CH 288

Chapter 288 – Joint Proposition

Author’s Note: Back to Lewin’s POV, where we left off from Episode 278.

A few days had passed since the battle against the Mask Queen. I had synthesized Medical Herb every day, directly ingesting it and applying it to my wounds, so my physical condition had improved considerably.

Gelt, who had treated my wounds even though it was our first time meeting, was taking care of me while I was staying in the Safe Area, so I was able to have a comfortable stay. Considering the condition of my wounds, I wanted to rest here for a few more days, but…

Our scarce food supply had already run out, and we were now in the situation where we had to rely on Gelt’s party to share and ration their food with us. They told me not to worry about it too much, but I couldn’t take advantage of him any longer, so I planned to suggest to Aruna and Rosalie that we should return.

“Aruna-san, Rosalie-san. I’m sorry for causing both of you so much trouble. My body is much better now, so can we set out to return now?” (Lewin)

“I’m fine with it! I think the only tough spot will be the Mask Queen, but once we get past that, I think we can manage!” (Rosalie)

“You’re too optimistic, Rosalie. But… considering the circumstances, we have to do this.” (Aruna)

Aruna was reluctant, but she still agreed. With that settled, we had to prepare for the return as soon as possible.

I asked the two of them to begin making preparations, and then when I went to go pack my own things―the flap of the tent opened and Gelt came in.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard what you guys were talking about just now. Lewin, are you planning to return with your body in that state?” (Gelt)

“It would only be the Boss of the 29th layer, but shall I assist you? We probably wouldn’t be able to involve all of the members of [Sunshine After the Rain], but they’d probably let me go with you.” (Gelt)

“No, no! I would feel bad getting that much help from you! You already helped treat my wounds and split your supplies with me, and it’s already a bigger favor than I’ll ever be able to repay to you.” (Lewin)

“Didn’t I tell you that this kind of thing was natural between adventurers? Besides, if you were to die, I’d never be able to rest well. Let’s retreat together. Please, let me help you for my own sake.” (Gelt)

“―Hey! Gelt-san, raise your head! I don’t understand this situation at all!” (Lewin)

“Lewin, I will assist you. Considering you’ll have to ascend 30 layers from here, it would be best if you could get past the Mask Queen easily. You still haven’t completely recovered from your injuries. There’s no reason to be so courteous about it.” (Gelt)

“…..That’s true, I guess. Gelt-san, may I ask you to help me then?” (Lewin)

“Yes, of course. Phew, now I won’t wake up in the middle of the night. Well then, I’ll be out there talking to the other members for now.” (Gelt)

With that, Gelt left the tent and went over to the other tent where his party members were waiting. It was a pretty crazy proposal, and I figured that the members of [Sunshine After the Rain] would be reluctant, but… after I had only packed for a few minutes, Gelt came back.

“I’m back. After I’d spoken to them about the reasons, our party’s attacker also volunteered to help out. I’ll introduce you to him, so it’ll be the two of us helping you.” (Gelt)

“Eh? You were able to get permission already?” (Lewin)

“Yeah. Well, I am the party leader after all. Besides, this isn’t the first time something like this has happened, so they’re all used to it.” (Gelt)

“So, are you finished with preparations on your side?” (Gelt)

“Yes. I still need to clean up the tent, but after that we’ll be good to go.” (Lewin)

“Aight. Then clean up the tent real quick, and we’ll go mow down the Mask Queen in a jiffy!” (Gelt)

“Okay, looking forward to it!” (Lewin)

Thus, with the cooperation of Gelt and the attacker of [Sunshine After the Rain], our battle against the Mask Queen was decided. Since my opponent was the Mask Queen, with whom I had experienced a difficult time just the other day, I had gone into the fight planning to pour my all into it, but…

The other two fighting with us were strong. But more than that, the stability of the five of us fighting together was so incredible that we ended up easily making it past the Mask Queen without any difficulties whatsoever.