Chapter 72
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Epilogue - Rick (1)
"Ah, fuck. That was fucking exhausting. Isn't that right, Menix?"
"Huh? Oh... yeah, it was. But we made it through okay, so that's a relief."
"It's all thanks to Rick providing support right where we needed it. Thanks for watching our backs earlier too, Rick."
"I keep telling you not to push yourself so hard, Rens. If you do it again, I won't save you next time."
"Ah... yeah. Sorry, Rick."
"No, you did well, Rens. Rick, don't be so harsh."
"Yes, yes, ma'am. Of course. Wouldn't dream of it."
"Alright, enough chit-chat, everyone. Let's go collect our rewards. It's late, so we settle up quick and get some sleep."
At Menix's words, the party members all nodded and followed behind him. Neria shot me a prim little glance before sauntering off, shaking that plump ass of hers, while the ever-sweet Rens winked at me once more in thanks. It hadn't even been three full months together, but we'd gotten pretty close. As I watched my new party members, a thought crossed my mind.
Fucking retards.
Every last one of them was a dumb, naive piece of shit. Rens, the idiot so grateful for my half-assed arrow shots from the back line that he clung to me like it was a favor. Neria, the prissy whore who acted all high and mighty but blushed like a virgin if you teased her even a little. And Menix, the sucker crushed by pointless responsibility who insisted on being the leader.
The worst, and the best, party members imaginable. If you asked if I'd trust my life to these morons in a pinch, I'd shake my head no in a heartbeat. But they were perfect for scamming, so they were ideal to tag along with. They weren't completely useless either, so I could dump most of the work on them and just fire off a few arrows from the rear to skim easy money.
Plus, rewards were split evenly regardless of contribution. That was the most appealing part of this retard squad. If I did absolutely nothing but slack and eat, they'd kick me out sure enough, but these idiots didn't even notice when I was slacking, so that wasn't an issue. It was basically a dream party.
And to top it off, Neria that bitch. She dressed like a mercenary to play it plain, but up close, she was pretty damn decent. If I could just fuck that slut, it'd be perfect. A little more flirting, and I bet I could make it happen. Just a bit more effort...
"Alright, time to settle up."
Then came Menix's oh-so-sweet words. How much would I rake in this time? It was a tough job, so maybe enough to coast for a whole month. If it fell short, I'd borrow from Rens. The guy forgot about loans after a few weeks no matter how much I borrowed—super convenient.
"Same as always, right? Just divvy it up however."
"Well... yeah, but this time it's a little different."
"What? Different how? What the fuck does that mean?"
I jumped at Menix's sudden declaration, spitting out a curse. But he just smiled gently at me and patted my shoulder.
"Calm down, Rick. It's not bad—your contribution was so huge this time that I want to give you a bigger cut. Don't worry about Rens and Neria; it'll come out of my share. Sound good?"
"Huh? Well... if you're okay with it, I don't mind..."
"I'm fine with it. You basically saved my life, Rick. Congrats."
"Uh... uh? Yeah..."
I nodded awkwardly, staring at Menix. He met my eyes with that same friendly smile.
What the hell.
...
Is luck like this even real?
I couldn't stop my lips from curling up. Wow. I knew they were suckers, but this level? My loyalty to the party shot right up. Fucking retard shits. This made it worth hanging with them. I felt so good I wanted to shout. Oh, world. God, bless these idiots' pathetic brains!
"Ha... haha. Finally getting the recognition I deserve. Thanks, Menix. Man, this feels great."
"Glad to hear it, Rick. Congrats for real."
"Nah, it's partly thanks to your incompetence. Hey, I'm in such a good mood—how about I buy dinner tonight? What do you say, Neria? Wanna grab a drink with me?"
"What? But..."
Riding the high, I sidled up to Neria with a sly tone. The bitch recoiled a bit but flushed red, acting all coy. Fuck, I couldn't hold back. Tonight, I was definitely fucking her. No question.
But then Menix wedged himself between us.
"Sounds good. You two head to the tavern first? I'll settle with Rick and catch up. How's that?"
What the fuck is this asshole doing, cockblocking me? I glared at Menix, frowning hard, when Neria piped up quick from behind.
"Ah... yeah! Sounds good! Let's go, Rens."
"Huh? Oh, sure."
"Ah... wait, hold on. We could go together if you..."
"No, we need to talk, Rick. Got a lot to say."
I tried to grab them, but Menix held my arm firm, forcing me to watch them leave. As their footsteps faded and we were alone in the empty hall, Menix leaned against the wall and let go. I glared daggers and sighed.
"Damn it. What the hell do you want to talk about, Menix?"
"Hey... no rush, Rick. Take this first."
"Huh? Oh, the payout. Whoa, that's a lot. Was the job that big?"
"Told you. Your share's bigger. You've worked hard all this time."
The plan got derailed a bit, but the fat pouch he handed over melted my irritation away. Feeling its satisfying weight, I chuckled.
"Haha. Didn't expect this much. Thanks, you bastard."
"No need to thank me. It's been about three months already. If anything, I should've done it sooner."
"Better late than never."
"Honestly, we're grateful you joined us at all. You're way above our level skill-wise. Sometimes it's intimidating."
"Aw, come on."
Heh heh. I like the sound of that. Of course—even my half-hearted backup feels like a blessing to you lot. Gotta be thankful I'm sticking around. I was buzzing so hard now I slung an arm around his shoulders, all buddy-buddy.
"So, Rick..."
But Menix shrugged off my arm and spoke in a suddenly serious tone. He hesitated a long moment before blurting it out.
"How about looking for another party?"
...
...
"...What?"
His abrupt words left me too stunned to even curse, just staring blankly. Menix nodded solemnly and continued.
"You're too good for our party. Even you must think so. Maybe it's time to move on to something better."
"No, no, I don't wanna, Menix. Sure, I'm skilled, but I can't just abandon my teammates."
"No, Rick. You've done more than enough already. We can't keep holding you back."
"What are you talking about? Holding me back? You've been useful too, so..."
"It's fine. You're free to go. And honestly..."
Menix met my eyes, trailing off a bit. Then, as if resolved, he lifted his head.
"I don't think you fit our party's vibe."
"What?"
"It's my fault. I recruited you just hearing you were a good archer. Should've considered combat style, personality, all that. In the end, I blocked your path and weakened the whole party."
"No, fuck..."
His ongoing spiel finally made me spit a curse. What the hell is wrong with this psycho? Why the sudden bullshit?
Still, I forced myself to stay calm. Losing my temper here wouldn't help.
"No... Menix. That's just your opinion. You've never held me back, and we've had good results. Right?"
"No, Rick."
"What do you mean no, fuck? You're deciding this shit alone..."
"The whole party's agreed."
"What the fuck?"
"Rens agreed too. That you're... not good for the party."
"Rens? That fucker said that?"
"Yeah, Rick. Everyone—Rens, Neria, and me."
Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I lost my words, my hands dropping limp. Despair flooded my body.
"That's how it is, Rick. Sorry. But I know you'll do great anywhere."
"...Now."
But the despair faded quick, replaced by rising fury.
I clenched my fists, glaring at him, my voice laced with clear killing intent.
"You're kicking me out of the party right now?"
I figured he'd flinch. The Menix I knew would've cowered. But he nodded calmly.
"Yes."
"You fucking..."
"So find a new party quick, Rick."
He turned and walked away before I could say more. I hurled curses at his shitty back.
"Fuck you, Menix!"
"Oh, and Rick."
He paused, turning back. Was he reconsidering? A flicker of hope, but no such luck.
"Cut the swearing and stop hitting on the girls. If not for that, we might've stuck together longer."
"You fucking bastard!"
I screamed every emotion, but he shut the door and vanished faster. I stared blankly at his retreating form, head dropping.
It was all so sudden—my emotions couldn't catch up. Did this really happen? Kicked from that retard sucker party? Me? By them?
No denying it changed nothing. I racked my brain for a reversal, but nothing. Sounded like they'd discussed it among themselves for a while; no undoing it now. And they had a rep for being diligent like the suckers they were—no external leverage.
I pondered and pondered, but no solutions came. Just the rage in my chest growing hotter. In that moment, I had only one thing to say.
"...Fuck."
"Ughhh..."
Fuck.
"Ahhhh... you fucking bitches..."
My head spun. The booze I'd chugged and smokes I'd inhaled bubbled in my gut. Wasn't the first time getting booted from a party, but getting one-sidedly dumped by those retards stung like hell.
"You fucking shits... without me, you'd be dead already, you worthless fucks..."
Ungrateful cunts. Weak-ass worms daring to kick me out? Barely worth a punch, and they fuck, fuck, fuck!
"You think you can make it without me? Huh?!"
Bam!
I couldn't hold the rage and kicked a rock on the ground hard. But it was lodged deep—didn't budge, and my toe nearly shattered instead. I screamed pathetically.
"Arghhh!!!"
A crunch, and bone-shattering pain spread instantly. I collapsed, tears pricking, writhing in humiliation and agony, howling.
"Fuck... fuck...!"
But it sobered me up, letting rational thought return. Breathing steady, I judged coldly and reached a logical conclusion.
Haa...
...
...
Kill them all?
Slinking away like a loser proved I was the defeated one. Kill them, or at least ruin the fucks. If word spread their party fell apart after I left, my rep would soar. Even if they suspected me, that worked too—no one would defy me after.
And in the chaos, fuck Neria too.
A smile crept on. Imagining her screaming in despair as I fucked her over Menix and Rens's corpses lifted my mood. Yeah. Kill 'em all. Wait for their next quest, sneak in, slaughter. Perfect.
"...Yeah. That's the plan."
As I stood, a paper fluttered off the wall like fate. From my thrashing earlier? I'd ignore it normally, but I picked it up, entranced. Then I saw words I'd never forget.
Recruiting party members.
Leader: Leo.
1 Priest, 1 Archer.
Preference for stealth-capable applicants.
...
Leo.
That famous Leo?
I stared blankly at the sparse notice. So plain it screamed authenticity—like the real Leo wrote it. The ruthless, cold swordsman whose skill outmatched capital knights. A legend.
He was recruiting?
First thought: 'Don't even dream.' Don't be stupid, Rick. You're decent and confident in stealth, but not Leo-level. Waste of time—ignore and move on.
But then: 'What if?' Hey, what if? Ever seen a better archer than me? And finding this right now—coincidence? Or destiny?
...
If. If I quietly offed Menix and the crew.
Wouldn't Leo recognize my skills and take me?
"Oh my god."
The idea hit, and I let out a hollow laugh—then genuine glee. Everything fit perfectly. No better plan. Revenge, then leapfrog to success on its back. With Leo, I'd go famous. This time, real success.
"Yeah. This is it."
Plans flooded my mind. First, find Leo and talk. Confirm it's him. Yeah.
"Heh... heh heh heh..."
I cackled like a madman, clutching the paper. Bottom had his lodging spot. Good. Let's go.
Unable to contain the thrill, I looked up—the pitch-black sky had a bright moon glowing eerie green. On this perfect night, two legendary mercs meet for the first time.
What a story.
Whistling happily, I set off. Everything felt like it'd go my way.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
"Leo...! No, Mr. Leo! Saw your recruitment and came!"
I bellowed his name heartily. A bit tense, but decent for drunk me.
"Came for the recruitment! Open up!"
No answer despite pounding. Asleep? Or out? Disappointed, I knocked more. Still nothing.
"Well... fuck it. Can't have everything go perfect."
Forced positivity, shrugged. Great meetings need waiting.
"Whew..."
Whatever—plot how to fuck over my ex-crew. I turned leisurely, buzzed happily.
Step. Step.
Footsteps approached. Leo? Hope flickered; I peered into the dark hall.
Step. Step.
"Uh..."
Squinting in dim light, a black silhouette neared. But womanly figure killed my interest; back to thoughts.
Hmm. Crash somewhere first. Plan in bed, hit again morning. Early rise wouldn't hurt—others want in too.
Step. Step.
Or leave a note. Not bad. I scanned for paper.
Step. Step.
Thud.
...
Steps stopped nearby. Instinctively looked up—the shadow stared at me.
"What the fuck."
Definitely a woman, so I cursed freely. But the mystery chick stared through me despite hearing.
"What. Got business?"
"..."
No reply. Just staring.
"..."
What? Drunk chick? Pretend to walk her home, make a move? Might score.
"Hey. You need some..."
Thud.
Trying to chat, something dropped from her—a huge backpack hit the floor. She eyed me, then reached for it.
Rustle. Rustle.
"..."
Opened the flap slightly, then looked back at me.
"Wha... what the fuck..."
Sudden chills. First sight of stranger, drops bag, opens it, stares. Not normal. More like...
...a hitman eyeing a target.
"Fuck this...!"
Finally, I backed up. But door blocked behind. Hit the wall, panicked, raised voice.
"Who the hell are you?"
"..."
No answer. Fumbled for bow and arrows at waist—left at inn, no magic return. Clenched fists, yelled again.
"Who are you?!"
"..."
She didn't move. Just her long red hair swaying slightly. Desperate, I gnashed teeth and screamed.
"Who the fuck are you!!!"