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My name is Selma Claudel.
I am an explorer and a member of the clan known as the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky. As one of the clan’s executives, my role involves managing and leading our explorers.
I had stopped by the Rougetsu-tei—a popular tavern run by our clan that caters to the younger crowd—for a casual meal when I happened to run into my younger sister, Sophia.
She was with Orun, a member of the Hero Party. At first, I was on my guard, wondering if he was trying to put moves on my adorable sister. As it turned out, my fears were misplaced; he had apparently rescued her, and Sophia was the one who had invited him to dinner.
It was a rare thing for a girl as shy as Sophia to reach out to someone like that.
One thing led to another, and I ended up joining them for their meal.
Orun had black hair and lapis lazuli eyes, and if I recalled correctly, he was eighteen years old. He was of average height and build—a standard, unremarkable frame. During last month’s joint subjugation, he had been dressed in a mage’s robe, but today he wore a hooded long coat that looked far more practical for movement.
As we ate, the conversation shifted, and I learned that Orun had left the Hero Party and was currently a free agent. Before I even realized what I was doing, I found myself asking him to join us for a "guided exploration."
"…Guided exploration?"
Since he was unfamiliar with the term, Orun naturally responded with a question.
"Forgive me, I should have explained that first. Guided exploration is a new initiative we’re planning within the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky."
In truth, it was a project cooked up by our sponsors. I wasn't particularly keen on the idea myself, but it had eventually been green-lit. And since we were going through with it, I was determined to make it a success.
"…Please, go on."
The look in Orun’s eyes turned serious. It seemed I had piqued his interest.
"The plan involves several A-Rank or higher explorers leading a group of our clan’s rookies. We intend to descend all the way to the 51st floor of the Great Labyrinth in a single three-day push."
"To the 51st floor in three days? That’s a reckless schedule."
Orun’s assessment was spot on. The 51st floor marked the halfway point of the Great Labyrinth. While some claim the difficulty is relatively low up to the 60th floor, that’s an opinion held only by elite A-Rank explorers. For a rookie, reaching the 51st floor is said to take anywhere from six months to a year, regardless of how talented they might be.
The plan was to conquer that distance in just three days. Any competent explorer would immediately recognize how insane that was. Those damn old geezers and their corporate sponsorships…
"…It is certainly reckless, but if we stick to the shortest route, it’s not impossible. Fortunately, our clan has mapped over ninety percent of the upper and middle floors."
"The Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky gets jerked around in all sorts of ways too, I see…" Orun offered a wry, sympathetic smile.
Given his use of the word "too," I suspected the Hero Party had been subjected to similar unreasonable demands in the past.
"…A plan this reckless should have been easy enough to reject. A clan of your stature shouldn't lack the political leverage to say no. I assume the reason you’re going through with it is so the rookies can skip the floor bosses in the future?"
This guy… just how sharp is he?
I had provided only the bare minimum of information. Yet, he hadn't just guessed the background of the plan; he had pinned down its ultimate benefit. Judging by his tone, he likely understood the exact political situation our clan was facing as well. It was like talking to our Grandmaster. I felt as though he were looking right through me.
In the Great Labyrinth, powerful magic beasts known as floor bosses appear every ten floors. You cannot proceed to the next level without defeating them. Most explorers who lose their lives or suffer career-ending injuries do so during these boss battles.
However, if high-ranking explorers defeat the boss on behalf of the rookies, the newcomers can still advance. Due to the way the Labyrinth functions, as long as an explorer registers their guild card at the crystal located at the entrance of a floor, they can return to that floor at any time without having to fight the previous boss again.
Ultimately, I want our rookies to grow strong enough to defeat floor bosses on their own. But we decided that there was no need for those who haven't even reached adulthood to risk their lives unnecessarily. That was the logic behind this plan.
"…Precisely. So, what do you say? Since you're currently unattached, I’d like you to accompany us on this guided exploration."
"From what I’ve heard, this is a vital project for your clan. Why are you asking an outsider like me to join?" Orun asked, his gaze fixed on me. His eyes seemed to say he wouldn't tolerate a lie.
I first became aware of Orun Doura during last month’s joint subjugation. I had been tracking the Hero Party’s movements ever since they started making a name for themselves years ago, clearing the lower floors at a record pace. I had gathered information on four of their members from various sources, but Orun remained a mystery. My only impression of him was that he was an unremarkable enchanter.
When I first saw his magic during the pre-mission briefing, I had secretly looked down on him.
An enchanter is judged by many metrics, but the primary indicator of skill is the potency of their support magic. An enchanter who can increase physical capabilities by four or five times is considered excellent. Orun’s multipliers were only double. Compared to even an average enchanter, he seemed vastly inferior. I couldn't fathom why such a low-level mage was part of the Hero Party.
However, once the actual battle began, that impression was instantly shattered.
It was true that his raw power was low, but his activation speed was abnormal. I take great pride in my own casting speed, yet in the time it took me to cast a single spell, Orun would fire off four or more. I watched him and couldn't believe a human being was capable of such speed.
Furthermore, he utilized several spells I had never even heard of, despite my pride in having mastered all known support magic. I suspected they were his own original magic, and their utility more than made up for his low multipliers.
His situational awareness, his foresight, and his ability to provide magic support at the exact moment it was needed—in every category, he surpassed me. Orun Doura was the living embodiment of my ideal enchanter.
"What I value most is your high level of adaptability. The guided exploration involves a massive group of over fifty people. I can't guarantee that things won't go sideways. Having you there would be an incredible reassurance."
During the joint subjugation, he had been fighting under my command for the first time. Yet, within minutes, he seemed to grasp my every thought. He was acting on my needs before I could even voice the orders. If it’s Orun, I believe he can find the optimal solution in situations I can’t even read.
"I didn't realize you held me in such high regard…" Orun said with a troubled smile.
The mood suggested he might turn me down.
"U-Um! I’m actually participating in the guided exploration as one of the rookies…! So, if you were there too, Orun-san, I’d… well, I’d be really happy!"
Sophia, who had been staying quiet and reading the room, provided the perfect assist! Thank you, Sophia!
"…I understand. I’ll help. But please, don't set your expectations too high. There are things even I can't do."
"Really?! Thank you!"
"However, I have one condition."
Just when I thought the deal was closed, he threw a curveball. What could it be? A massive fee? Access to clan secrets? That would be difficult to grant…
"…What is it? If it’s within my power, I’ll do my best."
"As of today, I’ve converted to a swordsman—a front-line attacker. You seem to value my skills as an enchanter, but I want to join this exploration as a swordsman."
…What is this guy talking about? Why would someone with that much talent as an enchanter suddenly decide to become a front-line attacker?
I couldn't fathom his true intentions, but I figured if things truly went south, he would surely fall back on his real profession.
"…Very well. I accept those terms. You will join us as a front-line attacker. In that case, could you come to our headquarters tomorrow at 20:00? We can discuss the specifics and the reward then."
"Understood."