Chapter 62

"Alright, let's go hunting and distribute the experience fairly."

The next morning, I suggested we go hunting and distribute the experience fairly. Until now, we hadn't been distributing experience because Tithia's level was too low. As a result, Tithia's level had been steadily increasing.

"My level is 28 now."

"I'm 32, nya."

"Wow, Tarte is pulling ahead... I'm 30."

"I haven't changed, so I'm still 47."

Tarte had been using the 'Potion Throw' during critical moments, so her level had been gradually increasing. I hadn't gained any experience at all, damn, I'm envious.

If the level difference within the party is ±15, the experience is distributed fairly. Therefore, we registered our party at the 'Adventurer's Guild' and decided to go hunting.

"Alright, we'll level up quickly with Tarte's 'Potion Throw'!"

"Okay!"

"Meow!"

"Let's do our best."

After we finished our business at the guild—registering the party and selling items like rags—and left the building, Kent and Cocoa were right in front of us.

"Sharon!"

"Why are you two here!?"

"It's been a while, nya!"

I had come to Snowtia with Tithia and Roi, and hadn't been able to form a party with Kent and Cocoa. The main reasons were that I didn't want to involve them in the cathedral-related events and that their base was in Tzile.

When I was wondering why they were in Snowtia, Kent explained with a laugh.

"Kenta and I have reached level 33. We're not changing our base, but we decided to check out other towns, so we came to Snowtia. I thought we might run into Sharon and Tarte if we were lucky."

"That's why... I was surprised, but I'm glad to see you two!"

When I said this sincerely, Kent and Cocoa smiled happily. Then, Tithia tugged at my sleeve.

"Oh, right, I haven't introduced you. This is Lady Tithia, and this is her guardian, Lord Roi. We're currently in a party together due to some circumstances."

After a brief introduction, Tithia and Roi bowed slightly.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Tithia."

"I'm Roi."

"I'm Kent. I'm a 'Swordsman.'"

"I'm Cocoa. I'm a 'Mage.' We form a party together, and sometimes we team up with Sharon."

After listening to their introductions, I nodded. Even though it had been a while since I last saw them, they seemed to have grown stronger.

Moreover, upon closer inspection, their equipment was new! The last time we talked in Tzile, they had said they were unsure about going to Snowtia due to their levels and equipment. It was impressive that they had prepared properly before coming.

Then I thought, maybe it's time to start preparing for the second job. The condition for the second job is reaching level 40. However, you need to go to the appropriate job change location for your class.

...I can change jobs at the cathedral in Tzile, so it's convenient for me.

Tarte has a special class, so there's no second job for her. Tithia has a unique class, so she's already the strongest without needing to change. Roi is already at his second job, so the next step would be to change to an awakening job at level 100.

While I was thinking about this, Roi whispered in my ear.

"Sharon's friend seems to be a 'Swordsman.' What do you think about forming a party with them? Reaching level 33 at their age shows they're working hard."

"Ah..."

Indeed, Kent and Cocoa are very serious. Their levels aren't extremely high, but they are steady and reliable.

"...I understand why Sharon doesn't want to involve them. I don't want to involve unrelated people either. But... we don't have much leeway either."

"..."

I understand Roi's point. At this moment, Rodney's influence over the cathedral is likely spreading. Roi's desire to strengthen our forces and defeat Rodney is understandable.

...Moreover, Roi doesn't say it, but there are other concerns.

If my concerns become reality, Kent and Cocoa won't be able to stay out of it.

"Ah, what should I do..."

I scratched my head, and Kent called my name. Next to him, Cocoa was looking at me.

"? What's wrong, you two?"

"Are you troubled? We're party members, even if it's temporary. If you're in trouble, we'll help!"

"That's right, Sharon. We're adventurers, so we can handle any crazy adventure, no matter what!"

These two are so encouraging!

"...But, it might be incredibly dangerous."

"Sure. Bring it on."

"...In return, we'll level up incredibly fast?"

"Sure. Bring it on—wait, what!? No, Sharon is the one who suggests hunting 'Orcs.' I'm not surprised by anything anymore."

Kent rubbed his nose and laughed, "Hehe." Cocoa also giggled and said, "I'm not surprised."

Ah, you two have really grown up!!

"Then... let's form a party together. But first, we need to hear Lady Tithia and Tarte's opinions."

From the looks of it, Roi won't be a problem. When I looked at Tithia and Tarte, their eyes were sparkling.

"I'm happy to be in a party with you again, nya! Nice to meet you, nya!"

"I'm still inexperienced, but please take care of me."

"We're still inexperienced too. But with us, the party balance seems to improve!"

"Let's work hard together!"

The four of them quickly hit it off and were happily chatting. Yes, it's good that they get along well. The party's teamwork will improve, which is great.

"I want to explain a lot, but first, let's register the party."

"Sure."

First, we'll register the party with everyone except Roi and level up. Once we can form a balanced party with Roi, we'll become a six-person party.

"Since we have a front-liner, let's go to the 'Deep Valley.'"

When I suggested this, everyone fell silent. Tarte and Tithia tilted their heads adorably, Roi's cheek twitched, and Kent and Cocoa turned pale and screamed.

"Absolutely no way!!"

Just a moment ago, they said they wouldn't be surprised, but now...!

The third chapter of the manga has been updated, so please enjoy the comic as well!

(It's being serialized for free on Comic Walker and Nico Nico Manga!)

Thank you for your purchase reports and reviews of the book! I'm so happy...

The book includes a map, but only the places Sharon has been to are filled in. I have a goal to fill in more of the map. (laughs)

Ellentz has maps for all the places, and the maps for other countries are also pretty much done... I want to use them!

Regarding Roi, the comment "Of course, if the suggestion was made with malicious intent, it would be a different story" was said because Sharon trusts them.

I wouldn't say that to someone I suspect. In that case, I would pretend to be a friend and then abandon them. (probably)

By the way, Roi's job is to protect Tithia, so he has to be suspicious of people on Tithia's behalf, as Tithia doesn't suspect anyone.