Others Are Hell.

As social creatures, humans inevitably clash with others in relationships.

Environmental factors only intensify these conflicts.

The gloomy mine tunnels perfectly fit such conditions.

“I’m still curious—did you run into marsh gas monsters that ignited ghost flames, causing chain explosions? These blasts don’t look like typical dust explosions.”

The mission details stated two teams, three solo adventurers, and one guild-hired professional had been assigned to maintain order at Brownrock Mine. Fourteen people total.

“That’s right,” Luna replied. The other two adventurers stayed silent, their fear from the massive explosion still raw. “We reached the stone hall from the briefing and faced swarms of crystal-armored lizards. Not only were we surrounded by flammable gas, but thick crystal dust coated everything. If our leader, Iest, hadn’t covered our retreat… we’d never have escaped.”

“Tch. So the guild and local authorities didn’t send anyone familiar with the tunnels to guide you?” Mei Yige walked boldly at the front, scrutinizing the visibly guilty adventurers. *What shady deeds did they pull?* She’d reviewed the mission file beforehand: thirteen adventurers plus one guild specialist. Yet only six emerged—including these three who refused to re-enter. Eight should still be inside.

But these three stammered about the exact headcount, their evasiveness screaming guilt. Mei Yige just hoped for a shred of useful intel.

*[I hope my unseen colleague is unharmed.]*

Anyone radiating that familiar Hero-like aura made her question whether their actions truly honored the bonds of comradeship.

“Actually… I…” Jess started.

“Hmm?”

“N-nothing…” Jess fell silent after Luna pinched her arm—a clear warning.

Mei Yige saw it all. *Oh, there’s definitely something rotten here.*

“No need to fear ghosts or ghouls. Though I’m the guild’s Magic Consultant, I’m actually a Priestess. Any spirit foolish enough to cross me would regret it.”

“A Priestess… you?!” Luna paled, memories of the stone hall monster flooding back. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?!”

“You never asked. Is the situation inside truly beyond a Priestess who handles spirits *and* heals wounds?” Mei Yige’s heart leaped with delight. *That expression—perfect!* She adored watching liars squirm, trapped between panic and the need to hide their lies. *What will you say next?*

*[Your next line: ‘Of course you can handle it. I’m just shocked the guild’s Magic Consultant is a mere Priestess. Can’t they hire proper mages?’]*

“I’m merely… surprised a backwater guild like this would appoint a Priestess as Magic Consultant. Remote areas really are remote…”

*Well, miscalculated. And with regional prejudice too.* Mei Yige sighed inwardly.

“Results matter. The guild values practicality. Besides Iest, who else is inside? After such explosions, finding intact bodies might be impossible.” She summoned a soft glow from her staff to light the path, finally pressing for details. This wasn’t a recovery mission—it was fact-finding. She’d need a report afterward.

*[Now that you know I’m ‘just’ a minor magic user, will you make excuses to flee?]*

She was indulging them only to confirm their betrayal. Once proven? She wouldn’t mind turning this mine into their makeshift graveyard. Old shadows haunted her; she’d never been a saint. The lives she’d ended—human and Demonic Being alike—defied counting.

“A few veteran adventurers… six, I think…” Luna’s voice wavered. “Jess, my stomach hurts. Walk with me?”

*Predictable.* Mei Yige smiled faintly at the “ailing” adventurer. *How dull.*

“Shall I wait?”

“Caddie, take her ahead. Stay cautious.”

“I… alright.”

No one noticed Mei Yige’s subtle shift in demeanor. They still saw her as just another replaceable guild clerk. *A Priestess for exorcisms and healing? What hope do we have against that thing that killed Blau so easily?* The explosion wouldn’t have stopped it. Charging in now was suicide—and if the guild discovered they’d abandoned their specialist…

Their guilt wasn’t about leaving Iest behind. It was about snatching the unconscious Sami during their escape, dumping her at the stone hall’s exit to buy time. Investigations could uncover that. Who knew what recording spells mages kept?

Evil thoughts sprouted in the suffocating dark.

“Fine. Let’s proceed. Avoid open flames.” Mei Yige strode ahead with Caddie, unguarded. *I misjudged them.*

“By the way, your name is…”

“Call me Mei.”

“Understood, Miss Mei. I’m Caddie. Iest is an old friend. If possible… please save him.”

An unexpected ally. Caddie’s honesty earned Mei Yige’s respect. *Not all of them are rotten.*

“Explain.”

*Fun’s back.* She almost grinned.

“We faced something terrifyingly powerful. Iest triggered the explosion to let us escape. Also…” Caddie lowered his voice. “The guild *did* send someone with us. But she’s missing. I’m not sure we’ll find her alive.” He spilled everything, desperate for a professional’s help to save Iest. Childhood friends didn’t deserve to vanish without a trace—even if Iest would never forgive what he’d done.

“I see… The mission’s clearer now. We’re here.” Mei Yige halted before a rubble-blocked passage, unmoved.

“This is it, but it’s sealed…” Caddie’s calm frayed as he scanned for Sami’s traces. Remembering Mei Yige’s guild affiliation, he forced himself steady. He’d omitted how Luna abandoned Sami. If Sami woke up and saw them as attackers… Worse, mages retained awareness while unconscious. She’d *know* they’d betrayed her. Panic urged him to push Mei Yige to clear the dust.

The “Priestess” simply raised a hand, smiling toward the stone wall behind them.

“So… can you lower your bow now, miss?”

Invisible arrows materialized alongside the “ailing” Luna and trembling Jess.