Chapter 53

"Alright, next is Logan. Why did you become an explorer?"

"......I became an explorer to send money back to my hometown. My village is on barren land where people struggle to find food for the next day. I was born there, and fortunately or unfortunately, I had a talent for magic. The villagers said I shouldn't waste my talent in the village, so they pooled their meager savings to send me to Tsutail. That's why I want to succeed as an explorer and make sure everyone in the village can eat their fill."

Logan has a strong conviction.

He must have worked hard when he joined the *Silver Hare of the Night Sky*.

From the battles during the guided exploration, it's clear he put in the effort.

Logan's talent is outstanding.

It's no wonder people have high expectations for him.

But, it all went wrong in the end.

But---

"Even so, I lost myself... People called me a genius, and I got completely carried away. I was overconfident. To be honest, I thought my skills would be enough even in an S-rank party... But I was completely wrong. When the black dragon glared at me, all I felt was fear. Despite thinking I had S-rank skills, my mind went blank, my legs trembled, and I couldn't do anything. Orun faced and defeated the black dragon alone. Watching Orun's battle, I realized how blind I had been. I was lacking in strength, and I was useless. I'm truly sorry for all the disrespectful things I said—"

Logan's eyes welled up with tears as he spoke, almost as if confessing.

—It seems he's okay now.

"From now on, I won't lose myself! The villagers worked hard to bring me this far! I want to make their lives easier. That's my goal! I'm weak-hearted and lack strength! To achieve my goal, I need to become much stronger. So, please! Teach me the basics of being an explorer! I beg you!"

Logan bowed deeply, his plea more intense than before.

Perhaps putting his goal into words made it clearer.

(Still, he looks a lot like me. Logan's eyes now show the same determination I like to see.)

"......Alright. I'll teach you what I know. It's up to you to turn that knowledge into strength. And if you ever lose yourself again, I'll knock some sense into you, so don't worry."

"Hehe... That's reassuring. Thank you very much!"

◇

"Finally, Caroline. Why did you become an explorer?"

"Hmm, I don't have a reason like those two. I can kill monsters. When I kill monsters, people smile. That's why I became an explorer. It's that simple."

I can somehow sense that this girl is carrying a deep darkness.

I avoided it before because it was none of my business, but I can't do that anymore.

Eventually, she'll have to face this darkness.

"I think that's a noble reason. Magic stones are essential for our current lifestyle. Do you like seeing people smile?"

"Yep! I love it! Because people who smile don't hit me! When monsters exist, everyone loses their smiles. That's why I kill monsters."

......It seems quite deep-rooted.

"I see. Then, try to work with Sophia and Logan. I think that will help you all stay smiling."

"Hmm, the black dragon was really strong. To beat something like that, I need to be as strong as you, but I can't do it now. If I improve, can I kill the black dragon? I want to kill that beast that took everyone's smiles."

"I can't say for sure, but if we all work together, the chances of winning will increase."

"Okay, yeah, I'll think about it."

Caroline's current goal seems to be defeating the black dragon.

For now, she might start participating in teamwork.

She doesn't seem to have a strong attachment to working alone when it comes to the black dragon.

"I understand everyone's reasons for becoming explorers. I hope you don't forget your初心 (initial intentions). Your starting point can often be a source of strength."

I also relied on my initial vow when I fought the black dragon.

"Um, do you have any dreams or goals, Orun?"

"Of course. I decided to become an explorer with the resolve to 'become strong enough to protect what's important, no matter what happens or what I face.' If I stay weak, I can't protect anything, so I intend to keep getting stronger."

Yes, I still need to get much stronger.

My current strength isn't enough to conquer the Great Labyrinth.

Stronger monsters than the black dragon will appear.

I can't be satisfied with just defeating the black dragon.

Thank you for reading to the end.

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