[This mission was a total waste.]

Aerin trudged through the forest, head hanging low.

[I’m really sorry~~~]

Because of me, the snail shells—proof of the extermination—were all blasted to dust.

[I think seeing my husband’s true strength today is a huge gain.]

Tia walked cheerfully at the front of the group.

[Don’t bother comforting me. Even if I tell old man Gibor I turned the shells to ash, he won’t believe me.]

I, Pupil, walked dejectedly at the very end.

[You should learn to control your strength. Didn’t anyone teach you before??]

Tia turned to me, asking.

[I get it, but I’ve always been like this.]

What lie could I make now? Say, “Sorry, it’s ’cause I transmigrated with a cheat”?

[Forget it. This is fine. Against tough giant monsters or hordes, I’ll rely on you.]

Tia glanced back, giving me an encouraging smile.

[That’s seriously healing, huh.]

I managed a bitter smile in reply.

As I dragged my heavy steps forward, Tia suddenly stopped ahead.

[Wait!]

She raised a hand, signaling halt.

【Rustle... rustle】

A sound came from nearby bushes.

[Ambush by bandits?]

Aerin instantly raised her spear, ready to fight. Tia drew her Magic Staff, chanting.

A blood-soaked figure burst from the bushes—and collapsed.

[Not bandits.]

What bandit flops right away?

[But it’s bad. Check quickly.]

Aerin jogged forward.

[Familiar face.]

Tia murmured softly.

[Ah!! Yata!!]

Aerin gasped, pulling a healing potion from her belt and pouring it over him.

[You know him?]

I leaned closer. Green light glowed where the potion touched; his bleeding slowed. The wounds didn’t fully heal—likely a low-grade potion. In games, potions healed HP instantly. Reality felt different.

[Bleeding’s stopped, but he’s not awake. This place is unsafe. Take him to the Guild.]

Tia ordered decisively.

[Yes!]

Aerin replied instantly. As a Gold-rank adventurer, Tia’s experience far surpassed ours. Aerin obeyed without question.

I hoisted Yata onto my shoulder. With Tia and Aerin, we jogged back to town.

The Guild had skilled healers. We rushed the unconscious Yata there. Gibor examined him, shaking his head grimly. “Discuss tomorrow. Let him rest tonight.”

Early next morning, I, Aerin, and Tia arrived at the Guild.

[Uncle~~~ How’s he??]

I asked Gibor right after entering.

[Perfect timing. He just woke. I was about to ask what happened.]

Gibor led us upstairs. The Guild’s second floor resembled a hotel, lined with rooms. He guided us to Yata’s.

[Yata! What happened??]

Aerin rushed in as the door opened.

[....................]

Yata sat silent on the bed, tears welling. Only something grave could make a man cry.

[I can guess even without words.]

Gibor stood nearby, face stern.

[What exactly happened??]

Tia glanced at Gibor.

[Yata’s team was sent to wipe out a bandit gang. Looks like they were all wiped out.]

Gibor stated the harsh truth bluntly.

[Yes.... Three teams total. Defeated. I don’t know the casualties. Survivors were captured. I escaped only because the captain sacrificed himself.]

Yata’s voice trembled as he spoke.

[Strange. With your strength, how could mere bandits do this??]

Tia asked, puzzled.

[We underestimated them. They’re no rabble—more like a disciplined mercenary group or army.]

Yata’s voice still shook.

[Deserters from the front lines??]

Aerin suggested.

[Probably.]

【Thud!】

A dull thump echoed. Quiet Tia had punched the wall.

[How dare they live after fleeing the war against the Empire! And doing this here!!]

Her face twisted in rage, teeth clenched.

[Tia.. calm down. We’re not sure they’re deserters.]

Aerin hurried to comfort her.

[Yeah! Yeah!! Cool off first.]

I added quickly.

[What do you know!! Only trained soldiers could wipe out three adventurer teams. One had a Gold-rank!]

Tia shouted at me.

[Well..... I’m clueless, but now we should rescue survivors, not rage.]

I spoke up fast.

[Sorry. I lost control. My husband’s right.]

Tia’s anger cooled slightly after my words.

[Pupil’s correct. Alert the guard squad and remaining adventurers. We must exterminate this gang.]

Gibor headed downstairs to post notices.

[I’ll notify the guards.]

Tia followed him out.

[Yata! Rest well. We’ll handle the rest.]

Aerin helped him lie down.

[Sorry!! I’m useless.]

Tears streamed down Yata’s face as he lay there.

I had no words. Silently, I followed Aerin out.

[Pupil! You’ll help, right?]

Aerin’s eyes brimmed with tears.

[I will.]

No thought needed—I’d help.

[Thank goodness. I knew you would. My best friend’s in their team... I hope she’s alive.]

Tears poured down Aerin’s cheeks.

[She’s alive.]

For now, I’d lend my chest so Aerin could cry freely.