#535 The Trio’s Hardship

Ahem, Silver Wolf, representing the S-class adventurer group here.

We’re still exploring the dungeon ruled by the Geyser Dragon.

And as we were competing against other teams, we crossed paths with each other.

If I recall, they’re from the demon team and the mermaid team.

Who would have thought we’d meet all at once?

However, the unusual thing was that the two other teams only had one representative left.  

“What happened to your allies?”

Weren’t there three to four of them when we started?

But the fact that there’s only one person left on each team means...

“Eliminated, I see.”

“Oh, shut up! We’re not the only ones here whose group has gotten smaller!”

Looks like I hit the bullseye. 

This scary-looking mermaid must be one fearless warrior to have survived this long in the competition.

At the end of the day, no matter which route we took, the dragon’s dungeon was challenging.

“Hmph. It’s the only natural consequence for naïve amateurs. I hope this served as a lesson not to underestimate dungeons,” says Golden Bat arrogantly.

Stop it, man.

“A dungeon is a sanctuary full of danger and romance. Only adventurers are allowed to tackle them with all their might. After all, adventurers are professionals. Amateurs should know their place and stay out.”

“Say what?!”

See?! Keep talking in a provocative tone like that, and people will start acting aggressively!

“You think the demon army is just a bunch of amateurs who want to have fun?! We, designated to protect the Demon Kingdom, have defeated and destroyed the Human Kingdom and are now the strongest army on earth. You think I’ll let that undermining comment of yours slide?!”  

“The dungeon has its own way of doing things, and the Demon King’s Army is no match for it because you bring in concepts from the outside. You should’ve just left your nation’s dungeon management to us adventurers from the beginning instead of wasting our time struggling.”

“I dare you to say that again, punk!”

Stop it!

Don’t start an argument here!

I was the only one who could stop this situation before it got ugly.

“Wasn’t this competition held to see which side’s claim is right?! If so, shouldn’t we concentrate on that instead and not argue in the middle of it?”

“You’re right.”

Huh? Oh...

The soldier obediently backed down.

Talk about mature.

Was he forced to retaliate for the sake of his group’s reputation, but he didn’t want to make a big deal out of it himself, so he was waiting to be stopped?

If so, I can sense a nervous temperament from this demon...!

“I, Mamoru the Coveted of the Heavenly Four, shall firmly demonstrate the army’s mettle in this competition!”

“You sound just like an overly optimistic F-class. Your confidence and competence are not balanced.”

Heyyy!

Stop trying to provoke him every step of the way, Golden Bat!

“I’m sorry! That’s just how he is! Just let his comments slide past like a barking dog!”

“But sir, aren’t you the dog here?”

“Bastard!”

You’ve really said the one thing you’re not supposed to say to me!

I’ll flipping kill you!!!

“I-I’m sorry... Your exchange had so many tsukkomi opportunities that I... No, among adventurers, you’re more eloquent than that caped man over there. My apologies.”

By caped man, he means Golden Bat, right?

I can see that this demon is quite down to earth.

He has no desire to argue pointlessly, but I can sense that he has to put up an antagonistic front.

I see him as the type of person who is too concerned about various things and goes through unnecessary trouble.

I feel like we’ll get along well!

“Anyway, we’re not getting anywhere by bickering here,” says the scary-looking mermaid.

Despite appearances, she looks the reasonable type, huh?

“Either way, our only means of escape is to clear the dungeon or get eliminated. So it would be beneficial for all of us to focus on that. I want to get out of here as soon as possible.”

“You make a valid point...!”

As the contenders who have survived this long, they seem quite sensible and easy to reason with.

And so, I came up with an ingenious idea.

“How about we all work together from here on out?”

“What?!”

“Huh?!”

They’re shocked.

“Dungeon exploration is normally done by a party of usually around four people. It is reckless to explore a dungeon solo.”

So, wouldn’t it be better to cooperate and form a temporary party to advance, even if we’re in different teams?

“But...! That won’t be in line with the event’s purpose, which is to compete with each other for superiority! If we all three teams cooperate to clear the game, there will be no winner or loser!” argues the demon sincerely.

On the other hand, the mermaid says, “I don’t mind. I thought it would be impossible for me to go on alone anyway.”

“Huh?!”

“Our race had nothing to do with this competition in the first place, but my pride would not allow me to give up. So, I welcome any method to increase my chances of winning.”

“Hm... perhaps this would send a message of reconciliation and make it easier for the adventurers to be accepted if we show them how we overcome challenges by cooperating with other races. The adventurers’ abilities are recognized while the army maintains their reputation, and the merfolks will also have a favorable impression.”

The demon is really taking his time to calculate the situation.

“All right. I’m somewhat reluctant, but I’ll accept your proposal.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

As we talked briefly, we began to understand each other.

After all, the military must always be careful about whom they’re confronting.

“I’m Silver Wolf, an S-class adventurer.”

“I am Mamoru the Coveted from the Demon King’s Army’s Heavenly Four.”

“And I’m Zoth Syra, the Witch of the Abyss.”

We introduced ourselves to each other, and a temporary party was formed that transcended racial boundaries.

Strange...

The initial party of S-class adventurers was already a dream team in itself, but the party we just formed is much more reassuring.

I feel that we are in tune with each other.

I am convinced that this party will be able to fight through to the end!

“Nope. Count me out.”

An outsider, Golden Bat, interrupts!

“Why should I rely on a different race when I can conquer the dungeon alone? You’re getting the wrong idea here. Conquering a dungeon is only worthwhile if you do it alone. A party isn’t the way to go.”

Shut up, loner.

The only reason you can’t form a party is that you’re not popular.

“Don’t you also explore dungeons solo, Silver Wolf? Soloing is the style of the top class.”

“I typically join parties. Sometimes I do go solo, but only when I want to take a breather.”

But in the end, it’s when I go solo that I set new records for the number of floors reached or got unexpected treasures.

It can’t be helped.

The lone wolf instinct takes root. At the same time, wolves are pack animals, so I inevitably join parties.

Man, my beast ancestry sure is full of contradictions!

“I will only select the elite to explore this dungeon to the fullest. And the only one who can keep up with me is you, Silver Wolf! So stop this foolish charade!”

“How about you stop blabbering! Why don’t you just go by yourself?!”

There’s harmonious significance in moving forward as one group, which is good considering current trends!

If you call yourself an S-class adventurer, learn to pay attention to such things too!

“Now, now...!”

“Don’t worry, I believe you represent the human race much better than him...!”

See!

Even people from the other races took the initiative to back me up!

Maybe I’ve been mistaken all this time. The demon and mermaid races are much more considerate of others!

“Well, it’s more like no demon is this considerate other than me...”

“Meeting you has made me think the human race is pretty impressive, y’know? You’re half pooch, though.”

Anyway, we can go further now that the final party is complete!