the strength and types of monsters, the outcome was truly "as usual." Even with a party of four, there were no issues.

If anything, the number of monsters was slightly higher, but it was within the acceptable range if they were more active. Another issue was that they got a bit lost, but that was because they no longer had Luke's map, which was not a problem.

Kyle had gathered enough evidence to conclude that Luke had no special abilities, leading to his expulsion.

With a few minutes left before "his dream would come true," Kyle felt a sense of nausea at the sparkling blue eyes but was satisfied with the face of despair and pain that Luke had shown after three years of waiting.

(Kukukuk. What a fool...)

This thoroughness was one of the reasons Kyle had become an S-rank adventurer.

(I've secured the support of 'Lola,' who is said to have been part of an S-rank party... She should be much more useful than Luke. ...Perfect!! Kukukuk. Too perfect... By getting rid of the 'baggage,' I can reach even greater heights!)

Kyle's confident smile exuded a creepy atmosphere, but the three in the party didn't notice. If Luke, who had a good sense, were here, they might have been caught, but he wasn't...

(Die already...)

Kyle mentally spat while reflecting on his past with Luke.

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Luke was from the same hometown and was the same age as Kyle. To Kyle, Luke was a thorn in his side. With excellent parents and a striking appearance, Kyle had always felt inferior. However, on his 7th birthday, that was supposed to change.

Luke had the "Laundry" skill, while Kyle had the "Dual Wielder" skill, which allowed him to deliver countless slashes until his opponent died.

Despite this, Kyle still couldn't stand how much the villagers liked Luke. Even with the "Laundry" skill, which labeled him as incompetent, Luke always pursued his goals and worked hard, which infuriated Kyle.

"I'll make your dream come true."

When Kyle said this, it was meant to be a sarcastic remark, but Luke, with his silver hair fluttering in the wind and those detestable sparkling blue eyes, only made Kyle more irritated.

Luke never doubted anyone, never spoke ill of anyone, and always looked forward with shining eyes.

Kyle approached him on a whim, but at that moment, he had a good idea and finally put it into action today.

Today's face of Luke was truly the best. That expression of pain was truly unparalleled.

(See you, Luke...)

Kyle muttered in his heart, and every time he recalled it, he felt like smiling, so he drank some water to hide it.

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"Hey, Kyle. You were childhood friends, right? Are you sure it was okay?"

Alan laughed and asked.

"Kukukuk. That scum doesn't matter... He was just my toy. I feel so much better without him! It's the best feeling."

"You're ruthless, Kyle!!"

"Come on, let's hurry! We need to get back to the 28th floor by today."

They hurried to the 28th floor, where there were no monsters, as they had abandoned their baggage and their food supplies were running low. They needed to reach the inn by today.

"Right! Let's brag to the other adventurers that we went down to the 46th floor!! After all, we're S-rank now!!"

"That's a good idea!! I've decided to get a woman tonight!"

"Jack, you're always thinking about that!! We're S-rank now, so you should have some self-awareness! We need to have the awareness of a party that set a new record!"

While listening to the three, Kyle snorted.

(You're just benefiting from my 'power'...)

Kyle considered these three as disposable pawns. He had absolute confidence in his blessed skill and overwhelming combat sense.

Indeed, they were all capable.

Alan had the "Hardening" skill,

Jack had the "Magic: Extreme" skill,

Ann had the "Healing: Extreme" skill.

But Kyle believed that, with his S-rank status, more skilled adventurers would want to join his party! He was certain of it.

To Kyle, these three were just placeholders until he could recruit adventurers with the "Holy" skill.

(Well, enjoy it while you can...)

He spat in his heart, hurriedly prepared, and without even calling out to the flustered three, he ascended another floor.

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No one realized that the gears were slowly going off track.

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Next chapter: "One Step Forward"

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