News that Gelman and Shizuku had returned to Rimuru Castle together quickly spread throughout the Greed Island Management Team. They had brought back wonderful news that made everyone rejoice.
They first went to see Granny Lin Nie, then were surrounded in the castle hall by Doon, List, Leol, Shubika, Buhara, Abengane, and the others.
Everyone was eager to know why only the two of them had returned and wanted to hear more details.
Gelman was the one who told the story, as he could explain things more clearly.
Shizuku chipped in from time to time, but her comments often left everyone confused rather than filling in any gaps.
The whole story unfolded before them like a scroll.
When they learned that the wilderness was a strange place and that the Disease Spreader was even more vicious than the account in Journey to the New World: Eastern Volume Fragment had described, the listeners grew worried.
But Gelman Squad had still emerged victorious and retrieved the Alchemy Plant, which thrilled everyone.
This wasn't a victory for the five members of Gelman Squad alone. It was the victory of an entire team's quiet efforts.
The members who had remained on Greed Island had also played a crucial, undeniable role.
The cards Gelman Squad had carried with them represented the fruits of everyone's work.
As for Biscuit and Menchi's decision to stay behind in the labyrinth, no one was particularly surprised.
With Ging having set the precedent, everyone accepted it quickly.
They also realized that more and more members would head to the labyrinth in the future to establish a major base. This was the trend of things to come.
Buhara patted his large belly, thumping it like a drum as he declared:
"Next time, let me go with you. Menchi's decided to stay