Afterward, Adam realized he shouldn't have confronted Kyōya so impulsively and recklessly.
But he didn't regret it!
Competing with him for Aqua? That was asking for death!
Didn't they understand that Aqua was his precious treasure?
While Adam expected the "underwear incident" to cause an uproar in Axel, the matter involving Kazuma was surprisingly suppressed.
The team members were puzzled. Had the villagers simply grown accustomed to Kazuma's perverted reputation, or did they no longer care?
After reflection, Adam realized this must have been Kyōya's doing — reputation mattered just as much to him.
Earlier, when Kyōya returned bearing his shame, he had likely wanted to discuss the matter with Adam. Instead, he faced further humiliation and fled in anger.
Thanks to him though, the team's reputation stayed intact.
Who knew he could be so considerate?
The days that followed were pleasantly routine, filled with Quest completions and team bonding.
Life felt rich with color.
"Tomorrow we're going to the Dungeon."
Megumin's immediate refusal drew everyone's attention.
Though they understood her aversion to dungeons, the team couldn't avoid these adventure Quests forever.
Only Kazuma had Dungeon experience, gained while temporarily joining another team. In this regard, even Adam couldn't match him.
After all, he had never entered a dungeon!
"I don't want to, I don't want to!" Megumin cut him off, "I'm worthless in a dungeon! My Explosion Magic would just make it collapse — I can't even use it! I'd be completely useless!"
She clearly dreaded being a mere accessory on this adventure.
"Megumin, I considered this when you joined the team." Adam explained, "This Quest won't require your direct involvement. You'll just wait at the Dungeon entrance. At most, you can use Explosion Magic on any monsters blocking our path there."
"Really... is that truly all I need to do?" Megumin asked skeptically.
Kazuma snapped irritably, "Hey, have some faith in your teammates! We can clear the Dungeon easily without you, okay?"
Though blunt, his words helped ease Megumin's shame. After all, who would trust an 「Arch-Wizard」 who couldn't enter dungeons?
"I have a question." Aqua said, sprawled lazily across the table, "Our team isn't short on money, so why bother with a low-level Dungeon?"
Adam stroked her blue hair and explained, "We do Quests to build combat experience, preparing ourselves for similar challenges in the future."
"But don't you need a Thief for Dungeon exploration? It's dangerous without one. Where's Chris, by the way? Should we invite her? Haven't seen her lately."
Kazuma answered Aqua's question.
"Chris has been away from the guild lately, but don't worry about Dungeon exploration. She taught me the Trap Detection and Trap Disarming skills, so we'll be fine."
"That's right." Adam added, "Kazuma-kun has passed these skills on to me as well, so we're well prepared."
"Hmm, that's a relief." Aqua lazily turned over and leaned against him.
"I want to go too!" Darkness exclaimed excitedly, "In a dark dungeon, with unknown monsters lurking about, a female knight might get dragged into a corner, and then... oh! Just imagining it is wonderful!"
She was already getting excited before they'd even entered.
No way — she might deliberately run into traps just for the thrill!
Though he knew she'd enjoy it, Adam had to decline.
"Ahem, Darkness, I'm sorry, but not this time."
"Eh?! Why not? I want to go!" She looked crestfallen and pleaded, "I promise I won't cause trouble — please let me go! I'll do anything!"
She pressed close to him.
What is she saying in front of everyone?!
Adam inwardly groaned.
Being at home, Darkness wasn't wearing her armor. Her beautiful face and passionate body pressed close, carrying a subtle fragrance.
"Sorry, but you're too perverted — I can't handle it."
"Nngh—!" Her eyes grew moist and her face reddened, appearing both happy and hurt.
Seeing her reaction, it was clear she was excited again.
Well, better she gets excited here than in the Dungeon.
To keep an eye on her, he'd have Aqua stay behind too, along with Megumin. Aqua wouldn't be much help anyway.
Plus, since Megumin and Darkness got along well, he worried Megumin might impulsively agree if Darkness pleaded with her. Having Aqua stay behind would help prevent that.
"Aqua, you stay behind this time too."
"Eh—?" Aqua looked quite dissatisfied.
Her reaction surprised Adam. Usually, she was reluctant to go on quests.
Why was she now upset about staying behind?
"Aqua, do you want to come too?"
"Yes!" She proudly thrust out her chest, "In these trap-filled dungeons, adventurers easily get hurt. Isn't this the perfect time for a High Priest like me to shine?"
Is she hoping we'll get hurt?
"No, you should stay behind. Keep Darkness and Megumin company, be good." Adam worried she might do something reckless just to prove herself useful.
"Since Adam says so..." Though reluctant, Aqua accepted his decision.
And so, the team scheduled the Dungeon exploration for the next day.
"Well, it's decided then!" Adam declared, "For this Dungeon adventure, Kazuma and I will explore first. After mapping out the traps, we'll guide everyone else through. Don't worry, no one will be left out — even Megumin will have to go through it once."
"Eh?! I have to go too?" Megumin looked dismayed.
"Of course! You're a team member, we won't leave you behind." Adam knew she was reluctant, but this wasn't negotiable.
This was valuable experience in growing from a young girl to a mature woman, how could it not be important?
Everything has a first time! The first time is always uncomfortable, but you get used to it after a few times!
These were the experiences she needed to have!
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