Ash's mind lingered on his delayed arrival to the meeting.
It was not due to negligence, but rather a personal quest, one that the Guildmaster had granted him permission to embark on.
****
A few weeks back (After Ash just returned from the mission, in the recovery room of the Guildmaster.)
Ash knelt before the Guildmaster, his voice weighted with remorse. "I've failed, sir. I couldn't save the adventurers and the S rank. He was taken by a formidable foe that even my abilities couldn't defeat. I'm truly sorry."
His words conveyed not just the sorrow of loss, but the gravity of the situation.
The Guildmaster, with a grim expression, placed a hand on Ash's shoulder, offering both reassurance and acknowledgement.
"Nonsense, Ash. You have nothing to apologize for. The fact that you returned alive is testament to your strength."
"You could not have saved Rexlar on your own," the Guildmaster continued.
