Chapter 24: Finally: a new mission
The cheers were thunderous.
Gabe had barely stepped back toward his classmates when the boys swarmed him first—clapping his shoulders, shaking his hand, pulling him into rough embraces and playfully knocking their foreheads against his in mock battle tradition.
"You madman!" one shouted. "Did you see yourself out there? That defense—you looked like a fortress!"
"Bro, bro, bro! You’re coming to the dungeon with us now, no excuses!" another laughed, grabbing Gabe around the neck.
More voices piled on.
"We’re finally complete!"
"Our team has a front! No more relying on summoned golems, thank heavens!"
A group of girls arrived next, more reserved but no less enthusiastic.
"Gabe, you were amazing."
"Truly impressive," said a tall girl with long indigo hair. "I thought you were going to be a burden forever."
"Hey," Gabe muttered with a weak laugh.