Chapter 57: Master's Wrath

"The ones I saved were just the newcomers. As for you all, you're finished."

"W-What are you referring to?"

I smiled and replied, "It seems like the Master is genuinely angered."

"[Proceed, initiating synthesis.]"

"[Upgrade on the legend you wish to relinquish onto the legend you want to integrate! You will gain experience points. The relinquished legend will vanish.]"

Iselle's cry resonated from the square.

"Louie, Jeffery, Owen, Andio, Arnold, Duncan! Gather before me, all six of you!"

The individuals named paled.

Jeffery wiped his sweat and reminisced, "E-Everything is fine! We were going after savages, as usual."

"Do you truly believe that?" Jeffery froze in place.

He was sharp-witted. That's why he could act swiftly. If that was the case, he should understand the significance of bringing these six individuals.

If the intention was to form a sub-party, they could have called only five. However, Iselle called a total of six people. It exceeded the usual number.

Therefore, the objective had changed.

"We'll split into groups of three."

"How intriguing."

I moved to the couch in the center of the lobby, taking slow steps. As I approached, people would withdraw, clearing a path for me. Some who were seated on the sofa quickly stood up and distanced themselves, seeking cover.

Only Jenna remained sitting on the couch. I settled down next to her, crossing my legs.

"How long did you think you could get by here, neglecting your duties with half-hearted efforts?"

"W-We did our best!"

"Aaron, Dica! Do you truly believe they gave their best? While you were training at the academy all day, what about these people?"

The two remained silent, their heads slightly lowered.

"Jenna! Can you recall even one instance when you truly aided a pursuit?"

"I delivered the meat right after hunting the animals."

"Even a pig can manage that. In that regard, it seems all of you hold little more worth than pigs."

"Pigs?!"

I stepped forward, swiping at one of them as he attempted to rise.

He stumbled over, flipping the mat on the floor.

"Why don't you oink like a pig?"

Louis grabbed the person's collar, pulling him upright.

"Please, lend us your assistance! If it's your orders, even the Master will agree!"

"[Scramble toward the square! Can't you hear me?!]"

Iselle appeared and yelled, "[Louis, Geoffrey, Owen, Andio, Arnold, Duncan! To ensure mutual safety, come out immediately!]"

"How do you want us?"

"Respond to your orders; it's an obligation."

"Edis should be the target."

The newly called Edis had a low level. It was a suitable choice. When new high-ranking heroes were recruited, the surplus of lower-ranked heroes was often relinquished.

"I won't go, I refuse!"

The designated targets tried to escape toward the inner part of the lodge. Iselle grinned savagely, seizing them one by one and tossing them into the square through the doorway. A few others struggled with the doorknobs of rooms along the corridor, but the doors remained shut.

In the end, all six found themselves in the square.

And then...

"[Synthesis complete!]"

"[Louis() vanishes in a bright light.]"

"[Geoffrey() dissipates in a bright light.]"

"[Owen() ]"

"[Edis(), advance! Acquired Trap Deactivation skill!]"

Silence fell.

The lobby fell into an eerie stillness.

I spoke.

"I don't particularly care about what you were before coming here. It doesn't matter if you were rich or poor. Forget all that.

"Don't rely on others. Don't think that someone will protect you. To survive, show your worth."

Suddenly, a person who had been hiding among the crowd stepped forward, tears streaming down their face.

"I have no skill for combat. I tremble at the sight of a blade. How am I supposed to respond? Are you urging me to die?"

"Chloe, Enok, Change, Patrick."

The named individuals turned their gaze toward me.

They were the four individuals from the support group in the recent lounge area: a chef, an artist, a blacksmith, and an engineer.

"If there's someone who wants to learn, show them your skills.

"Mastering the skills of a blacksmith is not easy..."

A man with a white beard spoke. It was Change, the metalworker.

"If they have the determination, they can learn.

"Repeated exercises in the lobby become skills. It means that skill acquisition is rapid.

"If you want to fight, come to me. I can teach you some basic combat techniques. If you want to learn hunting and butchering, go to Jenna. For carpentry, seek out Enok. There are plenty of paths available. It's just that you haven't taken them yet."

"[Operator, would you like to end the session?]"

"[Yes (Select)/No]"

"[Okay, goodbye!]"

The sky grew darker.

One by one, people disappeared into their rooms. An air of unease and restlessness settled upon their faces.

Only Jenna, Aaron, Dica, and I remained in the lobby.

"Jenna, who was sitting next to me, spoke out.

"You're kind, Oppa."

"Me? That's amusing."

"You showed them a way to survive."

Her words were accurate.

As long as they followed my instructions, they wouldn't meet a foolish death. They were mere pawns, whether it was today or not.

Dica murmured, "Hyung-nim, what about us?"

"Just keep doing what you were doing."

"Thank you."

I didn't want to deal with this perilous task.

My head was already throbbing from my own responsibilities alone.

I glanced at Edis standing in the square. She claimed to be from a mercenary group. Having traveled extensively, she likely amassed a wealth of experience.

The tenth floor was approaching.

A second party was needed.

But this time, it shouldn't be just another mediocre party. It should be a formidable force capable of rivaling the primary party.

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