Ch.2828. Cutting In

# Hagen, Daz, and Berry’s party’s red pill was shockingly unexpected.

Because of that, even when morning came, I couldn’t forget that conversation.

‘I feel dizzy.’

Of course, we weren’t particularly close.

But since he was my benefactor who coolly handed over the slime source, the Hagen-Daz party was firmly imprinted in my mind.

For me, Hagen was like an idol of cool guys, a symbol of stylish middle-aged men.

‘Ugh.’

No matter how I tried to endure it, the emotional damage was severe.

It felt like discovering the private lives of historical figures.

“Is something wrong?”

While I was struggling alone, Shiro approached and asked.

Since I was the only one who heard about Hagen-Daz, there was no need to worry her unnecessarily.

“It’s nothing. Let’s go hunt yetis today as well.”

“…Okay.”

Even now, the duration of the cold resistance scroll was decreasing.

To maximize efficiency, we needed to move quickly, which would also increase our chances of obtaining a source.

“Kieeek!”

On our way to the snowy mountain, we carried out the same indiscriminate slaughter as yesterday.

Normally, a four-person party would take about a minute to defeat a group of mermen, but the two of us were handling them in around 15 seconds.

“Just two people achieving that speed?”

“Are they rookies from a guild? I don’t recognize their faces.”

Unlike last night when there was no one around, it was morning now.

Naturally, we were attracting attention.

‘At this rate, we could handle the fifth floor comfortably.’

Even with an ordinary source, Shiro had high stats befitting her genetic predisposition, and I had consumed a barbarian body and two third-grade sources.

Considering the significant gap between the fourth and fifth floors, from others’ perspective, we were nothing short of an insane farming party.

Anyway, we were approaching the snowy mountain at an incredible pace.

“Huh. I thought you looked familiar, and indeed it was you.”

As we finished a battle and were about to move on, a casual middle-aged voice called out.

“Mr. Hail?”

The benefactor who gifted me the slime source, and…

“…And beside you are Ms. Daz and Ms. Berry.”

We encountered the Hagen-Daz-Berry harem party.

“Haha. What a coincidence.”

It wasn’t particularly coincidental.

Given how much attention we’d attracted, any party in the vicinity would inevitably notice us.

Moreover, we were a two-person party with a silver-haired elf, so it would have been stranger if they hadn’t recognized us.

“Weren’t you in a party hunting on the second floor, Mr. Hail?”

“I used to hunt alone on the second floor, but these two suggested we try the fourth floor. So I took the opportunity to come here.”

It seemed like a carry party.

The two women liked Hagen, so they were together, I guess.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I was hesitant because I lacked confidence, but our party members are exceptionally skilled.”

That was the correct answer.

“By the way, what were you doing on the second floor back then? You seemed like talents who should be at least on the fifth floor.”

“We were fortunate to grow stronger quickly, so this is our first time climbing this labyrinth.”

“I see. In the labyrinth, even luck is a skill. Anyway, sorry for taking your time. We’ll be on our way.”

With those words, he coolly disappeared.

“Who were those people?”

As expected, Shiro didn’t seem to remember the Hagen-Daz party.

“They’re the ones who gave up the slime source to us before.”

“Really?”

Shiro gently lowered her head and appeared to be contemplating something.

“Did something happen with them?”

“No, it’s just because of what you said, Adel.”

Was there a problem with our conversation just now?

“Whenever you answer with ‘Is that so?’, you’re always thinking about something else.”

“…Did I have such a habit?”

“Yes. You did it when talking with me too.”

I wasn’t aware of this habit.

If Shiro noticed it, I must have repeated it quite often.

“I understand. I’ll try to be conscious of that habit and fix it.”

“…No, you don’t have to fix it.”

“Pardon?”

I stared at Shiro, wondering what she meant.

“I don’t particularly dislike that about you.”

“…”

I was about to ask what exactly she meant, but—

“Kiaaak!”

A group of mermen burst out from the lake, interrupting our conversation.

‘It’s probably not that important.’

I decided to focus on the current situation.

And so we headed toward the snowy mountain, spending time hunting yetis.

***

In the end, we came up empty-handed that day.

The next day too, and it seemed we would continue to do so until the labyrinth closed.

As days passed, Shiro’s expression worsened, but fortunately, a source appeared on the very last day as we were leaving the labyrinth.

-Saaah.

A white light engulfed the world, returning us to our original location.

The plaza was overflowing with people.

“Phew. Thankfully, a source appeared at the very end.”

I looked at Shiro and sighed with relief.

I was a bit tired from hunting until just before the labyrinth closed.

Still, it was rewarding since we obtained a source.

“…Thank you.”

Just as her wandering eyes met mine—

“Is there a healer? Someone is dying!”

An urgent voice echoed throughout the plaza.

‘That’s nearby.’

Looking over the crowd, I could quickly locate the source of the commotion. The barbarian’s height was helpful in such situations.

“Please, someone help! I’ll definitely repay the favor!”

A man was crying out desperately, holding an empty potion bottle.

In front of him lay a woman’s body, torn to shreds, seemingly too late for recovery.

It looked beyond the capabilities of an average mid-tier healer.

“Where is it!”

At that moment, a familiar voice cut through the crowd, approaching the scene.

‘Healer Airi?’

Even for her, saving that person seemed difficult.

You know those people who are occasionally brought to emergency rooms?

Biologically alive but essentially corpses.

That woman perfectly fit that description.

She was barely alive thanks to various potions poured on her, but she was practically dead.

‘Too late.’

Thinking that, I headed toward the association with Shiro.

It was sad, but not my immediate concern.

Most people in the plaza showed similar reactions and moved on.

The association seemed slightly more crowded than usual.

There are some weirdos who come to settle accounts once every three weeks.

Something about self-restricting their salary and then receiving it all at once for a dopamine rush?

‘Crazy people.’

It’s romantic but a habit perfect for overspending.

“That’s 1.24 million Ars. Would you like it split in two?”

“Yes, Ms. Sherry. Please do that.”

“Alright! Please wait a moment.”

Since Sherry was here today, I decided to greet her while settling accounts.

“Here you go!”

Sherry handed me two pouches and continued.

“By the way, Mr. Adel, are you in a fixed party with that elf behind you?”

“Yes. We somehow ended up connected.”

“Hmm. I see.”

There was something strange about her expression.

“Is there a problem? You don’t look too happy.”

“N-no, it’s not that… It’s nothing.”

When I asked, she became flustered and evaded the question.

‘Did I come across as rude?’

Well, we were no longer bound by debt in a deep relationship.

From her perspective, I was just an outsider not worth much attention.

“I think I spoke unnecessarily. I’m sorry, don’t worry about it, and have a good day.”

I said that and hastily retreated.

This is the Explorer’s Association.

If a beautiful receptionist is troubled because of a barbarian, there would be plenty of sweet explorers ready to step in.

“Here’s your share, Ms. Shiro.”

As I handed the money pouch to Shiro, the gazes directed at me from around us worsened.

“Damn. I should have been born as an elf half-blood. So jealous.”

“I know, right? If I were a cute elf half-blood girl, I’d get approached by guys like him…”

“…You’re a man, though?”

“Exactly.”

“What?”

Hmm. The association was as usual.

There was some strange talk mixed in, but I ignored it lightly and met Shiro’s eyes.

“…To be honest, I’m not sure if I should accept this money.”

Her purple eyes looked up at me.

“This is your share, Ms. Shiro. Of course you should take it.”

It’s not like I’m in desperate need of money, and there’s such a thing as business ethics.

“You took a loss to help me get a source.”

“Isn’t it better for me if you get stronger? Well, if you’re uncomfortable, you can treat me to a meal later.”

I smiled and led her out of the building.

It was already summer.

The intense sunlight beat down on us, making Shiro’s face seem redder than usual.

“Are you satisfied with just that?”

“Of course.”

First of all, having a pretty elf woman eat a meal with me was already worthy of tearful applause.

At 19, I still feel guilty about seeing her as a romantic interest, but anyway, that was a different feeling.

“…Okay, I understand how you feel.”

“You do? Then Ms. Shiro will buy the meal. Let me know when you’re comfortable setting a date.”

She maintained her composure and nodded.

“Then, are you free tomorrow evening?”

“Yes, of course. We can stop by the Polaris Guild together then.”

My time was abundant.

I needed to return equipment to the Polaris Guild with Shiro anyway, so it was a perfect meeting.

‘I need to visit the blacksmith too.’

I was told to mention Healer Airi’s name when visiting.

She said to put it on the guild leader’s tab… Is the guild leader trying to recruit me directly?

‘I should think about it.’

If I could operate an individual party, I would definitely consider joining.

Seeing how much they’re offering me, they would probably give me that level of treatment.

“Mr. Adel?”

As I was thinking about this, Healer Airi approached me.

It seems she had finished her work at the plaza and just arrived at the association.

‘We were at the same plaza, huh.’

On the last day of the labyrinth, everyone exits from the same plaza they entered, but it was surprising that I hadn’t seen her until now.

“Ms. Airi. What a coincidence seeing you here.”

I didn’t mention seeing her at the plaza.

That woman was likely dead. There was no need to bring it up.

“Whew. Indeed it is!”

She was panting as if she had rushed here, smiling brightly.

Her energy seemed higher than usual.

‘Is she crazy?’

Didn’t someone just die at the plaza?

I wondered but didn’t voice it. She might have gone mad from the guilt of not being able to save someone.

“Mr. Adel. This might be sudden, but… would you be available for dinner tonight? I’d like to discuss your party.”

It was indeed sudden.

‘Is she really crazy?’

Feeling deep sympathy, I answered naturally.

“Ah, yes. That’s possible.”

It’s probably about guild recruitment.

The fact that she didn’t mention Shiro suggests that I’m the only target.

‘I need to bring her along somehow.’

With that thought, I listened attentively to Airi.

“That’s great. Then please come to the place written here.”

Airi seemed to be in a hurry, about to leave after handing me a note, when—

“Excuse me. If it’s about the party, could I come along too?”

Shiro spoke up.

That was a good move. If we’re going to negotiate, it’s better to go together.

“Oh, of course. I mentioned it to Mr. Adel first since he’s the party leader, but ultimately it concerns you too, Ms. Shiro.”

How did she know I was the party leader?

I almost got goosebumps for a moment but let it pass. A large guild could easily obtain such information.

“I apologize, but I’m a bit busy, so I’ll have to leave it at this. Mr. Adel, Ms. Shiro, I’ll see you this evening.”

With those words, Airi hurriedly left.

“Ms. Shiro, thank you.”

I expressed my gratitude to Shiro.

If she hadn’t spoken up just now, I would have had to negotiate alone.

That could have made it more complicated to bring her to the guild.

“…Huh?”

But Shiro seemed confused about why I was thanking her.

“Weren’t you offering to come along because it would be troublesome if I went to negotiate alone?”

A momentary bewilderment crossed Shiro’s face.

“…Yes. Of course.”

She nodded, but her behavior was unnatural no matter how I looked at it.

‘What’s going on?’

Was there another reason why Shiro needed to join when I was having dinner with Airi?