Both Astard, who was asked the question, and Merc, who was at his side, were flabbergasted by Foldias abrupt offer. After all, the person who had injured Kena, who was laying on the floor, was an Empire agent. Both Merc and Astard were caught off guard by the timing of it all, which seemed both excellent and horrible at the same time.

Huh? Did I say something strange?

No Actually, a bit. No, scratch that. Its strange. What is the point of visiting the Chulice Empire? To begin with, why are you going there?

Well Theres this weapon I want So I intend on challenging the Anti-Darkness Dungeon in the Empire.

You never change, do you

I knew it

Astard, arguably thinking along the same lines as Merc, threw Foldia a puzzled expression, but the weapon-crazed hero looked unfazed.

The Anti-Darkness Dungeon is one of the continents few unexplored dungeons. Im probably not going to be able to get that weapon on my own. Thats why I came seeking a trustworthy magician buddy.

Good grief. What about your disciple? There should be a magician in his party, no? Why not just take your disciple party with you?

Astard, who evidently did not want to be bothered with this, asked, to which Foldia responded by casually waving his index finger, clicking his tongue, and replying,

I considered it, but three factors prevented me from doing so. The first is that, even though I am merely his nominal master, I would be embarrassed to seek a favor from my disciple. The second is that they simply lack strength. They can only take on an Orange Grade at the moment. And Red Grades will very certainly appear in the Dungeon.

Wow. Hes given it some thought. How unusual of him. But hes correct. Jonahims party isnt quite ready for a Red Grade yet.

Foldias disciple, Jonahim, was without a doubt. He was handed Foldias beloved Anti-Mana Sword, after all. Despite being relatively strong considering their age, Blazing Impact had struggled against a Ghezo Velche. They were unprepared for an unexplored Dungeon.

And the last reason?

What? How many factors did I say there were?

Three. So? Whats the last one?

The last one is Haha! Sorry. I forgot.

Astard shook his head, his palms on his temples, his expression one of disgust. Merc was on the verge of hurling a remark of her own as well.

Hes hopeless.

In any case, thats why I came to ask for your help. Please, Astard. Foldia said, begging Astard for help.

I refuse is what Id want to say but

Astard, on the other hand, simply looked at him, his arms crossed. He then gave out a deep sigh of dissatisfaction and stated,

Fine. Ill come.

What? Are you for real?!

Yes. Coincidence or not, you saved my disciple. I dont wish to owe you.

Cool! Thank you, Astard. Then lets not waste any time!

Hold your horses. What do you think will happen to my disciple if I leave now? Also, theres one more thing

Astard spoke out, restraining Foldia, who was about to run off any moment now, and then turned to face Merc.

Merc. If youre not going to tell him, should I?

What?

Are you really going to keep quiet about it? Get a grip! You have no clue how much this weapon-crazed psycho wept. At that time he grieved more than everyone else.

Astard clenched his fist and directed his piercing gaze to Merc, as if hed been hurt. With a troubled expression on her face, Merc gazed up at him.

It was all over by the time Iriem and I awoke. Foldia was clinging to your body, wailing and yelling, his pride and shame nowhere to be seen. He was wailing his heart out. Are you really going to keep this from him?

Astard?

You might not think much of it because you didnt see him, but neither I nor Iriem will ever forget that sight. That was the first and last time we ever saw his tears

Foldias tears

Mercs dormant memories began to resurface after hearing Astards speech. She recalled the moment before her death, just when her body had been pierced by the Falgaros breath. That was the first time shed seen Foldia cry throughout their long friendship.

Esterts death was the event that brought tears to the man who was lauded as a hero. It had been a truly sobering moment.

Hey! What exactly are you two mumbling?

Foldia asked, a confused smile on his face as he glanced at Astard and Merc. Even though he had no idea what they were talking about, he had a feeling it was important.

Merc shifted her gaze to Foldia, scratching her temple with her index finger.

I guess youre right, Astard. Itd be rude not to tell him.

Im glad you think that way. After all, all three of us decided to disband Gust of Wind. Im not going to be the only one that gets scolded.

Its not like I had any intention of hiding it in the first place.

Merc took a deep breath and then approached Foldia, her face flushed with embarrassment, carefully holding out her hand.

Huh? What is it? Are you perhaps a fan of mine?

Foldia asked, reacting in an unusual manner when confronted with Mercs gesture, but still taking Mercs hand. Merc smiled and glanced up at him as he did so.

Its nice to meet you after so long. My name is MercAlthough I used to be known as Estert, the strongest swordsman1.

Robinxen: No beating around the bush this time either.