Going to that restaurant after work has become a party tradition before I knew it.　
　It is commonly known as the Brave Men's Restaurant, where the only customers are those related to the Adventure Guild.
　We were seated around a round table.
　After the toast, 【Warrior】Alba swallowed a gulp of the liquor that was poured into a wooden barrel mug.
　Puffing and wrinkling her face in a pleasant manner, she slams the mug down on the tabletop.
　When I ask the nearby waiter for another drink, he, who has already turned red, glares at me with a guillotine. The viciousness is halved thanks to the foam around his mouth.

'Yup, you're slowing me down, aren't you?'

　I sighed inwardly.
　This was also a regular occurrence, or rather, it was something that was talked about at every turn these days.

'Alba........'

Don't you cover for me, Fenix!

　Let me say it first, the only person who can clearly be said to be on my side in this topic is [Brave] Fenix.
　He is also the one who opened his mouth to chide Alba right now.
　He has red hair like a blazing fire and a well-fitting, well-defined face with a soft smile. He is tall and seemingly slender, but his body is well-trained. In the world of adventurers, where dungeon-catching is often the domain of people suited to rough and tumble conditions, he is unusually handsome, with a sense of cleverness.
　He's also a childhood friend from the same village as me.
　We promised to be adventurers together when we were little, and we've continued to do so to this day.
　We've been on the verge of continuing it for a while now, though.
　Because of me, of course.
　Holy Knight] Lark is eating his pinch of beans in the first place and seems to be self-conscious.
　It's a good idea to have a good time with them.
　Speaking of me, I'm wrapping my hands around my mug with an unflattering affectionate smile.
　That seems to have irritated Alba again.

'I'll tell you the truth, eh?　The only reason you're at this party is because you're an old friend of the Phoenix. I'm in here on merit, Lark and Lily are in here on merit. And we've done it every single time. But what about you?　The black magic you're using, I don't see the benefit. You can't tell me that it's working for you?　Hey.

　In our country, the [position (job)] is revealed in the temple when you are ten years old.
　To put it simply, the gods tell you what job you're suited for.
　I'm not just an adventurer, but also an 【Cook】, 【Merchant】, 【Blacksmith】, and 【Jeweler】, for example.
　You have to choose the role and type of work you are most suited for.
　It's not that you have to choose it, but for example, even if a [Blacksmith] owner wanted to become a chef, no one would take him as an apprentice, and it would be difficult for him to flourish if he suddenly opened a restaurant. Everyone wants to eat good food, and it's more reliable to have a 【Cook】hunter cook it.
　Choosing a way of life that goes against [Job] is a difficult path.　
　This becomes even tougher when you become an adventurer.
　The adventurer registration is only accepted based on [Position (Job)].
　It means that for me to be an adventurer, I absolutely have to be a [Black Mage].
　But black magic is really, in any case, hard to convey its effects. Of course I can clearly see what effect it's having on me, but my friends and viewers won't be able to pinpoint it.
　And when I claim what I've done, they think I'm just making excuses.

'Nope ... haha,'

It's not funny!

　An angry voice is released with a breath of alcohol.

You know that the party composition is limited to five people. You know that you can't go to the top if there are incompetents sitting in a limited number of slots. We're not a party that stops at fourth place. For that to happen, all five of us have to be top-notch.

　Alba is right.
　I know that, and if I thought I was second-rate and not worthy of standing alongside Fenix, I would step aside without being told.
　It's true that [Black Mage] is unpopular, but I don't think my job is inferior to my peers.
　But I won't be able to convince Alba of that.
　Even if he approves of my work, it doesn't matter. It's not the reason he wants to get rid of me.
　He doesn't like the fact that there is a [Black Mage] rather than whether I'm incompetent or not.
　Adventurers are not only a meritocracy, but also a popular business.
　If you aren't strong, you won't be able to conquer a dungeon, but if you aren't spectacular, you won't get attention when you conquer a dungeon.
　What's inside is important, but it's almost as important as what's inside, and it's easier to get people to like you if you're beautiful and handsome. It's sad, but that's the way the world works.

So, hey, stop being a parasite on Fenix.　

　It was a long time ago when humans risked their lives to dive into dungeons, defeating demons that were avenging people and receiving treasures.
　Today, dungeon conquest is commercialized, and adventurers and demons are just one profession.
　Of course, it's serious business without the quackery, but the strategies are distributed and available for viewing around the world.
　It's the parties with flashy battles, good-looking adventurers, and other easily understood attractions that resonate with viewership and ratings.
　【Black Mage】 is perceived as a 【Position (Job)】 that is not worthy of filling the slot, and in fact, people who have this aptitude are not so popular that they are said to be stuck in life at that moment.
　There are a few demons out there, but even if they get eaten by ordinary black magic, a good adventurer can break through with a gulp, so there are few people who want them in their ranks.

'Alba, that was too disrespectful of a thing to say. Apologize to Reme.

　Fenix says, not hiding his anger, but it seems to be simply due to friendship.

'Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the way I said it. I apologize. But, you know, I don't think it was the wrong thing to say.

No, you're wrong. Leme is--

Come on, don't be a defender. I joined the company because I thought you were going to be the best in the world. I didn't come in here to be a liability and split the bill with you. I mean, I know you're your best friend, but three other people aren't going to take care of this guy.

　Gili, Fenix gnashes his teeth.

'Why don't you understand. Reme is not incompetent or anything like that. We need him in this party.

I don't think so. What do you guys think?

　Alba asks for their opinion, which they had been silent until then.

'It's not ... well, it doesn't change whether you're there or not, I guess.

　The one who replies in a whisper is [Holy Knight] Lark.

''Ha, then it's better if you're not there!　Then we can at least get someone in who can use it.

"...hmmm, well. It would be a lot easier if we could get a movable one in...

'Right?　Even the worst looking [White Mage] is better than Leme. Hey Lily, what about you?

　The beautiful elf [Hunter] Lily looks at Alba with a disdainful gaze.

''The vile words spewed out of your mouth are terribly offensive.

'Ah yes, I see. I was raised in a bad way. I'd rather hear your opinion on the content, Lillysama.

''I don't think the Fenixes would keep someone with lesser powers in their ranks because of personal feelings. But it's true that the effects of black magic are hard to feel. And since we're the type of people who use high offensive power to quickly attack, I honestly believe that we'd rather have direct strength than support.

　Their opinions reflect their personalities somewhat, but they basically agree on the conclusion.
　The three of us think that there are better people out there than to keep me in.
　Alba has hated me since I came into the party and has been looking for an opportunity to kick me out.
　It's not just once or twice that this story comes up.

What do you have to say, Leme? I'm not saying that I hate you, you know?　I'm sorry if your black magic is useful in solving dungeons. I'm sure you're right. The only thing that matters is that you get to see how good it is.

　How many times have I been teased like that?
　For a moment I thought about taking the provocation, but I wouldn't go through with it.
　It was forbidden by my master and I have no intention of breaking his teachings for my own sake.
　I would only be laughed at if I explained it to them. Since they would laugh at me anyway, it's better to keep quiet.
　It's better to be looked down upon by just me alone than to be made fun of, including my master.

'See, you can't do it, can you?　You're not sure. You know that's not a good party for a guy like that. Okay?

　A tap on the shoulder.
　Alba stood up and shouted loudly while looking around.

''Hey, what should I put in place of the [Black Mage]!　I hear this guy is leaving our house!

　Alba's voice draws attention to our table.
　After a while, they understood the situation. The drunks around them all mentioned the 【Position(Job)】 of the battle system, sneered at the 【Black Mage】 and laughed laughter.

It's not a good idea to have an unemployed person, can you pick it up somewhere?　I'd prefer to split the compensation among us, but we'll talk about that on a case-by-case basis.

　Rather than no one showing interest, it was a full-blown laugh.
　Seeing this, Alba's smile deepened.

You know what I mean, Leme? We're the fourth largest in the world, so of course we're getting a lot of attention. My peers here also check out our videos. I'm sure all my competitors here check out our videos as well, but how do they react to it?　We don't need you. There is no demand for you. Please, don't drag us all down for your own reasons.

...Alba, that's enough. I'm not going to allow you to--

It's okay, Pheonix.

　I stopped Fenix. I'm grateful for the sentiment, but it won't resonate with the other three, even if he says all the right things.
　Only when it comes to me, Fenix's credibility is shaken.
　He's defending a small fry because he's a friend, he said.
　It's useless to prove him wrong.
　Because I'm a 【Black Mage】.
　It's not that they don't want me. They don't need 【Black Mage】.

''Okay I'm out.

What--

'Ha!　Well done on your decision, Leme!

　I brush away Alba's hand as she squares her shoulders.
　It's true that there's no point in staying at this party any longer.
　I'm sure these humiliating days are not what I once aimed for.

"Fenix. I'll find a different party and then I'll be better than you guys.

Leme....

　Alba even got into a conversation with her best friend about goodbyes.

'No party wants to include you. You won't last long if you want to talk about it!　I mean, we're strangers already, so get out of my way.

　I am made to stand up from my seat saying that.
　It's a good thing that I'm not going to be able to get away with it. It's probably because she knows that I don't want her to.

"........Leme. Wait--

It's okay, Fenix. It's okay.

　We are friends. But now we are competitors.
　No word from the rest of the group.
　Lark doesn't laugh but doesn't react, and Lily, while disgusted by Alba's crude behavior, doesn't seem to be opposed to my departure.
　I left the shop without looking back once.
　I've been out of a job since that day.