We escaped the Great Labyrinth and returned to the usual room at clan headquarters.
On the way back, the three of them stayed completely silent—not a single word from anyone.
Once I confirmed they were seated in the chairs, I spoke to them.
"...Today was rough. But don't misunderstand. The result wasn't because your skills were lacking. It was just bad luck—nothing more. Next time—"
"That's not true!!"
Before I could say we could try again, Carol raised her voice loudly.
"I charged ahead alone again... even though Master told us to cooperate as a trio...! And then I went down so quickly... I caused so much trouble for the other two... If I'd worked together with them, we might have made it through... Today's loss is my fault..."
"It's not Carol's fault! I froze up at first because the big guy was scary. I should've charged with Carol from the start! If I had, she wouldn't have gone down so easily! I had the option to support with magic, but I couldn't do anything until she was already hurt... If I'd been more reliable... this loss is on me...!"
"It's neither of you! It's my fault! As the rear-guard, I should've attacked first, but I couldn't do anything. Even after Carol went down, I froze for a while and put more burden on both of you. At the end, with the best field of view, I should've grasped the situation—but I didn't even notice the big guy regaining consciousness and ended up used as a hostage... I couldn't do anything today!"
"That's not true! You took down the big guy, but because I jumped into the fight without understanding the situation, your attention got pulled toward me!"
"If that's the case, then if I'd handled the whip guy alone, it would've been fine! Then Carol wouldn't have had to push herself!"
"No! It was because I was pathetic that Log had to step forward! If I'd held my ground properly, we could've fought while keeping distance!"
"I was the one—"
"I was—"
"I was—"
All three insist it was their own fault.
"—Calm down a bit."
When I speak, the argument stops.
"Everything you're saying is correct in its own way."
At my words, the three of them droop their heads.
"Everyone here—including me—is probably dissatisfied with today's outcome and painfully aware of their own shortcomings."
"That's not true! Master saved us—"
"In the end, yes. But if the fight had continued like that, we all might have died. In that sense, we got lucky. Today, we all tasted defeat. But we're all still alive. As long as we have life, there's a next time. Each of you probably has regrets. —So let's use this defeat as fuel. Let's get stronger—both in body and in mind. So we never have to feel regret like this again."
"""Yes!"""
The three raise their heads and respond energetically.
Their eyes burn with fierce determination.
◇
I want to stay by their side right now, but there's something urgent I need to do—so I tell them I'll be back soon and head to the Clan Leader's office.
Fortunately, the Clan Leader—who's usually out due to being busy—is at headquarters today.
Normally I'd report to Selma-san first, but she's away on business, so I'm going straight to the Leader.
After knocking on the office door and stating my name, I'm told to enter.
"Sorry to bother you when you're busy, Leader."
"No problem. I actually had something to discuss with you too—so perfect timing. I'll hear yours first."
"Understood. —Just now, the Tenth Squad from the Exploration Management Department encountered members of "Amuntzares" while exploring the 30th floor of the Great Labyrinth."
"What!? Are the kids safe!?"
The Leader slams the desk and stands up abruptly, leaning forward with the question.
"I intervened at the last possible moment, so none of the three have external injuries. But mentally... we'll need to monitor them."
"...I see. For now, that's a relief. I promise we'll provide full mental care for them. Thank you for protecting them."
The Leader sits back down heavily, looking drained, and expresses gratitude.
...But right now, I don't feel qualified to accept it.
"No. Continuing the report. There were four enemies. I killed three, and tried to restrain the last one—but she was highly skilled, and I barely managed to repel her."
"Someone who gave even you trouble, huh. It's regrettable they escaped, but as long as you all came back alive—that's enough. Still... them appearing on the 30th floor and attacking rookies is unheard of. Their targets are supposed to be high-rank explorers only. Did their policy change?"
"I believe their target this time was me. They made statements suggesting they attacked the Tenth Squad to lure me out."
"I see... I've heard they're killing skilled explorers to prevent Great Labyrinth conquests. It makes sense they'd target you—someone who can solo deep-layer floor bosses. No wonder."
I was too naive.
I knew "Amuntzares" was active in the southern Great Labyrinth and had warned the Second Unit accordingly.
Not to brag—but factually, right now I'm the most talked-about explorer in this town.
So why didn't I consider myself a target? Why didn't I realize the danger could extend to those around me?
After being kicked out of the hero party, everything had been going too smoothly—had I let my guard down?
Didn't I tell them? "Never forget your beginner's spirit."
Unreasonable things overflow in this world.
I swore to repel them all and protect the people dear to me.
Then think harder!
Don't get complacent!
"...Don't blame yourself too much. No one's perfect. Don't try to shoulder everything alone. We may not be enough, but we'll help too. Numbers are strength. This clan has many members. If we all combine our power, we can overcome any hardship—I believe that. —Heh, that sounded pretty idealistic, huh?"
—————
"—No, not at all... Thank you."
"Now, we need to decide our next steps. With Selma away, decision-making for explorers falls to you. Let's hear your thoughts first."
"Yes. They said they'd withdraw the other members when they retreated—but I don't trust that. We should prohibit labyrinth exploration for the time being. The Gratitude Festival starts next month anyway—let's have the explorers focus on that."
"Prohibiting exploration until the festival ends... Yeah, that seems reasonable. First, share the information with Exploration Management and strictly enforce the ban."
"Understood. That's all from my report. Now, your business?"
"Mine is about the Gratitude Festival. There's something I want you to do there."
"If it's something I can handle."
"You know the martial arts tournament is the festival's main event, right?"
The martial arts tournament is exactly what it sounds like: pure martial combat to determine the year's champion.
Well, abilities are allowed, so calling it "pure" martial arts feels off.
Anyone can participate, and it's a big draw—but almost no high-rank explorers join.
Pure martial arts means fighting with your base physical abilities—no support magic or magic at all.
High-rank explorers take boosting their stats with support magic for granted.
So they'd have to fight weaker than usual.
Plus, fighting other humans offers little benefit for explorers used to magical beasts.
For this topic to come up now—don't tell me—
"Yeah, I'm aware of the outline."
"It's popular every year, but Marquis Forgas seems dissatisfied that no high-rank explorers participate. He's proposing a special section just for them. You can probably guess what I'm about to say—but I've been requested to have you enter the tournament. Well, it's more like an order. The hero's probably trying to regain fame by publicly defeating you."
So that's why the old man from Edington asked that question last time.
"And lose to Oliver on purpose?"
"No—the opposite. He wants you to win. This is also a chance. If you take the championship, it completely kills the hero party's momentum. That becomes our tailwind. It's also Lord Lazarus's wish. Can you do it?"
"...It's going to be extremely difficult."
I give the Leader my honest opinion.
"...You can't beat Sword Saint Oliver?"
The Leader asks with a puzzled look.
"I can beat Oliver. But from what you just said—she'll probably participate too. The Sword Princess of the S-rank party "Copper Twilight"—Fuka Shinonome."
"...! Right, her."
"So victory will be tough. But since I'm participating—I'll go all out and seize the championship. No matter who the opponent is—I'm not losing anymore."