I'm Actually Not Overpowered!

"I don't know. To be honest, he didn't seem that strong when I saw him too."

That said, Zabdel couldn't shake off the chill he had felt in his presence.

"A true master knows how to hide his strength. He wasn't fazed, even when we spoke, and he acted in the most composed manner. That man, Sam, is definitely hiding his strength."

For him to be ambitious enough to slay the troublesome Earth Dragon, yet apathetic about gaining an S Class… Sam was certainly a man of great knowledge and power.

Zabdel smiled, somewhat relieved that someone was finally going to do something about their problem.

Although he was a bit worried about the fate of the young man, the Vice Guild master decided to put his faith in him.

"I wonder what he'll do next. I can't wait."

****************************************

My ears itched a little as I walked home, but I simply scratched them and continued humming while walking the desolate road.

The Adventurer's Guild wasn't very far from our inn, and I was very happy to take a rejuvenating walk after all the hassle I just went through.

It was funny how so many strings of events had been tied to the simple need to get some Mana Chalk and Mercury.

'Well, we're almost done anyway.'

By tomorrow, we should be able to clear the Quests. That meant that the day after, we could return to our settlement.

'If I hurry, I can make it in time for the Harvest!'

An estimated four days journey, rather than a week, was better than the initial plan to walk it out and waste more time.

'Let's take a short look around. I'll return to the inn soon…' I then eased my posture and took a relaxed approach.

I was an A Rank Adventurer already, and the mission was almost accomplished.

Things were looking up.

****************************************

"Ohhhhh!!!"

"As expected of the Hero!"

Byron and Sarah showered me with praises as I broke the news.

I would have preferred them to be quieter, but it seemed they couldn't control their excitement.

Still…

"But they should have given you S Rank! No, there should be a Rank made for just you alone to occupy!" Sarah stated, looking affronted.

I already told her I that didn't want my identity as a Hero to be exposed, yet she kept bringing up crazy ideas.

"I agree."

'Wait, you too, Byron?' I gave a surprised glare at the Village Chief.

I didn't expect something like that from a supposedly mature man. Sarah must have influenced him more than I thought.

"So, what about the investigation? How did it go?" I quickly brought up the excuse I told them about in the morning.

No doubt, they were pointlessly toiling under the hot sun, finding clues for a mere passing remark I made.

I felt quite guilty for sending them on a fool's errand, but it was the only way.

'On the bright side, they don't look too bummed out, so—'

"It went well, as you anticipated, Hero."

I nearly rolled my eyes at this point. Were they trying to be considerate of my feelings?

Just like how a person would nearly always say "I'm fine" if someone asked, "How did your day go?"

It was a normal response, so I decided not to think too much about it.

'I should probably get something to eat and nap. If I think of this as a short vacation, then—'

"It turns out Adventurers have been going missing for the past couple of weeks now, and the mortality rate of their occupation just skyrocketed in the last month."

It was Byron's words that hit the matter head on, sending me into a daze as soon as I heard it.

'Missing Adventurers? Mortality Rate? No, no, no!!!'

I knew this would trigger a forced story event if I got too close to the case, so I was going to stay clear away from it this time.

I didn't want to be associated with death or danger in this city. Wasn't I clear enough about it?

"I see. Well, this will all be over soon." I murmured.

Ignoring Sarah's and Byron's inquisitive stares at me, I sighed and decided to leave myself out of the nonsense.

These two had better let it go too.

'We're obtaining Mana Chalk and Mercury, and then we get out of here!'

That was my plan and I intended to go through with it.

***************************************

The next day arrived sooner than I thought. It was probably because I slept off earlier than expected, though.

Anyway, Sarah and Byron accompanied me to the Adventurer's Guild this time, and I went to receive my ID.

It surprised the one dispensing the document that I was able to reach A Rank, but after flashing a confident smile and remaining unfazed despite the pressure and attention around me, they must have considered me a genius or something.

While I collected my ID, Sarah and Byron went to retrieve the Quest we needed for our mission.

Once we got everything we needed, it was time to set off on a brave new adventure—albeit a very simple one.

"E-excuse me!" Someone called out for me as soon as we left the Guild Building.

I recognized the voice, but I still turned back to look.

'It's Asa, that badass Ranger!' My eyes widened slightly.

It was nice for fellow newbies to interact. I was especially grateful that she didn't notice how I was cheating in the Exams, not to talk of reporting me.

"Your Quest… I know this is impudent of me, but… c-can I…"

Was she always this unsure of herself? I looked at the stuttering blonde.

Something about her reminded me of how Sarah was back when I first met her.

"… C-can I join your Party?!"

She said quickly, practically sending my body into shock.

'Eh? Why? It's just a Labyrinth Exploration Quest.'

Mana Chalk grew within those magical structures, and I wanted to get them. It wasn't like there was going to be any difficulty whatsoever.

She could just get her own Quest and explore the Labyrinth herself.

[System Notification]

<A Side Quest Has Been Issued>

~Allow Asa into your party and form an unbreakable bond of trust~

[Rewards will be based on achievements and Asa's inclination toward you at the end.]

Cost Of Failure: None

[End Of Notification]

'Well, this changes everything…'