"What does 'First Rank' mean?"

"It means the explorer who contributed the most to the extermination."

You're kidding...?

The guild should know I only participated as a porter.

"While second rank and below are awarded to multiple people, the First Rank is given to just one person. I've asked several others, and it seems you defeated the Demon King, right?"

"No, that's not correct."

I firmly denied it.

In fact, it was Refleia who defeated him.

From a damage source perspective, Alex and the others, as well as other explorers, should have contributed more.

I don't know why it's being said I defeated him, but being awarded the First Rank based on such a mistake would be terrifying.

"Huh? But—"

"It was Refleia who defeated him. I saw it with my own eyes. There's no mistake."

I've confirmed on my end that it was Refrea who delivered the final blow. But I've also heard that without your efforts, the defeat wouldn't have been possible?"

What do you think? Indeed, my spirit magic did allow us to buy time.

Everyone was panicking, and we were clearly unable to handle the Demon King.

But whether I qualify as first-rate is debatable.

If multiple second-rate candidates were chosen, I might have been able to perform at that level.

Still, I didn't want to be selected for that rank.

"Anyway, it's all a misunderstanding. I'm just Bronze, after all. I only participated as a porter."

"But you know,"

"you did hear what kind of monster the Demon King was, right? My slender arms couldn't even deal damage. It's impossible for me to have 'performed' in any meaningful way."

I'm not lying. My attack probably had little effect.

I want a reward.

But if I'm going to stand out like this, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits.

Although dark spirit mages aren't common, they aren't targeted for persecution or anything like that—but I'm the one who's supposed to be "well-liked." The thought of being recognized because I stand out is what truly scares me.

I just wanted a run-of-the-mill reward, to remain just one among many—

"We are aware of that, but you were the first to discover the Demon King, and as everyone who participated in the extermination—starting with Lady Refrea—has unanimously agreed, your use of spirit magic made a significant contribution to the victory."

It seems this guild official has been going around with a binder, collecting information on the entire course of the Demon King's defeat and precisely who fought in it.

But if the person themselves denies it, the credibility will surely weaken.

I feel bad for everyone who spoke honestly, but I really don't want to stay in the top tier anymore.

I don't want to be getting strange attention.

"That's... probably some kind of mistake, or maybe you all just misjudged. It was an extreme situation, after all."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, honestly, do you really think a Bronze-ranked Porter would perform like that? Even I, if I'd actually done something that impressive, would want a reward, but if I were praised for cheating like that, I'd be scared for what comes next."

I chuckled awkwardly, trying to brush it off.

After all, there was no recording of the battle. I thought the guild staff would accept that explanation, but—

"...No, you've been partnering with Reifrea and delivering a significant amount of spirit stones to the guild in a short time, so it's not surprising you have the strength to play a key role in the battle against the Demon King. After all, the fact that Reifrea herself is involved makes it obvious this isn't ordinary."

"…Is Reifrea that famous? Really?"

"She was courted by numerous powerful parties, including those at Gold rank and above. But she publicly stated she'd only team up with her original party, and indeed, she's stuck to that rule. So when rumors started spreading that she suddenly teamed up with a beginner boy, it caused quite a stir."

"But saying my abilities are guaranteed by that fact is a bit of an overstatement. I might just be parasitizing her."

"Well, I won't deny there are staff members who put it that way."

Really now?

But that's fine.

Now that the ratings race is over, we'll have to go back to the days when we were hiding from viewers.

Far away, Refleia chats with the members of the Crimson Vial.

Her platinum blonde hair glimmers under the chandelier's light, as if she were a spirit of light itself.

Her presence is overwhelming.

She has decided to leave the adventurers behind and become a Light Cathedral Knight in her hometown.

And I, I will quietly live in the labyrinth, staying unnoticed.

That's what I've decided.

"...Well, I can't deny that I'm a burden. It seems Refreia-san (..) is being kind by making me look good, but in reality, I was just holding things back. So please, evaluate things correctly. First place goes to Refreia-san. I may have contributed a little with my skills, but fundamentally, I was just carrying luggage—same as any other porter."

"I see... Well, I get the general idea. Then,"

the female staff member shrugged her shoulders with a sigh and turned on her heel.

Whether she truly understood or not was highly questionable, but given that they couldn't possibly satisfy other explorers' expectations, it made sense they'd just leave it at that.

After all, the person themselves is denying it, and other explorers wouldn't talk about others' achievements—only their own.

That boy with the horn might have spoken passionately, but it was more of a troublesome kindness.

I should have put a stop to it with Reflair too. When she said she’d get a first-class rating before arriving, I just brushed it off as her usual overestimation, but I never thought it would actually come to this...

"Phew..."

...I got so caught up in the sudden mention of a first-class rating that I didn’t even get around to mentioning the poor execution of the demon lord’s defeat.

I may not understand much since I’ve only participated once, but still, this mission was a complete mess. If things had gone worse, the second half of the team might’ve been wiped out entirely.

Even if they were just supposed to be lookouts, I think there could’ve been a better way to handle it.

　

(…Well, it’s too late for that now. It’s easy to criticize after the fact, isn’t it?)

I hardly know anything about the Demon King to begin with. I don’t even know how unusual this situation is, or if this is actually how things usually go.

Besides, I’m just a newly licensed Bronze myself. I’m not in a position to offer any opinions.

All I can really do is prepare for the next time, if there is one.

(Everyone… seems to be having fun.)

Standing here at the party venue, looking gloomy and alone, I felt utterly out of place.

I don’t really know anyone here, and there’s nothing in particular to talk about.

Maybe it’s more accurate to say I have too many things I can’t talk about.

"Hey! Hey, Hikaru, having a good time?"

"Do I look like it?"

"Nah. You look bored."

Alex, one of the few people I actually know here, called out to me.

A moment ago, Alex and I had been approaching various female explorers, but it seems our attempts weren't going well—our pick-up efforts have taken a brief pause.

Alex, with his hair meticulously slicked down and his strong build, is quite handsome.

Compared to him, I, a typical Japanese guy, can't help but feel a bit intimidated.