Jack of All Trades, Party of None

“Orun Dura, you’re being kicked out of the party as of today.”

I couldn’t believe my ears.

As usual, after finishing the exploration of the Great Southern Labyrinth, we had just returned to the mansion we rented as our party base. While checking the magic stones and drops from the demonic beasts we obtained today, the party leader Oliver suddenly announced my dismissal.

This was a bolt from the blue...

“...What kind of joke is this?”

“It’s no joke. Until now, we kept you in the party because you were an old friend from the same village. But your abilities aren’t enough to fight in the floors ahead. To put it bluntly, you’re lacking in skill. So, we’re having you leave the party.”

Currently, this party has reached the 94th floor of the Great Southern Labyrinth, where no one has ever reached the deepest floor—the 100th floor.

This party is the only one in history to have reached the 94th floor.

Having achieved this unprecedented record, the party is called the hero party and draws a lot of attention from many people.

“I understand my skills are insufficient. But that applies to all party members. At this rate, we won’t be able to go any further—”

“That’s because your support magic is weak as hell!”

Derrick, the party’s shield, interrupted my conversation with Oliver.

“...Weak?”

I do realize that my support magic is less effective than that used by other enchanters. That’s precisely why I developed several original magics to compensate for this flaw.

Thanks to that, I’ve been able to survive even after the 91st floor and into the deeper layers.

I have no reason to be called weak.

“Huh? You don’t even realize you’re weak? Haha! I never thought you’d be this shameless! The only reason you’ve made it this far as an explorer is because the rest of us were excellent!”

I learned for the first time what it truly means to be dumbfounded.

Derrick, seeing me speechless in disbelief, wore a triumphant grin.

Did he think I couldn’t argue because he hit the nail on the head?

“We didn’t fully understand how important enchanters were. That’s why we let you stay in the party even though you could only use low-level magic. But during last month’s joint hunt, we finally grasped how crucial enchanters really are. Feeling like my body became as light as a feather, with power and defense rising so much—I never imagined real support magic could be that amazing!”

Just as Derrick finished speaking, Oliver, as if recalling that moment, started talking with sparkling eyes.

Last month, a dragon suddenly appeared on the surface.

Because it needed to be defeated quickly, three S-rank parties joined forces for the hunt.

That must have been the joint hunt last month.

Among the members who participated in the joint hunt was a genius hailed as the continent’s greatest enchanter.

Compared to her, my support magic might seem unsatisfactory.

But,

“I’m not a professional enchanter. Of course, I’m inferior to a professional. That’s why I developed original magics—”

“Stop making excuses!”

Derrick cut in again. Listen to people until they finish!

“You converted to an enchanter because your swordsmanship was worse than Oliver's! And what matters for explorers are the results! The process means nothing! No matter your background, you’re now an enchanter in the party, and your skills are inferior! You’re not in a position to complain!”

“We are the hero party. We have to move forward. We’ve already found a replacement enchanter for you.”

What Derrick said was true, but there’s a right way to say things.

Is this how you treat comrades with whom you’ve shared hardships?

Still, I understood that to them, I was no longer needed.

If my successor has already been decided, then this place is no longer my home.

“...Alright, I’ll leave. Thanks for everything so far.”

Saying that, I turned my back and started to leave the mansion.

“Finally you’re leaving! Ah, what a relief!”

Aneli, the mage who had only made scornful expressions towards me until now without saying a word, spoke with satisfaction.