CHAPTER 47: BEING THE LEADER IS DEFINITELY NOT AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS.

"What do you mean by that, exactly?" she asks, suspicion lacing her voice. But even as she speaks, I can see I’m winning—she’s nibbling at the bait. She’s like some slippery, agile fish that darts and twists, doing everything to snatch the worm without ever swallowing the hook. But I’m no simple fisherman. I’ll reel her in, one way or another. Her eyes already betray her; she’s entertained.

Now all that’s left is to pull. I almost let a smile creep across my lips, but I force it back down.

"I mean this—if you join my party and keep your mouth shut, I’ll show you how I can make Glorius suffer. Or anyone else, for that matter. But you know my price. So... will you take it?" My hand stays outstretched, waiting for her to accept.

Her eyes sparkle as her palm meets mine, soft and warm. "Fine. But I’m not giving up on being your wife. That’s half the fun for me." She leans in close, her lips hovering so near mine I can feel the heat of her breath. But I know she’s only toying with me.

"Careful," I murmur, "or I might just claim those."

[Warning: keep flirting to the minimum until you’re eighteen.]

The system flashes like an overbearing parent dragging two teenagers apart.

Fine... Dad... geez.

"Big words from someone like you." Her laughter is a soft ripple as she leans even closer—only to pull away at the last second. Those white eyes of hers glow like burning gemstones, locking onto mine, dragging me into a dizzy spiral. Is that her magic? Or just her?

"Are you challenging me?" I bite out, more insulted than I want to admit.

"Perhaps." Her fingers brush across my shoulder as she turns away. "Come on then, leader. We have a party to form. Or would you rather sit here all day, imagining me naked?" Her giggle lingers in the air like a whip crack.

"I did not!" I protest, because really, I have no idea what she’s talking about. But then her gaze drops toward my pants, and—oh. That’s where she got the idea.

"Wait up! Damn it!" I hurry after her, and after about five minutes of walking together, we finally arrive at the newly restored Adventurer’s Guild.

Inside, I spot three familiar figures at a table, deep in discussion. Powder’s holding a massive mug, probably filled with ale. Who the hell let him drink? I’ll slap that right out of his hands!

"Come here, Powder!" I roar. He panics, clutching the mug like his life depends on it and scurries away.

"Give it to me."

"No, Quill, this is... juice. Yeah, juice..." His awkward expression screams guilt.

"Hand it over. You can drink next year."

"I... ah, fuck it." He tilts his head back and downs the entire thing in one go. My eyes widen. That bastard actually chugged it.

"At least this helps me drown my sorrow..." Powder mutters, tears welling up. "You’ll never understand how it feels when your weapon won’t work..."

Ah. So that’s it. I sigh. Maybe I did go too far.

Alright... here, this should fix it. I discreetly write into the air, weaving the words of reality. From the stunned expression of the flustered woman across the room, it’s clear his weapon is working a little too well now.

"But see? You’re fine. Look how healthy you are!" I pat his shoulder—while keeping a safe distance.

"M-My... my brother! You’re alive!" Powder suddenly blurts, his voice breaking. He’s about to bolt—I already know where—but I grab his collar before he can escape.

"Wait a second. Where do you think you’re going?"

"Quill, come on, you understand, right?" His pleading eyes could melt stone.

"Sit down. We have to finish registration first, then I’ll let you run off for a couple of days, you damn dog."

Instantly, his eyes light up. He practically drags me to the counter, shoving me forward with a burst of excitement.

"Quill, you’re back!" Bite exclaims happily from behind the desk.

From the corner of my eye, I see Tail dart away, her face completely red, avoiding my gaze. Maybe that’s for the best.

"I’m here to fully register my party," I announce. "This time we’re a total of five. Can you help us officially establish the Rewrite Party?" I wave the others over to join me.

"No problem, you can trust me on this!" Bite says a little too enthusiastically. "But your two new members must also take the test. They’ve never been to the Adventurer’s Guild before."

Those words nearly make me choke. Amara, sure, I can understand—but Anna? That wild creature who charges into danger like it’s her morning tea... a rookie?

I shoot her a look. She just shrugs as if to say, What? Surprised?

Of course I’m surprised...

The mana core test goes by quickly, maybe too quickly. Anna shocks me first. She doesn’t hit mythic like Powder or Roxy, but she still scores Rare Legendary, which is impressive enough. Honestly, not too shocking since she’s a main plotline character—all of them are ridiculously overpowered in some way. But still...

But then Amara steps up. And that’s when the entire guild hall turns cold and grey-blue. Her core doesn’t display a grade at all. Instead, the crystal nearly bursts from the force of her mana. By default, the Guild records it as mythic—anything that can’t be measured gets thrown straight into that tier. Complicated rules, but the short version is this: by raw stats alone, my party now holds the highest potential rating in the entire history of this world. Or so the guild master himself declares.

"Congratulations! Your adventurer’s party—Rewrite—is now fully active!" Bite beams as he hands each of us a badge marked with a golden ’R’ against black enamel. The craftsmanship is fine, elegant.

"These were made by Tail herself. She refused to hand them over in person, but she spent a lot of time on them. Please accept and treasure them. With these badges you’ll be able to take quests anywhere in the kingdom. If you go beyond its borders, you’ll need to file paperwork to keep your activities legal. More details I’ll explain to Quill alone over a cup of tea."

He smiles, and Guild Master Aragon joins in with a grin that’s far too sharp. "Me too. I still have matters to discuss with Quill, right?"

I gulp. The greedy old vulture’s gaze pierces me like talons.

"Can I go now?!" Powder suddenly tugs on my shoulder from behind, hopping in place with both hands cupped over his crotch.

"Quill, we want to shop around the city. Do you have any money?" Anna asks sweetly, fully aware I can conjure infinite coins if I feel like it.

"Quill has no money, don’t bother asking him," Roxy snaps, folding her arms. "Quill, when will you be done? I want to go on a date."

"No! Quill will go on a date with me, sister. I was the first one to marry him. You’re not his wife yet, so respect my authority!" Amara fires back with smug pride.

"I’ve got matters to attend to, please! Just... all of you go your own way!" I almost cry out, frustration boiling over.

What a life I’ve been given... being the leader is definitely not as easy as it sounds.