Pick Me Up!

Light streamed out from the open door of the inn.

I knew in advance what was happening through the message, but it wasn’t the case for Edis.

I looked outside the door and spoke.

“It seems like the new recruits have arrived.”

“I see, then if people like Roderick and Eolka are here, it would be time for a draft…”

“We’re not doing a draft. No need for that, and they won’t even be able to join our party.”

“What?”

“Wait and you’ll see.”

I put down my teacup and stood up from my seat. Then, I went out to the square.

At the entrance of the square’s summoning portal, two men and a woman were gathered.

“Um, could we talk no need for violence…?”

“I don’t want to! He stinks, and you also stink! Understand?”

“What did you say, you b*tch? I’m being nice to you….”

“Just because I’m a woman, you think I’m an easy target? You’re a joke of a man.”

The two immediately drew their weapons.

[‘Majel (★★★)’ shows hostility towards ‘Tashir (★★★)’!]

[‘Tashir (★★★)’ shows hostility towards ‘Majel (★★★)’!]

[Hostile relationship established! Observe the heroes’ interactions carefully!]

As soon as they appeared, what a spectacle.

This is beyond ridiculous, I couldn’t even hold my laughter.

“Hey, by any chance, are you the first ones here?”

A young man with a polished armor and a sword approached me. He seemed more like a boy than a young man. There was a hint of youthfulness in his features.

I replied.

“Yes.”

“I’m Stein Lastov. An apprentice knight. Would you mind if I join you two? These guys don’t listen to me…”

“No way I’d listen. Who asked for a boy like you with an air of arrogance to order us?”

“What did you say?!”

“I agree with that. Who would listen to a spoiled young noble like you? Look at your face you call yourself a knight I bet your mama has a pretty face like that too, how about you bring her to me instead, I would listen to her!”

“I can forgive insults against me, but insults against my parents are unforgivable!”

[‘Stein (★★★)’ shows hostility towards ‘Majel (★★★)’ and ‘Tashir (★★★)’!]

Clang!

Drawing his longsword, Stein rushed at the two.

A standoff between two turned into a standoff between three.

“What’s going on? Why are those people acting like that?”

Edis, who came out late, had a bewildered expression.

“Their personalities don’t match.”

Even among heroes, compatibility exists.

Some heroes gain bonus abilities when put together in a party, while others might decrease each other’s abilities. Still, cases, where hostility was established immediately upon summoning and escalated to actual combat, were rare.

“I’ll teach this arrogant brat some manners!”

The one who took the initiative was Tashir, a man with a somewhat rough appearance.

Tashir’s chain-scythe rotated in spirals as he fired it towards Stein.

Clang!

The chain-scythe collided with an invisible barrier and faltered.

[“What’s wrong with these idiots! Are you crazy? Want to die?”]

Iselle, who appeared belatedly, widened her eyes.

“Who are you?”

[“If I speak for myself, I’m Iselle! I’m the Master’s representative. Don’t get cocky. I’m much older than you guys.”]

“…Master.”

Stein frowned. He seemed to remember something.

[Anyway, don’t fight recklessly in the waiting room. I won’t warn you a second time. You understand?]

“Then keep me away from this noble and that ruffian. We don’t get along. If I were to form a party… I want that guy.”

Majel pointed at me.

Majel, with heavy makeup, wore a dress that hugged her figure. In her right hand, she held a sword with a serrated blade. Regardless, I didn’t seem to be of an age where she would call me “Oppa.”

[You don’t decide the party. The Master does.]

Iselle dismissed Majel’s demand and disappeared with a “poof.”

Following that, the party composition window appeared.

[Forming a party.]

[Drag and drop the heroes!]

[‘Stein (★★★)’ joins ‘Party 3’!]

[‘Majel (★★★)’ joins ‘Party 3’!]

[‘Tashir (★★★)’ joins ‘Party 3’!]

‘Is he trying to form a party with those three?’

Heroes with established hostility are being put together in the same party.

Efficiency was undoubtedly at its worst.

While it’s possible to gradually ease relationships over time, such a thought probably wouldn’t cross Anytng’s mind.

[Open, the rift of time and space!]

So, in such a situation, it’s unlikely that these three will work together, maybe even worse…

I sighed and headed back to the inn.

There was no need to watch any longer. Edis followed and asked.

“Han, where are you going?”

“I need some sleep.”

“What about those people?”

“They won’t be coming back.”

I entered my room in the inn and sat down on the bed.

As expected, the system messages I had anticipated appeared at the top.

[‘Tashir (★★★)’ has entered a state of madness.]

[Ally Attack!]

[‘Stein (★★★)’ is bleeding. Health will decrease periodically.]

[‘Stein (★★★)’ has entered a state of madness.]

[Ally Attack!]

Madness status disorder.

They perceive allies as enemies.

Iselle might be able to stop this in the waiting room, but can’t prevent this on the stage.

[‘Majel (★★★)’ has entered a state of madness.]

[Ally Attack!]

I don’t know exactly what floors they were sent to, but it was safe to assume it wasn’t a low one.

[‘Stein (★★★)’, Eliminated an Ally!]

[‘Tashir (★★★)’ has returned to the embrace of the goddess. His determination will forever be remembered.]

Tashir was the first to die.

Following that, the second death message popped up.

[‘Majel (★★★)’ has returned to the embrace of the goddess. Her determination will forever be remembered.]

[‘Stein (★★★)’ falls into despair. All attributes are reduced by 80%.]

A moment later.

[‘Stein (★★★)’ has returned to the embrace of the goddess. His determination will forever be remembered.]

[‘Party 3’ has been wiped out.]

[You Lose!]

Without finishing a single battle, Party 3 was wiped out.

It was the first wipeout since the previous free 10-draw.

The cost was the deaths of three 3-star heroes.

[Master, would you like to end your connection?]

[Yes (selected) / No]

[Then goodbye!]