A few days had passed since Alfred was expelled from the [Sword of Heroes].
It goes without saying that I, Shannon, was deeply confused by the sudden and unexpected turn of events.
Apparently, a petition for Alfred's expulsion was presented by the guild members, excluding the executives and Kanade. At the time, we had just finished a quest and were each engaged in separate tasks requested by other members, leaving the guild house temporarily unattended.
Looking back, it was clearly a trap and a scheme.
By the time we returned, Alfred was already gone from the mansion. His departure without a word was cold, but it seemed there were various underlying motives at play.
One such motive was the appointment of my childhood friend, Rogue, as the new guild leader.
Apparently, he had been using his unique skill, "Ability Grant," to enhance the entire party. I was unaware that Rogue had such a skill. Previously, when asked about it, he would brush it off as a mere "insignificant skill that slightly enhances allies' abilities."
The only person who knew about this skill was Alfred, who had been quietly instructing Rogue and applying enhancement buffs without anyone else's knowledge.
Including us, it was clear that such unilateral enhancements were against common sense.
However, I don't believe Alfred remained silent without a reason. After all, a year ago, he had said this:
"You can't keep relying on Rogue's enhancement buffs forever, can you?"
He had also advised us to train individually, as if he had anticipated such a situation.
"-And that's how it is. Everyone, Rogue here will be the new guild leader."
Immediately after Alfred's expulsion, we received this announcement in the executive room from the sorcerer Daniel. Rogue, as well as the second-string members Forgas and Larisa, were present.
"Hey, you! Don't just make-up stuff! Why does Alfred have to be expelled? Damn it!"
"This is an obvious case of usurpation! We're going to report this to the guild!"
Gaizen and Pearl expressed their outrage with vigorous protests.
"The guild has already been informed and accepted the petition. After all, it was accompanied by petitions from 24 members. No wrongdoing has occurred."
"But the reasons for the expulsion are all about past events! Alfred is currently engaged in charitable work and always thought of the guild members!"
"Shannon, the public loves to dig into the past. They're more interested in past misdeeds than current virtues. The previous guild leader, oh yes, Alfred, was particularly prone to such scrutiny."
"Keeping someone like him as the guild leader would reflect badly on all of us in [Sword of Heroes]. Most members agreed that expulsion was the right course."
"Indeed. Alfred was the one who instigated the harassment against Rogue. It's remarkable how Rogue endured it. He must have a different kind of strength."
Daniel's philosophy was supported by Forgas and Larisa. Larisa, in particular, seemed excessively attached to Rogue. I wasn't particularly concerned, but it was noticeable.
"But the method is dirty! Moving behind the scenes without informing us executives!"
"Oh, by the way, you're no longer executives."
Rogue said this nonchalantly.
"What!?"
"From now on, the executives are Daniel, Forgas, and Larisa. Gaizen and Pearl are being demoted to second-string. As for you, Shannon, it's up to you."
"What do you mean, Rogue?"
"Healers are crucial in any party. Also..."
Rogue approached me, his face close.
"-Become my woman. Along with Larisa... If you do, I'll treat you kindly."
"No. Are you out of your mind?"
"Still as harsh as ever, Shannon... But you did give your virginity to Alfred, didn't you? As a childhood friend, I'm offering to keep you by my side, even if you were used by that guy.
What is this despicable creature...?
Is this really my childhood friend, the once gentle and timid Rogue?
"It seems there's a misunderstanding. Alfred and I were not in that kind of relationship."
Indeed, I am attracted to Alfred now, but whether it's as a romantic interest or as a superior, I'm still sorting out my feelings. Or rather, I might already have sorted them out... but admitting it is frightening.
Rogue scoffed and turned away with a huff.
"Hey, Rogue! Shannon has been your childhood friend who defended you all this time! How can you forget that debt and say such things-ugh?"
As Gaizen tried to confront Rogue, his figure vanished.
"Did you say something, Gaizen? Even though you're a sturdy tank, your back is wide open."
Before we knew it, Rogue was standing behind Gaizen.
"I-Is that... Alfred's 'God's Acceleration' skill!?"
"Rogue is using Alfred's unique skill... Why?"
Pearl and I were astonished by the sight. Rogue explained with a smug expression.
"My 'Ability Grant' doesn't just enhance and absorb the abilities and skill points of those I've granted buffs to. It allows me to copy and use their unique skills as well. Quite versatile, isn't it?"
"Exactly! That's Rogue's skill! It's clear to everyone that he is the rightful leader of [Sword of Heroes]!"
"Moreover, he will provide ongoing enhancements to all guild members! With Rogue at the center, we'll have the strongest party! It's incredible almost godlike!"
"I can't live without Rogue now!"
Daniel, Forgas, and Larisa praised and flattered him.
Their behavior was unsettling. Their eyes were bloodshot, as if possessed by Rogue's skill.
Perhaps they were enchanted...
It seemed to me that they had become addicted to the enhancement buffs, blindly worshiping them.
Alfred had likely realized the dangers of Rogue's skill a year ago and tried to distance himself. He must have continuously warned us as well.
-To prevent such a situation.
If Alfred had tried to explain, Rogue would have deactivated the 'Ability Grant,' and [Sword of Heroes] would have ended. Fearing that, Alfred chose to step back without a word.
All for our sake...
But Alfred, you're wrong. You had us.
Why did you have to be the only one to suffer?
"Geez, everyone, don't praise me so much. I didn't do anything special-really."
Rogue, too, was thoroughly immersed in power. Yet, his repeated "Geez" was oddly irksome, making it feel quite annoying.