After leaving the team, the adventurer ladies regretted it deeply

Phyllis nodded deeply, "Indeed, the Red Armored Crab King should rightfully belong to the teacher... ahem, to Lin Da!"

Even Phyllis, an 'outsider,' had no complaints.

With the old teammates being so modest, Lin Da couldn't possibly accept everything. He handed over the four pairs of blade legs from the Red Armored Crab King, which could be used to craft Level 20 Purple Equipment, to Snow Goose.

Lin Da solemnly said, "The Monster Tide has not ended yet, everyone be careful."

"You too." Aiko nodded with a smile, and along with the members of Snow Goose, hurried towards Lia's location. Discover exclusive tales on empire

"Everyone has grown." Watching the disappearing backs of the Snow Goose members, Lin Da couldn't help but feel emotional.

Lia had learned to be modest and did not vie with him for the spoils of battle.

Aiko seemed to have understood as well, no longer slacking off, and her attitude became much more sincere.

Klyne always gave him the impression of a simple, ordinary girl who was good at daily life but also resisted the temptation of the Red Armored Crab King, giving up this spoil to mend the gradually estranging relationship between them.

Klrona no longer incessantly called him Small Fry...

Each member of Snow Goose had their own growth.

...

The sounds of laughter gradually faded behind him.

Lia looked back and saw Lin Da, previously tossed into the air by everyone, now being set down, with Aiko chattering away happily to him.

Each member of Snow Goose seemed to have a good relationship with Lin Da, like that of very ordinary, sincere old teammates.

Only she felt out of place there.

Unable to sincerely utter the simple and honest words, "It's really great to adventure with you."

Lia walked with measured steps, her boots kicking a small stone, sending it rolling forward continuously, as if her mind was also following that small stone.

The joy of successfully defeating the Red Armored Crab King was palpable in her chest, making her so happy she felt like jumping around – a feeling she hadn't experienced in so long that the memory had begun to blur. Lia couldn't recall the last time she felt this way.

'What, really, is the meaning of adventure?'n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

'Becoming increasingly weary, is that what adventure means?'

Lia couldn't help but question herself.

Just like Aiko had said, she seemed to have misunderstood something. Lin Da had never treated her as an enemy. Defeating the Phoenix Tail Flower, proving Snow Goose's strength – these 'meanings' were just her own wishful thinking.

Lia recalled the first time she held a sword.

Before she was picked up by The Mandalas, sneaking into Noble Academy, hiding under a windowsill gripping a straight stick, imagining it was a sharp sword, using it to defeat Magical Creatures, to become a respected adventurer.

Ascending to higher floors, defeating powerful monsters, acquiring stronger equipment, and becoming a famous adventurer.

Lia suddenly realized.

It wasn't about proving a point to anyone; she simply wanted to become stronger.

Did defeating Lin Da prove she was an outstanding adventurer?

Yet, what measured an adventurer was the World Tree.

Even if she defeated Lin Da, she would not be more respected than someone who had cleared the top floor.

Lia's expression darkened.

Deep down, she understood, she just did not want to admit it.

The reason she wanted to defeat Lin Da was probably just because she was upset about Lin Da leaving the team.

Like a petulant elementary school student, things weren't going her way, so she threw a tantrum.

Defeating Lin Da, proving herself, was perhaps just a way to make Lin Da notice her, like before, when just a fuss from her would make Lin Da yield to her.

This time, however, Lia encountered unprecedented resistance.

She thought it was because her tantrum wasn't big enough.

Until today's cooperative battle, where Lin Da, bearing no grudges, helped her.

Lia then realized how childish her behavior had been.

Lin Da was a true adventurer.

That was probably why he joined the Snow Goose Adventure Team.

Yet she had veered off the path of an adventurer, obsessed with clearing levels and the speed of strategy, indistinguishable from those profit-driven merchants.

When Lia suddenly looked back, she realized only Lin Da was still supporting her.

Aiko, Klrona, and the others had long since drifted away from her.

"At this rate, Lin Da will only look down on me more," she thought.

Lia's face turned pale, her small hands clenched so tightly that her knuckles ached.

Without Lin Da, could she no longer move forward?

The young girl's body swayed amid the Monster Tide, feeling her greatsword in hand as heavy as a mountain.

Just then.

"Captain."

"Captain, slow down!"

"Lia, are you throwing a tantrum again?"

The members of Snow Goose caught up.

Klyne, like a formal team member, called her captain, a title unchanged for two years.

Oru grinned stupidly, obviously slow-witted.

Aiko was incredibly annoying, showing a resigned face as if placating a child, coaxing her along.

Kruna strutted ahead like a proud little rooster, carrying her axe at the front.

Phyllis... his fawning face made Lia feel a bit sick.

But no one had given up on her.

The five of them hurried up, surrounding Lia.

The members of the Snow Goose Adventure Team moved forward side by side amid the swarm of crabs.

Lia sobbed softly.

Aiko asked with confusion, "What's the matter? Did the tail of the Red Armored Crab King hit you silly?"

"Thank you all for being with me until now," Lia said, dabbing at her eyes and turning her head to speak softly.

The members of Snow Goose were dumbfounded.

More incredulous than a goblin paying an Elf Miss after a visit.

"When we get back...," Lia said, "let's practice our combat coordination."

Everyone was stunned.