PICK ME UP, ANOTHER LOBBY!

"You wanted to divide our forces?"

Zecht asked as Party 1 and the other 3-stars were having dinner back in the lodging.

I just told them a proposal I had been thinking since our battle this afternoon.

Once the battle concluded back then, my comrades and the other 3-stars did some more training in the training ground.

Meanwhile, I went back to the magic hall and continued making potions while formulating a plan.

Once night came and we reconvened at dinner, I suggested them my idea.

"With so many battles awaiting us in the tower, it would not be right to keep relying on the people in Party 1."

I said.

"But why not?"

Shanny asked.

"As much as I trust you, Jonah, and Trudy's capabilities, there is always a chance of us perishing in a trial. But even after we were gone, those left in the lobby will still have the duty to climb the tower."

I answered.

"So you wanted to have a backup party ready in case you folks in Party 1 dies?"

Jyrgil asked. The smile on his face made it seem he enjoyed such fantasy.

However, he made a correct assumption. I nodded to his words.

"Exactly that. Given what happened on the fifth floor, it would be foolish to not prepare secondary parties that matches up to Party 1."

"So how should we divide ourselves up?"

Norn asked.

"Party 1 needed an archer, so Darius will join us. Zecht and Norn will be in Party 2. While Jyrgil in Party 3."

I stated.

I had planned this arrangement after seeing the 3-stars fought earlier.

Darius was an obvious decision. But I could also see his archery was better than Cecily's and he was decent in close-quartered combat too.

With Party 1 having a 4-star, a 3-star, and the best 1-star heroes in the lobby, Party 2 would need at least two 3-stars to match up.

I decided to pair Zecht and Norn together since they seemed to be getting along well with one another.

Their individual combat abilities would also bolster the strength in Party 2.

Meanwhile, Jyrgil being left as the sole 3-star in Party 3 was a given.

He could not work well with his 3-star peers as shown in the battle this afternoon.

But at the very least his arrogant personality could benefit the leadership position in Party 3 which needed someone as vocal as he was.

The weaker trainees put in Party 3 would get bullied by Jyrgil, of course. But at the very least they would listen to whatever he had to say, establishing a stable chain of command.

Jyrgil could work on his attitude as time went on.

But this only mattered if Party 1 and 2 were wiped out and there was a need for Party 3 to step up, leaving Jyrgil in charge.

I certainly hoped that time would never come, but at least that was the way I imagined how things would go should such worst instance were to happen.

"Does anybody mind with this arrangement?"

I asked.

"Not really. I'm sure a decision made by a smart woman like you is the one to follow."

Zecht said.

"Yeah! I'll do as what the pretty witch says!"

Norn replied.

"It's an honor to have my skills recognized. I look forward to working with you all in Party 1."

Darius said while slightly bowing his head.

"Haha! Just you wait! It won't be long till I overcome everybody in here!"

Jyrgil shouted enthusiastically.

Seeing their agreeing tone, I continued.

"Once master arrive tomorrow, I'll recommend this arrangement through the warden. Master will then take care of finding the other members for your party, or you could recommend someone yourself if you guys find anybody useful."

I then turned to Darius.

"For the next while, master will focus on levelling you up. Once your level is high enough, we will resume our climb to the sixth floor. So ready yourself." 

It had been more than a week since we cleared the fifth floor.

Resting time was over.

It was time to get to work again.