After successfully exiting the Tower of Chalk and teleporting back to the guild headquarters, each member of the party went their separate ways, with Jade heading straight for the guildmaster’s office.

Jade had just finished reporting the results of the investigation of the Tower of Chalk to Glenn, seated behind his robust office desk. The guild leader listened in silence, elbows on desk, until Jade had finished.

‘I see. So Rufus’ party is dead.’

Glenn’s expression hardened upon hearing the fate of the adventurers. His eyes stared off into an unseen distance, seemingly calm but filled with deep sorrow. Eyes of a man who has lived many years and has seen many things, eyes that know and accept the irrationality of this world.

Jade knew that once upon a time Glenn too had once lost the party that he loved and trusted. It was one of the reasons why he retired from his life of adventuring. He didn’t want to report something like this if he could help it.

‘Dear me. It never gets easier.’

Glenn closed his eyes for a moment, as if in silent prayer. He took a long breath and slowly opened his mouth to speak.

‘An absent floor boss and a monster using a skill. A Dia skill at that. This dungeon’s more trouble than I thought.’

‘The monsters roaming the tower are all far more powerful than anything we’ve seen before. Thanks to Alina we’ve managed to get through without trouble, but it is clear that this isn’t just a new dungeon. We should reconsider opening up this quest to the regular adventurers.’

‘That makes sense.’

The stern-faced Glenn fell silent. After some time had passed he announced quietly:

‘I’m temporarily suspending the the capture of the Tower of Chalk. We should prioritize investigation first. I’ve caused the missy to see something unpleasant. I must apologize to her—’

‘Hold up just a damn second!’

Glenn was cut off by a man storming into the office. It was Rufus, his body wrapped in bandages.

‘Rufus, you’re supposed to be recuperating—’

Rufus, after being attacked by the humanoid monster, was supposed to be in the treatment room, where the Blades had left him upon their return. Fortunately, Ririru’s quick treatment meant he wasn’t badly injured, but as if his wounds meant nothing to him, he raised his voice:

‘You want to suspend the capture? How pathetic, coming from the “legendary” Blades of all people.’

‘Rufus. You of all people should understand how terrifying that place is. Go back to your room.’

Glenn’s rebuke was met with a scornful laugh and an outrageous declaration:

‘Do you want me to reveal the Executioner’s identity to the whole town?’

Reflexively, Jade raised his voice:

‘Rufus! Just when I was beginning to wonder what you came here for—’

Rufus cut him off and pointed at Glenn:

‘If you don’t want me to expose her, then kick her out of the team and let me join instead. I’m going to the Tower of Chalk.’

‘What?!’

‘Hmpf. I take it that you knew the identity of the Executioner all along, didn’t you? You knew it, and you tried to cover it up. I’m not surprised. That thing’s a monster in human form! If it became known that a monster had joined the ranks of the Blades, there’s gonna be a riot!’

‘That’s enough!’

Jade impulsively grabbed Rufus by the bandages at his calling Alina a monster.

‘Have you gone barking mad? Didn’t you just see your friends being killed by that humanoid monster right in front of your eyes?!!!’

‘What about them? They were just unlucky. Nothing more to it.’

‘What did you say?!’

Jade was at his limit. Still holding the wounded vanguard by the bandages, he pulled back his fist. However:

‘Whoah, are you sure you should hit me? I might accidentally spill the identity of the Executioner, you know?’

Seeing the stern-faced Jade fall silent, Rufus laughed in satisfaction.

‘I’ve never liked the Executioner to begin with. Candidate for the next vanguard of the Blades? Leaving me in the dust? That is my throne. I won’t letting that monster usurp it!’

Rufus snarled, his voice full of resentment, his eyes of envy.

‘Rufus. What are you after? You’re an adventurer too, so you should know that fighting against a Dia skill will only get you killed. I mean, look at you now.’

‘Hah. Who said I’m gonna fight that guy?’

‘What are you talking about?’

‘“In the deepest depths of a hidden dungeon there lies a special relic.”’

Rufus mumbled. There was an eerie glint in his greed-filled eyes. A low, uncontrollable laugh escaped through his bared teeth.

‘Did you know? That relic can grant you a Dia skill!’

Jade was taken aback by his oddly confident statement. True, the part about a special relic being in a hidden dungeon was a common belief, but that such a relic could awaken a Dia skill was something Jade had never heard before. Something about this felt out of place.

Before that, his unquestioning acceptance of such dubious information and letting it dictate his actions is extremely dangerous behaviour. Why is he so willing to risk his life on it? Had his strong feelings of envy caused him to lose his ability to judge?

‘If I can get my hands on that relic, I can be a successful adventurer! Soon, the guild bozos will be bowing their heads to me, begging me to join the Blades!’

‘Rufus! Get a grip on yourself! Skills are inherent from birth. You can’t acquire them afterwards! Don’t risk your life for something so—’

‘Shut the fuck up! Don’t tell me what to do! Risking our lives is the only way we mediocre people can surpass you talented geniuses!’

It’s not, Jade thought, irritated at Rufus’ misguided obstinacy.

Rufus’ competence as an adventurer could not be doubted. But he blamed others for his not being chosen to join the Blades, let his envy guide him, and brought his talent to nought. No matter how strong a power he obtains, as long as he is guided by such emotions, he will never be destined for the Blades.

‘First of all, where did you learn—’

‘Shut the fuck up and lead me up to the fourth floor already!’

Interrupting Jade, Rufus barked, his bloodshot eyes darting restlessly in their sockets like he was a man possessed.

‘You will come with me to the Tower of Chalk. Do you understand? It’s not a request. It’s a threat. Neither you nor the guildmaster have the right to refuse!’

I don’t know man, this Rufus guy doesn’t seem all there.