Even in Your First Party, You’ll Get Praised For Having [Guide Map]!
"Mr. Carlo, that path is dangerous. The safe one is the second from the right. Also, there's a magic core on the ground."
"Huh? Wha—whoa, you're right!"
"Hey, that's red. It's from an A-Rank monster."
"Whoa, having a [Explorer] really makes a huge difference."
"No, Tabito is special. This kind of thing... is just not normal."
The sixth level of the Labyrinth Dungeon.
We were diving into the dungeon with three members of an A-Rank party.
Carlo had the look of a typical hero—handsome, blond, and bright in demeanor.
Next to him was Lian, a mage with long black hair, and beside her was Golph, a burly guy with a shaved head who wielded an axe.
After being invited by many parties, I ended up taking a request from Carlo through the Guild.
One reason was that I’d visited this dungeon before and was familiar with it—but the biggest reason was—
"Alright, at this pace, we should be able to donate a large amount to the orphanage."
"Hehe, everyone will be so happy."
"Yeah, this is the best!"
All of them were raised in an orphanage and now worked to donate large sums to it.
They were certainly capable—monsters appeared several times, but they handled them without issue.
That was the reason I agreed to join their party this time.
But even among them, Milfie’s combat ability was apparently extraordinary.
"—Bye-bye, meow."
She cleanly sliced down a spider monster that had suddenly appeared.
"Seriously, that's amazing... Why are you two working as a duo? I bet major parties are all trying to recruit you."
"Seriously. Honestly, it's impossible to believe you are just a D-Rank, Tabito. You are unbelievably good even for an Explorer. Would you two consider joining our guild?"
"If you really joined, the world would change."
They were generous with their praise, and I appreciated it.
By the way, we walked here without using [Free Pin].
"That’s kind of you to say, but we’ve got our own goals. Still, it really means a lot that you'd say that."
"I can only fight, though. Tabito's the amazing one!"
Milfie's smug face was adorable.
This was the first time I’d teamed up with another party in this world, and while it had its challenges—
For instance, if the formation is long, you need to keep an eye on what's happening in the back.
Naturally, rewards would have to be split, and consumables, food, and risk management also increase accordingly.
Safety improves, but doing this all the time would be tough.
"Tabito, is your leg okay?"
"Yeah, I think I got scraped somewhere. But it’s not a big deal—"
"Leave it to me—Heal."
And then, for the first time in my life (in a way),
I witnessed magic up close.
Lian placed her hand on me, bathing me in white light, and the scrape disappeared.
It felt warm and soothing, like she’d used a heating pad.
"Alright, that should do it."
"Wait a second, Lian. You always tell me to tough it out."
"Ha! I once had a huge bump and she just told me to rub spit on it."
"You two are warriors. Tabito is an Explorer—our lifeline. He's not the same as you."
I *can* fight, or rather, I *want* to fight, but they won’t let me.
While I search the path, they guard the area, and I receive full protection—it feels like I’m slacking off from being spoiled too much.
"Tabito is stronger than me, you know~?"
At Milfie’s words, the three of them chuckled warmly.
I don’t think I’m stronger than her, but she meant it sincerely.
They knew about the Cyclops incident, apparently, but Milfie was just *that* amazing.
"Next time, I’ll fight too. I can’t just leave it all to you."
"If you do that, Lian will kill you. Leave it to me, I’m good at fighting."
"Yeah! We may not look it, but we’re tough as nails!"
"You *do* look strong, though."
Golph laughed heartily with his big muscles.
They were a good party. Actually, it was Milfie who suggested we gain some party experience.
Because our lives were on the line, and considering the future, she said we should get used to working with others.
Karin at the reception let us look over all the paperwork carefully, and we chose Carlo’s party.
She said we couldn’t afford to join up with anyone who didn’t have both character and skill.
Milfie handled all that without saying a word.
Yeah, I really need to thank her more.
"For now, we just go straight for a while. Hmm, then after that... mind if I leave it to you?"
"Of course. Let’s go, Golph."
"Yeah. If anything happens, leave me behind, Lian."
"You don’t need to tell me."
They were a pretty close-knit party.
And all of them being A-Rank... was seriously impressive.
"They’re a great party."
"Definitely. They’re strong, and they give you peace of mind."
"Also, I was surprised when I saw the documents. They, Karos, were officially certified as Heroes."
"Certified as Heroes?"
It was an unfamiliar term, so I asked Milfie again.
"It’s a title awarded based on guild contributions, combat strength, and various other factors. In the north, there are still remnants of the demon race, and this certification lets you enter such areas. Of all the parties in the royal capital, they’re the strongest."
"Huh, really?"
There are some *seriously* jacked guys in the royal capital.
For these guys to be even stronger than them—that’s incredible.
"But it’s still amazing that even people like them invited you to join their guild, Tabito."
"It’s not me, it’s thanks to my abilities."
"That includes you too."
Hearing that made me genuinely happy.
And with that, we continued forward—until we finally reached the seventh level.
"I'll check the route for a bit. Wait here."
—
[Seventh Level of the Labyrinth]
1.2★☆☆☆☆(4)
A-Rank Adventurer
★☆☆☆☆
The path is too complex.
We had no choice but to give up beyond this point.
A-Rank Mage
★☆☆☆☆
Too many monsters appear.
But more than anything, the traps are just ridiculous.
A-Rank Explorer
★☆☆☆☆
This is... the limit.
Let's give up here.
—
Very few people must have made it this far.
There are hardly any reviews.
The map looks impossibly complicated.
But if it’s me, I won’t make a mistake.
"The route is fine for now. Leave it to me."
"... You're kidding, Tabito."
In Carlo’s line of sight were thirty branching paths.
Twenty-nine of them led to dead ends or traps.
Still, with my confidence, the group unanimously decided to move forward—
And we advanced without issue down the correct path.
But at the end, we discovered a large door and a chamber.
Apparently, a so-called dungeon boss exists here.
"I've got a forced return item. With this team, we can at least check out the boss. If it looks doable, we can try fighting it."
"I'm with Carlo."
"Me too. Milfie, Tabito, what about you two?"
In the end, Golph turned to ask us.
"I'm good too, meow. What about you, Tabito?"
"This is my first time. But still, I’m not going to say something irresponsible like 'I’ll leave it to you.' If everyone agrees, I’ll fight too."
Carlo laughed in response.
"Then it's fine. I heard about your fight with the Cyclops—don't worry about it."
And so, we opened the door and stepped inside.
It was a large, unremarkable room.
Cold and sterile—it even felt like a laboratory.
Just then, the map moved.
"Above us!"
What fell was a massive stone statue.
A golem, probably designed to kill intruders.
Carlo stepped forward first. Golph followed, and Milfie flew into the air.
Supporting them was Lian.
Solid defense and blessings.
The golem’s attack swung down at Carlo, but was blocked.
Carlo and the others landed blow after blow.
I wanted to join them at the front, but I prioritized checking the map.
No issues so far.
But then, my eyes flushed red.
Rage. I didn’t expect it to activate even alone.
"Everyone, be careful!"
The attacks that followed were extraordinary.
Lian’s defenses shattered.
"Carlo... this is—"
"Yeah, we might have to use the return item."
But I could see it.
Its weakness—its movements.
"Everyone, will you let me handle this?"
"H-Hey, Tabito!?"
This wasn’t recklessness. This was certainty.
My blood boiled.
Ah, after all, I really do—love fighting.
My dagger absorbed mana. Black mist clung to it, as if it were changing shape.
I cleaved off the golem’s right leg. The enemy lost balance and toppled.
I looked at my weapon—and couldn’t help but grin.
Its length was about twice the usual. You could call it a longsword now.
But I understood—it had extended with mana.
Jet-black, and radiating an intense magical aura.
"Heh, so that’s how it is."
That black color must be a manifestation of my mana’s properties.
And for defeating this golem, this shape is optimal.
"Right leg—"
Looking through the guide lens, I saw a weak point at the joint.
I dashed forward with full force.
"Tabito!"
"—It's okay."
I cleaved off the golem’s right leg.
Then the left leg—the golem dropped to its knees.
Next, the right arm. Then the left arm.
And finally—the neck.
"—See ya."
Exhale. One breath.
Then I realized—I'd gotten carried away from the sheer exhilaration.
Just like with the Cyclops.
Too serious again—so I bowed slightly, trying to hide my embarrassment.
"Ahaha, ahahahaha... Sorry, I went way beyond my role..."
Then Carlo laughed.
"AHAHAHAHA, what are you!? You're incredible—way too incredible!"
"... I don’t even have words anymore."
"We weren’t even needed, huh?"
"Tabito’s just too much, meow~"
All I could do was smile wryly.
And then I spotted a particularly large magic core.
It was rainbow-colored. I quickly stashed it in my Travel Bag.
"Alright, let's head back. It'll be tough from here, so let’s be careful."
Just then, I locked eyes with Milfie.
I could trust Carlo and the others.
But I’d used up a lot of stamina.
Then—
"Umm... So, everyone, can we all hold hands? And—please keep this a secret, okay?"
――――
――
―
The capital gates.
The usual guard called out to us.
"Hey, did you guys all use high-speed travel or something? That’s crazy."
But Carlo, Lian, and Golph—
They were so stunned their eyes were about to pop out.
"... Is this a dream? This *is* the capital, right?"
"No way... That was teleportation?"
"Hey, Tabito... you're seriously amazing."
Milfie was laughing too.
"Tabito, please—join the guild!"
"Please, Tabito, I promise we’ll treat you right!"
"I'm begging you, Tabito!"
Yeah... that teleport was apparently just too overpowered.
What do you think about this chapter?
