13. division (2)
Kylie briefly spoke to Gustav, who came looking for her.
“go away.”
“… Yes?”
“Stop bothering me and turn it off. If you make me talk again, I will turn it off myself.”
“Oh, no… ! Excuse me!”
Gustaf ran away in a hurry.
“Tsk.”
Kylie looked down at the invitation and leaned back in her chair.
A deep sigh escaped naturally.
I was at a loss as to what the future might be like.
I hate to admit it, but I had to admit it.
After Ian left, the 1st party collapsed.
It would change greatly depending on the information Penny brings and the next steps, but for some reason I wasn’t expecting it.
‘What should I do… .’
Sylvia joined and the four of them were traveling together, so no one else was hurt.
But since the last fight, they are in a cold war.
Arya’s condition is especially bad.
In addition to being afraid of getting hurt again, he keeps casting healing miracles on himself even though his wounds are all healed.
In severe cases, they find a potion saying that they have a wound that they do not even have.
Currently, he is in the early stages of potion dependence.
“… Kww. Who cares about whom.”
Kylie laughed weakly and reached for the bottle of wine in front of her.
It is a high-end product that is too expensive to drink simply to get drunk.
Anyway, Kylie opened the cork with her hand and gulped down.
There was no process of savoring the taste or aroma.
Accept drunkenness without intentionally suppressing it.
Immediately, heat circulates through the body, and the face becomes hot.
In her dizzying consciousness, Kylie put the bottle down and leaned back in her chair.
“Huh… .”
Ian comes to mind following the sweet scent of wine that spreads from his mouth.
After getting so drunk that she couldn’t control herself, Kylie always relied on Ian.
‘Pick it up.’
Hearing those words, which seemed to be commanding him, Ian burst into laughter every time.
‘He speaks well with his twisted tongue.’
‘Noisy.’
‘Ah, if someone takes me, why am I going to drink like this?’
‘Then I will kill you.’
‘It’s scary.’
Sitting on Ian’s back, Kylie muttered to herself all the time.
‘It’s a great honor for a weak guy like you to be able to carry a strong man like me.’
‘Yes, thank you.’
‘At the same time, it’s absurd. Because it’s impossible.’
‘Ji asked me to carry him.’
‘It is the role of the strong to take responsibility for the weak… . Only when I’m like this can you fulfill your role and duty… . I will give you a chance.’
‘I knew, but you really seem crazy.’
‘Why are you so weak that you fall out… . Why does something like you lead me… .’
‘How does it feel to have grown up thanks to that weakling?’
‘Because of you I… . The first time you saw me, you should have killed me then… .’
‘You’re talking nonsense again. Let’s go to sleep.’
survival of the fittest.
weak meat diet.
For Kylie, who lives by the golden rule of power, Ian’s existence was a contradiction that shook the foundation of her life.
“… fuck.”
The daily life of getting drunk and thinking about the old days, feeling disgusted and coming out of it.
It was a very unpleasant day for her, who could consciously get rid of drunkenness.
Because I was sober, and then I was drunk.
This is the current address of the 1st warrior party called the vanguard of the empire.
It’s not just Kylie.
After Arya was injured, everyone started to break down in their own way.
Sylvia doesn’t say anything about what she’s been thinking about all day, or just writes things down in her notebook.
Aria stays in a daze and then convulsively searches for potions or other members to complain of pain.
Beatrice, who at least maintained her rationality, seemed busy in a different way from Sylvia.
Are you contacting somewhere or what are you doing… .
‘… It’s over.’
Kylie admitted that the first warrior party was almost over.
Others didn’t express it, but thought similarly.
But no one could say it.
As much as we hate each other, we know each other’s strength well.
No matter how much I searched the continent, it would be impossible for four people this size to gather.
‘What should I do… .’
Wouldn’t it be better to split up and go to subdue the demon lord?
Kylie had proposed a few times while Ian was around.
Why wait for war to come?
Shouldn’t we attack first?
However, Ian explained in detail as if he had seen the demon army in person.
Not only the 1st warrior party, but the Empire’s troops are not enough right now.
Kylie didn’t really listen because that meant that Kylie was weak.
I didn’t even ask how he knew so much.
‘I can’t ignore the probability that he’s intimidated because he’s a coward and a weakling.’
However, there are too many annoying things to ignore Ian’s eyes.
“What a jerk… .”
I was in a situation where I couldn’t do this either.
In the end, I have no choice but to wait for Penny to come.
‘If the bitch brings no information… .’
I promised once again that I would pay the price.
And then, really, everything will be over.
‘… In the end, I have no choice but to do it alone.’
*
The day before leaving for the Countess of Fiorene in the eastern part of the continent.
After a brief morning workout, Helena was getting a massage from Mercy.
After the massage, Vivian was sitting at her desk reading a magic book.
[Introduction to magic that ends in one book (including geometry and basic natural science)]
I haven’t yet understood even 10 chapters of the book, which is terrifying by its title alone.
In the room where Vivian competes with books and Helena is still getting a massage.
-Are you there?
Someone came knocking on the door.
It was Iris’ voice.
Unable to understand why she would come here, the four inside exchanged glances.
“It is open.”
Since there was no reason for everyone to refuse, Mercy replied.
Iris entered cautiously.
Iris talked only with Ian, and in fact, most of the business was only with Ian.
So there was a very awkward air in the room right now.
Breaking the atmosphere, Mercy spoke first.
“I think he said he was leaving this evening. Are you preparing well? Aren’t you late?”
“Ah yes. It’s because I don’t have a lot of luggage. It’s okay to start late.”
“Yes, yes. Are you going to report this achievement? Are you going to come back to us?”
“If there is nothing special, I think so.”
Mercy treats most people strangely.
Still, no one points it out or is uncomfortable with it.
Elves are not uncommon, but at the same time little-known creatures, so there are things like that.
This is because the character Mercy itself exudes an atmosphere that makes people feel comfortable.
“I heard you are leaving soon, when are you coming back?”
“Um… . You’ll have to ask Ian to find out. Would you like to go and ask?”
“Oh, no. it’s okay. I, um, that’s… .”
It seemed there was more to say.
Specifically for Vivian.
Iris, who cast an awkward glance, recognized the book Vivian was reading.
“uh!”
She approached and glanced at the book with delighted eyes.
“Wow, it’s been such a long time. You have an eye for good books.”
“Nue… ?”
“This is the first thing that is mentioned as a must-read for the Imperial Magicians.”
“ah… . I, Ian chose it, so I’m good… .”
“Aha. You’re definitely out of the ordinary. Do you have any views on magic… .”
Iris carefully inspected the unfolded part.
And I quickly realized
That Vivian hadn’t read this book in a while.
When I glanced at Vivian, I felt embarrassed for some reason.
Maybe it’s because this book is hard to understand.
‘This is… !’
It was Iris who had come to Vivian wanting to further stimulate her talent, but didn’t know what to do.
However, fields in which he can help have just emerged.
“Hmmmm. Is the book a bit difficult?”
“yes… .”
“I can help you. Where are you having trouble?”
“really?! oh well, so… .”
Vivian shyly returned to the first chapter.
Regardless, Iris explained the contents of the book and grasped Vivian’s academic level.
As a result.
‘… I don’t know anything at all.’
It was amazing.
How could a mage with no knowledge of magic have such a fast calculation speed?
‘influence. You are a very intuitive person… .’
I had no choice but to think that way as I did not know that there was no casting.
‘What would happen if I had theoretical knowledge?’
Rather than jealousy as a wizard, curiosity as a scholar boiled more.
Iris explained it very easily and step by step according to Vivian’s level.
As a result, Vivian surprisingly began to ‘understand’.
I was also studying by asking Ian, but Iris’ teaching was different.
It was only natural that he was a person who was more proficient in magic than Ian.
“Ahhh… ! That’s it! Yes, I understand!”
At the same time as this realization, Vivian admired Iris’ ability.
Teaching what you know well and teaching others what you know are completely different areas.
However, Iris excelled in both areas.
Vivian’s admiration and praise made Iris’ shoulders rise.
Even after Iris left in the evening, Vivian did not stop studying.
Ian looked at her burning with enthusiasm and asked Mercy.
“… did something happen?”
“Yes. Iris came to visit me briefly and informed me. I don’t even know if I can hear it.”
“Hmm. okay?”
Ian thanked Iris, who was not here.
No matter how effective it may be, Vivian’s magic must have been stronger.
“I’m leaving tomorrow, and I have to apologize somewhat.”
Ian said at the gathering of all the people.
“As I said before, the place we are going this time is the Countess of Fiorene in the eastern part of the continent. It will take some time… We plan to clear a couple of E-level dungeons on the way.”
It was a waste of time to just move.
With some days left until the dueling competition, Ian planned for the two to gain practical experience in the interim.
That meant that sooner or later he would rest less than planned.
“I’ve got plenty of schedule, so I won’t be tired… We apologize for not being able to rest as scheduled.”
At Ian’s apology, Vivian and Helena just looked up at Ian.
It was difficult to understand why he was apologizing.
“Uh, um… . I don’t care. It’s not that hard anyway… . If it’s Ian, then what?”
“you’re right! No need to apologize at all! And didn’t you say you’d be resting for a few days when you arrived!”
“Right. I heard that a small festival is also held along with the dueling competition?”
Vivian and Helena responded that they were looking forward to seeing the festival or competition.
Ian was a little dazed at the sight of the two infinitely good-natured people.
*
Penny quickly returned from Superbia.
There was a lot to think about, and a lot to go back to.
First of all, the state of the first party had to be improved again.
‘But how… .’
As Ian left, he burned all the papers he had with him.
Therefore, training methods and schedules did not remain as data.
A solution was quickly conceived.
‘cog… .’
There will be a record of the analysis of the books used when persuading the first party.
Because it was written by Penny.
If nothing else, the flow of money doesn’t lie.
Penny re-analyzed the ledger all the way back.
This time, not to kick Ian out, but to imitate Phillip.
‘There must be a reason you spent so much money on food…’ . I can cover this with my own money.’
Money wasn’t the issue.
‘There was a time when the cost was divided and consumed. You were doing individual activities.’
Penny recalled a word Ian had served several times.
It is said that we must be strong when we are individuals and stronger when we work together.
‘Maybe we’re more complacent because we stick together in a crisis situation. I’ll put it aside for a while and aim to improve my personal skills.’
Penny, who minimized rest, returned to the first party faster than when she started.
“What happened?”
Back at camp, Penny grabs a passer-by and asks.
It was because the atmosphere throughout the camp was severely stiff.
“that is… .”
Captured personnel cautiously reported what had happened several days earlier.
Penny sighed when she heard everything.
‘It would be right to stay apart for a while. Even if the relationship is a little off, the skills are sure, so if they don’t have each other, they’ll feel the vacancy more.’
Eventually, Penny gathered the four, each resting, together.
Looking at the complexion, there was no intact teeth.
Sylvia’s eyes were sharp and sharp, while Aria only looked at the potion in her hand with blank eyes.
Kylie glared at Penny with a defiant look for some reason, and Beatrice crossed her arms and glared at Kylie and Penny alternately.
Penny didn’t care even in the harsh atmosphere.
Isn’t this the place to confirm Philip’s existence and act on his behalf?
There was absolutely no reason to feel bad.
Penny opened her mouth.
“I have met Ian.”
“So, did you open your mouth?”
“no.”
Kylie’s face instantly lit up with annoyance.
“However. There is a way. First of all, we will keep your food expenses the same as before. Rest assured, this part will be covered by my own money.”
It was a word that was considerate of Aria and Beatrice, who were the most materialistic.
While Beatrice was relieved, Aria couldn’t tell if she was listening or not.
Penny ignored it and continued.
“I am aware that your skills have been hindered lately. So, I’m going to take various measures for him… . For a few days from today, you will be moving separately.”
“seperately?”
“Yes. Being together in a weakened situation only leans on each other. So, we aim to move separately and get back together after recovering our respective skills.”
Unlike the three who agreed, Arya’s gaze was hanging somewhere in the air.
Even when Beatrice looked at her, there was no reaction.
“… aria?”
“… yes.”
“Are you listening?”
“yes.”
“I heard you’re going alone from now on, is that okay?”
“… … .”
Penny looked at Arya’s injured arm.
It was hidden behind her clothes, but it was hard to believe even for her.
She saw the power of the first party right in front of her eyes and climbed to the toes of an A-class hero.
So I was well aware of how absurd it was for the 1st hero party to get hurt in an A-class dungeon… .
“aria. You will do better when you are alone. Yes?”
Penny had no intention of changing her plan.
“… yes.”
Arya nodded blankly.
I wasn’t confident, but I couldn’t say that.
Not because of Penny’s eyes.
He did not want to inform his other first-party colleagues that he had completely lost some of his functional value.
The possessive desire that I didn’t know before is wriggling again.
A sense of possessiveness about the place and position now.
It’s different from what I wanted to have.
What I was holding, I didn’t want to let go.
“I’m pretty sure it will.”
“From now on, the schedule… .”
“for a moment.”
The moment Penny was about to explain, Kylie cut off her words.
“Didn’t you just say you couldn’t meet Ian?”
“… That’s right.”
“Then whose solution is all this now?”
“Phil… Wasn’t there something like that in what Ian said? We are strong as individuals and stronger when united. I like that way… .”
“This bastard-!”
Kylie rushes in and grabs Penny by the collar.
“Then nothing will be different from before! What the fuck is this! If this is going to happen, why did you kick Ian out!”
Penny said nothing.
Aside from being taken aback by the sudden action, Penny wasn’t alone in banishing Ian.
This was possible because all four members of the first party agreed.
Penny read the aimless rage in Kylie’s eyes.
‘Escape… .’
Beatrice hurriedly stood up.
“Why are you doing this?!”
“Why are you like this?! Look at us now and tell us! Nothing will happen after Ian is kicked out! And look at this bitch who says she’ll meet Ian, but doesn’t even get to meet her, and makes weird noises!”
Penny was still silent, but not frightened or intimidated.
But instinctively, I couldn’t help but feel my body tremble.
Even though I was caught by the collar, I feel stuffy and suffocate as if my whole body was restrained.
Either way, Kylie couldn’t stand this situation any longer.
“Kylie?!”
Kylie has already made up her mind.
“This shit is over now.”
Kylie put an end to the first party.
Beatrice, Silvia, and Aria.
What all three vaguely felt was actualized in Kylie’s language.
In the midst of wandering in each shock.
Kylie stretched her free penny hand out in the air.
Then blue mana shimmered and a long sword was caught in her hand.
It was one of the artifacts given by Ian, the weapons of spiritualization.
Looking at Kylie’s sincere eyes, Penny realized belatedly.
Being able to control them at least was impossible without Ian from the beginning.
‘What have I done… .’
The obvious words spoken by people who were on the verge of being killed by him came out reflexively.
“Now, wait a minute… . big… !”
Kylie squeezed harder by the collar, choking her breath.
“You die here.”