Chapter 10

The next morning, I headed to the square a little away from the entrance of the Great Labyrinth, the designated meeting place, and found that quite a number of people had already gathered.

Most of them were children who had yet to reach adulthood.

Among them were even children who hadn't yet turned ten. Surely, those under ten should be exempt from this.

Is this also due to the instructions of the foolish nobles?

The children's faces were all tense, as if they were all nervous.

"Good morning, Orun. Why are you standing so far away?"

As I was waiting a little away, Selma approached me.

"Good morning. I'm technically an outsider, and if I mix in with everyone who's dressed similarly, it might further heighten the newbies' anxiety."

The explorers of the *Silver Hare of the Night Sky* wear various outfits, but they are generally in shades of black and blue.

While the newbies wear designated outfits based on their roles, the A-rank party of this clan that I saw before had a more individualistic style.

Selma, who is in front of me, is wearing a black and blue robe with the emblem of the *Silver Hare of the Night Sky* embroidered on it.

Come to think of it, the clothes the new mage is wearing are different from what Sophia wore before. Was it specially provided because she is Selma's sister?

"Haha! Indeed, the newbies are all stiff as a board. Well, let's get started to ease their tension. Follow me."

Selma walked briskly with a look that suggested she was up to something.

Eh, what am I supposed to do!?

I couldn't just not follow, so I trailed after Selma.

At the place Selma headed to, there were three other explorers. They were probably the supervisors.

Judging by their attire, the two men were Defenders, and the woman was likely a Healer.

I think they are all in their early twenties.

"Good morning, all three of you."

"Good morning."

Selma greeted the three, and they responded.

"Let me introduce you to Orun, the collaborator I mentioned yesterday. I vouch for his abilities."

"...So you have Selma's seal of approval. That sounds promising."

One of the Defenders looked at me as if evaluating me and said that.

I thought Selma might have mentioned that I was a former member of the Hero Party, but it doesn't seem to be the case.

"Yeah, you can have high expectations."

Selma egged me on.

I'm not sure what to do with such high expectations.

"Don't set the bar so high... Hello, I'm Orun. My role is a Frontline Attacker. Nice to meet you."

After I introduced myself to the three, they introduced themselves as well.

As I expected, the two men were Defenders, and the woman was a Healer.

The supervisors have a well-balanced team.

More than that, if I had joined as a Bestower, who would have taken the offensive role?

A-rank Defenders can deal damage to Floor Bosses up to the middle layers, but they are far from being specialists.

This plan is really full of uncertainties...

I need to do my best to support them.

"Alright, all four of you, I'm counting on you for the next three days! Now, let's go greet the newbies."

The five of us headed to where the newbies were gathered.

"Everyone! Good morning! As previously communicated, we will be heading to the 51st floor of the Great Labyrinth today!"

We climbed up a slightly raised stone pavement and could see all the newbies.

Then Selma addressed all the newbies.

The explorers, who had been talking among themselves, all turned their attention to Selma.

They are well-trained, even the children who were talking just now.

"Hmm, everyone looks tense. Is it really that scary to go straight to the middle layers? But don't worry! The overall command will be handled by me, the continent's top Bestower. Furthermore, I have prepared a powerful helper for any unforeseen circumstances. Let me introduce him, his name is Orun. He is an explorer who has reached the 94th floor, which even we haven't achieved! How about that? Are you feeling more confident about reaching the 51st floor?"

The newbies, who had been listening quietly to Selma, started to murmur.

So this is how you ease tension!?

Look! Even the three supervisors have their mouths open in shock!

She must have said it just for fun, right!?

"He has already left the Hero Party, but he knows the Great Labyrinth better than anyone here. Let's start the exploration, shall we?"

In response to Selma's call, the newbies enthusiastically shouted, "Yeah!"

"Ten minutes from now, we will move to the Great Labyrinth. Form lines by party and wait!"

Selma descended the stone pavement with a satisfied look, as if she had said everything she wanted to say.

Please spare me...

◇

"Now, supervisors, let's do the final check."

Everyone descended the stone pavement and gathered in one place.

"Sorry, I was a bit rude earlier."

The Defender who had been evaluating me earlier apologized.

"No, it's fine. And since I'm younger, there's no need for formalities. Just talk normally."

"Got it. Still, is it okay for a former member of the Hero Party to assist in our operation?"

"I'm a former member. I no longer belong to the Hero Party, so there's no problem."

"Sorry to interrupt, but we're running out of time. Let's start the final check."

At Selma's command, the three supervisors' atmosphere became tense.

The final check was the same as what I was told yesterday.

I was assigned to the 9th and 10th teams.

After the final check, the supervisors headed to the newbies' teams they were responsible for.

Just as I was about to go, Selma called me.

"The 10th team consists of promising newbies. They have the potential to handle the middle layers smoothly if they improve their teamwork. I'm counting on you to guide them."

Don't entrust such promising newbies to an outsider...

"...Understood. I'll do my best."

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