I woke up much later than yesterday, I suppose it makes sense, I was completely exhausted. My whole body was still in pain, resulting in pain whenever I moved. At least I leveled up a lot because of that dungeon, the amount of experience I gained there was unusually high.

I wonder why, I'll simply try to find out next time I go there.

I got up from my bed and looked outside the window, the only sound that I could hear were birds chirping, this silence was comforting for me, I never was a fan of loud things or anything of the sort. I left my room, locked it and gave the key back to the owner of the inn.

I definitely didn't want to go back to the dungeon, not soon at least. If something that strong was on the fifth floor, I'd rather not know what kind of monsters there were deeper down.

Then, I remembered something. Naofumi said that he was going to travel around Melomarc,

If I travelled for some time, I probably could find some useful materials for my knife, besides it probably would be rather peaceful. I decided to walk out of the capital with the intention to escape from any sort of battle, my body was already badly hurt, I didn't need any more pain.

I decided to simply walk along the road, since it was the road, monsters shouldn't appear here as often as they do in other places.

After a while of walking, I heard the sound of battle coming from the forest nearby, I decided to ignore it until...

???: Somebody help me!

I instantly started running at the direction where I heard the call for help. After a short while I saw a knight surrounded by numerous monsters. He was clearly struggling.

I took out my submachine gun and fired at them, after firing out a whole ammunition magazine none were left. I decided to walk up to the knight who was still shocked by what just happened.

Y/n: Are you alright? You should fight monsters with a party, its easier.

Knight: I know, but they left me behind.

He had a sad look on his face, just what kind of person abandons a party member?

Y/n: Why did they abandon you?

Knight: I was in the bow hero's party, we were hunting monsters to get stronger, I was weaker compared to everyone else. The other party members convinced the bow hero to leave me behind. The bow hero lost an accessory a while ago, they accused me of stealing it, even though I didn't.

I could see that he really liked being with the bow hero, kicking someone out because they aren't as strong as you can't be justified.

Y/n: That bow hero really doesn't seem worthy of his title.

Knight: He is! It's just that, he trusts his party so he probably really believed that I stole his accessory.

The fact that he looks up to him so much makes it even worse.

Y/n: The road to the capital isn't far away, I can show you where it is so you can come back to the city.

Knight: You know, I'm really grateful that you helped me, would it be a problem if I joined your party?

Personally, I really wouldn't mind taking him with me, although the Assassin hero cannot form a party with anyone.

Y/n: Can you give me a moment to think?

He nodded at my response. Instead of thinking I was going through the rules in my menu checking whether or not there is a way to bypass the restriction.

And then I found it:

...because of the difficulty of the waves, the Assassin hero can form a party with one person once they reach level 30, and can form a party with two people once they reach level 70...

I was relieved to say the least, the idea of working alone at all times didn't bring me happiness. I was level 28, so I needed to level up two more times and he could come with me.

Y/n: How about we go to the capital first, and depart together in a few hours?

He was very happy hearing those words, I couldn't help but smile under my mask.

Knight: Thank you so much! By the way, my name is Cole, may I ask for yours?

Y/n: I'm Y/n. I'm happy to be working with you.

Cole: Likewise!

As we were walking back to the capital, I could see that his mood had improved a lot, I really didn't mind bringing a person like him along.

I stopped just a bit before the gate. Cole noticed that and was confused.

Cole: Is something wrong?

Y/n: Sorry, but could you wait about half an hour at the inn? I have to take care of something.

Cole: Okay, see you in a while then!

I looked at my ring and focused on it, I teleported to the 5th floor of the dungeon.

I really didn't want to come here, but it can't be helped. A single floor should get me enough experience.

I descended to the 6th floor, unlike on the higher floors, the monsters were more intelligent in a way, they knew how to dodge my slashes and so on.

After what felt like eternity, but in reality was 20 minutes, I cleared the floor completely. I got up to level 31 because of all that fighting, I got hit a few times too, my body was already hurt from yesterday, therefore I was quite annoyed at that.

I was quite happy with the skills I obtained, I didn't expect to get two though, the skill upgrade seemed very useful, too.

I used the ring to teleport outside and started walking towards the capital. After a few minutes, I finally arrived and went in the direction of the inn.

Inside I saw Cole sitting at a table alone, I could see he was nervous. He didn't hear me come in, he only noticed me when I walked up to him. That presence concealment skill upgrade really makes a difference.

Cole: Oh, you scared me a little, I didn't hear you come in.

I smiled and said to him:

Y/n: I took care of my issue, I'm ready now ,but before we leave, we're going to visit the blacksmith, do you know a good one? I didn't have a chance to go there yet.

Cole: I do, actually. Follow me, I'll show you the way.

After two minutes of walking we arrived at the store.

Blacksmith: Hi kid! Seems like you brought a new customer with you, my name is Erhard and welcome to my store!

Y/n: We're here to get equipment for Cole. The budget for everything is 400 silver.

Cole was quite shocked at my words, well I couldn't blame him.

Cole: You don't have to buy me equipment, that's a lot of money you're willing to pay, you really don't have to.

Y/n: True, I don't have to, but I'm willing to. You're free to pick out anything you like, as long as it's inside the budget.

He didn't try to argue anymore and went to pick out some armor.

Erhard: Are you sure you don't need anything? You look like you could use something.

Y/n: Thank you for the offer, but I really don't need anything.

By now, Cole had picked out a silver sword and a set of plate armor.

Erhard: That will be 350 silver.

I gave him the money as Cole went to change into the armor. When he came out, you'd think he was some high ranking knight.

Cole: So, how does it look?

Y/n: It looks good on you, it looks effective too.

Erhard: I agree, you look good in that.

He smiled and prepared to leave.

Y/n: We'll be going then, see you Erhard.

Erhard: Goodbye, stay safe.

As we edited the shop we started walking into the direction of the gate.

Y/n: Well then, are you ready?

Cole: Yes, but where are we going exactly?

Y/n: Who knows, I simply want to travel, if you have a preference where you want to go then feel free to say it.

Cole: I don't have one, a journey on which we simply travel and don't have any particular goal in mind is fine by me.

Y/n: I'm happy you're fine with that, now then I suppose it's time to leave. Let's go then.

Cole: I suppose we're a party now then?

Y/n: Yeah, I guess so.

A notification appeared in front of me:

Do you want to add Cole to your party?

I accepted and his health bar appeared on my menu.

Cole - level 15

As we left the capital, I only thought about one single thing.

Now that I'm not alone, this is going to be a fun journey.