This didn't seem like bad timing at all. It felt like our party had hit a plateau, and now Kim Hyunsung was eager to take things up a notch.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that a few external factors had been holding us back. Lee Jihye's collaboration with the Red Mercenary and Black Swan Guild was nearing its conclusion.
"You have won. It's your victory. Lindel will remain as peaceful as ever, even safer. Let's tackle each problem as it comes." Kim Hyunsung instructed.
While the media had broadcasted my acceptance of Jung Yura's apology, I knew this wouldn't be sufficient to quell public unrest.
However, it didn't mean that nothing had changed. The public celebrated their triumph over the larger guilds' oppression, applauding the courage of an individual who dared to stand up against them.
Of course, I found this outcome satisfying too. A few days after my address, the Black Swan Guild initiated a restructuring of their command system and began supporting novice adventurers with donations.
Despite the earlier criticism, no one judged their actions. They were content that the guild executives had publicly apologized.
Until then, it was rare for such prominent guilds to humble themselves, making the public quite pleased.
One issue that still lingered was Jung Hayan's reaction to seeing Lee Jihye.
Although she didn't overtly express her feelings, I sensed her increased anxiety. She began sticking close to me, attempting to ease her worries.
"This isn't good at all." I said.
I wasn't pleased with Hayan's change in behavior. Her questions like
"Where are you going, Kee?" or "When are you coming back?" didn't bother me, but I knew this new obsession wouldn't work in my favor.
Jung Hayan likely felt that a connection had formed between Lee Jihye and me on that particular day.
If the system recognized Lee Jihye as my soulmate, Jung Hayan would undoubtedly notice too.
She now regarded Lee Jihye with more suspicion than she had towards Cha Hee-ra, the Mercenary Queen who had feigned being my lover.
I realized I needed to manage Jung Hayan's feelings soon; otherwise, her emotions would continually hinder me.
But for now, it was the perfect moment for us to focus on our growth. There were no more external obstacles, except for some lingering issues within the Blue Guild. We had formed alliances with two powerful guilds, gained experience in dungeons and hunting, and enjoyed public support.
"You may already know, but there are two prerequisites for job changes: accumulating experience points through hunting and performing specific job-related actions, just like for raising stats. Using magic increases your energy, while using muscle power boosts your strength." Kim Hyunsung said.
"Of course." I agreed.
"After the last dungeon expedition, it was crucial for us to take a break. However, I believe it's time to resume our training. Ideally, everyone here should reach at least Sun Hee-young's level. No, we should aim to match the people we went on the expedition with. At least get the beginner's title." Kim Hyunsung suggested.
"I understand." I confirmed.
"That's the challenge. I know my remarks are mainly directed at Kim Ye-ri and you, Kee Miyoung. I've noticed that your potential might be lacking." Kim Hyunsung said.
While Jung Hayan's magical power had already exceeded 40, Kim Hyunsung had reached the 50s. Sun Hee-young's stats were even higher. Even Park Deokgu had steadily improved through dungeon experiences. The only issues in our party were Kim Ye-ri and me.
"Hmm."
Of course, Kim Ye-ri, with her legendary growth potential stats, would become stronger.
However, it seemed that I was the primary problem. While my role as an alchemist compensated for my limited magical abilities to some extent, it wasn't a combat occupation.
I didn't regret choosing alchemy, but there were times when I wished I'd gone for Warlock, even with its growth limitations.
"Hngg…"
"It would be ideal if all of you could align your skills with your third job within a month." Kim Hyunsung suggested.
"That's easier said than done. I'm not sure about the exact process for changing jobs, and raising stats through training is slow. Maybe hunting might make a difference, but…" I replied with full of confidence.
"Perhaps it could." Kim Hyunsung said.
"How?" I asked.
"We'll start with hunting. I won't leave the city until you all complete what I've asked of you." Kim Hyunsung replied.
"Oh…"
"Five of us will go on the expedition, with Kee Miyoung being the only one excluded." Kim Hyunsung said.
"What are you saying, hyung...?" Park Deokgu asked.
At this point, my apprehension grew. It seemed like I was being pushed off the comfortable Hyunsung bus, which had been my refuge all this time.
"Well, that doesn't sound right." I thought.
Prideful thoughts swirled in my head. Was Kim Hyunsung trying to make me a non-combatant or push me out of the core party?
"This sounds absurd."
Even Park Deokgu and Jung Hayan looked more surprised than I did, and Sun Hee-young appeared unhappy.
Perhaps Kim Hyunsung's intention was to prevent my growing influence within the party, but his composed expression suggested otherwise.
I was a valuable party member, repeatedly proving my worth.
Seeing the question in my eyes, Kim Hyunsung nodded.
"They've become overly reliant on you." Kim Hyunsung said.
"Ah...?"
"Park Deokgu and Jung Hayan have grown up in a very comfortable environment. The same goes for Hee-young, who isn't accustomed to hunting. While I don't disregard everyone's efforts, you all have grown reliant on the psychological stability that Kee provides."
"Psychological stability?" I asked.
I understood what Kim Hyunsung was getting at. It made sense.
"In essence, Kee's presence is hindering your growth." Kim Hyunsung said.
It wasn't that I wasn't meeting expectations; I was hindering their progress. Kim Hyunsung was right in deciding the party's growth direction. My party members might not understand, but both Deokgu and Hayan needed to learn to act independently.
However, if they grew stronger to the point I couldn't catch up, that would be a problem.
"That can't happen." I thought.
If I were excluded, there had to be a consolation reward for someone with my terrible stats.
I needed to find a way to boost my stats and change my job. It was a distant possibility, but maybe I could negotiate a reward for this sudden exclusion.
"In the meantime, I…" Kim Hyunsung said.
Seeing Kim Hyunsung's trusting gaze, I realized I had been hoping for too much.
"The same goes for Kee. Your focus for the next month should be on increasing your stats and changing your job."
"Yeah..." I replied.
"Start as soon as possible. And please don't assist Kee in this process. The rest of you, concentrate on the expedition. Don't worry; just focus on your growth." Kim Hyunsung commanded.
"Okay..."
Kim Hyunsung had placed a lot of trust in me. I didn't know why I had earned it, but I didn't know how to feel about it either.
"Don't trust me too much, you jerk…" I silently said to myself to Kim Hyunsung.