(Heartfelt thanks to 'Infinite Wings' for the 10,000 reward, and to 'Genkaku no Ningyōshi,' 'Haidi Zhongcao,' and 'GS Chaoshi' for their rewards!)
In truth, Bert had been unhappy with Noah for a long time.
The reason was simple.
At the start of an expedition, the areas before the deep levels were meant for second-class adventurers at Lv.3 and Lv.4 to accumulate experience.
When exploring uncharted areas, only first-class adventurers at Lv.5 or above could be of use. Everyone else joined only as rear guards and supporters.
In other words, once they reached the deep levels, second-class adventurers at Lv.3 and Lv.4 would be almost useless. They could only remain at the camp, guard the supplies and spoils, and serve the first-class adventurers fighting on the front lines.
If they did not accumulate as much experience as possible while they could still be useful, then the expedition would truly amount to nothing more than being porters and waiters. Other than broadening their horizons, they would gain nothing.
That was why, during the first half of the journey, the Lv.5 and Lv.6 first-class adventurers merely held the line, while the Lv.3 and Lv.4 second-class adventurers had to fight and struggle, accumulating experience and growing stronger.
Yet what was this guy, also a Lv.4, doing right now?
Instead of going after the Floor Master, such a prized target, he had stayed back and watched from the sidelines, enjoying the show immensely.
How could Bert possibly be happy about that?
"Even that idiot elf who's always following Ais around has charged in with her staff. Do you think experience points are handed out to everyone who watches?" Bert glared fiercely at Noah.
"Get your ass up there and fight!"
With that, Bert lifted a leg and rudely kicked at Noah's back, apparently intending to