Published: January 22, 2026
“…Did we win?”
“Yeah…! It’s our victory!”
“We did it!”
“Hahaha, we finally won!”
The four of them had tears in their eyes, each expressing their emotions in their own way.
It’s really great… Everyone’s efforts have paid off.
I stepped away from the group to retrieve the schwarzhase.
As an outsider, it’s better if I’m not around them right now.
This is their moment alone.
Still, the demonic sword unification (alteration) definitely has room for improvement.
There’s too much lag in the shape shifting. The form isn’t stable. It lacks endurance. And there are countless other issues.
Well, it’s a matter of trial and error.
After storing the schwarzhase, I crouched on the spot and checked the magic stones and dropped items.
Of course, compared to taking the entire corpse, it’s less, but since the severed tail and legs were included, the amount obtained is pretty good, right?
It should be enough to craft several weapons and pieces of armor.
“What, you’re sitting here all alone? Orun, come join us!”
Suddenly, Will wrapped his arm around my neck from behind, his tone cheerful.
“…I can’t. I don’t share the same deep feelings about this battle as the four of them do. Me joining in would be out of place.”
Honestly, I want to join.
I want to celebrate with everyone together.
But as a newcomer who didn’t even know about the previous defeat, I don’t have that right.
I’m afraid of being rejected by others.
I don’t know why.
But my heart, my feelings, fear it.
If I get rejected by them now, I’ll definitely get hurt.
So, it’s better not to get too close in the first place.
“You’re not out of place. You’re an important comrade to me. Time doesn’t matter. Even if you don’t have years of feelings, you fought alongside us like this. That alone is enough reason. Let’s keep doing our best together from now on!”
“That’s right. I kind of sensed that you weren’t stepping on us too much, but since this is a good opportunity, let me say this: you don’t have to be afraid. No matter what kind of person you are, I can accept you.”
“Orun’s really smart~. You probably think about a lot more things than me, but at times like this, I think it’s best to keep it simple! Just think about what you want to do!”
“As for me — we all like the person Orun Dura is. At first, sure, it was because he was a former hero party member, or a dragon slayer, that kind of thing. But after spending this past month with Orun, I truly want to keep forming a party together regardless of all that. No matter what anyone says, Orun is our precious comrade!”
Their words deeply touched me.
My mind went blank.
But my heart felt strangely warm, as if filled with something comforting.
“Huh…?”
I realized tears were streaming down my face.
“…Looks like the real Orun has finally started to show. If you’re going to say something, isn’t now the time?”
“Yeah.” “Right.” “Mhm.”
They all nodded in agreement at Ms. Selma’s words.
Not fully understanding, my head wasn’t working well.
“Orun, once again—”
““““Welcome to the silver rabbits of the night sky!!!!””””
Everyone smiled broadly as they spoke.
Maybe I’ve finally found my place.
Wiping my tears, I stood up and looked at them.
“I might cause some trouble from now on, you know? Don’t blame me if you regret letting me join.”
“Hah, as if I’d regret it.”
“Being the ‘perfect younger brother’ is nice and all, but there are lonely parts too. So go ahead and depend on your big sisters as much as you want!”
“If it’s about causing trouble, Will and I won’t lose either! We’re free spirits, after all!”
“No difference there. —But I absolutely refuse to be treated the same as you! I’m somewhat better than you!”
“Ehh~ We’re the same!”
Will and Lucre started their usual banter.
What Dad said was true.
(Dad, I’ve made friends too — comrades.)
◇
“Finally, we’re here!”
Lucre cheered happily.
We stepped into the 93rd layer.