"Zeke. You're fired from the party as of today.

　Nahat, the leader of the party, told me so.
　We had just completed our mission and were having a party at a tavern.
　It seemed that Nahato had been dissatisfied with me for a long time.
　This exploded when he got drunk.

"Can I ask you why ......?
I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not. I'm not sure if you've ever heard of it, but I'm sure you have. Without a doubt, we are the party with the strongest offensive power. Zeke. Except for you.

　The tone was mocking.

"You're a warrior, aren't you?　What's with that lack of firepower? You just stand there while we're fighting. You're an easy target for demons. He doesn't even fight back when attacked. Are you still a member of the Red Lotus Fang?　We don't want cowards in our party who only defend instead of attacking.

　When Nahato said that, the friends around him laughed as well. I guess it was a common understanding for everyone.
　Haruna, the wizard, said in disgust.

You're just a big guy, but you're really nothing more than what you seem. If you are a man, you should be more aggressive. Do you really have balls?
"...... Maybe you've been castrated.　I'm not sure what to make of that.

　Irene, the archer, was smirking.

I'm not standing around idly, and I'm not castrated. I'm just doing my part for the party.



　As soon as I said that, Nahat and the rest of his friends came out of the woodwork.

"You know, getting beaten up by a demon is not a role. A scarecrow can do that, right?
"If you couldn't do the job, you should have apologized for not being able to do it, then you might have been a little more cute. Don't get cocky and argue with me, okay?
"You're silent against demons, but you're talking back to us. Pfft. Zeke's shyness is really annoying. Gross.

　No one will take you seriously.
　...... They weren't like this at first.
　When we first started out as a party, we made up for each other's shortcomings and functioned as a good party.
　However, as we completed many missions and 【Red Lotus Fang】 became more and more famous, they began to misunderstand.
As if fueled by the rumors around them that 【Red Lotus Fang】 was a party with superior firepower, they began to focus only on attack power.
　In addition, I look down on others and put them down without hesitation. I've turned into such a person.

The Red Lotus Fang will not tolerate a scarecrow just standing there. Zeke. You're no longer good enough for us.
"You should be grateful that we've allowed you to earn your living this far.　I'd even let you lick my boots.　
"...... Well. Thanks for everything you've done for us.

　I accepted the sentence of dismissal that was thrust upon me.
　...... Nothing more I could say would make you listen to me.
　Once you've been labeled as useless to the party, it's no small feat to change that perception.
　Now they only see what they want to see.

Goodbye. Tomorrow I'll be able to pay for one person's room and board.
"Don't resent me. It's a skill.


Good night, sir.
"......Ah.

　I left the tavern with such a casual farewell that it was hard to believe we had been together for so short a time.
　With the moon in the night sky watching over me, I made my way to the adventurer's guild.
　If I'm no longer part of the party, I need to complete the necessary procedures.
　When he arrived at the Adventurer's Guild, he went to the lady at the reception desk.

Thank you for your time. Mr. Zeke. What are you doing here all by yourself?
That's because I got fired from the ...... party. That's why I'm here.
What?　You're fired?　You're firing Mr. Zeke?

　The receptionist's eyes widened to the point of spilling out.

I'm not sure what the hell you're thinking, people of the Red Lotus Fang.　You can't fire the mainstay of the party, Zeke!
"Mainstay? ....... I'm not that big of a deal.
But it was Zeke who was gathering the hate of the demons and protecting his friends from attack!　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
You're the only one who can say that.
You're the only one who says so. - It's because of Zeke's shield that the sword is able to work. You're misunderstanding the point.

　The people around me were all praising the offensive power of the Red Lotus Fang, but she was the only one who was paying attention to me hiding behind it.
　I'm grateful.

What are you going to do now?　Why don't you join another party and make [Red Lotus Fang] squeal?
"No. I'm not sure if any party will be able to pick me up after they fire me. ...... I'm going to quit being an adventurer after today.


It's such a waste of .......
I was just thinking about when to get out. It's a precarious job. This was a good opportunity for me.
"I see. ......

　The receptionist seemed reluctantly convinced.

Have you decided what you're going to do yet?
Nothing at the moment. For now, I'm thinking of looking for a job with an employment contract. I think it will be more stable.
In that case, may I introduce you?
What?
I have a job that would be perfect for you, Mr. Zeke. It's a job with a monthly salary and stable employment.
What kind of job is that?　What's that? ......
"I'm a gatekeeper.

　The receptionist held up a finger and said.

They're short on staff at the moment. We're looking for someone who can do it. If you have a letter of introduction, I'm sure we can get you in right away.
I'd like that very much.
Well, I'll see to it that you do.
By the way, which gatekeeper are you referring to?
The gatekeeper of the royal city of Astaroth.
Yes, .......

　The receptionist smiled at me.
　I see, I finally understood. The gatekeeper of that legendary city. No wonder I wanted to borrow the help of a cat.