Chapter 94 Want To Get Stronger?
It was the night 3 days after we defeated the Unique Individual Nord.
The explorers who participated in the battle gathered at the guild's conference hall during the day to receive their rewards and listen to the guild's investigation report.
We heard that no new Unique Individuals had appeared after Nord's defeat, and the "Great Outbreak" of monsters had completely subsided. With no need to worry about anything, we decided to throw a party.
We moved to a large tavern, "Drunken Graveyard," which was reserved exclusively for us.
This tavern had a huge hall with many tables and chairs, and could accommodate up to 200 people at once, including the counter seats.
Inside the tavern, our group of 73 people plus 16 others was making a ruckus, raising our voices in excitement and laughter.
By the way, the 16 people included the guild leader, who was our "wallet" for today, and 15 scouts from the guild who had played an active role in the Great Outbreak.
The 73 people, on the other hand, consisted of 72 explorers and Lady Eva.
Among the battle team members, only Lady Eva from the [Four Great Families of the Seals] group had participated, while the other 3 had not.
Anyway, we praised each other's efforts and enjoyed the affordable food at the tavern, drinking high-quality liquor that we had brought from all over.
"――Hey!? What's going on!? I told you to get rid of high-quality liquor beforehand, didn't I?"
The guild leader, a muscular old man with a shaved head and a strong face, was scolding the tavern owner at the counter, his face bright red.
It seemed that he had secretly instructed the owner to only stock up on cheap liquor beforehand.
The tavern owner, who was being scolded, laughed and replied to the guild leader,
"Well, we were told by the sage old man to drink all the liquor we could get, so we stocked up on as much high-quality liquor as possible about 3 days ago... Yeah, it was a real struggle to get so much liquor in such a short time."
"What the...!!"
That's our Io for you.
I saw through the old man's cunning plan and took action beforehand. The title "Sage" isn't just for show, you know.
So, as for me, Io, the strategist――
"Aaron, Lady Fiona, shall we get started?"
We were drinking at the same table, but he seemed to think it was about time, so he stood up and told us, looking at me and Fiona.
"Alright, got it."
I nodded in agreement and stood up as well.
――And as I was about to follow Io, the person sitting next to me didn't get up, so I called out to her.
"......"
"Hey, Fiona."
"I know, I know."
Fiona nodded with a slightly tense expression, then stood up awkwardly.
In battle, it's a different story, but in a situation like this, where everyone's attention is on us, she's not good at handling it. She looks pretty nervous.
Anyway――Io, Fiona, and I moved to a spot in the tavern where we could get everyone's attention, and then Io raised his voice.
"——Sorry to interrupt your fun, but everyone, please listen! We have something important to say!!"
"What is it?"
"Is this some kind of entertainment?"
The noisy store fell silent, with questioning voices dying down.
Before long, everyone's attention was focused on Io. He confirmed it, then opened his mouth again.
"Today, I have an important announcement regarding the future of our ≪Labyrinth Conquest Team≫. I've already told the clan members, but I want to share it with all of you who participated in this expedition as well."
Io looked around the room, then continued, "Actually..."
"Our ≪Labyrinth Conquest Team≫ has decided to disband after defeating Nord!"
The store erupted into a commotion.
"Disband?"
"What, seriously?"
"What's going on? Did someone die during the expedition or something?"
The questions were mixed with confusion and doubt.
The reason for the clan's disbandment has 2 sides: the surface-level reason and the real reason that can't be revealed. Among them, the real reason――that the [Four Great Families of the Seals] didn't want us to conquer the labyrinth――can't be disclosed here.
We don't have any concrete evidence to back it up, anyway.
The explorers outside the clan don't even know that there was a mastermind behind the previous Stampede. If I say it here, it'll just sound like baseless slander or a cheap conspiracy theory. So, I can't say it out loud.
"What's the reason for the disbandment, Aaron?"
"Let me explain it."
I said, raising my hand to interrupt Io's words.
We can just give the surface-level reason, but it's a bit frustrating to admit it.
I mean, isn't that right?
Disbanding the clan due to lack of combat power? That's like making a fool of the deceased clan members and us.
Just looking at the fact that we set up a teleportation circle on the 46th floor, or considering that we fought against Judas and the attackers, or that we defeated the unique individual Nord, the core of the "Great Outbreak"――those aren't achievements that can be easily dismissed. It's not like anyone could have done the same.
To dismiss our hard work and efforts with just the phrase "lack of combat power" is... well, it's just too much.
So, I said it with a serious, solemn expression.
"To be honest, it's just between us, but..."
It's not because of a lack of combat power, but because there's a convincing reason to disband the clan.
"The [Four Great Families of the Seals] are facing financial difficulties, it seems..."
The explorers were shocked, their faces filled with disbelief.
"Wait, what...?"
"No way, seriously...?"
"I've never heard of such a thing...?"
"Ah, Mr. Aaron, what are you talking about?!"
I continued to explain in more detail.
"It's unbelievable, but it's a fact... The Labyrinth Conquest Team, established with the backing of the [Four Great Families of the Seals], had received all sorts of support, including storage rings and potions, but it seems that even their expenses had become too much to handle... In reality, it's clear that they disbanded halfway through their goal, so I think the truth is obvious."
"What's going on, Mr. Aaron?"
I said this with a painful tone, and the explorers exchanged glances and opinions.
At first, there were skeptical and negative opinions flying around, but as they faced the fact of the clan's disbandment, the opinion that "maybe it's true" started to gain traction.
"When you think about it... it's true, there's no way they'd disband a clan they established with such fanfare without a reason."
"But didn't they have financial difficulties? I mean, it's the [Four Great Families of the Seals] we're talking about."
"No, but I heard that the Caduceus family's financial situation is pretty bad. Apparently, the head of the family is really wasteful."
"I also heard something similar about the Gridavor family. Apparently, their head is also spending a lot of money on their hobbies."
"Ugh, it's true. I heard that the head of the Kirke family is using high-priced healing potions as hair growth treatments."
"What?! Healing potions that can reattach severed limbs?! Even advanced explorers can't afford those! Using them as hair growth treatments is insane...!"
"So, it's possible that they really did have financial difficulties...?"
"Aaron, what's going on?"
As I watched the explorers discuss among themselves, Io suddenly appeared with a puzzled face and asked me.
"It's nothing, just a simple prank, I suppose."
Well, I hadn't planned on saying something like this from the start, so I was worried that they might object... but it seems that my worries were unfounded.
Io forced a wry smile.
"Ugh, I see... It's a pain, but... Hmm, well, it's not all bad."
With that, Io took a step forward.
Maybe Io was thinking the same thing as me.
"Everyone, listen up! Our team, ≪Labyrinth Conquest Team≫, has been forced to disband due to financial difficulties with the [Four Great Families of the Seals]!!"
"Mr. Io!? What are you planning to do now!?"
"But It's a shame to disband a large-scale clan like this, which we couldn't have formed under normal circumstances! And considering we've gathered members from outside the clan to cooperate in defeating Nord, I think we can achieve something big! So, I'd like to propose to everyone gathered here! Let's establish a new clan to replace ≪Labyrinth Conquest Team≫!!"
The moment Io said that, the explorers were once again filled with excitement.
On the other hand, the Guild Master, who was like a dog accustomed to power, was gazing at us with a wary eye, still grasping the shop owner's chest.
If we were to create a clan aiming to conquer the labyrinth, they would probably try to interfere immediately.
But don't worry.
The clan we're going to create is completely different.
Io continued, gesturing to me standing beside him.
"You all know that Aaron Gale, standing here, is called ≪Extreme Sword≫, right? And those who participated in defeating Nord shouldn't have any doubts about Aaron's abilities!"
"Yeah, well..."
"He might be the real ≪Extreme Sword≫ or an imposter, but there's no denying the strength we've seen with our own eyes."
"Even if the real ≪Extreme Sword≫ existed, it's not like they could surpass Aaron's strength."
Next, Io introduced Fiona standing beside me.
"And as for Lady Fiona's strength, I think those who witnessed that battle wouldn't have any objections, right?"
"'Sword Dance Maiden' huh... I mean, the 'Sword Dance Maiden' during the Nord subjugation was amazing, wasn't it?"
"That's not just amazing, it's incredible! She can even hold her own against ≪Extreme Sword≫!"
"As expected of my dear big sister...!!"
Io, who had introduced me and Fiona, now asked everyone with a serious tone.
"Is there anyone who can figure out what these two have in common?"
"What do they have in common?"
"Hmm, is it because they're both Swordsmen?"
"That's about all I can think of..."
"No, wait a minute... Could it be... the wooden sword?"
"Ah... now that you mention it, both ≪Extreme Sword≫ and 'Wooden Sword Princess' fight with wooden swords, don't they?"
――Wooden sword.
The moment those words were spoken, Io nodded vigorously.
"It seems some of you have figured it out, but I'll give you the correct answer. ――Yes, it's the wooden sword."
When Io gave the correct answer, some people were excited, while others looked puzzled.
"Huh? Wooden sword?"
"What's going on?"
"Wait, what's this all about?"
"Some of you may know that Lady Fiona trained under Aaron and rapidly increased her strength. But few people know what kind of training she underwent to become strong."
Io's words only added to the confusion.
However, Io continued without hesitation.
"The answer is the wooden sword. By creating a wooden sword through a special method and repeatedly fighting with it, she became as strong as she is today. Of course, her talent and effort are also involved, and I'm not saying anyone can become as strong as she is now. But With the training method developed by ≪Extreme Sword≫, I guarantee that anyone can become incredibly strong!!"
Io's voice was firm and assertive.
But his face was slightly pale, and he seemed slightly uncertain.
Yesterday, I had proposed to Io and the others that we create a clan specializing in wooden sword crafting, as we prepare to establish a new clan.
It seems like there's no connection between conquering the labyrinth and the [Four Great Families of the Seals] interfering with us, and yet...
Io and the others partially accepted my proposal.
It's about making the clan's publicly stated goal to create a wooden sword-related project.
However, unfortunately, my proposal wasn't accepted as is, and I had to come up with a reason why we need to make a wooden sword in the first place.
That reason is... to "get stronger".
Once you become an Advanced explorer, you'll almost always be greedy for strength. If you don't have the drive to improve, you can't achieve great things as an explorer. Strength is the most crucial factor in delving deep into the labyrinth.
So, I explained to Io and the others that making a wooden sword is a way to get stronger, a fundamental truth of this world.
Fiona and I will be the proof of that, I said.
Fiona's rapid growth has already become a topic of discussion among some people.
Io and the others nodded, thinking that if we dangle the "method to get stronger" as bait, more explorers will join our clan.
That's why we're now calling out to the explorers here to join our new clan... but Io seemed a bit uncertain yesterday, which bothers me.
In fact, many of the explorers listening to our conversation looked puzzled.
"'The Sage' is saying something weird out of the blue...?"
"What's with the wooden sword? Is he serious?"
"He's been busy lately, maybe he's just tired..."
This won't do.
I sensed that and took a step forward, raising my voice.
"――I won't say anything difficult!!"
Everyone's attention focused on me.
I know that making a wooden sword will make us stronger, so I spoke in a strong, fearless tone, without being intimidated by their gazes.
"What's important is that I know the method to get stronger! If there's anyone here who wants to get stronger than they are now, join our newly established clan! We'll definitely make you strong!! Our new clan, ≪Wooden Sword≫, has only one goal! To become the strongest clan where every individual is a one-in-a-thousand master!! How about it?! Is anyone interested?!"
I looked around at the explorers.
The response was a stunned silence, as if they were holding their breath. However――,
"Whooooaaa!!"
"We're in! Let us join!!"
"Master Aaron! Of course, I'm in too!!"
"Woohoo!! If we can join the same clan as the princess, we'll join too!!"
At first, a few wood sword enthusiasts and weirdos got excited and raised their voices.
Inspired by them, the explorers started discussing among themselves, looking at each other's faces.
"Hey, what do we do?"
"I don't know, what can we do..."
"But, isn't ≪Extreme Sword≫ a clan with 'Sword Dance Maiden' and 'Sage' as members? Maybe it's an amazing clan..."
"Uh, so... does that mean ≪Extreme Sword≫ will train us and make us strong?"
"'Sword Dance Maiden' got strong through the same training, right? So... is this the real deal?"
"Can we join too, even if we're not part of ≪Labyrinth Conquest Team≫? I might join..."
Seeing the explorers' reactions, I gave one final push, raising my voice even more.
After all, these explorers, including me, are all just a bunch of muscle-brained idiots. Instead of coming up with complicated reasons, it's better to just go with the flow.
"――You guys, do you want to get strong (with Wooden Swordsmith)?!"
"...Oh, yeah!! We're definitely going to get strong We'll do it!"
"Hey, ≪Extreme Sword≫!! Can you really make us strong?!"
"If you're lying, we won't forgive you!"
"I'm not lying I swear on my dual names!!"
This 'Wood Sword Meister' name is awesome!
"≪Extreme Sword≫ name, you say?!"
"If you're gonna say that, I'm in too!!"
"A Strongest clan, eh... Hehe, this is gonna be interesting!!"
Most of the reactions were pretty enthusiastic.
Before these guys cooled down, I decided to wrap up the conversation.
"――Alright then!! It's settled! All of you, join the clan!! I don't think anyone would refuse, right?!"
I looked around the store.
No one raised an opposing voice, influenced by the atmosphere.
――It's settled.
"Alright then!! Let's do this We're establishing a new clan, ≪Wood Sword≫ We'll do something big, just you wait!!"
"""Woooohoooo!!"""
The explorers cheered, caught up in the excitement.
This is ridiculous, I thought, and smiled wryly.
――And.
"Hahahahaha!!"
Io was laughing so hard, holding his belly.
"Io...? What's so funny, did something weird happen?"
When I asked, Io wiped away the tears in the corners of his eyes and replied.
"No... I just can't believe you're making everyone join the clan... Aaron, you're really more suited to be the Clan Master than me."
"Huh?"
"We discussed it yesterday, and I was supposed to be the Clan Master, but considering the clan's name is ≪Wood Sword≫, it's more fitting for you to be the Clan Master. I'll step down."
"Huh?"
――That's how it was.
The 72 explorers who participated in the Nord expedition ended up establishing a new clan.
For some reason, I became the Clan Master.
* * *
By the way...
A few days after the establishment of the ≪Wooden Sword≫ clan...
In the Kirke family's mansion, in the lord's office...
"――Milord."
"What is it, Stewart?"
"For some reason, there's a rumor going around that the [Four Great Families of the Seals] are facing financial difficulties..."
"What's going on!?"
"Hmm...?"
Suddenly, a baseless rumor spread among the citizens, and the heads of the [Four Great Families of the Seals] were left scratching their heads for a while――.
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