Chapter 1: Banishment and Departure

“I’m expelling you from this party, effective today!”

Such words were uttered by the leader, Albert, one night after a major request had concluded, during the post-mission celebration.

However, the target of his declaration was not me but my best friend sitting next to me, Rolo.

“Um…”

Rolo was taken aback by the sudden turn of events.

Beside my bewildered friend, I gave Albert a stern look.

“What’s going on?”

“It’s nothing special. With the results we achieved this time, we’ve officially become a nationally chosen party. Can we afford to keep someone without the corresponding skill in the party?”

Is he drunk?

Albert spoke with a slightly excited demeanor.

“Regarding Rolo staying with us, didn’t we decide on this a long time ago? Albert.”

“No, we didn’t. Today, here, I officially declare the expulsion—Rolo Mercia!”

Albert’s voice echoed in the tavern, drawing the attention of those around us.

“Albert-san, isn’t it as Jurg says? We all decided to continue adventuring together with Rolo-san, didn’t we?”

In a gentle manner, Fimia, the party’s only woman, scolded him, but Albert remained unfazed.

“I don’t need incompetence in the ‘Silhasta’ led by me.”

“Rolo is incompetent? Are you serious?”

“Of course. Hasn’t he been a burden all this time?”

I had thought of him as a bit lacking in foresight, but I never expected it to go this far.

What on earth is this guy thinking?

I can’t comprehend it at all.

“Listen, Jurg. And everyone else. This is my decision as the leader. Don’t interfere. We are becoming a nationally chosen party. We need to handle things like this firmly.”

“…Understood.”

To Albert, who seemed determined, I nodded with a small sigh.

If his will is this strong, there’s no point in saying anything more.

This exchange has happened countless times already.

It’s becoming truly futile.

“That’s it, Rolo. Pack your belongings today and leave by tomorrow morning.”

“…Yeah, understood.”

With a nod, Rolo stood up.

“Thank you all for everything. We won’t be adventuring together anymore, but I’ll be praying for everyone’s safety.”

Saying just that, my best friend swiftly left the tavern.

This expulsion drama in front of so many people. It will surely become a rumor throughout the town by tomorrow.

“Rolo-san, are you okay?”

“Forget about him. Let’s have a proper discussion about our future. Actually, I’ve already made inquiries about additional members.”

As Albert began to speak with a somewhat delighted expression, I waved my hand casually and stood up.

I didn’t want to see this idiot’s face any longer.

“I’m fed up. I’ll be leaving as well.”

“Hey, hey, Jurg. Change your attitude. Even though you and that useless guy are best friends.”

“Whether you understand my sarcasm or not, you sure are a big shot.”

Throwing a gold coin, the tavern’s payment for the alcohol, in front of Albert—my gesture of leaving a tip—I turned toward the exit where Lolo had disappeared.

◆

The next morning.

Having found Rolo, who had already packed up, at the southern gate of the town, I rushed over and called out to him.

“Hey, Rolo. Are you leaving soon?”

“Yeah. I’ll return to Malhas once and then think about what to do.”

“I see. Well then, let’s go.”

I lifted my shoulder bag and gave him a grin.

In response, Rolo tilted his head slightly.

“Eh?”

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you going?”

“Not that. Why is Jurg also dressed for travel?”

“Well, I’m going with you, of course.”

“Wait? What about the party… What about ‘Silhasta’?”

“I withdrew from the guild yesterday evening. Can’t leave my back to such a disgusting guy.”

At my words, Rolo opened his mouth wide in surprise.

There’s no need to be so shocked.

I’m unexpectedly untrustworthy, huh?

“Impossible! Jurg you’re a designated member of the nationally chosen party ‘Silhasta’!”

“It doesn’t matter. I didn’t become an adventurer to get such a nickname, you know?”

Although people around us sometimes call me “Breaking Heaven Strike,” it’s just a nickname that somehow became guild-approved. I don’t particularly care about it, and it’s not something I’ll cherish.

In the first place, I’m just a troublemaker who followed my childhood friend, Rolo Mercia, a few years ago.

Back then, I was a mischievous rascal causing trouble in my hometown of Malhas, a rural town.

Rolo saved me from being kicked out of town when I was on the verge of exile due to frustration with the provincial atmosphere. That event became the starting point for me to become an adventurer.

──”I’m a bit uneasy alone, but want to come with me?”

Those words were such a relief for me.

Thanks to Rolo, I could decide on my way of life before being expelled from the village, and he gave me a chance to reflect on my past.

Since arriving in the city, Advante, for the first time, I, a country bumpkin and a bit of a klutz, have made various mistakes and been supported by Lolo.

Because he was there, I’ve come this far.

Somewhere along the way, Rolo’s dream became my dream too.

…That’s why I can’t accept or forgive this expulsion drama.

If my benefactor and dear friend Rolo is being expelled, it’s reason enough for me to leave the party.

“Well, once you start talking, you never stop, Jurg.”

“You know what’s going on.”

I sighed lightly and gave Rolo a wry smile.

Despite everything, this guy is quite lenient with me.

“Alright, let’s take care of each other, Jurg.”

“Yeah.”

Rolo and I walk together in the glow of the morning sun.

Oddly enough, it’s the same scene as when we left our hometown.

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