Newbie's Quest: Awaiting Challenge
Chapter 28: Coming Out to Play

In the dimly lit teleportation room, only a few low-wattage wall lamps cast gloomy shadows on everyone's faces. James Mitchell stood there, pale-faced and silent, enduring the third team captain's scolding.

"You slack off during training and sneak out to have fun? Claiming to be unwell and then going off to play? If your teammate hadn't reported your absence out of concern for your safety, I'd still be in the dark!" The captain's harsh words reflected his anger and frustration.

The vice-captain of the third team chimed in with criticism, belittling James as being of no use to the team. "James, don't take our words the wrong way. Ever since you joined Emerald Tempest Guild, you've just been coasting along, contributing nothing significant to the team."

Henrik Jensen and Isabella Martínez, the captain and vice-captain of the first team, remained silent throughout the exchange. Henrik watched James with a stern expression, while Isabella maintained a smile on her face.

"John, ease up a bit," Isabella advised. "James is young; it's normal for him to be a bit playful at this age. As long as he understands his mistake and corrects it, it's fine."

John Smith, the third team captain, tried to appease the situation. "Isabella's right. James, the vice-captain is speaking up for you; just admit your mistake, and it's over."

John wasn't a bad person. He was strict with James but granted him leave when he claimed to be sick. Unaware of James's history with the first and second teams, John saw James as a talented player who had inexplicably ended up in the third team. He had subtly protected James, but the latter's low emotional intelligence and poor relationships with teammates had led to this moment.

John was both anxious and angry when he found out about James's deception. It became even more complicated when Isabella, passing by, overheard and informed Henrik. Known for his uncompromising nature and sternness, Henrik was not one to spare feelings when dealing with uncooperative team members.

Now, caught in Henrik's crosshairs, John was genuinely upset at James for not seizing this opportunity to make amends.

However, James unexpectedly stood up for himself. "I did nothing wrong. I went to the hospital, and I submitted the medical certificate to the captain. How I spend my time in the evening is my own business and doesn't violate team rules." John, infuriated by James's defiance, was about to explode, but Isabella intervened. "Let's leave it, John. James is right. Our authority over team members doesn't extend to their time, as long as they're not engaging in risky behavior." She then turned to James, her smile tinged with sarcasm. "Besides, James will soon replace a new path. Let's not jinx his prospects. Wouldn't want him holding a grudge against us if he makes it big."

Isabella's words, seemingly light-hearted, hit James where it hurt the most, causing him to clench his fists in frustration. He knew all too well the real reason behind his expulsion from the first team.

A year ago, James's debut in Emerald Tempest Guild was highly anticipated. He was placed in the first team to tackle "The Seventh Hospital," an S-rank dungeon. Though challenging, Emerald Tempest Guild's elite team, with thorough preparation, could ensure a casualty-free completion.

Isabella, recently promoted to vice-captain, volunteered to guide the newcomer through the dungeon. Henrik, thinking Isabella was trying to prove his worth and secure his position, entrusted him with the task of leading James. Chapter 28: Come Out and Play

In the dimly lit teleportation room, where only a few wall lamps provided a soft glow, the atmosphere was somber. James Mitchell stood silently, absorbing the harsh rebuke from John Smith, the third team captain. "Slacking off in training and sneaking out? Claiming to be ill, then going off to play? Had your teammate not reported your absence, I would still be fooled by your lies!" The captain's anger was palpable, and the vice-captain echoed his sentiments, painting James as worthless to the team.

Henrik Jensen and Isabella Martínez, the captain and vice-captain of the first team, remained silent observers. Henrik's stern gaze was fixed on James, while Isabella wore a nonchalant smile.

"John, go easy on him," Isabella suggested. "James is young; it's natural for him to seek fun. As long as he learns from his mistakes, it's fine."

Despite John's strictness, he had shown leniency by granting James leave for his alleged illness. He had always seen potential in James but was baffled by his decline to the third team. John had tried to protect James, but now, feeling betrayed by the false illness claim and James's failure to integrate with the team, his frustration boiled over.

John's outburst attracted the attention of Isabella, who informed Henrik. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Henrik's arrival escalated the situation. John, already agitated, was now doubly so, realizing James had likely offended Isabella in the past, leading to his downfall from the higher teams.

The confrontation could have been resolved with a reprimand and James's apology, but to everyone's surprise, James chose to stand up for himself.

"I did nothing wrong," James spoke up, his voice trembling slightly. "I did visit the hospital, and I submitted the medical certificate to the captain. My evening activities, as long as they don't break team rules, are my matter."

John was ready to explode at James's defiance, but Isabella interjected. "Enough, John. James has a point. We can't control our team members' time. Let's not make a big deal out of it."

Then, turning to James with a mocking smile, she added, "Besides, James might soon replace a new path. Let's not jinx his future. It'd be unfortunate if we ended up on his bad side later on."

Isabella's words, laced with sarcasm, struck a nerve with James. He clenched his fists, painfully aware of the real circumstances that led to his expulsion from the first team.

A year ago, during his first mission with Emerald Tempest Guild, James had been highly regarded. He was assigned to the first team for "The Seventh Hospital," an S-rank dungeon. The team, having prepared thoroughly, expected a smooth run. Isabella had volunteered to guide James, a decision approved by Henrik, who believed Isabella wanted to solidify his position as vice-captain.

In the operating room, the surveillance cameras were destroyed by a monster, leaving a gap in the footage and plunging the live stream into darkness. Soon after, James was seen fleeing alone, while Isabella's screams echoed from within the room. Henrik used a cessation card to forcibly end the mission.

Using a cessation card drained the team members' strength, leaving them incapacitated for days. Isabella sustained the worst injuries, nearly dying from blood loss. The team barely escaped, and the viewers and teammates blamed James for abandoning Isabella, leading to his punishment and eventual demotion.

James's attempts at defending himself were futile in the face of such damning evidence. Now, standing in front of the very people who had witnessed his fall, he was powerless against their accusations.

The room fell silent, with only James's heavy breathing audible. Finally, Henrik spoke, "Who were you with in the material dungeon?"

James looked up, surprised. "It was... Ethan Walker."

The mention of Ethan Walker was like dropping a bombshell. His name was well-known among White Tower players. Henrik seemed taken aback, and Isabella's disdain was evident. "Associating with someone who disregards rules and discipline, no wonder you're becoming more and more"

"Talking about me?" An unexpected voice interrupted.

Everyone turned toward the source. Ethan Walker's head popped out from the teleportation portal, his arms casually resting on the rim, supporting his body. He squinted, scanning the room before his gaze settled on the isolated James. Ethan looked excited as he waved his hand. "James, why just stand there? Come out and play."