Deep inside the Goblin Forest, the corpses of the hobgoblins and the ogre were lying all over the place.
Collecting materials from oni-type enemies is pretty mentally taxing. I dont really want to do it
Nick complained as he took off the horns off the ogres head with a tool.
Uwah, so thats how you do it.
This looks pretty difficult
Gruesome.
Dont talk like its someone elses problem. Theres a lot of them so come help me.
Nick said as he handed pliers the other three.
Hobgoblins are like ogres, so pull their horns out too. Its like pulling out childrens decayed teeth. These actually have magic energy, so we can sell them for a lot more than goblin ears.
Alright
Uu Being an adventurer isnt easy
Tianna and Sems shoulders dropped, but they started working just like Nick said.
But Karan stayed by Nicks side.
Hn? Whats wrong Karan? Dont you know how to do it?
Sorry about before.
Ah Yes.
Karan couldnt move right away.
Its not like something else got her attention and she got careless, she was trapped by her fear.
If we come across a situation like that again, think for yourself what you should do and that will be fine.
If you dont know something Ill teach you, you dont have to pretend you know everything.
Nick, why are you helping me?
How should I put this
Nick looked away and scratched his head.
I cant explore or take down an ogre like that by myself. I can cut it and take it to the ground, but I cant finish it.
Anyone can just back someone up in battle. Thats not it.
What is it then?
Well, its fine.
Nick put his pliers on the horn of a nearby hobgoblin and twisted it off.
You do it too.
Yes.
Nick tossed the pliers to Karan, who caught them and put them around the hobgoblins head just like she saw Nick doing.
Nick stayed by her side watching her work.
I dont want to trust partners anymore.
Me neither.
I really hate people that say nice things and then betray other people.
Me too.
But I will keep my promise. I dont want to be betrayed, but I dont want to be someone that betrays other people.
Same here.
Ill do my best.
Said Karan as she pulled the horn, which came off smoothly.
She did it even more skillfully than Nick.
Hey, youre pretty good.
Yes, leave it to me.
Karan wiped the sweat off her forehead and smiled.
On that day, the four of them got not a momentary feeling of pleasure, but a true sense of accomplishment.
The adventurer party, Survivors, kept that momentum as it conquered the remaining two labyrinths and was promoted to F rank.