In a corner of the bustling tavern in the royal capital. The atmosphere in the private room where the party had gathered was heavy. I—you—looked around at the faces of my five companions sitting across the table. My childhood friend, the hero Rena; the refined priest Phyllis; the wild ranger Jessica; the reliable warrior Diana; and the mage Barbara, quietly toying with her staff. They were my precious comrades, with whom I had overcome countless deadly battles. But today, their expressions were somewhat stiff, and they wouldn't meet my eyes. As a bad feeling crossed my mind, it was my childhood friend Rena who spoke up.

Rena exhaled deeply and stared intently at me.