Chapter 4

The five million fil reward was distributed as follows.

First, two million fil went to the party's assets. This was to fund the expansion of future activities and also serve as insurance in case of any unforeseen troubles.

Next, two million fil went to party operational costs. This was necessary for replenishing items and repairing and replacing equipment. Lloyd and Walter's equipment had become unusable after the consecutive battles with the low-level vampires and needed to be repaired. The silver bullets for my magic gun also needed to be replenished.

Even if we entrusted the work to a familiar and cheaper armorer, it would still cost two million fil.

Finally, it was time for the long-awaited individual distribution.

"Is this all...?"

Walter, who had been so lively just a moment ago, now slumped his shoulders, as if the previous excitement had been a lie.

What remained in each of our hands was 250,000 fil, enough for about a month's living expenses.

It wasn't a small reward, and compared to usual, it was definitely more. However, after getting carried away with the five million, it was understandable to feel dissatisfied with the amount left in our hands.

Tania also looked disappointed at the two gold coins and five large silver coins in her palm.

So, I didn't say that we should have negotiated for a higher reward. Even if I did, it would only slightly lift my spirits while making the other three feel bad.

"Come on, don't be so down," Lloyd said with a troubled smile.

"The individual share may be small, but the party's assets are steadily growing. Besides, if we get another big request, we can earn the same amount again, right?"

That's true, Lloyd is right. But there's also a point where he's wrong.

"Lloyd, requests like this one are rare. They don't come around often. Moreover, this request wasn't from the country but from another clan. If there are no issues, good requests are usually completed by the clan that receives them."

"Right... That's true..."

The abyss purification requests are managed by the country, and they usually only give requests to clans. In other words, only explorers who belong to a clan can be involved in abyss-related work.

However, there is a way for explorers who don't belong to a clan to take on abyss requests.

Clans often outsource cases they can't handle, which is related to the evaluation system where the more annual requests a clan accepts, the higher their rating.

The low-level vampire extermination request we took on was one that slipped through the cracks of a clan.

In any case, abyss-related work is profitable and contributes to our achievements as explorers. That's why explorers like us, who refuse to join other clans, earn by searching for good outsourcing requests from various clans and taking them on.

We plan to save money this way and eventually establish our own clan.

Of course, clans don't give out jobs for free. They take a significant commission, and the ownership of the demons we slay belongs to the clan. Without negotiation, we would just be exploited.

Negotiation is important, but if we assert our rights too much, we might be seen as troublesome and not get good jobs.

In other words, considering the party's growth, now is a good time.

"Lloyd, how much do we have in party assets now?"

"Huh? ...Uh, with this one, we have 12.8 million fil."

Lloyd, the leader, manages the party's assets. I also remember that 12.8 million was the correct amount.

"Then, let's use that 12.8 million to establish our own clan."

"Huh!?"

Lloyd was surprised. The other two also exclaimed.

"...Noel, you know, to establish a clan, we need to pay 20 million fil to the country, right?"

The 20 million fil is not a fee the country is trying to extort from explorers. It's a mandatory insurance in case the clan fails to complete a designated request within the specified period.

The abyss expands over time, so it needs to be purified as quickly as possible. If it fails, the danger increases, and the next clan's reward for the increased difficulty must be compensated by the failing side. Therefore, a minimum of 20 million fil must be paid in advance.

"I understand. But we've grown stronger over the past year and have a decent reputation. It's not profitable to remain subcontractors forever."

"I understand your feelings, but..."

"That's why I'll put in the remaining 7.2 million fil."

"Huh!?"

The three were surprised again. Their eyes widened, and their reactions were even bigger than before. It was natural, given that I was offering to put in 7.2 million fil personally.

In reality, it's not a sum I can easily part with. I inherited a fortune from my grandfather, but it's almost depleted.

After the incident, I gave money to the surviving servants to help them recover, and the money I spent to become an explorer added up to a considerable amount.

Especially, I followed my grandfather's teachings and was particular about my equipment. The quality of equipment directly affects survival rates.

Not only my magic gun, but my black long coat is also an excellent high-end item. Made from the heart muscle fibers of a depth eight demon, the Black Armored Dragon, this coat has high durability and various resistances.

I also bought various high-end items, such as skill acquisition books, to start my career as an explorer.

"Of course, I'll get it back once the clan is on track. I'm not doing this out of charity. Honestly, I want to be frugal for the future. But establishing a clan now should be more profitable than continuing as subcontractors."

Also, if I do this favor for the three, they'll be more likely to accept me as the leader. It might seem underhanded, but it's for my grand ambition.

"What about the base? To get the clan recognized, we need to have a building within the capital. The land prices in the capital are high, and even if we rent, the monthly rent is a significant amount."

"Don't worry, I have a way to rent cheaply."

"Really? But... I don't know..."

Unable to bear Lloyd's hesitation, Tania interjected.

"Noel, I know you're serious, but rushing is not good. I don't think we can properly manage a clan if we establish it now."

"Why not?"

"Why... We're still newbies, right? Our skills are C-rank, and we're young. I'm seventeen, Lloyd and Walter are eighteen, and you're sixteen. We're all adults, but to the world, we're still children. No matter how strong we are, we can't manage it properly."

"Why not?"

"Because... Well..."

I stopped Tania with a hand, trying to reason with her.

Tania's points aren't wrong, but they're not entirely right either. They're ordinary and unremarkable opinions that don't serve any purpose.

"Then, when would be a good time? How many years will it take for us to be confident in managing a clan? What will guarantee our success? If we don't establish a clan, we'll always be beginners in management, no matter how much time passes."

"That's... I don't know..."

"At the very least, I've been studying clan management alongside my explorer work. I have all the necessary knowledge. But I don't think that alone will ensure success. What's needed is solid experience gained from actual management. That's something we won't get by standing still."

"Ugh, ugh..."

Tania tried to argue but couldn't find the words. She turned to Lloyd for help, as they are a close couple.

"...Noel has a point. Experience can only be gained by starting. But the most profitable abyss-related jobs are managed by the country. If the country underestimates us because we're young, we might not get any jobs even if we establish a clan."

"That's the opposite, Lloyd. We'll get good jobs because we're young."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean we're young and good-looking. That's important."

"I don't understand what you mean..."

Lloyd tilted his head, and the other two were equally confused. They didn't seem to understand at all. I observed them again.

Lloyd, the leader and swordsman.

A handsome man with fiery red hair. His sweet face stands out among the rough explorers. He's tall and well-built, with every move exuding grace and dignity. He's a popular explorer among women, ranking eighth in the capital's "Most Wanted to Be Hugged" list for new explorers.

Tania, the healer.

A beautiful woman with well-maintained long blonde hair and a gentle face. She's soft-spoken and friendly. As a healer, her quiet smile makes men feel a divine aura. Also, she has a large chest, which most men can't help but stare at. She's also a popular explorer among men.

Walter, the warrior.

A tall, muscular man who doesn't care much about his appearance. His black short hair is cut roughly by himself, but his deep, chiseled features give him a wild charm. However, he's more popular with men than women, who want to rub muscles with him.

And me, the talker, Noel.

I inherited my mother's beauty, who was known for her looks. I have a good appearance. Thanks, Mom, for making me handsome.

"The country encourages explorers."

As I continued, the three listened.

"In other words, they want many citizens to become explorers. If we were young explorers dreaming of becoming explorers, what type of explorer would we admire? Being strong is a given. Then, good conduct? Well, that's part of it. But more importantly, it's the charisma that stands out at first glance."

"I see... That's what you mean..."

Lloyd seemed to understand, stroking his chin with a wry smile.

"Right, charisma means youth and good looks. After all, famous explorers are like idols. If they're strong, young, and good-looking, the country can promote them more easily."

"So, we'll get favor because we're young and good-looking?"

Nodding at Walter's question, who seemed to be sobering up.

My grandfather, known as the Immortal Demon, was not ugly despite his fierce appearance. He always dressed well and had a friendly face when he smiled. According to him, my grandmother liked his smile.

But that's a different story.

"Of course, strength is important to be favored. But successful clans often have attractive members."

"I don't deny that explorers have that aspect. I became one because I admired a healer. But... I can't put it into words... I don't like the idea of selling ourselves like that..."

Tania understood but couldn't agree.

"Do the other two feel the same?"

"I'm in favor."

Walter agreed, crossing his arms and smirking.

"I'm tired of being a subcontractor. Let's establish a clan quickly. If we make more money, we can drink good wine and have beautiful women. It's all good."

"Hey, Walter! Don't joke around when we're having a serious discussion!"

Tania frowned, but Walter remained serious.

"I'm serious, Tania. What's wrong with wanting status, honor, and money? You probably feel the same, to some extent."

"That's... I don't know..."

"Or something? Will you become my woman? If so—"

"Walter!"

Lloyd slammed the table in anger. It's understandable, even for a well-mannered and gentle man, to be angry when his woman is being hit on in front of him.

"Just kidding, just kidding. Don't be mad, Leader."

Walter returned to a light tone, and Lloyd sighed.

Indeed, in-party romance is a bad idea. It only causes trouble. Tania, feeling awkward, became quiet.

Still, for Walter, Tania must be more desirable than status, honor, or money. He's a romantic despite his appearance.

"But I'm serious about the clan."

Neither Lloyd nor Tania argued against Walter.

"Two to one. Lloyd, as the leader, what's your opinion?"

"It's tough... Do you really want to establish a clan immediately?"

"I can't compromise on this. If you want to delay it indefinitely, return my money from the assets, and I'll leave the party."

When I stated this clearly, not only Lloyd but everyone was shocked.

"...Noel, that's a bit too harsh, isn't it?"

"I admit it's harsh. But if we're going to stand still pointlessly, it's better to take a different path, even if you scold me. I said this when we formed the party. I have a dream. A dream to become an explorer who surpasses the great Immortal Demon."

"A dream, huh..."

Lloyd thought for a while and then slowly spoke.

"Alright. Let's establish a clan."

"Lloyd, are you serious!?"

Tania challenged Lloyd's decision, clearly against it.

"Eventually, we have to establish a clan anyway."

"But... But..."

Lloyd smiled gently at Tania's persistence.

Something felt off... There was no concrete evidence, but the interaction was unsettling.

"Noel"

"Yeah?"

"My decision as the leader stands. No complaints, right?"

"Yeah, I'm glad you understand. When can we discuss the specifics?"

"Tomorrow afternoon? Let's talk after we've fully recovered from the alcohol and fatigue."

"Alright, tomorrow afternoon. I'll visit your lodging."

Thus, the celebration, which lasted a bit longer than usual, ended quietly.

And this was the last celebration of the Azure Outliers.