Leaving Grandpa’s shop behind, I headed straight back to the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky headquarters for my meeting with Vince-san.
"It seems giving you time to reflect was a wise decision," Vince-san murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips as he looked at me.
"Vince-san—no, Grandmaster. I’ve decided to accept your offer. Please, let me join the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky."
I bowed my head deeply to the Grandmaster as I made my declaration.
The door clicked open then, and Selma-san entered the room. She walked over and handed me a bundle of folded fabric. I took it reflexively, though I stood there in confusion, unsure of what to do with it.
"Go on, unfold it," Selma-san urged.
I did as she asked, shaking out the cloth.
"This is..."
It was a hooded long coat, primarily black with sharp blue accents. Though the cut was different, the design was remarkably similar to the gear the members of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky wore during their expeditions. Embroidered over the left breast was the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky Emblem.
"I based the design on the long coat you usually wear. Try it on for size."
I slipped the coat over my shoulders. Naturally, I hadn't given them my measurements, so the garment was far too large, hanging off me in baggy folds.
I appreciate the gesture, I thought, but there’s no way I can wear something this loose while exploring the Labyrinth...
Just as the thought crossed my mind, the coat began to shrink. It tightened and adjusted itself rapidly until it was a perfect fit.
Wait, what just happened?
I stared in disbelief at the phenomenon, unable to hide my shock at something I’d never even heard of, let alone seen.
"Heh. So there are things even you don't know? This is one of our clan’s pieces of Secret Technology. We have several others like it, but I’ll teach you about those in due time. I trust I don't need to tell you that this stays between us?"
"I had no idea such technology even existed," I admitted honestly.
Just seeing this made me realize I’d made the right choice in coming here. I had spent years hungrily devouring every scrap of knowledge and technique I could find, but I’d finally reached the limits of being self-taught. The prospect of gaining access to knowledge and techniques I never knew existed sent a thrill of excitement through me.
The Grandmaster’s expression turned solemn as he spoke.
"You were only recently betrayed by comrades you trusted. I can only imagine how deep that wound goes, but I know it must be significant. That is precisely why we want to show our sincerity not just through words, but through our actions. We want you to see for yourself that we are worthy of your trust. The Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky will prove ourselves to you, Orun Doura."
It was true; being cast out of the Hero Party had taken a greater toll on me than I cared to admit. To the point where I’d convinced myself that I’d be better off alone for a while.
Grandpa’s words had been the first thing to challenge that mindset. But it was also that scene after we defeated the 50th Floor Boss during the guided exploration—the way everyone had praised and supported one another. It was a heartwarming sight, one where every person was laughing from the bottom of their heart.
I had realized then that I wanted to be part of a circle like that. I wanted comrades—friends—whom I could laugh with from the bottom of my soul. This had been my wish for as long as I could remember.
Though, for some reason, I couldn't recall exactly why I felt that way.
Wait... why was that, exactly? It’s unlike me to forget something so fundamental.
"...I see. Then I’ll be watching. I will judge for myself whether this clan is truly an organization worthy of my trust."
"I would expect nothing less."
It had been nine years since I first became an explorer. I’d been cast aside by the comrades I’d stood beside since the very beginning, but now, the second chapter of my life was about to unfold.
Thank you for reading! This concludes Volume One.
There will be a short interlude in the next update before Volume Two begins. Please look forward to Orun’s future exploits as a member of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky!
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