Roaring Heroes Battle the Overlord (Ainz)

After careful consideration, EeDeChi decided to form an adventurer team.

Though she believed she could handle the great demon Ainz Ooal Gown on her own, this journey through Mistwood had made her realize the importance of enlisting the help of others in this world. Without Barrett, the exceptional adventurer guide, she might still be wandering in Mistwood. Since she chose to operate as an adventurer, it made more sense to lead a team and make a presence in this world.

EeDeChi proposed to Barrett Monde, Sean Tachya, and Stella Famillion that the four of them should form a team with her as the leader.

Sean and Stella both eagerly agreed. They had witnessed EeDeChi's formidable strength and considered having an orichalcum-level adventurer as a companion to be a divine gift.

Barrett also agreed to join the team but had a barely noticeable frown, suggesting some unspoken concerns.

"Let's name our adventurer team 'The Last Defender of the Way.' I think it's a great name," EeDeChi suggested. While she appeared to seek everyone's input, she was actually firmly deciding on the team's name.

The other three didn't object to the name, which was quite unorthodox for an adventurer team. Even if they had objections, EeDeChi would have listened carefully and then disregarded them.

The four then went to the Golden Sheaf Adventurer's Guild to sign the contract and press their handprints. Thus, 'The Last Defender of the Way' adventurer team was officially registered! Since EeDeChi was the strongest and the initiator of the team, she took the role of the leader.

Under the glow of the "Everlight" magic chandelier in the spacious tavern, the waitresses in light blue maid uniforms fluttered around the tables like butterflies.

Adventurers, having removed their leather and chainmail armor, placed their swords and weapons at their feet, relaxing their weary bodies with rich, exquisite meals and fine wines to ease the exhaustion from prolonged stress during their adventures.

This was the "Golden Harvest" tavern, a venue specially established by the Golden Sheaf Adventurer's Guild for adventurers. True to its status as a major economic hub in the northern Baharuth Empire, Golden Sheaf's Adventurer's Guild hall was twice the size of Montell City's, and its guild tavern boasted far better facilities than the small, shabby tavern in Montell.

The four of them were seated in a quiet, undisturbed corner of the tavern, enjoying lunch and discussing their next move, or as EeDeChi put it, having a "meeting."

Feigning an urgent need to use the restroom, Barrett left the tavern, signaling EeDeChi to follow him.

EeDeChi glanced at the other two at the table. Sean was using his fork to place a peeled lobster from his plate onto Stella's, while Stella remained indifferent to Sean's attentions, focusing on her pork chop.

The newly appointed adventurer team leader took a bite of a lemon cake and walked out the tavern's front door.

"What's the matter? Do you have any concerns you'd rather not voice? It's fine, just speak up. I'm a very open-minded leader," EeDeChi said slowly, chewing on the cake.

I know you're the leader, but could you stop saying that word all the time? Barrett thought to himself, having already heard this young girl use the term with a bureaucratic air several times.

But that wasn't his main concern. In adventurer teams, close camaraderie or even romantic relationships were the norm, and he believed that "The Last Defender of the Way" team would evolve into something similar.

(Note: Adventurer ranks are categorized from lowest to highest as: Copper, Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Mithril, Orichalcum, Adamantite.)

"I'll be straightforward," Barrett said after a moment of consideration, as he was always a candid person.

"A well-rounded adventurer team should have members whose levels differ by at most two ranks. You're Orichalcum-level, so subtracting two levels puts us at Platinum-level. Therefore, we should aim to recruit adventurers who are Orichalcum, Mithril, or Platinum. Stella Famillion is just a Silver-level cleric. Her power is too low and will slow us down, whether we're hunting monsters or exploring ruins."

EeDeChi shook her head. "Although Stella's strength is lacking, she's a good person. Her Justice Value is 216, which is 70 points higher than yours. She's exactly the kind of talent our team needs!"

"What's Justice Value?" Barrett asked, confused. "Can it be used to measure combat ability?"

"Of course not," EeDeChi replied, pointing to her eyes. "I have an Innate Talent that allows me to see others' Justice Values. To me, each of you has a number floating above your heads. That number represents your Justice Value and helps me gauge a person's sense of morality."

"If it can't measure combat ability, what's its use? We're an adventurer team dealing with dangerous work—fighting monsters and exploring unknown territories—not going around the empire's slums to aid the needy!" Barrett countered, struggling to understand EeDeChi's perspective.

He questioned, "Are we supposed to judge the ability of new adventurers solely based on their Justice Value?"

"Exactly," EeDeChi nodded. "The standard for evaluation is Justice Value. Do you know why I chose you from dozens of adventurers in the tavern back in Montell? It was because your Justice Value was higher than everyone else's. I hope your Justice Value doesn't drop in the future, or I won't hesitate to kick you out of the team!"

Barrett stared wide-eyed at the girl before him, who was now looking at him with a detached expression. He finally understood why EeDeChi, whom he didn't know at all, had suddenly appeared in front of him in the "Marina" tavern and asked him to be a guide.

Barrett had thought that EeDeChi had been attracted to him because of his reputation as an elite adventurer. Now, he realized that EeDeChi had hired him at a high price simply because "his Justice Value was higher than others." What a ridiculous reason.

"But, EeDeChi," Barrett still tried to argue, "you've seen my strength. Even ten Stellas together might not be able to defeat me. With your Orichalcum-level power, we could easily recruit a stronger cleric or priest."

EeDeChi waved her hand, her face showing a hint of anger. "I've already made up my mind about this. There's no use in discussing it further. Don't bring up objections. Also, from now on, you should address me as 'Captain!' You are now just a regular member of 'The Last Defender of the Way' adventurer team!"

"Captain," Barrett said with resignation, "with your Orichalcum-level strength, the tasks we'll be taking on will be particularly dangerous for a Silver-level like Stella. Just like the Titan Python you easily defeated a few days ago—it swallowed her whole. Having Stella join us might seem like a good thing for her, but in reality, it's putting her life at risk."

EeDeChi swung her hand down as if to slap something. Realizing there was no table around, she slapped the door of a nearby tailor shop, causing passersby to turn their attention toward them.

The newly appointed leader glared at Barrett. "Who's in charge here, me or you? Do you not respect me as the leader? Are you trying to act like you're all unique and capable just because you're going against what the leader says? What, did you read some Chicken Soup for the Soul and think that contradicting the leader will show off your unique personality and capabilities, huh?"

"I…" Barrett stammered. What in the world is Chicken Soup for the Soul? EeDeChi was spouting off in that confusing way again.

Despite being intimidated by EeDeChi's haughty demeanor, Barrett quickly backed down. "Alright, fine. We'll do it your way. After all, you're the captain."

EeDeChi nodded in satisfaction with Barrett's attitude. The two returned to the tavern and continued enjoying the remaining dishes of their lunch while discussing their future plans.

Even though Barrett verbally conceded, he still felt a pang of frustration. After nearly twenty years in the adventurer business, he could see that EeDeChi's combat style was reckless, rushing in without much strategy.

In future battles against monsters and beasts, with EeDeChi, an Orichalcum-level fighter, charging forward, and Sean, a Platinum-level archer, providing support from behind, the task of protecting the Silver-level cleric Stella would fall to him, the Mithril-level adventurer. After all, his old nickname had been "The Mage's Shield."

But before, he'd been protecting Platinum-level and Mithril-level adventurers who could use 3rd Tier or even 4th Tier magic.

Barrett shook his head inwardly, trying to comfort himself. With a powerful leader like EeDeChi, he shouldn't have to risk his life fighting monsters as much. He could take on higher-level, higher-paying Orichalcum-level missions. Life would definitely be easier, and the work would be less grueling.

Just as he was contemplating this, EeDeChi filled her highball glass with champagne, then stood up with her glass raised, glancing at the other three before beginning her toast.

"Today, 'The Last Defender of the Way' adventurer team is officially established. This is a significant day, and we will surely make our mark in history. Our legend will echo across the world. I'm thrilled to see so many exceptional talents gathered under my command.

"Let's raise our glasses and work towards a common goal! That goal is—to defeat the King of the Sorcerer Kingdom, Ainz Ooal Gown! Cheers! Cheers!"

"WHAT?!" Barrett was daydreaming about a future of easy adventures when his hand shook, nearly spilling his  glass of beer.