This puts me in a tight spot. Now that you wont be joining me, I need to find another magician. Foldia happily accepted Astards choice but did so at the expense of his Dungeon exploration.

The only reason Foldia had come here in the first place was to recruit Astard so they could take on the unexplored and difficult Anti-Darkness Dungeon. All of Foldias efforts went down the drain due to Astards refusal.

Im sorry, Foldia. You went out of your way to save Kena, yet here I am, rejecting your offer.

Foldia raised his hand towards Astard and spoke, Dont sweat it. Its true that I value weapons, but I wouldnt sacrifice other peoples precious things to obtain them. It would be awesome if you could introduce me to a magician. They probably wont be as excellent as you, though.

Ahem

Merc cleared her throat and turned to face Foldia.

Huh? You alright, Merc? Did you catch a cold?

Im fine. I heard you mention the Anti-Darkness Dungeon. You know, I wouldnt mind going along.

What? I will grant you that you are now an Elf and possess a boatload of Mana, but what I really need is a skilled magician.

Foldia spoke while displaying a peculiar face and staring at Mercs waist. Foldia most likely imagined that Merc was aspiring to become a dual-wielding swordsman, based on the sword and wooden stick hanging on both sides of her waist.

Foldia. I already told you this before, but it was Merc who healed Kenas wounds. Right now, shes a better magician than I am. You can be sure she wont hinder you.

What? For real? Back in the day, Estert couldnt even feel his own Mana, let alone cast a spell! I knew something was off when I saw the wooden stick, but I never considered the possibility that you could use magic Still, why do you only have one real sword?

Although Foldia was convinced by Astards reasoning, he still asked about the thing that had been bothering him.

Foldias sincere question left Merc speechless.

It was only logical to use a real sword rather than a wooden stick under normal circumstances. Furthermore, real swords were not prohibited in the elf village.

Merc agreed that a real sword was far better than a wooden stick. She had, however, become fond of the wooden stick. If Merc had to use a mediocre real sword, she might as well use her wooden stick instead as it didnt fall short of any real swords when coated with Mana Hardening.

Merc thought it would be embarrassing to tell Foldia all of that, so she just chose to put her hand on the sticks handle.

Is it really a problem? If you are unconvinced of my abilities and this wooden stick, why not have a taste of them outside? Ill show you what Im capable of.

Ill pass up on that offer. Right now youre blessed with the ridiculous Mana of an elf, and Astard claims youre even better at magic than he is. Furthermore, Ive never beaten you in a swordfight. It wont be a fight.

Perhaps not in a sword-to-sword fight, but youve won many times when magic has been thrown into the mix. Furthermore, I dont have my swords.

That makes two of us. You might not have the Fortifying Sword and the Stout Sword, but Ive also given the Anti-Mana Sword to my disciple.

Foldia said, raising both hands in the air. From the looks of it, he had no intention of exchanging blows with Merc. Foldia then smiled and continued to speak,

Now that I know that you can use magic, Ill be more than happy to have you accompany me on this trip. Lets show that Dungeon whos boss!

Haha. No objections here.

Although Merc had suggested they exchange blows, in truth, she didnt want to do it. There was no reason for them to fight if Foldia was willing to acknowledge that Merc could use magic.

Well then, Ill go inform the Dukes men that weve found Kena. Theyre probably still looking Ill also ask them to bring the carriage here. Merc said, preparing to leave the hut.

Thank you, Merc. Ill stay here and watch over Kena. Astard said.

Okay. Ill be right back.

Huh? Why?

With a puzzled tone, Astard asked, immediately stopping Merc in her tracks.

What do you mean, why?

You and Foldia should just head to the Empire after youve let the Dukes men know. Theres no reason for you to come back here. Astard said in an emotionless tone.

This part of you will never change it seems

In outrage by Astards comments, Foldia replied.

Its true that Im the one who wants to get my hands on that weapon as soon as possible, but the three of us havent gotten together in ages. How about we grab a drink somewhere?

Im afraid Ill have to decline. With my disciple in this state, Im not in the mood for drinks. And its not like we wont meet anymore.

Astard said, his eyes beaming with confidence. He had no doubt that Merc and Foldia would return safely after conquering the Dungeon.

Upon hearing him say this, Merc and Foldia exchanged looks, sighed, and turned to face Astard.

Youre right. Were gathering in your house after we conquer that Dungeon. Im expecting a feast, okay? Oh, and another thing. No booze for you.

W-What? Why?

Astard asked, shocked by Mercs strict order. However, Merc couldnt tell him that it was because he was a bad drunk.

See ya, Astard. Thanks for taking care of me Lets meet again.

Come visit me whenever. And if you find out anything about Iriem, do let me know.

Sure thing. Oh, one more thing. Dont go doing anything strange to Kena before she gets her memory back, okay? Haha

Merc said in a playful manner. Meanwhile, Astard tilted his head in confusion.

Anything strange? What do you mean by that?

Well

Merc could only smile bitterly and ignore Astards straightforward question. Without saying anything further, she turned and hurriedly left the hut with Foldia.

Merc! What did you mean by anything strange?

Astards voice followed Merc and Foldia out of the hut, but Merc just pretended not to hear him. Afterwards, she turned toward Foldia and said,

Hes so innocent. Or maybe its just that Im way too perverted?

Beats me. Oh, my. Look at the time. Its going to get dark soon. Lets hurry.

Foldia said, quickly changing the subject, and avoiding Mercs question. Even if hed done it a little awkwardly, it still showed his good nature.

Nonetheless, the threes parting was nothing short of sad.