I stepped into the room Estella had directed me toward. It was a smaller version of the strategy room we had gathered in yesterday.
As expected, the three members of the Tenth Unit were already seated.
They seemed to have been chatting amongst themselves until I entered, but the moment I crossed the threshold, the conversation died. They all turned toward me with visibly tense expressions.
Logan, who had previously treated me with nothing but condescension, no longer carried that arrogant air. Witnessing me slay the Black Dragon with his own eyes had clearly changed something; if anything, he looked at me with a sense of reverence.
"It’s been four days. I hope you’ve been well," I said, keeping my voice intentionally bright. "I’m sure you’ve heard by now, but I’ll be acting as your instructor starting today. I look forward to working with you again."
As soon as I finished my greeting, all three of them bolted upright.
"I am truly sorry for my disrespectful behavior the other day!" Logan shouted, bowing deeply.
"We are truly sorry!" Sophia and Caroline followed suit.
Honestly, Sophia, you didn't have to join in. She really was an earnest girl.
"I’m sure you must hate the idea of dealing with people like us," Logan continued, his voice pleading. "But please, if you would have us... could you give us your guidance? We beg of you!"
I felt a bit deflated. Whether they looked down on me or feared me, I had walked in expecting to start from a negative position. This was certainly easier to manage, but it lacked the friction I’d prepared for.
Now then, how should I handle this?
"I don't particularly mind," I said, intentionally taking a biting tone. "The gap in strength between us is so vast—like an adult compared to a toddler—that I thought of your attitude as nothing more than a puppy’s yapping."
"Ugh..." Logan winced, looking as if my words had pierced him through the chest. "You’re right. There certainly is that much of a difference."
"During the Guided Exploration, our relationship was strictly temporary. That’s why, even though I gave you warnings, I mostly let you do as you pleased. But from now on, things are different. As comrades of the same clan and as your mentor, I intend to face you with total sincerity. I might say harsh things. I might even push you to your limits. But through it all, I will always be your ally. In return, I want you to give me everything you’ve got."
It was a vow. Putting it into words made my own resolve tighten.
My only master had been my Grandpa. Like him, I wanted to be someone who watched over his students warmly, yet remained strict when necessary and provided guidance when they faltered. Above all, I wanted to be the person who stayed in their corner no matter what. I wanted to become that ideal master.
Once I saw all three of them nod firmly, I continued.
"Moving forward, I’m going to teach you every bit of knowledge and technique I’ve acquired. However, before we start, there are two things I want you to keep in mind. First: always keep your minds active. There are countless ways to solve any problem; never let yourself get trapped by a single method. A casual conversation or a mundane sight can often lead to an unexpected breakthrough. And second: never assume that what I say is the absolute truth."
They showed understanding of the first point, but the second one left them baffled. Question marks practically hovered over their heads.
"I am by no means omniscient or omnipotent. Don't think for a second that I’m incapable of being wrong. I’ve made plenty of failures and mistakes in my time. Don't just swallow my words; digest them, and turn them into your own knowledge and experience. If you ever have a doubt, ask. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" they replied in unison, their voices full of spirit.
"Well then," I said, "the first thing on the agenda is... a lecture."
"Ugh..." Logan recoiled at the word.
"I know it’s hard to hear, but listen. The three of you are overflowing with talent. You have the potential to become explorers who represent this clan one day. But your behavior the other day was unacceptable. It’s not just about how you treat your comrades—if you act like that toward outsiders, people will question the dignity of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky itself. Realize that every one of you carries the banner of this clan on your backs."
Their attitude had been genuinely disrespectful. If they kept acting that way, they would eventually find themselves isolated. Being alone is lonely and painful. There was no reason to go out of their way to invite that kind of solitude when it was so easily avoided.
"Even if you manage to reach S-Rank, if you keep treating people like that, there won't be anyone left to help you when you need it. Besides, I believe that looking down on others gives you tunnel vision. Don’t you think that people naturally flock toward—and help succeed—those who show respect and can honestly accept opinions different from their own?"
Who would ever want to follow someone arrogant? We can’t survive in this world alone. To join hands with others, you have to be willing to reach out first.
"‘Never forget your original intention.’ Why did you three become explorers in the first place? Was it just to flaunt your power and indulge in self-satisfaction? I’d be troubled if the answer was yes, but I doubt that’s the case. I want you to take a long, hard look at whether your actions until now have actually been helping you reach your goals."
I’d said my piece. Unlike our last meeting, my words seemed to be resonating. The three of them hung their heads, looking thoroughly dejected.
I let my expression soften and spoke in a gentler tone.
"I’m relieved to see you’re taking this to heart. It’s not too late. If you start reviewing your actions now, your reputation will recover. You’re starting from rock bottom, after all. There’s nowhere to go but up, right?"
"Ahaha... You’ve got a point there," Logan agreed with a wry, self-deprecating smile.
"Right then. Since we have the chance, would you mind telling me why you became explorers? I’d like to hear about your dreams. Sophia, let's start with you."
"Y-Yes! Um, I... I want to be like my older sister, Selma Claudel. I don't want to just do what I’m told; I want to decide what I want to do with my own will! I haven't quite figured out what that is yet, but since joining the clan and meeting so many different people, I’ve realized how small my world was. That’s why I became an explorer—to find my own goals and dreams."
There was something I’d been wondering about regarding Sophia. She was Selma’s younger sister, which made her the daughter of a Count House. Why wasn't she attending the Noble Academy?
The Academy was where noble children between ten and fifteen received their education. Selma had graduated from there before becoming an explorer. In fact, every other noble I knew who worked as an explorer had followed that exact path. Apparently, the floor reached in the Great Labyrinth served as a major status symbol in noble society.
I didn't know the specifics, but it seemed the Claudel House had its share of complications.
"Yeah, I think that’s a great reason," I told her. "Being an explorer in a clan like this will teach you more than you can imagine. I’ll help you out, so let’s find that dream together."
"Y-Yes... I look forward to it..." Sophia’s face turned bright red.
Maybe I laid it on a bit too thick there...
Thank you for reading to the end. To the readers who were expecting a "serves them right" development, I apologize. If you found the chapter interesting or want to read more, please support the work through the star ratings below! 5 stars if it was interesting, 1 star if it was boring—honest impressions are welcome. Also, I would be happy if you could bookmark the series!