“Nick… You’re not needed in our party anymore”

To an adventurer, a party is like a family.

The seniors are tough on their juniors but in return, show them the ropes.

The new adventurers respond to them with respect even if they feel like they are being treated unfairly.

The leader watches over everyone like a father and guides them, and the other members are loyal like children.

That is the tradition that all adventurers should follow in Labyrinth City.

“Tch, really?”

[This is bullshit]

Nick thought.

This is the Labyrinth City, Terrane, in the holy kingdom of Dineze.

A haunting city surrounded by labyrinths and a city full of pleasures populated by over a hundred thousand people.

The party known as ‘All Martial Arts’ was staying in one of the inns in that city.

After everyone finished their dinner, their leader, Argus, had Nick stay at the table.

When the two were left alone, Argus said goodbye to Nick.

“Ahh… I want you to go already. ….What, do you want to ask why?”

The words of the red-headed man with the crew cut and a demon like expression felt heavy.

But Nick was not the least bit scared.

He knew Argus was kinder and softer than anyone.

That was why Nick felt lonely and dejected, instead of scared.

“Of course. I want you to explain it to me”.

After hearing this, Argus smacked his lips.

“That’s it.”

He said.

“Just say it Argus”

“Alright then. You always want everything in detail. Adventurers aren’t like that. Partners know what the others feel without them saying anything.”

“…I guess.”

“Whether it’s going on adventures or buying and selling things, you always put words ahead of feelings. It doesn’t matter if you make other person feel bad.”

“Well if it looks like someone’s trying to rip me off, of course I’ll complain! Adventurers fight in labyrinths, merchants fight in negotiations!”

“Our enemies are the monsters that live in the labyrinths, humans are our friends.”

“Argus, you trust merchants too much. Remember the other day…”

“I’m not interested in that Nick. I’m not the only one fed up with that kind of talk.”

“Are you talking about Garosso?”

That is the name of another member of All Martial Arts.

“Yes.”

“It can’t be helped! He keeps using our party’s funds on women and gets tricked by them… I can understand if he did so only once, but it keeps happening! I accused him of being a thief and I was right!”

“He’s still someone I can trust.”

“He’s strong! No one’s better than him with a katana! But if you let him keep taking our money, there will be nothing left! There’s no point in going on dangerous adventures!”

“Of course there is! I’m sure you have a woman you’re spending money on right?”

“Yes but I don’t take out money anytime I want! That’s a different problem!”

“That’s why you’re unlike an adventurer!”

Bam! Argus hit the table. The wine in the wooden cup almost spilled but Nick grabbed it.

Nick doesn’t think this is his fault at all.

He had a point, all the members in All Martial Arts were slackers.

To show how much of an adventurer he is, on days when the adventuring goes well, Argus goes around treating people without a thought and tipping people in all sorts of places like bars, inns, and stores.

In this business, ‘you never know when you might die so it doesn’t hurt to be in people’s good graces’, he would say.

But Nick always told Argus they should stay profitable.

Your story doesn’t end with a happily ever after just because you found treasure in a labyrinths or took down a named monster and made a lot of money.

You need to restock your medicinal herbs, service your equipment, divide your rewards evenly amongst everyone, and then you need to see if the money you have left is enough to turn a profit,

But Argus and the others are more interested in throwing money around than counting it,

‘We can’t go on like this. We’re not making a profit’, Nick would say, but Argus wouldn’t stop.

In fact, he would only say ‘adventurers can’t be so cheap.’

In the end, they had to borrow money from merchants.

“That’s why you should quit being an adventurer. I’ll let you go if you leave now.”

“Let me go? What are you talking about?”

“…You’re the one that’s been taking money from our wallet aren’t you?”

“Ah!?”

Obviously Nick was shocked to hear that,

They’ve been clashing a lot lately but Nick most certainly didn’t dislike Argus.

It was Argus who took a weak kid with no special skills or anything and turned him into a proper adventurer.

To Nick, he was a strong leader and his master.

When all’s said and done, he feels indebted to him and respects him.

That’s why Nick spoke so harshly.

To Nick, it was like those feelings were shattered.

“Garosso, Dean , and Belik all said so”

Argus brought up the names of their partners that were not here.

“H-Hold on! You believe that!?

I don’t indulge myself in gambling, alcohol, or women!

I’m the one managing our wallet and I can explain every transaction!”

The other party members were sloppy with their money.

Garosso was tricked by women all the time.

Dean and Belik love gambling and lead a loose life.

They kept pestering him to give them some of their party’s money.

That’s why Nick was so careful with the money.

He can explain all of his spending and all the money that comes in and out, so Nick was very confident in denying those accusations.

“That’s not it. That’s not it Nick.”

Argus sadly shook his head.

“W-What… What is it?”

I wanted to hear ‘believe me’ or ‘I’m sorry’.

“…That’s the same as saying nothing.”

Nick was shocked. He couldn’t even yell in anger.

“No. You’re wrong.

Adventurers are ruffians whose only pride is their physical strength.

People that are good at talking, counting and writing… Those people can get a proper job.

If you’re smart or talented, go serve some noble or become a knight or something and move up in the world.”

“You got to be joking! There’s plenty of adventurers that can do that!

Or are you saying smart people can’t be adventurers?!

“At the very least, I don’t need them in my party. Honestly, it’s just a nuisance.”

Nick couldn’t say anything at this point.

He’s been doing his best to repay his debt to Argus.

Argus even said that ‘Nick has been working hard every day to take their party to the top’.

Nick’s physique wasn’t very suited to be an adventurer.

His height was average and his body was thin.

His magic power was minute and he could not use magic that would be useful in an actual battle.

Still, he was proud of the fact that he did not fall behind half-hearted adventurers, but he could not help but feel inferior to the skillful warriors in his party.

Still, he was good with his hands and had good memory, so he improved himself in areas that made use of those qualities.

Even if he doesn’t have arms as wide as a log, he can learn weapon techniques.

He can learn ways to beat guys bigger than him.

How to remove traps.

Information on the monsters that appear in the labyrinths.

What to do when he gets lost in the labyrinths.

How to service his equipment.

How to judge treasure found in labyrinths.

Reading, writing, and calculating.

How to keep an account book.

How to negotiate with merchants.

They’re all little things by themselves, but they all add up and should be helpful.

All the effort Nick put into this, and all the confidence he had were negated.

“Yes. People like Garosso have no choice but to be adventurers, but it doesn’t have to be like that for you, Nick.

You can be a merchant or a guild employee if you want.

So, I’m not interested in talking about who’s telling the truth, law, justice and whatnot.”

“I see…”

Nick liked Argus like a brother or a father, but that ended that day.

“Then, I have nothing else to do for this party either.”

Nick got up and as he was leaving, Argus said, “take care”.

Nick left without responding.

After that, it was a sad state of affairs.

“…And that was it. Can I join your party Claudine?”

“Hmm”

“I’ll do anything. I will be of use.”

Nick and Claudine were regulars in café Fromage.

Claudine was a girl around the same age as Nick, and also an adventurer.

She was a light warrior just like Nick, and got close to him because they shopped in the same weapon and item stores. Eventually, becoming his girlfriend. Nick was enchanted by her soft, sparkling blond hair and her kind eyes.

Nick made a lot of her wishes come true. He always paid when they went out, and when she needed money, he was always there to lend it.

He had a stronger bond with her than with his party, or so he thought.

“Ahh…”

“Please.”

“Sorry but I can’t. I don’t want to be out of a job.”

“I-It’s just one more person. Can’t you work something out? I’m not just a scout, I can fight as the vanguard too.”

“Let’s break up.”

“Eh…?”

“I mean, without ‘All Martial Arts’ you’re just a weak light warrior.”

“Eh…?”

“I thought you were great because you were in a party that’s said to have A rank abilities, if nothing else but… If they threw you out that must mean you were just leeching off of them. I’ve been putting up with you even though you’re a bit poor but now, I’m just disappointed”

“N-No! I’m definitely…!”

That was when a man with a nice physique sat down at their table.

“You’re name’s Nick right? Don’t you get it?”

He had a face like a kumadori, ears like a feline, and fierce golden eyes.

He was a tiger person, a race known for their strength and bravery.

“…Who are you?”

Nick asked without hesitation.

The tiger person looked at him with a bored expression and sighed as Claudine answered Nick’s question.

“This is Leon, the leader of our party ‘Steel Tiger Crew’. Pretty strong right?”

“I’m Leon, and what the hell are you thinking? Troubling my little scout?”

“What do you mean troubling….? I’m just asking my girlfriend a favor.”

“Girlfriend? Come on, stop that. Leon help me, this guy doesn’t know when to quit.”

“Ah!?”

Nick raised his voice in surprise and anger.

“What’s with you asshole? Did you put your hands on my girl?”

“What did you say!? Claudine is…”

That was when Nick noticed the shine coming from the talisman hanging from Leon’s neck.

That wasn’t just an accessory, it was a proper item that increased resistance to curses and elemental attacks. And…

“Why the hell are you wearing that?”

“Ah, this? It was a gift from her”

Leon responded with a snicker. That item was something Nick gave Claudine as a present.

“Damn you…!”

“Ou, you wanna fight? Bring it on, just don’t think you’re walking out of here in one piece.”

As Nick stood up, so did the people sitting behind him.

“Ah, so that’s how it is…”

Nick was already surrounded by men wearing leather armor and swords hanging from their waists, clearly adventurers. Since they were there already, it was obvious that the plan all along was to intimidate Nick and make him leave, now that he’d been thrown out of ‘All Martial Arts’.

Basically, Nick realized Claudine was only with him to milk him for all he was worth, and now it was time to abandon him.

“Nick is pretty good at appraising accessories. Getting a pro to do it is surprisingly expensive.”

“This talisman was cheap but its effects were spot on, thanks Nick… But that will be all”

Claudine’s sneer made Nick feel like all the energy was sapped from his body.

[Not only was I tricked, but even the person that tricked me doesn’t need me anymore.]

“Ya heard it, get out of here. I’ll let you go if you leave now.”

“Bye bye.”

That blatant attitude made Nick lose the will to even hit him. Nothing Nick can say will get through to them.

Nick was being dominated by feelings of powerlessness, futility, and despair.

◆

From there, things only got worse.

Nick spent his free time training and servicing his weapons, he didn’t really have any hobbies.

He didn’t drink and wasn’t interested in hanging out in taverns where girls entertained customers.

He was the kind of guy that would feel sympathy for the girls and end up feeling stiff. Besides, he had a girlfriend… Or at least he did until recently.

When he went out on dates with his girlfriend… Claudine, they were mostly about doing what she wanted. After being trampled by debt, Nick realized all he was to Claudine was a nice walking wallet.

Nick didn’t have a lot of ways to take his mind off all these depressing feelings, but there was one thing he could enjoy with childlike innocence.

“Ah♪ Let that flag sparkle♪ The saint will wipe away the darkness♪”

“Kya!!!”

“Uooo!!!”

It was an idol’s live show.

Popular idols don’t perform in taverns, they reserve parks and squares.

They use magic items to amplify their beautiful voices, so you can hear them from the outside, but you need to buy an expensive ticked to get close enough to where you can see them.

Nick was always careful with how he spent his money so, he was happy just staying outside and listening, but now he was desperate. Nick became a proper idol otaku.

“Yay♪ How are you all doing!?♪”

“Lapis! You’re the best!”

Nick didn’t hesitate to spend the money he had left and became entranced listening to her voice and raising his own voice in support.

That day’s main star was Lapis Lazuli, a traveling idol famous in the capital.

Her enigmatic sky blue hair, her slender body and the dazzling outfit that covered it…

Usually she would appear unsophisticated, but once she starts singing that impression changes completely.

She had a child-like voice, a cool voice, a cute voice.

Everyone was surprised and fascinated by that every changing singing voice, and tossed coins without hesitation.

After Lapis Lazuli left, another idol took her place. They cheered as hard as they could and the coin tossing began once more.

But this debauched lifestyle was not sustainable.

When Nick finally came to his senses almost all the money he had saved was gone, and it’s not like he had a lot of money to spend on entertainment in the first place.

If we count the money he had left, he was going to end up sleeping and eating in a low level inn…

[Dammit… I guess it’s time to start working.]

◆

Nick finally started to move.

Now, the problem is that adventuring is just about the only job he can do. He has all sorts of skills, but if he wants to make money, the job he’s been doing is the best for him.

Nick decided to go to ‘new beads’, a branch of the hunter guild that’s popular with newbie adventurers.

In this city, adventurers are not allowed to explore labyrinths alone. Powerful adventurers can go in pairs, but most parties have more than four members.

This place serves as a location to scout new adventurers that can’t form a party, or meeting parties looking for new members.

Nick was thinking about talking to people there.

His old party ‘All Martial Arts’ was known to be strong, so if he let’s people know he was a part of it, he should find a party interested in taking him in.

But when he tried to speak he lost his voice.

He was scared.

The thorns of the phrase ‘Nick… You’re not needed anymore’ were still stabbing his heart.

In the end, Nick couldn’t talk to anyone and wandered around the guild until business hours were over and it was closed.

“Ahh…”

Nick sighed as he entered the tavern next door.

This is a place for new adventurers that serves the minimum amount of food and drinks.

In a table close to his, a new formed party was having a good time.

“Are you alone? Don’t sit at that empty table”

The employee annoyingly guided him to another table and Nick ordered a meal for one.

Barley porridge with vegetable scraps and very watered down ale.

It didn’t have a lot of salt and didn’t taste good at all, but the new adventurers were eating it like it was the tastiest thing in the world.

“Here’s to our new party!”

“Nice to meet you! Leave the vanguard to me!”

“You got it! I’m an apprentice priest but I’m good at healing magic!”

These happy adventurers were shining too brightly for Nick. So, he just sat there, not thinking about anything, waiting for his drink to arrive.

That was when the employee approached him.

Finally… Nick felt relieved but the employee was empty handed.

“Sir, do you mind sharing the table? The counter is full.”

“Hn? Nah.”

It seemed like that was the table where they pushed everyone that was left out. Not only that, but they kept coming like an assembly-line until the table for four was full.

[It will be a pain if they talk to me… I’m sure there’s a reason why they’re alone in a place like this is… Well, who am I to talk…]

Nick took a sidelong glance at the three people that sat down at his table and thought they all looked weird.

One of them was a pretty girl with chestnut-color hair.

She was wearing a sorcerer’s robe, but through her sleeves, you could see her thin arms and overall small body.

Her robe and staff looked expensive, so she’s probably either a noble or the daughter of a high class merchant.

On the other hand, there were some things holding back that beauty.

If she smiled she would be incredibly beautiful but she looked menacing, like she was going to suddenly stab someone with a knife.

Maybe the other customers could also feel that dangerous aura, because no one was talking to her.

The second person was a red-haired female dragon-people.

She had two horns, a tail, and her arms were covered in scales, as was characteristic of dragon people.

Beneath her scratch covered leather jacket, you could see a glimpse of her leather armor. Surely, she is a vanguard warrior.

Her appearance was both vulgar and brimming with feminine beauty. Her chest was big and her muscles were beautiful, it was a mesmerizing beauty.

A strong, beautiful dragon person should be popular but no one would talk to her.

Just like the previous girl, she had a terrible look in her eyes, like she was about to hit someone.

The third person was a lanky, handsome man that looked like a priest.

There was something odd about him. Priests usually have a sacred book with them to cast healing spells, and wear a long sleeved black outfit called a cassock.

They also wear medals with minute symbols around their necks to denote their sect, but his was missing. This is very important, so the fact that he didn’t have one probably meant he was a sinful priest that was excommunicated and had his medal taken from him.

Further proving this was the heavy smell of makeup coming from him, which meant he was coming back from a tavern with girls or a brothel.

As far as Nick knew, no priest was allowed to frequent brothels.

The other customers must’ve picked up on this oddity too, because even though priests were very popular, no one was talking to him.

Nick let out a self-deprecating laugh. His face looked just as bad as theirs.

The employee finally brought food and drinks to this silent table, and when he insincerely said “take your time and enjoy your meal”, no one responded.

Nick chugged his lukewarm ale in one gulp, and unintentionally let out the feelings of irritation that had been building up inside.

““““Humans can’t be trusted!!!!””””

[…Hn?

Did we all say the same thing in unison?]

In this country, the holy kingdom of Dineze, students of schools for nobles, studied all sorts of subjects.

Etiquette.

Horse-riding.

Swordsmanship.

Law.

Philosophy.

Mathematics.

History.

Poetry.

Art.

But the most important subject in this school was…

“【Lightning strike!】”

Magic.

A clear, imposing voice echoed throughout the magic training ground in this school for nobles, and when it reached the sky, it became shrouded in black clouds and lightning fell, creating a flash of light a thunderous roar.

The teachers watching let out a sigh of amazement.

“…Marvelous. I expected nothing less from the prestigious Elenafelt family.”

“She can freely cast advanced lightning magic that is impossible to use without mastering water and wind magic.”

“It’s unfortunate that she was born a girl…”

Magic is a comprehensive field that makes use of math, philosophy, history, etc, it is not a weapon for mercenaries and adventurers living day by day.

Noble sorcerers are proud of it and Tianna, the girl that just casted 【lightning strike】, was also proud of her magic.

“…I’m not doing this to advance in life, I study magic to improve myself.”

Tianna said while letting her much loved chestnut-color hair flutter.

She was about half a head shorter than most boys and girls her age, and although she had a nice face, there was still some lingering childishness in it. Still, she looked majestic as she puffed out her chest and responded to those compliments.

“Your skill and sublime determination really are the pride of our school.”

“Thank you very much Mr. Bellocchio.”

Tianna thanked her teacher, even though she felt a little guilty.

She wasn’t studying magic just to improve herself, there was another reason.

“You’ve met the graduation requirements, let’s end the test here.

Nice work Tianna.”

“Yes!”

Tianna left the training grounds while trying her hardest not to let her excitement show on her face.

She knew where she was going next.

She left the school, and headed towards a cafe for nobles.

As she walked through the gorgeous stone paved road, the scent of coffee coming from her sweetheart’s favorite cafe tickled her nostrils.

When she opened the door, the little bell attached to it rang, as if it was blessing her happiness.

“Welcome”

“Is Alex here?”

The employee hesitated.

“He is, isn’t he?”

“Ah, miss…!”

Tianna thought he would be in his usual place.

Alex liked a seat on the second floor so much it was like his own reserved seat.

“…Alex!”

Tianna climbed the stairs and called the man having a pleasant chat by the window.

There was a girl talking to him, probably just another girl interested in his face and position. There was no point in even talking to her.

“Tianna… You’re looking cheerful.”

“Hm? You look strangely happy Alex. Did something happen?”

Alex was Tianna’s fiancee. He was a baron’s heir and went to the same school as her.

He had delicate blonde hair like a woman, and fine skin like a girl.

Although she didn’t show it, Tianna was very proud of having such a good looking fiancee, but lately, he had been skipping school a lot and hanging out in cafes and salons.

She believed Alex when he said “this is how you make connections.” So, she didn’t bother him too much about it. After all, there really were a lot of people gathering around him.

She did complain about how there were a lot of girls their age amongst those people, but Tianna was proud of being his fiancee and felt superior because she knew how good Alex really was, instead of just being charmed by his appearance. This is why Tianna wasn’t upset when he talked to other girls.

“You’re the one that’s surprisingly cheerful.”

“Surprisingly? What do you mean? Nevermind that, listen to this Alex.”

“What, did you surprise the teachers with another wonderful spell?”

Tianna responded without noticing Alex’s sarcastic tone.

“Exactly!”

She said.

“Master Bellocchio was so happy. He said I was the first girl and the first person my age to cast 【lightning strike】.

Now, I can skip a year and graduate!”

“Eh…”

“So… Alex…”

Tianna was a little embarrassed as she sat down.

“Ah… If you’re going to come here and brag all of a sudden you could at least be a little more graceful about it.”

The girl with the long, dark hair said to Tianna with a sarcastic smile. Tianna finally looked in her direction.

“…I need to talk to Alex.”

“Didn’t you see that same mister Alex speaking to me? I don’t think it’s very lady-like to bother a man in that manner.”

“Alex, can you tell her to leave?”

Alex pressed his forehead and sighed.

“…Stop it. You’re bothering the employees and the other customers.”

“B-But…”

“No buts!”

Tianna had never seen Alex raise his voice like that.

“A-Alex…?”

“You’re always like that… You’re too thick headed for how impulsive you are, aren’t you?”

“What do you mean…?”

“I’m sick of all that bragging about your magic!”

Tianna staggered.

A lot of people were jealous of her magic, some even said it was wasted on a girl. But, it was for her beloved fiancee so she endured it all.

“W-Why…? You’re the one that asked me for help because you’re going to be a sorcerer… For you I…”

“Did my best…”

Tianna’s weak voice was drowned out by Alex’s shill scream.

“For me? Use your head a little and hold back! Do you have any idea how much people make fun of me behind my back because you’re the best!? Hold back a little! Can’t you read the room and work hard enough to help my life and not damage my honor!?”

“W-Wait… Alex why are you…”

That was when Tianna heard a giggle, and stared at the person laughing.

“Oh my, you’re scaring me, miss Tianna.”

“…Can’t you at least tell me your name before speaking to me?”

“Hmph… You really aren’t interested in other people are you… How arrogant.

Fine, I am Linne, the eldest daughter of the Delcot family.”

“…Ah, I remember, the upstart girl that recently transferred to our school.”

The Delcots were originally merchants, and they made a lot of money transporting goods by land and sea using dragons.

Up until three generations ago, they were just commoners, but their fast transportation was very beneficial for the kingdom, so they were granted the title of baron in recognition.

Lately, they had been getting involved in financing and spending a lot of money on nobles with financial problems, so even high ranking nobles had to watch out for their power. That influence even reached the school, and Linne had a lot of noble girls by the short hairs.

Tianna had never spoken to Linne, but it was not like she didn’t know her.

Ignoring her was the least unpleasant thing she could do.

Alex was her fiancee after all, there’s no way he was serious about this upstart… Or so she thought.

“Oh my, scary…”

“Tianna! Stop talking like that! Linne has enough problems already, dealing with baseless rumors…”

“Baseless?”

Tianna knew Linne used her family’s influence to treat a lot of the other students like servants. At this point, you could even call it an open secret. Actually, some desperate classmates had been asking Tianna for advice.

“Yes, I’ve been talking to her about it. She’s being harassed and…”

Alex let out a pained sight, and Linne placed her hand on top of his.

“Tianna, you’re the one that’s been harassing her aren’t you?”

“Ah!?”

Tianna unconsciously reacted with pure surprise, to which Alex and Linne smiled.

“You’ve been using your influence to win a lot of people over and try to incriminate Linne.

“That’s right, and that was when mister Alex extended his hand to me to save me.

Tianna clenched her teeth.

“Also, miss Tianna, you’ve been seducing the teachers in our academy haven’t you?

“W-What…!?”

Tianna’s glare could almost shoot Linne to death.

“Don’t you get it? You’re not just insulting me, you’re insulting the whole school.”

“…Do you want to go to the proper place to settle this matter?”

“Ahh… You are the one that does not get it. It’s just common sense to think that something is going on with the people that made a girl the top student.”

In this aristocratic society where honor was very important, this was a proper crime so Tianna’s words weren’t just a threat, she could very well take this to court.

But Linne did nothing but graciously smile.

“Yes, I very much welcome that, although I’m sure the teachers will raise the white flag before that.”

“…What do you mean?”

Tianna was bewildered.

Surely it was just a bluff, Tianna was sure of it.

But the girl in front of her had a lot of people by the short hairs.

And then, it was Alex that answered Tianna’s awful premonition.

“Tianna, the teachers in this school are suspected of taking bribes to accept students during the entrance exams, and to manipulate their grades. You’re one of the people suspected of bribing them.”

“W-What is this nonsense…!?”

“This is why I want to break off our engagement… Don’t show yourself in front of me ever again!”