"...We won... right?"
"Yeah...! Our victory!"
"Yayyyyy!"
"Hahaha—we finally did it!"
All four had tears in their eyes—expressing emotions freely.
I'm so glad... Their efforts paid off.
I moved away from the four to retrieve **Schwarz Hase**.
As an outsider—I shouldn't intrude.
This moment belongs to those four alone.
Still—**Magic Sword Union – Alteration** needs work.
Shape-shift lag too long. Form unstable. Duration short. Countless issues.
Trial-and-error ahead.
After storing **Schwarz Hase**—squatted to check magic stones/drops.
Less than full corpse—but severed tail/leg included—decent haul.
Enough for several weapons/armor.
"Why alone? Join us, Orun!"
Will suddenly hooked arm around my neck—cheerful voice.
"...Can't. I lack your four's years of buildup. I'd be out of place."
I really want to join.
Want to celebrate together.
But newcomer me—didn't share last defeat.
No right to intrude.
I fear rejection.
Don't know why.
But heart/emotions fear it.
If rejected now—I'll be hurt badly.
Better not get too close from start.
"Out of place? You're my precious comrade. Time doesn't matter. No shared history—but you fought with us. That's reason enough. Let's keep going together!"
"Yeah... I kinda knew you weren't pushing in too much. But good chance—so let me say it. No need to fear. Whatever you are—I'll accept you."
"Orun-kun's smart~ Probably overthinks compared to me. But times like this—keep it simple! Just think—what do you want?"
"We—I like Orun Dura as a person. At first—ex-Hero Party, Dragon Slayer—reasons like that. But after this month with you—doesn't matter anymore. I truly want to keep partying together. No matter what anyone says—Orun is our precious comrade!"
Their words soaked into my heart.
Mind blanked.
Yet heart filled with warm something—strange feeling.
"Huh...?"
Realized—tears flowing.
"...Finally—real Orun showing through. Only timing to say it, right?"
"Yeah." "Exactly." "Yep."
Three nodded at Selma-san's words.
Head not working—I had no clue.
"Orun—once more—"
"""Welcome to *Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky*!!!!"""
All four beamed—shouted.
Maybe—I finally found my place.
Wiped tears—stood—looked at everyone.
"Might cause trouble ahead? Don't blame me if you regret adding me."
"Hmph—no regrets."
"Overachieving little brother nice—but gets lonely too. Spoil your big sis plenty!"
"Trouble amount—me and Will won't lose! We're free spirits!"
"No way. Refuse equal treatment! I'm slightly better!"
"Ehh~ Same!"
Will and Lucre started usual banter.
Dad was right.
(Dad—I made friends... comrades.)
◇
"Finally here!"
Lucre cheered happily.
We stepped onto the 93rd floor.
93rd: dense forest.
Trees blocked sky—some spots pitch black.
More diverse monsters than previous deep floors.
"More trees than expected. Ambush risk high."
"Yeah. We'll handle later."
"Right—as planned—pull back today."
Goal today: reach 93rd.
Black dragon within expectations—some stamina left for 93rd exploration—but no recklessness.
Four pressed guild cards to 93rd crystal—exited Great Labyrinth.
"Ehehe~ '93' on guild card! Really reached 93rd!"
Lucre ecstatic throughout.
Other three—shoulders relaxed—relieved.
Back at HQ—several members at gate.
Rare—normally no gate guards.
"Welcome back everyone!"
"Yeah—thanks. Why here?"
Selma-san asked—member answered with wry smile: "Couldn't focus on work..."
Makes sense—results mattered.
"So—how was it!?"
One asked tensely.
"Hehe—we reached 93rd."
Rain-san beamed.
Members' faces lit up—shouted—scattered to buildings.
...Messengers for departments?
"Everyone—move to main building soon. Their reactions mean chaos coming. Gate area's noisy—better inside grounds."
"Yeah. Morning noisy too—more here bad."
All agreed—moved to main building.
By arrival—swarmed by many members.
"Congrats for real!"
"Believed you could!"
Members threw various cheers.
I dislike crowds—but this felt good.