"Of course they'd pull this…"
The morning of the guided exploration's second day, I sat reading the newspaper as usual.
The front page screamed the headline: hero party's enchanter replaced.
The article read:
"Information has reached us that the hero party changed enchanters yesterday.
Through our exclusive interview, we've obtained the following details.
The primary reason for the switch was the clear lack of ability in the previous enchanter, Orun Dura.
Hero party leader, Sword Saint Oliver, understood that an enchanter is indispensable for labyrinth conquest—hence why he kept Orun Dura in the party despite this.
However, Oliver was unaware that Orun's skill fell even below average for enchanters.
In other words, the hero party achieved the unprecedented feat of reaching the ninety-fourth floor in the southern great labyrinth while burdened with an underperforming enchanter.
The new addition, Philly Carpenter, previously operated in the western great labyrinth.
Her ability reportedly approaches that of Selma Crodel, hailed as 'the continent's greatest enchanter' of "Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky".
With this powerful reinforcement, expectations for the hero party's continued conquest of the great labyrinth can only rise."
The publisher behind this rag had deep ties to the hero party's sponsors—giving them near-exclusive access to party info.
Still, did they have to trash me this hard…?
Two other major publishers existed, both avoiding hero party coverage and focusing on other clans and parties instead.
"I wish they'd at least waited until the guided exploration wrapped."
The admiring looks the rookies gave me yesterday would turn to contempt now.
Especially Logan—today we enter mid-layers, where I'd take command.
Would that prideful kid even follow my orders…?
"Sigh. No point dwelling. Time to head to the plaza."
◇
"Orun-san!"
A voice called from behind as I walked toward the meeting spot.
Turning, I saw a beautiful girl with indigo hair flowing to her waist.
Luna Frockheart—supporter from the hero party.
Back when the others gradually started treating me worse, she alone stayed the same as always.
She'd been away at her family home when I got kicked out—absent from the party house.
If she'd been there, maybe things would've gone differently.
Then again, Oliver probably timed it for when she was gone. Sooner or later, it was inevitable.
…Saying it like that almost sounds like I still have lingering attachment.
I thought I'd moved on.
"It's been a while, hasn't it, Orun-san."
"…Yeah."
Only four days, really—but it felt much longer.
"Sorry to bother you right before you dive into the great labyrinth."
She already knew I was helping "Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky".
Clan-related info spread fast.
I'd half-expected some harassment from Oliver, but judging by that article, I wasn't even on their radar anymore. Guess I worried for nothing.
"No problem. What's up?"
"Um…"
She hesitated, eyes dropping—then lifted them again, resolute.
"Orun-san… please come back to our party. We need your strength!"
I'd half-expected this. She'd always valued me highly.
"…Is this the whole party's opinion? The morning article doesn't make it sound that way."
"It's just me… my decision. But! If you return, I'll convince everyone—I'll do whatever it takes!"
Her eyes burned with sincerity. She meant every word about persuading them.
—But it was already too late.
"After an article like that, returning's impossible. And honestly, I don't want to."
"But… we promised! We'd conquer the great labyrinth together!"
"That promise was between you, me, and Oliver—three people. Oliver broke it when he kicked me out. It's void."
"Maybe… but still…"
"…Sorry. I'll be late. Gotta go."
A bit forceful, but dragging this out would just get messy. I turned my back and headed for the plaza.
◇
When I arrived, the rookies turned toward me.
But their eyes held confusion—not the admiration from yesterday.
After yesterday's hype and this morning's hit piece, their reaction was understandable.
"Orun, sorry."
Selma appeared beside me, apologetic.
"You've got nothing to apologize for."
"But yesterday I used you to fire them up. Their current mood is backlash from that."
The usually confident Selma looked unusually deflated.
She was taking this hard.
"At this rate the whole guided exploration fails. Pull yourself together—support me properly. That's more like you."
"…Heh. You're really saying that to me? Fine. I'll act normal today. Counting on your backup."
Her tone regained strength. That was more like her.
"Got it. Leave it to me."