SGB: Episode 52
Episode 52: Team of Misfits (2)
Whooooosh!
The heat is intense even from a distance of 10 meters.
And the acrid smell of burning flesh tickles my nose.
Thump!
My heart clenches as my brain processes the situation.
‘If that had fallen on our heads…’
We probably would have all died.
“Ba, battle stations!”
The moment the dwarf, who had been stunned by the sudden event, shouts…
Explorers emerge from the bushes.
There are five of them in total.
Four of them are in a formation, protecting one mage.
‘Damn it, they don’t look like they belong on the 3rd floor…’
Why are these bastards here?
Just as I’m praying inwardly that they’re not marauders…
The beastman with triangular ears smirks as he sees us preparing for battle.
And he speaks in a condescending tone,
“This Orc Encampment is the territory of the Dzarwi Clan, so leave.”
‘Clan?’
No wonder they’re all wearing the same emblem on their chests.
‘Damn it…’
Curses escape my lips involuntarily.
It’s not because I don’t understand what they’re doing.
‘Controlling hunting grounds on the 3rd floor?’
Damn it, wasn’t this content supposed to start from at least the 5th floor?
Whooooosh!
The heat is intense even from a distance of 10 meters.
And the acrid smell of burning flesh tickles my nose.
Thump!
My heart clenches as my brain processes the situation.
‘If that had fallen on our heads…’
We probably would have all died.
“Ba, battle stations!”
The moment the dwarf, who had been stunned by the sudden event, shouts…
Explorers emerge from the bushes.
There are five of them in total.
Four of them are in a formation, protecting one mage.
‘Damn it, they don’t look like they belong on the 3rd floor…’
Why are these bastards here?
Just as I’m praying inwardly that they’re not marauders…
The beastman with triangular ears smirks as he sees us preparing for battle.
And he speaks in a condescending tone,
“This Orc Encampment is the territory of the Dzarwi Clan, so leave.”
‘Clan?’
No wonder they’re all wearing the same emblem on their chests.
‘Damn it…’
Curses escape my lips involuntarily.
It’s not because I don’t understand what they’re doing.
‘Controlling hunting grounds on the 3rd floor?’
Damn it, wasn’t this content supposed to start from at least the 5th floor?
__________________________________________
[Dungeon and Stone] is a single-player game.
But surprisingly, there’s territory control content.
Initially, it appears as a way to prevent movement between maps before clearing the main episodes, but later on, if you create a clan, you can also control hunting grounds as a player.
Of course, since it requires a huge amount of manpower, it’s not worth it unless it’s the habitat of a few rare monsters or boss monsters.
‘But to control the 3rd floor?’
I can’t understand it at all.
What the hell are they going to do with 7th-grade monsters?
Just look at that mage.
Using such a high-level personnel who can cast spells like that just to hunt orcs is a waste.
“…I know that the Dzarwi Clan operates on the 6th floor or higher. Then why are you guys in a place like the Orc Encampment?”
The dwarf also seems to have never heard of this before and asks cautiously.
However, the answer he gets is cold.
“We have no reason to explain that to you.”
Ah, I see.
I understand, but the dwarf doesn’t.
Although he’s shown his goofy side since joining the team, he’s still an explorer.
He’s sensitive when it comes to matters that affect his interests.
Especially if the cause is external, not internal.
“I’ve heard that some clans receive recognition for their achievements and are granted rights within the labyrinth by the royal family. But I’ve never heard of this place being the Dzarwi Clan’s territory. And besides, we can’t even verify if you’re actually members of that clan.”
The dwarf presents his questions as logically as possible, considering who he’s dealing with.
It’s definitely a valid point.
Their equipment and the level of magic we just witnessed clearly show that they’re much higher-level explorers than us, but there’s no proof that they’re members of that clan.
However…
‘Shouldn’t we just leave…’
Honestly, I’m more scared if they’re not actually from the clan.
Large clans at least care about outside opinions, but those impersonators definitely won’t.
“You’re telling an interesting story.”
The beastman frowns in displeasure and glares at us.
However, the dwarf doesn’t back down.
“I hear that often.”
As the silent power struggle continues, the tension gradually rises.
Thud.
I feel something approaching from behind.
I check, and it’s none other than Misha.
But why is she suddenly clinging to me like this?
As if she’s hiding from something…
“…Don’t tell me, you’re a half-breed?”
The beastman frowns deeply as he asks, and I feel a flinch from behind me.
What the, was she really hiding?
“O, older brother…”
Misha stutters and slowly steps out from behind me.
The beastman’s expression contorts even more.
“I told you not to call me that outside.”
“So, sorry.”
“Tsk, that way of speaking, as expected of a half-breed.”
Misha hangs her head low, unable to say anything at the beastman’s sarcasm.
As expected, it seems they weren’t close enough to call each other ‘half-breed’ just because they’re friends.
‘Anyway, what’s their relationship? Could they be actual siblings?’
Just as that question arises, the mage from the opposing side, who had been standing silently in the back, asks straightforwardly,
“Just in case, is this lady your younger sister?”
“Yes, for now.”
The beastman nods politely, and the mage strokes his shiny beard.
“Hmm, I owe a debt to Lord Kaltstein. And since she’s your sister, she’s not exactly a stranger, so I’ll make an exception for them—”
“That’s not necessary.”
“Huh? But…”
The beastman firmly rejects the mage’s consideration once again.
“Father won’t mind either. I can’t tell you the reason because it’s a family matter.”
His voice is cold, filled with determination.
“If you say so…”
The mage changes his mind and nods silently. However, he must have thought it was okay to at least give an explanation.
“Hey, you guys.”
He takes a step forward and speaks in a conciliatory tone.
“Due to some internal clan matters, we urgently need the Orc Great Warrior’s essence. If things go well, you guys can also hunt here from the next cycle, so please go somewhere else this time. Hmm, or maybe go to the outer area where Great Warriors don’t appear.”
Although his tone is much softer than the beastman’s, perhaps because he’s a mage… it still means the same thing, that he wants us to leave.
“I refuse.”
The dwarf shakes his head.
And he sarcastically retorts with a sharpness that’s unlike him.
“It seems like you’re claiming rights without any official authorization from the royal family, so why should we accommodate your clan’s circumstances? And do you even realize that what you’re doing is illegal?”
“…Illegal?”
Was that word particularly offensive?
“A wise explorer would know when to be careful with their words.”
The mage’s gentle eyes turn sharp.
However, perhaps because he doesn’t want to leave any room for future problems…
“More importantly, when did we break the law? We’re just being considerate and suggesting that you go somewhere else because there won’t be any monsters left for you to hunt if we’re here.”
Although it’s phrased indirectly, it means that if we don’t leave, they’ll interfere with our hunting with all their might.
The dwarf clenches his teeth with a frustrated expression, as if he understands.
“Damn it…”
If they were forcefully kicking us out or injuring us, it would be different…
But matters like these are not clearly defined by labyrinth law.
In other words, it means we can’t get any help from the law.
‘In the first place, it was a mistake to rely on the law.’
I’m sorry to the dwarf who tried to protect our team’s interests, but I wanted to retreat from the beginning.
After all, the labyrinth is a place where the strong make the law.
If you act recklessly out of stubbornness, you might disappear without a trace.
‘He must have realized by now that it’s not the time to be prideful, so it’s best to persuade him to leave.’
Just as I’m observing the situation and deciding on my next course of action…
“You guys don’t have to worry, I’ll take care of this.”
Dwarkey suddenly intervenes.
Spouting words that I can’t understand at all.
‘Take care of it? What is he talking about?’
I have no clue.
However, before I can ask about the meaning of his words…
Dwarkey approaches the opposing mage with a smile.
“Hahaha! It’s nice to meet you, senior.”
“…Senior? Have we met before?”
“No, but as a fellow who has dedicated his life to the study of magic—”
“Enough, who are you?”
Dwarkey flinches for a moment, perhaps not expecting such a sharp response, and then forces a smile and answers.
“Hahaha, my name is Liol Wobu Dwarkey, an 8th-grade mage officially recognized by the Lafdonia royal family—”
“I thought it was something, but you’re just trash.”
“…Yes?”
Displeasure appears on the mage’s face.
No, he looks even more offended than when the word ‘illegal’ came up, and this time, it seems like he has no intention of hiding his emotions.
“The study of magic? Dedicated your life? You’re just a piece of trash who learned a few basic spells, calls yourself a mage, and makes a living off petty tricks in the marketplace. You shouldn’t say such things, it makes me shudder. Please don’t say that anywhere else.”
He throws out sharp insults like a machine gun.
‘Is it because he’s a mage? His words are harsh.’
While I’m impressed by the mage’s relentless verbal assault, I’m also worried about Dwarkey. Even I would feel like my spirit is breaking if I heard such things to my face…
“…Keu, keuheok!”
Ah, it’s already broken.
I look to the side and see Dwarkey blinking his eyes, unable to breathe properly.
His mouth slightly opens and closes repeatedly, reminding me of a fish thrown onto the sand.
The dwarf, witnessing his best friend’s mental breakdown, finally explodes.
“Hey! That’s a bit too much!”
“I’m just stating facts.”
“What? Stating facts?”
Veins bulge on the dwarf’s neck.
His eyes gleam with killing intent, and things are looking serious.
And as soon as I sense that…
“You, you son of a—!”
I grab the dwarf by the scruff of his neck and lift him up.
Then I immediately confiscate the war hammer he’s holding.
And as expected…
Tzzzt!
I feel a tingling sensation from my fingertips.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Lightning].」
Damn it, is this guy really crazy?
I suppress my anger as much as possible and mutter in a low voice.
“Get a grip, Hikurod.”
We all almost died just now.
“You have good companions. Be grateful to that barbarian for the rest of your life. He saved all of you.”
“…….”
Has the dwarf finally come to his senses?
He ignores the mage’s sarcasm and hurriedly leads the team away. And as soon as we reach the outer area, he gives us a brief bow.
“I’m sorry. I lost my composure and got excited. If it weren’t for Bjorn, just like that guy said…”
We would have all died.
They didn’t look like the kind of guys who would let those who attacked first go unharmed, just because they’re magnanimous.
“You just made a reckless decision that could have led the entire team to ruin.”
Rotmiller reprimands him in a strong tone.
“…I’m ashamed of myself.”
The dwarf hangs his head low, as if he knows he was wrong, without making excuses.
Honestly, I was hoping that Rotmiller would blame him even more harshly.
But…
“Nothing happened in the end, so I won’t say anything more.”
Rotmiller is too kind-hearted to be a disciplinarian.
“And although it was reckless, I personally think you did well by stepping up when your teammate was being insulted.”
I don’t understand at all.
He even praises him in this situation, where even swearing would be an understatement?
‘Shouldn’t he at least reduce his share of the loot and make him work for free on this expedition?’
There should be both punishment and reward for mistakes.
That’s the only way to prevent the same mistakes from happening again.
Although I was thinking of such a realistic solution inwardly, the atmosphere wasn’t right to say it out loud.
‘Damn, am I the strange one?’
After Rotmiller forgives the dwarf with his magnanimous attitude, the atmosphere becomes strange.
It’s an indescribable feeling, the kind of atmosphere I’ve always found most uncomfortable since I was young.
“…I’m also sorry. Maybe things could have been resolved more peacefully if it weren’t for me.”
The first one to be swept up in the atmosphere is none other than Misha.
“Wh, where would that be the case!”
The second one is Dwarkey.
Dwarkey is startled by Misha’s self-blame and waves his hands frantically. And even while stammering, he speaks resolutely.
“I, I… of course, what I say isn’t always right, but…! I think we were at least able to hear their reasons and get kicked out because you were there! So please don’t think like that!”
Although it wasn’t a particularly eloquent consolation, the emotions within it were conveyed sincerely to everyone.
Is that why?
“Do you know why I hate talking about my family?”
Misha suddenly starts talking about herself.
“I’m treated like a nobody in my family. Maybe some of you can even guess the reason.”
Misha glances at us, observing our expressions.
Rotmiller, as if he’s one of those who guessed, averts his gaze first, and I follow suit and pretend not to know.
Fairies handle spirits.
Dwarves with the blessing of craftsmanship have increased efficiency when handling Numbered Items, and barbarians have Spirit Engravings.
Just like that, beastmen also have a racial characteristic besides their naturally high agility stats.
“I’m the only one in my family who couldn’t make a contract with a Spirit Beast.”
Spirit Beast.
Beastmen can make contracts with ancient beasts called Spirit Beasts.
And the forms of these contracts are diverse.
Summoning them to fight together, possessing them to enhance physical abilities, or receiving blessings to use the beast’s special abilities.
Of course, not all beastmen can do this.
Only a few talented beastmen are chosen by Spirit Beasts.
However, the problem here is…
‘That she’s of the chieftain’s bloodline.’
She’s a direct descendant of the Kaltstein family, the chieftain’s family.
In other words, the fact that she, a pureblood, can’t handle ‘Spirit Beasts’ is a big issue. It’s not just a matter of talent, but it also becomes circumstantial evidence that casts doubt on her bloodline itself.
“When I was young, I got along well with my siblings. But things changed when I couldn’t make a contract with a Spirit Beast even after becoming an adult. They all called me a half-breed. They said my blood was only half…”
A child born out of wedlock.
Her mother passed away early, so no one knows the truth, and Misha couldn’t stand the suspicion and left home. And she focused solely on martial arts, slowly growing as an explorer.
“Thank you for sharing your difficult story.”
As the short yet long story ends, the dwarf pats Misha on the back with a more serious attitude than usual.
Misha also doesn’t act as prickly as before.
It’s more like she’s a tamed cat, I guess?
“Hikurod… you were genuinely angry because you considered us as companions.”
What, is that how it works?
As a pessimist, I find it difficult to follow their emotional line.
“Hahaha! Now that you mention it, I should share my story too. I dreamed of becoming a blacksmith. But I had no talent, so I couldn’t even become an apprentice after 10 years. That’s why I became an explorer after I turned thirty! I still had to make money, so I took the opportunity and ran away.”
Perhaps impressed by Misha’s confession, the dwarf also shares his own story nonchalantly, and next is Dwarkey.
“No one could be as talentless as me. Although my family was well-off, so I was able to start learning magic, I couldn’t enter the Magic Tower because of my lack of talent. If I were a proper mage… he would have at least shown me some respect.”
Dwarkey then reveals that his goal is to earn money as an explorer and learn more magic.
And just when I thought the conversation was over…
“I’ve been on many teams, but this is a first.”
Rotmiller, who had been silent, chuckles and reignites the dying embers.
“I also have something to apologize for. When Murad and Miss Kaltstein talked about their years of experience the other day, I felt anger rising within me.”
“Th, there was such a thing?”
“Yes. It was my ugly jealousy. I thought they were both lucky to be born as other races, complaining about being slow or fast without even knowing their circumstances.”
Human explorers also have advantages.
First of all, they can use Aura, they can become Spirit Masters, mages, or priests.
A few who are born with it even have physiques as large as barbarians.
They practically have all the advantages of every race.
But that’s just one possibility, and it’s only the story of a small number of people with special talents.
“Hahaha! So our team is a gathering of misfits? That’s good then, we don’t have to feel inferior to each other anymore.”
The dwarf laughs awkwardly and lightens the mood.
And at his words…
“That’s definitely true.”
Dwarkey, the talentless mage, is happy.
“I’ll work harder from now on to be helpful to the team!”
And Misha, the pureblood who can’t handle Spirit Beasts, is touched.
“Although it’s not something I should be thinking about on the 3rd day of our first journey, I hope this team lasts for a long time.”
Rotmiller, the epitome of ordinariness, the 8-year veteran human explorer, feels the same way. Everyone acknowledges their shortcomings, opens up, and consoles each other.
And as a result, the gazes naturally turn to me, who hasn’t confessed anything yet.
“…….”
“…….”
It’s as if they’re asking if I have nothing to say.
‘Uh, I don’t have anything like that…’
I feel like I need to say something to avoid being ostracized from the team…
Flustered by the attention, I blurt out whatever comes to mind.
“I, I don’t have a mother!”
[Dungeon and Stone] is a single-player game.
But surprisingly, there’s territory control content.
Initially, it appears as a way to prevent movement between maps before clearing the main episodes, but later on, if you create a clan, you can also control hunting grounds as a player.
Of course, since it requires a huge amount of manpower, it’s not worth it unless it’s the habitat of a few rare monsters or boss monsters.
‘But to control the 3rd floor?’
I can’t understand it at all.
What the hell are they going to do with 7th-grade monsters?
Just look at that mage.
Using such a high-level personnel who can cast spells like that just to hunt orcs is a waste.
“…I know that the Dzarwi Clan operates on the 6th floor or higher. Then why are you guys in a place like the Orc Encampment?”
The dwarf also seems to have never heard of this before and asks cautiously.
However, the answer he gets is cold.
“We have no reason to explain that to you.”
Ah, I see.
I understand, but the dwarf doesn’t.
Although he’s shown his goofy side since joining the team, he’s still an explorer.
He’s sensitive when it comes to matters that affect his interests.
Especially if the cause is external, not internal.
“I’ve heard that some clans receive recognition for their achievements and are granted rights within the labyrinth by the royal family. But I’ve never heard of this place being the Dzarwi Clan’s territory. And besides, we can’t even verify if you’re actually members of that clan.”
The dwarf presents his questions as logically as possible, considering who he’s dealing with.
It’s definitely a valid point.
Their equipment and the level of magic we just witnessed clearly show that they’re much higher-level explorers than us, but there’s no proof that they’re members of that clan.
However…
‘Shouldn’t we just leave…’
Honestly, I’m more scared if they’re not actually from the clan.
Large clans at least care about outside opinions, but those impersonators definitely won’t.
“You’re telling an interesting story.”
The beastman frowns in displeasure and glares at us.
However, the dwarf doesn’t back down.
“I hear that often.”
As the silent power struggle continues, the tension gradually rises.
Thud.
I feel something approaching from behind.
I check, and it’s none other than Misha.
But why is she suddenly clinging to me like this?
As if she’s hiding from something…
“…Don’t tell me, you’re a half-breed?”
The beastman frowns deeply as he asks, and I feel a flinch from behind me.
What the, was she really hiding?
“O, older brother…”
Misha stutters and slowly steps out from behind me.
The beastman’s expression contorts even more.
“I told you not to call me that outside.”
“So, sorry.”
“Tsk, that way of speaking, as expected of a half-breed.”
Misha hangs her head low, unable to say anything at the beastman’s sarcasm.
As expected, it seems they weren’t close enough to call each other ‘half-breed’ just because they’re friends.
‘Anyway, what’s their relationship? Could they be actual siblings?’
Just as that question arises, the mage from the opposing side, who had been standing silently in the back, asks straightforwardly,
“Just in case, is this lady your younger sister?”
“Yes, for now.”
The beastman nods politely, and the mage strokes his shiny beard.
“Hmm, I owe a debt to Lord Kaltstein. And since she’s your sister, she’s not exactly a stranger, so I’ll make an exception for them—”
“That’s not necessary.”
“Huh? But…”
The beastman firmly rejects the mage’s consideration once again.
“Father won’t mind either. I can’t tell you the reason because it’s a family matter.”
His voice is cold, filled with determination.
“If you say so…”
The mage changes his mind and nods silently. However, he must have thought it was okay to at least give an explanation.
“Hey, you guys.”
He takes a step forward and speaks in a conciliatory tone.
“Due to some internal clan matters, we urgently need the Orc Great Warrior’s essence. If things go well, you guys can also hunt here from the next cycle, so please go somewhere else this time. Hmm, or maybe go to the outer area where Great Warriors don’t appear.”
Although his tone is much softer than the beastman’s, perhaps because he’s a mage… it still means the same thing, that he wants us to leave.
“I refuse.”
The dwarf shakes his head.
And he sarcastically retorts with a sharpness that’s unlike him.
“It seems like you’re claiming rights without any official authorization from the royal family, so why should we accommodate your clan’s circumstances? And do you even realize that what you’re doing is illegal?”
“…Illegal?”
Was that word particularly offensive?
“A wise explorer would know when to be careful with their words.”
The mage’s gentle eyes turn sharp.
However, perhaps because he doesn’t want to leave any room for future problems…
“More importantly, when did we break the law? We’re just being considerate and suggesting that you go somewhere else because there won’t be any monsters left for you to hunt if we’re here.”
Although it’s phrased indirectly, it means that if we don’t leave, they’ll interfere with our hunting with all their might.
The dwarf clenches his teeth with a frustrated expression, as if he understands.
“Damn it…”
If they were forcefully kicking us out or injuring us, it would be different…
But matters like these are not clearly defined by labyrinth law.
In other words, it means we can’t get any help from the law.
‘In the first place, it was a mistake to rely on the law.’
I’m sorry to the dwarf who tried to protect our team’s interests, but I wanted to retreat from the beginning.
After all, the labyrinth is a place where the strong make the law.
If you act recklessly out of stubbornness, you might disappear without a trace.
‘He must have realized by now that it’s not the time to be prideful, so it’s best to persuade him to leave.’
Just as I’m observing the situation and deciding on my next course of action…
“You guys don’t have to worry, I’ll take care of this.”
Dwarkey suddenly intervenes.
Spouting words that I can’t understand at all.
‘Take care of it? What is he talking about?’
I have no clue.
However, before I can ask about the meaning of his words…
Dwarkey approaches the opposing mage with a smile.
“Hahaha! It’s nice to meet you, senior.”
“…Senior? Have we met before?”
“No, but as a fellow who has dedicated his life to the study of magic—”
“Enough, who are you?”
Dwarkey flinches for a moment, perhaps not expecting such a sharp response, and then forces a smile and answers.
“Hahaha, my name is Liol Wobu Dwarkey, an 8th-grade mage officially recognized by the Lafdonia royal family—”
“I thought it was something, but you’re just trash.”
“…Yes?”
Displeasure appears on the mage’s face.
No, he looks even more offended than when the word ‘illegal’ came up, and this time, it seems like he has no intention of hiding his emotions.
“The study of magic? Dedicated your life? You’re just a piece of trash who learned a few basic spells, calls yourself a mage, and makes a living off petty tricks in the marketplace. You shouldn’t say such things, it makes me shudder. Please don’t say that anywhere else.”
He throws out sharp insults like a machine gun.
‘Is it because he’s a mage? His words are harsh.’
While I’m impressed by the mage’s relentless verbal assault, I’m also worried about Dwarkey. Even I would feel like my spirit is breaking if I heard such things to my face…
“…Keu, keuheok!”
Ah, it’s already broken.
I look to the side and see Dwarkey blinking his eyes, unable to breathe properly.
His mouth slightly opens and closes repeatedly, reminding me of a fish thrown onto the sand.
The dwarf, witnessing his best friend’s mental breakdown, finally explodes.
“Hey! That’s a bit too much!”
“I’m just stating facts.”
“What? Stating facts?”
Veins bulge on the dwarf’s neck.
His eyes gleam with killing intent, and things are looking serious.
And as soon as I sense that…
“You, you son of a—!”
I grab the dwarf by the scruff of his neck and lift him up.
Then I immediately confiscate the war hammer he’s holding.
And as expected…
Tzzzt!
I feel a tingling sensation from my fingertips.
「Hikurod Murad has cast [Lightning].」
Damn it, is this guy really crazy?
I suppress my anger as much as possible and mutter in a low voice.
“Get a grip, Hikurod.”
We all almost died just now.
“You have good companions. Be grateful to that barbarian for the rest of your life. He saved all of you.”
“…….”
Has the dwarf finally come to his senses?
He ignores the mage’s sarcasm and hurriedly leads the team away. And as soon as we reach the outer area, he gives us a brief bow.
“I’m sorry. I lost my composure and got excited. If it weren’t for Bjorn, just like that guy said…”
We would have all died.
They didn’t look like the kind of guys who would let those who attacked first go unharmed, just because they’re magnanimous.
“You just made a reckless decision that could have led the entire team to ruin.”
Rotmiller reprimands him in a strong tone.
“…I’m ashamed of myself.”
The dwarf hangs his head low, as if he knows he was wrong, without making excuses.
Honestly, I was hoping that Rotmiller would blame him even more harshly.
But…
“Nothing happened in the end, so I won’t say anything more.”
Rotmiller is too kind-hearted to be a disciplinarian.
“And although it was reckless, I personally think you did well by stepping up when your teammate was being insulted.”
I don’t understand at all.
He even praises him in this situation, where even swearing would be an understatement?
‘Shouldn’t he at least reduce his share of the loot and make him work for free on this expedition?’
There should be both punishment and reward for mistakes.
That’s the only way to prevent the same mistakes from happening again.
Although I was thinking of such a realistic solution inwardly, the atmosphere wasn’t right to say it out loud.
‘Damn, am I the strange one?’
After Rotmiller forgives the dwarf with his magnanimous attitude, the atmosphere becomes strange.
It’s an indescribable feeling, the kind of atmosphere I’ve always found most uncomfortable since I was young.
“…I’m also sorry. Maybe things could have been resolved more peacefully if it weren’t for me.”
The first one to be swept up in the atmosphere is none other than Misha.
“Wh, where would that be the case!”
The second one is Dwarkey.
Dwarkey is startled by Misha’s self-blame and waves his hands frantically. And even while stammering, he speaks resolutely.
“I, I… of course, what I say isn’t always right, but…! I think we were at least able to hear their reasons and get kicked out because you were there! So please don’t think like that!”
Although it wasn’t a particularly eloquent consolation, the emotions within it were conveyed sincerely to everyone.
Is that why?
“Do you know why I hate talking about my family?”
Misha suddenly starts talking about herself.
“I’m treated like a nobody in my family. Maybe some of you can even guess the reason.”
Misha glances at us, observing our expressions.
Rotmiller, as if he’s one of those who guessed, averts his gaze first, and I follow suit and pretend not to know.
Fairies handle spirits.
Dwarves with the blessing of craftsmanship have increased efficiency when handling Numbered Items, and barbarians have Spirit Engravings.
Just like that, beastmen also have a racial characteristic besides their naturally high agility stats.
“I’m the only one in my family who couldn’t make a contract with a Spirit Beast.”
Spirit Beast.
Beastmen can make contracts with ancient beasts called Spirit Beasts.
And the forms of these contracts are diverse.
Summoning them to fight together, possessing them to enhance physical abilities, or receiving blessings to use the beast’s special abilities.
Of course, not all beastmen can do this.
Only a few talented beastmen are chosen by Spirit Beasts.
However, the problem here is…
‘That she’s of the chieftain’s bloodline.’
She’s a direct descendant of the Kaltstein family, the chieftain’s family.
In other words, the fact that she, a pureblood, can’t handle ‘Spirit Beasts’ is a big issue. It’s not just a matter of talent, but it also becomes circumstantial evidence that casts doubt on her bloodline itself.
“When I was young, I got along well with my siblings. But things changed when I couldn’t make a contract with a Spirit Beast even after becoming an adult. They all called me a half-breed. They said my blood was only half…”
A child born out of wedlock.
Her mother passed away early, so no one knows the truth, and Misha couldn’t stand the suspicion and left home. And she focused solely on martial arts, slowly growing as an explorer.
“Thank you for sharing your difficult story.”
As the short yet long story ends, the dwarf pats Misha on the back with a more serious attitude than usual.
Misha also doesn’t act as prickly as before.
It’s more like she’s a tamed cat, I guess?
“Hikurod… you were genuinely angry because you considered us as companions.”
What, is that how it works?
As a pessimist, I find it difficult to follow their emotional line.
“Hahaha! Now that you mention it, I should share my story too. I dreamed of becoming a blacksmith. But I had no talent, so I couldn’t even become an apprentice after 10 years. That’s why I became an explorer after I turned thirty! I still had to make money, so I took the opportunity and ran away.”
Perhaps impressed by Misha’s confession, the dwarf also shares his own story nonchalantly, and next is Dwarkey.
“No one could be as talentless as me. Although my family was well-off, so I was able to start learning magic, I couldn’t enter the Magic Tower because of my lack of talent. If I were a proper mage… he would have at least shown me some respect.”
Dwarkey then reveals that his goal is to earn money as an explorer and learn more magic.
And just when I thought the conversation was over…
“I’ve been on many teams, but this is a first.”
Rotmiller, who had been silent, chuckles and reignites the dying embers.
“I also have something to apologize for. When Murad and Miss Kaltstein talked about their years of experience the other day, I felt anger rising within me.”
“Th, there was such a thing?”
“Yes. It was my ugly jealousy. I thought they were both lucky to be born as other races, complaining about being slow or fast without even knowing their circumstances.”
Human explorers also have advantages.
First of all, they can use Aura, they can become Spirit Masters, mages, or priests.
A few who are born with it even have physiques as large as barbarians.
They practically have all the advantages of every race.
But that’s just one possibility, and it’s only the story of a small number of people with special talents.
“Hahaha! So our team is a gathering of misfits? That’s good then, we don’t have to feel inferior to each other anymore.”
The dwarf laughs awkwardly and lightens the mood.
And at his words…
“That’s definitely true.”
Dwarkey, the talentless mage, is happy.
“I’ll work harder from now on to be helpful to the team!”
And Misha, the pureblood who can’t handle Spirit Beasts, is touched.
“Although it’s not something I should be thinking about on the 3rd day of our first journey, I hope this team lasts for a long time.”
Rotmiller, the epitome of ordinariness, the 8-year veteran human explorer, feels the same way. Everyone acknowledges their shortcomings, opens up, and consoles each other.
And as a result, the gazes naturally turn to me, who hasn’t confessed anything yet.
“…….”
“…….”
It’s as if they’re asking if I have nothing to say.
‘Uh, I don’t have anything like that…’
I feel like I need to say something to avoid being ostracized from the team…
Flustered by the attention, I blurt out whatever comes to mind.
“I, I don’t have a mother!”
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