Chapter 47

[True Staff Technique] mastered by Almoa.

[Spear Mastery] mastered by Fiole.

And thanks to them, I acquired skills.

As a combat force, we should be on par with colored adventurer parties. Still, there was someone who was not satisfied with the current situation.

“Yaaaaah!”

I watched Fiole swing her spear from the driver’s seat.

We are currently hunting monsters in the grasslands. It’s a little off the main road leading to Wigaaluse. After realizing the gap between herself and Almoa, Fiole offered to join me, saying she wanted to level up, even just a little.

Aiming for improvement is admirable. However, I can’t let Fiole hunt monsters alone. So, I paired her up with Almoa.

Almoa seemed displeased on the surface, but deep down, she appeared to worry about Fiole just like I did. When I asked her, she eventually agreed.

I’m waiting on Redelia at a distance, maintaining a backup position in case anything happens. So far, the two of them have been smoothly hunting monsters.

“But there are so many monsters.”

From slimes to other creatures, none are particularly strong, but they keep spawning one after another.

I felt the impact of the emergence of the ‘Demon King of Power’ once again.

The world is experiencing an unprecedented battle boom. Skills that allow solo combat are highly valued among adventurers, leading to unbalanced party compositions.

That’s why I want both Fiole and Almoa to avoid hunting monsters alone.

“We’re family living under the same roof, after all.”

I unconsciously muttered.

Oops, that’s not good.

I know those two aren’t selfish individuals. I should trust them and follow up if necessary. That’s my role. Look, even now, they’re cooperating to take down the monsters—.

“Uryaaah!”

“Wait, Fiole!”

“Again? Why do you keep stopping me?”

“You’re overextending. No matter how strong your skills are, there’s a limit to the number of monsters you can defeat alone. Your stamina is also limited.”

“Hmph… Almoa is doing great, right? She’s already at the same level as Isto.”

“That has nothing to do with me.”

“I won’t lose!”

“I won’t either.”

Cooperate… both of you.

I sighed deeply.

It’s been like this since we started hunting. Fiole is recklessly trying to catch up to Almoa. She tends to rush in.

On the other hand, Almoa’s point is valid. There’s no mistake about it. However, her words seem to carry a sting, and the message isn’t getting across well.

She must not truly mean to express it that way.

I suspect that rather than putting her true feelings into words, it’s easier for her to speak in that slightly cold and businesslike manner. Almoa.

That’s a different kind of challenge.

Hmm. Perhaps they still need more time.

From the moment we met, I felt that these two don’t quite click.

Fiole has a stubborn side, while Almoa’s inherent clumsiness exacerbates the situation.

Their compatibility should actually be good.

If these two major combat forces remain at odds, it will become an obstacle when protecting the Elpida Orphanage in the future.

They need to understand each other, even if it means clashing.

So, while enduring the tightness in my stomach, I continued to wait patiently and let them handle it.

About two hours into the hunt.

Fiole and the others decided to take a break almost simultaneously. They were positioned slightly apart.

Are they in sync, or not…?

As I wondered if there was a way to break the current deadlock, a flash of inspiration hit me.

“Fiole, Almoa, I have a proposal for you two.”

“A proposal?”

Fiole came over to me. Almoa followed a bit later and stood next to her.

I began by explaining the situation.

“The Minigel incident. It seems the Wigaaluse Guild Union has already been informed through a different route, so there’s no need to hurry back right now. But we can’t keep hunting monsters here indefinitely; it would burden the others.”

“I understand. So, what’s the proposal?”

“Well, I want to set a time limit and a challenge. I’ll give you time until sunset today to show me your combination technique. That’s the challenge.”

“Huh?” Their voices overlapped.

“Combination technique? But…”

“There’s no way we can come up with a technique that quickly.”

I nodded, saying, “I know, but I still want to see it. I want to see Fiole and Almoa’s splendid combination technique. I want to be the first to see how amazing you two are.”

Both Fiole and Almoa fell silent.

They exchanged glances.

“If that’s the case…”

“I guess there’s no helping it.”

I sighed inwardly in relief.

After all, it’s inefficient if their goals remain different.

If I make a reckless suggestion and take the brunt of the criticism, at least the resentment will be directed toward me.

“But is that okay, Almoa? Since I was entrusted with a weapon by Isto, I’ll be the main one.”

“In terms of experience points, I’m ahead. Plus, I can deal significant damage with Avrill involved, so I should be the main one.”

“It’s me.”

“No, it’s me.”

…Huh?

What about the resentment toward me?

You two should be complaining about my reckless suggestion.