◆ Avangarde Castle Town, Adventurer’s Guild, Second Floor ◆
On the second floor of the Adventurer’s Guild, it seems there are various discussions, including the announcement of the results. I was the one who carried Glaive after we captured him. I had once carried someone during a rescue mission in the Strange Plains, but Glaive was much heavier than that time. After we locked him in a room of the giant carriage, we left him in the hands of Shinbu, who suddenly appeared. Since then, I have no idea what happened to Glaive.
It seems that Shinbu had been watching us the entire time he was gone. I assume it was the same skill that made the giant carriage disappear in Mist Village, but I can hardly believe he just stood there silently while we were in danger. He did say he would lend a hand if things got really bad, but honestly, it feels suspicious.
“Well, that’s a passing grade, I guess.”
Even though I think we did well, his evaluation leaves me feeling unsatisfied. I doubt I would feel happy even if Shinbu praised me; we definitely put in a lot of effort. More importantly, there’s Formas. After waking up, I thought he would come after Roel for revenge, but he won’t even look me in the eye. The fact that he was knocked out by a priest seems to be a humiliation for him, as he glares at me while pretending Roel isn’t there.
“The Matere Trading Company has connections with facilities that adventurers frequently use. If they wanted to, they could create a situation where you lot would struggle to secure food and shelter. I’ll be sure to inform my father about your incompetence.”
His resentment is overwhelming, and it’s becoming quite unmanageable. But even though they are our enemies, there was no need to hurt them that badly, and more importantly, if we had killed them, we would have failed the exam. I couldn’t bear to watch what happened to Brikna either, and I honestly can’t figure out how we could have resolved that situation.
Right now, the eight of us and the Five Elites are gathered in a room. I wonder how the passing announcement will go. We not only captured Glaive but also his subordinates, so I think we did well. I hope Barm passes too.
“Thank you for your hard work during the final exam. Now, I will announce the successful candidates: Lua, Roel, Formas, Brikna, Tatarka, Gilbert, Barm, and Bebe. Congratulations, you all passed.”
For a moment, I wondered if someone had failed, but all of our names were called. If everyone passed, there was no need to call out each name. Still, I’m undeniably happy. I feel like jumping for joy, but even I wouldn’t go that far.
“Shinbu is too lenient. If it were me, I would have failed more than half of them.”
“Considering what you’ve witnessed, I made that judgment.”
I pondered what “made that judgment” meant, but for some reason, I was glad Barm passed. Yet, his expression seemed somewhat gloomy. I even wondered if he wasn’t happy about it. Gilbert, hidden behind his helmet, also didn’t look very pleased.
“Now, you all have officially joined the ranks of A-Rank adventurers.”
“May I say something?”
“Hm? Barm?”
“I wish to decline. I have done nothing, and this incident has made it clear that I do not possess the strength to be A-Rank.”
“I feel the same way. Especially Lua’s performance was remarkable. I felt my own powerlessness; I cannot maintain my dignity as an elder.”
“Barm and Gilbert, while I understand your sentiments, that cannot be allowed. I acknowledge your desire to decline, but you are already registered as A-Rank. I understand your claims, but I believe this: whether you feel inadequate or not, what matters is what comes next. No matter the form, you have earned your place as A-Rank. If you are dissatisfied with your current situation, strive to become someone who can laugh at your present self in the distant future. In fact, I think it would be a bonus if you could share stories about your past selves over drinks. Hahaha!”
Barm and Gilbert fell silent. I never expected the two of them to want to decline. As Shinbu said, what matters is what comes next. Just like I did in the Abyss Cave, even if I fail and feel down, I can achieve better results next time.
“Now then, let’s start with the evaluations from the final exam. Shinbu.”
“Alright, first up are Gilbert and Barm. As you both are aware, you didn’t do anything. If it were me, I would have easily failed you, but for some reason, the higher-ups gave you a pass. Well, I’ll give Gilbert credit for being the first to act to ensure the safety of the hostages.”
Even though they were aware of their shortcomings, hearing it said out loud made me feel down for them. Still, it seemed they took the evaluation seriously, nodding slightly.
“Next, Bebe. Your achievement of capturing Glaive’s subordinates is commendable. That silver rope is quite rare around here, and having a stockpile of it shows good preparation. I’ll give you 30 points; keep working hard.”
“Hohoho, thank you very much!”
Bebe smiled genuinely, but I thought 30 points wasn’t very high. He might not care since he became A-Rank, but still.
“Next up, Formas. Your shooting accuracy and unhesitating intent to kill were impressive for your level. That decisiveness will surely be a great asset. However, your eagerness to achieve the goal of capturing them led you to act recklessly, which is a significant negative that could overturn any positive evaluation. If you had accidentally killed Glaive there, you would have been stripped of your A-Rank immediately.”
“Huh? Is that all? What a load of crap…”
“Since you were instructed to capture them alive, that was non-negotiable. The moment you failed to fulfill that underlying objective, you would have faced the worst-case scenario.”
“…What do you mean?”
“You would be erased.”
The word “erased,” spoken so coldly by Shinbu, made even Formas flinch. He hurriedly corrected his posture, sitting properly, clearly feeling the weight of those words and the pressure Shinbu exuded. Formas might have taken it lightly, but the person before him was far beyond his level. If Shinbu wanted to, he could kill Formas without him even realizing it.
Everyone else in the room was frozen, not daring to move. The fear of Shinbu was palpable.
“That aside, congratulations on passing. I believe the exam was quite challenging, but it’s merely the starting point. As A-Rank, you will have access to designated dangerous areas and important facilities, as well as the ability to use certain general facilities at a reduced cost. Some shops may even provide supplies for free. In this way, you will have far fewer restrictions on your actions compared to when you were B-Rank. What does that mean? It means that with those privileges come responsibilities and dangers. Keep that in mind.”
Everyone listened intently in silence. At that moment, a guild member brought our cards. It seems that with our promotion to A-Rank, there were updates needed on our cards, which they had temporarily taken for that purpose.
When the cards returned to us, there wasn’t much that had changed, but there was one unfamiliar detail.
【Lua Level: 999 Class: Swordfighter Rank: A 90th】
“What does this 90th rank mean, Lua-chan? It’s written on my card too.”
“It shows that your rank has been updated to A, and your position is noted. That position increases as you achieve results. Currently, there are not 113, but with you all included, there are 121 A-Rank adventurers. The rank written now reflects your achievements as B-Rank. Now, let’s see what each of you ranks among the 121? Mufufufu.”
“I’m 119th… Hmm, I need to work harder. Barm, what about you?”
“Gilbert is 119th. I’m 110th; it’s quite tough.”
“117th… Well, isn’t that quite good? Hohoho!”
“With Bebe included, we have similar ranks. Well, let’s do our best from here on out. I have no intention of being satisfied with 110th.”
While those three were around that rank, we were at 90th. I have no idea how we were evaluated, but is it okay to be happy about this?
“109th, huh? I bet if you just casually complete requests, even a weakling can climb the ranks.”
“However, Formas, merely completing requests suitable for B-Rank won’t earn you much recognition. Even Mugen struggled when he was young…”
Mugen’s voice dropped slightly, tinged with loneliness, while Shinbu spoke of the cruel reality without ceasing his unsettling movements.
“This exam will be primarily based on your abilities. As you all know, we need as many strong individuals as possible to counter the Neo Demon Lord Army. They have already intensified their activities across various regions… We cannot predict when they might invade this country again.”
“I heard that the Barnea region on the Asgar continent was also attacked…”
“Indeed. That is why His Majesty is hastening matters. Soon, you will all be called to action. This is a direct request from His Majesty.”
The Neo Demon Lord Army. Not only have they attacked the Wizard Kingdom, but they are also wreaking havoc on other continents. For everyone else, the Neo Demon Lord Army is a source of sheer terror, as evidenced by the grim expressions on their faces. Only Formas seemed to be on the verge of dozing off.
“The key player in this is you, Lua-dono.”
“Huh?!”
“Yes!”
Suddenly called upon by Mugen, I found myself standing up without thinking. But I really didn’t think Roel needed to stand up too. She wasn’t even called. What’s going on?
“Um, yes. It seems you defeated three high-ranking members of the Demon Lord Army during the recent attack. It’s hard to believe, but…”
“…Huh?!”
The startled voice came from Formas, who had jumped up, but everyone else turned their attention to me at once. I scratched my cheek with my index finger, trying to mask the strange embarrassment that wouldn’t fade. As I sat back down, Roel quietly followed suit.
“Mugen-san, please keep your jokes to your bald head.”
“It’s the truth. Many soldiers and adventurers, including Captain Kirkton, witnessed it. For us A-Rank adventurers, our immediate task is to prepare against the Neo Demon Lord Army. Lua-dono, you may not realize it, but you are highly anticipated.”
“Then, then maybe Lua-chan could even defeat the Demon Lord!”
“No, that’s impossible.”
“Huh…?”
Not just Roel, but I also found myself wanting to question that statement. I didn’t know how strong the Demon Lord was, but if they said I couldn’t defeat him, what did that mean? Besides, I wish they wouldn’t make assumptions. While I couldn’t confidently say I would win, I had no intention of losing. Even if the opponent was as strong as Vandalsia or stronger, that wouldn’t change.
“Even if you make such an unamused face, it’s the truth. No matter your abilities, or anyone else’s, the Demon Lord cannot be defeated.”
“Lua-chan can do it!”
“The one who will defeat the Demon Lord is not you, Lua-dono. We will discuss that when the time comes. Dismissed!”
With that, Mugen abruptly ended the conversation and left the room. The remaining Five Elites followed suit in silence, leaving us behind, abandoned in both conversation and presence. The first to stand up in the now-empty room was Bebe, who quietly got up and left. Only Roel, Gilbert, Barm, and I remained seated, while Formas continued to glare at us.
“Lua-san, I truly apologize for this.”
Gilbert approached me and bowed his head. Barm stood behind him. Did I do something to warrant an apology?
“In this final exam, I relied entirely on you, Lua-san, and did nothing myself. I don’t know if this will serve as an apology, but if you encounter any troubles, please call upon the Royal Knights. We operate from the northern Shudelheit. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Gilbert bowed deeply once more, then raised his head and slowly walked toward the door. Just as he reached the exit, he bowed again. He’s not a bad person, but he seems like someone who would tire me out if I spent too much time with him. I remembered that someone from the Royal Knights had mentioned Shudelheit before. I wonder if I’ll have a chance to visit. Each of Queemil, Avangarde, and the Wizard Kingdom had their own unique landscapes, and I felt a desire to see other towns as well.
“I feel the same as Gilbert. I am truly grateful for what you did this time. Thank you.”
“You think this will end here?”
Formas stood up abruptly and approached us. His expression mirrored the one he had during Laurel’s exam—filled with anger and hatred. He looked ready to strike.
“Formas-kun, I apologize for the gun incident. I will compensate you.”
“I didn’t ask you, old man. Listen, Matere Trading Company will definitely crush you all.”
“That’s impossible.”
“What?”
“You may be an excellent adventurer, but you’re a bit lacking in knowledge. Were you not listening to the earlier explanation? For A-Rank adventurers, a single request can move at least several thousand gold. This means there’s significant demand and weight behind it. Moreover, we receive support from the kingdom. While Matere Trading Company is indeed a large organization, the kingdom is even larger. To crush an A-Rank adventurer is akin to challenging the Kingdom of Avangarde. Based on Mugen-san’s earlier explanation, it seems the demand for A-Rank adventurers has only increased recently. If you treat A-Rank adventurers poorly, what do you think will happen? You’re not in a position to weigh against the kingdom.”
“Hah, what nonsense…”
“Then go talk to your father. I doubt the head of such a large organization as Matere Trading Company would make foolish choices. While someone like me might be overlooked, if Lua-kun has indeed achieved the accomplishments Mugen-san mentioned, then the kingdom’s backing will be even stronger.”
“…Brikna, Tatarka! Let’s go already!”
Pushed by Barm, Formas kicked a chair in frustration and stormed out of the room, leaving a small storm in his wake as the atmosphere settled back into silence.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave as well. You all should rest for the day.”
In this now-empty space, Roel and I sat in a daze. The words that the Demon Lord cannot be defeated echoed repeatedly in my mind. I felt as if everything I had built up until now had been easily dismissed. So, who can defeat the Demon Lord? The Five Elites?
No, I can’t say that for sure, but it seems impossible. If the Demon Lord is as strong as Vandalsia, we would probably all be killed without being able to do anything. Moreover, his last words felt like he had just awakened and wasn’t able to unleash his full power. I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if he had been at full strength then. But that doesn’t matter; if the opponent is strong, I just need to become even stronger. I’ve always done that, and I intend to keep doing so.
At the very least, even if Vandalsia were to appear at the same strength as before, I have no intention of losing. I haven’t fought many strong opponents since leaving the cave, but I am definitely stronger now than I was then. It’s not just about levels; I can feel that something is making me stronger. I can’t shake that feeling.
“Lua-chan, let’s go home.”
One thing I know for sure is that if I hadn’t met Roel back then, I wouldn’t be who I am today. It’s much more enjoyable now than when I was fighting alone in that dark cave. That much is certain.