Live Dungeon! Chapter 353: Congratulations on the Clear

It was strikingly apparent the following morning that Hannah was far from well. Her face was flushed, her movements were shaky, and she struggled to remain standing. The events of the previous day had deeply affected her, both emotionally and physically.

"Hannah, you’ve definitely got a fever," Korinna stated.

"I’m fiiine!"

"You ought to take the day to rest. We just conquered a new level yesterday; you’ve certainly earned it."

"I’m truly, completely fiiine!"

Ultimately, she barely ate any breakfast, and Korinna had to carry her up the stairs, laying her down to rest.

Tsutomu’s expression grew somewhat tense as he observed the two women ascend the stairs. He sipped a glass of pulpy orange juice, sitting across from Daryl and Diniel, who both wore uncharacteristically serious expressions.

Amira then leaned in from her seat next to him, her gaze suspicious.

"Hey. Don't tell me this means we're taking the day off too…"

"Hah! As if any of us are that weak."

At her blunt retort, Daryl’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained silent, continuing his meal. Tsutomu, meanwhile, turned to Amira with a gentle yet firm demeanor.

"Amira. You haven’t even visited the ninety-second layer yet. Perhaps you should reconsider your words."

"Huh? Sure, maybe. But it’s not like I’d be depressed as hell like Daryl or start crying like Hannah, y’know? I don’t have some noble conviction or anything. You’re the same. I saw it on the news. They were all over you for not healing the Fenrir correctly."

"I didn't hold back on healing because I WANTED to," Tsutomu responded. "I suspect those reports were from my initial attempts. Even the Rampage Elephant gave us significant trouble back then, you know? And with the Fenrir joining the battle at full health, I just KNEW someone would meet their end. So, I opted not to heal it. That’s all…" He spoke smoothly, but a knot formed in his throat mid-sentence, making his words feel hollow. "…Actually, one more point. If you DO understand how Daryl and the others feel, then you know calling them ‘weak’ isn’t fair. I understand you didn’t mean to insult Hannah, but from their perspective, it could be perceived that way. You genuinely need to cease–"

"Um, Sir Tsutomu? I know she didn’t mean it that way. I’m not offended at all," Daryl interjected.

"Shut up, you damned mutt. Nobody asked for your input with that pathetic look on your face," Amira snapped.

"Actually, I believe you truly meant what you said, Amira," Diniel interjected coldly. "So, you should stop talking if you know what’s best for you."

"What the hell!?"

As Diniel and Amira descended into a heated argument, Tsutomu sat with a tight lump in his throat, as though an obstruction had lodged itself there.

The previous day, he had detached himself from everyone's pain, finding amusement in it. But witnessing Hannah actually confined to bed, her body weakened by the emotional trauma… that was no longer something he could jest about. Logically, he WAS aware that such conduct was not highly regarded in this world. That was precisely why he had made the conscious decision to find a quiet, secluded place to watch the broadcast alone. It had been for his personal amusement.

And now, any remorse he felt witnessing his comrades' suffering seemed self-serving, at best. Even his recent words to Amira felt insincere, causing him to falter. Was he genuinely acting kindly simply because it was the morally correct action, or was it merely his own half-hearted attempt at alleviating that guilt?

[And honestly, I can’t even discern which reality is the true one anymore…]

Amidst the lingering tension, the remaining Clan members concluded their breakfast. One by one, they proceeded upstairs to prepare for their subsequent journey to the Guild. Tsutomu, whose only real preparation involved donning his customary robe, was the first to re-enter the living area. There, he commenced an inventory of the supplies Ollie had arranged for the day’s expedition.

"Umm…"

"Hmm?"

Tsutomu was in the process of counting Potion vials when he glanced back… and saw Daryl weeping. Startled, Tsutomu froze. Daryl hastily wiped his eyes with his sleeve, visibly embarrassed.

"A-ah, I’m sorry, I…"

"No, it’s alright. What’s troubling you?"

"…I hadn't realized. You were hurting too, weren't you?"

"Huh?"

Tsutomu blinked, failing to grasp the boy's meaning. But Daryl continued to speak, his voice quivering, tears still streaming down his face.

"When you said all that earlier… I could tell you've had to put on an act this entire time. You didn’t want to refrain from healing the Fenrir. But I… I thought you’d do something like that without hesitation. I even believed the reports in the newspapers…"

"Hey, wait a moment–"

"But I was mistaken. You actually absorbed the danger to keep everyone safe. And I… I wrongly accused you. I even perceived you as a cold-hearted strategist, but in truth, the truly cruel one… was me. Had we confronted the Fenrir under those circumstances, our chances would have been zero. Yet, you made the difficult choice for our benefit."

"Uh, Daryl, you're venturing into a lot of assumptions there," Tsutomu stated plainly, with absolute sincerity.

However, Daryl responded with a gentle smile, his eyes still glistening with unshed tears.

"Naturally, you would say that. Nevertheless, I desired understanding. I am profoundly sorry for my prior treatment of you. And best of luck with the ninety-first layer!"

"Wait, hold on. Our conversation isn't concluded."

"It's alright. Truly. I am fine now."

"In what way is this 'fine'!? Don't unilaterally decide everything, man!"

Tsutomu attempted to restrain him, but Daryl was already moving away, his demeanor calm and resolute. Despite Tsutomu's protests, he showed no inclination to halt his departure. Driven by desperation, Tsutomu lunged forward and grasped Daryl's shoulder… but it was akin to a child attempting to impede an adult's progress. Daryl, after all, was a larger individual, his muscles hardened like rock from years of rigorous training and combat.

Recognizing the futility of sheer force, Tsutomu shifted his stance, latching onto Daryl's waist, and shouted as he held on tightly.

"GARM! HELP! THIS FOOL IS ESCAPING!!"

His voice echoed throughout the Clan House, and within ten seconds, Garm came bounding down the stairs.

…Yet, upon witnessing Tsutomu being pulled across the floor by the substantially larger Daryl, even Garm faltered, a look of bewilderment on his face, uncertain whether to intervene or to stifle a laugh.

▽▽

Ultimately, Tsutomu had, by some means, managed to dispel Daryl's misunderstanding. However, despite this, it wasn't a complete resolution. An underlying current of guilt still persisted as he made his way to the Guild with his present party.

"On that note," Amira remarked with a mischievous grin as they waited in the queue at reception, "you can't even defeat Daryl, can you? …Which implicitly means, you stand no chance against ME either."

"If you're targeting me with raw power, I'll have Garm and Amy acting as my guardians. I'll 'triumph' quite adequately."

"What a coward."

"Victory is the ultimate goal. Style points hold no value."

The exchange between the two continued with their typical sharp banter and confident smirks. A short while later, subsequent to formalizing their party contract, Tsutomu offered a casual wave of greeting to a woman distinguished by conspicuously large rabbit ears and a corresponding vivacious personality.

"Hey, Lorena. Congratulations on the clear."

"Why so nonchalant!? And wait… what!? Is that all!? You truly have nothing more to say!?"

"Ah, certainly. The ninety-first layer presents an even greater challenge, so best of luck."

"Hold on, wait, wait! Seriously!? After all the hardship we endured to conquer it, that's your only remark!? Sure, the onlookers were all acting as if, ‘Oh, about time,’ but YOU are expected to respond like a genuine friend!"

"Didn't we already engage in a pre-celebration?"

"……"

Lorena regarded Tsutomu, rendered speechless, her fists trembling slightly before her chest. Tsutomu offered a sheepish smile and raised his hand in a gesture of mild appeasement.

"Calm down, I'm merely teasing you. As I mentioned during our pre-celebration, it was only a matter of time. I always anticipated you would successfully overcome it."

"Hmph, I am NOT persuaded…"

"I mean, while Silver Beast isn't precisely a titan, observing your consistent efforts to mend your weak spots, I surmised you'd manage just fine, you comprehend?"

"Oh, really?"

Lorena crossed her arms and turned away, clearly displeased. Nevertheless, Tsutomu did not wish to keep Garm and the others waiting. He gave her a brief nod and began to depart… only to hear a pained sound from behind him, the sort of muffled yelp one makes after stubbing their pinky toe against a dresser corner.

"–Hnggghhh!!!"

He pivoted around in confusion to find Eunice on the floor, clutching her hand, her face contorted in agony. Tsutomu blinked, utterly bewildered, as she slowly stood, eyes watery, and pointed at him with her left hand.

"Why is there a [ barrier surrounding you!? I just sprained my finger because of it!"

"It serves as a defensive measure. Against rogue SCOUNDRELS like yourself."

"My intention was merely to gain your attention!"

She had, in fact, simply attempted to lightly tap him on the back to offer a greeting, unaware that Tsutomu had maintained a [ barrier around himself.

"Oh wow, you're correct. He IS protected."

Lorena, ever adept at adapting, lightly tapped his shoulder a few times, confirming the presence of the barrier for herself. Tsutomu sighed and brushed her hand away with the weariness of someone who had already resigned himself to a series of absurdities.

"Listen, I must depart now. If I delay my party excessively, it may disrupt our planned schedule. Lorena, would you kindly manage this fool for me?"