After completing their preparations, Allen and the others stepped outside their building. While Allen’s expression overflowed with confidence, Sheena and the rest instead seemed nervous.
“Have you finished your preparations, Sir Hero?” asked the knight waiting outside.
“Yup, we’re in perfect shape. No problems here.”
“I see. The Adventurer’s Guild has already posted the quest. Unfortunately, all the S-rank adventurers are currently absent. However...”
According to the knight, adventurers had to be E-rank or above to accept this quest. Though apparently, its difficulty was that typically reserved for D-rank and above. Given the risk to the town, many had insisted on aiding in the quest, and after discussions between the knights and the guild’s preceptor, it was decided that E-rank adventurers be allowed to participate as well.
Naturally, greater numbers meant a greater advantage. However...
“So they’re all B-rank or below...”
This news only filled Mia and the others with more worry. Could they truly defeat such a large horde of monsters with the troops available?
Allen didn’t seem to share their worries. “That’s not gonna be a problem. I’m a Hero! No number of small fry is gonna be enough to defeat me!” His expression seemed to scream, As long as you have me, we’ll make it through!
“Y-You’re right! You truly are amazing, Sir Hero! Us knights will do all in our power to support you!” answered the knight with them.
Allen grunted. “Just make sure you don’t hold us back, you hear?” he said, overflowing with confidence. Their previous failure was just bad luck! There was no way they would lose to a horde of monsters! At least, that’s what Allen still thought. He completely lacked the ability to consider the possibility that it had been his own fault, or to reflect seriously on anything. Instead, all he had was baseless confidence that this time, they definitely wouldn’t lose.
“All right! Take us to the other adventurers!”
“Y-Yes, Sir Hero!” shouted the knights before leading the Hero’s party to the Adventurer’s Guild.
✦ ✦ ✦
“Hey, isn’t that the Hero...?”
“He’s gonna accept the emergency request.”
“But will we be okay? Didn’t they just fail? And I heard one of their members was so badly injured she had to leave.”
“No, that’s gotta just be a fluke. I mean, he’s one of only four Heroes on the whole continent. Sir Allen’s gonna save this city.”
The city’s populace had varied reactions to seeing Allen and his party. His previous failure had certainly changed their impression of him, as before, they would have all certainly rejoiced, saying, “Allen’s gonna save the day!”
But...not anymore. They could see some of Ishtar’s citizens packing their bags and leaving the city.
“Damn it! They should just believe in us and wait here. What dumbasses,” muttered Allen as he watched those with bags. Whenever they happened to meet Allen’s eyes, they would avert their gazes and hurry off elsewhere. “Well, whatever. They’ll be convinced I’m the strongest once we’re done with this emergency request.”
No matter what anyone in town had to say, Allen’s hubristic expression remained firm. Mia and the others followed behind, watching his figure with worry.