I Got Reincarnated Into a Game I Was a Top-Ranker in and I Became the Leader of a Villain Group That Will Destroy This Shitty Country - 21

Chapter 21:An Unexpected Reunion

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

“Now then. Everyone, let’s go!”

Once again, the Hero, Kaltz, was about to venture into the depths of Gray Clyden, the dungeon in the slum. Behind him, there was Brien, the elf, Alwyn, the healer and lastly, Chloe, the assassin. All three of them looked terribly exhausted and reasonably so. After all, this was their third day in a row going into the dungeon. 

Kaltz had been pushing forward solely on willpower alone, taking hardly any breaks. His reckless and vexing determination proved to be effective though. kaltz’s growth had been remarkable. He was much stronger than before. 

About a week ago, Kaltz and his party were tasked by the empire’s crown prince to investigate the Shadow and were also encouraged to conquer the dungeon in the slum. According to the second prince, who was also the crown prince of the empire, there was a secret artifact hidden inside the dungeon. Hence why, it wasn’t weird for Kaltz to be so eager to tackle the dungeon. However, he was definitely overdoing it. 

“Katlz, please wait a moment.”

“…What is it, Chloe?”

“We’ve been diving into the dungeon for 3 days in a row, right? I think we should take a break today.”

“You’re being outrageous again, Chloe… Haah. Listen, Chloe. There are demons in the slums. We need to get stronger as soon as possible and get the hidden artifacts in the dungeon so we can defeat those demons. We don’t have the time for rest now.”

“Alright, then let me ask you this. Do you really think we can fight properly in this condition?”

Chloe asked while giving a sidelong glance at the two ladies behind her. Kaltz narrowed his eyes and the two exhausted flinched. Their shoulders trembling. 

“I understand that thanks to Alywn, we don’t feel physically exhausted. She’s an excellent healer after all. But, what about our mental health?”

“Mental health?”

“Yes. We’ve been fighting with our lives on the line for almost 24 hours. Do you remember when you pushed ourselves too far and met the Ancient Ghoul? We almost got wiped out! Kaltz, I really think we should take a break first. At least just this one day.”

Even though Brien and Alywyn didn’t say it out loud, but they also shared the same sentiment with Chloe. After all, it was a fact that they had almost died in the dungeon. Numerous times even. All because of their leader’s reckless decision. Their mental strength was gradually chipped out. Even if they were physically alright, but given how mentally exhausted they were, they couldn’t possibly give it their 100%. Hence why, both Brien and Alywan also agreed with Chloe. They also wanted to take a break today to recuperate. However, Kaltz’s opinion took precedence. 

“……..Haa… Chloe…”

Exasperated, Kaltz sighed deeply. The disappointment was clearly visible on his manner and face. He then glared at Chloe.

“Are you going to keep saying those things over and over again…? Look. I’m the Hero. I’m destined to save this world, you know? We all have important duties to fulfill and here you are! You keep trying to drag us down!”‘

“Ugh…!”

Under normal circumstances, Chloe wouldn’t take Kaltz’s words to heart. However, Chloe couldn’t stop herself from feeling irritated at Kaltz. From her perspective, Kaltz was an idiot. He was being far too stupid, hence why Chloe decided to raise her voice to protest against Kaltz again.

“Enough already! Do you really think we can solve everything with sheer willpower and passion alone?! Well, you’re a Hero so maybe it’s fine for you, but not for us! Just how can someone who can’t even see their comrade’s situation for what it truly is call themselves a hero?!”

“Wha-Wha-?!”

“Wai-! Chloe-san!”

“Chloe, that’s enough! You’ve gone too far!”

“You two should’ve said something too! We’re not even strong enough to conquer this dungeon when we’re at our best state, let alone when we’re mentally exhausted like this! Just how long are you two going to let Kaltz abuse his authority as the leader?! You do know if we lose here, that’s it! We are all going to die!”

“YOU’RE THE ONE THAT NEEDS TO SHUT YOUR MOUTH, CHLOE!!”

Kaltz shouted loudly, forcing Chloe to submission. His fair skin turned deep red. The veins on his forehead seemed to bulge out of anger. 

“You really don’t suit our party’s values! You’re a selfish and shitty woman who refuses to sacrifice yourself for the greater good! You only value your own life! Do you really think you can save this world with that attitude?!”

“Wait, Kaltz….! I understand your feelings, but you’re being too harsh on Chloe!”

“Shut up, Brien! Since a long time ago, I’ve always thought that Chloe lacks the quality to be a hero! She doesn’t know the true meaning of faith and dignity! She only knows how to run around like a coward!”

“Ka-Kaltz-san…!”

“Of course, I know her skill is the real deal and she has helped us before. That’s why I’ve been tolerating her attitude this far, but not anymore! I can’t take it anymore!”

Kaltz spat his words out rudely, as if he was trying to release all of his pent-up frustration. Then suddenly, Kaltz drew his holy sword out and pointed it at Chloe’s neck. Brien and Alywn were both shocked, however Chloe only sighed, seemingly exasperated at Kaltz’s stubbornness. 

“Don’t you dare impose your filthy ideology on me. If you dare to do this again… I will truly consider you as an enemy.”

“….”

“Chloe, I really want us to get along well. Skilled fighters like you are hard to come by. So please, reconsider your rotten mindset. Please devote yourself on our duty. After all, our mission is a holy one. Our obligation is more important than our own lives. This is my final warning, Chloe. There won’t be another.”

“…….”

A brief moment of silence ensued between them until eventually, Chloe raised both of her hands, showcasing her resignation. 

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

Ahh… I’m really tired. I’m so sick of everything. 

Chloe muttered to herself as she dragged her feet to follow Kaltz and the other. They had defeated the mid-boss, the Ancient Ghoul, who was residing in the 13th floor of the dungeon after four hours in the dungeon. And yet, Kaltz still insisted on going even deeper. 

Everyone was already tired. However, because of the incident in the morning, no one dared to say anything to Kaltz. 

“Alright. This must be the rest area before we enter the 15th floor. Everyone, let’s take a 30 minute break here. Make sure to rest your body properly.”

“………”

What is he talking about?! There’s no way we can have a proper break in just 30 minutes!

Chloe wanted to shout again but she decided to keep her thoughts to herself. She gingerly sat down on the ground and leaned her back against the wall.

I miss Kai and Nia..

Chloe suddenly thought to herself. Lately, she kept thinking about Kai and Nia. She found the deep trust they had with each other so wonderful and above all, Kai’s personality was the complete opposite of Kaltz. Kai was brimming with humanity and that part of him really left a deep impression on Chloe. 

If I’m not wrong… Kai said that I’m going to be killed by Kaltz, right?

At that time, Chloe thought Kai was speaking nonsense. However, because of the incident from this morning, Chloe couldn’t help but to think that Kai’s ominous premonition might truly come true.

…What should I do…

Chloe didn’t want to die. Absolutely not. However, she also had things that she believed were more important than her life. She wanted to get revenge on her best friend and to reveal the ugly truth of this country to its people. That was why she joined the hero party. 

I wonder if I’ll be able to carry this mission until the very end…?

Maybe because Kaltz had pointed his sword at her, Chloe felt like her mental fortitude had cracked a little. 

This won’t do. I can’t keep feeling this way. I need to do something to change my mood….

Chloe thought to herself and then…

“U-Umm… Are you… The Hero?! Ple-Please! Could you please help us?!”

The voice of a frail young boy could be heard in the rest area. Chloe couldn’t stop herself from widening her eyes in shock. After all, the owner of that voice was the person she had imagined in her head countless times. She turned her gaze to the source of the voice and sure enough, a young boy wearing tattered white clothes and a girl with bandages wrapped around her eyes entered Chloe’s field of vision. 

“Ple-Please help us… We somehow found ourselves stranded here when we opened our eyes…”

Chloe’s mouth opened wide in shock. 

…Help?? What’s there to help when you two are much stronger than all four of us combined.

“Pfft… Aha-! The heck… Ahahaha!”

Chloue couldn’t stop herself from laughing. Seeing Kai and Nia appearing before her, the smile finally returned to Chloe’s face. Her desolate heart was filled with happiness.

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

T/N: MC can win an oscar for his acting (≧▽≦)