Black String of Fate

Xavier was sure who that particular receptionist was. He cursed his luck, getting involved with that woman had brought nothing but problems.

'Sigh, I can't even say anything. I was the one who said I wanted tougher quests, and I was also the one who said that I hated paperwork. Tsk, this is the last time I'll ever involve myself with her.

Well, since I don't want a blemish on my perfect record, I'll do it, but…'

Xavier looked back at the rest of the party members who had assembled shortly after hearing the news from him and Alina, and their anger was visible. It was understandable, as they were moving to the next quest as soon as they finished this one. They did not even get to enjoy the break they deserved.

"You know, to be completely honest, I don't have much of a problem with doing a C-ranked quest. The problem I have is that I did not get to choose whether I wanted to be in this or not. You should know that C-ranked quests are on a whole nother level compared to D-ranked and below. They are made to be attempted by Experts, a stage with a major difference in power from the previous ones.

You understand what I'm getting at, right?"

Xavier, unlike the reaction expected from him, replied in a calm and scolding manner. While Lafia, who was prepared to even be beaten, was surprised, she did not let the opportunity to explain herself go.

"I know what I have done, but I truly believe I did the right thing. There was a C-ranked quest issued by the Grimswald. It offered a heavy monetary reward, so much so that it might compare to the levels of B+ rank quests. Even the adventurer's guild was baffled, but it was a genuine request.

The mission was to inspect the disappearances of small children from a state-run orphanage. In that quest, it was mentioned that the enemy is suspected to be a Crafted Elite. I was shocked when I saw this D+ level quest in the C-rank category.

I suspect that the Grimswald is somehow eager to complete this quest, given how nobles somehow always have dirty secrets to hide. In the guild, due to the lack of Experts present, I used the clause that a capable party of multiple people can take on a solo quest of one rank higher than the party, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

If I waited to get the confirmation from you guys, the quests would already be snatched by someone else by then. This is why I hurried, I saw an opportunity and took no time to take it, otherwise, hesitation might've made it slip from our hands."

Looking at the uncharacteristically serious eyes of Lafia, the party's anger was quelled. Whatever she said did make complete sense now, and they knew that even though their leader was impulsive and airheaded, she was not dumb.

"Sigh, well, what can we even do? Let's go, we can enjoy a permanent break later." Adam threw up his hands and started walking away. The rest of the party followed suit, leaving Xavier and Lafia behind.

"You have good party members." Dive deeper into the story on m-vle-mpyr

"Yeah, I know."

Xavier smiled and followed them, with Lafia running behind to catch up to them. It was the beginning of their last adventure, after this, they can retire happily. It will be a glorious end to this phase of their life, and what better way to end things than a quest of a rank they could never dream of attempting?

**********

"Alright, here's the document for the quest identification. Present it at the orphanage for the cooperation of the director and other people."

Xavier grabbed the sheet that was handed to him by Susan in the guild hall. He read the names that were registered for the quest, verifying his participation. While he was looking through, his eyes landed on one particular thing.

"...Susan, I know that you're a terrible human being who likes to play pranks on people, but why are you messing with an official document?"

"Hm? What do you mean?"

The rest of the party, who were lounging around in the hall, had their attention grabbed by the statement Xavier made. They listened in, hoping for something entertaining.

"What is this ridiculous party name? I must admit, it's so bad that it's funny, but you can get fired for these kinda stuff, y'know?"

"...That's your registered party name, though? I haven't messed with it at all?"

"Haha, you can stop it now. It's becoming less funny by the second."

"I'm not joking, as much as I like pranks, I care about my job. I won't mess with official documents."

Xavier went silent after hearing this. The party members caught on to the situation, and they were speechless. Their party, except their skill, was also famous for their infamous name.

"...Thomas, where's Lafia?"

"She's… Right here."

Thomas pointed a finger at a hooded figure that was trying its best to stay blended in the crowd and hidden from the sight of Xavier.

Lafia nervously laughed and removed her hood.

"Hehe, W-well, it isn't that bad of a name… You know, Lafia's Super Duper Cool Party has its charms and… wait, why are you coming closer?

…Why is your sword drawn? Hey, no, wait- AAAH"

*Crash*

The table on which Lafia sat was split in half, but the apparent destruction of property was not enough for the adventurers nearby to take action. Even the guild staff, who should be taking action, were standing on the sidelines.

"HEY! THIS MADMAN WILL KILL ME! WHY AREN'T YOU DOING ANYTHING?!"

A staff member standing on the side replied,

"I mean, if I find out someday that I'm part of a party named Lafia's Super Duper Cool Party, I'd crash out too."

The whole guild hall nodded in agreement, and for the first time, the party members felt avenged.

"Ah, I could die happy now. Thomas, I can now even take up on your offer to join the church…"

[A/N: please read author notes]