Chapter 70

"Alright, let's wrap up work as planned today and get this party started!"

When Gerald, one of the clan executives and head of the General Affairs Department, announced this, cheers of joy rose from the members.

It seemed he had planned the party, and before long, a standing reception venue was set up in an empty space within the grounds.

Drinks and food were brought in in large quantities, and almost all the members stationed at the headquarters seemed to be wrapping up their work to join the party.

Almost everyone, that is, except for some executives and those in important positions, who apparently had tasks that needed to be completed by the end of the day and couldn't stay for the entire party.

From there, the party began in earnest.

"U-Um, nice to meet you! Orun! I'm Eliza! Congratulations on reaching the 93rd floor!"

"Hey! No cutting in line! Nice to meet you, Orun! I'm Miranda."

It had been about a month since I joined the clan, but I hadn't really blended in with the other members.

Well, I was an explorer from the former hero party and became an executive right after joining, so it was understandable, I guess.

But today, I was able to talk to many members, both men and women, whom I hadn't spoken to before.

"To be honest, Orun, you always seemed a bit distant... But today, you don't seem that way, and I've been wanting to talk to you, so I decided to go for it! You're easy to talk to, and I'm wondering why I was afraid to talk to you before."

I think what this person said is true.

I hadn't taken the initiative to approach others.

Yet, I wanted friends, which makes me wonder how twisted I am, even to myself...

But I think I've gained a lot of mental ease by being accepted by the first squad.

Today has been a good day not just for the *Silver Hare of the Night Sky* but for me as well.

"Hey, Orun! Long time no see!"

Just as I finished talking to various people, I was called from behind.

Turning around, I saw Antheum and Bernard.

Others, including Cathy and the new explorers who participated in last month's training expedition, were also gathered.

The number of new explorers had been reduced by about half.

Some of the new explorers had been transferred to other departments or had left the clan.

Well, they had a terrifying experience. No one can deny that.

"It's been a while, Antheum, Bernard, Cathy. Nice to see you all, new members."

"Reaching the 93rd floor right after joining, huh? Well, since you have the strength to defeat a black dragon alone, this result is expected. I thought we could catch up to the first squad, but we've been left behind again."

"Bernard, didn't you reach the 88th floor recently?"

"Yeah, that's right! Just a little more, and we'll be done with the area that makes the frontliners cry! I'll head to the deeper levels first, Antheum!"

"You can say that now, but I'll catch up soon."

Antheum and Bernard belong to different parties and seem to be pushing each other to improve.

It's a good relationship, I think.

"Congratulations on reaching the 93rd floor, Orun!"

"Congratulations!"

While Antheum and Bernard were bickering, the new members congratulated me.

"Thanks. I hear you've been working hard, too, from Estella."

"You're actually paying attention to us!?"

One of the new female members exclaimed in surprise.

It's not that I was paying attention, but rather, I got the information while confirming the training methods and progress of the exploration management department with Estella. I can't say that, though, so I smile and gloss over it.

"Really! The new members have been watching you from a distance for a month without trying to interact, and now they're suddenly fawning over you because you did something great."

When Log complained,

"Hey! Don't say that to me!!"

The surrounding people gave him a collective cold shoulder.

But everyone's faces were smiling, and it didn't seem like they were serious.

"Hehehe! You're right, Log!"

I couldn't hold back my laughter at this exchange and burst out laughing.

"Master, please don't say that... I've already reflected enough..."

Log had an indescribable expression.

Still, if I can be teased like this, it means I've built relationships with others to some extent, so maybe I don't need to worry too much about interpersonal relationships.

Thank you for reading to the end.

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