The common denominator of all top-ranked parties is strength. This is a prerequisite.

　It is very difficult to gain popularity without being able to conquer a dungeon.
　Then it is also difficult to get popular just by being strong. It is also difficult to be popular just by being strong, as was the case with Nikola's and Philip's parties in the past.

　Accumulating achievements can spark popularity at some point... but that's a rare occurrence.

　So what adventurers need is to establish a strong style.
　Those who come to the top have it.

'And that, Wraith. You owe your predecessors a great deal of respect.

　Aerial-san's words as if he was chiding her.
　It must be about his attitude towards Skaha-san.

"Respect, you know.... Well, I see. Fighting together means that we are friends, even if it's only temporarily, right? I get it. I'm sorry, Skaha. I'm sorry, Skaha, I got excited to see you. I'll be quiet from here on out.

　You are honest or flexible.
　If we fight together, even if we have personal likes and dislikes, we are friends. You have to respect that. And that's how I feel about it.

　Wraith-kun smiling with a smile, Skaha-san also seems to have been drained of his venom.

''No........no, I wasn't very popular either.

'No, I was rude to you. I apologize. Hopefully we can win the raid and prove our strength and get back to fourth place.

Oh...

'What a skaha. Fourth place isn't enough there, I'll be first!　Say the word.

　Hel says, and Skaha laughs challengingly.

'Ha, sounds like a lot of fun to pull you down, though.

Great. You're getting better. You're not going to make it.

''Don't be down to fourth place when we pull out or anything. It won't be as exciting when we pull out the fallen ones.

Ha-ha-ha, I'm gonna blow your brains out, static electricity.

Can you do it, muscle girl?

　The interaction between the two of them is seemingly boisterous, but well, it's like a joke.
　When you've been close to the ranks for a long time, there's probably a lot going on.
　In fact, there's no kill or rage between the two of them. They even seem to be enjoying the conversation.

''........Skaha. No one seems to care, but is it good that Reme-dono knows about it? The raid fight is before it's officially announced.

　Everyone who was listening to the story made an 'oh' face.
　No one knew about my work at the Demon King's Castle, so it was a natural reaction.

　

　She's a member of Skaha-san's party, a 【Hunter】 called 【Faceless Archer】.
　He wears a cape hood deeply to avoid showing his face in private as well as in dungeon capture.

　There are only three people in the world who use 'Godspeed'.
　For some reason, Lily doesn't like him and has made it her goal to surpass him.

　His simple bow skills are even better than Lily's, and he's even better at covertness.
　Skaha-san's party is sold on 'speed'.

''I'm sorry Reme. You would have imagined that there was something going on when these members were gathered together, but can I ask you to keep this matter private?

Yes, yes, of course.

If you join me, Leme, it'll help.

　His voice is properly lower than before, perhaps because it's after the statement to be quiet.

'I like my job,'

"...What, aren't you going to be a hero?　Can you be in that job?

Yeah, you will.

Hmm?　I'm not sure. No, it's okay if you can't tell me. So what you're saying is that I should be more attractive to you at my party than the job you're doing now, right?　You can tell me anytime. I'll leave a slot open.

　Mr. Lace's party is not yet complete, but I wonder what style it will be in.

'I can't give you a good response,'

You never say never. You can change your mind.

　Lace-kun seems confident.

'Don't bother Reme too much.

You wanted it too, Leme.

And I got dumped just like you.

I'm not giving up.

You have to respect his wishes.

Yeah, so I'll wait. I'm just trying to make an appeal.

Hmm, I'd like to invite you to join us if there's an opening.

　Mr. Helu joins the conversation.

'Miss!　I don't need a man in my house!

　I guess it's 'meat and potatoes' at Mr. Hell's place. Nicola's longed-for, muddy, head-to-head combat is her specialty.

You're very popular, Leme. But I'm the one who first laid eyes on you.

I've noticed that I'm the one who's been working out since I was at the last party.

'Both of you already have a high rank. Leme said he likes to go up from scratch. That's why you got dumped, right?

　It's embarrassing because it's a rare experience for me to be excited about something of my topic.

　 I was both happy and embarrassed to find out what happens when my fan, an extremely valuable being, encounters me.

"..........

　Skaha-san is watching such a conversation between the three of them with a blank expression on her face.

　.........Yeah, I understand. That the only people who want my addition are the people here, rather than a minority.

　With the tournament, the number of favorable opinions has certainly increased.
　But whether it's useful in dungeon attack is another thing.

　That way of fighting can't handle a large number of people, and it's not worth it if you're injured on the verge of leaving instead of defeating an excellent opponent.
　[Black Mage] is a support role. You can't participate in a battle and neglect your support.

　It's a battle method originally designed for the tournament, so I don't have a problem with it, but from the point of view of 'can it be incorporated into the dungeon attack as is', it's no good.

　The three of them have their own reasons for appreciating me, but they are out of touch with the general feeling.
　That's why it's so valuable and I'm very grateful for their presence.

We can talk about it over dinner, can't we?

　The three of them nodded at Skaha's words.

''Oh, is it okay for me to stay for this?　I think it's a face-to-face meeting for some different project.

'No, that's okay, Leme. And I don't expect you to talk out of it.

Leme, come sit next to me. I'd love to hear about the convention. And I want to hear about the policeman.

Yeah, I like that guy too. Where did you find this guy?

'Well if that's the case, I'd like to ask you about the Battle of Fulkus. What did you notice about that spear strategy?　Did you know about the same kind of magic tool, or was it a hunch?

　With Wraith-kun's arm in mine, we sat at the table.

　I enjoyed my meal that day with a somewhat dreamlike member plus two new adventurers.
　When I think of them all as enemies, I once again think of them as a threat in the corner of my mind.