Volume 4 Chapter 3 Flower Of Hope
Dahlia and Jostum, taken aback by my rejection, widened their eyes in surprise for a moment.
Immediately after, Jostum narrowed his eyes and glared at me.
"...You could come back to the hero party. Are you really going to throw that away?"
"Who said I wanted to come back? I don't want to return to the hero party at all."
It seems like they are just assuming that I want to go back.
They must have absolute confidence in the value of the hero party.
But I no longer feel that much attraction to it.
Right now, I want to focus more on being a Nurturer than on being an adventurer.
Besides, why would I just follow them when there's a chance I could be used again?
"Then you don't have to come back. If you can restore Dahlia's power as a Nurturer, that's enough."
"That's why I'm telling you to 'get out.' I have no intention of lending you my power at all."
When I showed complete rejection, Jostum's forehead tightened with anger.
However, instead of exploding with rage, he calmed himself and smirked.
"Hah, so you're still holding a grudge about being kicked out. What a cowardly guy."
"...Of course. Why do you think I would lend you my power again after what you did?"
I remember vividly what happened back then, and it pains my heart as I mutter.
"I was insulted by those I thought were my friends and suddenly kicked out of the party. I lost my place and felt so lonely. It's only natural to hold a grudge."
I even thought that I never wanted to get involved with them again.
How could I nod along when they act so high and mighty? I absolutely hate the idea of being used by them again.
I sighed deeply in disbelief and continued while watching the trembling Jostum.
"But more than that, I'm saying I won't help with what is just 'suicidal behavior'."
"Suicidal behavior?"
"You're planning to rapidly grow back to your level cap with the Trainer's power, right? And then you're thinking of challenging the Forest King's Army again, but I'm telling you that's a reckless 'suicidal act'."
It's easy to see just by looking at Jostum and the others now.
While they were riding high as the hero party, they suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Demon Lord army, completely shattering their dignity.
Because of that, the hero party is clearly losing their composure now.
All they're thinking about is getting revenge on the Forest King's Army.
Even if they regain Dahlia's power, fighting in this state will surely lead to another defeat.
I said I wouldn't help with such a foolish act of throwing their lives away.
I could feel Jostum's anger rising even more as I calmly continued to persuade him.
"If you use the Trainer's power, you might be able to get back to your level cap in about a year or 2. But the result will likely be the same. Without significant battle experience, if you fight the Forest King's Army again, you'll just end up getting beaten down again."
"...Next time, we won't fail. Last time, we were just caught off guard by the Spirit King's Army."
"Even so, the hero party hasn't even met the leader of the Forest King's Army, 'Forest King Gálu,' right? You couldn't even stand up to the executives, and you really think just getting back to your level cap will let you win?"
"──!"
Maybe that sounded like a provocation.
Jostum clenched his fists tightly and took a step toward me.
In that moment...
"...So, what do you suggest we do?"
Dahlia, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up in a small voice.
Surprised, I looked at her, and she was giving me a sharp look filled with anger and frustration.
"The Forest King's Army and the Spirit King's Army have joined forces and are now the largest monster army ever. It's only a matter of time before they turn their sights on the Compost Kingdom. I'm the only one who can stop them, so if we don't act fast, it'll be too late...!"
"..."
Is she trying to threaten me? Dahlia says this as she leans in closer.
Furthermore, she says something that seems to be meant to make me change my mind and instill a sense of crisis.
"The Western Hero is fighting the Forest King's Army on the other side of the continent. The Southern Hero was badly injured in a battle with the Dragon King's Army. I have no idea what the Northern Hero is doing. There are hardly any adventurers who have grown up in this central continent, so I'm saying you should make me stronger quickly! If you don't understand that, you're an idiot!"
...Dahlia is also feeling quite anxious inside, it seems.
She said she didn't want to rely on me, but now she's trying to coerce me into cooperating with her.
If what she says is true, there's no doubt that it's a critical situation.
The Forest King's Army and the Spirit King's Army have joined forces and are planning to revive the Cursed Funeral Trees.
To stop them, we'll need considerable military might.
But she seems to want to say that the best thing to do is to revive her, the Eastern Hero, since we can't expect any support from elsewhere.
Jostum also agrees with this opinion, and Dahlia and he both glare at me.
Still, I shook my head.
"I said I won't help you commit suicide. I won't cooperate with Dahlia and the others."
"Are you going to end humanity's history just because of your stupid pride...? It really will be too late if you don't know! Just make me stronger quickly!"
"I refuse."
"Huh?!"
As I stubbornly refuse to nod, and continue to reject Dahlia and the others...
Eventually, Dahlia reaches out and grabs my collar.
She pulls my clothes with a tight grip, but there's no longer the strength she had before.
Dahlia glared at me, her voice trembling in front of me.
"...Then, go ahead and say it."
Her hand gripping my collar shook as she expressed her frustration.
"The Eastern Hero Dahlia can't fight. The other heroes are too busy with their own battles. There isn't a single capable adventurer around. So how do you expect to stand against the 'strong' Demon Lord army...?"
"..."
Remembering the humiliation of their defeat, Dahlia bit her lip hard enough to draw blood.
Then, as if to unleash all that anger on me, she shouted with heartfelt rage.
"Who do you think will defeat the Demon Lord army when the Hero Dahlia can't fight!!!"
At that moment...
Knock, knock, knock.
"──!?"
Suddenly, someone gently knocked on the door of the Nurturer.
We both lost our voices and turned to look at the door.
The person, perhaps puzzled by the lack of response, slowly opened the door with a hint of fear.
And from the small gap that formed, a youthful face peeked in, expressing concern with a shaky voice.
"Um, your voices are echoing outside, is everything okay...?"
"..."
As if she had heard Dahlia's shout... or perhaps as if she had sensed my inner thoughts...
Rose Vermilion appeared.
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