“That’s not all you have to think about, is it? Based on what happened at Sumifuku, you had enough power to defeat level 10,000 monsters. That means you’ve grown at an unusual rate. Now, if that got out, trouble would invite itself into your life, like it or not.” His expression turned serious. “You can’t hide your power forever, which brings me back to my original question. Won’t you join Yoizuki? We can offer you support. I think it would be mutually beneficial.”
“Support…”
That was what I’d always wanted in order to protect Hana, and to protect myself. This wasn’t a bad deal. Nonetheless, I couldn’t say yes to him so easily.
“Let’s say you’re right about everything,” I said. “That means I’m hiding the fact that I killed Yanagi-san. You sure you want a murderer in your guild?”
“If I’ve guessed correctly, then I know whoever killed Yanagi possesses a strong sense of justice. I also know that other evidence has come to light that implicates Yanagi for a number of cold-blooded crimes,” he explained. “Becoming a top adventurer doesn’t come without clashes between people, and I welcome anyone who doesn’t hesitate to strike in difficult situations.”
Clashes between people.
I cast my eyes down at the low table between us. I understood what he meant: For now, our world walked the tightrope of peace, but we were suspended over a chasm echoing with the promise of war. Only twenty years had passed since dungeons spawned around the globe, and life as we knew it was still changing at a frightening speed. Top-class adventurers were as good as military-grade weapons. The more capable adventurers a country had, the more leverage they held on an international scale. Countries with enough adventurers to redraw the world map were regarded as enemies by the others.
The same went for guilds. The competition was on a much smaller scale, but the tension was there. That’s exactly why I wanted to hide my power, and why I was tempted by the support and influence of a guild behind me.
But this man—the guild master—was promising Yoizuki could give me that. Is that what I truly wanted?
I hesitated.
Eventually, I lifted my gaze from the table and locked eyes with the guild master. Based on his behavior and the tone of his voice, he didn’t seem like a liar. If he was telling the truth, he’d seen my true power and genuinely wanted me as a member.
It was time to take a bow and quit my short-lived acting career.
I let out a big sigh, visibly giving up. He’d gathered so much information and confirmed so many facts that I doubted I would convince him otherwise. I nodded in surrender.
“You got it,” I admitted. “I defeated the orc general…and I stopped Yanagi.”
“Oh? I had you cornered, didn’t I? I like a guy who knows when to fold ’em, so to speak,” he said. “So, would you like to join my guild? I won’t publicize your secrets if you say no. Answer honestly.”
“…I’m sorry, but I don’t plan to join.”
“Why not?”
This was the hitch. Though he knew many of my true capabilities, I didn’t want to spill the details about how I became so strong.
“If I join the guild, I’ll inevitably have to work with a party,” I explained. “I want to keep diving solo.”
“Solo? Did your old friends make you distrust new ones?”
“No, no, it’s a matter of effectiveness. Dungeon Teleportation only works on me.”
“So that’s what this is about. You’re right, a party might hold you back sometimes. Handling trouble along the way is one thing, but soloing is certainly ideal for targeting specific takedown rewards.”
I wasn’t lying, but I’d omitted my ability to bypass the Span on purpose. What I’d said was enough reason to turn down his invitation. As much as it hurt to lose potential support, I prioritized boosting my level until it was on par with world-class adventurers over having backup.
The guild master didn’t give up so easily. “Think about it. If you form a party, you can challenge dungeon bosses that you can’t handle on your own. That would increase your takedown rewards and help your growth long-term. Are you really sure about letting that opportunity go?”
“Well…”
The guild master wasn’t wrong. I liked to plan ahead, and his own forward-thinking made it even harder to refuse. Sensing he had a chance to sway me, he continued with a suggestion.
“Why don’t you join on a provisional basis?”
“You mean joining…temporarily?”
He nodded and spread his arms wide open, though his face was serious. “Consider it a test period for the compatibility between adventurer and guild! I don’t mind if you continue soloing. In exchange, would you like to dive with a high-rank adventurer once or twice?”
A high-rank adventurer—the silver-haired Claire immediately sprang to mind. If she joined me with her shiny S-rank classification, I’d have no complaints. Not to mention, I might glimpse how she reached her abnormal strength if I formed a party with her.
Okay, I was interested, but there had to be a catch.
“That’s not a bad deal, but what if other people learn what I can do? I don’t want to share that unless I officially join,” I said.
“I’ll place a gag order on those who form a party with you,” the guild master countered. “We take secrets very seriously, I assure you, but if you don’t trust us then there’s nothing more I can offer you. How about it, Amane Rin?”
The deal was on the table between us, so to speak. On the one hand, I would risk my secret getting out, but on the other hand, I might gain knowledge, growth, and support. As long as they didn’t interfere with my solo activities, would it hurt to try out membership? After some thought, I made my decision.
“Okay,” I said. “I’ll join on a provisional basis.”
“Great decision.”
For the first time, his deal-making face softened into a smile. He truly seemed glad that I’d decided to try out the guild. I wasn’t sure why he was that happy about it, but I thought it would be weird if I asked, so I didn’t.
We spent some time discussing the terms, conditions, and future plans of my provisionary membership. Finally, we exchanged contact information and I left his office. With my business over, I planned to head home.
“Rin?” said a familiar voice.
“Rin-senpai, what’re you doing here?” said another.
“Huh?”
I turned, and my eyes widened as I took in the two familiar faces. Kurosaki Rei and Kasai Yui stood in front of me.
“Hey, Rei. And Yui,” I said awkwardly.