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Mayer, who had been silently contemplating my decision, rubbed his strong jaws as he muttered, “Raise them well, eh… I am curious how you will do so.”

“There are no shortcuts to growing stronger. There’s only one way… although they will get a bit of a boost through my magic,” I said.

“You will have them go through a trial by fire?”

“Yes.”

“Very to my liking.” Mayer smiled, seeming just as satisfied as when I accepted his offer to join the corps. “I had planned on making some changes regardless, but now that you have joined us… This is a good opportunity to turn things around,” he announced, rhythmically tapping on the armrest of his chair. Only after he finished his internal calculations did he continue speaking. “Very well. I shall permit the creation of a special unit. You shall have full rights over it, including member composition, so take whomever you like.”

And with that, I had Mayer’s permission. Although I did think he would give it, the possibility of refusal still made me anxious. But I could finally smile brightly. “Thank you.”

“I am not jesting—if needed, you may even pick me.”

I awkwardly laughed off his remark. Taking Mayer in as part of my unit would only bolster the rumors, not quell them.

“One more thing…” he suddenly said very seriously. “I will send you a unit member. Make sure to keep them by your side at all times.”

Was it a watcher? As I had no thoughts of doing anything that I’d need to hide, I nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“I will also pass over the dungeon selection rights to you. Simply report the results to me afterward. This much privilege is necessary for a vice-captain. Ah, and you shall be given power over the lives of your men,” he added.

“…Power over their lives?” I echoed, startled by his unexpected words.

“Because you never know what will happen inside a dungeon,” Mayer said, staring at me with golden eyes that shone like a desert bathed in sunlight. “Talk to Vince to get any equipment you may require. This is all I have thought of… Is there anything else you need?”

“No. I believe this is enough to build a unit.”

“Very well. Bear in mind that as long as I can slay the demon lord, I will spare you no support.”

“…Leave it to me.” I bowed formally at his show of resolve. With Mayer giving me such tremendous support, I had to live up to his expectations. For the first time since joining the Dark Knights, I could see which way I had to go, which road to pave. Forming a special unit was a project that I had to make succeed.

Act 3: Pretty Tangerines, Rotten Tangerines.

It did not take long for rumors of me building a special unit to go around. I never meant to hide it, but people were getting wind of it faster than I had thought. Most members of the Dark Knights reacted similarly:

“A special unit? Did you just say that a support mage will be leading a team?”

“What do you think the standard of selection will be? Oh, I hope I don’t get chosen!”

“What do I do if I’m picked? From what I heard, that woman only has one experience of clearing a dungeon! Won’t I die if something goes wrong?”

Such commentary was within my expectations… but not everything went as I predicted.

I entered the mess hall, only to find it completely empty. It wasn’t time for meals yet, but even so, normally there would be one or two people walking around. Perhaps all the Dark Knights were busy hiding, afraid of catching my attention and getting chosen, which spelled trouble for me. I would miss the chance to inspect prospective members of my team. I had planned to select them personally, but I supposed it was nice not having to listen to all the backbiting. Then again, with how they’ve been saying things practically to my face, I couldn’t call it backbiting.

Thanks to the experience of the first playthrough, as well as being a support mage, I was used to people talking behind my back. Even so, it was quite irritating to be the target of a pestilent rumor. Although this situation of hide-and-seek was unexpected, it wasn’t a big problem. I was troubled, yes, but it was a mere hindrance that didn’t render me helpless. I was left with no choice but to pick them by their profiles.

I looked between the list of members I received from Mayer and the party member status window, ruminating with delight on who to pick. Weighing which talented member to choose, like filling up a shopping cart, made me feel like I’d returned to being a gamer again after so long.