I returned from my magical body (avatar) to the flesh and blood.
　The "cocoon", a device to transfer the spirit, opens and I raise my upper body.

　I'm not sure if it can be called a private room.
　It's a vast space surrounded by pure white walls.

　There are a lot of participants from races that are larger in size than the human (normal) ones like our party, so it's said that they are able to accommodate the giant members as well.
　It's an anteroom unique to the magical space.

　In fact, it's high enough for Melania-san to stand upright.
　Her 'cocoon' is quite large. Since there is no such thing as a half, she seems to be using one for a giant.
　When we met in the waiting room, we rejoiced in our victory and congratulated each other.

　Josu looked embarrassed and Melania looked red, but still somewhat proud, which made me happy.

　It's hard to have confidence in yourself without having anything to show for it.
　That's why, for many people, results are important.

　It's only when your efforts come to fruition that you can see that, ah, you weren't wrong.
　It's only when you are recognized that you feel rewarded.

　Now, that's what we had at the Wraith Party.
　What a joy we were soaking in - a portion of the bright white wall slides to the side with each burble.

"What is that?

　He takes one look at the people who have come in, and Wraith-kun says in a voice that sounds less interested.

'It's an interview. You've been briefed that there is one.

　It's new to me, but Joss doesn't use honorifics when he talks to Lace. I'm sure it doesn't matter if he's younger or not, because he uses it with Fran-san.
　Both Joss-kun and Joss-kun are natural, so there's no discomfort.

''Oh, I think I heard that.

'Totally..... Public exposure is probably important to your profession as an adventurer.

Yeah, it's part of the job. Well, let's celebrate after the interview, shall we?

　While we were talking, the interview was being prepared.
　Cameras, interviewers, and of course the interview board are set up.

　These boards are used as backdrops for interviews with athletes after games.
　In this case, the logos of companies investing in the festival were all lined up.

　The interviewers are a human (normal) woman and a giant man. Since this tournament is called the best race-independent competition, they have gathered staffs to support any race to win.

　Although they are trying to finish the dungeon attack, I thought it was a polite response, which is typical of Mr. Ferro's efforts to eliminate discrimination and unfair treatment of people of different races and positions (job titles).

　Lace is as talkative as usual, Fran-san is as silent as usual, Jos-kun seems a little nervous, and Melania-san seems to be in a temper tantrum and can't seem to roll her tongue well.
　Melania's tongue didn't seem to be able to run smoothly.

　It was only halfway through.

It's clear from the points you got in the qualifying round that Leme's contribution to the race was tremendous. I wonder if he's had any special training?

'Thank you. I don't know if it's special but yes, I've never neglected my daily training.

　It's obvious that it's different from the norm, but I avoid explaining it, as it would shift the subject to the person who taught me the training method - or my teacher.

'I see!　It's important to work tirelessly!　So that's what it means. -- Come to think of it, there was a different party in the same venue that consisted solely of [Black Mages], but what do you think of them from the point of view of Leme players?

What do you mean by...?

　Perhaps sensing that my voice had hardened, the interviewer sensed this and continued in a brighter voice, as if to mend things.

'No, it's because we got some attention because we got through the qualifying round with only supporters!　I wondered how they would look from the most popular [Black Mage] player of the moment, Leme...!

　I don't sense any malice in his words. They must be genuinely curious.

　They have their stories to tell. There's also a feeling that I shouldn't talk about them as I know them.
　But at the same time, I was very grateful for people like Mila and Aerial after I left the Fenix Party, and other people who appreciated my lack of public recognition.

'As a premise, but they are all excellent [Black Mages].

　Then I mentioned the current situation of the [Black Mage], the difficulty of continuing to train while working without being able to form a party, and I praised their efforts for overcoming them and finishing up to that point.

''Nah, I see. ........Then what would have happened if we had hit them?

　The question was a bit nasty, even if it wasn't malicious, I thought.

'It's us,'

　I assure you. Then I took a breath and continued.

'At that time, we were waiting while assembling our rain magic. I was convinced that the Carmilla Party would be our last enemy. But it wasn't because they were weak. It was because they were very strong people, but they also made mistakes.

Mistake?　May I ask?

　That's very, very obvious.

''It means that [Black Mage] is a supportive role.

　But it didn't seem to come across well enough.

'Ha, ha. That's true, that's true. But they made up for it by improving their second position (second job), as it's commonly called, and got through the qualifiers....

I'm learning swords on an individual basis. I'm actually a student of the sword. But... I mean, if I were to use myself as a metaphor...

No, no, I'd love to hear it.

　He seemed curious.

'I started fighting with my sword in a tag team tournament--'

''This is the tournament you participated in with [Silver Sand's Powerful Arm] Belito-san. She later appeared in the raiding tournament at the Demon King's Castle.

　This would be more of an explanation for the people who would be watching this video than a confirmation. He nods lightly and continues.

''There's one thing that has been running through me since then. In the original dungeon investigation, as well as in this All Heavenly Festival competition.''

What's that?

It's not to be confused with...

You're wrong, sir?

''Yes. [Black Mage (us)] is a support [position (job)]. Our main role is to support our companions, and we have the right abilities for that. It's not wrong to work hard and hone your other abilities. It's good to keep your options open, and I think it's a great direction of effort. But - combat people do try hard, too.

　The interviewer still doesn't seem to be on the same page.
　Wraith-kun is smiling happily.

I'm sure that when we're practicing our swords, the top-notch combatants are also continuing to train. In combat techniques, not only their aptitude but also the amount of effort they put in will surely never be able to catch up with them.

　We also have black magic training. It's absolutely impossible to train the same amount of martial arts as a combat system.

'Nah, I see...?

That's why, if you're going to be an adventurer, you have to find friends who will fight for you. Because whether it's a [Black Mage] who can also handle a sword or a [Black Mage] who can handle a bow, it doesn't change the fact that we are supporters. It's only when there's a main attacker to support us that we show our true worth.

I'm not sure...

　With a buzz, I could see the interviewer's body trembling.

''For a [Black Mage], it may appear that I often face the enemy alone. But I think that's also effective because I have a strong companion.

　If you don't take care of Reme quickly, this guy's strong friends will come rushing in--that's the frustration.
　It's dangerous to eat this guy's black magic when there are already powerful members in the group.

　Even if a momentary one-on-one is established, my enemies have those feelings.
　Even if they aren't there, my friends are still there to help me.

　It's because of those strong friends that I am able to fight.
　My sword skills, which are not far from the first level, become effective.

''I myself know how difficult it is in the adventurer industry where both 【Black Mage】 and 【White Mage】 are treated coldly. If they can find their friends easily, they won't have a hard time. They must have put together this party as a result of their worries. I've called this configuration a mistake, but I don't think this challenge is pointless.

''Because we've been able to show the usefulness of [Black Mage] through the battles we've fought so far and the points we've earned in the qualifiers, right?

　The interviewer says with a look of joy on his face, just like when he solves a difficult problem.
　I naturally smile too.
　There was no longer a hint of doubt in her eyes.

　Failure is an inevitable part of life. No one is ever going to be free from mistakes.
　But just because you make a mistake doesn't mean it's the end.

　It's about what we do and what we can do after we make a mistake.
　Can we turn our challenges into something meaningful?
　That's what's important.

'If you've seen them in action, adventurers will think. They would imagine. What would happen if a [Black Mage] who can fight entered the room? If you look at our Joss-kun, you will think. What would change if we had a [White Mage] who can fight?

　It's not going to change everyone's opinion all of a sudden.
　But it's fine if it's a gradual process.

　The Aerial Party that came in first place with [White Mage] in it, the Fenix Party that came in fourth place with [Black Mage] in it, and the Erie Party that came in the top hundred with two [White Mages] and two [Black Mages] in it.

　There have been people who weren't trapped by common sense. Even people who are influenced by it.
　It would be good if the number of people who have a different perception, even just a little bit like that, increased.
　This is what they're trying to do, and that's what they're doing.

We didn't meet them this time. Still, I'm going to see how much their days of hard work and the results they've shown to this point in time today are great for the support [of the position (job)]. If you ask me how, that's my answer.

"....!　I see!　I see!　-- then maybe the same could be true for Leme players! A star of hope for the [Black Mage]!　I'd say!

　I am momentarily taken aback.
　I look at my friends and they seem to agree with the interviewer, nodding and laughing.

　I remember what I said.
　I'm suddenly embarrassed and scratch my cheeks and give them a bad smile.

'Uh ... well, if you think of me that way, then yes, I'd be very, very happy.'

　After that, the interview ended successfully.
　We prepared to leave, shaking hands with a very impressed interviewer and so on.

　The visitors came right after the interviewers left.

'[Black Mage] Leme, earlier--'

"Reme-dono!

Noooooooo...!

　First of all, [Flame Manipulator] Aym-san, who had just crossed the contraption, tried to come in.
　There--he collided with someone who suddenly entered and fell down.

　That person was--.