Dragged Into Another World Because of My Otaku Friend

Chapter 190: To Become Stronger

"Ohh, is that so."

"Is that a response from a Guildmaster? You should have been among the first to visit him when he woke up. He is our member." Beltimore walked toward the window and pulled the curtains wide open, letting the evening sunlight flood into the room.

Mirinda covered her eyes with her hand and slowly sat upright. Her lower eyelids were swollen, a clear sign of prolonged crying.

"I will visit him later... I’m just glad he is safe," Mirinda spoke softly.

Beltimore began gathering the bottles scattered across the floor. As he did, he noticed a frame lying nearby, a picture of them and their teammates from the old days. Russ was in it too. He picked it up and placed it on the table.

"Beltimore. Please tell me the truth. You already know about that man, don’t you?" Mirinda looked straight at him.

"Why do you say that?"

"You didn’t seem too shocked about this. When did you find out about him? Why did you keep it from me?" she asked. Her tone was no longer questioning. It demanded an answer. The atmosphere in the room grew tense.

Beltimore adjusted his glasses before sitting down across from Mirinda. There was no need to hide it anymore.

"I first met him when we raided the Coldshire Dungeon," he began.

"That means you and Alice already knew?!"

"Yes. But at that time, we were just as shocked as you are. Still, we chose to deny it. Because one thing is certain, Russ is already dead. I was the one who buried him myself. You, of all people, considering your feelings, should understand that."

"But that guy... Azul... his face is the same..." Mirinda stuttered.

"Whether it is the same or not, that man is an enemy. He has killed hundreds of lives. Even if, although impossible, he really is Russ, then he is no longer my friend or guildmate." Beltimore stood up.

Mirinda was at a loss for words. Everything that had happened was too overwhelming for her, both physically and mentally, ever since she became Guildmaster.

"I’m not good at motivating others with words. However, right now, you are the Guildmaster of Dawnbloom. All the members are waiting for you to lead them again, especially at this moment. So act like one." He glanced at Mirinda before walking away.

Mirinda’s eyes began to tear up again.

"I know that... but don’t be so harsh on me..."

---

A few days later, I was finally discharged from the infirmary. My mana had returned to normal, and my energy was at its peak.

As I stepped out of the infirmary’s front door, I raised both my hands and took a deep breath.

"Ahhh, the smell of freedom."

"What are you, an ex-prisoner?" Bob said beside me.

"Congrats, Alan, on being discharged." Linus approached us. He seemed to have been waiting for me.

"Thank you, Linus." I smiled at him. "Now, I want to go back to our room and take a long, proper shower." I imagined the bathroom in our house. Not luxurious, but definitely better than the one in the infirmary.

"Before that, you should go to the guild first. The Guildmaster wants to see you," Linus said.

"Huh! That woman. She didn’t even visit us while we were admitted. Does she even care about us?" Bob said with disdain.

As he said, even after days of me waking up, most of the guild members had visited us, except Mirinda, and of course Lee. Even Mark came to see me with Selene.

"It’s okay, Bob. I’ll go and meet her. Do you want to tag along, Linus?"

"Actually, I have something else to tell you. Starting now, I will go and train by myself for a few weeks. I hope I can become strong faster and able to make in time to support you in the tournament."

"Huh? What’s the problem? Are you alright?" I asked.

"It’s nothing. It’s just... ever since we started adventuring together, I haven’t been contributing enough in battles. It feels like I’ve been a dead weight to the team," Linus said.

"What are you talking about, dude? It’s fine. That’s why we’re here. We can carry you all the way to the top," Bob grinned as he put his arm around Linus’s shoulder.

"No. You don’t understand. I have my own pride as an adventurer, and as your friend. I don’t want to see both of you injured like before again." He gently removed Bob’s arm.

Bob and I fell silent for a moment. Linus looked serious. We had known each other since the very first day we arrived in this world. At first, I thought he was just some random thief mob. But after many battles, he had become someone precious to us.

"If that’s your decision, then good luck. Come back stronger," I said, extending my hand.

"I will. Please stay safe while I’m gone," Linus replied.

"Linus is entering his training arc! Can’t wait to see him when he comes back," Bob said as we watched Linus’s back disappear into the distance.

"Alright, let’s go to the guild."

We walked straight toward the guild. Along the way, more and more people filled the streets as the tournament approached. Many bazaars had been set up. It was as if the event in Daisy Town hadn’t affected them at all.

Just as we were about to enter the guild, someone suddenly called out to us from behind.

"Alan! Bob!"

We turned around and saw a familiar figure.

"Kim? Why are you here? And why are you wearing that kind of attire? Where is your shopkeeper outfit?" Bob bombarded him with questions.

"Hehe. So you still don’t know, huh? I’ve already registered as an adventurer. In fact, it’s been two weeks since I became one." He smiled, revealing his two big front teeth like a rabbit.

"That’s great, Kim! Congrats!" I cheered.

"It’s all thanks to you, Alan. After what you said to me that day, I kept thinking about it day and night. Then, on that fateful day, I decided to become an adventurer."

"Your old man didn’t get angry at you?" Bob asked.

"Surprisingly, he didn’t. He even gave me some money to buy a magic weapon and robe. He told me, ’After you understand the real world of adventurers, you can come back anytime. The stall will always need extra hands.’ Geez... that old man really made me want to cry..." Tears formed in his eyes.

"Therefore!!! I will not waste this opportunity. I vow to become the greatest acolyte and one day have a faithful meeting with the Seventh Heaven group!" he suddenly declared with determination.

"So, please let me join your party and teach me the way of an adventurer, Alan and Bob!" He bowed deeply at a full ninety degrees.

I looked at Bob, and he looked back at me.

Looks like... we’ve got a new party member.