Chapter 54: The End of an Amateur Explorer

The bar of the Explorer Hall, located in a suite on the 8th floor.

8:31 PM.

Jade gulped down the icy beer in one go, then slammed the glass down.

“Hah! This is what life is about! Hey, Weiss, stop looking so gloomy. This Dragon Oil Beer is seriously delicious!”

Weiss’s face remained cold, but after trying a little, the refreshing and tangy taste did relax her expression.

“…It’s good, I admit. But did you have to order so many insanely expensive dishes? Don’t you know about not flaunting your wealth?”

Jade had ordered not only beer, but also several exclusive dishes from the Explorer Hall.

These dishes weren’t just rich and delicious—some even offered temporary buffs like increased stamina, focus, or luck.

Of course, they were also seriously expensive.

This spread cost as much as Jade and Weiss’s combined monthly salary.

“Of course I know. That’s why I booked this exclusive VIP Suite—so no other Explorers can see us.”

At this moment, neither Weiss nor Jade was dressed as an Explorer, but in proper formal attire and suits.

As the saying goes, clothes make the person.

Petite Weiss, wearing a dress paired with a crystal necklace and subtle makeup, exuded a charming femininity.

Jade had even slicked his hair back, looking like a legitimate businessman.

These outfits were rented from the Dungeon Commercial District near the Dungeon, with grooming and makeup included.

He downed the rest of his drink in one go.

“After this, I’m done with the Dungeon. I’ve earned enough. I’m saying goodbye to this dangerous Explorer life for good.”

This meal was a Retirement Feast.

A symbol of farewell to an Explorer’s career.

Most amateur Explorers did the same—after earning enough and having their fill, they left the Dungeon.

Though they’d nearly died, the money from this team-up far exceeded Jade’s expectations.

Not only could he pay off his mother’s medical bills, but the rest was just enough to buy a School District Apartment outright.

No more squeezing into a dorm room with five other guys.

Weiss pursed her lips.

“Then stop chasing after women, or you’ll waste money again.”

“After this ordeal, I’m not interested in mature women for a while… Oh, right—hey, Weiss, is it true? About Myut, the busty one…”

A member of the Evil Demon Society.

Before he finished, Weiss glared at Jade with the fiercest killing intent in history.

“I thought you said you weren’t interested in old women?”

“Sorry, I take it back. Mm… This roast ham is delicious.”

Although Jade had become more subdued, Weiss felt a bit guilty and poured him another drink.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. You were unconscious and didn’t know anything. It’s normal not to feel anything for her.”

“No, honestly, I’m a bit scared too.”

Earlier, the Hall’s screen had displayed news: the Tuners had gone to capture Myut, but she escaped badly injured, and a Wanted Order was issued.

Having spent so long with a terrorist, Jade didn’t want to go through it again.

“To be honest, Weiss, I don’t care if it’s embarrassing—look, my hands are still shaking.”

Jade raised his glass, showing his trembling hand.

Maybe because he used to be a [Tank], his abnormal resistance was higher.

Back in the second floor cave room, he was the first to regain consciousness.

When he opened his eyes, he saw Weiss lying beside him.

“Weiss!”

Jade hurried to check her breath—she was just sleeping, with no injuries or abnormalities—so he relaxed.

Though dazed, recalling Myut’s attitude and the milk tea she handed over, plus the strange setup and the stench of gasoline surrounding them, he realized—

Myut was trying to burn him and Weiss alive.

“Can you move?”

Huh?

Jade looked up at the sound.

An Angel.

The gentle voice resembled the one he’d heard while half-conscious.

One of his temporary teammates, the black-haired girl (?), self-named Wolf.

“The Tuners are here. Myut ran. Use the Transfer Crystal to go back.”

Only then did Jade realize there was a Transfer Crystal beside him.

“Th-thanks? You have these too? But they’re so expensive—I can’t pay it back…”

“You don’t need to.”

“Huh?”

Jade made a dumbfounded sound.

The black-haired girl (?) brushed her bangs aside.

“I said you don’t need to pay. It’s a gift. After this, you two should retire and maybe become Guides on the first floor. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

Rich girl!

These two are worth 100,000 R.

Wolf just gave them to us?!

After that, she waved and walked away.

Jade also saw her partner, the annoying handsome guy Scathach, standing by the door with a sword.

“Wait!”

Jade could guess Scathach was standing guard, but he had a thousand questions in his heart.

Why did Myut want to hurt us?

Why are you two unharmed?

How did the hole in the wall appear?

But in the end, Jade asked:

“Will we meet again? Wolf? May I know your real name? Mine is—”

She didn’t stop.

All that was left for Jade was her long, flowing silhouette.

Scathach paused to glance at Jade, but seeing Wolf leave, quickly followed.

Afterward, Weiss woke up holding her head, drew her sword, and asked where Myut was.

In short, the two used the crystal to teleport back to the first floor’s Explorer Hall.

Jade and Weiss discussed quitting the Explorer life.

He felt Wolf’s suggestion was a good one.

This exploration had broadened his horizons, but he also realized he didn’t have the grand ambitions of frontline Explorers—uncovering new floors, pioneering new energy, or seeking the world’s mysteries.

He just wanted to make money.

And now that he had enough, he could quit.

After nearly dying so many times, Jade had no desire to continue.

Surprisingly, Weiss also said she’d quit. Jade insisted she didn’t need to follow him, but Weiss was firm.

No need to copy me like this…

Still, their mindset was commendable.

After surviving death, the two went home, showered, and came here for a luxurious meal—a Retirement Feast.

Jade put down his glass, then suddenly felt someone’s hand on his own.

A small hand, oddly warm and calming.

He realized his hand had stopped trembling.

“No need… to be anxious.”

Weiss, cheeks flushed, pressed his hand.

“I’ll stay with you, Jelor.”

With some awkwardness, she used his real name.

“I feel like… I’m not so scared anymore. Thank you, Collins. You really are my best friend.”

Jade seemed to realize something, poured himself another beer, and gazed thoughtfully out the floor-to-ceiling window at the City of Grana’s night view.

“Hmm?”

Weiss—no, Collins—blinked, sensing something odd.

Maybe it was the alcohol, but Jade’s face turned red as he muttered.

“Wolf… is so cute…”

“Hey! What are you thinking? I told you he’s a man!”

Collins panicked.

She’d just been so honest—why hadn’t this guy noticed a thing?

“No, my intuition tells me she’s a beautiful Noble School girl, and that annoying, silent, strong-looking Scathach is her Sworn Protector.”

“Your broken intuition never works! Didn’t nearly dying today wake you up? Wait, don’t tell me you’re about to say…”

Weiss didn’t want to hear what he’d say next.

“I think…”

Jelor rubbed his nose, embarrassed but serious.

“I might have fallen in love.”

“…With who?”

“Wolf.”

Weiss instinctively picked up the heavy, 3kg solid wood chair she was sitting on.