Scheme
Translated by GXYRU
Edited by GXYRU
With Alan and Jake’s matter settled, we proceed with my initial proposal to move to the 150th floor.
By the way, Jake’s clothes, which he wet himself in, were cleaned with the healer Sarah’s “Purify” spell.
Jessica and the others are around level 200 to mid-300. To be more specific, Marcia is at the highest level of 312, while Jake is at the lowest level of 285.
On the other hand, the monsters that appear on the 150th floor are around level 300. There are also a considerable number of them, making it a challenging level for Jessica and the others if they don’t put in some effort.
“I’ll adjust the numbers, so the rest is up to you guys.”
As soon as we enter the dark room, I confirm the monsters that appear and leave only the ones that Jessica and the others can handle, swiftly taking care of them.
Alan, who realized the difference in strength, was initially disheartened, so I didn’t consider him as a combatant at first.
However, it seems he understood that it’s not a situation where he can afford to say such things, and he quickly regains his composure. Well, he is an S-rank adventurer after all.
The revived Alan is earnestly fighting against the monsters. By the way, Alan is a heavy sword user with an attack-focused style. However, relying solely on brute force won’t make him an S-rank. He also pays attention to defense, using skills to adjust along with his full plate armor.
After the fifth battle with the monsters, I cast healing magic on Alan, who is sitting next to me, and join him.
“This is just a monologue, but Alan underestimates the enemy’s strength because he’s too lenient with himself. To conquer the ‘Gynei’s Great Labyrinth,’ you need to calmly analyze both your own and the enemy’s strength.”
We were able to conquer the relatively easy “Bisterita Gate” because of that, and the same applies to the “Silver Wings” now.
However, the attacks of the monsters that appear in the lower levels of the “Gynei’s Great Labyrinth” are severe. If you misjudge the power of the enemy, it can lead to a complete wipeout.
“I am too lenient with myself… That’s true. Even though I couldn’t even touch the monsters on the lowest level, I didn’t realize the difference in strength between you and me…”
Alan surprisingly admits it without resistance. Maybe he wanted to show Jessica a good side or had some strange sense of rivalry with me. Normally, Alan is more serious. If he were that foolish, there’s no way Jessica would let him join the party.
“This is also just a monologue, but the difference between those who give up as losers and those who strive to bridge the gap in strength lies there.”
If you can’t find a solution on your own, you can always ask someone who knows. If you can’t lower your pride and ask for help, then that’s the extent of your determination.
“I… no matter what, I want to become stronger. So… even though it’s too late now, Arius… no, Mr. Arius. Please teach me how to fight!”
“Ah, really, it feels like you’re saying whatever suits you. There’s no need for me to take care of someone like you. You’ve been picking fights with me all this time.”
“Yeah… I guess you’re right… Even if I only say things that suit me…”
“Well, I did promise to accompany Jessica for these two days. It can’t be helped if you see it that way. Besides,
I need to teach you how to coordinate with the party members.”
“Mr. Arius… Does that mean…”
“Ah, Arius-kun is not straightforward at all. But that’s what attracts Jessica…”
“M-Marcia! That’s why you shouldn’t say unnecessary things!”
No, I’m just doing what I think is necessary. Don’t get the wrong idea.
We spent two days with Jessica conquering the 150th floor. It took a long time because I criticized them a lot.
Well, if they’re fighting around the 150th floor, “Silver Wings” is passable. But there were various problems to go to the lower floors.
First of all, their skill and magic levels are insufficient. In other words, their usage and timing are too lax. And in my opinion, their coordination is lacking. I can’t fully predict the movements of my comrades.
I can manage with this level, but Gray and Serena’s training is even stricter.
In the end, I had to teach the others about coordination since it’s involved. It’s natural that Alan, who is quite lax in many ways, received the most criticism.
Jake has also changed his attitude, but he lacks the awareness to aim higher, so he won’t improve.
“Arius-san, I’m really sorry for what happened this time. And I sincerely appreciate your generosity. Thank you so much!”
Sunday evening. We had dinner together, like a celebration for “Silver Wings,” at the adventurer guild.
The other adventurers were surprised by Alan’s change in attitude, not only because someone witnessed our interaction on Saturday morning, but also because Alan had always been arrogant.
Currently, “Silver Wings” is the only S-rank adventurer group based in the town of Kernel, and the A-rank adventurers are all older. He must have gotten carried away… Well, Gale mentioned something like that.
“Hey, Alan, just talk normally. Your way of speaking is creepy.”
“No, I can’t. Arius-san is the person who taught me about my stupidity. If I had continued being an idiot, I would have put Jessica and the others in danger someday.”
“Well, that’s true, but if you don’t want your comrades to die, you better give it your all like today.”
“Yes. I understand.”
“Alan’s sudden change is unsettling, even for me… Hey, Master, bring more food and drinks!”
Marcia is still as carefree as ever.
“Hey, Marcia. You must think you’ve done it this time, but things won’t go your way.”
“Huh? What are you talking about, Arius-kun? I have no idea.”
That girl is pretending not to know. I know exactly what Marcia was planning.
I’m guessing it was Marcia who told Alan and the others about me and Jessica forming a party. Her goal was probably to use Alan as a pawn and mediate between me and Jessica.
“Arius, I have nothing but gratitude for you too. Um… Thank you for teaching me various things. Arius is… No, it’s nothing.”
I feel Jessica’s gaze on me as she has been staring at my face all this time. Well, this time I took care of Jessica because of the promise, but I have no ulterior motives.
Compared to the students at the academy, 20-year-old Jessica is closer to my strike zone. But Jessica still has a childish side, and my mental age is 40. It’s possible that I could be her father’s age… No, no, that’s not the kind of relationship I have with Jessica.
※ ※ ※ ※
Arius Gilbert, 15 years old
Level: ????
HP: ????
MP: ????
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