[00 Months: 01 Days: 12 Hours]

There were a lot of things suspicious about this Adventuring Party when I first decided to join.

Everything seemed so convenient, and I had a feeling that the entire thing was a setup. That was why I chose to hide my abilities and refused to lower my guard throughout the expedition.

'But it seems like I was wrong...'

If I was indeed the prey, my enemies had thrown away lots of chances to eliminate me. I had appeared weak and vulnerable on purpose, yet none of them took the bait.

Besides, now that we were all exhausted, it didn't seem like anyone was planning on making any moves anytime soon.

'Maybe the whole piss stuff I heard at the beginning was simply due to Jeff talking them before he went to ease himself.' I reasoned.

Perhaps I had simply been overthinking this entire thing.

'I was on guard for no reason at all...'

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

<You Have Cleared This Dungeon>

{User, along with five others, have cleared the <Dungeon Of Stone>, and will now be rewarded for your accomplishments}

<Here Are The Rewards Given For Your Achievements>

~One Treasure Chest (Rare)~

~300 Currency~

~Stone Golem (Lvl 5) Essence~

~Additional Level Up (1 Level)~

[End Of Rewards]

'Not bad, but...'

I glanced around and noticed that everyone was busy watching the System Window in front of them.

I couldn't see what they saw, just as they couldn't see what I saw, but I observed their expressions.

Most of them seemed genuinely happy about what they recieved, but it didn't quite cut it for me.

'... It's not good enough.'

I felt I deserved more. Considering the fact that the Ranker Title was currently in play here, I thought I would receive more than this measly reward.

'Could it be that the Rewards were split among everyone because we cleared this Dungeon as a Party?'

Now that I thought about it like that, it made more sense.

This Dungeon Of Stone was more difficult than any challenge I faced before, but thanks to having allies with me, it felt like a breeze.

The System must have deemed it fit to split the Rewards with everyone.

'I should have expected this.'

If I had challenged this Dungeon, or any other one, by myself, I was sure to get more Rewards.

'Even if these people didn't betray me or anything, I don't think I can continue working in a Party.'

I needed to grind as hard and as fast as I could.

Being in a Party was easier, but also less rewarding. Since I was more of a high risk high reward kind of guy, I had to see things for what they were.

'Leveling solo is better in the end.'

I would be able to Level Up more, and I would be able to keep all the rewards for myself. Plus, I would.be free to use all the powers at my disposal without worrying about prying eyes.

'Finally, I wouldn't be allowing others to get stronger at my expense.'

Resources were limited—whether they were Currency, or Stats.

'If I allow this to continue, it'll be easier for them to catch up to me. I might even lose my Ranker Title and the benefits that come with it.'

I couldn't allow it.

*********

[00 Months: 01 Days: 13 Hours]

After sorting through our Rewards, we all decided to rest a little while making small talk.

Considering how I saw this as a way of expanding my horizons and learning more about the world—especially about the perspective of different people and their experiences—I decided to stay behind.

After about an hour elapsed, it was finally time to leave the Dungeon, and I was already anticipating the next location I was going to explore.

'A great deal of time has elapsed. I probably won't be able to clear it today, but I can at least get a feel of the next Dungeon.'

Then, perhaps tomorrow I would clear it completely.

If Byron tried to make me join their Party on another raid, I would have to gratefully decline.

'I should still keep in touch, though. They could end up being useful in the long run. Plus...'

My eyes darted at Lu, who hadn't seemed to pay me much attention since we formed our Party.

I had thought she would try to tease me or leave hints that she knew my Skills, but she didn't do anything like that.

'She has even been acting somewhat cold.'

I didn't get her at all.

At the very least, though, I didn't think she meant me any harm. I still had to keep my guard around her, but I wasn't going to stir up the hornet's nest by challenging her or something.

She seemed plenty strong.

'I should just try to get on her good graces, moving forward. Maybe if I learn more about her, I'll be able to make my move.'

Rising to my feet, I settled on the plan.

'If we end up getting close, maybe she could even... huh... what is... happeni—'

Before I could completely rise to my feet, I felt my body completely grow numb, and I fell to the ground.

'W-what is this? What just happened?!'

I was completely paralyzed, unable to move my body in the slightest.

I could only twitch my eyes and move my irises slightly, but anything beyond that seemed impossible.

'I... can't do anything?! C-could it be...!'

At that instant, my brain exploded in both desperation and rage.

'Those bastards! They actually betrayed me?!!'

... I was wrong.

The moment I trailed my vision to them, I noticed everyone was also on the ground. They were all paralyzed.

Everyone was in the same situation as me.

'W-what...?!'

"I am truly sorry, you guys." A familiar voice suddenly echoed in my ears, and a tall figure rose from all the fallen people.

Out of everyone present, only he seemed completely fine.

'Y-you...'

Out of everyone I suspected, he was probably the least on the list.

He didn't have a suspicious face like Daniel.

He didn't have the sly wits and aged experience of Jesus.

He didn't have that charismatic and suspiciously nice persona that Byron exuded.

He was the weakest and most transparent of everyone in the group.

'... Jeff?!'

Standing in his stained suit while straightening his tie, Jeff stared down at all of us with a sad expression on his face.

"I really had no choice. Please forgive me for what I am about to do."

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[A/N]

Who did you suspect out of everyone? Come on, be honest!

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!