They witnessed it.

A mage, drawing on the power of demons, extending a lifeline of salvation.

His blood was red. Just like theirs.

Roman, casually waving his hand to reassure his teammates, wiped the blood that had trickled down with his fingers. As if it was nothing.

Soon, Leif called upon Undine and used the water she summoned to gently wash Roman’s hand. Mechanically, he looked for the next person in line.

Number 12.

The first in the rear ranks, nearly at the end, was none other than Juan, the brown-haired member of Alejandra’s team.

His face was twisted as if he felt his life slipping away.

“…Number 12, Juan Blasco.”

Amaia was the one calling out numbers and names.

Aside from his own team, Roman had only introduced himself to a few survivors: Arthur, Alejandra, and Fiona. If you counted brief encounters, Amaia and Juan would also be included.

That’s why it was different now.

Unlike Amaia, who had half-jokingly called out her number and name, from number 4 onward, everyone had started announcing their number and name seriously.

As if telling him to remember who owed him a debt. As if saying to come find them and collect repayment for the grace they had received.

Starting from number 4, then number 5, 6, and so on, they all introduced themselves.

Some mentioned the guild they belonged to, while others talked about the school and dorm they stayed at.

Some even started explaining what they planned to do once they left. That was mainly because, like Roman, they didn’t belong to any guild or school.

Juan, however, wasn’t as excessive.

But, like those before him, he didn’t hesitate to mention his affiliation.

“I’m from the Alexandria School, part of the Department of Cold Magic. You can find me there if you come looking.”

“I’ll remember that.”

That’s all Roman said.

It was the same before.

Even when an applicant openly asked what he wanted in return for the favor, Roman didn’t demand anything. And this applicant, like Juan and Alejandra, came from the prestigious Celsus School, which could offer him plenty.

‘This guy is on a different level….’

Juan muttered to himself bitterly.

She had been right.

Alejandra. The woman Juan served. The heir apparent who would become the next head of the Alexandria School.

When Alejandra first showed interest in Roman, Juan was envious. How could a lowly demon warlock dare to take up Alejandra’s time and energy?

But now, Juan admitted it.

Roman was worthy of Alejandra’s attention!

“You, I recognize.”

Just as Juan was about to speak in a deeper tone, a voice cut through.

“Cut the crap and move on already.”

She says what needs to be said. Ray doesn’t hold back.

“Don’t you see people waiting?”

“…We’ll talk later.”

With Fiona, who was on the same level—or perhaps higher—than Alejandra waiting, Juan couldn’t afford to drag things out.

With Juan leaving, only three people remained.

Leif, Ray, and Fiona.

During the brief time Roman spent outside, Fiona didn’t waste a moment.

“You two.”

At Fiona’s voice, both Leif and Ray turned their heads toward her. It was almost like meerkats turning their heads in unison.

They looked like little mongoose cubs waiting for the leader.

Yet, despite their behavior, Fiona’s expression remained unchanged. Her calmness, rarely disturbed by anything, remained intact. That’s who Fiona was by nature.

The slightly awkward side she showed in front of Roman had been an exception.

“Are you planning to continue teaming up with Roman?”

The answer to Fiona’s question came immediately.

“…Yes.” “That’s right.”

Leif’s voice wavered slightly, while Ray spoke as if it were a given.

Leif wasn’t sure if Roman would stay with them, a temporary team formed at the training center.

On the other hand, Ray was confident.

“So, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to take him away. One redhead is enough for that.”

“Of course.”

Despite Ray’s almost threatening warning, Fiona remained unfazed. She had no reason to be.

I’m a Grand Duchess. Third in line to the Les Rimen family.

However, given Roman’s team and the incredible magic he displayed during the fight against the necromancer, Fiona made an offer.

“How about all three of you?”

This time, there was no immediate answer.

Instead, someone asked a question in return.

“Next? Isn’t it Ray’s turn?”

Now, there were only four left, including me. Maybe it was because the group was smaller, but the atmosphere felt heavier than before.

As Ray came closer for us to move on, I asked quietly.

“Did something happen?”

“No? Not really….”

Ray, come on, don’t lie. Your ears and tail say it all.

‘So something did happen.’

It’s unlikely there was an issue between Leif and Ray, so it must’ve been something with Fiona. Maybe she made a recruitment offer?

Ray’s magic, Argentus, is paradoxically magic that destroys other magic.

Considering Fiona’s likely future in the City Army, it wouldn’t be strange for her to be interested in Ray, who could be the ultimate counter to mages.

‘What should I do….’

Honestly, I wanted to go down to the Abyss with this team as it was. The balance was good, and each member’s abilities were outstanding.

Ray and Leif, despite their personal issues and personalities, were capable enough to be recognized as rising stars in any guild and would be heavily supported to become aces.

If I could keep this team together, it would make it much easier to reach the depths of the Abyss, my ultimate goal.

But I can’t say that aloud because I know that the path ahead may offer better choices for them.

Could I support them like a large guild could? Is it really right to appeal to their feelings and ask them to stay with me, instead of choosing a safer and more successful path?

Probably not.

They each have their own destinies. Ray has her revenge against the uncle and the warlock who killed her family and enslaved her. Leif, I don’t know the details, but it’s probably related to her half-elf heritage.

‘An old team. A connection that could help when I need it. That should be enough.’

Like the people I saved today.

"By the way, Roman, are you really okay?" "If you're asking about my condition, there's nothing to worry about. You know, it's not like my lifespan is the price." "You… no, forget it. I know you won’t tell me anyway. But seriously, don’t you think you should at least take some kind of reward? They’d willingly give you 100 gold coins each if you asked." "Do you even realize how much 100 gold coins are? Only the top three could afford to pay that." "The top three? What is this? First you mention something like the 'Three Heavenly Kings,' and now this?" "You're really clueless. Fiona, Arthur, and Alejandra."

With those three, asking for 100 gold coins would be a basic request. Even if I asked for 1,000, they’d probably just think about it for a moment and pay.

As for the others, it wouldn’t be easy. For people like Juan or Amaia, that amount would be quite burdensome.

'And setting a fixed price for a favor is the move of an amateur.'

If you demand a reward, the deal ends there. From that moment, the favor disappears, and only a transaction remains.

If you later need help, they’ll respond with, ‘Didn’t I already pay you back for that?’

The world runs on connections. More so in this world than back on Earth. Earth at least tries to pretend that connections aren't everything, but here, flaunting your connections and using them to get things done is the norm.

I’ll be descending into the Abyss, facing conflicts and interactions with many people along the way. I might even have to compete for ruins or team up with others to take down powerful monsters.

At that time, what I’ll need isn’t money, but connections. There are some things in the Abyss that can’t be solved with money. It’s a closed-off environment where violence becomes the law, not a society governed by order, laws, or currency.

But connections are different.

If I’m Fiona’s benefactor, the City Army will back me up. If I’m Arthur’s benefactor, the Frontier Guild will offer me a position.

‘As long as I don’t demand payment, those who owe me will continue to feel indebted.’

Of course, there will always be those who ignore that and say, ‘Screw you,’ but it doesn’t matter. The really important connections, like Arthur and Fiona, won’t act that way. Alejandra? Well, I’m not sure about her.

Anyway.

‘I’ll make the most of this. Milk it for all it’s worth. There’s no way I’ll settle for a few coins.’

"I’ve had enough rest. Let’s get going." "…Alright."

As always, I moved to put my hand on Ray’s shoulder, but the sensation that greeted my palm wasn’t the rough fabric of Ray’s cloak.

"What, what is it?"

Says the one who grabbed me?

"Nothing. Just… let’s go then."

After dropping Ray off, Leif’s turn was quick.

Leif seemed deep in thought.

Unlike Ray, who expresses her feelings immediately, Leif tends to brood over things on her own.

All the way to the exit, Leif didn’t say a word.

Finally, it was the last one’s turn.

"Number 15. Fiona McManus. I live at the Grand Duchy."

"…Is that really necessary for a Grand Duchess?"

We all already know that.

At my comment, Fiona smiled faintly.

"It has meaning, you know. I’m sure everyone will remember this number for the rest of their lives. I will, too."

Fiona stopped in front of me and turned to look back.

The space, still bearing the scars of destruction.

Is she trying to etch this place into her memory?

To never forget the atrocities committed here by the Abyss-worshipping cultists who targeted her?

"There’s so much I want to say, but this isn’t the right time. It’d be better for you to finish up and rest, Roman. Let’s go. Outside."

"Yes, my lady, I’ll escort you."

Feeling elated by the fact that it was all finally over, I mimicked a formal gesture I’d once seen, awkwardly saying my words, which made Fiona laugh for the first time, offering her hand gracefully.

"I’ll allow it. Lead the way."

My hand rested over hers.

And we left the underground behind for good.

[Contractor.] ‘Yes, Lord Seir?’ [Did you secure it?] ‘Of course.’

As I looked up at the now darkened sky, I answered Seir’s question with satisfaction.

In my arms was a round stone.

That was the core controlling the space underground. I wasn’t sure if it had been there from the beginning or if the Abyss-worshippers had modified the place and installed it… but probably the latter. I picked it up from right under the necromancer’s feet.

Since I didn’t know what would happen to the underground if I removed it, I took it right at the end.

I gained battle experience, crafted new spells, built valuable connections, and secured the final prize.

I felt like laughing at how much I had gained from this trial.

‘Oh, right, I also won the bet.’

Now all that was left was to wrap things up.

But I guess that was my limit. Or maybe I’d already surpassed it long ago.

The tension that had been holding me up finally snapped.

‘Ah….’

My vision darkened.

The last thing I saw before everything went black was the sight of the commander, Arthur, running toward me.

"Where’s Roman?" "In the healing chamber." "Alright, with Roman’s team here, we can begin discussing things in earnest."

Of the sixteen survivors underground, Roman had passed out, leaving fourteen gathered, along with Commander Davenport.

Arthur spoke.

"Let’s bury Roman’s name in this."