Volume 2 Chapter 11 Freedom, Starting Up
When I said "I'll expose the scam and go get it," Toxy said,
"B-but, that loan shark, he's quite famous, you know? He's a big shot in the mafia, part of the Nightfather's executives... He's on a different level from yesterday's small-time thugs."
"Is he strong?"
"Uh, well, I'm not sure..."
Seeing Toxy's confusion, Clay spoke up.
"I know a bit about the Nightfather. It's a dangerous organization. Even in our generation, there were trainees who seemed like small-time thugs. They're mostly members of the Nightfather's lower ranks."
"I see. They must have quite a number of people."
"Yeah. If we're talking about the Iron Rank, there are countless of them, and even those in the Copper Rank class should be strutting around as field leaders. For the combat-oriented executives, it wouldn't be surprising to have those in the Silver Rank."
"What about Gold and Platinum?"
"Uh, well, it's okay if you think of it as money like something you don't have. Normally, it's the rank you get as an honor when you become a guild master when veterans retire."
"Wade-kun, you don't need to worry about platinum rank. There's only one person each in the platinum rank for swords, bows, and torches. You can ignore this."
If that's the case, it's probably safe to assume there are no enemies above the gold rank. It's exciting to think about facing an entirely unknown gold rank enemy, but since the chances of winning are slim, let's leave it for now.
For now, we don't need to dismantle the entire organization, we just need to take down one executive who is a loan shark. A couple of silver ranks should be enough to handle the fight.
"If that's the case, they're not that powerful. With 1-2 silver ranks, 10-20 copper ranks, and countless iron ranks, we can handle it."
As I chuckled and said that, Toxy interjected, "No, that's not okay!"
"That's not what I meant by wanting to involve everyone! I just want to have fun adventuring with everyone and slowly pay off my debt, that's all I need."
"So let's go on this adventure together. Let's do it our way, okay?"
Saying that, Toxy protested, "I didn't mean that!" But the other members felt differently.
"Wade-kun is really amazing after all. ---Of course, I'll follow along. I'll always be by Wade-kun's side no matter what."
"I have to admit, Wade-kun, you truly are remarkable. Your demeanor is always heroic... almost frustratingly so. Of course, I'll join in too."
With Ice and Clay's agreement in sequence, Toxy was left confused, looking around in bewilderment, "Huh? What's going on, everyone?"
Finally, I said.
"Well, for now, we've decided on a plan. Let's ask Toxy too. We're going to take down that loan shark, but are you coming along?"
"...Huh?"
Toxy looked puzzled.
"Oh, um, it's about my debt, right? If I don't join, it won't start, right?"
"Nope. This is a new quest we've given ourselves. Even if one member is missing, the guild won't stop us, it won't come to a halt."
"Huh? Huh? Isn't it strange? It's my debt, right? What happens if I don't join here?"
"We'll handle it ourselves. Toxy, you can take a break. You won't get a share, but we'll help you get rid of the debt on the side."
"...You guys are weird."
I retorted to the dumbfounded Toxy.
"No way. We are the true adventurers. Didn't the instructor at the training school tell us? Adventurers are all about freedom above everything else. Even the king in the truest sense can't control us. We can go anywhere and do anything. That responsibility comes with it."
And then I continued.
"I'm going after that jerk in the Knightfather organization who made a meal out of your parent, Toxy. And, Ice and Clay are betting on me."
Ice smiled, Clay shrugged. Toxy stared at me wide-eyed.
I declare.
"Toxy. You've just joined, so I won't ask this of you yet. But I, we, that's the kind of party we are. Remember that."
Well then, let's go. Saying that as I stood up, I got a "Roger" from the two. Then, Toxy spoke up.
"I'm coming too!"
I look back. Toxy is glaring at me with sharp eyes.
"Alright, I get it! If it won't stop even if I try to stop it, then I won't stop it. But..."
Toxy points at me.
"Wade! I just realized it. You really are a wild boar! And you two are just going along with it!"
So, Toxy continues.
"That's why I'll be the one to calm the party down from now on. If I leave you three alone, you'll rush into dangerous situations and end up dead in no time!"
Somehow, I couldn't help but laugh at those confident words. It's different from our usual bold and daring style, but it's a necessary quality.
It's good to have someone who challenges the leader.
"Hahaha! That might be true. Then, I guess Toxy will be the one to play the role of the brakes from now on."
"Leave it to me. For now, let's hold off on heading to the city without even knowing the name of a moneylender."
"...That's absolutely right."
I sat down quietly. "For now, it seems like the first brake worked," Toxy said with a slight smile.
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