: The group hits a level cap and needs a Class Upgrade at the Dragon Hourglass to grow stronger. However, the Church and King deliberately block Naofumi’s party from receiving these upgrades, forcing him to seek alternatives from the slave trader.
: Naofumi confronts Ren (Sword Hero) and Itsuki (Bow Hero) about the unintended fallout of their "quests". While Ren appears somewhat remorseful about the dragon's plague he left behind, Itsuki remains stubbornly convinced of his own righteousness despite the famine his "revolution" caused.
: A group of soldiers from Lute Village, inspired by Naofumi’s previous heroics, asks to join his party. In a classic "tsundere" move, Naofumi sets a steep fee of 150 silver to test their resolve, only to tell them to keep the money for gear once they prove their loyalty.