"The healer who was with us tried, but... the black aura emanating from the young lady's body... it repelled the healing magic... There was no reaction at all..."

At those words, everyone's expression immediately hardened.

"...Then, first things first. The longer the parasite stays, the more the soul becomes contaminated… We need to hurry, or treatment might not be in time."

"...Returning from the 20th floor... If it were Anastasia's party, it would likely take at least half a day even if they came straight here. We should assume the parasite has already reached deep within."

Fana's words are the guild master's perspective, based on a calm analysis.

There is no room for any indulgence or wishful thinking there, and therefore, it confronts them with the harsh reality of the present situation with brutal clarity.

"...Yes, you're right."

"..."

Potpourri had been nodding slightly as she trembled all over with frustration.

Sylvia, too, though she didn't say it was tinged with deep despair and had a stiff expression.

The air in the cafeteria grew heavy and stifling.

In that atmosphere, Christophe opened his mouth with a deliberately optimistic tone.

"Well, it's too early to be overly pessimistic. It's not that the treatment might not be in time, you know. In this situation, we should first consider the best course of action a healer can take… It's true that we can't say anything for sure without seeing the symptoms, but that doesn't mean there's zero possibility, does it?"

At Christophe's words, Fana nodded slightly.

"...That's right. Potpourri, I'm sorry. Due to my position, I can't help but consider the worst-case scenario. Of course,"

"...Yes, I understand."

Fana had not completely suppressed her emotions. Rather, the bitterness of being in a position where, as the leader of the guild, she had to anticipate the worst-case scenarios and make ruthless decisions, was evident in her steely voice.

"...I will return to the guild first, assess the situation accurately, and issue countermeasures. Sylvia—"

Fana paused, called out Sylvia's name, and then solemnly declared.

"―In the worst-case scenario... there's a chance we might have to ask your 'Wings of Flash' to take on the request to defeat Anastasia. Be prepared for that."

"...Yes."

Sylvia slowly nodded at Fana's words.

Fana began walking towards the exit of the dining hall. Fana returned to the guild, and the maid, Potpourri, also left the mansion.

The air in the remaining dining hall was heavy, and the peaceful morning that had been there just moments ago had vanished as if it were a lie.

Christophe and Sylvia, no longer having the luxury to savor their meal, quickly finished it and began preparing to head to the clan house.

She never knew when the official order from Fana would come. As the leader of the "Wings of Flash," Sylvia had to be ready to move at any moment.

After having listened this far, Christophe also wanted to come along.

Sylvia's profile had returned to that of an S-rank adventurer, concealing a stern resolve.

On the way to the clan, Christophe asked Sylvia.

"...You and Anastasia were friends, right?"

"Yes, that's right. She was from a noble family, but... well, she was quite a free-spirited child. She started being an adventurer because she wanted to, and she's almost my contemporary. She was an A+ rank adventurer, and everyone recognized her talent, saying she would eventually reach S rank."

Sylvia's voice was a mixture of pride and deep sadness at the thought of losing her.

As Christophe nodded silently, Sylvia gave a small nod and looked out the window.

"Yes... She was a dear friend, someone I could talk to without considering our positions as clan leader... We'd compete with our swords, and sometimes we'd laugh over the silliest things..."

Sylvia paused there, then clenched her fist tightly. Christophe could see that she was desperately trying to keep her mask as a leader from slipping off for just a moment.

"But... Now is not the time to be sentimental. As Fana said, we will defeat it. As the leader of the clan... and as fellow adventurers... and as friends… Before Anastasia hurts someone."

In those eyes, there was a strong will to suppress sadness and a determination as a leader.

Chapter 30