Chapter 1

"Oren Doola, you're leaving the party today."

I couldn't believe my ears.

We had just finished our usual exploration of the Great Labyrinth and had returned to the mansion we use as our party's base. While checking the magic stones and drops we had obtained today, I was suddenly told by Oliver, our party leader, that I was being kicked out.

This is exactly what they mean by a bolt from the blue...

"Is this some kind of joke?"

"It's no joke. I've kept you in the party because we're old friends from the same village. But your skills are no longer enough to fight in the deeper levels. To put it bluntly, you're not up to the task. That's why you're leaving the party."

Our party is currently at the 94th floor of the Great Labyrinth in the south, a place no one has ever reached before.

We are the only party in history to have reached the 94th floor.

Our party, known as the Hero Party, has gained a lot of attention from many people for setting this unprecedented record.

"I know my skills aren't enough. But that's true for all the party members. If we continue like this, we won't be able to progress any further—"

"That's because your support magic is weak!"

Derrick, our party's tank, interrupted my conversation with Oliver.

"…Weak?"

I know my support magic is less effective compared to other enhancers. That's why I've developed several original spells to compensate for the shortcomings.

Thanks to that, I've managed to survive even after the 91st floor.

I don't deserve to be called weak.

"What? You don't realize how weak you are? Hahaha! I didn't expect you to be this shameless! The only reason you've been able to survive as an explorer is because we're so good!"

I was speechless. I had never felt this way before.

Derrick looked at me, who was speechless with disbelief, and smiled triumphantly. Did he think I couldn't argue back because he hit a nerve?

"We didn't understand how important enhancers were. That's why we kept you in the party even though you could only use the lowest-level spells. But during the joint operation last month, we finally understood the importance of enhancers. I never imagined that real support magic could make me feel so light and increase my strength and defense so much!"

After Derrick finished speaking, Oliver, seemingly reminiscing about the event, started talking with a gleam in his eyes.

Last month, a dragon suddenly appeared on the surface.

Since it needed to be eliminated quickly, three S-rank parties joined forces to take it down.

This must be what they're referring to when they talk about the joint operation last month.

During the joint operation, there was a genius among the participants known as the "best enhancer on the continent."

Compared to her, my support magic might seem inadequate.

But,

"I'm not a professional enhancer. It's natural that I'm not as good as a professional. That's why I developed original spells—"

"Stop making excuses!"

Derrick interrupted again. Can't you let me finish speaking?

"You converted to an enhancer because your sword skills were worse than Oliver's! Explorers are judged by results, not the process! It doesn't matter how you became an enhancer. You're in the party as an enhancer, and your skills are lacking! You have no right to complain!"

"We are the Hero Party. We need to move forward. We've already found a replacement for Oren."

Derrick's words are true, but there's a way to say things.

Is this how you treat someone you've shared hardships with?

Still, I understand that I'm no longer needed by them.

If they've already found a replacement, then this is no longer a place for me.

"...I understand. I'll leave. Thanks for everything."

As I turned to leave the mansion,

"Finally, you're leaving! Ah, what a relief!"

Anel, the mage who had been looking at me with a mocking expression but hadn't said anything, finally spoke with a satisfied tone.

"Your sword skills and magic are both half-baked! You always had opinions on everything, even though your skills were only at the A-rank level at best! It was so annoying! Do you know what we call people like you? Jack of all trades, master of none! It was strange to have someone like you in the Hero Party! From now on, act according to your abilities!"

When I turned to look at Anel, she fell silent, as if her previous bold statements were a lie, and weakly said, "W-what?"

So, they've been thinking of me like this all along.

I thought I had done my best for this party...

Why have I been in a party with these people all this time?

I sighed inwardly and opened the door to walk out.

◇

First, I need to find a place to stay.

I changed my mindset and started walking through the city to look for a suitable inn.

Thank you for reading to the end.

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