Chapter 31: Cheers for the Afterparty!
""Cheers—!""
The afterparty for the beginner’s training course was held at a tavern not far from the guild. The tables were loaded with food: richly seasoned grilled meat that went perfectly with alcohol, fish meunière spiced just right, and plenty of other hearty dishes.
At Greg’s call for a toast, Jin wet his throat with a few sips of beer, then immediately moved some vegetable salad onto his plate.
"What the hell, Jin? Salad? You’re a guy—grab some meat! Meat!"
The one grumbling at him was Abe, who had gotten friendly with Jin since they’d shared night watch duty yesterday. True to his words, Abe’s plate was piled high with meat.
"Haha, it’s just a long-standing habit. But it really is healthier this way, you know?"
Eating vegetables first slowed the sudden rise of blood sugar—something Jin had practiced for decades without thinking. This time, too, he did it unconsciously.
After piling on the salad, he happily dug in. The tangy dressing was delicious. He ate through the greens quickly, then reached for the meat as well.
"Tch. You don’t even chug your drink either. Not very manly, you know."
It wasn’t like Jin had gotten tipsy off a single mug of beer, but Abe kept pestering him anyway.
"No, I get it—the first drink is always the best. But on an empty stomach, alcohol hits too hard. Cut me some slack."
Jin had noticed it at past gatherings with Greg and the others: in this world, his tolerance was way higher than before. Still, old habits didn’t change so easily. Besides, he thought drinking was something you should enjoy at your own pace.
"Just give me a minute. Once I’ve eaten a bit more, I’ll drink with you until you’re the one begging me to stop."
Jin grinned mischievously.
"Oho? You’ve said it now. Don’t you dare take it back!"
Abe’s delighted reply carried no malice—just goodwill. He wasn’t actually trying to force Jin, so Jin didn’t mind.
For a while, everyone ate, drank, and traded silly stories. In this world, adulthood came at sixteen, and there were no drinking restrictions. The rookies, too, enjoyed the food and drinks at their own pace.
Albert and Cain downed their cups quickly, clearly used to alcohol. By contrast, the younger ones and Rachel only sipped little by little, savoring each taste.
"Hey, Dan. You’re barely drinking."
"I’ve hardly ever had alcohol before."
"I see. Then you’d better get used to it. Here, I’ll pour you some—drink."
It was Albert. He probably meant well, thinking it was better for Dan to get used to drinking early. As always, his bluntness made him seem clumsy, but Jin had come to understand: Albert was awkward, but at heart a good guy.
"Thanks, Albert."
They had only been in the same party a short while, but it was enough for Dan to understand too. He smiled and downed his glass.
"Good. Drink up. If you pass out, I’ll make sure you get home."
Albert, looking pleased, refilled Dan’s empty cup. Watching them, Cain let out an obvious sigh of relief.
"Looks like you’ve had a hard time, Cain. But hey, I’m glad they’re starting to get along."
Jin offered some sympathy, topping off Cain’s cup as well.
"Thanks. Honestly, I’m grateful to all of you. Until now, people never really understood him, and it was always trouble…"
Cain gave a wry smile, but his eyes were warm as he watched Dan and Albert laugh together.
"Haha, yeah. He’s hard to read, but just like Jin said, once you watch him, you realize he doesn’t mean any harm."
That was Shelly, with Meg nodding beside her.
"Huh? What did Jin say?"
Cain asked. Naturally, Jin explained about the "focusing on Albert’s good points" talk he’d had with Shelly and the others earlier.
"Well, just make sure you find a chance to tell Albert too. He needs to realize for himself that he has to change."
If he kept leaning on others’ indulgence, he’d never grow.
"Yeah, I will. Still… Jin, are you really only one year older than us? It’s surprising."
"Right? You’re so knowledgeable and strong… And sometimes you’re like a grandpa!"
"Grandpa’s going too far, Shelly. But yeah, you do feel older somehow."
"So at best, I come off like an uncle, huh? That’s harsh."
Jin jokingly complained, while secretly sweating at how sharp they were.
""Ahaha!""
They all laughed, though Jin’s own laugh was a little dry.
"Hey, hey, looks fun! Let me join in."
Abe and the others piled in, and the teasing about Jin’s "old man vibe" only grew. Naturally, Jin played along as the clown to keep everyone laughing. He loved these kinds of lively parties, no matter the topic.
The conversation bounced around—sometimes everyone together, sometimes in small groups. They ate and drank, or got so caught up chatting that half-finished plates sat forgotten. There were stories about how Gain’s party was formed, Albert and Cain’s training and first meeting, Dan’s village life with his childhood friends, and even Jin’s musings about baths. For once, even the usually serious Rachel joined in cheerfully.
Everyone was having a great time—until Abe dropped a bomb.
"So, Jin. You and Aria-san—are you dating?"
""Eh?!""
Some laughed, some looked impressed, and some just stared wide-eyed in silence. All eyes turned to Jin.
"N-no no no! We’re not dating! Really! No way! Because… I mean… You know?!"
For some reason, Jin panicked far more than he needed to.
"’Cause I heard you handed Aria-san a red Rosen flower at the guild counter?"
At Abe’s words, Jin suddenly felt several gazes on him grow sharper. Some looked amused, others unreadable—and a few downright scary.
"Yeah, I heard that too." Greg chimed in, flashing a mischievous grin.
Jin glared at him resentfully, sighed heavily, and finally opened his mouth.
"It’s true I gave her the flower. But it was just to thank her for everything she does. Embarrassing as it is, I didn’t even know what that flower meant."
"So you’re saying we misunderstood? Then what—you don’t feel anything for Aria-san?"
Abe pressed him unusually hard. Jin felt irritation stir, but forced himself to answer calmly.
"Of course, I think she’s cute, and I do like her. But romance? I’m not ready for that yet. At the very least, not until I reach C-rank. And besides, Aria-san’s feelings matter too. So please, stop spreading weird rumors."
His last words came out a little sharper than intended. Maybe he’d unconsciously let a hint of Intimidation slip, because Abe flinched before nodding awkwardly.
"Sorry for poking at you like that. Anyway—"
Sensing the awkward mood he’d created, Abe smoothly shifted the topic and soon had the group laughing again. His way of handling the atmosphere was impressive, as always. Once the merriment had returned, he quietly excused himself and slipped over to another table where a group of young men his age were drinking.
"You’re here, Abe. So? What did you think of that Jin guy?"
These men, in truth, were Aria’s so-called "fans." Aria—stunningly beautiful, cool-faced yet competent—had admirers both inside and outside the guild. One of them had even witnessed Jin’s "mock proposal" with the flower. From Jin’s explanation earlier, they knew he hadn’t meant it that way. But the bitter truth was undeniable: Jin had drawn out Aria’s smile—something none of them had ever managed. Clearly, she didn’t see them the same way. At the very least, it was obvious that there was some mutual fondness between Aria and Jin.
Thus, they claimed it was their "duty" to judge Jin’s character and warn Aria if he turned out unworthy. In reality, it was jealousy. Still, the fact that they at least wished for Aria’s happiness made them a bit more decent than they might have been.
And Abe himself was one of those fans. His uncharacteristic silence the night before had simply been his way of observing Jin closely.
"Jin’s got a good personality, he’s skilled, dependable, generous. Honestly, I have to say he passes with flying colors."
Though his words sounded regretful, a smile tugged at Abe’s lips.
"He’s still a rookie, right? He’s really that good, even by your standards?"
Their doubts weren’t unreasonable. Abe was a member of a solid C-rank party. The idea that a beginner could earn his recognition was hard to accept.
"If I fought him one-on-one… honestly, I think he’d beat me."
He could’ve mentioned the mutated monster incident, but Greg had forbidden anyone from speaking of it. Besides, Abe had already taken a liking to Jin and had no intention of saying anything that might hurt him. Instead, he used himself as a benchmark to convey Jin’s strength. Of course, in a real fight, Abe wouldn’t go down so easily—his experience and pride wouldn’t allow it. But deep down he knew: if it had been him against that mutant alone, he wouldn’t have stood a chance. That monster was the kind of enemy that required an entire C-rank party to handle.
"To hear you say that much… Guess we can’t complain, if the guy’s solid on both skill and character."
"Well, like Jin said himself, he’s not looking for romance right now. Let’s just keep an eye on things, yeah?"
Abe’s words were meant as consolation, though the men still looked frustrated.
"Yeah… we’ll just have to wait and see."
But when they turned their eyes back toward Jin, what they saw made them freeze.
There he was—with a woman clinging to him.
A little earlier.
After Abe had left Jin’s side to talk with the others, Erza came over in his place.
"Good work today, Jin. Here, drink."
She poured him a cup of liquor. Jin drained the last sip from his glass and held it out for her.
"Thanks, Erza. And thanks for everything else too—you really looked out for me."
Keeping her distance during training had been a kindness Jin truly appreciated.
"Honestly, I just thought I’d slip up if I talked too much. Still, I expected you to be more surprised when we met again. Your lack of reaction was boring."
"Haha. I was more convinced than shocked, really. After all, the last time we met, you looked like you were plotting something from the get-go."
Her slight pout earned a teasing reply. He poured her a return drink, their easy familiarity surprising the rookies around them.
"Jin-san, are you close with Erza-san?"
Meg asked, curiosity bright in her voice. The alcohol seemed to have erased her shyness.
"Yeah, we met at the training grounds."
"He taught me radio exercises first, you know."
Erza added proudly, cutting in.
"Whaaat, really?"
Meg beamed as if that was the most delightful thing she’d ever heard. Jin couldn’t figure out why it made her so happy.
"First Aria-san, now Erza-san… Jin, aren’t you kind of quick with the ladies?" Shelly teased.
"Hey, don’t make it sound like that. You all know I’m not that popular."
Saying it out loud stung more than he expected. It was true he was close with Aria, and he did feel a kind of affection from her—but affection came in many forms. Being called a "good guy" didn’t automatically lead to romance, something Jin had learned well over his long single life.
That was why he hadn’t mistaken Aria’s kindness for love. If anything, his past experiences had left him especially unconfident and dull when it came to romance.
"Erza, say something for me—like how I’m a serious, straight-laced guy or something."
"Exactly! That’s right. Which is why this straight-laced Jin is getting an invitation from me."
Jin had only tossed the words out as a joke, but Erza’s eyes lit up with an almost triumphant spark. When he urged her to go on, she said it plainly:
"Why don’t you form a party with me?"
(Et tu, Brutus!?)
Jin groaned inwardly, remembering Rachel’s words before the celebration, and slumped. Why on earth did everyone want to form a party with him?
"Strictly speaking, I’d have to ask my partner too. But you’re honest, reliable, and skilled. I’d like to team up with you."
Even with the alcohol flowing, Jin could tell Erza’s words carried genuine seriousness.
"I appreciate the thought, really—"
"Denied!"
Rachel cut in, loud and sharp.
"Jin-san’s going to form a party with me! He promised!"
Whether it was a possessive claim or simply her determination not to let him slip away, Rachel suddenly threw her arms around his head, hugging him tight against her chest.
That just so happened to be the exact scene Abe and the others witnessed from across the room.
"Whoa—hey, let go! I can’t breathe!"
Her arm pressed against his mouth, making it hard to breathe, and something soft behind his head only worsened the situation. Jin wasn’t exactly pure-hearted, but feeling that kind of softness for the first time in decades was, given his still-young mental age, extremely dangerous.
As he struggled, Erza reached in to help.
"Hey, Jin’s suffocating. Come on, let him go."
Rachel was strong, but Erza was stronger. With one firm tug, she pried Jin free—only for his momentum to send him crashing straight into her chest. His face landed squarely in something soft, and though it was entirely accidental, Jin’s composure wavered again.
"Ahhh, don’t steal Jin-san away from me!"
Rachel lunged to reclaim him, clearly tipsy now. Erza, trying to shield him, pulled Jin’s head close again—which only pressed his face harder against her chest. Before long, both women had forgotten their original intentions, reduced to a tug-of-war over Jin’s head.
Dragged back and forth between two chests, Jin’s sanity finally snapped.
"Stop! Calm down!"
He shoved his hands between their faces to hold them apart. For a moment, both women froze—only to each seize one of his arms and glare at each other over him.
Seeing no escape, Jin desperately called out.
"Shelly, Meg—please, help me."
The two exchanged a look, then replied apologetically.
"Sorry. We don’t want to get on their bad side."
Looking around for Albert and Cain, Jin found them shaking their heads furiously. Gain, Melinda, and the others just gave him awkward smiles and smirks. Greg even raised a fist with a thumbs-up, grinning ear to ear in encouragement.
Jin sighed in defeat and addressed the two women seriously.
"Rachel, Erza. I’m not running, so let go."
They looked at his face but refused to release him.
"Let. Go."
At his firmer tone, they finally released him. Being clung to by cute girls wasn’t exactly unpleasant—but if it was going to happen, he’d rather it be in a calmer moment and for a more… alluring reason.
"First, Erza—thank you for trusting me. But I’m sorry. I’m not ready to form a party yet."
Even in the temporary party earlier, Jin had needed to hide things like his Non-Attribute Magic and his Item Bag. In a proper party, information-sharing was crucial, and he had no intention of hiding his abilities forever. But before that, he needed to polish his strength until he truly deserved to wield such powers. At the very least, reaching C-rank was the minimum requirement in his mind.
In truth, Jin’s stats (aside from HP and MP) already exceeded a typical C-rank adventurer’s—but he had no idea. If anything, after his level-up from the Mad Ant fight, he’d thought he was stronger—yet the battle with the mutated beast had shown him how overwhelmed he still was one-on-one. In Jin’s eyes, that proved he wasn’t nearly strong enough.
On top of that, he still wanted to study Magic, Alchemy, and hone his skills. There was too much he wanted to do solo, another reason he couldn’t commit to a party yet.
"I already promised Rachel: if she hasn’t found good members by the time I reach C-rank, then we’ll form a party together."
He recalled Rachel’s desperate plea before the celebration. Though he’d been flustered, his answer had been the same—he couldn’t join her yet. But he couldn’t bring himself to leave her alone, so he’d promised her a future chance and the option of temporary parties.
"Erza, I’m really sorry. Could you wait a little longer? Of course, if you find good members before then, go ahead and prioritize them."
It thrilled him to be trusted like this—but he truly felt it was still too soon.
"If it’s okay, though… I’d be glad if you invited me to temporary parties sometimes."
Not wanting to seem like he was dismissing her goodwill, Jin spoke gently, watching her reaction.
"Yeah, you’re right. I was rushing things. We’ll form a temp party sometime, at least."
Rachel’s interruption had muddied the moment, but Erza had simply been extending a normal invitation. Resetting her emotions, she smiled, and Jin relaxed.
But then, with Erza smiling beside him, Rachel once again clung tightly to Jin’s arm, refusing to yield.
"Rachel… you’re pretty drunk, aren’t you?"
She shook her head as if to deny it, only to sway slightly, the alcohol catching up. Cain mentioned she’d only had three or four cups.
"Rachel, was this your first time drinking?"
She nodded. Jin ordered her some cold tea, telling her to stick to that from now on. When she still refused to let go, he just sighed and decided to let her be, continuing his conversation with Erza and the others.
Rachel sat there, clinging to one of his hands with a blissful smile. Up close, it looked endearing. But from a distance, it looked like Jin was flaunting her like some kind of escort.
And sure enough, at a table further away, the men seethed with jealousy.
"Forget what I said earlier. Next chance we get, we’re taking him down."
""Yeah!""
Even Abe, watching the scene unfold, couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. Still, it was obvious enough that it was all a misunderstanding. For Jin’s safety—and the men’s—Abe decided to gather information first before things escalated, and returned to Jin’s group.
"Man… never a dull moment, really."
He muttered to himself with a broad, amused grin.
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