“We’ll Definitely Come Back to Save You!” — It’s Been Three Years Since I Was Left in the Most Difficult Dungeon, Isn’t It About Time for Help to Arrive...? - 65

Chapter 65: After the Encounter, On to the First Request

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“—Well then, now I can finally speak with you all.”

The Guild Master slowly turned toward us while watching the fleeing staff member out of the corner of his eye. Facing the pressure radiating from that dignified countenance head-on like this, I could understand why the staff had bolted in such a hurry. If I could, I’d love to run away from here right now myself…!

“Even so… 50 stars, huh… And with nearly flawless numbers leaving no gaps open for people to exploit your weakness. That is truly worthy of praise… You are truly a remarkably talented individual.”

“Th-Thank you.”

The Guild Master’s mild, almost gentle words seeped into me like poison, gradually corroding my composure. From the Guild Master’s demeanor, I could tell well enough that he was suspicious of me. 

But at the same time, he was also the one who had acknowledged that my results weren’t fake. At this point, it was hard to think he was acting like this as a childish way to keep up with pretense. 

“From the looks of it, the rest of your group are also quite skilled. For those of us who fight monsters day and night, having combat-ready assets like you would be most welcome. Especially now, when we must prepare for the coming of that Demon Lord… Along with those who are not human.”

“Along with those who are not human… You say?”

“Yes. Fiends who have abandoned coexistence with other races. They consume life in their gluttonous fervor. Eradicating them is our dearest wish.”

The Guild Master’s tone shifted abruptly from his earlier composure to one brimming with condensed emotion. I thought that whatever remained at the core of that feeling was something deeply important to him, something inseparable from his being.

That said…

“…I don’t think they’ve abandoned it.”

Even though my head told me I shouldn’t interject, before I knew it, I had spoken those words aloud.

“True, monsters are ferocious. Most of them attack you just for making eye contact. But that’s no different from ordinary animals. If we show them a willingness to approach and to make a compromise, I believe there’s always a chance for something else to happen. The possibilities are endless.”

The Guild Master narrowed his eyes at my heretical view, one that had inevitably changed over these past three years. 

“I see.”

Then, with only a curt nod, he turned on his heel.

“…I hope you truly are on our side. Please, do your best in the next test as well.”

Without waiting for a reply, the Guild Master left the room.

“…Well… I highly doubt it though…”

The whispered words dissolved into the air. Unheard by anyone, those words vanished into the bustle of the city streets.

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“—Haaah… I felt like I wasn’t even alive in there…”

Having finished our encounter with the Guild Master, we left the guild before drawing any more attention and walked the streets with steady, purposeful strides.

“So that’s the top brass of the guild, huh? For an old-looking guy, his eyes are pretty sharp. He was clearly on guard against us.”

“Well, he’s the one leading the front lines of monster subjugation. I’ve heard that back in the day, the Guild Master always took part in monster subjugation missions. Because of that, I’m sure his instincts are still sharp.”

“I see~… By the way, my memory has been kind of fuzzy since I saw the result of my own appraisal status…. I don’t even remember seeing this Guild Master guy. I wonder why?”

“You don’t need to worry about it. You’re merely reaping what you sow.”

Lazuli asked and Hel shot a harsh reply without any ounce of hesitation. Hel didn’t even bother to look back at Lazuli, who still looked confused. 

“…To think something like that happened while I wasn’t around… I’m surprised…”

Afterward, we met up with Midi, whom we had asked to act separately, and began sharing information as we moved.

“It was definitely surprising, but for now, everything is going smoothly. All we have to do is complete one request in lieu of the test, and we’ll have a solid foothold for the infiltration investigation plan… Though…”

“…Athos, is something wrong…?”

Midi gave me a worried sidelong glance as I trailed off mid-sentence.

“Well, it’s about the request we’ve received from Myriel, the receptionist at the guild. It looks like this request is going to be pretty tough.”

“What’s this? Are you getting cold feet all of a sudden? With our strength, a few monsters around here are nothing to fear. Relax!”

“Yeah, I know that, but still…”

When it came to combat, I had no worries at all. I was certain that, against any opponent, we would rarely—if ever—fall behind. I was certain of that, and yet…

“…You’re being awfully hesitant. If you’re that worried, I can finish the quest myself.”

“Master, what kind of request is it?”

“…Right. Since the destination of our request is a bit of a distance from here, I’ll explain it as we walk. Are you all fine with that?”

“Yes!”

“Sure!”

“Mm…!”

Hearing their varied responses, I started walking toward the city gates while scanning the contents of the request form. And all the while, I could faintly sense the presence of someone matching our pace from behind.

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