Chapter 28

As I recall the events of a year ago, Fumi stands before me, a thin smile on his face as he continues to talk.

"Who would have thought I'd run into you here, Tenson-kun. If you don't mind, could you introduce me to the members of your current party?"

"…Sorry, but I don't have any companions. I'm solo."

"Solo…? Ahaha, Tenson-kun, stop joking around. You need to be at least level 500 to tackle this dungeon solo, you know?"

"I'm not joking… Look."

I show Fumi my status screen. Since I'm going to show it to the dungeon manager right after, it doesn't matter. However, I only show my level, keeping my skills hidden. When others view your status, you can choose to display only certain parts.

Fumi's eyes widen as he looks at my status screen.

"Level 682…? You?"

Then he looks at me with a doubtful expression. It's understandable. Given the time since I left Fumi's party, there was no way I could have grown so much in just one year. Moreover, I've been acting solo. His doubts are only natural.

However, it doesn't seem to shock him to the point of losing his composure. Fumi quickly regains his footing.

"Haha, I'm surprised. I didn't expect you to have grown so much. I've been worried about you since you left our party, but it's a relief to see you growing steadily!"

"…Huh, you say that easily."

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"No, nothing. By the way, I heard your party has surpassed level 2000. Why are you here at the Kenzaki Dungeon?"

"Ah, the reason is… her!"

I follow the direction of Fumi's finger and see an unfamiliar girl. She has shoulder-length hair and intelligent eyes. She gives a strong impression of being beautiful rather than cute.

…To be honest, I've been a little curious about her since earlier. Out of the five people with Fumi, four were former party members whom I knew, but I had never seen her before.

The girl is looking away with headphones on. She doesn't look like someone about to enter the dungeon.

"Her name is Kurosaki Reo. She's a new adventurer who started this year."

"…You're with them, so… could it be?"

"Ah, just as you guessed. I'll skip the skill explanation, but she has a unique skill. And it's a very good one. I recruited her based on her talent and she joined my party, the 'King of Unique.' Today, I'm here to help her level up."

"…Parasitism is a forbidden move."

"Don't worry. She's been an adventurer for two months and has already surpassed level 300. She can handle the Kenzaki Dungeon just fine. We're just here to assist."

Just two months to level 300. Even with Fumi's help, it's a level of growth that requires real talent.

"Alright, let's cut the small talk here. Good luck, Tenson-kun."

"Ah, you too."

With those words, Fumi and his party move to the back of the entrance queue. I let out a sigh of relief, glad to be rid of the troublesome company.

"…(stare)"

"Huh? Whoa!"

Just then, I feel a strange gaze and look up to see the girl's face right in front of me, causing me to lean back in surprise.

Her name is Kurosaki Reo, right?

What's she up to?

"…Are you Tenson Rin?"

"Y-Yes, but do you need something? Your companions seem to have gone ahead."

"Not exactly. I heard Fumi and the others mention your name. They called you the incompetent member of the party."

"…That bastard…"

I didn't expect they would continue to badmouth me even after I left the party, so I can't help but curse.

However, I wonder about this girl, telling me this in person. I start to worry if she's the type who gets ostracized at school for not reading the room.

But then—

"But, you don't seem like that at all."

"Huh?"

—The words that came out of Kurosaki's mouth were unexpected.

"Um, what do you base that on?"

"Just a gut feeling. But if I have to give a reason, I can sense something solid from you. You exude confidence. At the very least, you don't act like someone who thinks they're incompetent."

"O-Oh…"

She seems to have a keen eye. It feels good to be recognized.

Here, let me give you a candy, little brother.

But, setting that aside—

Why did she come to tell me this? Could it be…

"Maybe you're also being bullied in your party? Did you want to talk to me about it?"

"No, that's not the case. I'm getting proper support and I don't have many complaints… except for one thing."

"…(gulp)"

I can sense a change in Kurosaki's demeanor and swallow hard. She doesn't seem to be bullied, but there's something she can't forgive.

"Rin, can I ask you one thing?"

"Sure, what is it?"

I feel I need to respond to her feelings head-on. So, I don't even mind that she suddenly called me by my first name without honorifics.

She tells me:

"What do you think of our party's name?"

"…"

The memory of a year ago comes to mind. Fumi said in front of all the party members:

"We are all geniuses with unique skills! Soon, we will reach the top… the king, among those with unique skills! Therefore, our party name is the King of Unique!"

…Yeah.

"To be honest, I think it's really lame."

"…Me too!"

Kurosaki breaks into a full smile and extends her hand to me. So, she's been thinking the party name is lame but had no one to share it with… I remember the others, except Fumi, were all hyped about it.

I firmly shake her hand in response to her gesture.

"You're the first person I've shared this feeling with. From now on, please call me Reo."

"Sure, got it, Reo."

Here, the 'King of Unique' Victims Association is formed. I can feel a connection with Reo.

…What is this?

【I humbly request the following】

If you found this story even a little bit:

- Interesting!

- Can't wait for the next chapter!

- King of Unique (laughs)

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