I didn’t know what Anjelit wanted to say to me, but I felt a strong resistance welling up inside—resistance to letting her say it.

This feeling had no source. It defied my will completely.

So I spoke first.

"Let me go first."

"Mm, alright."

Anjelit nodded without hesitation. After all, I’d spoken first.

But the moment I finished, her expression turned troubled.

"An… jel," I stumbled, still unused to the name. "Back in the Sanctuary, you said we were best partners and would stay together forever… I know it was just a joke. But I’ve thought long and hard about it. I’ve faced this question head-on. And now… I have my answer."

I bowed deeply to her—a perfect ninety-degree angle.

"I’m sorry. We’re not best partners. And we won’t stay together forever…"

"Ah… oh…" Anjelit nodded, her expression unreadable.

"But," I straightened up, locking eyes with her. "I really like being with you. Even when you bully me…"

"Oh-ho~~~ So I bully you, do I~~~?"

Anjelit grinned cutely, her tone rising playfully. A system alert flashed in my mind: *Intimidation skill active. Defense reduced.*

Instantly, I started shivering uncontrollably.

"Can you turn off that ‘Intimidation’ skill first? I’m not done talking…"

"…Continue." Anjelit clasped her hands behind her back, her expression smoothing over.

My defense stat returned—though I barely had any to begin with.

"…I love being with you. Truly. Deeply. You might not know how dull my life was before. Every day, I could only find joy in the internet and my own fantasies…"

"What’s ‘internet’?" Anjelit interrupted for the second time.

Annoyed, I ignored her. "After coming here, I met you. We went through that duel mess and the Hero class certification. We teamed up… You declared yourself captain, the boss. That I should obey you. But after days together, I see no leadership in you. We’re not like superior and subordinate…"

"Are you doubting my leadership or insulting me?!" Anjelit cut in again for the third time. I glared at her, frustrated.

"Will you stop interrupting?! Pay attention to the mood! I’m being heartfelt here!"

"…Oh. Ah…"

She shrank back and nodded. This was the second time I’d snapped at her today. Strangely, she didn’t get angry.

"…Uh, where was I?"

"You said I’m unfit to be captain."

"Right… So. I think you’re unfit to be captain…"

"You *are* looking down on my leadership!" Anjelit planted a hand on her hip, jabbing a finger at my nose, ready to scold.

I don’t know where I found the courage, but I flicked her forehead hard.

She yelped, clutching her head, shouting she’d behead me.

"Enough! Let me finish!"

"I don’t want to listen!" Anjelit yelled, turning to leave.

I rushed forward and grabbed her wrist. She froze.

"Listen, Anjel. You’re smart. And kind… always have been…"

"Not kind at all!"

"No, no—if you weren’t kind, you wouldn’t have used that absurd duel method just to give me a chance. That was your concession, wasn’t it? You wouldn’t have given me a silver coin for class certification. Or teamed up with me willingly…"

"I just…" She huffed, avoiding my gaze. "I saw a pathetic drowned rat! Hmph! You’re just a dog to me! Disappointed?"

I fell silent. She glanced back at me, worry flickering in her eyes.

I smiled faintly.

"Anjel… you’ve always been like this. That’s why you draw me in so much…"

Was this a confession?

I didn’t know…

My thoughts felt tangled today. Especially after the old priest’s words and seeing Anjelit’s level rise again.

I felt strong affection for her—whether it was "love," I couldn’t say. Still, I pressed on.

"I love being with you. So, after all that… my answer to your earlier question is this: We’re not best partners. Just… adequate ones. Our levels are too far apart. My strength can’t help you at all. ‘Partner’ is too generous a word for me…"

"We can’t stay together forever. We’ll have to part sometimes. Like when you need the privy. Or when I need to pull monsters… Or…"

My teeth clenched. My eyes shut tight without realizing.

When I opened them again, only dejection remained.

"Or… when you become a Temple Knight. When you leave the Village of Egramote newbie village…"

Successful class changes and reaching certain levels teleported adventurers to new zones.

Just like an RPG. The first map couldn’t satisfy players forever. New storylines had to begin.

This world’s rule was simple: newbie villages existed for those content with quiet lives. But escape was possible. One condition? A successful class change.

*What a strange world. Why so many troublesome rules?*

"You… already knew?" Anjelit turned fully toward me, her gaze darting away.

I nodded.

"Mm. I saw it written on the Sanctuary walls."

"…Since you brought it up, I might as well say what I meant to tell you." Anjelit met my eyes, unwavering.

"I want to leave Egramote village. I’m a true adventurer—not trash hiding in a newbie village, clinging to low levels for comfort. To me, an adventurer *lives* the journey! Even if it’s wrong, I’ll follow my will. I’d rather die somewhere on the road than regret staying. Also, Rog… I told you once. My greatest wish is to become a Temple Knight. No one will stop me. Not even you…"

*No regrets…?*

What a radiant girl…

Was this the willpower that got her to level fifteen at just sixteen?

Unshakable conviction.

Remember: newbie villages offered only basic gear. No XP boosts. Grinding from scratch to her level was extraordinary. Others near her level were nearly forty.

"…Ha…" I took a deep breath, forcing a bitter smile. "I understand…"

"Thank you."

"Don’t thank me. Don’t apologize either. If I hesitated before about keeping you here… I don’t anymore. Honestly? I’ll miss you. But in the end… we’re just not the same kind of people… Huh?"

Anjelit grabbed my collar. She stood on tiptoe, arm raised, face flushed with anger.

"Don’t belittle yourself! I hate people with no drive!"

"But I—"

"You’re the Hero! Chosen by the Goddess! I won’t let you disrespect yourself! And what I said that first day… it wasn’t idle talk!"

*Even if the Hero class means nothing in this peaceful age… I’m still the Hero. I must fulfill my duty… right?*

"Rog. I’m happy you like me… But I’m still leaving the newbie village. I’ll wait to meet you again out there. Don’t disappoint me… okay?"

She searched my eyes, seeking confirmation.

My throat tightened. Voice thick, I stammered:

"But I never said I *like* you. I just said I don’t want to part. Are you misreading me? Or… is it *you* who likes me more? Just admit it if you do. No need to beat around the bush. Even if I’m po—"

"…" Anjelit fell utterly silent. Dark aura billowed from her.

Then my body began shivering uncontrollably again.

Next thing I knew, I was back on the altar in the Sanctuary. The old priest shook his head wearily at my near-lifeless form and Anjelit, arms crossed, pouting.

"You young ones…" he sighed. "Why won’t you face your own hearts?"

*>*

The alert chimed in my unconscious mind.

I didn’t hear it. Didn’t see Anjelit’s face flush pink. Didn’t see her pretty eyes darting worried glances at me before quickly looking away.

"Hmph!"

Anjelit turned sharply toward the exit.

"Why not wait here for him?" the priest asked.

"He hates nagging. What can I do? I’ll wait outside."

"*Sigh*…"

The old priest’s face creased with sorrow.

"Such unnecessary trouble…"