Things have been rather unusual with the boss. Of this entire time that I’ve fought for him, I have never seen him retreat from a battle, and yet that was exactly what happened. I was still baffled over the enemies’ ridiculous display and outfits.

  Honestly, they looked like something only a child would enjoy, which is why I wasn’t too surprised by V’s reaction. Kid’s as innocent as it comes. But the boss too? …..

  Well, I guess everyone’s got their own taste. That wasn’t something too bad for me; rather it was interesting seeing that side of the boss, and at least he was enjoying himself.

  I even got to fight together by his side, being able to back him up as he dominated the battle. His army was ready to show them that the boss is the boss for a reason. I was too occupied with my own battle to watch myself, but at the very least, they didn’t look too banged up, so they must have done well.

  Though that damn bear just had to gain some weird power and mess things up. And that misty butler butterfly barely had a scratch on him after the fight! Gah, I couldn’t let him show me up!

  If only the boss…. let me finish the battle… I… I could have… done better than that. I even was ready to show him something I worked hard on improving.

  Bah, much as I didn’t want to, I wasn’t going to disregard the boss’s order to retreat. I managed to scoop up the boss and put him in his FAVORITE spot on my shoulder and escape without being followed.

  After that, we just had to wait for him to wake up and come up with another plan. After all, there was no way he was going to let go of something that should have been his.

  When he finally woke up, I was a bit surprised he wanted us all to return to the kingdom. At least it seemed like he was planning to come back and finish what he started. Yet, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of passion he would usually emanate.

  In fact…. was he actually getting scared?

  No, it….it was probably my imagination….

  Bah, that misty Butler really thinks he could take MY spot for the boss to sit in. I already had enough with trying to rival with that bear, and now I had to deal with a bug?!

  It didn’t take long before we tried to compete with each other. There was no way I was going to lose to him! Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t like before when I was worried about losing my place with the boss. Doesn’t mean I’m willing to let someone else take the top spot!

  It seemed he was sharing the sentiment, as I could sense the same level of competitiveness as me. Heh, bring it on!

  I’ll start by showing how useful I can be and help lead us back. What? Now he wants to show off as well and tried to persuade the boss that his direction is right and I’m wrong!

  Before we knew it, we were arguing with each other again. Neither of us were letting up, and I doubt the boss would appreciate this going on for too long. There was just one thing that could settle the matter.

  Let the boss decide. It was something we could at least silently agree on. After all, he gets final say regardless. And I’m sure he would know what would be best.

  We both were surprised when he decided on neither of our options and went his own way. We of course followed behind; no reason to question him on this. Though I could have sworn he was lost in thought over something, maybe he was using that ‘call’ thing we used to communicate with someone?

  Well, I’m sure it’ll turn out all right.

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  …. So…. I don’t want to question the boss, but….

  I’m pretty sure we’re lost….

  I glanced at that misty bug guy and…. Despite having almost nothing on his face, I could tell he was thinking the same thing… call it a hunch.

  We both looked back at the boss, who was confidently strutting forward. I can’t really picture the boss getting us lost with that amount of confidence, yet that feeling just couldn’t quite escape me…

  I was about to voice my concern until he started to change direction, and sure enough, we managed to make it to an Orc settlement. Not just any kind, but it was the same Orcs that the boss had helped back to the kingdom.

  …Ah, I see! You wanted to recruit them, didn’t you?! Shouldn’t have questioned you, boss!! Now I feel bad.

  That butler agreed as well, which is a given.

  Still, now there was a new situation to deal with. It seemed they were reluctant to join, which offended me a bit. That was until they pointed out only serving the strong, which makes sense.

  I was looking at the boss, expecting him to take them on their offer, but…

  Why is he… reluctant? Is he…. scared? I don’t think he realizes his arms were shaking. What’s going on, boss?

  Now that I think about it, something about the boss feels different. Where’s that unrivaled confidence I’ve come to admire in you, boss?

  …

  Alright, I think I know what I should do. Sorry about this boss, but I need to check on something to make sure.

  I made the offer to take on these Orcs myself. It was all a setup so I could have an excuse to fight the boss. I need to remind myself of that battle from the beginning and why I’ve been faithfully following the boss.

  Beating them was simple; it was over right when it got started. I would have loved to drag this on longer, but I needed to fight the boss at my best. When I finished, I challenged the boss to a one-on-one fight.

  I needed to do this and cast out this lingering doubt that’s starting to build up. Come on boss…. take the challenge… why are you hesitating…?

  Thankfully, he took on the challenge. But not as enthusiastically as I had hoped. That’s fine, all we needed to do was battle and prove that I was right to follow you, boss.

  I gave him as much as he needed to prepare as I did, setting up the stage and beginning our battle.

  Despite trying to hide it, I could still see him trying to stop his shaking. My own lingering disappointment was already starting to grow.

  Is this…. really what you are now boss....

  Then, it started to lighten the moment I saw a sliver of his confidence returning. Preparing his blade to reflect on my own. Seems he’s finally prepared for our battle, both physically and mentally.

  Now show me… show everyone here….

  Show the world what you got and fight me at your best boss!!

  My own heart’s beat started to quicken in excitement once I started to see his signature smile once more.

  “Veehahahahaha!! Let’s go!!” He proclaimed, sounding as confident as he could be.

  There we go. Just like that. ~

  I made the first move. I slammed my Axe to the ground, causing a tremor and forcing the boss off his feet. A standard move the boss usually would start with. Hope you don’t mind I borrow it a bit.

  That managed to surprise him, forcing him to take a step back. I took the opportunity and used my strength to leap to the air, raising my Axe up high and forcing gravity to make my downward strike to hit even harder.

  Now, what will you do now boss?

  Even with the ground forcing him to lose his balance, it seemed he still had time to react and moved his free hand upwards almost immediately after I leaped. It was as if he could tell I was going to attack him from the air.

  I gritted my teeth, already guessing what he would do with his free hand. After all, I’ve seen him attack with it plenty times before. But that won’t stop my advance, I’ll take it in full force!!

  Just as I was near landing on the ground, the wind broke apart from the force of my Axe. It suddenly started to slow down. No, it was more like they were frozen in place. The momentum I picked up had suddenly halted. It was like I was hitting an invisible wall!

  I see, a very clever boss~

  That still wasn’t enough to stop me, if it’s a wall blocking my path then I’ll just break through it! I put more strength in my arms and continued my assault even as the attack itself has stopped.

  The boss was clutching his head, something I’ve learned was what happened if you used too much Mana at once. Come now boss, this surely isn’t your limit already, is it?!

  Bit by bit, I can see my Axe inch closer at the boss. I was slowly breaking through layer after layer at whatever shield the boss has put up. And before long I sliced right through the air and slammed down, causing a large dust cloud from the impact!

  When it settled, what was below me wasn’t nothing more than the ground itself. Not even a scale left by my miniature boss.

  “Over here!” He called out, I looked in his direction to see that he was completely unharmed. Though he was exhausted, indicated by his heavy breathing. And yet, he didn’t show any sign of giving up.

  Good. Keep it up!