CH 111

With each dungeon clear, the three rookies of the special unit grew stronger. They were like tempered iron being forged into a harder, sharper blade. Just before half a year had passed, we challenged a level 40 dungeon and cleared it safely.

“It’s over!!” Sevi cheered. Julieta was slumped on the ground, and Nova had dropped his shield, a relieved look on his face. The children’s complexions had been lifeless from hard work over the past few months. A cycle of supply and equipment arrangement before diving into the next dungeon.

Vegan was no exception. He looked exhausted as he leaned against his spear. It was likely mental fatigue as his health points were maxed. August and I were the only ones keeping our senses about while the rest were dog-tired. In particular, August’s face was shiny as if blessed by Saint Marianne’s touch. I glanced at the priest in amazement. Even when the others were going through misery, he told them to consider it a joyful suffering dedicated to the goddess… He wasn’t sane, that one. When I was talking about how Mayer had cleared three dungeons in a row two years back, August had flushed. I had assumed that even the priest thought of the memory as awful, but that was me underestimating him. I didn’t know he had flushed with anticipation! I shuddered, feeling convinced that I didn’t fit with these priests. I made a small promise to keep their kind away so our good Julieta wouldn’t turn out like them.

In any case, we then ended the non-stop dungeon clearing relay. Leaving the level 40 dungeon behind us, we returned to Nochtentoria Castle.

“It’s the special unit…!”

The entrance of the castle was noisy. Only a few people would come out to see us when we first started clearing dungeons, but now… It was a new feeling. Of course, I didn’t hold any naive thoughts that they completely welcomed us. Level 40 wasn’t low, but neither was it high enough for the entirety of the Dark Knights to come out for us.

Our successful dungeon raid was causing a commotion due to our rapid leveling speed. We rose to level 40 without a break in the shortest time on record. Moreover, until the members reached level 40, I hadn’t had their levels checked. Not that I cared about keeping it a secret, it was just a bother since I could check their levels anytime. Plus, it saved time. The rookies didn’t hold any doubts about the level I told them.

But this seemed to have caused a strange misunderstanding. Word around the castle was that the kids were far from reaching level 40. The gossipers spoke of how the dungeons were cleared by August and Vegan’s merit alone, while I… Well, my existence was completely forgotten.

Clearly, everyone was making such a fuss because they wanted to see proof of our achievements. Since they wanted to see it so much, I was willing to show them.

I entered the castle, ignoring the deafening hubbub, and the first person to greet me was Vince the butler. “Congratulations on clearing the level 40 dungeon. Well then, will you resupply and continue raiding, or…”

“We’ll be taking a break for a bit,” I replied to Vince and immediately heard sighs of relief from behind me. It seemed the team was anxious despite knowing we would rest. The butler’s face lit up as he exclaimed, “You’re finally resting? His Excellency will be happy to know!”

I pursed my lips, recalling vividly how Mayer was so afraid I would die in a dungeon out of his sight. It was a different kind of distrust from the Dark Knights’ lack of faith in my abilities. One thing I was certain of was that Mayer Knox didn’t completely trust me. Treating me like fragile paper… It wasn’t the way you’d treat a comrade or a fellow corps member. I couldn’t help but mutter my thoughts out of discontent. “Does he think my level is still the same as it was before…? Am I so untrustworthy?”

Vince seemed to have overheard as he waved a hand, perplexed. “No, His Excellency only wishes to see you, Vice-captain. It’s been a long time since you have met him, has it not?”

I had a mountain of words to say to that, but arguing here would only waste time. Dismissing the talk about Mayer, I brought out the main subject. “Hm… Alright. I have to make a report to him anyway. Oh, but Vince. Could I use the levelometer right now?”

“The levelometer? Of course.” The butler turned around and lead us into the measuring hall. It was where the levelometer was placed. While following him, Nova tugged at me and whispered, “…Shouldn’t we go to His Excellency first?”

“We don’t want to get caught in the crossfire,” Sevi said, shuddering slightly. I gave the boy a gentle pinch and gave a hearty laugh.

“Hah, what crossfire? His Excellency has a broad heart, so he’ll wait for as long as needed. Let’s check our levels first before going.”

“But…”