“Today was a truly incredible day...”
As soon as the Guided Exploration ended, we rookies were sent home immediately.
I suppose it couldn't be helped, considering everything that happened.
Big sister hadn't come home yet. She was probably still running around all over the place. Lately, she had seemed so busy that I was genuinely worried she might collapse from exhaustion.
After getting home, I ate a quick dinner, took a bath, and changed into my loungewear. Now, I was trying to recall the day's events to write the report our instructor had assigned.
First, Orun-san had taught me so much—the mindset of a Mage, the principles of Parallel Construction... It was all still a bit over my head, but I wanted to master those skills bit by bit.
Then there was the actual exploration. I’d fought alongside Logan-kun and Caroline-chan, but our coordination had been even worse than usual. Logan-kun didn't give any orders, and Caroline-chan just charged ahead on her own. I was so afraid of hitting them with a stray spell that I barely participated in the fight.
I wondered if I’d ever be able to pull off the kind of coordination Big sister’s party had. I realized I couldn't afford to be shy anymore; I had to start communicating more proactively.
And finally, there was the intrusion of that black dragon.
I didn't know the full details, but apparently, it was a boss from the Deep Floors that even Big sister and her party couldn't defeat. When that dragon glared at me, I felt a terror far deeper than when the Orcs had surrounded me the other day. My body started to tremble just thinking about it.
It seemed only natural that Big sister and the others would lose to a creature like that. For the first time, I felt I truly understood just how terrifying the Deep Floors could be.
Yet, Orun-san had defeated it all by himself.
“He saved me again...”
This was the second time Orun-san had rescued me. I owed him a debt of gratitude so great I didn't even know where to begin. I had no idea how I could ever repay him.
If Orun-san ever runs into trouble, I’ll help him with everything I’ve got!
Though I couldn't really imagine him ever needing my help...
Still, the serious expression Orun-san wore while fighting the dragon was so cool. Maybe it was because he usually had such a kind face that the contrast was so striking. Is that what people called a “gap”? Whatever it was, he looked amazing.
...Thinking about Orun-san was making my face feel hot.
I was fanning myself with both hands when the bedroom door opened.
“I’m home...”
Big sister was back. It was a bit rude of me to think, but she looked awful. She seemed completely drained.
“Welcome back, Big sister.”
She staggered toward her bed and dove face-first onto the mattress.
“Big sister, you’re going to wrinkle your clothes. At least take a shower before you sleep.”
“Mmph...”
It had been at least a year since I’d seen her this exhausted. Or maybe it wasn't just exhaustion—she looked like she was brooding over something.
“Did something happen?”
At my question, Big sister gave a slight twitch.
“...Sophia. Watching the fight between Orun and the Black Dragon today... what did you think?” she asked after a long pause.
“Huh? I thought it was incredible. Orun-san is so strong.”
When I gave my honest impression, Big sister seemed to deflate. Did I say something weird?
“...I see. So the gap in power was so vast that the rookies couldn't even comprehend what they were seeing.”
“Hm? I think I understood it just fine.”
“...What?”
Big sister turned a terrifying gaze toward me. A small child probably would have burst into tears. Please don't look at your own sister like that...
“Orun-san was moving really fast, hopping through the air, and he had black flames coming off his sword and used magic I’d never seen before... but other than that, his movements were actually quite fundamental, weren't they?”
“Fundamental?”
“Yeah. I’m a rookie, so I’ve been taking all those lectures at the Exploration Management Department. They taught us the basic positioning and roles for each class, and Orun-san’s movements were exactly like what they showed us in the textbooks. It was like he was playing the role of a Rearguard Attacker and a Defender at the exact same time.”
Big sister’s eyes went wide, and her mouth hung open. Her face was a whirlwind of emotions today. It was actually a little funny.
“Now that you mention it... it really did look like he was performing the roles of an entire party by himself.”
“Right? That’s why Orun-san’s fight was such a great reference! He told me that the most important thing for a Mage is how they contribute to the party during their intervals. I feel like he showed me one possible answer to that. That’s why I’m going to work harder than ever. I want to be a strong, cool Explorer just like Orun-san!”
“One answer, huh? Hahaha. You’re something else, Sophia.”
Big sister’s expression finally cleared. I wondered why.
“That’s not true. You’re the one who’s amazing, Big sister!”
And I meant it. I was so grateful to her for showing me a different path when I’d given up and thought I had to do whatever our parents told me. I respected her so much for earning the admiration of so many people through her own strength.
“Thanks to you, Sophia, I’ve made up my mind. Thank you. All right, I’m going to go hit the shower. Want to sleep together tonight?”
It seemed like she’d finally moved past whatever was bothering her. I didn't quite understand it, but I was just glad she was feeling better!
“Yeah! It’s been so long since we slept in the same bed! I’ll finish up my report by the time you’re out, Big sister!”