Danmachi: Is It Wrong to Be the Main Character in Orario?

Drinking was normally forbidden during an expedition—but today was a rare exception.

Given the unusual circumstances they faced, and how hard everyone had pushed themselves on the way to the 39th floor, Finn granted permission for one night of celebration.

Thanks to that, the area around the bonfire outside the Safe Zone tents on the 39th floor was packed. Everyone was gathered around, each holding a wooden mug in hand.

The campfire crackled amid a chorus of relaxed voices—adventurers drinking and chatting. The atmosphere was lively, but not noisy. Everyone was talking about the events of the day.

"That dragon's roar today was absolutely terrifying."

"Yeah. It's one thing for you newbies, but even us old-timers who've been on countless expeditions were scared stiff."

Whether it was their first expedition or their fiftieth, both newcomers and veterans alike spoke of that dragon's roar with lingering shock and fear.

Just thinking back on it sent a chill down their spines.

But that shared fear also reminded them of the one person who reignited their courage: the Pallum girl.

"Lili, we really owe you one this time."

Liliruca, suddenly called out by name, looked a bit flustered. She wasn't used to this kind of praise—she'd never been thanked like this before—and wasn't sure how to handle it.

So she modestly tried to shift the credit.

"It wasn't me—it was the captain."

"I just said a few words. The one who really encouraged everyone was the captain."

But everyone knew the truth. Even the captain had buckled under the pressure of that dragon's roar. Only Liliruca had stepped up and delivered those uplifting words.

"Lili, you don't need to be so modest. We all know it was thanks to you."

"Seriously. Even the captain froze up. He was in the same boat as the rest of us."

"If you hadn't snapped us out of it, the captain might not have been able to lead us here."

Both veterans and rookies spoke up, genuinely moved and grateful.

Maybe Liliruca didn't have the overwhelming strength of the captain and the others, but in that critical moment, her voice had been stronger than any weapon or spell.

Everyone understood—Liliruca was their best support. When it truly mattered, she delivered.

Faced with all the praise, Liliruca's face turned bright red.

'I really didn't do anything…'

'I just couldn't stand watching anymore, so I spoke up. Who would've thought I wouldn't be affected?'

Looking back on the incident, even Liliruca found it strange.

Everyone else had been shaken by the dragon's roar—yet she hadn't felt a thing.

As the one it happened to, she had no idea why.

And this wasn't something that could be brushed off as just good luck.

So then, why?

"In any case, we only reached the 39th floor because of you."

Several Elves and Dwarves from Liliruca's party rose to their feet, the respect in their expressions unmistakable.

They all deeply admired Liliruca as their captain, especially after the dragon's roar incident.

"Captain, this cup is for you."

Blushing, Liliruca hurriedly stood and lifted her wooden mug.

"I—"

"Captain, you don't need to be that modest."

An elf gently cut her off, her face brimming with admiration. Liliruca had led even newcomers to the 25th floor, and now, in the face of terror, she had rallied them. It was exactly the kind of moment deserving of respect, and Liliruca was at a loss for words.

Just then, someone draped an arm around her shoulders.

"Daphne…"

Liliruca turned to see Daphne smiling, encouraging her to speak.

"Lili, what you should do now is accept our thanks."

"Everything else can stay unsaid—it's all inside this cup."

Daphne's words silenced Liliruca completely.

Fuelled by sincerity, the others raised their glasses, eyes warm with kindness. Heart pounding, Liliruca lifted the cup and drank it all in a single gulp.

"Ha…okay, I get it—it's all thanks to me."

"Hahahaha!"

Laughter spilled around the bonfire. Liliruca's cheeks glowed even redder.

'This girl has probably never been told this before.'

Recalling Liliruca's past, it was easy to see why the affection overwhelmed her.

After the laughter died down, the group relaxed into silence.

"The captain and the others have gone to rest. Even Mr. Bete is back in his tent."

"Weren't we also shaken by that roar?"

"That's true. But the captain's looked exhausted since morning. I wonder if something happened."

Liliruca, now seated, felt a pang of worry. She sensed something serious was hidden—something the leader deliberately shielded from them.

She glanced around; though everyone looked drained, the alcohol had loosened their tongues.

"I'm glad the captain allowed this drinking. Otherwise, things could've gotten ugly."

It was a sensitive subject, one that might unravel the expedition's course if dwelt on.

"Everyone, don't overthink it."

Liliruca stood again, raising a hand to steer the mood.

"We've got an extra day's rest, but we're all beat. After one more drink, let's head back to our tents and get some sleep.

"Even on a Safe Zone floor, we need to rotate watch duties. We can't disturb the captain or the others."

Heads nodded around the fire. They were all tired—but after today's adrenaline, they needed this moment of camaraderie.

Now, the drowsiness from the alcohol was setting in. Some were already nodding off.

They didn't really need prompting, but Liliruca's gentle reminder made them feel even sleepier.

One by one, they gathered their mugs and, with tired smiles, drifted toward their tents.

...

(100 Chapters Ahead)

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