Published: January 22, 2026
Having escaped the Great Labyrinth, we returned to our usual room at the clan headquarters.
On the way back, the three of them remained silent, not a single word spoken.
After confirming that the three had taken their seats, I spoke to them.
“...Today was unfortunate. But don’t misunderstand. Today’s outcome was never because your skills were lacking. It was just bad luck, that’s all. Again—”
“No, it’s not!!”
Just as I was about to say we can try again, Carole burst out loudly.
“I ran ahead on my own again. Even though the master told me to cooperate with the two of you...! And yet, I was quickly incapacitated... I caused so much trouble for you both... If only I had worked with you, we might have gotten through it... Today’s loss is my fault...”
“It’s not Carole’s fault! I was the one who froze at the sight of that big guy at first. I should have charged at him alongside Carole! Then she wouldn’t have been taken down so easily! I could have supported with magic, but I did nothing until Carole was defeated... If I had been more reliable... this loss is my responsibility...!”
“You’re both not at fault! It’s me! As the rear guard, I should have been the first to attack, but I couldn’t do anything. Even after Carole was taken down, I couldn’t move for a while... I put a burden on you two. And in the end, I was the one with the widest field of vision; I should have grasped the battle situation. I didn’t even realize the big guy had regained consciousness and ended up like a hostage... I did nothing right today!”
“That’s not true! You took down the big guy, but because I started the fight without knowing the situation, Sophie’s attention was drawn over here!”
“If that’s the case, then I should have dealt with the whip guy alone! Then Carole wouldn’t have had to push herself so hard!”
“No, it’s because I was pathetic that Log had to step forward! If I had been reliable, we could have fought while keeping our distance together!”
“I—”
“I—”
“I—”
All three were insisting it was their own fault.
“—Calm down a bit.”
When I spoke, they all stopped arguing.
“I think what you’re saying isn’t wrong at all.”
At my words, their faces drooped with disappointment.
“None of us here are satisfied with today’s outcome, and we all strongly felt our lack of ability. Myself included.”
“How could that be! Master helped us—”
“In the end, yes. But if the fight had continued as it was, we all might have died. In that regard, we were lucky. Today, we all tasted defeat. But we’re all alive. If you have life, there’s a next time. Each of you probably has regrets. So, let’s use this defeat as fuel to become stronger—both in heart and body. So there won’t be any more regrets.”
“““Yes.”””
They all raised their heads and spoke with determination.
Their eyes were blazing fiercely.
◇
I wanted to stay by their side now, but I had to act quickly, so I told them I would come back after a while and headed to the leader’s office.
The leader, who is often busy and out, happened to be at headquarters — perfect timing.
Normally, I should report to Ms. Selma first, but since she was away on a business trip, I went straight to the leader.
After knocking on the door and stating my name, I was told to enter, so I stepped inside.
“Sorry to bother you, leader.”
“No problem. I also have something to tell you, so this is just right. But first, let me hear about Orun.”
“Understood. Earlier, the tenth squad from the exploration management department made contact with members of Amuntzarse during their push through the thirtieth floor of the Great Labyrinth.”
“What!? Are the kids okay!?”
The leader slammed the desk and stood up vigorously, firing questions.
“We managed to intervene just in time, so none of the three were physically injured. But their mental state needs to be monitored.”
“...I see. For now, that’s a relief. I promise to do everything possible for their mental care. Thank you for protecting them.”