Fortunately, the town was located close to the border.

After all, if there was no town near the borders, there would be no way the guards could work on the walls.

I along with Frillite entered the town to have a drink at a tavern. Inside the tavern, there were only me, Frillite, and the tavern owner.

Thats because Frillite brought out the Heros plaque and so all the others backed down.

Even though there was only one tavern in the whole town, the town people retreated quietly.

Thanks to which, I was able to firsthand experience the greatness of power after a really long time.

The ship that was sailing properly suddenly met a storm, and you guys found yourselves in the land of orcs? How did you and that orc you met by chance even formed a brother relationship in such less time?

Frillite pressed her temples together as she asked.

When she asked me what I had been doing since I left the capital, I basically answered without any omissions, and this was her reaction.

Though I couldnt quite well understand why she was doing that.

She looked at my calm face as I stared back at her and let out a deep sigh.

Atleast you managed to survive. If it wasnt for your luck, you would have died several times already, you know?

What luck? I got through it all on my own.

You really ha ha, no. Its all my fault for letting you go out on your own.

Why do I feel like you are going to say something my mother would say?

Thats how reckless you were!

Frillite sprang up to her feet and reproached loudly.

Phew, that scared me. Why are you getting so hyped up, lady? Almost spilled my drink.

I sipped on the splattered ale on the back of my glass.

Frillite looked at me like that with an incredible expression, and as if her pulse had loosened, she floundered and sat down back on her chair.

She crossed her arms and shook her head.

Yeah, even if it was reckless, its okay as long as you got out safely. I wont say anything else. But this time you have to select your companions.

Im going to do that even if you dont tell me.

Sigh Im telling you again Hm? You are willing to?

Yup. The time has come when I need to.

The youth like vigor in my body is not like what it used to be. This meant only one thing.

That its time to go find the big root!

The dungeon, where the big root is resting, has strict access conditions.

First, at least one of the party members must be of level 30 or higher.

I achieved this condition a while ago while reducing the monster population on the way to the border wall with the orcs.

My level is exactly 30, so the first condition wouldnt be a problem.

The problem is the second one.

The second condition for gaining the access to the dungeon is that the party that enters the dungeon must be composed of four members.

Nothing more, nothing less.

It should be a party of exact four members.

So, I have to find three temporary companions to go with me in search of the big root plant.

Upon hearing my words, Frillites complexion brightened.

Well thought out. It seems that you have also come to realize a lot of things in the meantime. Dont worry about finding colleagues. I have inquired in the Empire

You dont have to. My companions will be solicited through the Adventurers Guild.

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Frillites expression got vague.

Through Adventurers Guild? Well if you, as a Hero, recruit companions, many outstanding adventurers will apply But, are you sure?

I have no intention of revealing that I am a Hero. Ill recruit my companions as a fellow adventurer.

Temporary companions who will only explore the dungeon together, after thata permanent goodbye.

Frillite frowned.

She also has a lot of different facial expressions.

As we were talking, I thought of that out of nowhere. Originally, I thought she was someone with a cold personality.

I think it was explained by a game npc, about her indifferent personality and what not

After thinking about it for a while, I listened to Frillite again.

Youre going to recruit your companions while hiding your identity as a Hero? I dont understand. Do you really need to? Why are you hiding your identity as a Hero in the first place?

Why hide my identity as a Hero?

Welp, it isnt that great of a reason.

Its all because of the big root plant.

As soon as I reveal my Hero identity, my follow-up deeds will be scrutinized. After that I will probably be tailed by some flies. Frillite isnt of that nature, but Gis and Lorian definitely are.

Moreover, I have to go to a dungeon to get the big root plant.

And dungeons are a kind of wonder that adventurers as well as Heroes look for with their eyes lit on.

When the flies who follow me find the Big Root Dungeon and contact their owners, Ill get very, very, very, very annoyed by their disturbing tricks.

This is because the dungeon where big root is resting is just as difficult to clear as its access conditions.

To be honest, Im not confident in conquering it in just one try.

I dont even know if it will be conquered at the second or at the third one

And what if Gis and Lorian come while Im reorganizing after a failure?

Maybe I would have to separate my attention from the dungeon and have scuffles with those punks?

It doesnt seem as bad as I thought, but the real problem is after that.

Just as a childs fight becomes a parents fight, a Heros fight becomes a nations fight in a moment.

Others might be wonderingisnt the solution so easy? Just kill those flies.

But thats not a good solution either.

Just think about it.

Cloud has a docile personality, giving even his own companions to others.

That Cloud suddenly finds the tails and kills them?

The behavior itself can be packaged as having a great change after being ntred. However, my alert level in their minds will surely rise.

Then those fookers will be sending out a bunch of flies with stronger strength one after another.

Form past example, Howl, Howl, and um, Howl?

Damn mosquitoes and flies.

I havent slept for nights, so even my mentality feels pissed.

Yeah, right.

actually, it doesnt really matter if those flies come after I have obtained the big root plant. After that, it doesnt matter if the alert level goes up or not, Ill just kill waves after waves of those buggers.

In any case, even if theres such a situation, I cant tell Frillite about it.

Because its the same for her, a powerful monster like Hero, to go crazy about dungeons.

I said with a wistful expression on my face.

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Of course, its because of the worry that those guys Gis and Lorian will follow my back.

Are you worried about them doing something to you? If thats the case, dont worry. No matter how strong they are, they will not be able to harm you directly.

Yeah, they cant do any harm to my body directly as you said. But cant they interfere indirectly?

It was a moment, as if she had remembered something, Frilites movements paused.

Did she remember those three women who went to another party?

If thats the case, she doesnt really have to worry.

If all the three original companions have ntred in the middle, I can just find three new companions. The problem is that I cant go to pick them up at the moment.

you are right. Those idiots have already messed around a lot. It all makes sense now, why you are hiding your identity and why you lied about being my friend.

Frillite sipped from her wine glass with a bitter expression.

Yes? What does that mean?

Didnt you say that? You cant reveal your Heros identity because you are worried about those guys playing some tricks again?

No, not that. The second part. Why is that a lie?

?

Frillite looked at me with her puzzled eyes.

Isnt that a lie too? Are we friends?

Werent we friends? Welp, I thought so.

Uhm??

Frillites eyes filled up with embarrassment.

Yes, thats understandable. If it were me, Id wonder if this punk had gone crazy.

But I cant help it.

I cant break free from the taste of power I hadnt tasted in a long time!

I said calmly, folding my fingers together in position to convince her.

I continued, We drank together, worried and comforted each other, and even tried to help. There is no interruption in the conversation and our flow matches as well. Isnt this enough to be considered friends?

Is that so?

What was that vague reaction? Did you not consider me as a friend? Well, Im a little saddened.

No, that its because its the first time that someone ever called me a friend, so

?

What are you talking about? Dont you have any friends?

You dont have friends with that face?

What the fuk?! Are you deceiving me?

As I looked at her with a mixture of surprise and astonishment, she hastily added an explanation.

Ive been holding a sword ever since I was a kid so I didnt get the chance. When I was a little older, I went out to subjugate monsters to gain practical experience. So, I didnt have the time to socialize with my peers. It wasnt because I wasnt sociable or something!

Uh uh, yeah. Yeah, I got it. Now calm down.

What, whats with that reaction?

Frillite grumbled, frowned at me, and took a sip of her drink.

Then she grinned and muttered.

Friend thats doesnt sound half-bad.

Then do you recognize me as a friend?

Didnt you proposed it first? Its an offer I dont really need to turn down.

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All right, the plans a success.

Now, if I run into trouble while roaming the Empire, I can sell Frillites name.

If I told them I was Frillites friend, everyone would be definitely surprised.

This is power!

Theres no obligation I owe by having this power.

Truly, a pleasure without responsibility!

Thrilled by the feast of beautiful future, I couldnt help but tremble.

Of course, only inside.

On the outside, its an amiable friend, Cloud.

That means Im your first friend?

Hmm.

To commemorate meeting your first friend, the drinks will be on your tab!

All right, drink as much as you like Wait.

As she almost spoke with a grin, she suddenly closed her mouth as if reminiscing about something. She narrowed her eyes and started staring at me.

Didnt I paid for the drinks last time? Why should I buy this time too?

I was going to seal the deal, why are you so needlessly quick-witted, madam?

Last time I bought it, this time you pay. I have heard that friendship is not a one-sided relationship, but a relationship of giving and receiving from both sides.

You dont even have friends, why do you know that?

I raised both of my hands towards her.

I dont have money.

You dont have money?

Frillite opened her eyes wide in shock as she asked.

Actually, its not that I dont have money.

Because theres still a lot of money I got from the Battleground Championship.

However, after deducting the amount thats needed to be kept for Lina and Mars, even the future travel expenses are quite tight on my part.

Are you saying that you have already used up the funds you received from your kingdom?

I dont have any such funds.

You didnt receive any funds? Why?

Its the money I have to spit out after gobbling it. It feels dirty and cheap. If thats the case, I rather wont accept it.

Thats right, but

So lets do this. The person who loses the bet pays.

You want to have a bet? So, what bet?

What else, my lady? We are in a tarven, isnt it already decided?

I said raising my glass of ale.

The one who falls first loses.

Frilite laughed too.

Are you going to challenge me? Thats fun. I accept it.

Frillite and I clinked our glasses.

* * *

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