> Ellie PoV

“So what now?” (Kelly)

*SNOOORE*

“Let’s casually enjoy our tea. If he doesn't wake up in 15 minutes Ellie will take care of it.” (Kira)

I follow Kira’s advice and sip the tea the secretary brought us.

Usually I don’t like hot drinks, but this tea is delicious!

“Bah, tea. I need a refill for my hip flask...” (Kelly)

“Use your emergency flask.” (Kira)

*SNOOORE*

“It’s empty too. Downed it on the way back from the dragon shrine.” (Kelly)

“Then your emergency emergency flask.” (Kira)

“Drank that right before we fought the dragon.” (Kelly)

*SNOOORE*

“And the-” (Kira)

“During the fight.” (Kelly)

So that’s what that was!

I was wondering why Kelly got super depressed in the middle of the fight with the dragon.

She took a few hits, but Scrappy absorbed them magnificently.

As for me, he didn't even touch me.

That big lizard was tough, but he was slow.

I’m so glad we practiced the throwing technique with Kelly.

It accelerates much faster than the [Flight] spell!

Well, this is a secret but I really wanted to be thrown by Scrappy.

It’s soooo coool!

“Wow all eight flasks? This might be the first time I’ve-” (Kira)

*YAAAWN*

“Ah. That. Was. A. Good. Nap.” (Grandmaster)

Ohh!

The Grandmaster is back to normal!

I’m so glad, this way of speaking is much more interesting!

“Huh? Mister Kilroy your words are back?” (Lara)

“Hmm? Did. They. Go. Some. Where?” (Grandmaster)

“... Grandmaster, what’s the last thing you remember before your nap?” (Kira)

“I. Was. Explaining. We. Will. Not. Penalize. Your. Team. For. Releasing. The. Dragon.” (Grandmaster)

Does he not remember?

What a curious thing, he was so angry, too.

Ah, it is it similar to how I can’t remember what happened right before I fall asleep?

Must be that, surely.

“I liked mister’s smooth words better!” (Sophie)

“Smooth. Words? You mean like this?” (Grandmaster)

“Yes! I think talking like that suits mister the best!” (Sophie)

“Ah. Y-yeah!” (Lara)

Whaaaaat?

But those slow sentences are pretty cool you know?

Well, it makes the girls happy so let’s support it with a clear nod.

“I see, then if it is alright with the rest, I will continue like this. Hmm, I don’t see the [Green Sage] here.” (Grandmaster)

“Mister Picorio went to get some sleep.” (Ellie)

“I see, I can relate to taking a good nap!” (Grandmaster)

It’s a shame mister Picorio is missing out on this tea though.

He normally likes this sort of thing since it comes from herbs.

Speaking of herbs, mister Picorio’s herbal thoughts were going around in circles when he left.

I guess fighting a dragon is exhausting for mages who aren’t Kira.

“Then, since this was dropped off earlier, I am handing it to you now.” (Grandmaster)

The Grandmaster takes out something from his desk and places it in front of us.

It’s a brass-colored kite shield.

There’s an engraving of a crown with wings coming out of it.

“This is?” (Kira)

“Your Flight Badge. The MI (Ministry of Information) has decided you are trustworthy. I had some doubts that you are too young to take on such a burden, but your actions today proved otherwise.” (Grandmaster)

“Then we will accept it gratefully. Thank you, Grandmaster!” (Kira)

Kira reaches out and takes the shie- Flight Badge.

I wonder why they call it a badge, anyway?

Is it another conspiracy like the Pond Fruit?

“Kira, can I see?” (Ellie)

“Sure, here you are.” (Kira)

I take the Flight Badge from Kira.

The engraving is finely carved, it looks like it took a lot of work.

Flipping it over, I see a giant safety pin on the back side.

So it really is a badge, huh?

I guess it needs to be big since the flying monsters are big.

“Then, we will take our leave.” (Kira)

“Ah, two more things, Mrs Quasse.” (Grandmaster)

“Yes?” (Kira)

“First, present your guild cards at the receptionist downstairs to be updated.” (Grandmaster)

Ohhh!

“We’re getting ranked up!?” (Ellie)

I jump a little in excitement.

This is one of Kira’s goals, so achieving it will make her happy.

And when Kira is happy it makes her smile so bright it burns itself into my eyes!

“Not yet.” (Grandmaster)

“Ugh!” (Ellie)

That was cruel!

My hopes were dashed in an instant!

… Huh?

“Yet?” (Ellie)

“Rank A promotions are important events. There are many things to prepare and verify beforehand. Most important of them is to have a proper trial for the Court Wizard.” (Grandmaster)

“I see.” (Ellie)

Even after we caught him, the old fart still causes trouble.

Just how determined is he to mess with me?!

“The last issue is what do you wish to do with the remains of the Elder Dragon?” (Grandmaster)

“The guild can buy it, right?” (Kira)

“Well, yes, but such a sum-” (Grandmaster)

“-is something the guild can most assuredly afford, yes?” (Kira)

Ah no good.

Kira is in full on negotiations mode.

This will take a while.

* * *

“Here are your cards back Ellie!” (Clara)

“Thanks Clara.” (Ellie)

I accept our Adventurer Cards back.

Both of us got a [Dragonbane] title, the rest in unchanged.

Kira is still ‘negotiating’ upstairs.

The Grandmaster will probably be wrung out of every last coin before she’s satisfied.

Our finances are still in a slight pinch after that wedding day incident, so Kira is serious.

The rest of us grew bored so we excused ourselves.

“Look girls, titles!” (Ellie)

I try to show off for the girls a little.

“Ehhh? No Rank-up? That’s so unfair!” (Lara)

“Big sis, I’m sure the titles are more amazing than rank…” (Sophie)

Hmm, I guess it’s not much from their point of view.

It lacks the impact of an actual dragon corpse present.

“Ahh, lil’ Sophie’s right you know? Ranks are meaningless!” (Kelly)

Kelly’s just come back from the restaurant area.

She went to get a drink in her favorite mug.

“I mean… Ellie… Red was like, the same, right? Before and after *urp* getting Ranked up?” (Kelly)

Looks like she’s already tipsy

Well, this is her fifth drink already, so this much is expected.

“That’s right. Kira’s always been amazing.” (Ellie)

“Ya see? Ranks don’t count for nothing!” (Kelly)

“Hey, watch your mouth you damn drunk!” (Adventurer)

Kelly said that last part with a louder voice than usual and was overheard.

“I only speak th’ truth. If you don’t wanna listen then bugger off you, you, you, you gorilla!” (Kelly)

Well she has a point.

That guy does look a little like a gorilla, especially the face.

“Bah, probably another weakling that can’t get past Rank D!” (Gorilla)

“Yeah right! I ain’t even part of your litt- *urp* little ‘system.’ I’m a mercenary, I’m my own woman!” (Kelly)

“Hahahaha! A merc! What a joke. Why don’t you go sell yourself somewhere away from here?” (Gorilla)

“Believe me, mate, I’d love to but I already got a contract with Ellie here.” (Kelly)

Hey!

Don’t drag me into this!

I just wanted to casually enjoy the show!

“Huh? That girl? Wait, isn’t she that same Ellie that took down the dragon this morning?!” (Gorilla)

“That’s right! You don- don’t wanna mess with her! Or me!” (Kelly)

“Such a disgrace! You’re in the service of such a fine team and yet you drink so shamelessly! Know your place!” (Gorilla)

“That right? I know my place mate. Do you kno- *urp* know the place where I’ll put my fist if ya don’t shut it? Yer ruining the taste of me ale so go *urp* go away!” (Kelly)

Well, I can already see where this is headed.

But it's been a while, so I'll let it happen.

Kelly needs to unwind a bit.

* * *

“I’m done. I got us a good price as expected!” (Kira)

“Good work Kira!” (Ellie)

“Can we go now? I’m bored.” (Lara)

“Of course Lara, we’re done he-” (Kira)

She freezes mid-sentence.

I guess I should have told her right away.

“Why is there- KELLY!” (Kira)

“Ha? What? Oh! Hey Red! How’d it go?” (Kelly)

Kelly finally noticed Kira.

“Nevermind that! Why do you keep doing these things!?” (Kira)

“Ah? Well… this gorilla was being noisy… then there was a punch thrown… and things sort of escalated from there…” (Kelly)

Well, that is the gist of it, nothing really unusual there.

But that headlock of hers is a bit more vicious than normal.

“Escalated did they? Please let that poor man go! His face is turning blue! I wish you’d consider your position as an employee!” (Kira)

“Ahhh don’t start with that! This guy here was saying the same thing! How I’m not good enough and I should take a hike and how I can’t measure up to you guys… “ (Kelly)

“GHHHRRR!” (Gorilla)

The gorilla was letting out some weird noises and foaming slightly at the mouth.

“Release him this instant!” (Kira)

“Feh, fine, if you insist.” (Kelly)

She let go of the guy whose face was turning blue.

He immediately backs away glaring, but doesn’t look like he’s willing to continue.

“*Cough cough* Thank you. That lowly mercenary really is-” (Gorilla)

*SLAM*

“OOF!” (Gorilla)

Kira hits him right in the face with her staff, shutting him up and knocking him down.

“How dare you? I’ll have you know that woman is every bit as capable as we are! Next time you have something to say come straight to me! I’ll be sure to properly explain things to you again!” (Kira)

“Red, you know you don’t have to do this sort of thing.” (Kelly)

“You be quiet! It’s not for your sake it’s for mine!” (Kira)

Kira takes her position as team leader very seriously you know?

Implying her companions aren’t needed is an insult to her as an adventurer.

Well, that and she wanted a little revenge for Kelly.

She is an important friend after all.

The gorilla glares back at her while he rubs his cheek.

Ah… I can see where this is going too.

* * *

*Snap*

“GYAAAAA!” (Gorilla)

“Another wonderful display of self-defense, Ellie!” (Clara)

Yup.

Kelly’s drunk, Kira’s beautiful, the girls are adorable and I’ve had to discipline a rude person while Clara cheers me on.

This is exactly like Runetap at this point.

It’s not a bad thing.

Let’s focus on relaxing properly over the next week.

Today’s been a long day, I feel like it’s been forever since I slept.

[Unity] is as exhausting as always.

Therefore, I really wish those soldier-like people who just burst in through the door have nothing to do with us.

“Attention! We’ve come to escort adventurer team [Black Flame] to the Royal Palace by order of the king!” (Soldier)

My wish was instantly denied.

Let’s start seriously working on that spell that rejects reality when we get back home!

End of Act Five - Unity