《A Girl Who Was Told “You Have No Talent” Turned Out To Be A Talented Monster》 CH 1 The Girl Was Told That She had No Talent You have no talent. Therefore, you are expelled from the party. The party leader, Aldis, told the girl. The girl accepted Aldis statement with a serious look on her face. It had already been half a year since she became an apprentice to Aldis, the hero she admired. Laundry, cooking, luggage carrying, cursing, violence. Every possible necessity and unreasonableness, the girl silently accepted. Even if the girl was not at fault, if Aldis were displeased, he would hit her. They would spit on her. Her light pink hair, which was supposed to be beautiful, was now all dirty. They would not even let her carry a weapon for self-defense, and she had to pull the cart as hard as she could with her small body. Meals were the leftovers from the last meal, and sometimes there was even nothing left behind. Always hungry, she barely had time to sleep. Whenever they were camping outside, most of the time she was the one who was assigned to watch over the camp. It was not uncommon for her to get almost no sleep at all. Even so, the girl persevered. She was an apprentice, so it was only natural that she should be able to do this, was what she thought. In such a situation, Aldis, her mentor, was testing her, she believed. The girl did not make a single unpleasant expression, on the contrary, she was always smiling. Whether she was kicked in the back or cussed, she interpreted that as she was the one in the wrong, and it would be fine next time if she was more careful. The girl was impossibly positive. Do you disapprove? But thats a fact. No, no The party Yggdrasia was led by Aldis, the hero who conquered the unconquered Bottom of the World. Aldis, the leader of the party, could single-handedly wipe out thousands of monsters when he stood in the forefront while leaving not even a single survivor to harm the rear guard. He was the only one in the world to have the highest class job of Ark Knight. He was versatile, courageous, a genius and a hero. People praised him without reservation. Finally, huh? Dorland, half-beast and half-human, could easily knock a dragon off its feet with a single punch. Many considered him a better fighter than Aldis when it came to fighting without magic. No job pushed the limits of the body more than that of a World Grappler. His unarmed bursts of ki bullets were notorious for causing even magicians faces to pale. Now, now, she did her best, too. Right? The man who took the neutral position, Zuhl, can make all traps meaningless. Even demons wrapped in tough scales would not pose a threat because of the poison he created. Sometimes, with one trap in place, it would be more than enough for him to hold back even a horde of monsters. He combined Thief skills and dexterity, Rangers terrain awareness and trapping, and Assassins assassination skills into a single, fully upwardly compatible job. Thats what his job as a Shadow Ranger is all about. It helped relieve some of the stress, didnt it? Clarine, the party healer who is also infamously known as the Lazy Nymph, was as rude and foul-mouthed as her nickname suggested. However, her timing of support and recovery magic, which was even said to predict the future, was nothing short of divine. The Holy Bishop class surpassed the Bishop class, which was the highest level of the clergy. It was generally believed that it was difficult to cure illnesses with healing magic, but a Holy Bishop could do so. If you combine fire and wind, that magic will be complete Bandera, the feared sorceress known as the Fire of Disaster, was so absorbed in her reading that she didnt even look at us. Her only curiosity was magic. Sage referred to a higher rank of sorcerer, and there were only a few of them in the world, including Bandera. Combined with her alias, a single shot of magic could kill or destroy any living creature. Dorland stood alongside Aldis and looked down at the girl. The girl only looked up at the big man quietly, even though he was oozing with intimidation as he stared down at her. Our next goal is to reach the ceiling of the world. You are 15 years old but still have no experience, skills, or titles. Anyone capable would have developed by now. Youd be better off back in your village, working the fields. The reason why Yggdrasia brought the girl with them from a village they had stopped in was solely on the whim of Aldis. A play on the devils errand because she was not talented. To put it another way, he plainly just wanted to bully the weak. The parents, who sent their daughter off on her own, had high hopes that a group of world-renowned heroes would be able to bring fame to her, and they could not have expected what it actually entailed. The girls village was in a remote area deep in the mountains. The only income they could earn was from the small amount of crops they grew. The only thing she was looking forward to, were the occasional idle stories of travelers that came to the village. Stories that were longed for by the Girl. In the world, there were endless underground corridors. In the world, there were gardens that led to the sky. In the world, there were walls sealed with darkness. A story of a brave man astride a dragon who challenged the world. The story of the girl who could manipulate things at will. These stories were not always true. The more she heard, the more her longing for the outside grew. But her parents were against it. There was no way they would allow their only daughter to be sent off to become an adventurer. Even if she tried to imitate a swordsman by swinging a wooden stick in secret, she always got caught and scolded. The closed environment oppressed her, but it did nothing to stop her. She didnt want to be the hero of the story. That supporting role, no. She didnt even care if she was just watching from afar. She just wanted to see it, wanted to hear, wanted to feel it. She could barely sleep at night just fantasizing about it. If Aldis and his group had not appeared, the girl might have ended up living her whole life in the village. Or she might have tried to run away one day. If Aldis had not found the girl wielding a wooden stick like she usually did, if he had not said, You have some potential, let me make you my apprentice. *** Please let me watch your swordsmanship! If that doesnt work for me, I will give up! Oh, yeah. Thats not very satisfying, is it? Okay, this Aldis-sama will give you a chance. Really? Thank you very much! Its a little too early to thank me, dont you think? After all, youre going to spend a week in the Demon Forest. If you survive, you will not be expelled. The Demon Forest? Only the girl did not understand the true meaning of Aldis smirk. Even Dorland, who had just criticized the girl, turned to Aldis and frowned. Clarine blurted out something in agreement, and Bandera stopped reading. They all figured it out. So, what are you going to do? Ill do it! Okay, were on our way. Its just a few blocks from here. Oh my he really has a terrible personality. Clarine did not look disheartened as she spoke her assessment of Aldis without hesitation. Despite the girls excited anticipation, the groups feelings were very different. In the hours leading up to the Demon Forest, the girl struggled to get him to reconsider even a little bit. Her cooking skills were better than before, and she gained strength from pulling the cart. She was able to prepare the camp and keep an eye on things with precision. If a monster approached, she would notify it with a loud voice. After the meal at the campsite near the Demon Forest, each member of the group was relaxing. The girl, on the other hand, was trying her best to satisfy her hunger by skimming the bottom of the pot. Hey, its funny to see someone who has no talent trying. Efforts are made by those who are successful, thats why they are called efforts. Incompetence is just a waste of time. Then Aldis, have you ever made that effort? I dont even have to try, Dorland, what about you? Ive been trying to keep my strength up, but ever since reaching the bottom of the world, I havent had the energy to do it Aldis was a genius. He was born a commoner, but from an early age, he showed a talent for both swordsmanship and fighting, and by the time he was seven years old, he had surpassed all the adults in the world. In the following year, he defeated the lowest level of monsters by himself. When he was 13 years old, the king heard about him and recommended him to be admitted to the Royal Academy, where many prestigious aristocrats were gathered. Although he was scolded for being a commoner, he graduated in just two years, silencing all opposition. However, even the teachers were unable to talk back to him after only six months of his enrollment. Even if he kept his mouth shut, he was admired and women would approach him. It was inevitable that he would develop a personality that would be compounded by arrogance, as he would never have the heart to care for the weak. In his spare time, Aldis would pick on girls. Hey, kid. Do you really want to be an adventurer? Yes! In the village, I- No, I dont want to hear anything else. I dont need you to repeat it. Im sorry Then you should be able to survive in the Demon Forest on your own, right? Kakakakaka Aldis words were lies. The Demon Forest was full of monsters that could only be defeated by adventurers of at least the fourth rank, in other words, adventurers who had been recognized for their achievements by the Adventurers Guild branch. Even if such adventurers form a party, there would still be a possibility of death. It was not an environment in which a girl with no actual combat experience could survive. Tomorrow we will finally arrive at the Demon Forest. We will say goodbye there. Well talk about the rendezvous point later. Yes! After arriving at the Demon Forest, everything else in the talk was a lie. He let a village girl face the hopelessness of death by making her have high hopes for the future. In his mind, he justifies it as kindness. It was undeniably unfortunate for the girl to have met Aldis. *** Well, Ill leave you here. Ill be waiting for you at the entrance in a week. (Aldis) Um, weapons? Aldis gave a disgusted smile, indicating his answer to the girl. Then he verbally slapped her with despair. What? You dont need weapons in a place like this. What kind of adventurer are you if you cant survive here unarmed? Eh, is, is that so? Besides, I told you that all you need to do is survive. In other words, you should be able to devise a way not to fight. Cant you even come up with something like that, simpleton? Ill be diligent As expected from the girl, despair came to her mind. At this point, she could hear the squeals of unknown monsters mixed in with several other sounds. It was hard not to get scared and want to run away. But she also didnt believe that it would be easy to make her dream come true. Now then, Im going! See you in a week! Oh, good luck. The girl did not look back and continued to head deeper into the forest. Shortly after, Aldis erupted in a laugh, Dorland giggled, and Clarine brushed her bangs before taking a deep breath. Bandera was the only one who silently glanced over at Aldis. CH 2 Girl, Doing Her Best in the Demon Forest Hiyaaaa! After a few minutes of walking through the forest, the girl was being chased by a giant salamander that could devour an adult human with ease. In addition, one had to be wary of wildfire, as it was a dangerous monster that breathed fire. The fear was immeasurable as such a giant lizard approached at a speed that did not match its appearance. However, the girl was not devoured by it. The way she weaved her way through the trees and took advantage of the terrain to escape was not unlike that of an ordinary village girl. She finally managed to get away by hiding in the shadow of a large rock at the end of a slope. But her relief was short-lived. Radiant flames shot out of the salamanders mouth. Ugh, no way! She couldnt help but yell out. The tree ignited and the flames began to spread. The girl could not stand the thought of a wildfire. Just as she was growing anxious about what to do, she saw something flying toward her. It was a bird-shaped monster named Supra, which dodged branches and flew around, spraying water like a sprinkler. The girl was grateful to the Supra for getting rid of the fire, but the demon did not save her. It appeared to be water, but it was droppings. By spreading it around, they were securing their territory. The reason why the forest was not easily set on fire by the salamanders fire was because of the existence of this ecosystem. The girl was naturally terrified to encounter these extraordinary creatures soon after entering the forest. But at the same time, she was excited. This was a magical forest, and this was an adventure. An adventurer fighting against such a wilderness to weave a tale together. The girl couldnt stay still for the rewarding experience that did not betray her expectations. I guess this is it What had fallen was a simple tree branch. Even if she wielded it, it would not be a deterrent even against a human. The girl gripped the unreliable branch, thinking that it was better than nothing. She swung it around to feel its weight. She had done this many times when she was in the village. She had no experience in actual combat, but she was now less anxious than before. It was thick and had a certain amount of weight. It seemed rather sturdy, perhaps because it was from a tree in this forest. To survive for a week, she needed food, water and a place to hide. In a forest where she knew neither right nor left, the first thing she did was to go for a walk. She silently walked around, listening to her surroundings so as not to be found by the demons again. Finally, she found a small cave and decided to settle down there. The rest was food and water. She hoped to find some berries, but since they were growing in such a place, there was no guarantee that they would not be poisonous. The girl had decided. The salamander was too much to handle, so she decided to go for a smaller monster. The Yangra, with its large antlers reminiscent of a deer, stood out. Even that would be a threat to an unarmed human, but the girl was confident. Without hesitation, she leapt at it from behind and swung a tree branch. Haah! Gee! She crushed its hind leg, and when it leaned back, she continued to strike down on its head, finishing it off. Looking down at the motionless Yangra, she took a deep breath. She was a novice at fighting, but she had done well in her first attempt. She had witnessed Aldiss swordsmanship and Dorlands body art, and had them burned into her memory. She had learned it all by watching them. She was completely unaware of her innate sense of power, which was entirely new to her, but she didnt think she was just a village girl. HmmmI guess I would still be called untalentedAldis-san would have been able to beat it much quicker. Ill have to work harder She murmured and dragged it along by holding its hind legs with both hands. She was relieved that she now had food, but then she remembered something important. How am I going to skin it? She had actively helped to skin prey since she was in the village, so she knew what she was doing. But without a blade, there was nothing she could do. So, she came up with the idea of finding a handy stone and sharpening it. She was not a professional craftsman, and it would take time. Even so, the girl worked diligently, grinding stone against stone. After skinning and cutting her prey with the irregular stone knife she had made, the next problem was fire. She gathered some dead wood and held one hand out to it. Fire. She shoots fire magic from the palm of her hand, though it was poor in comparison to Banderas magic. Banderas magic was tremendously powerful, and the girl had once trembled as she ran around, trying not to get caught in it. However, she burned the magic in her mind by watching and imitating the magic in action. She feasted on the roasted meat, and by the time she finished eating and put out the fire, the sun was just about to go down. At night, visibility would be poor, and it would be dangerous to walk around. She decided to spend the night in a small cave as a place to sleep. *** The third day was uneventful until the morning. In this small cave, if she did not overdo things, she might be able to finish the deal safely. But the girl was painfully aware of her lack of ability. She had no choice but to gain strength and be recognized by Aldis, who told her that she had no talent. The girl who did not know that she had been abandoned was still as wholesome and earnest as ever. But it made the girl stronger. She carried a wooden stick in one hand and an ugly stone knife in the other. She wanted to be able to defeat a demon stronger than a Yangra, the one she defeated yesterday. The equipment was too weak for that, but the girl did not compromise herself in any way. It should have been impossible to fight without a weapon at hand, and she was not even been taught how to fight in the first place. But such excuses were not registered on the girls mind. She was dedicated, earnest, optimistic, and honest, in the future this temperament led her to greater heights of success. Oh, that bird! It was the Supra that saved the girl on the first day unintentionally. It was flying around at a not-so-low height, as if on patrol. On the first day, Supra didnt happen to find the girl. But now its round eyes caught the girl in its sights. The girl was fast in her initial movement. Quickly, she threw a stone picked from the ground and aimed at the head of the swooping Supra. The Supra flew in the opposite direction, losing the sight of the girl, while doing so. The girl, who did not miss the opportunity, threw another stone for the second time. Holding the stone in both hands, she aimed at the Supra like a volley of bullets. The accuracy of the hit would be astonishing to a Thief who was good at throwing stones. As a result, the girl was able to kill the Supra, which was by no means a weak monster, just by throwing stones at it. Although she was not aware of it, the stone hit every vital spot on the Supra. Otherwise, she could not have knocked down Supra just by throwing stones. Ha! Thank God, thank God Alone, the girl was relieved. Thinking that this could also be food, she carried it to her cave and started to skin it. The girl was impressed with the meat, which was different from that of the Yangra. With her stomach filled, she shifted to the next problem, which was water. It would be nice if there was a pond, but there could be demons around it. The girl might not be able to compete with them. She walked carefully so that the salamander would not find her. Finally, she found a small river. She scooped up some water with both hands and began to drink. It was cold and felt good, soaking into her body. The girl felt satisfied and listened to the rustling of the river. *** After days of survival, the promised date was finally tomorrow. Since then, the girl had been able to hunt Yangra and Supra consistently, but she still avoided the giant salamanders. Not only was its body huge, it also had a thick skin, which was not something she could pierce with a stone knife. Was it all right to continue like this? The girl was pondering. Compared to the first day, she was aware that she had become stronger. But the Demon Forest was vast. There were areas where demons stronger than salamanders roamed. As one would expect, even the girl would be exhausted after a week of camping out in such a place. For a girl who was thrown out without any preparation, the result was far from satisfactory. But in the girls mind, the hero Aldis stood on a higher plane, and she never stopped comparing herself to Aldis-san and aspiring to be better. It was like a kind of drug, but now, combined with the potential that a girl inherently possessed, she also gained experience in actual combat. If Aldis was to see the girl now, he would be surprised. But he did not intend to meet her again here. The sun was about to set, and the girl decided to get some sleep. Then, she had a dream. *** It was dusk, after the harvest was over, looking out over the fields from a hilltop. The girl was sitting alongside her father, resting. You still want to be an adventurer? Yes. I want to see things with my own eyes, roam around and have adventures. Farming is laborious work. You work hard, but a disaster can ruin everything. Its the same for adventurers, isnt it? Its not always good. Yes, but When times are tough, you might want to run away. And adventurers even lose their lives its best to live like this, in peace, in quiet and without many challenges. I know. However, there are times when father and mother let me eat but the two of you hardly eat, you know? Didnt we say that we will eat later? Thats a lie. I heard from an uncle talking about how they were barely making ends meet in this village. And yet, they raised meso I dont just want to be an adventurer. I want to repay both of you and the village. Im glad you would like to do that. But it will be dangerous Even the crops bear fruit this way, and Im happy about it. Adventurers can be dangerous and have hard times. But there are definitely happy things too! Yes, I agree. But your mother and father dont want you to do anything life-threatening you have to understand that. I know, but *** The girl suddenly woke up from her sleep with tears streaming down her cheeks. Sensing something stepping on the grass and trees approaching her location, she immediately became alert. Her breath became hectic when she saw someone peeking out into the cave. Wha, what?! If that initial reaction had been delayed, the girls life would have been lost. Without being frightened, she ran toward the entrance, i.e., towards the demon. Just after she escaped through the gap between the demons face and the entrance, flames filled the cave. It was a giant salamander. She did not know if it was the same one she met on the first day. Maybe it followed her scent, or it was some sort of habit. The fact that this place had not been sniffed out until now was due to luck. The girl sensed this and was ashamed of her inexperience. With a tree branch and a stone knife in hand, there was nothing to do but run. But then she reconsidered. There was no way she could keep running all night. She was in the woods, where it was dark, and she could not see. It would be too late to fight, even if she wanted to. She resolutely stayed her ground and plunged her stone knife into the eye of the approaching salamander. Blood spilled from one eye, and the salamanders body shook with rage. Jumping into the air, she swung the tree branch down on the salamanders back. but that blow did little to no harm to its thick skin. The stone knife remained stuck in one eye. It did some damage, but it was far from fatal. It would be worse if it breathed fire at this point. The girl was thinking. How could she deal a fatal blow to this monster? Thats the only way! She had no choice but to end it before the salamander breathed fire. She rushed forward. The small girl lunged at a stone knife. The stone knife that had pierced the salamanders eye penetrated deeper. The screaming salamander sprawled out, rolled over, and gradually stopped moving. She was still unable to finish it off, but leaving it like this should have killed it. The knifeIll have it back. As soon as she pulled the stone knife out of the salamanders eye, the Salamander collapsed on the ground. If she had been a little slower, it would have survived. If the stone knife had been shorter, it might not have reached the inside. Without thinking, the girl sat down right there. It took her a moment to catch her breath. This is the only weapon I have left. I dont have time to make another stone knife now. She mumbled to no one in particular. The sun had already set, and the place was blanketed in darkness, so she had to leave. There was a possibility that other demons, smelling the scent of blood, would come close to this place. It was hard to imagine that there would be any other cave that would be so convenient. The girls heart raced with tension and impatience, even though the day of the meeting was almost over. T/N: There is another chapter coming in few minutes. See you there. CH 3 Girl, and A New Start The girl did get a wink of sleep the whole night. After abandoning the cave where she had been sleeping, she had no choice but to check for signs of demons. If she felt that she was in danger, she would move from place to place and wait for morning. She had been full of alertness for a whole night, and now her consciousness was at its limits. Around sunrise, the girl stood at the mouth of the forest, the meeting point, waiting for Aldis and his party. She wanted to sleep, but it would be disrespectful to be in such a state when they arrived. The girl steeled herself and waited patiently. Theyre not comingwhy? Even when an hour passed, she didnt think much and waited. It was only after two hours that a dark cloud settled over the girls heart. For some reason, they did not show up. Maybe there was something that I had to do first. She had been expecting such a convenient outcome, but at last she came up with the worst possible answer. Abandoned? But I survived? Why? Her body trembled, and her eyes were feverishly burning. No matter what he did to her, Aldis would always be a hero in her eyes. Aldis was testing her in her eyes. The girl had told herself that, and endured all this time until now. But in this situation, no matter how positive the girls spirit was, she would reach her limits. Its no use since I didnt have any talent. But then they shouldnt have made this kind of promise. I guess Ive just been made fun of by that man She had lived with Heros party in such an environment where any person with a sane mind would probably run away within a day or few. That whole time, she believed that her situation would improve if she remained dedicated and worked hard to improve herself. If all of this was just a prank for Hero, then the daily treatment she had suffered would have been nothing more than harassment. It was not difficult for her to come to terms with this, but it did nothing to reduce her frustration and anger. The girl clenched her fists and struck the tree with all her might. Ugh, darn it! Was she a fool for believing it? But the girl held back the tears that were about to spill. It was easy to be desperate. Even if she was devastated here, no one would help her. If she were an adventurer, there would be times like this. The girl ruminates over her fathers words in her mind. She could picture the faces of her parents, who had opposed her so much, but in the end sent her off with a good will. All right! Above all, depending on how she thought about it, even the past week would be considered a waste of time. The girl looked up and saw the blue sky. The world was as big as this blue sky. When she realized this, she decided. I will not give up. My dream was not so simple. Thats all. OK! She braces herself for a change of heart. If she remained depressed here, she would feel bad for her parents, who sent her off so willingly. The girl changed her mind and focused on her next goal. First, she decided to go to a town. However, it would be dangerous for her to walk around on her feet without any proper destination. Her body was nearing its limits, but this was not the time to whine. She traced her memory and recalled the location of the last town they stopped by when she was with Aldis and the others. It was about two days from where she was. There should have been a watering resource and a convenient place to rest along the way, she thought. Struggling against her exhaustion, the girl started her journey. *** Oh, there it is! A town! The girl squealed with delight when she saw the town. She passed through the gate and the sight of the bustling city seemed to snap the thread. She fell on her knees and slumped on the ground. Even though she could defeat demons, she no longer had her stone knife. In other words, she could not dismantle it, so her only sustenance was water. The girl praised herself for having made it this far despite being on the edge of her physical strength. But then she realized something. She realized that just because she had arrived in town, it didnt mean that everything would be all right. She had no money. All the money and travel equipment that her parents had given her had been confiscated by Aldis. The immediate problem was a place to rest and food, but to get them, she needed money. The girl knew exactly how to get the money. If she didnt work, she wouldnt get paid. Even in the village, children were helping the adults. From babysitting to farm work, some children even helped from morning until night. The girl was no exception. Excuse me! Please give me a chance to work! Oh? Wait a minute. The girl visited a restaurant. She remembered eating there with Aldis and his group before. However, as usual, the girl was not allowed to order, and the food was leftovers. The owner seemed to remember her and rushed over to her. You, I remember you. As I recall, you were with Aldis.san and the others, werent you? You look like a mess Were separated now, I dont have any moneyIll do anything First, you need a bath. Besides, youre probably too tired already. Im fine! Okay. When you are done bathing, you can change into this. Hey! The owner called his wife, who led her to the back of the house. Since the store was attached to his home, it didnt take her long to bathe. The girl almost fell asleep unknowingly after scrubbing off the grime for the first time in such a long time. However, the girl reminded herself that she mustnt be lax here. She had to earn money and get her spirits up before going to the Adventurers Guild. She had not even taken the first step toward her dream yet. Have you changed your clothes? Its already late afternoon, so there wont be that many customers. Can you do the dishes? Yes! Good, then please do so! From then until nighttime, when the crowd was bustling, the girl worked tirelessly. She was used to this kind of chore. If she had been slower, her job would have flown out of her hands. The girl was efficient, and if there were too many customers, she would carry their items willingly. The couple and the customers were all in a good mood, as if her energy had been passed on to everyone in the store. You work hard! Are you new here? Yes! Oh, youre out of water! Ill get you some more! Oh, thanks. Then, she got reminded that at Yggdrasia, the slightest lapse was met with a kick in the back. The whole place was taken in consideration of who wanted what. The girl could clearly see. With the instantaneous power she had further developed in the Devils Forest, she quickly went to the hall. The girl made everything more efficient. You must be hungry, little girl. Uncle will buy you a drink. Eh! No, not at all. Dont be shy. I can see that youre pushing yourself too hard. Hey, Pops! Can I talk to them for a second? Yeah, no problem. I was just about to ask you to join them. The beef stew brought by a guest for her was excellent. She also prepared meals for Yggdrasia out in the field, but nothing could compare to this. As the restaurant was about to close and the customers had all left, everyone in the restaurant finally settled down. Thanks for saving the day. Thanks to you, little girl, for the first time in a long time I felt like I re-experienced the first days of the restaurants opening. The first day you opened? At my age, were not getting as many customers as we used to. I was thinking of closing. But thanks to you, Ive decided to continue to work a little longer. Im glad I could help! The owner sat down at the counter and his wife brought a teacup. The girl, prompted by the owner, sips from the cup, which was hot to the touch. The owner chuckled at the girl who blew on it. Its my fault the food in the restaurant is in a bad state. However, the way they threw plates at me and asked for free food Im disappointed that it was really the hero party they talked about. Im sorry. I didnt know what to do at the time. Oh, no. It wasnt your fault. I know you didnt feel comfortable. You were an apprentice? Yes, but I was fired because they said I wasnt talented enough. I see The truth was that the girl was lied to and left behind, but never said so. While some parts of her was angry, it was true that they gave her a chance to get out of the village. She was treated badly, but if she had gone on the trip not knowing what was right or wrong, who knows what would have happened. In that sense, she was grateful to Yggdrasia. The girl was very optimistic. Um, the food here is not bad. Its very delicious. I appreciate you saying so. By the way, heres todays paycheck. Oh, this much?! Well, this uncle had not felt so energetic in a long time. It was enough to cancel todays earnings. She tried to reject it, as expected, but the owner firmly insisted. He gently placed the leather bag containing the coins in the girls hand. Im happy to have you do this for me You dont even have a place to stay, do you? If you want to stay in town, Ill let you stay here. Whats your name? The shopkeeper barely knew the girl from the moment she arrived. Yet, he hired her immediately without asking her name. The girls appearance was that miserable. Im Litty. The girl said her name, which even Aldis had never asked her, for the first time since coming out of the village. T/N: Hi, there. I hope that you are enjoying this novel. This marks the end of the narrators POV. POV will switch to MC from next chapter. You will surely enjoy it. Have a great day. CH 4 Litty, I will Register as an Adventurer The first thing I did in the morning was to go to the Adventurers Guild with the money I got from the old couple. It is necessary to pay the registration fee to the Adventurers Guild, so I was truly grateful for my earnings the other day. The Adventurers Guild was a massive organization with branches all over the world. For a world where there were still many unexplored areas, national forces alone were not enough. The bottom of the world conquered by Yggdrasia, led by Aldis, was one such place. The discovery of unknown underground resources and the unraveling of the mysteries of ancient civilizations impacted countries around the world. Many of the adventurers who had accomplished great things rose to become important figures in their own countries and earned the wealth enough to last for several generations to come. Profession as an adventurer had garnered a lot of attention in many countries and organizations. Hello! I would like to register as an adventurer! You want to be an adventurer? Yes. Girls like me were not the only ones to apply for adventurers these days. Yggdrasia, which became known as a universal group of adventurers, was mostly made up of people in their early twenties. The receptionist, however, was inwardly concerned. Of course, it was good that there were good adventurers out there. However, many of them lost their lives. The receptionist sighed in her heart, wondering if this was the right time for such a young girl to aspire to become an adventurer. Understood. Then please fill out this form. After that, I will start the explanation. Name, hometown, andjob? Swordsman, Heavy Warrior Warrior, Archer, or whatever job you are. Umm, I dont have any. Then just write Unknown for now. After getting the answer, I discovered the crux of the form. I was truly embarrassed and diffidently submitted it. Little by little, the adventurers in the guild, who were settling up their rewards and enjoying the thrill of the battle results, started to notice my small presence. If you have a certificate of achievement, there is a system that lets you skip ranks. Whats that? It is issued when you have formerly worked somewhere and retired. If you have a good record in combat, you can take an advancement test after our review. If you pass with a good grade, you can start from the third rank in certain cases. Wow, thats really impressive. I, as a country bumpkin and a beginner, stood out like a sore thumb.Despite the probing gazes of those around me, my heart was filled with anticipation to take the first step of registering as an adventurer. Let me explain about Ranks. They represent your achievements as an adventurer, and the higher the rank, the higher the difficulty of the missions you can accept. Here are the ranks I explained to you earlier. Rookies in the 6th rank are not allowed to hunt demons. For each upgrade, you will be required to take a promotion exam as soon as you are permitted. Rank 6 would be on the level of Apprenticeship. It was mandatory to acquire the required skills and earn a title in at least one of the jobs. Rank 5: An adventurer who has mastered the minimum level of skills. They can also accept hunting missions. Rank 4: An adventurer who successfully completed a level 4 certification. Rank 3: An adventurer who had been recognized by the headquarters of the Adventurers Guild. Semi-Rank 2: An adventurer who had achieved the level to take the promotion test to rank 2 and passed. Rank 2: An Adventurer who has been approved by an important person in a specific organization or a noble after completing the promotion exam. Semi-Rank 1 Recommended: An adventurer who had been approved by the guild headquarters to take Rank 1 promotion exam and passed. Rank 1: An adventurer who has been approved by the royal family of any nation and passed Rank 1 promotion. Special Rank: Adventurers approved by the royal families of multiple nations. Super Rank: Adventurers who had been recognized and respected by all nations. What is this Semi-Rank 2? The requirements to reach 2nd rank included passing an examination for promotion and being recognized by an important person. If you just pass the exam, you are at the Semi-Rank 2. By the way, Yggdrasia, led by the famous hero Aldis, was recognized as special grade. I would be starting at Rank 6. This is where I had to learn about combat, demon dismantling, and camping out. In addition, I should learn how to behave in a way that would not offend clients, and some other things that had been made more strict for adventurers recently. You can learn the necessary skills at the training center in the guild of respective jobs. You should choose the guild that suits you best. Are you referring to the Swordsman or heavy warrior that you mentioned earlier? Yes. However, there are no guilds other than Swordsman and Heavy Warrior in this city. In the Royal City, there are all kinds of guilds except Thief Guild and Assassins Guild. Thief! Assassins! Well, its also just an job, in case youre wondering. Having a job would make one acquire combat skills, not the actual essence. I already knew about this, but it was still exciting for me. Even these surprises are amusing for me. Now, here is your adventurer card. Name: Litty Gender: female Age: 15 Rank: 6 Main Job: None Jobs Mastered: None I picked up the adventurer card I received with both hands and held it up. Ive finally become the adventurer Ive always dreamed of. I was so moved by it that I nearly squealed in delight. But this was no time to be overwhelmed. There was still so much to learn, so much to do. A cough from the receptionist brought me back to my senses. The first thing Rank 6 needs to do is learn the basic skills of an adventurer. First, please go to the nearest job guild. The job you should be aiming for you dont know, do you? HmmmSwordsman is good, and Heavy Warrior is hard to throw away. Ummmm! Cynthia-san, for goodnesss sake, there should be an age limit in joining a Guild. One of the adventurers called out the name of the woman at the reception desk. He was a middle-aged man with a beard. He was dressed in iron armor that covered him from chest to waist, and an axe was resting on a table. The man approached the counter and his gaze swept over me. I know adventurers exchange lives, I dont know if its Yggdrasias influence, but Im seeing more and more of younglings these days. But there are also people as young as this girl who are doing fine work. And its also stated in the rules that one is responsible for their own life and injuries, and that our guild is not responsible for any of that. Thats not true. If this kind of person makes a mistake out there, it could be our lives at stake. Age has nothing to do with it, right? Besides, everyone starts out as a Rank 6 rookie. By the time I was a Rank 6 rookie, I was already past 20. This one is way too young. If you have an opinion about our guild, please use the suggestion form. The man who realized that he was getting nowhere with the receptionist naturally pointed his finger at me. I bowed to the man respectfully, who just clicked his tongue. Im Litty, and Im an adventurer from today onwards. I know Im not best at any job yet, but Ill improve myself. If you are saying you are not good at anything, just go home. I still want to be an adventurer. You must be a complete amateur, seeing as you dont even have a weapon. Are you from this city? Where are you from? Do you have any parents? I couldnt buy weapons because they are too expensive. My hometown is Ruiz Village. My parents are also there. Ruiz Village? Never heard of it. You came all the way here without weapons? Did she hire an escort? The adventurers started speculating among themselves. How could she hire an escort if she cant even buy weapons? When someone mentioned this, their curiosity about me grew stronger. The bearded man, Dimos, was a Rank 4 adventurer. He was not a bad guy. However, he failed in every Rank 3 Rank promotion test. Maybe that was the reason why many people these days avoided him, as the feeling of discontent was very heavy around him. Although he was such a man, it was true that he had completed numerous requests, including hunting. He had the proper physique, and if someone were to be looked down by this man, coupled with the overwhelming difference in sizes, it was only natural for them to feel intimidated. However I want to become an adventurer and roam around the world. I will earn a lot of money and provide a good life to the people in my village. So, Im sorry. I was not afraid of Dimos. Surrounded by world-class adventurers, Dimos looked like any regular human to me. Its the objective of my life. Dimos nearly backed away when I added. I simply stated what I was thinking about. But someone in the crowd felt that there was something peculiar about the young girl. They felt a faint chill go down their spines. Litty was not smiling. Perhaps she was subconsciously keeping Dimos in check. Dimos himself did not want to admit the appalling fact that he was frightened by a girl who had not even lived half his age. But eventually, he returned to his seat at the table, still showing his displeasure. The unexpected incident just now was enough to make Dimos think differently. Turning on my heel, I faced the receptionist. So can I go to Swordsman or the Heavy Warrior guild? Huh? Ah, yes. Thats right. Good luck. Ill do my best! Receiving an adventurers manual with detailed information, Litty left the guild. Even after that, the guild remained quiet, including some adventurers from Rank 3, all of whom watched the girls back to the end. CH 5 Litty, Decided to Join the Swordsmans Guild A Swordsman was a vanguard position with a good balance of offense and defense, and was the formidable attacker. With its large number of moves with the sword, it boasts greater destructive power than that of a power-type heavy warrior. Many people think of swords whenever they imagine attackers, making it a popular job. In contrast, the main weapon of the Heavy Warrior was either an axe or spear, which served as a wall for the party. They would work as a defense when needed, but when the opportunity arose, they would strike a powerful blow with an axe. They could also take advantage of the range of attack while keeping the enemy at bay. However, since one had to wear heavy equipment, they left a negative image of being sweaty and slow. My reason for deciding what job to choose was, as usual, simple. Swords! After all, it should be Swords! Yes, it was really not because I was influenced by Aldiss swordsmanship. Rather, it was because my imaginary weapon when playing in the village would always be swords. My excitement was heightened by the fact that the Swordsmans Guild provides swords as well. Having only owned farming tools so far, I had always longed to own a real sword. The day had finally come when I could hold a real sword. Skipping along, the only thing on my mind was swords. From an outsiders perspective, one might misunderstand that I was just acting my age. This is the Swordsmans Guild! All right! Perhaps because I was overexcited, I pointed and called out to the Swordsmans Guild, which had an exterior similar to the coliseum. What was about to begin, and would I be able to handle it? The cheerful little monster, Litty, had no such fears. Opening the door of the swordsmans guild, I greeted everyone present cheerfully. Good morning! Im looking forward to your guidance! Here comes another energetic fellow. The man at the reception desk responded. The mans reaction was a little slow, as if he thought I was strange. He looked at my adventurers card with a clouded expression. This girl is from a place I never heard of and looked too young to be an adventure. The man half-heartedly considered rejecting the card. By the way, little girl. Why did you choose the Swordsmans Guild? Because swords are cool! Well, first, you will be required to do the Rank 6 rookie curriculum. It starts with a classroom lecture, followed by practical skills, application, and an exam. It is not uncommon for students to fail at this stage. Ill give you a timetable for each course, so you can choose the days that are convenient for you. So many? Thats right, thats also why some people fail Wow, I will work hard as an adventurer! Ill do my best! By now, most of the people would have shown unwilling expressions. It had been a long time since hed seen eyes as bright as hers. Or, maybe she had just never experienced the cruelty of the world. Most guild members were active adventurers or soldiers dispatched by the government. However, there were a few retired soldiers and former adventurers as well. The man working as a receptionist was no exception. He was a former adventurer who was promoted to Rank 3, 12 years ago, got married, and enjoyed the springtime of his life. His journey in life was smooth sailing until a few years ago when he lost his friends and got seriously injured which made him decide to retire. It was then followed by his wife running away because he could no longer make a living. Reminiscing about his past, the man sent the girl off in the direction of the classroom. *** Each classroom lecture lasted one hour, which in itself was not particularly difficult. On that day, about 10 people were taking [Travel Instructions, Part 1]. Knowing and understanding the distance to the destination, the terrain and facilities along the way, the climate, and characteristics of the demons that may appear was a basic requirement for adventurers to prepare for everything in an organized manner. Instructor Toitos training, which was based on his actual experience, was a real treat. Almost everyone was concentrating on taking notes and trying their best to learn as much as possible. Except for about one person. If the streets were maintained like this, there would be no problem Fufun! There are cases where the land has not been cleared Thats right! Not even taking notes, Litty was excited to hear what the instructor, Toito, had to say. Naturally, she stood out from the people around her. She was leaning forward and revealing her curiosity more than others. Normally, as an instructor, he should have given her a warning, but he was not in the least bit unhappy. As an instructor, he had never received this much passion before during his class, so it was understandable that he would be influenced by it. It was also no surprise that he was a little curious about Litty. If you are in an unknown location and have no idea of the surrounding terrain, what would you do? (Instructor Toito) Well I would try to set up a camp before the sun goes down and rest. If I run out of stamina, that would be the end. (Litty) Thats one way to go. But first, there is something else one would need to do. (Instructor Toito) More than setting a camp? (Litty) Right, first, look for traces of demons. If you set it in the path where the demons live, or if they live close by, it will be extremely dangerous. (Instructor Toito) Aah! (Litty) The other participants must have found this was not very exciting, as this had turned into a one-on-one teaching session. But, strangely enough, they remained attentive to the exchange, thanks to Littys curiosity, which ultimately made the course more in-depth. For Litty, who was assaulted in the small cave where she slept in the Demon Forest, the veterans story was enlightening. It was also a delight for Toito, a Rank 3 adventurer instructor who was both active and willing to train young adventurers. Basically, adventurers always choose a certain place to camp. So, the place where the previous people had camped before is the quickest way to go. But this is not always the right answer. Do you know why? (Instructor Toito) Because Demons would know that humans would gather in that place? (Litty) Yes! Some demons have developed intelligence like that. That is why it is important to understand the distribution and habits of demons. Well, youll learn that in another course. (Instructor Toito) He added that many adventuring parties had been wiped out without knowing this, which made the participants tremble. Although it was only an hour-long course, everyone had a fascinating experience. The person who contributed to the success of the course was unaware of it. The participants gathered around her. Ruiz Village? Where is that? Its a place far away from herevery far away. (Litty) To come so far, from such a place, to become an adventurer? There should be other guilds nearer to the village, right? Its a very long story (Litty) Among them, a girl of about the same age and build as Litty was a very passionate individual Roma, a brown-haired, slightly tan-skinned girl, wanting to escape the restraints of her family which were put on her for being a woman. She was revolted by her parents who frequently discussed her marriage and arranged marriage. She was tired of being forced to train on how to be a proper bride. Women need to be devoted to their husbands, have to do the housework, then give birth to children and take proper care of them. At night, they also need to serve their husbands. Just imagining such a future was enough to drive her crazy. It was during this time that she heard about Yggdrasia. The presence of Bandera and Clarine, both women, was a source of inspiration and support for her. However, Roma did not have that talent, and although she studied for a year at the Magicians Guild, there was nothing she could do regarding her limited magic power. Despite her parents opposition, she ran away from home, now completely unaware of what to do next. I only applied to be a swordsman because I had no other choice. I dont want to give up on my future, so now Im desperately trying to learn everything I can. (Roma) Thatsthats admirable! Im rooting for you! (Litty) Me too. Lets work hard together. (Roma) It was not surprising that Litty, who shared similarities with her, felt a sense of kinship. However, Litty did not mention that she was with Aldis. It was not out of concern for Romas longing to join a heros party. It was because she could not fully process her feelings for Aldis. Yes, she was angry, but it was a fact that she had no talent of her own. If she had been more exceptionally talented, this would not have happened. She couldnt put these complicated feelings into words. My dad is an adventurer. He told me that if I were a man, I could have become an adventurer. Im just so sick and tired of being tossed around (Roma) I want to go to the end of the world, where I had never been before I think one would need many resources to do so C Food, magic stones, ore, and so on. So, I think you should try to save up on supplies from now on. As Dimos said, many of the students were young. Some of them were unwilling, but most were filled with passion. Litty was pleased to communicate with like-minded people for the first time. However, Litty was not content with being pleased, as she had to strengthen her skills as a swordsman, not to mention trying to reach Rank 5. At Rank 6, I could only accept quests such as cleaning, searching for pets, and helping out at the store. However, it was also a good opportunity to gain experience in these areas. It was also important to build reliable bonds with people in town and expand ones circle with the community while one was still able to do so. In other words, there was a lot of work to be done. CH 6 Litty, Studying at the Swordsmans Guild If one passes the final examination at the Swordsmans Guild, they would be awarded the title of a Swordsman. The title would clarify their role in the party, so it would be essential from the rank 5 onward to be able to receive requests for hunting demons. Patrons would also be unwilling to pay money to adventurers who had no fame or title. Some of the wealthier clients would seek a knight, which was a Rank higher than a Swordsman. However, it was no childs play to become a knight. Only those who acquired the title of Swordsman along with one other job that involves melee combat were permitted to study in the Knights Guild. If one wanted to become a knight of a higher rank, they would need to acquire other titles along with the title as a swordsman. This is a sword! That girl over there, what does she think she is doing? There was a girl holding up the sword she had been given and looking at it with such an infatuation, which was quite conspicuous. James, the instructor, had never met anyone who was so moved just by holding a sword. Instructor James, put his hand on Littys shoulder to bring her back to reality. First, Im going to ask you to do a few more exercises. (James) When you say exercise, do you mean what everyone else is doing? (Litty) Thats right. If you dont know the exercise, you cannot learn the moves. It also improves your bodys agility and coordination. (James) I used to do it in my village! (Litty) Oh, a hundred times a day? (James) That much!? (Litty) I looked at the surrounding rookies, all sweating. Even so, they were still wielding their swords and swinging it with all their might. Instructor James gave a wicked grin, thinking that he had successfully scared me. But that didnt dampen my spirit. Given your size and muscle strength, I chose the lightest sword I could find for you. Alright, let us start with a few rounds, so you wont overdo it. Yes, lets start! Kukuku, youll be fine in no time. A man who was an apprentice swordsman chuckled sarcastically. He had already completed 200 swings. His muscles, which were noticeably bulging, had already been built for that of a swordsman. The man began to swing his sword even harder, as if to show off. Huff! Hah! There! Huff! Huff! Huh! Instructor! Do I need to make that noise, too? That is his hobby, dont worry about it. The man was a kind of person who adored the strong and scorned the weak. Both James and the man expected that Litty would give up as soon as she started to wield her sword. Most of the young recruits who entered the Swordsmans Guild had great aspirations, and were longing to become a great swordsman. However, they were made to do monotonous training endlessly, making them grow tired of the difference between their ideals and reality. In the end, most of them would simply leave behind their registration fees when they give up on training. Ironically, the guilds financial resources depended on such contributions from these young people. Thanks for the donation, Instructor James, thanked Litty in his mind. But he soon realized something was wrong. Huh! Huh! Huff! Huff! Huff! Huff! No, you dont have to imitate the sound It was true that even an inexperienced person could swing a sword a few times. However, when it came to swinging a sword for an extended period of time, most people would end up dropping it to the ground after a while. Instructor James knew the severity of this process better than anyone else. What about the girl in front of him? Her sword and center of gravity were stable, and it was hard to believe that this was her first time wielding a real sword. So, the earlier claim about having exercised in the village wasnt just a bluff? Instructor James concluded in his mind. That wasnt as bad as I thought. Oi oi oi. You seem to be doing well with your little body, but youre going to be exhausted soon if you continue like this, you know? The man who finished his own practice joined Instructor James in gaping at Litty in astonishment. Despite the mans words, Litty single-mindedly continued with exercise. Instructor James, too, folded his arms and was looking at her in a new light. So far Litty only had a few drops of sweat sticking to her forehead. The number of times she has done the exercise has already exceeded 90. Although she no longer made strange sounds, she was verbally counting the number of time she had swung. 99 100 101 Wait, take it easy! You can stop now! Yes. Whats next? Whats next Litty was breathing hard, but she didnt seem to be running out of steam. He had never imagined that a girl who, he had thought she was going to quit, would be able to complete a hundred rounds of swinging without any difficulty. What was stranger than that was Littys incredibly stable stance with the sword. It was not the stance of a beginner. Instructor James asked her a question. Is this really your first time holding a sword? Yes. I wasnt allowed to hold a sword in the village, and even now, its too expensive for me to buy one. So, now Im happy to have a sword which I own. (Litty) It didnt look like the girl was lying. Sometimes people try to boost their self-esteem by pretending to be a beginner and getting praised for it. But if that was the case, he would be able to tell it at a glance. The world was not so simple that it could deceive the fierce warrior who had made it to rank 3 and passed the requirements to become an instructor. Looking at the girls crystal clear expression, he was convinced that she was really a beginner even without any evidence. Eventually, instructor James decided to lead her to the next step. You need to swing the sword every day with a proper stance. Dont overdo it though. Yes! Next, lets move on to defense. This exercise will be done in pairs, where one partner will swing down the sword and another will defend against it. Your partner is, right, Roma! Instructor James wondered if he should be her practice partner, but there was too much of a disparity in their strength. He decided that Roma, who was of the same stature as her, would be a good choice. Roma was almost ready to attend the final exam. She was one of the best candidates in this batch, and James was amazed with her basic skills as a swordsman. Sweating, Roma ran over and stood face to face with Litty. Youll have to cut her some slack. Shes still a beginner. Yes, Litty-san, lets start. Litty had already taken a defensive stance with her sword, seeing so, Roma also changed her attacking force. The impact of the swords clashing was so intense, that they produce the reverberating sound. Even if a beginner level swordsman could withstand one or two blows, not many would last. Instructor James was sure that the students would soon give up. However, Litty was receiving Romas sword blows repeatedly with solemn expression Something strange was happening. Litty-san, thats spectacularis this really your first time? Yes, it is. I was watching you earlier. You were watching? Yes, I was watching Roma-san and others do it. Thats all? Roma thought she was being played with. Just like instructor James, she was thinking that she was pretending to be a beginner to fool everyone around her. Nevertheless, she didnt want to doubt a peer she was acquainted with. She was awed, but did not let her guard down against Litty. Um, swordsmanship is interesting. Interesting? Yes, its interesting because everyone is doing so many different moves with just a single weapon. That guy over there, hes cutting off the other guys attack. Thats very hard to execute. Those moves are hard to master. The technical guidance also added to the challenges as they went through various stages in training. Moreover, it was futile if the students could not use all the moves they learned in actual combat. Many of them could do well in practice but could not make the most use of it in real life, and many of them usually couldnt make it through this point. And only a few advanced to the final examination. Only those who passed the final exam could call themselves a swordsman. Roma, your final exam is approaching soon. You can go back over there to finish up. Yes. Okay, then Litty attentively watched as Roma returned to her place. Roma was not that much older than her, but she had already reached the final stage of the exam. It made her more motivated to do her best. In fact, Roma was making spectacular progress. While many people required several years to acquire the title, Roma was on the final step of her training in less than a year. It was a little surprising that she had not yet completed the Rank 6 exam. It may be because of her commitment to training as a swordsman. Even the grown-ups were anxious about their reputation in the guild. This was already the seventh year for Bildet, the man who was making strange sounds while swinging his sword, and he was still striving to master the skills. Perhaps that was why he felt superior to Litty, a rookie. Instructor, I guess Im not so talented after all. (Bildet) Its not up to you to decide whether you have any talent or not, let the time show you (James) It was the instructors responsibility to tell him clearly that he had no talent. However, James, who had never been a heartless instructor, had no choice but to answer him frankly. However, Bildets past training was not for nothing. Even if he could not play an active role as an adventurer, there were many things that he could do with his newly built figure. In the future, there will be many people who would want to take advantage of you. For such cases, working a bit more diligently would be a good start. (James) I, I see! Alright! (Bildet) Bildet moved on to the Footwork exercises, during which Litty alternated between Defense and Strike with different partners. When the instructor considered that the student had mastered a certain move, the students were asked to proceed to the next stage. Roma was practicing Cleave for the final test, Footwork that Bildet was doing would be in the mid-point, and Defense and Strike that Litty was practicing was for the beginners. Normally, it would be a long time before Litty could take the final exam. But she was paying close attention to the movements of others Thats the CleaveI see. She was observing the footwork of Sweeping Strike from a distance even when she was doing Defense and Strike. The mock battles conducted in the center of the training room were all becoming a source of knowledge for her. Roma was also a little perturbed by her. CH 7 Aldis, Outraged A week after leaving Litty alone in the Demon Forest, Yggdrasia found themselves in front of the Galadea Cave, located in the northernmost mountains of the kingdom. The atmosphere was not that great as they camped at the mouth of the cave, which they were planning to attack tomorrow. One of the reasons being, the stew prepared by Bandera, who was responsible for the meal that night, did not taste good. Aldis didnt eat the remaining half of the tasteless and bland stew. Hey, Bandera, are you certain that you used proper seasonings? The nutrition value is well-balanced. Thats not what Im asking, its about the taste! Are you trying to feed the sick? Its good if it settles in your stomach. Bandera was indifferent to everything but magic, and cooking was no exception. Clarine and Dorland both barely touched the stew, but Zhul was the only one to wholeheartedly swallow the stew. Oh boy! Its so good! With a sprinkle of salt, it becomes even better! Zhul, stop exaggerating. Try it Aldis. Its really good, alright? Id rather eat salt soup than this Bandera glared coldly at Aldis, who reluctantly sprinkled salt on his food. Aldis, noticing the gaze of Bandera, returned the glare. Aldis, however, didnt say anything in the end, as Bandera was not really looking for the fight. Yggdrasia was a party of exceptional talents, and they were the best of the best. That was why they did not want the Party to disband over small disputes. Even Aldis was mindful of this. Aldis, this Galadea cave has already been taken care of. It is not an unexplored area. Are you questioning me, Dorland? We wont be getting any experience here so why are we stopping by? I just felt like doing it. felt like doing it, you say? Dorland snarled at Aldiss off-hand response. He was a man who honed his skills to challenge those on the top. Thats what he had been doing in unexplored areas. He didnt care about the mysterious resources. A challenging battle was what he was looking forward to. Yggdrasia was also a source of interest for him. He would also like to eventually challenge them in the future. To do so, he would have to stay close to Yggdrasia. Dorland believed that in this vast world, there was no guarantee that they would see each other again if they were separated. Normally, for other people this type of concern would be over the top, but for Dorland, it was big enough to ponder about. We need to break free from this gloomy atmosphere, dont we? Lets have fun hunting weaklings this one time. Is that what you came here for? Haah, youre the most boring person Ive ever met. Its nice to have a break once in a while, right, Clarine? Yeah, but Its fun to tear up the playground of those lousy adventurers, isnt it? Aldis found everything worthless other than Yggdrasia whose talents rivaled his own. Haah, so annoying Tsk Dorland clicked his tongue and Clarine rolled her eyes languidly. She was willing to go along with Aldis, the leader, but she could not hide her dissatisfaction. Bandera understood what Aldis wanted to do, but she had a different view about everything. It was the first time she had taken interest in anything unrelated to magic. If youre looking for something to amuse yourself, why did you leave that girl behind? That girl? Shes the girl you took under your wing. You dumped her in the Demon Forest not too long ago. I am using her for amusement, you know? Shes not that amusing, though. Since she was your apprentice, you should have given her a sword or something to train with, she could have at least gotten a general idea. Even though it was awful that he didnt do it, Banderas question was still a reasonable and valid point. Aldis couldnt answer Bandera immediately. He had a vague idea as to why, but he himself didnt want to admit it, so he simply said. How can a kid like that hold a sword? She is not even a good plaything. If she was unable to wield a sword, then you would have used that as an excuse to kick her around. So, why didnt you ever let her hold a sword? It certainly is unusual for you to discuss something not related to magic. Whats wrong with you? Youre the one who should really know about it, right? Know what? Youre afraid of her. Bandera gave a provokingly cold smile to Aldis. If anyone other than a person from Yggdrasia had mentioned it, he would have been killed right there and then. Of course, Aldiss anger reached the top of his head. He stood up violently, but did not draw his weapon. Haah, if youre looking for a fight, say so clearly! Are you really going to fight? With me? Aldis, Bandera, calm down! Whats the use of fighting here? Zhul, stay out of this. If they were to confront each other, no one would be able to get out of it intact. Aldis knew this, which was why he did not attack directly. Bandera was not the least intimidated by Aldis. That girl fled to a safe zone to avoid getting caught in my magic, or from Dorlands obnoxious air bullets, or from your techniques, even unconsciously dodging the traps Zhul had placed around her. If she were a normal person, she would have been dead long ago. she could barely sleep, and yet she didnt break. Did you not notice this? Notice what? She was frequently observing our battles. The whole time, to the point of being creepy. She wasnt capable of anything other than watching, so she was probably just bored, you know. Most likely, even a 1st or 2nd Rank adventurer would lose confidence if they saw us fight. But not that kid, she was observing everything too calmly, despite not having any combat experience. Dorland nodded silently. He was not unaware of the girls strangeness, either. But his interest was only in perfected strength. No matter how many qualities she had, if she was lacking even in the slightest bit, he had zero interest in her. Accordingly, his dissatisfaction towards Litty was not entirely unfounded. It was because it was true that she lacked experience. The girl endured everything, gritting her teeth, and did not even try to test her own options. This irritation with Litty was also what prompted him to hurl harsh words at her. Thats enough. Bandera, where do you think youre going at this time? Bandera stood up and was about to leave, making Aldiss mood finally turn grave. Somewhere. Ah, dont worry, I wont be coming back. Huh? Stop fooling around. What? Are you going to stop me by force? Banderas magic spread throughout the surrounding area, enough to make even Aldis realize how threatening she was. Aldis reached for the hilt of his sword, but wasnt able to pull it out. It was Zhul again who interrupted the stand-off between the two. Bandera, you are not serious, are you? Im serious. Extremely serious. Wait, wait! Are you really sure about this? Because I dont think Im going to get anywhere with you guys anymore. This time, without turning back, Bandera disappeared into the night, leaving Aldis unable to do anything but kick the pots and pans placed around the campsite Dorland started meditating and Clarine was finally able to sleep. Zhul, feeling stupefied, held his head. Aldis was so incensed that he wanted to kill Bandera but he also knew that he had to control himself. Aldis, Im going to ask you one more time. When are you going to challenge the world ceiling? Wait a little longer. And were missing one member, remember? Okay, I will wait a little longer. Ive received more than my fair share of credit for conquering the bottom of the world. I had all the riches anyone could ask for. No woman can resist my advances. What more could he want? Maintaining a sense of superiority, he wandered about and was honored in many places. He acquired a great reputation at such a young age because he had always been extremely talented in whatever he did. What more was there that he couldnt do? The ceilings of the world, the ends of the world, and these unexplored zones, conquering those places would only bring him more fame. No one could compete with him. No one could catch up to him. And that was good enough for him. But deep down, Aldis was not satisfied. Youre not afraid of the challenge, are you? (Dorland) What? (Aldis) Nothing. (Dorland) It was as if Dorland had shot him in the heart. Aldis knew those words implied two things. If he were to challenge the world ceiling and fail, all the fame he had accumulated would be lost. The royalty would all turn their backs on him. In fact, the bottom of the world was no easy task. The demons, ecology, and traps were incomprehensible. They were prepared to die not once, but twice. That was the first time in his life that he regretted diving into a dungeon. The fact that he was able to conquer and also survive the dungeon was partially due to luck. That was why he was afraid. Why would I be scared of anything!? If thats the case, then I can let go of my worries. There was another reason that he didnt want to admit to. The girl, Litty, who Aldis tormented to no end. At first, it was just a way to vent his frustration, but slowly, his annoyance started to build He kicked her, hit her, starved her. Even sleeplessness was not enough to crush her. The stress was magnified by the fact that when she had been recruited in Ruiz Village, it was only on a whim. He was also aware that she had been observing their battles. This was precisely what he didnt want to admit. Aldis was just a little startled by the penetrating gaze and calmness on her face. It felt as if she was looking at her prey. He wondered if someday this girl would catch up with him. Subconsciously, he sensed the possibility. He was afraid to even touch her directly. Aaaaah! Darn it! He drew the sword he was carrying and swung it toward the entrance of the cave. The explosion that connected horizontally crushed the entrance of the cave that was attached to the cliff. An Arc Knight could use Magic Sword, a skill that was sublimated from the skills of a magic swordsman, a higher level position. Magic sword did not consume much magic power, but was powerful enough to make even high-ranking High Wizards run screaming for their lives. Since they were able to use this skill for each attribute, it was inevitable that they would be feared as someone extraordinary. Ahh, its great. Its great. Theres no way I can lose. As expected of me. Dorland did not look directly at Aldis, who was mumbling this to himself. Without a word, he laid down and went to sleep. Clarine had been awakened by the explosion of the cave, which was a disaster, but when she realized it was Aldis, who did it, she closed her eyes back. Tsk. Was she angry that her sleep was disturbed, or was it her true feelings of dissatisfaction towards Aldis? It seems I, Clarine, the angel who has lost my temper, is also upset. CH 8 Litty, I was Recognized as a Rival Im off! Have a good trip! Be careful and dont get hurt! Litty had always been an early riser. She woke up at the restaurant even before the sun had come out. I could not afford to idle away the time before the Swordsmans Guild Training Facility opened. I had to fulfill tasks from the Adventurers Guild. This time the task was to deliver milk to dozens of houses in the city. It was a tough job for a single person, but with my stamina, it wasnt an issue. By the time I was done, people were slowly beginning to start their day. The emptied milk containers were returned to the Adventurers Guild. That Indicated the end of the task. The reward was not much, but I was still satisfied. I was happy to be able to help people, and above all, this was part of my adventurer activities. It was far from what I dreamed of, but I was enjoying the work. Yo, Litty! Youll have to help us out next time, too. Yes~! Here you go, Litty-chan. Here are some freshly picked peach buns. Wow! Thank you! Littys energetic and easy-going personality helped her fit well in the town. She was responsible for moving goods, tending to Stores, looking for pets and even cleaning gutters. Litty handled almost all the tasks assigned for a 6th Rank Adventurer. She was especially eager to be assigned a task of exterminating pests. People in the Adventurers Guild already declared her as the most energetic adventurer they had ever seen in the 6th rank. By the way, the Adventurers Guild did not exist only for adventurers. There were various perks in registering with the Adventurers Guild, even if people had to pay an application fee. Before the adventurers guild was founded, people needed to do advertisements to hire people. Not only was it tough to get the right person for the right job, it also involved spending a considerable amount of time and money. It was also hard for jobseekers to get the right job (task) suited to their capabilities. The Adventurers Guild mused over it and cleaned up the situation, as a result, most of such job (task) advertisements disappeared from the towns. You work tirelessly every day, can your body handle everything? Haha, I havent done enough yet! Thats great! Littys bottomless vitality and mindset left everyone around her in awe. In those past two months, the number of merchants who wanted Litty had increased considerably. Litty was not afraid of a few troublesome things, considering that she was even able to adapt to the terrible treatment from Yggdrasia. There were also those who wanted to hire Litty permanently, but her goal was fixed, and that was to be an adventurer. Litty was also feeling concerned about the people approaching her with that intention, but shell think about it later. Thinking so, she made her way towards Swordsmans Guilds training center as fast as possible *** Good morning! Oh, youre early as usual. As soon as the training center opened, Litty was the first to arrive. While the man at the reception desk was yawning, Litty was the only one who was eagerly waiting for todays training. Two months had passed since then. At first, I was working hard to obtain the title of Swordsman and to take the exam for advancing to the 5th Rank. However, I unexpectedly found exciting works at the Adventurers Guild. I got so caught up in it that before I knew it, I was not even done with half of the lessons here. Thanks to my work, the residents became fond of me, but I was unable to move forward. Even though it wasnt a complete downfall, I needed to do something about this situation. That day, I attentively listened to lectures again, and soon afterwards it was time for exercise. 301, 302, 303 Enough swinging! Next stage: Defend! The instructor James probably sensed that if he didnt stop Litty, she was going to continue until she ran out of energy. No one in the training center could exceed that many repetitions. After that, I engaged in Strike and Defence practice in pairs with Bildet, the man who had once ridiculed me. We continued to exchange blows, unknowingly exceeding 300 swings in Bildets practice. The only thing that could be seen on his face was the determination to beat his opponent. Our exchange was exhausting, but I still pushed through. HaahhaahI cant, I cant take it anymore. You dont have to push yourself, Bildet. But we cant keep going with this. Ill do it. Roma came forward. Although she was busy finishing up her final exam, she was here to find out more about Litty. Was she really a beginner? She wanted to get to the bottom of it. She disliked the male-oriented society, and was happy to see Litty, a little girl, getting strong as well. However, her desire of not wanting to lose was the same for both men and women. Litty-san, lets gohah! Roma was a prodigal student who was only a year away from her final exam. Her determination had caused an uproar in the training center. It was a serious blow, different from before. Litty, who was receiving the blow, could not take the impact and fell down. Ah Litty-San Im sorry. No, its alright Roma came back to her senses and pulled Littys hand to help her back to her feet. Instructor James also reflected on his carelessness, thinking that it was indeed reckless. He should have stopped her. Even though Litty was showing signs of being a talent, there was still too much of a gap in experience between them. Just as he was about to tell Litty to partner with someone else Roma-san, lets do it again! Litty was neither dispirited nor shocked, and she took a Defense stance. The instructor wondered why Litty was being so stubborn. Instructor James noticed that even though Litty had been overwhelmed by Romas Strike and was knocked down, she still held on to her sword with one hand. If this continued on, then itd not be surprising if she got injured. Since that was the case, instructor James decided to put a stop to this practice for now. Alright, we have to end it here. Please, let me continue. The tone of her voice was the same as before. It was not directed to Instructor James to get his permission. It was a request to Roma who was also equally feeling hyped. Finally, Roma couldnt stop herself from continuing. Taaah! A more powerful sword strike landed on Littys sword but the result was different from last time. This time, Littys lower half stayed rooted to the ground in perfect stance as her stable center of gravity was all in the right position to receive that blow from Roma. When Littys sword stopped with Romas sword, Littys eyes were like a bottomless pit, not exactly directed at Roma but just staring blankly. It was a gaze that could make people feel like their souls were being sucked. It was the same look she had shown many times when she was with Yggdrasia. It was that unusual power of concentration that made Aldis gasp in shock, even if it was only for a moment. Ugh! Ha?! It was no wonder that Roma was also intimidated to the point that she forgot to give a second strike. Litty hastily released her stance and bowed her head. I, Im sorry! Why are you apologizing? How were you able to take that blow in the first place? We, well, you see She still didnt get over her weak-minded temperament from when she was with Yggdrasia. Litty reminded herself that she could not go on like this. She once again held her stance and urged Roma to continue, to which Roma responded with a series of blows with no hesitation. Litty gritted her teeth and endured the relentless barrage. Thats enough! Stop! Ah!? Yes Instructor James voice was choked out from inside his gut, as if he sensed the danger in Romas continued sword strikes. It was not because they had drawn the attention of other adventurers and instructors in the training center. The reason was simple: Litty had already completed the stance. She repeatedly received the strikes from one of the best apprentices preparing for the final examination. Considering her Defense stance alone, she was already at a level far from that of a beginner. Instructor James had yet to fully access Littys potential but he had already decided to make Litty learn the next step. Litty, since you are done with the Defense stance, lets move on to the Cleaving stance. What? Instructor! Isnt that too fast? You can try practicing the new stance a few times first. If you think its too early for you, well stop. Then, Litty, take your stance. Yes! She was in no position to go against the instructors decision. To receive Littys sword, Roma prepared herself to the best of her abilities. As soon as they clashed, she instantly wanted to pull back. But her pride of being a senior and more experienced barely prevented her from doing so. Haah! Uhh! The power of the blow was sharp and heavy. It was a blow that broke her center of gravity, which she had practiced maintaining so many times. The impact from the blow traveled from the sword to the hand and continued to her whole body. It was as if the impact was slowly creeping up her body until it was felt all over it. She suppressed her shaking knees and tried not to make it obvious. She did her best to hide her discomfort. Litty, unaware of Romas feelings, unleashed another, ruthless blow. Ugh! At that time, Roma realized that she could not endure a third blow. This time, it would be her turn to be knocked down. Where in this little body did she get this kind of power? Was she actually a beginner? The next blow proved that there was no room for such thoughts. Ah! Ah, Roma-san! Stop right there! Unable to hold back, Roma fell. It was Littys turn, to lend Roma a hand, who was stunned enough to let go of her sword. She stood up but avoided any eye contact with Litty. Litty-sanyoure amazing. Sorry Dont apologize! And dont get me wrong, I, rather, want to thank you. Eh? Roma clenched her fists as she stared at Litty. You have allowed me to improve without showing any arrogance. I always get complimented on being on the last stage of my final exam in one year I think that I also looked down on you because you were a beginner. Ha, huh Now that I have a rival who is close to my age, I feel more inspired! Rivals For Litty, this was a new experience. A rival was someone who shared the same aspirations and was willing to improve upon them. And the person with whom one would most like to avoid losing to. Whether Litty could consider Roma to be a rival was still a mystery to her. But seeing Romas cheerful demeanor, she understood that this was what rivals were like. Instructor James! Is it okay if I pair with Litty-san for a while? Oh, sure. I dont mind, but you would have to change the instructor in charge Yes, thats fine. I dont mind the changes. Caddock, who was older than James and others, accepted the task. He had a gentle deposition, and after retiring from the front line, he devoted himself to training the younger generation. Because of a dare from someone, he left the Knights Order and was transferred to the Swordsmans Guild. And because of his long years of experience from his long career, he was given a post of a higher rank instructor. However, it will involve some adjustments for the final examinations. So, do restrain yourself. Yes! Thank you very much! James, her name is Litty, right? From the looks of it, she should be ready for her final exam soon as well. What!? But, as you can see, I dont think she is there yet Dont get hung up on formality. A brilliant student should leave the nest as soon as possible. Although he had worked as a knight until his retirement, he had some doubts about the stiff atmosphere within the Knights Order and their way of work. There was strength that comes with commanding a group of people, but Cadoc believed that there was also something that was missing People vary so vastly that there were even stories of people who left the order of knights as a normal knight, but became great achievers after venturing out in the world. Because of this experience, Caddock deliberately emphasized flexibility. Well then, Roma and Litty, Ill be expecting to see both of you at the final exam. What? What do you mean by that Dont worry about it. For now, lets get started. Caddocks comment about the final exam of his words caught her attention, but she quickly brushed it aside. This was because Roma, who was more enthusiastic than before, was pressuring Litty. Litty was again in a state of concentration as she faced Roma. CH 9 Litty Takes Swordsman Guilds Final Exam As always, Litty diligently went to the Swordsman Training center. Thanks to her efforts, almost all of her lessons were completed, and the only thing that was left was the combat exercises. The Swordsmans Guilds training area was in a commotion as they watched her training. Parrying Cleave is this good? Yeah, you did it finely Instructor Caddock was right. Littys growth was clear for Instructor James to see as he took her through successive stages of the training. Parrying Cleave was a skill that dispelled enemy attacks from all angles. It was a skill similar to Deflect which is a higher Rank skill used by Knight, which is also a backward-compatible skill useful to knights. However, it was one of the most difficult skills for a Swordsman to learn, and many could not react in time because they could not keep up with their own reflexes. This was the second point of frustration for those who wanted to join the Swordsmans guild, and the other one was the monotonous and seemingly endless training on swings. While most of the attack skills, such as the Reversal Slash, were also significant, the difficulty to learn Parrying Cleave was on a different level. It was even called the Apprentice Killer because of making most apprentices give up training it in the end. Seriously, that girl. She managed to learn so much in such a short period of time No, maybe she was an expert? She stood out like a sore thumb in the training center. However, Litty did not pay attention to her surroundings. She simply concentrated on honing her own swordsmanship. Some people held slight loathing toward Litty because of envy or personal bias. Fortunately, Litty was with an experienced instructor who understood how to restrain such people before things got out of hand. I understand your resentment but thats just how this world works. While working as an adventurer, you will meet many people who are more talented than you. When that happens, how are you going to deal with that? That is where the true morals of a human being are tested. Caddock, a senior instructor who previously belonged to the Knights Order, admonished them, and after listening to his words, all the apprentice swordsmen fell silent. He himself had encountered such situations more than once. To start with, the members of Yggdrasia were as old as his own son. Instead of wasting time on resenting others, it would be better for him to rejoice in the success of the younger generation. Roma, its time to go. Yes. The instructor urged Roma to finish her practice. The other apprentices were required to watch the final exam. A face-off with the instructor, that was all the final exam was about. Observing was also part of the training. We will now begin the final exam, Roma! Oh. Caddock headed to the center of the arena with his weapon. It was a battle, but it was not just about winning or losing. It was more about proving ones ability. The instructor who was facing the apprentice along with the instructors who were watching the battle were the judges. At first glance, it may not seem like much of an exam, but judges held penetrating gazes. There was another hidden test which the apprentice needed to pass. Since the match was going to be observed by everyone, the pressure of competing under the eyes of an audience was much heavier than expected. Roma was no exception to this. Faced with Caddock, she wore a somewhat stiff expression on her face. Dont worry, I will make sure that I dont hurt you accidentally. However, I advise that you should come at me with the intention to kill. Are you sure? Well, are you sure you can afford to worry about that? The moment they took their stance, she felt fear, one that Roma understood firsthand when facing someone strong, but she did her best not to show it. Caddock held his greatsword with both hands in a defensive stance. Caddock, a former knight and division commander, was still in good shape even though he had retired from the front lines. The only drawback was the drop in his physical strength. However, the battle was bound to end even before people could react. He was not an opponent that an apprentice could easily take down. Start! Without any hesitation, Roma, with quick steps, launched an attack at Caddock. Parrying Cleave or Deflect? Roma anticipated Caddocks next move. However, Caddock simply swung down his great sword. Ugh! Woah, isnt the difference between their strength too big? It was a simple downward vertical swing, letting the weight of the greatsword do all the work. It was not even a skill like Parrying Cleave or Deflect. It was just sheer force of muscular strength cultivated over many years. It immediately knocked the sword away from Romas hand. The pressure made Roma take a step back, and Caddock chose that moment to attack. Roma tried to block, but it was a bad move. Ah! Okay! Thats all for the battle. Romas physical strength and footwork were not strong enough to withstand a single attack filled with Caddocks brute force. The moment Roma lost her sword and panicked, Caddock won the battle. In a split second, the decision was made, largely due to Caddocks prowess. The power of the large sword, which Roma had not been exposed to in her training, was something she didnt expect. It wasnt bad. The lack of hesitation to attack, the instantaneous forceits passable. But you need to assess your enemy and change your moves accordingly. Especially since you and I are too different in power and physique. It was a bad idea to concentrate on taking the attack head-on. If it was a real fight, I would have died But this is not a real battle. You can learn as many times as you want. Thank you very much! While Caddock and the other instructors were reviewing, Roma picked up her sword and walked out of the arena. Failed, Roma was sure. Litty didnt know how to comfort Roma, who was clearly depressed. After the examination, the instructors approached her to announce the results Roma, unfortunately, you have failed this time. We will contact you shortly to schedule another final exam. Thanks Youre being too hard on yourself Someone in the crowd muttered something, as other apprentices let out a few grumbling as well. Even the gem apprentice was having such a hard time in passing her exam. Thinking so, the apprentices were in low spirits, collectively realizing that achieving a higher ranking position was a far away dream. The final examinations also had their ups and downs, as they also showed the severity of the task. However, if they were already thinking that they would fail without even trying, it would be better for them to quit now. That was what the instructors were thinking. I understand your state of mind. But when it comes to the actual battle, your opponent will not go easy on you. Besides, there are plenty of people in the world who are stronger than I am. Caddock-san is right. I know it sounds intimidating, but its true. Besides, the title of Swordsman is a sign of confidence. There shouldnt be any excuses whenever you battle with others, right? All the apprentices fell silent after hearing the instructors advice. Litty was the only one clutching the hilt of her sword. Currently, she was unsure if she could successfully fight Caddock and pass the exam. However, seeing Romas fight, she felt a strong desire to test her own strength. Litty could sense her frustrations. Um Hmm, Litty? Whats wrong? Can I also take the final exam right now? Instructor James was at a loss for words at the sudden declaration. The final exam was held on a tight schedule. This was because each instructor also had their other affairs to look after Some needed to instruct their own apprentices, some were on their holidays, and some were on other assignments. Caddock also planned to finish the remaining paperwork after this. No. You cant. Besides, you still have not completed the course. (james) Hmm, I think it should be fine. (Caddock) But Caddock-san, we still have work to do after this (One of the instructors) This will not take a lot of time, anyway. (Caddock) Caddock took his greatsword again and returned to the arena. The instructors were wondering if this was the right thing to do. It was a sudden turn of events, but the apprentices held some anticipation this time around. Would Litty be able to pass the final exam? Or will she fail and make a comeback with greater strength next time? Or would she leave this place after learning the reality of the situation? Some, who held some resentment in their hearts, were hoping for the last outcome. Um, thank you very much. Please go easy on me. Yeah, go for it. Start! As the gap between them narrowed, he didnt have time to raise his greatsword, Caddock was caught off-guard by Littys immediate attack. He was pressed for time, or rather, he was trapped. For Caddock, who wielded a greatsword, to be caught in the middle of the gap created while raising his sword would mean death. He had failed to gauge Littys explosive power and reaction speed. However, he was a veteran who had fought many battles. He immediately withdrew and created distance between them. He then held up his great sword and blocked Littys blow. Ah! That was a good blow! Haah! Normally, it should be difficult for Littys sword to push back Caddocks greatsword. However, even Caddock did not expect the magnitude of Littys power. Even with the difference in sword size and weight, Caddocks greatsword was pushed back. If he went on the attack, he would be in big trouble. Yaaah! This made Instructor Caddock, who was in a blocking stance, feel the danger especially when he compared it to his fight with Roma who was easily blocked by his greatsword. In the end, Roma failed because of not understanding the difference between their power when she blocked his attack, but what about this girl? Now it was Caddocks turn to predict Littys next move. If he could not block, then he would have to change his stance to dodge. But Littys actions seemed to be much closer to an act of pure instinct and power, as she waved her sword at him. Just before the clash, everyone was convinced that it was about to end. Ugh The match was decided. Caddocks great sword was knocked off by Littys sword. Litty struck from above, and knocked it away using a powerful cleave. After watching Caddocks fight with Roma, Litty thought about how she could break through Caddocks center of gravity and sword strength. By striking from the side, she shifted the trajectory of Caddocks greatsword and succeeded in knocking it out of his hand. Soon after, Litty moved to strike, but stopped right before her strike could land. Um, this should be enough, right? Caddock, with the sword aimed at his chest, was speechless. He had broken in a cold sweat and was still feeling chills all over. At first, he was holding back but Litty soon made him feel that he was in a real life and death situation. As a result, he was serious in his final strike. It was on a different level of power than the one he had unleashed at Roma. Caddock gulped hard and finally uttered words. Well done. No way, Caddock-san, you went too easy on her, didnt you? It was after the fight with Roma after all, right? You must have been drained. In a sense, the apprentices were right. It was difficult for Caddock, an old man, to fight for long periods of time. But during the battle with Roma, Caddock barely did anything, so he did not want to make such an excuse. Even though he had retired, he still held a certain amount of pride in his profession. Not that he wasnt shocked. Ca, Caddock-san Its been years since Ive been beaten, oi! Well, it seems like we got one ridiculously strong little monster on our hands! Hahaha! Despite his false laugh, Caddock showed a good amount of cheerfulness. There was no need for discussion among the other instructors. Caddock looked at Litty, who was still standing at the arena, and said. You pass. Come to the office later so that we can complete the formalities. Eh, eh? Am I now a Swordsman!? Yeah, you can puff your chest out and be proud. I Nn? Hooray! Giving a joyous shout, Litty jumped up and down. Litty suddenly noticed Roma, who was looking down on the ground. Pushing aside her own joy, she immediately rushed over to her. Roma-san! Congratulations! I will not lose next time! Instructor! I will be taking my leave for today! (Roma) After speaking her mind, Roma ran away without even waiting for any response. Although they had only been together for a short time, Litty knew how competitive she was. That was why Litty was desperately trying to figure out how to respond to her. How should she approach her, or should she chase after her? But Litty had no experience when it came to things like that. Perhaps sensing Littys concern, Instructor James lightly tapped her on the shoulder. Dont worry about Roma. But Anything you say will have the opposite effect right now. Its better to leave her alone. I see. Litty decided to follow the words of Instructor James. Besides, she couldnt keep worrying about other people. She reminded herself that she was still learning the ropes. What would she do if she found herself in the same situation as Roma? She was unable to think of anything but to do her best. No matter how frustrating or painful it may be. If there was something one wanted to do, they should be ready to give up their peace of mind. Especially if they believed it was worth giving their all. The only thing they could do was to keep moving forward. Litty was Litty, and Roma was Roma. Each of them was walking on a different path, believing that one day they would flourish. Name: Litty Gender: Female Age: 15 Rank: 6 Main Job: Swordsman Acquired Job: Swordsman CH 10.1 Litty, Receives Practical Training When I mentioned to the couple at the restaurant, where Ive been staying this whole time, about the achievement of officially becoming a swordsman, they prepared a feast for me, to show their best wishes: beef stew, omelet rice, and chicken pizza, which Litty had when she first got here. The portions were unusually big for that of a single person, but for Litty, that was just the right amount. In the end, she cleaned up her plate without leaving a single grain of food. Thank you for the food! It was delicious! Fufufu, youre welcome, Litty-chan. Im glad that you enjoyed the meal so much! As the couple had no offspring, the cute and high-spirited Litty was like their own daughter. They would like to cook lots of food and spoil her to no end. However, Litty had always helped out before the meal, cleaned up afterwards, and even helped out in the store whenever she had spare time. There was no room for either of them to object. On the other hand, they were also worried about her, as Litty wanted to be an adventurer. It was the same feeling of concern that Littys parents had. You are going to start practical training tomorrow, right? Will you be fighting demons? Yes. We are adventurers, so its inevitable. I see The couple had heard about many stories of humans getting killed by demons. In some cases, even entire towns had been destroyed. Fortunately, the city of Topas was safe because strong adventurers consistently hunted demons. Even so, stories of life-threatening beings were still being heard from time to time. Litty-chan, if in the future you cant continue on and want to find a safe place, come back here. Dont force yourself too much, well always be here for you. Yes, I know. I will make sure to survive by all means. Thats right. By the way, take this allowance. I already told you that you dont have to pay me. Its money that the shop has earned. Id like you to take it, since youve been a big help to us. This exchange was a common occurrence. In the past, after some pulling and pushing, the couple had to give up. For the couple, who were neither young nor had any children, they didnt think they needed a lot of savings since living normally didnt cost them that much. They were more concerned about Litty, who had long years to come. Even though the couple had such thoughts, Littys determination had always gotten the better of them. But today was different. Listen, Litty-chan. We are wishing for your safety. So if that money could help you, even a little, wed be more than happy for you to receive it. Uncle? You dont need to worry about us. Were fine over here. There are still people who come to our store. As expected, Litty had no choice but to give in and accept the money after being told like this. She hesitated a lot because they had already gone through the trouble of preparing a feast for her in order to celebrate her success. However, in the end, Litty decided to accept the money as their well-wishes. The kindness of the elderly couple reminded Litty a little of her parents back in her village. *** The training took place on the property of the Swordsman Guild. The training included preparing camp equipment, choosing a campsite, and preparing means of transportation and meals. The wide variety of the practical training made the rookies feel like they were in a lot of trouble. Adventurers not only had to fight demons, but nature as well. All the training was to be done by forming a pseudo party and dividing the tasks between them. There were many things an adventurer needed to do, but sometimes the most troublesome thing was to handle their own party members. Instructor, I dont want to be in a party. Im fine solo. Im experienced in this field because of my parents work. Im used to this kind of work. The loner Jester and Daniel, whose parents were both high-ranking Rangers, were one of such troublemakers this time. The former was reluctant to work with a team while the latter wanted to take charge of the team. These types of people would naturally affect the work of the team as a whole. Unfortunately, Litty was unlucky enough to be in the same party as these two. I dont want to hunt demons. I merely want to hunt for a bounty, so I dont have to learn this kind of work. (Jester) You would like to be a bounty hunter? Thats amazing (Litty) Right? In other words, its pointless to learn how to camp out. So, if you understand that, then you guys can do it on your own. (Jester) Then, Jester-san, could you keep an eye on the surroundings for us, so we can be prepared in case of an emergency? (Litty) Oh? Yeah Jester could not tell whether Littys behavior was genuine or sarcastic. There was no way there would be any demons entering the Swordsmans Guild premises, but this was a training exercise based on a real situation. So, Litty asked Jester, who was competent, to keep an eye on things. However, this was hardly the real practical training. Under the instructors watchful gaze, Litty hurriedly started to prepare the campsite. CH 10.2 Under the instructors watchful gaze, Litty hurriedly started to prepare the campsite. Oh, wait, no. Youve got to prepare the fire first. I mean, seriously, why dont you even know about that? (Daniel) Right! Thank you! (Litty) Daniel was also a stubborn man who didnt help much, but kept adding his own objections to the situation. Litty, however, was honestly grateful for the advice. Litty, who quietly did all the hard work on her own, didnt seem to be annoyed with the other two members. Oh no! You idiot! That setup will be blown away by the wind! (Daniel) I see! (Litty) What about the fire? If you leave things unattended, they will catch on fire! (Daniel) Yes! (Litty) If they had been the one in her place, they would have been angered for sure. It wasnt just one apprentice who thought so. Several people were frustrated by the situation because even as they worked on their own tasks, they could hear the yelling from not far away. Litty, however, was happy to proceed with her work. Daniel-san, is this sufficient? Hmm, so-so. But your hands are too slow. You cant make it as an adventurer if youre that slow. (Daniel) Ill definitely work on it (Litty) Heck, youre talking about being an adventurer when you were just tagging behind your parents. (Jester) Jester tauntingly said to Daniel. They were so similar in disposition that clashes were bound to happen between them. Unlike you, I already have the experience and knowledge. (Daniel) Then why are you in the Swordsman guild? If you are aiming to be a Ranger like your parents, then, you should have applied to the Archers Guild. (Jester) Huh, this is why ignorant people are unlikable Nowadays, people who want only one job are outdated. In fact, there are people who have multiple titles among the 3rd rank and above. Most importantly, some of the higher level jobs require more than one title. (Daniel) Youre showing arrogance with just that much knowledge. How long have you been here? By the time you become an adventurer, youll be an old man. (Jester) Both of you, please stop. (Litty) Litty didnt stop working, but directed a faint hint of killing intent at them. It was fine to brag about knowledge, but only if the said knowledge was of any help. It was fine if they didnt want to help her because it would only prepare her better for the future. However, there was one thing that Litty could not tolerate C risking a party to break apart for some childish reasons. I value Daniel-sans advice, as it will prove very helpful for me in future. My advice? Yes. Its wonderful having parents who are Rangers. You have respected those parents and have benefited from their knowledge, havent you? Yes, thats right. Jester-san also took the task of keeping watch seriously. He is very vigilant, and he aims to be a bounty hunter. Well, yes. From the very beginning, Litty was seriously observing the two of them in her own way. On that basis, Litty simply stated their strong points. It wasnt any kind of flattery, but just some facts. Even though Aldis had a terrible personality, his high fighting power was an undeniable merit. While working together, it was very important to acknowledge each others strength even if you dont like the other party. After all, there was no point in breaking the party for some childish reasons. Moreover, this was an exercise based on a real life situation, which made Litty consider the current situation even more unacceptable. Daniel-san, I think were almost done, are there any problems with the set-up? Well lets see, I guess it should be okay. Jester-san, thank you very much. Without you keeping the watch, this campsite might not have been completed. Y, yeah The high pressure between the two of them was suddenly reduced to nothing. It was as if the fact that they were on the verge of a heated argument was a lie. Even Jester, who had cursed earlier, felt the same. He was also in a better mood because he was praised. This incident made him realize the importance of mutual acknowledgement. Daniel also reaffirmed that he was not mistaken in his knowledge. At the same time, he also felt ashamed of himself for not providing any direct help. Jester, sorry about that. I also apologize for saying such rude words. After seeing them admit to their faults, Litty remained silent. Daniel then moved on to the task of selecting ingredients. It was reassuring to know that he was taking an initiative to help in cooking the meal. Satisfied, Litty put her skills to the test and decided to make the stew she used to make when she was with Yggdrasia. Some of the ingredients did not have a long shelf life. There were also those, which werent suitable to be used in cooking, so they needed someone with experience to point them out. However, everything Daniel chose was perfect. Litty cooked it, and the two were amazed at the completed stew. Where did you learn to prepare this? Even my parents couldnt prepare something like this (Daniel) Well, I had some experience with it (Litty) It looks good, so it should be fine, right? Do you mind if I stop keeping a watch for now? (Jester) Yes, Jester-san, please. (Litty) Whats this? It smells good. Jester was also very excited about the stew, and the other apprentices were also attracted by the delicious fragrance. Even Toito, the instructor in charge, was amazed. The nutritional value, overall process, and taste were all above average. Litty had to satisfy Yggdrasia, who were very picky about their food. Because of this, after attempting many times, she was finally able to make something that Yggdrasia would finish, even though they still continued to complain while eating. If you could do this much, I dont think you needed this training No, Instructor, it was only because of Daniel-sans instructions and choice of ingredients that I could do this. Besides, I would not have been able to concentrate on this if Jester-san had not been standing guard for us. I see. Well, you are exactly on the right track. By the way, can I have some more of this stew? Sure, but I didnt make that much. Okay, Ill provide you with more ingredients, so you can make some more. The original goal was no longer important. With the other apprentices involved, the training ended up becoming a stew party with Littys special recipe. To top it all off, the instructor, Toito, brought a big pot with him, and the commotion grew even louder. It was no wonder that the other instructors who arrived later were overwhelmed by the scene. Litty reflected on how she got carried away with the situation, but other instructors sneakily tasting food didnt go unnoticed by her. She thought that, since everyone liked the food prepared by her so much, maybe she could make more for next time. CH 11.1 Litty Takes 5th Rank Advancement Exam Now that all the training was over, the only thing left to do was to take the exam for advancement to 5th Rank. The test was divided into two parts: written and practical. The written exam wasnt much of an issue as the questions, including those in the etiquette class, were within the scope of general information, although the passing criteria stated the requirements of more than 90% of correct answers. The problem was the practical skill assessment. The skills test was decided by the examiner and it could be of any sort. Well I am todays examiner, Rogai. Yes, all of you have passed the written exam. Now, everyone must be wondering what your practical skill assessment is going to be, right? The written exam was conducted quickly. There were only a few who failed. The rest of us 16 adventurers, who were present for the practical test, passed with flying colors. However, it was not unusual if all the participants failed in the practical skill assessment. It was also not unusual to meet someone like, the heavy warrior, Dimos, who gave up on promotions, that Litty encountered at the Adventurers Guild. This examiner, Rogai, was promoted to the 3rd Rank during his active days, having worked his way up as a solo adventurer. Needless to say, his rank spoke volume about his abilities. He was now over 50 years old and scorned at the changes that occurred after his prime time. For example, for him, creating a party was a sign of weakness. As a solo adventurer, when he ran out of food, he would eat grass or demon puke. Such were the experiences he had. Nowadays, adventurers are too easy-going. As adventurers, you are not supposed to work in groups. Moreover, if you have women as your companions, then youre done for. Some of you even become an adventurer to court others. This is one of the biggest problems. The participants were already fed up with the examiner, who seemed to be a peculiar man. However, Litty was listening, regardless of the fact that his thoughts were filled with prejudice against females. Rogai coldly glanced at Litty. Adventurers are men. A woman with little strength would not be able to get the task done. With all due respect, examiner. That is discrimination! Who are you to talk back to me? It was Roma who snapped. She, too, was taking the exam for advancement. When did she earn the title of Swordsman? How did she succeed? How is she doing nowadays? There were many questions Litty wanted to ask her about, like what had transpired since the last incident. However, Roma didnt even glance at Litty, making her feel uneasy and wondering if she was being disliked. Nowadays, it is not unusual to find 1st and 2nd rank female adventurers. And even Yggdrasia has two women. So what? There are far more men than women. They wont last for long. Are you envious? You took etiquette classes, right? You have no manners at all, you know. Well, Id like you to start the exam as soon as possible. Litty wanted to stop this pointless bickering. But of all people, to raise the gender issue in front of Roma? The participants were already disappointed with the examiner, before the exam was about to begin. Ah, Ive heard about you, a girl who got her swordsman title in just two months. Indeed, very admirable, but dont be shocked when you find out what the practical assessment is about. I will complete any assessment given to me! Hmph, fine. Then I will announce it to you. You must survive on Mount Baruni for three days. Thats the condition for passing. If thats the case However Rogais mouth curled up in a sickening manner, making some of the participants feel endless discomfort and think about quitting right there and then. Besides, there was a twist in this test. You must survive alone, and not as a party. This is also a requirement. Wait a minute. we havent trained for combat yet Moreover, we are not allowed to hunt demons as 6th rank adventurers! The flaws were pointed out by two of the participants. As in previous years, the practical exam for 5th rank never included combat. This man was the second most senior instructor after Caddock. Unfortunately, Caddock was currently in a neighboring town, and the person in charge was not available, so there was no one who could do anything to stop him. If the younger instructors, James and Toito, interfered, they would be punished severely for that. Even if those two were to use force, they would be no match for Rogai. Rogai, known as the Lonely Sword, had absolute authority within the Swordsmans Guild. Anyway, the timing couldnt have been any worse. Are you idiots? You learn things like combat, on the field and gain experience from it. Young people these days want to be taught everything one on one, and dont want to exert any effort. Thats absurd! If you dont agree, get out. Nothing is mandatory. However, the person in charge, who has the final say on the schedule, wont be back for a while. In other words, if you miss it now, youll have to wait and see when you get another chance I cant do this! Im out! Im also out! When the branch manager returns, Ill report everything! The angry participants left the Swordsman Guild one by one. Litty and Roma were the only ones left. Litty remained the same, her enthusiasm for the assessment didnt falter; Roma, on the other hand, was burning with a different kind of fire. For her, a man like Rogai was unforgivable no matter what. It was her true desire to make a man like Rogai respect her. Humph, it doesnt matter what you say to that idiotic branch manager. Rogai-san, hurry up and lets go to Mount Baruni. The experience with Yggdrasia made her not completely trust anybody. But the fact that the schedule of the assessment was not yet finalized was more important to Litty. Her determination to reach 5th Rank as soon as possible outweighed her distrust. Youre not going to run away? Why would I? I can be on an adventure, you know? I dont like that attitude. In Rogais mind, a scenario was already forming. Mount Baruni was not far from the town, and it was full of low rank demons. But these two rookies wouldnt be able to handle it. He believed that if he gallantly helped them there, they would realize the reality of the situation. He was rejected by all parties because of his bad character. He was a man who mistook this reaction to being isolated, and his fury knew no limits. CH 11.2 Mount Baruni was a two hours long walk away from the town of Topas. The slope was gentle, and the paths were also well maintained for those who made their living by forestry work. Since it took little time and effort to reach the summit, it was also used as a training ground for 5th Rank adventurers. Rogai was smiling. Even though the two had been trained by the Swordsmans Guild, the actual battle would be an entirely different story. The demons may not always attack from the front, and they could be in packs; Roma was still a rookie, but Litty was a complete novice. If anyone was going to die, it would be that one. Litty was excited as if she was there for an outing, but Rogai was scornful. Well, lets start here. Im warning you, if you leave the mountain even once, you will be disqualified. And if I see any signs of cooperation between the two of you, the same applies. Of course, I will come to your rescue if you are in danger, but that will also disqualify you. Do you understand? Yes! I understand! Okay, Litty-san, lets split up. We might end up being disqualified, but probably not because of the difficulties we might face. Youve got quite the toxic tongue, dont you? Litty gave a sharp nod and ran deep into the mountains; Roma, on the contrary, appeared calm and disappeared through the weeds. After seeing them off, Rogai finally blurts out. Phew! Theres no way those two can survive for three days! They would most likely end up as Wolfs fodder while they were still sleeping! That training is only for parties. when it comes to going solo, the odds are much different! If anything happened to the girls, his own position would be in jeopardy. He never thought of that. He was the type of man who behaved in a vicious but efficient manner. He could come up with countless excuses. The head of the Swordsmans Guild branch was a dumb old man. Again, he would probably let it slide. Rogai was optimistic about everything. Well, its a Low Rank hunting ground. I can spare some time to drink the liquor Ive brought with me. Ill just take my time and wait. Rogai sat down and pulled the cork out of a 30-year-old bottle of Sake with his fingers. He enjoyed the intoxicating smell, then took a sip and tasted the mellow flavor. As if already feeling tipsy, Rogai started humming pleasantly. *** An hour after entering Mount Baruni, Litty was looking for a place to camp. She searched everywhere, using all the knowledge she had acquired during the training and practical experience. Finally, she found a place to make a base and started to prepare the camp. The visibility from the road was limited, and there was no sign of any demons passing through. However, from that location, she could see well. Litty was grateful to the Swordsmans Guild for the courses and practical training. Litty realized again that it was necessary to have knowledge for survival. If only she had a little more money, she could have bought some demon repellent items. It wasnt hard for her to get money, as she only needed to ask the old couple, but she didnt as she felt that she would not be required to battle demons in practical skill assessment. It was close to certain that Litty would need to spend her time here quietly so she felt that she should survey the surrounding areas closely. Mount Baruni had a wolf-type demon called Gulf, which 5th Rank adventurers could deal with, but a pack of them was dangerous. Litty was tempted to put her skills to the test but it would be foolish to go out of her way to find them. The Gulf, in particular, often raided lumberjacks, and their population was high. The damage they do could sometimes become so severe that people hired adventurers to clean them up. Lets see how the terrain is After camouflaging her camp, Litty strolled around the area. CH 12.1 Litty Receives Evaluation Two gulfs. Normally, a normal person would cower at the sight of them, but not Litty. She was watching the situation from the grassy area and was planning her attack. Gulfs had lower ranks than salamanders, but they moved faster. Even if she attacked from this distance, theyd be able to notice her and dodge in time. If that were the case, how about a little closer? Ah! Not good! The gulfs noticed Litty and both of them fearlessly sprinted towards her one after another. As they got closer to Litty, the faster one among them pounced (jumped) on her. Litty stepped forward and bent down slightly to dodge its attack. In that small-time span, Litty made a sideways strike to the other one running on the ground and was about to bite her. Fresh blood splashed out of its gaping mouth from the slash. After landing, the first gulf lunged at Litty from behind. Noticing its movement, Litty promptly gave a high jump, enough to be a few feet above the gulfs head. Still high in the air, she changed her position and attacked with full force from above, directly ripping open the gulfs back with her sword. Ah, I was able to handle them I was worried about whether I could perform well against a demon which I had never seen other than in books. Although gulf was only a 5th level demon, the sense of accomplishment was pleasant. However, I did need to reflect on some things. This time, there were only two demons and their rank was also not high, so I decided to hunt them to test my skills. However, there would be times when a larger number of demons would gather in a group, so I needed to be very careful when dealing with them. After all, if they noticed me and attacked, I would be in big trouble. For the upcoming and more dangerous adventures, I need to improve even more. After processing the gulfs, I only took back the parts I needed. While I was exploring the area, evening came, and the first day of the exam was coming to an end But the night could be even more unpredictable. Not wanting the risk of becoming the bait for gulf in her sleep, Litty decided to take a nap. Solo activities were unavoidable since there was no one to take turns keeping watch. Three days was longer than she expected, and even though it was less stressful compared to her time spent in the Demon Forest for a week, it was still a laboring struggle. Litty laid down early and closed her eyes. *** On the morning of the second day. Fortunately, no one attacked her while she was taking short naps throughout the night, but she did not sleep well. While feeling slightly sluggish, Litty suddenly wondered how Roma was doing. Roma must be having the same trouble as her. Besides, Litty did not trust the examiner, Rogai. He reminded her of Aldis from Yggdrasia. Even if she survived, it was not certain that she would be allowed to pass the exam. If she survived the three days, and he did not acknowledge her success Ill definitely, definitely make him admit it. She always maintained a positive attitude, but when it came to her goal, she was too steadfast. I have to become an adventurer in this town, accumulate funds, and return home at least once. Littys heart tightened a little at the thought of having to say goodbye to that old couple someday. Meetings and partings were inevitable if you were to make a living as an adventurer. Litty decided that it wasnt a time to get sentimental about such things, and went for another walk around the area. She was more vigilant of her surroundings, taking advantage of the lessons she learned from yesterdays encounter with the gulf. If she found any enemy, she would try to attack them from behind. She did not hesitate to kill the demons, even though they had done nothing to her. In this wilderness, everyone was struggling to survive, but being humans and demons, one must die for the survival of another. If the gulf continued to increase in number in this area, the forestry business by lumberjacks would cease to exist. Thus, for humans, it was necessary to keep their population in check. Simply put, this was just a matter of survival of the fittest. Litty, who lived deep in the forest, understood this. CH 12.2 Not long after, Litty spotted a herd of 4 gulfs. She seriously gave a thought to backing away. However, after thinking about her fight with 2 gulfs not long ago, and coupled with the fact that she had the advantage of noticing them first, she decided to fight. Although she was the first to strike and kill one of the four gulfs taking advantage of a surprise element, there were still 3 gulfs left to take care of. Surprisingly, remaining gulfs encircled her from three different directions, as if they had done it several times. Litty would not be able to escape, but that didnt mean she was disadvantaged. Teyaaaaah! Compared to Supras aerial assault, this was somewhat easier. She threw a fist sized rock at the throat of the gulf that jumped at her, to scare it away. As for the other two, she immediately timed her Parrying Cleave and ruthlessly slashed at them. Not wasting any time, she finished off the heavily injured gulfs as they tried to get up. [T/N: Parrying Cleave is a 360* counter slash used against multiple enemies to block or strike them.] Theres only one left. The gulf that was hit by rock scratched the ground with its paw. It seems it still wanted to fight. Normally, the gulf would have run away by now, but this one seemed to be aggressive. Litty took the challenge. But the gulf was suddenly cut down. Well, that was a close call. Examiner? He was dressed out of place with a sword in one hand and a bottle of Sake in the other. Gulfs blood was dripping from the sword of examiner Rogai, whose face was flushed. He had come out of the woods and killed gulf swiftly. He was a bit dazed, but he could still kill gulf in such a state. But why was he drinking in the first place? As Litty tried to piece together her understanding, Rogai spoke. Youre lucky to have survived, but you failed. What? However, what you just said If I had helped you, you would fail. Didnt I tell you that at the beginning? I, I could have taken it down alone! No, it was a close call. Whatever, thats a terrible attitude for being rescued. Litty understood. This man had been planning to do this from the start. He would appear at the right moment and dash in to help. He could sell the favor and at the same time reject the candidates he didnt like. Litty, who he had thought was going to die on the first day, surprisingly persisted, so he was forced to take action. Thank you for that. However, I took down the other three. Yes, you did. But I saved you in the end. Thats a fact. Litty seethed at this single point of assertion. Why was this man, as well as Aldis, so reluctant to give in to others? Why would I let such a person interfere with my dreams? She couldnt seem to hide her indignation. Why are you the one! What? Dont tell me youre trying to fight with me? No, I dont think so. Youre good for a rookie, but you cant beat me. If I win, will you accept me? Hahaha! You dont have to do that. Will you? Rogai, whose body temperature must have been rising from the alcohol, felt a chill. Subconsciously, he tried to reach for his sword. But a moment later, something jumped out from the bushes behind him. Whoa! A new gulf came out and pounced at Rogai from behind. Because of the liquor and surprise element in the attack, Rogais reaction speed was not fast enough to dodge or take out his sword. The gulfs fangs were already approaching him. Ha! Unexpectedly, just before the gulf was about to bite Rogai, its neck was slashed. One to strike was Roma. With a sigh, she brushed off the blood on her sword. Rogai, who had fallen by the impact of gulfs dead body hitting him, looked up at Roma. Ki-kuh! What, you!? That was a close call, wasnt it? By the way, what happens if the examiner is saved? That has nothing to do with it! I could have done something! What a waste of time! Youre not even holding your sword. Rogai, panicked by Romas point, immediately took out his sword. It was not a situation that could have been taken advantage of, no matter how one looked at it. With a single wrong move, he could have lost his life. He knew that, too, but knowing so made me feel deflated. Now that alcohol he had been drinking earlier before the encounter had further kicked in, he couldnt even stand up properly. Ugh, damn it! You dared to ridicule me! You mother f! Do you need a hand? I got some water here if you want it? No! I dont need it! Youre such a prick. Roma-san! As I called out to her, I noticed something strange. Something was approaching from the depths of the forest, making a very loud noise. Both Litty and Roma knew what it was when they saw it. They had seen it before in the information from the Adventurers Guild. That cant be it. Roma-san, isnt that a Named monster, the Leader of the Forest? Named monsters were demons that had outstanding strength compared to other demons in the area. They could be mutated, or a monster that wandered the area from another place. In the latter case, they could be a threat to the ecosystem, but the leader of the forest was the former. It was the boss of the gulf herd, and its body was several times larger than that of a normal member. It was the most dangerous demon on Mt. Baruni, and its rank was Its a 4th level demon We need to do something immediately. What the heck is that? Examiner, dont you know? Even though youve retired from active duty, shouldnt you at least check the information about the place youre entering beforehand? But its the fourth level, isnt it? I could take care of it! He couldnt fight with his staggered steps. It was obvious to both of us. He didnt even check out the information on the named monster, but instead drank alcohol and was prideful about his past achievements. For Roma, her disdain was shown directly, and she didnt care about him at all. But for Litty, he was a worthy rescue target. Examiner, please stand back. To listen to the words of a rookie, who had not even reached the 5th rank yet, was truly humiliating for Rogai. Normally, encountering a demon of that level would make even Rogai think twice before fighting it. But the humiliation he was to receive has just started. As if to drive a nail, to the conceited Rogai, Roma stood in front of him to show her protection. CH 13.1 T/N: Sorry for delay but this chapter took a lot of time tranlating, edting and refining. I hope that you will like the overall flow. Litty, Unleashed Her Special Skill The big sized gulf, without wasting its time, attacked them. Its mighty claws mowed down the trees in its way as it sprinted towards the three people. The tree, which was a few years old, was not even an obstacle. The forest would be filled with gulfs if such a monster inhabited the area. Determined to defeat it at any cost, the thought of fleeing never crossed Romas mind. If they couldnt defeat it in time and the gulfs under its command came, then the situation would be even more disadvantageous and dangerous for them. Roma-san, look out for its claws and hind legs! The sword they were wielding wouldnt do much damage to its thick fur. Even though thats what Litty was thinking, it was actually difficult to get close to it and strike. It was hard to imagine that despite having such an enormous body, it was able to leap as high as that of the tall trees. A normal gulf could never compare to half its prowess. As if looking down on the two tiny humans, who were doing their best to dodge its attacks, the leader of the forest continued the onslaught. Kuh! Not good! Even though Roma was one of the best among the apprentices of the current batch, it was not a demon that she could take down. If they just continued running around like this, they would run out of energy not long after, and then could only wait to be slaughtered. Roma suddenly thought of something and decided to draw the demons attention to herself by shouting loudly. Haaah! Since the battle between Litty and Caddock, she had been feeling jealous. Compared to the genius that was Litty, she was nothing. The more she thought like that, the more she felt that something was consuming her. For some reason, she believed that she could not defeat the Leader of the Forest by herself but maybe Litty could. Even that monster was unable to chase both of them at the same time. So, Roma decided that she would act as bait here and let Litty take the shot. Roma-san! Litty called Roma while still running around. As if knowing what was on Romas mind, Litty pulled a stone out of a bag in her pocket and struck it at the Forest Leaders head. Roma did not understand what she was doing. But then the forest leader turned to Litty. Instantly, Roma understood. Litty was trying to use herself as bait but she couldnt fathom why she would do that. Littys speed had not decreased even now. In contrast to her, Roma seemed to be already at her limits. It was obvious to see which one of them had more physical stamina. That was why Litty entrusted Roma with the role of attacker so that Roma could minimize her movements and wait for the right time. Roma was impressed by Littys insight and came to accept things more easily. At the same time, she suddenly felt her body lighten. Okay. Struggling to pursue Litty, the forest leader turned its back on Roma. Perhaps that would be their only chance. At that moment, if Roma could at least sprain its legs and hinder its speed, they would have a much higher chance of emerging as the winner. Going through everything Roma had learned in her training, she retraced the skills she honed. What was the most powerful skill she possessed at the moment? That was Litty-san just who in the world are you? The reason why Roma muttered that to herself was because the movements of the monster, at that time, had become so monotonous that it felt like it were being led around by Litty. However, this would not last long, so Roma prepared herself. When the forest leader landed to start its next move, Roma rushed in with a speed she had never moved with and poured all her energy into that single strike. GALE SLASH A brilliant light flashed as she struck her sword that was much faster than a normal slash. It ripped through one of the hind legs of the Leader of the Forest, making it howl in pain and stop moving. The attack may not be powerful enough to sever its hind leg, but it was surely enough to take away the speed and the strength which had given them a headache. The Leader of the Forest tried to get back to the attacker who had stabbed its leg from behind. However, in front of it was Litty. Explosion Slash! Roma could not believe her eyes. As soon as the Forest Leaders hind leg was seriously injured, Litty delivered a massive vertical swing, and a large amount of concentrated energy exploded from Littys sword the moment it landed on the Forest Leaders head. The forest leader, cut down and blasted, howled as it fell over sideways. Litty, seeing no sign of the enemy getting up, exhaled. Thankfully it worked out Litty-san, what was that skill? Ki, you guys Have you been lying all along?! Rogai interrupted Roma with a heavy tone of voice. Roma did not even spare him a glance. You say youre a 6th Rank rookie, but you must actually be someone of a higher rank! Otherwise, you wouldnt be able to defeat a demon of this rank! Ive never lied! You are not an amateur! Theres no way an amateur can defeat a demon of 4th rank! Ill definitely report this to the top executives! You know thats not going to work. Total nonsense! (Roma) What the hell, youyou, Romayoure getting carried away by those idiots calling you a genius, right? Romas anger simmered in her gut. Why should they, who earnestly aspire to be adventurers, be hindered by such trash? It was only a matter of time before her anger turned into hostility. In general, there is no need for a woman to become an adventurer. They should just get married and leave it at that. You! Roma-san! Litty grabbed Romas arm that was holding the sword. Seeing Litty, who shook her head, Roma lowered her sword. Litty was probably angry, too. But why was she able to keep her calm? What was the difference between Litty and her situation? What was it like when Litty was in the situation from earlier when she was confronted by him? The answer, that she didnt seem to find, made Roma restless. Roma-san, lets go home. Right. Just as the things seemed to have cooled down, they felt numerous gazes staring at them. Rustling sounds came from the bushes nearby. A few heads of the gulfs peeking from behind the trees. They did not need to think a lot to conclude that the Forest Leaders minions had finally gathered. Having no time to worry about other things, Roma quickly started her next move. Litty-san! Lets get out of here immediately! However, from the increased rustling noises in the bushes, it seemed that more gulfs were gathering here. It would have been the worst if the earlier battle had lasted a bit longer. While breaking out in cold sweat, they did their best to head for the exit of the forest. Ah, what about the examiner! (Litty) Our life comes first! (Roma) Hey, shouldnt we help him? (Litty) Rogais tipsiness had cooled off a bit and he was wobbling after the two. He managed to shake off a few of the gulfs, but there were still more chasing behind him. Rogai pulled out his sword and slashed one of the gulfs down, but almost fell prey to another. To be able to kill enemies while being in such a dire situation was enough to prove his experience. Roma was somewhat impressed. Double Strafe! Gan! Two arrows flew past them as they attempted to repel the gulfs. The next to emerge were the instructors, James and Toito. They fought so well that they quickly annihilated the entire pack of gulfs without any problems. Litty was impressed by their ability to prevent even the last gulf from escaping. Instructor! We made it just in time. Are you hurt? Were fine, thanks to you! Well, Im glad to hear that. An old man with a bow in one hand appeared from behind the two instructors. Roma, who recognized him, immediately bowed her head. Litty had not talked with him before, but she did see him from time to time at the Swordsmans Guild. He was known to be the head of the Topas Branch Guild. CH 13.2 The head of the Topas Branch Guild was a man with gray hair and an unusually thin build. He had the archery skills that could kill a gulf in an instant even at the age surpassing 70. The old man, who was a skilled archer, quietly stepped in front of the two apprentices. Sorry about that. I flew here in a hurry when I heard the report from the two of the instructors. Nothank you. It seems that the apprentices reported to James and Toito about Rogais outburst. This time I wont be able to overlook it. Ah, Branch Manager, I didnt know that you would be returning so soon. Didnt you leave just a while ago? I was told that it would take at least four days for you to return (Rogai) After receiving a glare from the branch manager, Rogai put away his sword and corrected his posture, but it was all too late. He did not seem to realize his peril. He had clearly underestimated the branch manager, but only because he had never seen his strict side. Schedules change, Rogai. You are a brilliant Adventurer, despite your character. I thought that one day you would change your mind and take the training of your successors seriously. I told you so when I decided to make you conduct this final exam There, there is a reason for this What about that liquor? He had been described as a daytime drinker, but that was simply because of his nostalgia. He had been distressed. It was easy to bring the punishment you deserved, but this was also troublesome for me as the one who recommended you. As a man who did many bad things when he was young, I have been expecting you to realize your misdeeds after becoming an instructor. Like the man who became rotten after receiving injury and retired, but got back on his feet and became dedicated to his work. Or a desperate man because he lacked self-confidence. Each person has their own light to pursue. And that light would be shining brightly to guide them, you should know that. James turned away with a bitter look on his face, and Toito looked up in embarrassment. They were made to remember the past that included a man at the reception desk who was not here. The fact that they were here as instructors was due to a large part in the personal morals of the branch manager. Rogai, too, was personally selected by the branch manager, but the result was this disaster. It is all my fault Rogai, as of today, I am revoking your instructor status and your title as a swordsman. What! Wa, please wait! Ive waited long enough. The heaviness of those words reflected the years that had passed. Rogais attitude had always been to be harsh with his juniors and to impose somewhat reckless training and examinations on them. That in itself was fine, but this time, Rogai committed the worst unforgivable mistake. The act of endangering future generations for some pettiness and jealousy is unacceptable. Ugh no! I wont accept this. Before Rogai could react, the branch manager quickly struck him with his sword, still in its scabbard. He delivered a blow to the back of his neck, strong enough to knock out Rogai. Just before he lost consciousness, Rogai recalled his humiliation. He remembered the parties that had rejected him when he was still an adventurer. He fought alone, bluffing that he had given up on them, but he nearly died many times. He never achieved much after that, and was overtaken by his more talented juniors. In his old age, he bullied the apprentices who were under him, but unfortunately, at this juncture he encountered a little monster. That monster was still unaware of her own ridiculous existence. Litty-san Yes? Ah, no, lets do this later. The skill which Litty used to defeat the leader of the forest was a magic sword skill. The skill itself was badly executed and would be considered a failure to an experienced user. But the question was, where did she learn it? How did a two-month-old rookie be able to use that skill? Even without using that skill, Litty could have gotten through that fight, but they would have ended in a more dangerous situation, being swarmed by gulfs. There was no particular evidence to back up any of their conclusions, but one thing was for sure. Litty had shown enough power to convince every one of her skills. Especially for Roma, wondering why she was even feeling bitter trying to compare herself to Litty. Roma decided to think in a more optimistic way and accept Litty just the way she was. T/N: Rogai lost his swordsmam title which I think is very important. CH 14.1 Litty, Promoted to 5th Rank Later that day, Litty and Roma were invited to the Branch Managers office of the Swordsmans Guild. They were currently sitting on the sofa situated inside. Litty was so excited by the sofas softness that it almost made her squeal, but considering the environment, she held it in. The branch manager once again bowed towards the two girls in order to apologize for the disaster caused by the Rogai. It was all my fault. Im sorry. (Branch Manager) Its all right. Please raise your head. (Roma) The Branch Manager of a Job Guild was a person of 2nd Rank or higher, so it was understandable that Roma would feel uncomfortable after receiving the bow from such an individual. Litty wanted to say something, but was troubled by the warmth of the tea she was served. The branch manager watched with worry as she blew on the tea and finally managed to take a sip. I didnt expect a 6th Rank rookie to beat a Named Demon. Even if one were to flip through the history books of the Adventurers Guild, there would be no such instance. Hmm If I recall it correctly, 6th Rank rookies are prohibited from hunting down demons, right? Will we get punished for it? (Litty) There is no need to worry. Its not that we want to stop people from doing so, but it is just to keep lower rank adventurers from any harm. (Branch Manager) Oh, I see. Im relieved (Litty) The branch manager did not take his eyes off Litty, who was comforted and patting her chest. Roma also noticed his curiosity toward Litty, which was a given. By the way, Litty, youre from Ruiz Village, right? Do you have a mentor of some sort? (Branch manager) Yes, I am from Ruiz Village. No, I dont have a mentor. (Litty) Hmm, I see. (Branch manager) Very few people dared to start as 6th Rank rookies, even if they had a good background. It was simply because the rewards for the quests were too low and there was no merit. Of course, there had been some quirky ones who joined the rookies and used it to boost their sense of superiority but they were very rare. And if Litty was one of them, that might certainly explain a lot. If she had no combat experience and also was not from this town, then how did she end up in this town? He wanted to find out, but if she didnt want to talk about it, then he could only let it go. One could say that she was gifted, but it could not explain many answered questions. To be honest, Litty still could not bring herself to talk about Aldis. The depressing part of being deceived was the only thing holding her back. Although she did learn from him, she didnt want to call Aldis her mentor. Well, rather than talking about that, lets move to the next topic. I am promoting you two to 5th Rank. Eh?! After all that happened in the exam? You could say its because of what happened No, well, you see. If I leave the title of 6th Rank to a person who is capable of defeating a Named Demon, then Adventurers Guild might question my post as the branch manager and even my capacity to judge. Are you really not going beyond your authority as the branch manager to do so? I understand Romas doubts. Although I entrusted the responsibility to Rogai for the examination, I still have the authority to do whatever I deem necessary. In order to earn a title in one of the job guilds, the applicant must acquire the basic skills of an adventurer. After acquiring the basic skills, they would take an examination, and if they passed, they would be promoted to the 5th Rank. After that, the Adventurers Guild was responsible for advancement. Each job guild was a sub-branch of the Adventurers Guild. In other words, the Adventurers Guild had the higher authority. It was no wonder that the branch manager was jokingly flustered at the possibility of being summoned by the Adventurers Guild. For now, lets get the formalities done. (Branch Manager) Aye! (Litty) Ill wait (Roma) Wait, Roma, I told you I am promoting you as well. (Branch Manager) But, I failed my final exam to become a swordsman. (Roma) Dont be so serious, it is much more difficult to defeat a Named Monster than it is to pass the final exam against Caddock. (Branch Manager) Feeling enlightened, Roma gave in and decided to undergo the procedure. Although she was still troubled about it, this gave her more leverage to gain grounds against men. That was when Roma realized that Litty had something that she didnt have. Litty-san, can I have a word with you later? Yes, of course. After completing the formalities in the branch managers office, they were about to walk out of the Swordsmans Guild when they were greeted by a large group of people. It included Toito, James, and many other instructors they never had a chance to meet. Even the man at the reception desk was there. Congratulations. Let us see off the adventurers who are leaving the nest today. I wonder what will happen to the man who had exchanged blows with me on the first day, he has been here for so long. And Im also feeling sorry for Rogai-san (Litty) Your path is yours to choose. You can go ahead as adventurers. Or you can become a knight like me. Litty was stunned speechless. CH 14.2 In the village, Litty had been praised for trivial things, but she had never achieved something significant. And then there was Yggdrasia. Lets not talk about them. Now, she had finally achieved something important and there were so many people present here to praise and congratulate her. Littys face brightened up at the thought, and tears unknowingly welled up in her eyes. Um, everyonethank you. For someone like me (Litty) You underestimate yourself at times. Its good to be humble, but you should have a little more self confidence. (Branch manager) Yes, I will. (Litty) Roma, you have a lot of potential. It would be good if you could try different job guilds, not just this one. (Branch manager) Thank you for your precious advice. (Branch manager) The tears in Littys eyes were at the edge of falling because of the words from timid and mild Toito. James encouragement made Roma more determined. Um, well, Daniel, who took the field exam with me before, had mentioned to me that some of the higher ranks require more than one title. Thats right. For example, a magical swordsman would need the titles of Swordsman and Mage. However, there are not that many guilds for the higher level jobs. From that point, it would require quite a lot of time and effort to reach some of those places. I see The phrase various job guilds caught Littys attention as well. There was still the Heavy Warrior guild in this town. She was having a hard time deciding which one to go for, but for now, she had another goal in mind. Now that youre a 5th Rank adventurer, youll officially be able to receive all sorts of tasks. Im looking forward to seeing you in action. Yes! I hope you all stay well! Even though the time spent in the job guild was short, it was memorable. Litty was truly grateful to those who acknowledged her and her abilities. She engraved the advice about having self-confidence in her heart and tried to change her thoughts accordingly. After turning to go out of the gates, she burst into tears of joy. *** Litty and Roma sat down at the restaurant, where the old couple welcomed them with open arms, especially since Litty brought a friend. Roma, who had been greeted with sandwiches, juice, and desserts, was surprised by the warm welcome and couldnt hide her bashfulness. Um, you dont have to Dont worry. Please dont hesitate and enjoy your meal. Ah She was once again surprised at the unexpected warmth as she ate the meal. Roma looked around the restaurant and was amazed that there was a place in town that served such delicious food. There were not that many customers. It didnt even look like a popular place, which was unfortunate. Even the sandwiches taste so different. This would definitely bring in more customers. I would appreciate it if that was the case. There are more and more restaurants that serve low-priced food these days. The times have changed. The quality of the food in those restaurants is acceptable for its price. However, restaurants that serve this kind of delicious food should also gain the popularity that they deserve. I was also hoping to get more customers, but after having Litty helping in the restaurant, it didnt really matter to us anymore. Because of Litty-san? Litty, who had already finished all of her sandwich, was sipping her juice. With sauce around her mouth, she looked like a girl next door. Not long ago, Roma would have wondered how this girl changed the couples life. But now, she could somewhat relate to them. If I can make the food that I am satisfied with and there are people who want to eat it, then it is more than enough to make me content. Since the money we earn is more than enough for our living, then there is nothing more I can ask for. Yes, yes, the days before Litty-chan came, we were feeling really depressed, you know. I see Roma never had the chance to have a heart-to-heart talk with Litty, but this girl mentioned that her dream was to be an adventurer and go on all kinds of exciting adventures. At first, Roma thought that Litty was the same as her as they were of similar age, but she never expected that their aspirations were so different from each other. Litty-san, you are only working hard just to go on adventures, right? Yes, thats right. Thats all Ive ever dreamed of. Thats really all youve ever desired, huh? It seems she was even oblivious to the idea of surpassing or beating others. Competitivity could be a good weapon to hone oneself, but sometimes it could also be a double-edged sword. The setback would occur when one of the competing sides realized that they would never be able to surpass the other party. Romas goal was to prove herself and make the men who once ridiculed her to respect her, which in turn, would require her to be on the top of everyone and second to none. When she was defeated by someone stronger than her, she started spiraling down a bottomless abyss. People like Litty, on the other hand, were those who kept running forward and had strong conviction to their goals. Although there might have been differences in their talents, Roma realized that it wouldnt be bad if she were to look at the situation from the perspective of a broad-minded person. CH 14.3 Thank you for stopping me when I was about to attack Rogai on Mount Baruni. If I had really gone through with the attack, I would have played right into his plan. (Roma) Roma-san is an outstanding person I didnt want you to forget about your goal, just because of that. (Litty) What do you mean a great person? (Roma) I couldnt bring myself to leave home because my parents were against it but Roma-san did. You did something I couldnt. From the first day we met, I knew that youre a person with a strong willpower and also a great lady. (Litty) You are actually overrating me when you put it that way. (Roma) No, I would have still been in that village if I never got a chance. Thats where I fail compared to Roma-san (Litty) Littys unexpected compliment left Roma at a loss for words. She thought that Litty had no favorable feelings towards her. After all, it was only natural for her to think so, since she had always thought of Litty as a person with great potential and someone above her. Looking back at herself, she also realized the importance of what Litty was pointing out to her. From the beginning, I simply followed someone elses lead and convinced myself that I should do what they ask for This mindset continued until I met Roma-san, and realized that it was actually a weakness Im truly grateful to you, Roma-san. (Litty) Oh, you dont have to thank me. I didnt do anything in particular to help you. (Roma) Yes, you did. (Litty) Despite her words, Roma reflected on her strength, which even she didnt know she actually had. If viewed from a different perspective, perhaps that was certainly the case. Because of this strange exchange, Litty also fell silent. To dissolve the awkwardness, Roma decided to change the topic of conversation. As the instructor said, now that we both are 5th Rank Adventurers, we can accept hunting tasks, but will you be taking any hunting tasks, Litty-san? Yes. But Im more interested in the Heavy Warriors Guild, so Im thinking of checking out that place as well. Thats a great way to go. Also that guild requires you to wear heavy armor, so Im sure you She was about to say something, but stopped mid-sentence. She was not in a position to suggest anything to Litty. Heavy Warrior, because of its very nature, was not really suitable for women, but she decided not to say anything. In addition, it was not a very likable job among women because of its image being that of something heavy and bulky. But for Litty, it might be a good option, and it would be foolish to stop her. Ill take up requests to hunt and to accumulate achievements as quickly as possible and aim for the 4th Rank. (Roma) If I got promoted to 4th Rank, I could go on more adventures. Hmmm, Im not sure what I should do next! (Litty) By the way, Mt. Baruni is a good location, but the Bikki Mine Ruins and the Peat Plains can also be considered as good locations to receive 5th Rank requests. The Peat Plains, in particular, is connected to the capital, so it would be appreciated if you could hunt demons in the area. (Roma) Heeeh! Looks like Ill have to work hard then! (Litty) There was also a Demon Forest to the south, but it was still too early for both of them to go there, Roma thought so. The more she listened, the more excited Litty became, realizing how fortunate she was to have survived in the Demon Forest. The Supras and Yangra were 5th Rank, and the Salamanders were 4th Rank. Going deeper into the forest, there were demons that were much more dangerous and could even reach above 3rd rank. Litty-san, lets work hard to reach higher ranks! Yes, Roma-san, I will do my best. You dont have to add -san to my name. Were not that much different in age, and more importantly, we are We are? No, dont mind it, just call me Roma. Ill call you Litty, too. With that, she politely thanked the old couple and left the restaurant. As for Litty, she was not comfortable with the idea of calling her without honorifics. After all, to Litty, she was a senior, older and more experienced than her, making her feel more respect towards her. But as long as Roma wanted her to do so, she couldnt help but follow. Roma She tried to say it out loud, but still couldnt get used to it. When she was in the village, she was taught that it was better to treat strangers with honorifics to convey a sense of respect and not a sense of ill intent. She understood that it was not necessary to do that with Roma. Assuming that everything was about getting used to it, Litty decided to call it a day and took a rest. Name: Litty Gender: Female Age: 15 Rank: 5 Main Job: Swordsman Mastered Job: Swordsman CH 15.1 Litty Writes to her Hometown At the Adventurers Guild, Litty was looking at the task forms being displayed. A woman at the reception desk noticed Litty and called out to her. The adventurers relaxing at the nearby table followed Litty with their eyes to see what was going on. Because of the previous incident, she had successfully attracted peoples attention. However, other than Dimos, no one got involved with her so far. Litty-san, first of all, congratulations on your Advancement to the 5th Rank. (Receptionist) Yes, thank you. (Litty) I heard from the Swordsmans Guilds branch manager that you had slain the Leader of the Forest. Youre going to receive a reward for that as well. (Receptionist) What? I am getting a reward for that?! (Litty) Of course. Actually, it was a long-forgotten task, but I never expected a 6th Rank rookie to complete it. Im very impressed. (Receptionist) You are very impressed? (Litty) What did you say? The adventurers, who had heard about it for the first time, could not sit still and they all stood up one after another. It went without saying why they couldnt believe what they were hearing. The Named monster Leader of the Forest had killed many adventurers so far. Some of the adventurers here had lost their friends because of that monster, and even some of the 3rd Rank adventurers had trouble dealing with the Leader of the Forest because of the number of Gulfs it could gather. One could say that Litty and Roma were lucky in their battle, but they could not deny the outcome. Do I really get this much reward money?! The Leader of the Forest alone is a 4th Rank Demon, which is not that high a ranking. However, considering the damage and danger it had brought, the amount of reward is reasonable. On the other hand, no matter how strong a Demon is, if they didnt do much damage, the reward for hunting them usually is not that much. Of course, the Leader of the Forest also has a large group of gulfs at its back and calls which make it much more dangerous than other 4th rank demons. Oh, that! This is no good! After all, I was with Roma-san! Dont worry, that girl had already received her reward. So, its a 50-50. By the way, she received it very calmly. Really~ Litty could only sigh or make goofy sounds. She had just learned another thing about Romas character. Unlike her, Roma was not that flustered by the amount of money she had received. Litty had no choice but to accept the money with a flexible attitude. For Litty, who lived in the countryside and was not well-off, the amount of money she received was enough to make her hands tremble. Even after taking it in her hand, she could not stop her trembling. Ive always wondered about the rank of Leader of the Forest. I heard its equivalent to 3rd Rank. If the Leader of the Forest had done a little more damage, the rank would have been raised. And it was actually killed by a little girl? What the heck is going on with that girl The adventurers were not at all happy to see Roma, and then followed by Litty. Unaware of their unhappiness, Litty kept the money in her pouch. As an adventurer, I would eventually receive more money in the future so I must learn from this incident and keep my calm in similar situations. Litty told herself. With this much money, it should be possible to save the village from poverty. Then, it occurred to her that she should go home soon. However, no matter how much she stared at the map, she could not locate the village of Ruiz. The woman at the reception desk, sensing Littys concern, gave a suggestion. Do you want to send money back home? (Receptionist) Yes, I do. But Ive come to a really far place I dont know where my village is. (Litty) Then why dont you use Harpy Transport? (Receptionist) Harpy Transport? Oh, thats right! (Litty) Harpy Transport was a service that delivered goods anywhere in the world. They were highly reliable and were affiliated with the Adventurers Guild. Yes, I would like to use the service! (Litty) Harpies were demons with strong claws and soft wings instead of arms, but they were friendly to humans. Harpy Transport, operated by harpies, was a popular service among adventurers who left their hometowns. It naturally attracted a large number of clients. Because of the Harpies own abilities, there was almost no fear of them being robbed along the way. Litty was unaware of the existence of such a service. No, to be more precise, she did read the description of it in the Adventurers Manual, but in her busy schedule, she had forgotten all about it. CH 15.2 By the way, can I include a letter with money being sent? (Litty) Yes, of course. (Receptionist) Ill write it down right now! (Litty) Litty borrowed a pen, picked up a piece of paper, and took a seat at the table. Although Litty was seated with a group of adventurers, she seemed to be in her own world without minding people around her. Adventurers observed her from head to toe, but they could not tell where her strength came from. Even the sword she was using was a very common one, its the same sword she received when she graduated from the Adventurers Guild. Some of them even thought of inviting Litty to join them to do a quest but none of them wanted to take the initiative first. Im done! (Litty) Well, heres the procedure. (Receptionist) Litty with an innocent and happy smile went to the reception desk, but the adventurers knew about her peculiar temperament that had even silenced the 4th Rank Dimos. It was hard to believe that the end of a Named Demon was a hoax. That was why, if she was the real deal, their own credibility might be at risk. Well, they could not really do anything about it, then just observing. Hai! Thank you for using Harpy Transport! (Receptionist) Please take this money and letter to Ruiz Village. (Litty) As they were conversing, Harpy appeared on the scene with a cheerful greeting. Although in the form of a girl, the white wings on her arms asserted a technical non-human appearance. Litty was a little amazed, but she quickly fixed her expression. What, youre actually sending back so much money? Dont you want to keep some for yourself? (Receptionist) Its fine. I can earn more by myself from now on. (Litty) I see. So, you live in Ruiz village um, maybe around here (Harpy) Its far away (Litty) Its a long way from the capital, too. (Harpy) The location of Ruiz Village, as Harpy identified it on the map, was incredibly far away. No matter how small the village was, there was no place in the world that harpies did not know. Because of its size, it was a little difficult to locate a village as small as Ruiz Village. At this distance, the shipping costs would be quite high. But the weight of the cargo is almost nothing, though (Harpy) Quite high? (Litty) Yes. If you could go to a city that is a little closer to this village, it would be cheaper. (Harpy) I see, please proceed. (Litty) Are you sure? (Harpy) Yes. I just want to let my parents know as soon as possible that Im doing well (Litty) Litty paid the travel fee along with the money and letter to be delivered by the Harpy. Dont worry, I will be responsible for the delivery! Please! Grabbing the package with her feet, the Harpy flew out of the Adventurers Guild, with Litty seeing her off and praying for her safety. What would her parents think when they saw the money and the letter? Would they be surprised or angry? Would they believe her? Litty wondered how she could put these restless thoughts to rest. If she could make good progress and send money steadily, then her parents might be relieved. Next, Litty started looking at the requests posted on the board. As Roma said, there were tasks related to Peat Grasslands and Bikki Mine Ruins. Litty picked up one of the notices and took it to the receptionist. I want to take this Peat Grasslands task! (Litty) Okay, but alone? (Receptionist) Yes. I need to earn reward money. (Litty) Oi oi. Are you kidding with us? (Bystander) She sounded like she was being greedy and too eager, but Litty was unaware of it. Please dont force yourself too much, okay? (Receptionist) Yes, Ill run away if I think its dangerous. (Litty) Even after Litty cheerfully left the Adventurers Guild, the other adventurers did not move. They were not slacking off either. Defeating demons was not only exhausting, but it also involved injuries. No matter how low the rank of the demon they were facing, they would be physically and mentally drained. It was also not uncommon for them to not work after taking into consideration their physical condition and the weather. Its gonna rain soon, though. Someone should tell her. She should get a little taste of reality. No adventurer could maintain the same motivation and physical condition every single day and hunt, regardless of the weather. If they could, they would have been earning incomparably more money than they did now. Although some sympathized with her, no one stopped her in the end. CH 16.1 Litty, Fighting on the Peat Grasslands On my first day as 5th rank adventurer, I decided to hunt in the Peat Grasslands. The plains north of the city were almost free of obstacles that might block peoples line of sight. Trees and small hills scattered around, with green landscapes and tranquil environment would be visible till a persons eyes could see. Litty took a deep breath of fresh air. It was a place filled with natural air, but was getting polluted by demons. After a short rest, Litty started exploring. It was a large plain, but most of the demons inhabiting it were of 5th rank. There was a reason for that. The main pathways from town to town were often maintained by the nation. This place was no exception, and if one followed the roads, they would never get lost. Nation periodically sent knights and soldiers to hunt down demons nearby town roads, causing their number to decrease in that region, though not to the point of extinction. It would be great if the country could just kill all demons, but the expenses needed for that would be ridiculous. Of course, demons could not be left unattended during the periodic cleaning by knights as they could quickly multiply and cause major disasters. That was where the adventurers came into the picture. What is that a Yangra and Baffolos? I was familiar with Yangra, a demon that had inhabited the Demon Forest, but I had never seen Baffolo before. It was built like a bull, but its horns were branched and facing forward. Although both Yangra and Baffolo were of the same 5th Rank, it was the latter that was more dangerous. Moreover, they often form herds. So far, there was one Yangra and three Baffolo. At that moment they were each chewing grass in different places, but their attacking prowess were admirable. Litty knew that the more time they spent wandering around, the more likely they would notice her. As these thoughts passed Littys mind, she stealthily made her way towards one of the demons. With a surprise attack from the back, she smoothly took down one of them which was standing far away from others. Unsurprisingly, the demon she killed was Yangra. This was a demon she could defeat even without a weapon, so she handled this one without much effort. One down, alright! Next! As soon as the three bafollos around noticed her, they reflectively took a step back. But after the initial shock died down, they then aimed their horns and charged toward her. Rather than taking a reckless approach, they moved in a straight line creating a path of attack that did not interfere with each other. At the last possible moment when bafollos were about to hit her, Litty made a sudden turn to the right. She flanked the Baffolo on the outermost corner, and replicated the skill that Roma had shown her. Gale slash! It hit at an angle from the bottom of the front leg to the back. Even if it didnt kill it, it wont be able to stand back again once it falls down. Litty did not miss the gap between the two Baffolo, who were struggling to stop the momentum of the charge attack (aka Rush skill). She jumped directly above the two Baffolos, and again delivered a Gale Slash. However, their backs appeared to have thicker skin than their sides, so the attack was not powerful enough to knock them out. When she landed on the other side, one of the Baffolo shook its head and launched an attack. The horns were as sharp as blades, and a single hit from them would be life-threatening. She immediately moved to avoid the horns, which made a swoosh sound as they cut through the air. Then, aiming the moment when their charge attack had just started, she launched a Parrying Cleave at both pairs of horns aimed at her. It didnt matter if they had successfully used charged attacks (Rush skill) because they had not gained momentum yet. As Litty observed both of them during the attack, she soon understood their state and released another Gale Slash when the Baffolos heads were deflected by the cleave. Two hits! Gale Slash! She released two Gale Slashes almost at the same time. Thats an application of the skill that even the guild did not teach them. The two Baffolos, after sustaining a number of blows, finally ran out of strength and collapsed. As Litty had successfully taken down one Yangra and three Baffolos, she approached the Baffolos corpse and felt its skin. They were not as fast as a gulf, but they were stronger. They were also much more powerful. If she was hit, a single blow could be fatal. That was all according to Littys analysis. Even though both of them were the same rank, they had different characteristics. The danger also varied accordingly. Litty interpreted that the Rank was only a rough measurement. The flesh of Baffolo and Yangra had good demand in the town. The proof of subjugation would be a piece of the horns. However, Litty alone could not carry so much, so this total of four demons was the limit. This alone would be enough to bring in some money. But it was not enough for Litty. Dash! That was when Litty came up with the idea of going back and forth to the town. Since this place was not that far from the town, it would be easy with Littys physical capabilities. While running to the city with luggage on her back, Litty wondered, How am I going to carry all of this back? Transporting the luggage was the most important issue. Above all, the most important thing she felt during the battle earlier was the importance of weapons. The Gale Slash was fast and powerful, but it failed to kill highly tough demons like those Baffolos. It may seem excessive, but there would be times when that kind of situation could become fatal. If I could master many skills and weapons at the same timeI would definitely be stronger. Mastering a large number of weapons at once. It was an idea too far-fetched and simple. CH 16.2 I have completed the request! (Litty) Ha, that was fast three Baffolo and one Yangra (Receptionist) Even though the plain was located nearby, it was not an easy feat to kill four demons and bring back the loot in less than three hours. The number of demons killed were on the level that needed a party made up of 5th rank adventurers to defeat. However, the fact that a single person had accomplished this was enough to send the adventurers into a frenzy. Thats impossible (1st adventurer) That loot alone is pretty heavy, isnt it? (2nd adventurer) Baffolos are tough and nasty, so even one of them would be a pain to deal with. You cant even get close to them when their horns are swinging around (3rd adventurer) Although there were some differences in each Baffolos, a Baffolo was one of the most troublesome demons to hunt in the 5th Rank. It was even considered a rite of passage to be fearing this monster on the first encounter after advancing to the 5th Rank. The power of its horns and Rush could easily destroy a beginner. The adventurers there had also been beaten by those demons before, the feat achieved was making Littys presence increasingly difficult to understand. Then, should I process with (Receptionist) Ah! I still have a lot of hunting to do today, so please put it all together for later! (Litty) Eh! Wait, what! (Receptionist) Litty ran out again, leaving the receptionist feeling puzzled and at a loss. Although there was still some time before the sunset, the weather was changing. Littys endless vitality and enthusiasm could not be contained by a few 5th Rank demons. *** As she was once again sprinting across the grasslands, she felt a presence beneath her feet. After reflexively jumping up, she saw something poking its head out. It was a 5th Rank Acon, a serpent with an incredibly long body and the power to strangle a human wearing protective gear in seconds. Although it was not venomous, many people were killed by this serpent without knowing how it killed them. If Baffolo were a human equivalent of a Heavy Warrior, Acon would be a Thief or Assassin. Litty was also unable to attack the fast snake crawling on the ground. She also considered letting her feet get caught, but that would be a last resort. Locating Litty once more, Acon leaped forward, and as the snake approached, Litty released a Gale Slash, but it didnt directly hit the head, but the body. However, it wasnt enough to stop that snakes pursuit. Both sturdiness and speed made it even more troublesome than a Baffolo. However, Litty already understood its attack pattern. This demon was similar to snakes, which killed their prey by constriction. It used the momentum of its strike to throw itself and coil around its victims body. Then, it would tightly squeeze it. Every time the prey exhaled, the snake would further tighten its grip. Soon, the victim would be unable to breathe. Litty just needed to focus on dodging and counter-attacking whenever that demon approached with a bite. When the timing was appropriate, Litty would twist her body to dodge the attack and then make a counter-attack with a slash. Due to the nature of the constricting attack of the snake, there would be a time lag before it could coil at its victims, so aiming for that moment, she launched her attacks. Litty, having discerned how the demon moved after the first clash, she soon defeated Acon. Im certain that the useful materials for this snake are Acon scales would also be a good material to sell. The meat had some demand, but it was not very popular. Though it had some nutritional value, the taste was bland and inferior to beef, poultry, or pork. Litty thought of the elderly couple and wondered if they too would be reluctant to receive this meat. However, she could not let it go to waste, so she decided to take it back with her. Litty then continued her search for Yangra and Baffolo. After killing a few more, she encountered a herd of more than 10, and as expected, she avoided them. Even after defeating so many of them, there were still large herds like what she encountered, indicating that no matter how many adventurers and knights there were, there would never be an end to their numbers. Litty repeated going back and forth to the town as much as she could. She felt that she was not strong enough to face a swarm of Baffolos, so she just focused on attacking small groups. She believed that one day she would be able to defeat such a big herd on her own, but she wondered what exactly she needed to do to achieve that. So far, Litty hadnt actually fought such a large number of demons. Even if she had the Strength to fight, Endurance was what she lacked at the moment. Heavy Warrior Guild No one knew if there was an answer beyond what she mumbled. But when the thought came to her mind, her body started moving. By the time she finished bringing back all her spoils, it was already nighttime, and the number of materials she brought back had resulted in everyone in the Adventurers Guild becoming speechless. While waiting for everything to be processed, she thought about using Zhuls traps as a reference, but the materials needed were severely lacking. She also thought about Bandera, but she simply lacked the high magic power to do anything with magic. What was she able to do right now? During her battle at Peat Grasslands, Litty was re-examining herself. CH 17.1 Litty, Training at Heavy Warriors Guild Can you equip this one? (Unknown person) The next day at the Heavy Warrior Guild, Littys physique was the first thing to be criticized. The man with square-cut hair presented Litty with a full-body armor, but it seemed like the armor didnt fit her in any way. It was the first time a woman, to be more specific, a little girl, had visited them, so the man was at a loss for what to do next. Is there a smaller version of this armor set? (Litty) There are few, but Im not sure if one of them will fit you. Dont you already have the title of Swordsman? (Man) Please, let me have a look! I want to try everything as long as there is a possibility! (Litty) I see. Wed be glad to have someone like you with us. Just give me a minute. (Man) At the warehouse, he brought another set of armor that had been stored in one of the warehouses corners. It was not exactly a fully plated one, but it covered the shoulders, torso, and waist. Litty immediately reached out to try it on. Thankfully, she was able to put it on without much effort. But then she felt that it seemed a little heavier than she expected. Oh, it is heavy (Litty) Its supposed to be. In fact, that is pretty meager equipment for a Heavy Warrior. Even if you succeeded in wearing it, I dont think you would be able to demonstrate the full might of the job. (Man) The Heavy Warriors used their weight to perform body blows. The armor equipped by Litty was half as protective and heavy as regular ones, this one looked more like that of a Swordsman. As Swordsmen moved around flexibly, extra weight was a hindrance, so it was not a popular piece of equipment even among them. If you have money, you can easily register with the Swordsman Guild over there, right? But here, we dont allow it. We dont want to be like those guys and just accept the money. (Man) I can assure you that I can work finely with this armor, please let me. (Litty) Hmmm, Ill see what I can do, lets go to the reception desk first. (Man) After they reached the reception desk, the square-cut man hurriedly disappeared along the stairs. Meanwhile, Litty was still wearing her armor, waiting at the reception desk. Its really heavy. She wanted to take it off. Such thoughts kept coming to Litty, who had always used her speed to gain advantage over her opponents. Suddenly, Litty had a flash of inspiration at that moment. If she could fight with this heavy armor equippedC Hey, thank you for your patience. (Man) Im the branch leader of the Heavy Warriors Guild. Oh, isnt that this is indeed a rare visitor. (Branch manager) A large, middle-aged man with a skinhead appeared before Litty, and unlike the Branch Manager of Swordsmans Guild, this one was a big man. He was around 40 or so years old, but his muscles showed no sign of decline. Alright, I know what to do next. Take her to the training grounds. (Branch manager) Heh? What? Wont that crush her? (Man) If thats all she got, then thats the end of it. Anyway, this young fellow is eager to prove herself. (Branch manager) Okay. (Man) After paying the registration fee, Litty was finally led to the training grounds. As she approached it, she heard deafening shouts. The mens roars were so loud that they caused the building to shake. Litty felt the difference in atmosphere from Swordsmans training grounds, as she braced herself for her upcoming battle. *** The men were all training together. Everyone was busy doing push-ups, sit-ups, squats, etc., while sweating in nothing but just a pair of half pants. They were straining their bodies in every possible way. Perhaps because of this, every man had enormous build and muscles. Litty felt that one of their original characteristics was their large physiques, which made them more demanding than the Swordsman Guild. We have to build our bodies first before we can wear armor or do anything else. If we must point out the difference then if the Swordsman Guild focuses on skill, then this place focuses on strength. (Man) I see! (Litty) If youre up for it, Ill introduce you to an instructor right away. Are you alright still wearing your armor? (Man) Yes, I am. Id like to get used to it as soon as possible. (Litty) Understandably, the man with the square-cut hair had some doubts. The armor she was wearing was heavy, and even the girl had complained about its weight. But now she seemed perfectly composed. Perhaps she was just being desperate, but the man didnt care and called for an instructor. Oh! Barrigan! What do you want! (Approaching person) Hey, Gonza, this kid wants to start learning here today. Well, I know you have something to say, but higher ups have already decided. (Barrigan) Oh, okay? Huh (Instructor Gonza) Nice to meet you! (Litty) Even Gonza, the bulky instructor, had difficulty accepting Littys presence the moment he saw her. Everyone who came to this place was a strong, rugged man. If it were a man, he would have yelled at him or slapped him, but what to do with a girl? For 34-year-old Gonza, it was going to be an ordeal. Im telling you, you dont have to go easy on her just because shes a girl. Shes here with that intention too. (Barrigan) Oh (Instructor Gonza) Oh instructor! Do you want me to do what they are doing? (Litty) No, well uhm, ah Yes, but can you do it? (Instructor Gonza) Litty pointed to people doing squats. Contrary to the uncertain instructor, Gonza, Litty suddenly started squatting. Just as Gonza was about to give her a hard time for her mindless, high-speed movements, Gonza realized something and suggested. Ah, hey. I dont mind if you take off your armor, okay? (Instructor Gonza) You dont mind? (Litty) Ah, would you rather do it while wearing the armor? (Instructor Gonza) I thought it would make me stronger faster. (Litty) Gonza felt as if he had met an unknown creature. It was partly because he had hardly ever interacted with the opposite gender in so many years. Were all females this mysterious? He couldnt do anything but watch Littys squat as she took off her armor and moved at a faster speed. Ah! I feel much lighter! (Litty) Oh, it looks like your body has already warmed up enough, so shall we continue with the next? (Gonza) Really? (Litty) No way that Gonza-san let her off already?! (Someone in background) There was no one in this training center who had not been subjected to Gonzas abuse, or who had been able to easily advance to the next level. However, Barrigan, the man with the square-cut hair, who was accompanying them, knew everything that was happening. He was certain that they had got someone talented. Where did such physical strength come from in that small body? No matter what tasks he let her do, no matter how much he twisted his neck to think about it, he just couldnt figure it out. Well, next time well do something like this to stabilize the center of gravity. (Instructor Gonza) Gonza, I know how you feel, but arent you being too aggressive? (Barrigan) A Heavy Warriors job is to catch the enemys attack. Whats the point of being a Heavy Warrior if you cant catch the enemys attack and fall down? (Instructor Gonza) Thats right but (Barrigan) Look at her, she has already started doing it (Instructor Gonza) CH 17.2 Some distance away from them, there was a man holding a spear, and others were launching attacks at him from all angles. The sound of the impact was terrible, but the man on the receiving end never collapsed. Litty found that it was similar to blocking and parrying that she had seen at the Swordsman Training Facility, but the training here was more focused on defense. Like that, you have to keep holding on unwaveringly, no matter what kind of attack comes your way. Lets try that one. (Instructor Gonza) Gonza, isnt it a little too early? (Barrigan) A spear! Ive never held a spear before, so Im looking forward to it! (Litty) I see, I see, Gonza said, nodding with a smile. Even the rugged apprentices were perplexed by his amiable persona. The mere presence of a girl in the room was already an unbelievable situation. Gonza, who often harshly yelled at them just because he was upset about being continuously rejected in an arranged marriage, had clearly softened. The spear that Gonza brought was of a length that Litty could not possibly handle. Heres a spear. I picked the shortest one I could find, but how is it? (Instructor Gonza) Its kind of strange. Should I move it like this? Rotate it (Litty) You dont have to do that yet as its your first day. (Instructor Gonza) I kind of figured it out. I want to try it out. (Litty) I see. (Instructor Gonza) Gonza-san?! (Barrigan) Gonza smiled and had Litty stand in front of her opponent. Litty held her spear with both hands, but her opponent didnt attack her. She was obviously a beginner. This was so reckless. The other man was caught in such a dilemma. Gonza-san, wouldnt it be better to give her a shield rather than this heavy spear? (Littys opponent) Well, let her try it out lightly. If this is not good, Ill think about your suggestion. (Instructor Gonza) Huhwell, Ill try not to injure her. Hey, little girl. (Littys opponent) The man delivered an apparently moderate blow with his spear. Litty staggered and dodged, perhaps because of her being unfamiliar with the weapon. The weapon was too long for her to get a feel of it. Seemed like what they said was true. The man stopped after a few attacks. I know that youre new to this job, and it is your first day so its fine if you dodge the attacks for now, but were currently in the training specially made for adventurers to learn on how to receive the attacks head-on. Draw the enemy as close as possible and then retaliate. Thats what Heavy Warrior is all about. (Littys opponent) Yes, please lets do it again! (Litty) No, I cant. (Littys opponent) Um, I just need one more time. Please. (Litty) The man was at a loss on what to do with Littys insistence. He looked at Instructor Gonza for further instructions and received a small nod. Seeing that, the man readjusted his spear to answer Littys request. Ill only give you one more chance. (Littys opponent) Please! (Litty) Littys voice was so loud that it made everyone in the guild turn their heads to look at her. The man was almost overwhelmed by all the attention they were receiving, but then he released a thrust as if he was determined to push his way through this awkward atmosphere. Even though it was a mock spear without a blade and tip flattened, it would have caused severe pain if it were to hit Litty in the abdomen. Worst of all, she might end up vomiting. For that brief moment, everyone had already imagined the scenario of Litty rolling on the ground in pain and crying. But it was Littys spear that blocked the mans spear. What! Ohh, I did it! Ive already blocked it successfully!? (Litty) Litty, likewise, released a thrust. The flattened tips of the spears offset each others thrusts so that they were perfectly aligned. Immediately afterwards, Litty, who had successfully blocked the mans attack, attempted to launch a follow-up attack. Wait! No further attacks! (Instructor Gonza) Ah (Litty) Litty came to her senses at the sound of Instructor Gonzas angry tone. This was only an exercise. The mans well practiced and powerful blow had made her blood pump. Litty immediately bowed her head. Ah, Im sorry! (Litty) That was brilliant. (Littys opponent) The man lowered his spear and praised her honestly. That one word was the limit. The man was a novice in the training center, but his talent was recognised by many. Even though his opponent had already earned the title of Swordsman, he was proud that he was better than his opponent when it came to spears. But how was she able to execute the move so finely? Why? The man thought, but he would never have thought about one particular point. To be ready to execute a follow up attack, you have to know the actions of your target (Instructor Gonza) Instructor Gonzas words were the answer the man had been avoiding the most. The reality was that the girl who had appeared in the training center just a few moments ago had already seen through his moves in such a small amount of time. Was it after his first attack? No, probably even before that. She only saw his movements for a moment. The title of Heavy Warrior would definitely be an easy run for her. The man concluded so as he questioned his own abilities, and compared them to someone like her. YouIll definitely go even higher than you. (Littys opponent) He unintentionally spoke his true feelings. CH 18.1 Litty, having a mock battle at Heavy Warriors Guild Oh, so this is a shield! (Litty) Yup, thats the shield. (Instructor Gonza) Litty was attempting to master a difficult skill of the Heavy Warriors guild, which required shields. As usual, the one she was using was the smallest shield available in size. During her stay with Yggdrasia, its members never used shields, so she wasnt even sure how to use them. Shields are very useful. Even a swordsman can use them, but I dont think they teach the use of shields over there. (Instructor Gonza) Yes. Hmm Ive only used swords so far. (Litty) When a Swordsman carries a sword in one hand and a shield in the other, it stabilizes their attack and defense. However, the downside is that your attacks will be less flexible and less powerful. (Instructor Gonza) But now that you are training to be a Heavy Warrior, the weapon of choice is a spear or an axe. You must be thinking, why not a sword, right? A one-handed sword is less powerful than a one-handed axe and has less reach than a spear. A Heavy Warrior equipped with heavy armor and a shield can hardly make quick maneuvers, even when using a sword. (Instructor Gonza) Instructor Gonza was only giving a general example. Some Heavy Warriors could also get around well with one-handed swords, depending on their skills. In fact, there had been many types of Heavy Warriors. Some would even use two-handed swords with no shield, others used a one-handed sword and shield, and so on. There could be many combinations when it came to being a heavy warrior, but this was not recommended for beginners. The role of the training center was to teach the basic moves to the beginners. Try to defend against attacks from various angles with your shield. I know that youre at a slight disadvantage with that small shield, but its worth giving it a shot. (Instructor Gonza) Yes! I will try! (Litty) Alright, here we go. (Instructor Gonza) Beginner apprentices would not be safe against Litty as an opponent. So out of consideration for their mental state, instructor Gonza had to come up with a good plan. He decided that he, as the instructor, would be the best person to train Litty, who was full of unique talents. He equipped a one-handed sword, which he was not quite used to using, and slashed at Litty, who was able to block it successfully. Like this? (Litty) Whoa! Youve got a good instinct for a first timer! (Instructor Gonza) Thank you! (Litty) After Litty successfully blocked Instructor Gonzas first blow, it was as if she fell into a rhythm. She repeatedly received the sword blows with her shield. The defense was good, but the problem started with the next part. Oh, that looks good, but next time, try to use your one-handed spear to counterattack while blocking my sword strikes. (Instructor Gonza) Yes, instructor! Im ready! (Litty) Come at me with all you got! (Instructor Gonza) She is going toe-to-toe with Gonza-san. Said one of the apprentices, who could not concentrate on their own training, because of the fuss being made by Litty and the instructor. Instructor Gonza had noticed it too, but decided to let it be. It was more important for him to concentrate on Litty right now. It was a brilliant defense. He wondered if he should continue holding back. He was just worried that he would not be able to properly guide her if he didnt hold back appropriately. After all, it may end up being too one-sided. Teyaaah! (Litty) Whoa! (Instructor Gonza) It was a vicious attack, aiming for his head without any hesitation. And although it was blocked, Littys spear still managed to graze the side of Instructor Gonza. Litty boldly thrust her shield forward, distracted him with it, and then attacked him with her spear. It was a wonderful chain of moves. This was only a training exercise, and also the first time Litty used a shield while attacking with a spear. Instructor Gonza was beginning to regret it little by little. He wondered if he would be able to save some of his dignity as an instructor. Although Litty was only a 5th Rank, she was also an adventurer, just like him. Gonza, an instructor who was still active in the field, felt that her skills were no longer on the level of a mere student. She would soon be able to rise to his rank. Gonza couldnt help but assume so. Umm, instructor. Are we done? (Litty) Oh, ah yes, you did well, Litty-san. (Instructor Gonza) The training had ended when the sword was not only blocked by the shield, but he was also forced to parry her spear with it. He could still feel numbness in his right hand, which was holding the sword. However, he held his sword firmly, making sure that no one noticed the anomaly. Next time, he planned to use a spear and then an axe. With some more training, Litty would be able to improve on her form, but it would not be significant enough to strengthen her skills. Knowing this, instructor Gonza was reluctant to continue her training. Now, Ill be using a spear. But unlike a sword, it has a longer reach, so be careful. (Instructor Gonza) Yes! (Litty) Everyone in the training facility, including the other instructors, had stopped to watch Litty and Instructor Gonza engage in a mock battle. Instructor Gonzas main weapon was an axe, but he was also good with a spear. Instructor Gonza was feeling the heat build up inside of him as he was looking forward to their next confrontation. However, knowing that his qualifications as an instructor would be questioned if he injured an apprentice during their training, Instructor Gonza suppressed those boiling emotions and went on the offensive. Whoa! Ah! (Litty) Oh! There, Good, block it well! (Instructor Gonza) Mugu! (Litty) Go, Gonza-san, woah He isnt showing mercy (Bystander) A mock battle on the first day was unthinkable under normal circumstances. Besides, everyone noticed the enthusiasm of Instructor Gonza. The other instructors seemed to have noticed the seriousness of the issue, too, so few of them directly approached the place of the mock battle. Instead of letting them continue and watching from the sidelines, they intervened when Litty was hit by Gonzas shield. Stop it there, Gonza. Arent you getting a little too carried away? (Instructor 1) Oh, oh. Maybe I am. (Instructor Gonza) Oh no, instructor! I can still continue! (Litty) Litty, the training facility is about to close. You should rest for today. (Instructor 2) The sun was about to set, but Litty was so engrossed in her training that she failed to notice this. Litty was not conceited, but she was confident. She earned the title of Swordsman, and even though it was with the efforts of her and Roma, she was able to take down a Named Demon. She was optimistic that she would also do fine as a Heavy Warrior. Um, I Ill do my best tomorrow, then. (Litty) Oh Ill be waiting for you as well. (Instructor Gonza) Today, she could not overcome the onslaught of Instructor Gonza, as she failed to master the art of simultaneously manipulating a shield and a spear. For a while, Litty was quite positive with her training, but as she continued to lose, she was becoming more depressed. She could not even find a place to vent her frustration. But that was all only in Littys mind. Contrary to what she was moaning over, the mood of the others, including her instructor, Gonza, was not so relaxed. You let her advance to a mock battle in one day, Gonza. (Instructor 1) If you had seen her training, you would understand why. I was actually surprised when I heard that she only spent two months in the Swordsman Training Center before graduating. Now, I actually wonder why it took her that long. (Instructor Gonza) If thats the case, how long do you think she will take to graduate this time? (Instructor 2) Id say we might be expecting a final exam tomorrow at the earliest. (Instructor Gonza) Woah There are some truly absurd folks out there (Instructor 3) The instructors would naturally want to continue teaching such an extraordinary person. If they were to choose what rank someone like Litty would belong to, it wont be a 2nd or 1st Rank, they could already see her as someone belonging to the Special Rank. Her talent could not be measured on the same level as a normal human. Of course, she would still need to put an extraordinary amount of effort to actually materialize that talent. However, looking back at himself who failed the Advancement test to 3rd Rank several times, he concluded that there was a limit to what a normal person could do even if they put all their efforts. Well, a person with such talent will be able to survive to maturity, right? (Instructor 1) Yeah. There have been stories of people who possessed such remarkable abilities, but didnt live long. (Instructor 2) They both knew that conversing about such things was unsuitable for instructors but they were adventurers, too. They could see Littys small back as she left the training center in a strangely emphatic manner, and they wondered how the guys at Swordsman Training Center handled this extraordinary creature. She was taught more than what a normal Instructor would have, Gonza thought, but soon stopped thinking about it. CH 18.2 Before returning to the old couples place, Litty was rummaging through the request forms at the Adventurers Guild. There were only a limited number of requests that a 5th Rank adventurer could accept. And even among them, a 5th Rank adventurer may not always be able to solve the problem. Littys focus was on hunting demons in the Bikki Mine. Unlike the Peat Grasslands, the mine was cramped. That meant she could not fight by jumping around like usual. For that reason, it was essential for her to acquire Heavy Warrior skills. Hey, little girl. You were so enthusiastic the other day, bringing back so much loot, but youve been strangely silent lately. (Unknown person) Ive been training at the Heavy Warriors guild earlier as I want to earn its title and skills as soon as possible (Litty) The man who approached Litty was a 4th Rank adventurer. This man, too, was concerned about Littys grand success last time. Since Litty had not shown up, he was expecting her to fall behind. Heavy Warrior? I dont think your physique can hold up to that. (The man) I had a mock battle with the instructor today, but I couldnt fully defend against their attacks. Maneuvering a spear and shield at the same time is really difficult. (Litty) Mock battle? Are you kidding me? (The man) Instructor Gonza is strong I am not strong enough to face him. (Litty) Seriously, this brat, the mans face showed an unsightly expression. The instructor, Gonza, was an adventurer known for his Iron Man reputation, and many people relied on him during combat, especially on subjugations and hunts. The man could not believe that someone like Gonza had gone so far as to engage in a mock battle with her. However, he did not show his surprise in order to maintain his senior image in front of Litty. There are things that people are suited for and things that they are not suited for. Maybe, you are not cut out for it. (The man) Maybe thats true but I dont want to give up. (Litty) Sometimes people need to be flexible and give up on their dreams, and need to compromise with reality. (The man) But I want to do my best to become a better adventurer. I would also like to help my village. (Litty) The man spoke to Litty, intending to dissuade her from pursuing her goals, but to no avail. Honestly speaking, increasing the number of good adventurers was beneficial in every way. However, for someone like the man, who was content with his 4th Rank and living off his daily earnings, she was nothing but an obstacle. The more rivals there were, the more resources would be taken away. And when it came to promising newcomers like Litty, he would love to crush her confidence before she could grow. Many adventurers like him had no ambition of forming a party to defeat the high-ranking demons or tackle the unexplored zones. Dont do it. Someone died saying that (The man) Oh, stop it. You dont have to go any further. (Unknown) Bloom, a 3rd Rank adventurer, tried to put an end to the mans nagging. He was someone who had seen Litty pressure Heavy Warrior Dimos before. Therefore, he knew the strength of her determination, and above all, the uniqueness of her character. But, Bloom-san, if Dimos-san were here, he would have definitely (The man) The Dimos-san youre referring to, was previously silenced by her, you know? (Boom) youre kidding me, right? (The man) Next, Bikki Mine (Litty) The man felt something in Littys eyes as she stared intently at the request form. This girl never stops, no matter what. More than anything else, she didnt even seem to realize what she was capable of. What would happen if she were to know the extent of her powers? The man silently returned to his seat at one of the tables and drank his drink to cool off himself. CH 19.1 Litty, Getting Involved The very next day in the Heavy Warrior Guild, the difficulty level of the mock battle between Instructor Gonza and Litty had increased to the next stage. This could no longer be called a normal mock battle, but a real match. The expressions and power shown by Instructor Gonza and Litty were scary to the point that even the instructors who had stopped them last time didnt dare to interfere. Above all, Instructor Gonza, himself, was very enthusiastic about it. Even though an axe was Gonzas preferred weapon, at the moment, he was facing Litty with a spear. Several times into the battle Litty was able to force her instructor to retreat despite being a rookie. Kuh! Come at me again! (Instructor Gonza) Haaaaah! (Litty) Spear Thrust, a skill suddenly used by Litty, even though no one had taught her yet. Did she use it unknowingly, or did she learn it by observing?, everyone wondered. However, the sound of the clash was loud enough to make everyone easily forget about it. Gonza, caught by surprise, showed an opening. Hah, very well. Now, let me show you how to use a spear! You use it like this! Hundred Thrusts! (Instructor Gonza) Saying so, Instructor Gonza unleashed an even more advanced skill, one that he would normally not use against an apprentice. With a loud shout, the instructors tried to stop Gonza, but it was already too late. After grazing Littys cheek, he continued to strike her in the chest and other parts of her body for most of the attacks. Ugh, ugh (Litty) You idiot, Gonza, you even have to use that skill! (Instructor 1) Litty almost fell to her knees, but she still didnt collapse. Seeing Litty in such a sorry state, Gonza finally came back to his senses. I overdid it. Gonza thought. Guilt started to engulf Gonzas entire being, but Litty didnt seem to show any resentment towards him. On the contrary, it was surprising that she managed to block more than half of Instructor Gonzas serious and advanced skill. Im sorry. Are you okay? But that heavy armor really did help, didnt it? (Instructor Gonza) Yes, yes. Um, can we continue? (Litty) Well, that was my fault. No, well, I did have my reasons, you see were going to start preparing for the final exam soon. (Instructor Gonza) Really? (Litty) Lets be clear. You have long past the level of an apprentice. However, youve only been wielding a spear for a while now, remember?(Instructor Gonza) Just like Litty, there were other apprentices who had later moved from the Swordsmans Guild to the Heavy Warriors Guild every year after completing their training. Gonza wondered what Swordsman Guilds Training Center was up to for making Littys training last so much longer, knowing how fast she developed. Instructor Gonza mistakenly vented his anger in the mock battle, partly because of the fact that he ended up being driven into a corner by Litty and could not find a place to let it out. But in light of that, Instructor Gonza decided to be true to himself and talked to Litty. You have talent. It usually takes years for someone to acquire a title, but you were able to do it in such a short period of time. I know that its not good to be arrogant if one wants to be successful in their life, but if you dont have enough confidence, then youll not be able to accomplish much. (Instructor Gonza) Confidence, huh? (Litty) Yes, being humble is good but confidence is also very important. Oops, Im getting a little preachy now. (Instructor Gonza) I have talent. Instructor Gonza said I have talent (Litty) No one could understand how Litty felt at that moment, who started muttering some self-motivation to herself. Instructor Gonza left the training center, leaving the mess to other instructors. Instructor Denyl took over Instructor Gonzas place, who went to ask permission for Littys final exam. Denyl had jet-black skin, with a height taller than Gonza. If Gonza ended up like that, I have to admit that you certainly have what it takes to be one of us. By the way, spears are good, but would you like to practice using an axe? (Instructor Denyl) Id love to! (Litty) Haha Good, an axe is Gonzas preferred weapon. It also has different quirks than a sword or a spear, which makes it interesting. (Instructor Denyl) Im looking forward to it! (Litty) It was Denyls policy to develop apprentices in a way that they could grow as much as possible. When Litty held the one-handed axe that Denyl brought with him, she was filled with curiosity. The axe was heavier than a sword, requiring greater skills and strength with each blow, and Litty felt it firsthand. Axes are heavy and hard to aim. You have to remember all the skills that take advantage of its weight. (Instructor Denyl) So I am going to fight with an axe and a shield? (Litty) There are also two-handed axes, but for now, lets only use a one-handed one. Before that, try to get used to using a shield. (Instructor Denyl) Axe, huh. It seems like a very nice weapon. (Litty) Litty had no fear of the unknown. Instructor Denyl also thought of Litty as a mysterious girl. When Litty entered training mode, she quickly mastered the basic movements and skills just by seeing his moves. It was the same with Instructor Gonzas training, but Denyls amusement with Litty was only at the start of the training and was soon replaced with wonder after being in contact with her for a few lessons. Does she even need an instructor? (Instructor Denyl) The skill of shell-splitting is effective against demons that move slowly and have characteristics of being hard to break. (Instructor Denyl) If I swing it around this way, its going to have a lot more range to attack! (Litty) Yes Thats right. It is important to find the right uses for the skill. (Instructor Denyl) He didnt even teach her how to use the skill, as she could immediately derive advanced uses from the basics. Regardless of how bizarre it was, she would soon get the hang of new skills. Instructor Denyl also ended up recommending Litty to take the final exam. CH 19.2 Litty was walking down the street at night after completing her training. Her instructors told her to have confidence and also informed her that she had talent. Littys tension was heightened since she was told that she was already at the stage where she could take the final exam. Just as she was about to set off, she suddenly stopped in her tracks. In front of her were several shadows hidden under the darkness of night, and as she got closer, she recognized them as apprentices from the Heavy Warrior guild. Um, what can I do for you? (Litty) Youre sure getting carried away, arent you? Even though you were only praised just a little by the instructors. (Apprentices 1) Im getting carried away? (Litty) Hah, how rude! Youve got some nerves to not even greet the senior apprentices present. (Instructor 2) A group of bulky young men surrounded Litty who was puzzled by the difference in culture from the Swordsmans Guild. One of the big young men stood in front of Litty. This man was the leader of the group, Litty guessed. I apologize for the late greetings. I am Litty from Ruiz Village. (Litty) Too late, youve already missed your chance. You know, we have a very strict hierarchy here. However, it seems that a lowly fellow like you needs to be reminded of that. (Leader) Oh, remind me of what? (Litty) Two young men slowly approached Litty from behind and tried to tightly hold both of her hands and shoulders. Litty, sensing the danger, reflexively tried to escape. With a small jump, she heavily stepped on the two young mens feet, using the same strength that she used to run through the Peat Grasslands. The young men, who were getting stepped on, groaned in extreme pain and let go of Littys arms. Aaaaah! Ouch! Are you okay? You! Seeing that youre just a mere little girl, I was planning to go easy on you, but youve successfully angered me! (Leader) Done speaking, the leader of the young men, threw a fist with all his might, which Litty dodged from the side, just like Caddocks swipe. Without giving him time to stabilize himself, Litty soon followed up with a punch to his gut, making her small fist sink into his body. Within a few seconds, it was all settled as the young man fainted, falling limply to the ground. Geez! Whats up with you? You cant just lead us here and get beaten up that easily, how embarrassing! Hey, hey, get up While the two of them were trying to wake up the leader, other men were frightened by the ending of the leader, who was foaming at the mouth and convulsing in pain. The big guy, who was acting as their leader, was originally driven by jealousy, and called out to the others to teach Litty a lesson. All they planned to do was to scare her a little. After all, she was only a little girl, so they were confident that they would surely scare her with their numbers. However, none of them expected things to turn out like this. What more reason was there to continue? The young men looked at Litty. Can I go now? If I dont return home soon, Uncle and Auntie will get worried (Litty) Oi, what are you doing over there! (Town guard) As the town guards were about to rush over, the young men left the leader behind and ran away, only Litty waited there for the guards to arrive. Having a clear consciousness that she had done nothing wrong, Litty kept standing right there and didnt run away like those young men. What happened! That guy over there Did you do this? (Guard) Well, you see (Litty) Litty recited the whole story, including the part where she was scolded for being rude. Hearing this, the guard nodded in understanding and slapped the fainted young man on the cheek. Hey! Wake up! (Guard) Ughh (Leader) I never expected that the Heavy Warrior guild had many roughnecks like you. Its late at night, but now I have to take you with me, how troublesome. (Guard) Where are you taking me? (Leader) Of course. The guardhouse. (Guard) Ueeh! No, thats wait. (Leader) Without listening to the young mans words, the guards forced him to stand up. He would surely be punished for what he did. The young men who had escaped would eventually be found and suffer the same fate as their leader, but Litty couldnt help but watch the situation in a daze. Wait a minute! Why do you believe that girl? (Leader) She hasnt been in town for long, but there are many of us who are grateful to her. You dont know this, but she has been working hard as an adventurer all this time. (Guard) Wha, what are you (Leader) She has been cleaning up all those Rank 6 Requests that people like you should be doing. (Guard) She Is she that well known? (Leader) Well, she does have more credibility than a roughneck like you who just happened to be an apprentice at the Heavy Warriors Guild who had a reputation of doing things roughly I will further inquire about this matter later. (Guard) Litty did not know the guard, but the guard knew her well. His grandfather had once been saved by Litty. His grandfather was happy enough to even want to make Litty the successor to his business. At first, he still held his suspicion, but when he actually saw her and witnessed her hard work, he changed his mind. The guards were repeatedly impressed by how she never ran out of energy running around the city and completing requests. Um, I didnt hurt her (Leader) Thats right. You should be thankful that you only attempted to do so, otherwise I wont be so gentle with you. (Guard) Ugh, damn it (Leader) Even though he brought along several people with him, he was still unable to do anything. He no longer had any pride to brag about. Litty watched for a few more minutes as the guards took him away, but soon, she lost her interest and hurried to the old couples house. Litty had no personal attachment to the young man. Although she was surprised to be attacked, she was not even injured, so she just left it at that and didnt think about it further. In the first place, Litty wasnt going to get anything from thinking about this incident so her interest soon shifted towards todays dinner. At first, she was reluctant to freeload, but now she had been completely spoiled by the couples cooking skills. Litty was determined not to let such incidents happen again, but when the hot dishes were served to her, she completely forgot all about it. CH 20.1 Litty Takes the Final Exams for the Heavy Warriors Guild The Heavy Warrior Guild had finally approved Instructor Gonzas request to let Litty appear for the final exam. Usually, it took a few days to approve such requests, but in Littys case, the procedure was done in no time. All instructors had put great efforts to convince the branch manager, so the date of the exam was moved forward earlier than it actually was. It wasnt a time to be wasting on entertaining some lowly aristocrat. The most unusual thing of all was that the branch manager immediately agreed. As for the content of the test, your role is of course to be a Heavy Warrior. You must not be intimidated, and you must not let your opponents advance to the rear guard. Youve to show the might of a wall which keeps all the danger away from the rear guard. (Branch manager) Ive done that in a mock battle! (Litty) Yes, its good to be this confident, but this time youre up against more than one opponent. If you step behind that line, the exam will end there, and youll be disqualified. (Branch manager) This is (Litty) Litty checked the red line laid out at her feet. She then remembered how many times she had fallen back during the mock battle with Instructor Gonza. She also had a mock battle with Instructor Denyl, with the same result. Litty, who had always been showing the utmost enthusiasm to try everything, for the first time showed her uneasiness. Regardless, the branch manager continued with his explanation. Let me give you some advice. Think that your party members are actually standing behind that line. Archers, magicians all of them are not good at close combat. It is the role of the Heavy Warrior to protect them from the enemy. If you can last for one minute against everyone, then its enough for you to pass this exam. (Branch manager) Will people actually stand behind me for the exam? (Litty) No, thats just an assumption. We dont have enough time to pull in the right number of people. (Branch manager) Okay, then, Ill protect my party members at all costs! (Litty) Even though she was a bit anxious, she was not afraid to face danger. This girl had such a strong willpower, and as time passed she would become even stronger. The branch manager flashed his skinhead and spun the two-handed spear to get into the position. Then the two instructors stepped in. As Instructor Gonza and Denyl were already familiar with Litty, two unknown instructors were chosen as Littys opponents. In the Swordsman Guilds final exam, Caddock was the only opponent, but this exam was much more difficult than what she had expected. Unlike a Swordsman, her role in the party was fixed and important. Combat Assist and Recovery, these were the key points of rear guards in a party, so they absolutely had to be protected. Meanwhile, the instructors, who were going to be Littys opponent, were secretly concerned about something. Well, I know you two like to fight alone. But this time, for the sake of this exam, consider it as a test for you as well, so please work as a party and comply with orders. (Branch manager) Yes sir! (Both instructors) The instructors mulled over it for some time and came to the conclusion that they did not even need to form a party to take care of Litty. Litty, whose talent they never experienced before, made them think so. She had finally entered the arena of the final exam. Im going to use a spear, which Im good at, but the other two instructors are not as good with swords as they are with spears. So take it as a bonus from me. (Branch manager) CH 20.2 Haaah! (Litty) Huh? (Others) Daaaaahhhh! (Litty) Litty stomped forward with a cry which had come from the depths of her lungs. The volume of her voice was high, but the instructors were caught more off guard by the unexplainable degree of enthusiasm contained in it. However, no matter how talented she may be, she was just an apprentice. Thinking so, the instructors immediately arranged their thoughts and launched a systematic attack against Litty. Show us more than just your fighting spirit! (Branch manager) The branch managers mock spear unleashed a relentless thrust, almost knocking out Littys shield. The two instructors attacked Litty from both sides, leaving her with no escape route. No, it wasnt a situation where she could not escape. But behind her, there was supposed to be an important rear guard which needed to be protected. If she tried to escape, the instructors would be able to push Litty behind that line. It was a grave situation. Litty imagined an illusion of a party which she needed to protect, and raised her shield against the branch managers spear attacks to protect them with everything she got. Just before it was going to hit, she slanted her shield and deflected the thrust, successfully knocking it off. Not missing the beat, Litty immediately used the branch managers outstretched mock spear as a foothold and activated her Heavy Warrior skill, Spear Guard, against the two instructors on both sides. Kuh! Tsk! Using the spears reach, she waved it in all directions. Spear Guard was a basic skill, made to repel the simple attacks from enemies. While the two instructors were trying to dodge Littys blow and counterattack at the same time, branch manager, seeing that he had a lot of room to maneuver, pulled back his mock spear which Litty was still using as a foothold and immediately followed up with another attack. However, Litty, whose body was still spinning in midair, managed to repel the branch managers mock spear along with the two instructors who attempted to strike again. What the heck even the branch manager failed to land a hit on that little girl. One of the apprentices exclaimed. So Spear Guard is that useful?, while the one standing next to him asked. The apprentices were understandably caught surprised. In addition to wielding a spear, Littys body was like a spring. Her flexible movements were like a dance of spears. The branch manager could no longer contain his own excitement. He wanted to fight, he wanted to get serious and exchange blows with Litty. It was no wonder instructor Gonza had shown so much enthusiasm and released his skill. The trajectory of the mock spear, which had been pushed away with too much force, was finally being held with refined precision. After successfully deflecting the attacks, Littys spear dance was also slowing down. Treading just on the edge of the line, she took the branch managers spear head-on as he was about to get serious. Eeeiiiyaaaaahh! (Litty) Did she just manage to uphold her stance? Thats what the branch manager thought, feeling amazed. Just after the instructor serving as referee announced the end of the one minute, Littys feet were finally lifted off the line. The sweaty branch manager lowered his spear, feeling incredible and the two instructors had also put their swords away. It was a close call, he was about to get serious. No, he did get serious, but it was only for the last few seconds. The branch manager covered his face with one hand, feeling ashamed of himself. I wonder if the guy in charge of the Swordsman Guilds final exam was okay. I mean, he did have to face something like this. (Branch manager) Um, are we done? (Litty) Yeah, you did great. Really (Branch manager) Branch Manager, I understand your frustration. But for now, lets announce the results of the exam. (Instructor) Despite saying so, the instructor who had just dealt with Litty knew exactly what he himself was referring to. The branch manager also patted Littys head as if to voice an unspoken appreciation. Litty, who had not experienced such a thing since she was a child, almost made a funny noise. Huhum? (Litty) Yes, you passed. This doesnt even need to be discussed. You did an impressive job. (Branch manager) Yay! Im a Heavy Warrior! (Litty) Ah, youve now earned your second title after Swordsman. Yes I got two titles now! (Litty) CH 21.1 Litty fights at the ruins of Bikki Mine The Bikki Mine, located not far from the city of Topas, was once a prosperous magic stone mining operation. At its peak, several thousand people lived in the vicinity of the mine. However, it did not last long. One day, the situation changed drastically when they dug up the home of Scarbs, insectoid monsters. Those monsters began to devour the workers as soon as they got out, leaving nothing behind. Only a few lucky people managed to run away from them. Obviously, the government organized several strike forces to kill those Scarbs, but they still couldnt completely annihilate them. Which would they choose, the valuable mine property or human lives? In the end, the exhausted humans had no choice but to abandon the mine in order to control the situation. However, that did not mean that the Scarbs would not flood out of the mine if they were left alone. That was where the adventurers came into picture. By having them regularly eliminate the Scarbs, a delicate balance was maintained. Was such a conclusion really the right one? At least the adventurers were making money, but some people resented the fact that the government was not going all out to eliminate those monsters. Those Scarbs, breeding in the Bikki Mine, are just Rank 5 demons, so its not that big of a deal. But Ive heard that there are lots of them! Have you ever been there before, Roma-san? I tried to take them down solo the other day, but the results were not good. The narrowness of the cave made it difficult to fight. In addition to the sheer number of them, the price per kill is cheap. As the gains dont match the losses, no one wants to fight them. Litty, who happened to meet Roma again at the Adventurers Guild, decided to form a party with her. Roma-san, too, had been working diligently since then, steadily accumulating achievements. Litty felt that Romas state of mind had changed a bit since they last met at the Swordsmans Guild. When she learned that Litty had earned the title of Heavy Warrior, she was only a little surprised. It was quite different from when she first earned the title of swordsman. It was a sign not only of Romas ability, but also of her personal growth. So this is the Bikki Mine you can use light magic, cant you, Roma-san? Yes, I learned it when I was in the Magicians Guild. Ill teach you later. That would be great. And I thought I told you not to call me Roma-san anymore. Yeah, Roma Even though she had lived in a village, Litty was taught by her parents to always be polite and respectful whenever talking with other people. There was no merit in thinking about what others see you as. What was important was that you would leave a good impression on people by being considerate towards them. For Litty, who had been raised in such an environment, it was really difficult for her to casually address those who were older than her. Its time for us to enter. Littys weapons this time consisted of a sword and shield, while Roma used a two-handed sword. After entering the cave through its narrow entrance, Roma used her light magic to brighten up the dark cave. A small ball of light emerged from Romas hand and served as a torch. It was a very basic magic, but it cost a lot of money and time to learn. It also consumed magic power, giving them the option to choose between using this or a torch. Dont go towards the deeper part of the cave. We need to allocate our resources accordingly Here they come! CH 21.2 From the depths of the darkness came two Scarbs, named so for their six legs and skull-like backs. Litty stood in front of Roma to intercept the two Scarbs. One of the Scarbs crawled on top of the other as they approached Litty and Roma. Theres no space to escape in this narrow cave! Thats right! Its also why I choose to be a Heavy Warrior! With a spear, she would be stuck in the narrow cave passageway while, with an axe, it would be hard for her to maneuver. So here, she chose a sword and shield. Litty decided that since she couldnt move around as freely as she could in the grasslands, this was the best weapon combination for her to use. Without wasting any time, Litty used her shield to Without wasting any time, Litty held her shield firmly in place to block the attacks of the bottom Scarb while she used her sword to slash at the top Scarb. After dealing with the top Scarb, she then focused on the bottom Scarb. It didnt even take a lot of time for her to dispose of the two Scarbs. Wow, Litty, youve made great improvements during your stay in the Heavy Warrior Guild. Also, the way you use your shield is truly amazing. Yeah, it helped me to stand my ground and expand my fighting style. Im going to try my hand at it Having spent a year on acquiring the title of Swordsman, Roma had become cautious about pursuing the next title. As Roma collected the Scarbs antennae, the proof of subjugation, she mocked herself. When I came here last time for a solo adventure, I had also managed to reach this fork, but I couldnt proceed further. The Scarbs have been attacking from both sides of the passage. But there are two of us now. Yes, this time, we must hunt more Scarbs. Scarbs were coming from the inside of the cave, which was divided into two halves. Litty could manage a few Scarbs, but Roma was at the disadvantage when faced with a lot of them. Since she did not have Heavy Warrior skills like Litty, her wounds would steadily increase. Roma-san! Focus on that one! From both openings, the left and right ones, a large number of Scarbs had appeared. Comparing the momentum of the Scarbs, Litty noticed that there were more Scarbs on the Romas side. Was it really just a coincidence? And where did these Scarbs come from in the first place? Was there really a nest of Scarbs which was dug up? If so, they needed to destroy these monsters thoroughly. Litty was thinking of ways to stop this seemingly endless Scarb chain. After eliminating those around her, Litty came to Romas side to help. Litty, Im sorry. Its okay. More importantly, Roma Is there something like Scarb Boss similar to the Forest Leader? I havent heard any reports related to the Named Scarbs before. In the first place, it even seems that no one has come to this mine to hunt them down for a while, except for me. I wonder if the people at the bar didnt want to come here The unit price for Scarb hunting is too low. The guilds also dont pay much attention to it, as the Scarb havent done any damage to the town. After annihilating the first wave of Scrabs, Litty and Roma moved further in. As they were facing more and more Scarbs, the two began to have noticeable issues dealing with them as they were exhausted and the number of Scarbs was also showing no signs of reduction. The Scarbs specialty was that they attacked in numbers. Litty, however, got more motivated and started to push against the Scarb horde. Litty could tell, among the forks of the paths they approached, something ominous was at the end of the road on their left. The number of Scarb coming from the left, the size of the individuals, and their speed were all different from the rest of the Scarbs coming from other paths. The difference was so subtle that Roma, who was frantically swinging her sword, had yet to notice. Roma, look they are almost gone, this is our only chance! Run to the left! Left? Lets go! CH 22.1 Litty Attempts to Collect Honey Litty and Roma went to report about the annihilation of Scarbs at the Bikki Mine. If the Scarbs were not completely taken care of, there would still be a possibility of the new queen being born, which would once again lead to the increase in the number of Scarbs. Upon receiving the report, the Topas branch of the Adventurers Guild expressed their understanding and assured them that the Bikki Mine would be handled seriously. The Bikki Mine had long been a topic of discussion in the town of Topas. To get rid of the Scarbs and avoid future troubles, measures such as blasting the entrance of the mine were suggested in the past, but they were all rejected one by one. One of the reasons was that blasting the entrance of the mine may result in the collapse of the mine and its surrounding area. There were also protests expressed from some conservative locals. Before these Scarbs appeared, the mine was a source of revenue for the Town of Topas so some elderly people wanted to reclaim it without any damage. (Roma) But that place has already turned into a danger zone after the appearance of those Scarbs. (Litty) They know its dangerous, but they still refuse to co-operate. People dont feel threatened unless their own lives are at risk. (Roma) Lets stop thinking about it as it has nothing to do with us. Our party defeated those Scarbs, and I think we have done a good job. We should focus on accumulating more achievements and aim to get promoted to the Rank 4. (Litty) The Adventurers Guild would personally notify each adventurer of the promotion exam. Even if one were moved to a different town, there would still be no obstructions as long as adventurers had informed the guild in advance of their current destination. Litty knew that the exam for promotion wouldnt be decided immediately just based on this single incident alone. That was why she was eager to go on the next adventure. If she were to get promoted, then she would be able to experience even more thrilling adventures. For Litty, going on adventures had become a kind of drug, which she kept seeking one after another without stopping. Even a reward as small as Scarbs could add up to a mountain. Moreover, the Queens reward should be quite high. (Roma) Will it be enough to get me to the capital? (Litty) Its more than enough to fund your trip. As for me, Ive decided to still stay here and build my strength. (Roma) I see Well, I am feeling conflicted between going on more adventures or visiting my village and meeting my family (Litty) Litty didnt really want to leave either. She wanted to stay with the old couple who had been taking good care of her just like their real daughter. And as Roma had suggested, she was also interested in exploring the areas around the Topas. Even though it was already past dusk when they had returned from defeating the Scarbs, Litty, with her bottomless vitality, still showed no signs of getting tired. Come on, lets take a break already. Theres no need to rush. Litty, You should take a break once in a while, or your body might collapse one day, okay? (Roma) Yes, Roma, youre right. Ill be taking the rest of the day off, too. (Litty) *** Roma got up from her seat and left, Litty also prepared to leave but did not go straight home. Requests were updated from time to time. The more enthusiastic adventurers would frequently check them. After skimming through the requests, Litty quickly decided on tomorrows schedule, taking along the requests that she should be able to complete tomorrow. Excuse me! Ill take this evenings supply request! She did promise Roma that she would take a break, but she wanted to make good use of the spare time she had. Rank 6 requests were unlikely to lead directly to achievements, but for Litty, it didnt matter. She fulfilled her duties as an adventurer through physical activity. It was also a rewarding experience for her. CH 22.2 Littys first destination in the morning was Mount Baruni. This mountain was home to many Gulf species, but in one corner of the mountain was an unusual place. Flowers bloomed all around a small, circular lake. It was a stunning sight to behold, but those who knew the mountain well would never settle down there. The trees around the flower garden were home to a hive of vespas, a species of monster bee, who was of 5th Rank. The honey from these giant beehives fetched a high price. Adventurers were frequently asked to collect the honey, but the success rate was not very high. Vespas, like Scarbs, were known for the strength of their swarms. Moreover, they were venomous. With such a large army of giant bees, each around the size of an adults head, a face off with them would definitely turn into a fatal decision. That flower! Another source of the danger was the moving flowers that were found in this area. Lurking in flower gardens were laflas, mimic plant-type monsters, which preyed on humans as well as monsters. Although they sometimes showed small movements, laflas hardly moved from their original position, so there should be no problem as long as one did not get too close to them. However, laflas stems and petals were also valuable materials, so Litty had no reason not to aim for them. Adventurers Guild did warn Litty to stay away from laflas because although they were marked as Rank 5, their actual power was no less than those of the Rank 4 monsters. Gale slash! Litty did not aim directly at lafla, but fired her skill at the ground. The ground shook from the attack and the extent of the impact went as far as where the lafla was rooted, which caused it to tilt to one side. Lafla was damaged by Littys attack, but after seeing the attacker, instead of retreating and running away, it actually extended its tentacles in an attempt to entangle Litty. Despite getting a few slashes from Littys sword, lafla was still relentless in its attacks, not even minding losing its tentacles. To top it off, laflas attack was accompanied by the release of a dissolving fluid. Laflas aggression, with its tentacles and dissolving fluid, and its thorough rejection of melee, was indeed a headache for Litty. If only she could use magic like Bandera, or if she had the means to attack from afar Litty believed that lafla preyed on the creatures after depriving them of their resistance with its tentacles or dissolving fluid. The range of their attacks might be short, but to a careless prey which got near them without any knowledge, the damage that laflas could do would be fatal. I cant get close, not like I want to get close I see! On the spur of the moment, Litty thought of another skill. Holding her sword and shield, she spun herself around and rushed towards the lafla after gaining proper momentum. Slashing away the tentacles, she repelled the dissolving liquid with the momentum of her rotation. The attack and defense were combined into one as she rotated with her shield, every move was perfectly executed by Litty, as she sliced lafla bit by bit. Ugh, ueeeeh Despite her victory, Littys mood was terrible as she looked at the plant mucus covering her body. However, she quickly recovered and collected various materials from the dismembered lafla. She understood that there was still room for improvement in her current skills. It suddenly occurred to Litty that this skill might also work for the swarm of vespa. Litty took a deep breath as she looked at the nest of vespa, which had become one with the tree. The soldier vespas which were guarding the nest finally noticed her. Eeiiiaaaah! Eeiiiiaaaah! Litty finished off the approaching vespas with a series of rotational slashes, killing them one after the other. Sustaining the rotation was difficult, so she stopped once and launched a counterattack after switching her shield with a spear, using a mix of sword and spear strikes. Carrying a spear and shield on her back and a sword at her waist was truly a challenge, especially when it came to the heaviness of those weapons. Litty wondered what she could do about it, as lots of her energy was wasted while spinning. Fighting with a sword and a spear in each hand was hard but Litty had already developed her own style. It allowed her to intercept the approaching vespa at close range with her sword and at medium range with her one-handed spear. Not just anyone could have the dynamic vision to quickly stab the approaching vespas by just sensing their presence. By interweaving rotational slashes in small increments, she was able to complete a more precise offensive and defensive attack. Oh, is it over? There was almost no person in their right mind who would annihilate every vespa in their nest. There were various ways to harvest vespas honey, but the rule of thumb was to leave the area as fast as possible after harvesting the honey. That would be the most efficient approach, but for Litty, her approach was more interesting despite being inefficient. A swift hitting rotational move against Lafla, and an intercepting rotational slash against vespa. With this one request, Litty had taken another step forward. The gathering of materials of Lafla and the collection of honey from vespa were originally two separate requests. The former was a request for a Rank 4, so Litty, who was a Rank 5, thought that if she reported the accomplishment, it would immediately be invalidated. But in reality, that only happened to requests that have actual restrictions, and as long as there were no problems involved, the request would still be marked as complete. However, since it was not recommended by the Adventurers Guild, there would be no remuneration. In other words, hunting Lafla would become work with no gains for Litty. After all, this was also an act of taking away requests from those who could formally accept them, so it was the least the guild could do to safeguard their rights. Sword and spear, sword and axe, sword and shield I want to try some more For the person in question, such things did not matter. She was only interested in the results she had achieved now. Above all, it would be evaluated as an adventurers achievement. The girl who had just been promoted to Rank 5 a few days ago was running down the mountain as fast as she could, tireless and determined. Although it was close to town, the round trip would require several hours, but Litty was able to cut that time down significantly. Upon her return, the weapon discussions happening in her brain finally ended and she started to think about her next request. I wonder if I could get an escort request! The girl who had started chasing her dreams, approaching them step by step, could no longer be stopped. CH 23.1 Litty Escorts A Noble Young Lady Litty-san, youve received an invitation to the promotion exam for Rank 4. (Receptionist) As Litty was looking at the request form, Cynthia, the Adventurer Guilds receptionist, called out to her. The recent material gathering from Lafla and honey gathering from Vespa were enough to sway the Topas branch manager. Hearing about the promotion exam, there was no way Litty would be able to keep her calm. Really? I can finally rise to the next rank! (Litty) Only if you pass the exam. (Receptionist) The notice came earlier than I expected! (Litty) Well, its certainly unusual to be notified of a promotion exam this fast. (Receptionist) Some of the adventurers were aware of Littys recent successes. One Rank 3 adventurer raised his eyebrows at the news, while a Rank 4 adventurer was inwardly getting impatient, thinking that it was ridiculous. One of the adventurers, who spent years as a Rank 5, said, I knew it. Its all about talent, isnt it? I didnt expect a girl like that to overtake me so soon. Maybe its time to take over my familys farmhouse (Bystander 1) You idiot. Thats why youre only Rank 5. Watch me, Ill be up there soon too. (Bystander 2) Some adventurers were feeling excited as well as defeated as they saw someone getting promoted to Rank 4. It was surely enough to motivate those who were struggling to rank up. In the first place, adventurers never knew if their lives would be in danger the next day. Giving up was also an honorable choice. The Rank 3 adventurer commended them. So, whats the exam about? (Litty) Here, you need to complete this request. *** Request: Escort Count De Miles daughter Duration: 1 day Description: I need an escort for a young lady who went out from the royal capital to the city of Topas. *** One of her escorts fell ill, and she needed a substitute. The quest requirements for Rank promotion varied from guild to guild. Sometimes the guild sponsored the exam, like in the case of the Rank 5 exam, and sometimes, there were cases like Litty where it was a request to clear a higher rank quest. The Count De Mile? Count De Mile is the head of the Marcelo family, an aristocrat who has made a fortune in the capital. Litty could not understand unfamiliar words such as aristocrat and count. In short, she could only vaguely understand that he was a great man. She wondered if it would be all right for her to escort the daughter of such a great person. Of course, its voluntary. Do you want to accept it? (Receptionist) Yes! (Litty) Okay. I wish you the best luck. (Receptionist) At this moment, Litty was filled with immense excitement, as this was her first escort request. She didnt have the presence of mind to worry about the clients situation or the character of the person she was escorting. In the late afternoon, Litty even forgot to eat her lunch and went straight to meet her client. *** Two men were standing in front of the Sky Ocean hotel where Littys client, Count De Mile, was staying. Litty, judging them to be Count De Miles bodyguards from their appearance, steadily approached them. Hi, Im Litty. Im here for the escort request. May I see your adventurers card? Yes. The man who replied to her, casually checked Littys Adventurers Card and walked inside the hotel after returning it back to Litty. And another man, who was also standing at the entrance, was silently pressuring Litty, warning her not to enter the hotel without any permission from inside. The hotel was currently on high alert as the Count and his daughter were staying at the hotel. The general guests and even the access of the employees was being controlled. Sorry to keep you waiting. Im De Mile. Im Litty. Count De Mile, an elderly man dressed in an expensive costume, appeared before Litty. Next to him was a straight blonde-haired lady, younger than Litty. Her elegant white dress and long skirt contributed to her haughty aristocratic atmosphere. You are? Yes. Here is my adventurer card. De Mile silently looked at the adventurers card Litty held out to him, rubbing his chin as he wondered what to do with it. CH 23.2 In truth, Counts guards were more than enough to keep his daughter safe from any danger, so he was not really looking for a higher ranking individual. He actually wanted to look for someone close to his daughters age, so meeting Litty was an unexpected surprise for him. De Mile convinced himself that, although Litty was a Rank 5 adventurer, she was also a girl close to his daughters age and could be trusted. De Mile returned the adventurers card and said, About this job, my daughter wants to go sightseeing in the town by herself. As a parent, I am a little sad that she doesnt want me to accompany her, but for her happiness and also to let her experience the outside world, I agreed to let her do this tour once in a while. However, she is still a noble, so you never know where some unscrupulous person could be planning to attack her. Yes. So, you want me to protect your daughter? Thats right. What do you think, Maamu? At her fathers urging, the Counts daughter, Maamu, bowed lightly to Litty, who subconsciously returned the bow with the same motion. After the formal greetings, Maamu immediately followed with her introduction. Nice to meet you, I am Maamu. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to accommodate my selfish desires. Hi, I am Litty. I will do my best to escort and protect you for today. Maamu-sama! Im here too! Suddenly a new person joined them. She was a beautiful-looking woman with long shiny blue hair tied into a single knot. Litty was intrigued by the new arrival, who was supposed to be her colleague and certainly a senior member of the group. Name: Natasha Gender: Female Age: 23 Rank: 2 Main Job: Magic Swordsman, Magic Fighter Jobs Mastered: Magic Swordsman, Magic Fighter, Swordsman, Magician Rank 2?! In case youre wondering, Im a senior, so youll have to respect me accordingly. Without needing to be told, Natasha was instantly the object of respect in Littys mind. Maamu snuggled up to Natasha. From her movements, it was clear that Natasha was dependable. However, Litty could not understand why another escort was needed. You can leave it to Maamu to decide where to go, but avoid the places that are not so nice. Well, in this town, you dont have to worry about that (Count) Okay! Then you two, lets go to the fresh produce market right away! (Natasha) I thought Maamu would tell us where to go? (Litty) Littys question was valid, but Maamu was not opposed to the idea, and was even looking forward to it. Seeing this scene, Litty felt that an escorts ultimate goal was to become someone who could be relied on. Litty was currently a stranger to Maamu and she had no intention to try to befriend her. For her, being a good escort was more important than anything else. *** Maamu-sama! We are far from the port town, but we have fresh fish here! Its all thanks to the cold magic stone! Wow! They have dead eyes! Litty had been to this area a few times before doing Rank 6 requests. Maamu, who grew up as a young lady, behaved like an excited child who had never visited the market before, which was very unusual for her. As per Littys observation, Natasha didnt seem to be on the lookout. She wondered if this was the right thing to do as an escort. Natasha-san, what kind of fish is this? This? Umm, this this is a salamander. Its a shogun fish, Natasha-san. Unlike a salamander, it has more gills and its scales are of different sizes. (Litty) Litty-chan that, thats what I was going to say. Maamus eyes lit up as Litty corrected Natashas sloppy answer. Seeing Maamus attention shift towards Litty and also being corrected by someone younger than her, Natashas mouth twitched slightly in annoyance. Litty-san, you know a lot. Are you a fish doctor? Uh, well, Ive handled a lot of foodstuff recently, so I know a thing or two. Thats great! So, do you know what this is? Thats a swordfish. It has many blade-like spines, but this one has been pre-cooked. A fish like that existed!? Well, then, where to go next. Natasha plopped one hand down and called the two of them over. She next led them to a butcher shop. Various meats, large and small, were displayed or hanging from the ceiling. Maamu-sama, that meat belongs to a demon called Burst Boar. It is a Rank 4 demon that builds up magic power at the tip of its nose, then rushes forward, and explodes. Scary! How could such a demons meat be in here? Its all thanks to people like me and the other excellent adventurers. Ah! Is this Blast Bear meat? This is Rank 3! Rank 3! How about that, this time I was definitely better than you was clearly reflected in Natashas eyes as she looked at Litty, but Litty wasnt even paying attention to her. Litty was fascinated by Blast Bears meat, as if she was devouring it with her eyes alone. Natasha-san, are Blast Bears really that tough? Eh? Well, yes. If you get caught by its hands, an explosion accompanies it as an added bonus. Its like a superior version of the Burst Bore. Amazing. Natasha-san, Id like to hear more about it. Heh? Ah, okay Natasha, who was half-jokingly teasing her junior, became amused when she saw Littys reaction. The number of people with a sparkle in their eyes increased to two. Natasha-sans stories are really exciting! Id love to hear again about the time you defeated The Invading Mottled Head monster! (Maamu) I am happy to hear that but we have already talked about it dozens of times. (Natasha) However, Maamu couldnt stop herself from saying excitedly, It was a Rank 2 Named monster with a long torso that was capable of destroying entire forests of trees! Feeling shy, Natasha immediately tried to stop Maamu, There is no point in telling this story when you already remember its every detail. No, it is a real gem for me. That information could help me reach my dreams! (Litty) Litty mentioned in an excited tone. Natasha was thrown off by her excitement, but she didnt feel bad about being respected by a younger colleague. At first Natasha couldnt understand why De Mile hired another escort, with her skills, she alone was more than enough for this job. However, the sight of Littys worshiping gaze made her glad of the outcome. Fufufu, Litty-san is interesting! Im interesting?! Natasha was pleased to find a little escort like Litty, who was beyond her expectations. CH 24.1 Maamu, the daughter of Count De Mile, lost her mother when she was very young, and while De Mile was busy with work, Maamu was taken care of by servants. As the daughter of an aristocrat, she could not neglect her studies, so her opportunities for having fun were quite few. Maamu was Counts beloved daughter, so he would never compromise with her safety. Although he did not lose his wife in an unforeseen accident, De Mile was still extremely sensitive about everything. So, when there was a shortage of guards, he decided to hire local adventurers. Maamu-sama, these crpes here are very delicious! Oh, and these skewers are also great! (Natasha) Do you eat them with your hands? (Maamu) Yes, you dont need knives and forks to eat street food. (Natasha) Maamu could not help but murmur to herself in a daze, You are actually eating food directly with your hands For Maamu, who grew up as a young lady, even this level of casualness was something new. Litty, on the other hand, gobbled up the grilled skewers. Lately, she had been running around a lot to complete tasks to accumulate points for rank promotion, so eating and touring around like this felt great. However, she also knew that she mustnt relax her guard. But Father might not approve of this behavior (Maamu) Ill keep it a secret, and you wont tell him either, will you, Litty-chan? (Natasha) Eh? (Litty) You see, Maamu-chans caretakers are cautious about what she eats to ensure that her nutritional intake is well-balanced. Thats why it is very rare for her to eat this kind of food. (Natasha) Do you like it, Maamu-san? (Litty) Itsh sho tashty! (Maamu) She had grease around her mouth and spoke with her cheeks stuffed with skewers. Which also affected the way she spoke. A picnic-like moment was just what she was looking for. Her father dearly cared for her, and she also respected him wholeheartedly. However, she felt trapped, even though she never said it out loud. De Mile must have sensed this too, because he decided on this trip. Maamus father is very strict, isnt he? Then Ill keep my mouth zipped as well. (Litty) Thank you, Litty-san. (Maamu) Its nothing. I can also relate to that (Litty) Litty was also criticized by her parents for pretending to practice with a wooden stick. Thats why she could somewhat understand Maamus situation. At least at times like this, one should be allowed to do what they want. Litty, who saw her own past in Maamu, respected her choice. How is Litty-sans father? (Maamu) Eh? Well, he is strict, but I love him. (Litty) Youre just like me. I love my father too. (Maamu) Count De Mile has an excellent reputation, and I think he is a good man. So much so that some people even believe that if he had had more ambitions, he could have reached another height in his career. Whatever he did was all for Maamus sake, but while doing so, he completely neglected her in the process. (Natasha) was that because of her mother? (Litty) Natasha, who had known Maamu for a while, sometimes unknowingly brought up topics that could cause some privacy issues. However, before she could reply to Litty, she hurriedly covered her own mouth to stop speaking. Natasha said apologetically while ignoring Littys question, I am sorry, Maamu-sama, if I have been disrespectful of your fathers feelings towards you. Ah! You dont have to worry about that. What he did was what any other noble would do! (Maamu) How about I teach you magic in secret next time? Once again, please forgive me. (Natasha) Its fine. Dont worry about it. (Maamu) Magic? (Litty) Only then did Litty realize that Natasha, who also held the title of Magician, would definitely know a certain amount of magic. How could Litty not be envious? CH 24.2 Wow, Maamu can learn magic. (Litty) But I can only use low-ranking magic. (Maamu) No, no, you have talent, Maamu-sama. If you learn from someone more knowledgeable in magic, you can become a great sorcerer. (Natasha) Maamu showed a happy expression on Natashas comment. By the way, Maamu-san, do you want to be an adventurer? (Litty) Thats (Maamu) Litty did not immediately understand what Maamu meant when she mumbled her words but the answer soon became clear. If she was not jumping to conclusions, Maamu would want to be an adventurer or something. However, it was unlikely that her father would allow her. Thats why shes sneaking around. Sometimes I envy you guys a little I want to go to more places and eat delicious food like this. In order to do that, I have to be able to travel alone, without being protected by anyone (Maamu) I dont mean to sound like a nosy escort, but I think it would be good for Maamu-sama to have a long talk with your father once in a while. (Natasha) But Im afraid that I will only worry him more. (Maamu) Maybe you will, perhaps you wont. Take this situation for example, he even allowed you to go outside like this, even though it was awkward. If this broadened Maamu-samas horizons even a little and made her interested in something wouldnt he feel happy? (Natasha) I guess so. (Maamu) As Maamu sat there and looked down at her lap, Litty wondered if there was anything she could do to help. She thought about it on their way back, but no answer came to her mind. *** Before the sun went down, she went to drop Maamu off at the hotel. In the hustle and bustle, Litty wondered if this request was really good enough for the promotion exam. Escorting was certainly an important job, but if nothing happened during the request, the job would end without trouble like today. Litty didnt know why they made this a rank promotion test for 4th Rank. We can see the hotel now, Maamu-sama, how do you feel? (Natasha) It was super fun! I had Natasha-san with me, and I met a new friend, Litty-san. (Maamu) Im glad to hear that! (Litty) Natasha replied with a laugh, Im also glad to have met a cute junior like you! Litty also felt good about her. She was a valuable senior compared to Aldis. She didnt show any arrogance, was easy to get along with and also very friendly. Litty couldnt help but wonder if she could also learn magic from Natasha. Well, another peaceful day. (Natasha) Soon after passing through the crowded area, they started approaching the hotel. Suddenly, Littys vision turned all white. She realized what was happening and immediately hugged Maamu. Maamu! Dont be scared, Ill protect you! (Litty) This is! (Natasha) There was a reason why Litty was able to act more quickly than Natasha, a 2nd Rank adventurer, in the face of this unusual situation. She knew of a phenomenon similar to this one. However, Natasha also reacted soon after getting over her shock. Thunder Blade! (Natasha) GAAHHHHH! All that could be heard was the sound of thunder and the screams of the men. Litty did not know the details, but Natasha had definitely repelled somebody. Knowing that she could not fight anyone with her vision blocked like Natasha, Litty stayed close to Maamu and made sure that she was not taken away from her. Fortunately, her fears were unfounded, as the men who seemed to be assassins were already taken down even before her vision returned. Whew well, that surprised me. I didnt expect them to come at this time. (Natasha) Natasha-san, did you beat all of them? (Litty) Yup. I dont know who they were, but they looked like pros. They even let us play all day long to make us let our guard down, and then attacked us in this place. I didnt expect them to use something that would actually seal our vision, though. (Natasha) CH 24.3 The men on the ground had their faces covered with cloth. Perhaps they were hiding their identities. Or they were in camouflage. Natasha honestly admired their stealth, their ability to keep a 2nd Rank adventurer unaware of their presence. Now, lets clean them out, Litty-chan, hurry up. (Natasha) Yes. Ill restrain them. C Litty This was one of the things she learned in the Adventurers Guild training course. Litty quickly tied their hands and feet, and confiscated their weapons and other hidden items. Litty understood that these assassins were professionals and were not weak. And yet, Natasha was able to take them down instantly, even under the unforeseen circumstances. Natasha-san, that was remarkable. I couldnt even do anything (Litty) What are you talking about? I dont know many people who can react that fast to a situation where their vision was taken away without any prior warning. (Natasha) That was well, I had come across a similar situation before. (Litty) Hmm? (Natasha) Litty was at a loss for words. There was no reliable evidence, and it was an event that happened to be something similar to what she experienced and didnt want to talk about. However, her answer might lead to the true identity of these assassins, so she was not sure if she should keep mum about it. Litty was conflicted about this. Lets go back to the hotel for now, Im worried about De Mile-sama. (Natasha) Litty-san, everything should be fine now (Maamu) Ah, sorry, I was spacing out! (Litty) Maamus face had an unusual shade of red, as if she was embarrassed about something. She hastily took Littys hand and led her back to the hotel. They quickly left, not knowing if they would get ambushed by a second batch of assassins. After arriving at the hotel, they discussed the matter with the guards who were at the entrance. As a result, it was decided to hand over the detained mens custody to those guards. The process of getting them to talk was beyond the scope of this report. Natasha, who was acting only as an escort, was quick with the cleanup. Well. I have to report the details to De Mile-sama nowhaha. (Natasha) Im sure hell be worried, right? (Litty) It will be fine with me! Ill do my best to help with the report! (Maamu) Natasha was so moved by Maamus positive attitude that she couldnt help but give her a hug. Even though Litty had acted on the spur of the moment and held Maamu at that time, Natasha was still a little jealous. Um, Natasha-san? (Litty) Ah, sorry, did I scare you? (Natasha) Natasha considered herself to be something like a sister to Maamu, even though she was her escort. With such thoughts in her head, she could not remain calm when Litty acted like that. Although she should stay calm, she could not help it. On the other side, Litty was still pondering about the earlier attack. Those people used an item which she had seen several times. If her words were to be believed, the name of that item was White Shock. She had heard that person boasting about how only he, a special class adventurer, could make that item. Not necessarily the same thing, but Litty could not help but feel a connection between him and those assassins. It was strange that the assassins used something similar to Zhuls special item, a special class adventurer and also a member from Yggdrasia. Litty still did not know how to interpret this situation in detail. CH 25.1 Litty, Completes the Escort Request In a hotel room, Natasha reported the details of the assassins attack to De Mile. During the briefing, De Miles expression seemed to be on the verge of collapse, although he was trying his best to restrain his emotions and keep an indifferent facade. De Mile was sure that someone was after the life of his beloved daughter and that she must be feeling terrified. I see Maamu, its my fault. You were scared, werent you? No, thanks to Natasha-san and Litty-san, I am fine. And its not my fathers fault for listening to my selfishness. But, but, you know! De Mile cried as he held his daughter in his arms, the guilt of having put her in danger was weighing on him. However, both of them were wrong. It was Natasha who pointed out the truth. Neither De Mile-sama nor Maamu-sama are to blame. It is the people who have been trying to destroy our lives that are to blame. Yes, thats right. However, I dont think I have wronged anyone. No, I might have done something to someone without even realizing it Two of the three men the guards captured were former adventurers, one an assassin and the other a thief. Last one did not have a job and does not appear to be an adventurer. Former adventurers? Litty wondered about a different question than others. Why were they not adventurers anymore? And why would an assassin, a high-ranking job, go so low to be a thug? Litty looked at Natasha, who had been trying to lighten up the situation with her easy-going manner, but still had an intimidating aura surrounding her. Litty observed her from behind. They committed violations in the past and had their license revoked. They havent talked about it, but I checked with the branch, and they gave me the details. Those former adventurers have no reason to hold a grudge against me no, did someone hire them? Thats probably the reason. In any case, Im uncertain if there are more of them around, so Ill be on high alert tonight to protect the place. Id appreciate it if you would. Um When they were done with the conversation, Litty decided to talk about White Shock. That she was once with Yggdrasia, and that an adventurer named Zhul had manufactured the same thing there. Litty was thinking that they might not believe her. However, if this would reduce the risk of Maamus life being threatened, even if only a little, then it did not matter where she stood. After hearing Littys part of the story, everyones reaction was mixed. That Zhul from Yggdrasia, huh, Litty, can I ask you something? Yes? Today is the first time I have seen an escort like you. Do you know what the consequences will be if you reveal everything in such situations? I dont care if you suspect me. Im prepared for that. Natasha pointed out the possibility that Litty was making up stories to try to distance herself from the truth. Under normal circumstances, this was hardly a believable story. However, Natasha was not actually doubting if Litty was telling the truth or not. She was simply testing Litty. In addition to standing her ground with the information about the White Shock, Litty was the girl who had accompanied those heroes and survived. Since Natasha understood the weight of those accomplishments, she wanted to find out if Litty was also capable of being a good adventurer. Do you know what procedure was used to create that White Shock? I dont know the details, but I have a vague idea of the materials. Among the materials Litty listed, there were some that a 5th Rank adventurer would probably not have known about. The manufacturing methods that Litty explained, though poorly done, would make anyone who heard it look up in awe. Natasha was awestruck when she heard about what it was like to be a special class adventurer. It was not just about Rank. It was on a different level. The way they think was fundamentally different. It may be due in part to her efforts, but she was definitely destined to be a special class, was what Natasha believed. Natasha was struggling to maintain her composure as the information Litty presented was something that even she, a high ranking adventurer, did not know. She was now completely sure that Litty was not lying and it also demonstrated Littys great observation skills, a trait of a good adventurer. CH 25.2 Excuse me. Their conversation was then interrupted by a knock at the door, which De Mile let through, perhaps because he recognized the voice. It was a thin, fair-skinned young man who entered. Nils, how are you doing? (De Mile) Yes, a little better, thanks to you Im sorry, I got sick at a critical time (Nils) Glad to hear that you are doing better. Dont worry, I know how you usually work. Oh, right. That girl was an escort in your place. (De Mile) Oh, thank you (Nils) Nils bowed apologetically, and as Litty responded with a nod, her gaze caught his. Litty was concerned that he might have perceived her as an unreliable escort. Litty looked away involuntarily. Nils is a 3rd Rank adventurer, you know. He may look like this, but hes skilled, and has been working with Natasha for some time now. He is reliable. (De Mile) No, no, I took a leave suddenly at such a crucial time. I heard youve been in a lot of trouble (Nils) Thanks to Natasha and Litty, my daughter is safe. (De Mile) Im so glad to hear that Im sorry, both of you. Litty observed Nils, the escort De Mile relied on. Despite De Miles trust in Nils, Maamu seemed to be wary of the man as she stared at him while snuggling up to her father. Natasha also recognized him as a coworker, but was not particularly interested in him. Litty, I greatly appreciate your efforts today. Ill let the Adventurers Guild know tomorrow that you did an impressive job. Eh, was I really okay? I can tell by looking at Maamu. It seems like Maamu is quite fond of you. Youll make a good adventurer someday, right? Ha-ha-ha-ha! Huh Even Litty couldnt react to his Idiot Parent reaction. And Natasha, who must have been used to this, laughed. She also had a high opinion of Litty, so she had no complaints about the job, but the Yggdrasia story still bothered her. If true, it would be great news. If it became known that Litty was taken in as an apprentice by Aldis, there would be no end to the number of people who would come to her to invite her to become their apprentice. But at the same time, there were many problems with Aldis personality. Litty, have you ever told this story to anyone else? No. Good. Thats the right thing to do, its Yggdrasia, after all. Well, I wouldnt have believed it if it werent for the information about white shock. Right Sorry, Maamu is looking sleepy, can we call it a night? Maamu was sleepy, or rather, she was already asleep. After playing around all day long and all the commotion at the end, it was natural for her to be tired, both physically and mentally. Litty was also feeling tired after only one day of escorting, but she thought it had been a valuable experience. They were leaving tomorrow, and Litty told them she would like to see them off. If Litty ever stops by the Royal Capital, their offer of support would be a great help for her. Litty left the hotel, determined to stop by the Adventurers Guild and call it a day. *** Something felt strange on the road at night. She had experienced this feeling at the hotel as well. A gaze that was watching her intently. From somewhere, someone was watching her. Litty dared to ignore it and walked along. She thought that if she were to show an opening, the owner of the gaze would appear. Yes, just like the assassin who attacked Maamu. Litty could feel a faint sense of intimidation. If this thing succeeded in attacking herC CH 25.3 Litty could feel a faint sense of intimidation. If this thing succeeded in attacking herC Taaah! Litty reacted by circling around and blocking the attack from behind with her sword. The sheer power of the attack nearly crumbled Littys guard with ease. Litty instantly recognized the attackers strength. He was stronger. If the enemy had made a relentless pursuit attack here, it would have been dangerous for sure. However, the enemy was standing still, as if admiring Littys defense. Amazing. Are you sure youre a Rank 5? You must be Nils-san. Huh? How did you know? Attacker removed the cloth covering his face, revealing his actual face. Nils, a slender, fair-skinned young man, had claws attached to his hands. He looked like a different person from the one she had met at the hotel a few minutes before. His face, illuminated by the streetlight, was smiling wickedly. It was only for a short time, but I felt like you were looking a little strangely at me. Also, you seemed to be paying special attention to things related to me. Thats because you were the one who talked about that. I never thought I would encounter someone with connections to That Man That man? You maybe know too much, so Im going to get rid of you right here. Nils arms bulged with muscle. The Claw strike from those arms would be incomparable to the one from earlier. Cleave, parry, spear guard Despite Littys defensive skills, the attacks were far beyond what she could handle. She was thrown away with her weapon in her hand. Although she managed to avoid serious injury by rolling on the cobblestone pavement, the wind pressure alone had already taken its toll on her. Ugh What do you think my job is? Its rare for anyone to guess it when they first meet me. Only these claws give it away. G-Grappler Correct! I only pull out those muscles when I need them! Its a little application of enhancement magic. Most of the guys will normally be surprised by it, right? A good man hides his claws. A high-rank Grappler. A Grappler was an expert in the art of physical attack. According to the current situation, Littys odds of winning were not good even though Nils was a 3rd Rank adventurer and on the same level as the instructors of the Job Guild. Thinking so far, Litty finally realized those instructors were really going easy on her. Hows it going? Are you scared? Yes Haha! Adventurers die in the most unexpected places! But youre not that bad Litty just looked at the man. Some of them dont even know what killed them. Its a miserable business, thats why Im repulsed by adventurers. But you know, adventurers like them are the ones who are helping make this world a better place They are so impressive that even a child like you would want to follow their steps and dream of being an adventurer. Thats why you had to die today. Blame yourself for being an adventurer. Litty was not interested in this mans thoughts or motives, so she just pondered. Like I said, adventures die without knowing why. Hmph! I wonder? Did you pee your pants and want to run away? No Really? It was true that being an adventurer was a dangerous job, and one could die at any time. I see, I see At first, Nils thought Litty was trying to be tough. However, he could not detect any fear in her voice. A mentality that did not mind being hit hard by the claws. Nils thought of himself as superior, but for some reason, he was no longer amused. But thats why it is called an adventure, isnt it? If you are willing to put your life in danger, that means its worth risking your life. Have you lost your mind? Youre going to die here, you know? Nope Nils stepped aside spontaneously. The temperature was not high to begin with, but he felt a cold chill run down his spine. The girl there held not only a sword but also a spear in her hand. Was she still trying to fight? In the first place, who would use a sword and a spear at the same time? Nils had the impression that the girl named Litty had gone crazy. Its fun, right? Litty was smiling. It differed from Nils laugh, who was sure of his own victory. From the bottom of her heart, she was enjoying the situation she was in. Even though there should be an overwhelming difference in their abilities. Why? At once, Nils expression turned serious. CH 26.1 Litty Fights Attackers Nils was the first to make a move. He was trying not to be intimidated by Littys smiling face in this tense atmosphere. The difference between their skills, physical abilities and experience was so vast that Nils believed he could easily kill her in the blink of an eye, but Tsk! He was countered by a spear. Something was obviously wrong. Unlike before, his movements were being read. After successfully blocking the upcoming attack, Litty ran and went for her own attack. Too sloweh?! Litty thrust her spear into the ground and sent herself flying. In the manner of a pole vault, she was able to get on top of Nils. In the midair, Litty immediately prepared to execute a gale slash with her one-handed sword, but as expected, Nils was not so na?ve. He expected Littys attack and made a counterattack by taking her landing spot into consideration. Ascending Strike! As a series of claw strikes came from below, Litty, who was on the verge of landing, had nowhere to run. Fortunately, at the last moment, Litty thought of an idea and counteracted the Grapplers skill [Ascending Strike] by spinning herself in the midair. With the momentum of being repelled, she landed at a distance from him again. Youre pretty good. Surprisingly, troublesome. Troublesome? Ill settle this right away. That spin you just did its a little lacking, yknow? Nils stretched out his arms and started to rotate himself like a beyblade. It was a Grapplers skill, the Circular Claw, nothing compared to Littys. Nils executed a highly difficult skill that excelled at both offense and defense. Moreover, it also worked as a surprise attack on the enemys position. Cleave, catch, spin, and spear guard. None of them had any way to prevent it. Relieved by Littys look of impatience, Nils laughed again. Scary this time, isnt it? This is the might of higher position, for youC Its neither troublesome nor scary, but rather very exciting. What? Because this is also part of an adventurers life, you know? Again, Nils was annoyed by Littys incomprehensible remark. This was the end, anyway. Or so Nils told himself. As he was spinning around, Nils suddenly lunged at Litty, expecting her to end up as a lump of meat. That was his motive, but Littys next move surprised him. She threw away her sword and held up her spear with both hands. Are you going to use that spear to hit my spinning claws? However, the moment Litty approached him, Nils realized that her aim was at his feet. She concentrated on nothing else. With that slender spear, she aimed at just one point. Yah! Whoa! It was the Nils feet that were struck. The spear not only pierced his feet but also shattered the cobblestone below, causing him to halt his attack. Because of inertia and momentum, Nils immediately lost his balance and fell down with his arms still outstretched. He also injured himself with his own claws, making blood splatter everywhere. Iggyaaaah! Hah I won, didnt I? The girl declaring victory provoked intense hatred in him, but the wounds he sustained were not shallow. The increase in power with reinforcement magic proved to be a setback. Not only was his rotation destroyed, but the power of his rotation was sent back to him. In the first place, this girl should not have been able to keep up with his movements when he confronted her. He still could not understand what went wrong. Why was he defeated? Nils looked up at Litty, holding the wound that had carved deep in his chest. Why would someone like you know the weakness of this skill?! When I was spinning myself while practicing a certain technique, I wondered what I would do if my opponent used a similar skill, so I thought of this counter. No way a kid like you can think so far! Why are you doing this? You! Zhul must have taught you something! Otherwise, I wouldnt have lost! Litty was confused by the situation, but she decided to put it aside for now. Although Nils was injured and would probably die if left alone, Litty had no mercy. She pointed her sword at him, trying to get the information out of him. I received nothing from him. I was abandoned deep inside the forest and was told that I had no talent. Oh, really? Hahaha! Of course, they did! Thats what Zhul is all about! Do you think Zhul-san is an outstanding person? Yes, he is! He hires outcast adventurers like me, and he doesnt care if I lost my adventurers license! He looks at everyone as an equal! Hes ah Suddenly Nils expression tightened. Then, his teeth clenched together and even tears came to his eyes. No, no. Oh no, thats not what I just said, thats not what I meant. Eh? Eeh? Nils vomited a lot of blood from his mouth, and his body started to convulse violently. By the time he was finished, he had completely stopped moving. Litty checked his pulse, and the result was as expected. What is this? Litty staggered. The amount of blood expelled was enough to shock the guards, who had finally heard the commotion and came to the scene. They, too, were speechless. CH 26.2 Litty returned to the Sky Ocean hotel, where she was interrogated by the guards. Natasha treated her injuries, but they were mostly superficial and very few. It was her employer, count De Mile, who was the most reluctant to accept the fact that Nils had died after engaging in battle with Litty. It was fortunate that Maamu was asleep. That Nils, why? (De Mile) He told me a little about it before. He said that his life wasnt supposed to end like this, and it could have been better (Natasha) Natasha, is that true? (De Mile) He was an outcast adventurer, it seems. He was not satisfied with his current reputation, so he fell for someones sweet talk. (Natasha) Was he behind all this? Why did he target my innocent daughter? (De Mile) I dont know (Natasha) An outcast adventurer was one who, for some reason, was expelled from a party and had nowhere else to go. Or they had been stripped of their adventurers license. It most likely happened because of the problem with their thinking or character. Rogai, who was responsible for Littys promotion exam, was one such person, but the people like him who chose the path of an instructor were still better off. Most of them could not accept reality, could not let go of their pride, and went astray. If this was someone who was incapable of achieving big fits, it shouldnt be a problem. But if it was otherwise, then the consequences would be unimaginable. It seems sometimes people go down the wrong path. The assassins who attacked us in the daytime could be considered as one of them. (Natasha) Those people are strangers, but Nils (De Mile) Maamu-sama also didnt befriend him, you know. Maybe she had guessed that something was wrong with him (Natasha) Hearing that he was an exiled adventurer, Litty wondered why he got banished. What exactly did the adventures do that lead them to be banished, but didnt all adventures have the same aspirations? Litty was not sure what Nils past was, but Littys encounter with him made her even more determined than before. Its really a sad part. I dont want to be like that. Yes, I hope you will stay as upright as youre right now, Litty. *** Im from the Guards. One of the guards who went inside the door immediately approached Litty. They let her off the hook during the thug incident before, but this time they didnt let her go. This was because the guard in charge of the current incident was different from the previous incident, and his eyes seemed to hold a strong displeasure towards her. When Litty explained the situation as it was, the guard replied, I see. A 5th rank adventurer against a 3rd rank Judging by the damage to the body, most of it was certainly caused by his own weapon. However, he was a 3rd rank adventurer, right? How could he die just like that? Guard, I can vouch for her innocence. But, De Mile-sama. A guard you hired was killed? That is my responsibility, I believe. Please, do not hesitate to investigate me. Uh thats no The guard, after glaring at Litty, walked out of the room without saying a word. Despite De Miles image of being an idiotic and na?ve parent, he was a respectable Count. If Maamu had woken up, she would have been horrified by his current aura, as Maamu had never seen her father like this before. Phew Litty, sorry for getting you into trouble. I already told the guard that it will be my responsibility for not being able to see this Nils character for what he actually was. No, thats okay. I believe there will be times like this in the future, as long as Im working as an adventurer. That puts me at ease. Well then, I shall give you a little extra for your hard work, it should be added to your guild compensation. Oh, no! No, you didnt have to trouble yourself to do so. Dont mind it, I would also make sure to include this to your achievements. Ill let the guild know. Litty could no longer refuse De Miles decision. She did not feel bad about the unexpected high praise, but she couldnt really explain in detail what happened to Nils. With the mystery left unresolved, Litty returned home. *** The next day, Litty met Natasha at the Adventurers Guild. Outside, a magnificent carriage was waiting for her, with De Mile and Maamu riding in it. Litty had just been promoted to 4th rank, and they had come to see her off. The Nils situation kind of bugged me too The guards had informed me just now that he was the one who was directing the people who attacked us yesterday afternoon, everything was carried out in the dark. So when he said he was sick He was pretending to be in his room, but he was working He is a jerk who took advantage of De Miles good nature, thats for sure Why would he do that? The guards got the other guys to talk until this point, and then they suddenly started convulsing, vomiting blood and all died on the spot, not even a single survivor was left behind. Just from those words, she could tell that they had met the same end as the Nils, and that Zhul had done something to them. If he was the mastermind, what was his purpose, was it related to Aldis, or was it related to Yggdrasil? Litty was not going to be able to get to them anytime soon. I hope I can find some clues about this as I go on this adventure and figure it out. Aye, but just be cautious. They have lots of underhanded tricks, and itll be a hassle to deal with them. If those people really tried to get involved Natasha shuddered, for Littys eyes were not smiling like usual and the corners of her mouth were twisted into a wicked smile. Litty was someone who enjoyed even the unexpected encounters with powerful enemies and the threat of death, which undoubtedly was one of her strengths. There were not many people like her who could smile in the face of real danger. Natasha noticed such an aspect of Littys nature and patted her shoulders. Name: Litty Gender: Female Age: 15 Grade: 4 CH 27.1 Litty, Sends Off the Young Lady Litty went to send De Mile and Maamu off at the entrance of the city. She was relieved that they had Natasha and two other guards protecting them, even though one of them was missing at the moment. However, Litty still had some regrets. She wanted to stay with Maamu until she could learn basic magic from her. Perhaps it was not a good idea to get too personal with your client, but she couldnt help wanting to learn something she didnt know of. Litty-san, thank you so much for your help this time. And congratulations on advancing to Rank 4. (Maamu) Thank you very much Maamu, take care of yourself. Someday, I will definitely come to the Capital. (Litty) Yess, please come by, and when you are there, do not forget to meet me. Yes, I will do so. Maamu looked out of the carriage window as De Mile sat beside her, listening to the conversation of two girls. In the presence of De Mile, Litty hesitated on whether to mention Maamus genuine desires. However, Litty still summoned up her courage. Maamu. If there is something you want to do, I will help you. (Litty) Eh, umm? (Maamu) Ive thought about it. Yesterday, the guards were a little suspicious of me but they believed De Mile-sans words. This means that they cant trust me as an individual for now. (Litty) Neither Maamu nor De Mile could return the words without seeing where the conversation was leading to. However, Maamu certainly felt something inside. Maamu didnt have the courage to say it out here, but Litty saw right through her. Right now, I have only just reached Rank 4. I dont have enough achievements, credibility, and ability to back up my words. Its only natural that they dont trust me. But if I build up both my strength and my reputation, Im sure many people would recognize me and my words would have some value to them in the future. (Litty) Litty-san, I appreciate your concern, but (Maamu) There were also days in life where I couldnt do what I wanted to do. However, I am glad that I became an adventurer in the end. Thats why I dont want you to regret it and take a step towards your dream. Maamu blinked several times as Litty cornered her. Putting her hand on her own chest, Maamu thought long and hard about something. Something she wanted to do, something that her father would probably object to if she told him. She was too scared to tell him. However, Litty still encouraged her to do so. Father, I (Maamu) Maamu? (De Mile) She couldnt get the words out. Shes going to make him worry, he might even get mad at her. Her heart sped up, but her mouth refused to open. Suddenly, Natasha appeared outside the carriage, making a clenched fist she nodded towards Maamu. Maamu could tell that Natashas smile was giving her a boost. Then Litty struck the same pose. Feeling reassured, Maamu took a deep breath and clenched her fists. I want to be a Magician. (Maamu) What? (De Mile) Ive been reading books on it, and Ive always wanted to be a Magician. I also thought that if I could use recovery magic, no one would need to go through the same suffering as mother (Maamu) Maamu, but (De Mile) I understand how Father feels. So, we dont need to reach a conclusion right away. (Maamu) With that, she shifted her gaze to Litty. Then she turned her attention back to her father and reached her hand out of the carriage. Litty and Natasha, sensing her intent, step away a little. Fire! (Maamu) A vigorous flame erupted from Maamus palm for a moment. It wasnt enough to be called attack magic, but it was far more powerful than Littys. De Mile opened his mouth wide, trying to speak. CH 27.2 Ma, Maamu, when did you (De Mile) Im sorry, I didnt tell you even though I should have. Im only at this stage now, but I want to improve my techniques and want to learn a lot from now on Litty-san is right If I have enough strength and achievements, Father wont have to worry about me (Maamu) Maamu (De Mile) De Mile was desperately searching for words to describe her actions and remarks that were unlike the modest and quiet daughter he knew about. Did something go wrong with the way he brought up his daughter? Definitely not. As a parent, he was completely unaware that his daughter had thought that far. Maybe he was unfit as a parent, he started to wonder. Please give me your acknowledgement when I have improved! (Maamu) I see. (De Mile) It was all he could squeeze out in a barely audible voice. What could he even say to his daughter, who was thinking that much about him? He had been too busy with his duties as a noble to talk to her about anything. During the time he had been away from her, she was probably brooding over such topics. De Mile understood that it was all his fault for failing to get closer to his daughter. Lets think more about it together (De Mile) Father! (Maamu) I dont even know what to say. After all, after that magic you just showed me, I need to get my mind in order. (De Mile) Yes, lets talk about everything when we are back home! (Maamu) Im sorry. I have a lot to catch up on about your life and dreams. De Mile hugged his daughter. Natasha and the other two guards also couldnt stop themselves from tearing up. They had known De Mile and his daughter for a long time. It was a pity that they had been so close to De Mile and his daughter, but could not do anything about their situation. Litty could see herself and her parents back home in the same light. It was not that she was homesick, but she wished to see them as soon as possible for no other reason than getting their approval. Maamu-san. Im still inexperienced now, but someday, when Ive made achievements that I can be proud of Ill definitely come to get you! (Litty) Litty-san (Maamu) De Mile-san should not be worried No! I will be an adventurer you will be able to entrust your daughter to without any worries! Please wait until then! (Litty) I understand. I will also study as hard as I can. (Maamu) Maamu put her hand outside the carriage to shake hands with Litty. They both smiled at each other and then let go of each others hands. Natasha confirmed that Maamu had sat properly back into the carriage and then climbed on the carriage front, and finally gripped the reins tightly. Well, to achieve that, we have to get back to the capital first. I will continue to help from the sidelines. (Natasha) Yes! Natasha-san! (Maamu) Hmm? Help? What? What do you mean? (De Mile) Ah! Well, lets go! (Natasha) Hey, Natasha! What is the meaning of this? (De Mile) Natasha slipped up halfway, and De Mile interrogated her as the carriage drove away. Litty watched optimistically until the carriage was out of sight, hoping that things would go well. *** Back at the Adventurers Guild, an unfamiliar man was speaking with the guilds branch manager. The adventurers relaxing at the table were also attentively listening to their conversation. Clearly, the atmosphere was not a good one. So, branch manager. As long as we dont make any mistakes, there should be no problem. That place still has resource value there. (Unknown Man) I cannot agree with you. You people dont understand the horror of the Scarb. (Branch Manager) Theyre just a bunch of nothing. They only have their numbers. (Unknown Man) Roma beckoned to Litty, who was observing the exchange between the man and the branch manager. She gave Litty a simple rundown of the whole situation. Roma-san, what happened? (Litty) That man talking to the branch manager is a merchant from a neighboring province. He spotted the Bikki Mine Ruins and wanted to excavate it. (Roma) Heeh, but there are a lot of Scarb there. (Litty) Yes. Thats why theyre asking the Adventurers Guild for help. (Roma) * Weak monsters like that are nothing to worry about with the magic tools we have now. (Fat man) A fat man approached them. Several other adventurers were also following behind. They were probably guards. One of them gave a careful glance to the guild. Apparently, the name of the wealthy merchant David is not well known in this country. Dont you guys know about him? This man is a jeweler who has discovered the asset value of the abandoned mines and has revitalized them many times. In fact, there is no one in the neighboring countries who has not heard of him. You should have heard about Reglia mine, right? The story of the Reglia mine is pretty famous, after all. (Unknown Man) Hmph, I have no use for a cowardly guild like this. Lets go. (David) David left the guild with his escorts in tow. One could sense that some adventurers were offended by his irreverent attitude. The tongue lashings and swearing were evidence of this. Phew, its been a while since a strange one came here. (Bystander 1) But if the Bikki Mine is repurposed, isnt that a good thing? (Bystander 2) We dont even know the size of the Scarbs nest, its too big of a risk. (Bystander 1) Not good I hope they dont do something stupid. (Bystander 2) Litty knew firsthand how troublesome Scarbs could be, so she understood the risk. What would happen if there were more of them? Litty understood why the branch manager might be reluctant. Whether its Baffolo or Scarb, if they swarm, the threat would multiply many times over. CH 28.1 Litty, Ordered to Standby The next day, there was a flurry of activity in the Adventurers Guild. An out-of-breath adventurer was talking about something with the branch manager of the guild. And as the branch manager continued to listen to that adventurer, his face grew grim, and out of impulse he angrily struck the wall with his fist. The force of the blow penetrated the wall, forming a hole in it. When the guild branch manager came back to his sense, he patted the wall with a somewhat regretful expression on his face. Ill pay for the repairs. So, are you sure about that news? (Branch manager) Yes. The entrance was many times larger now than it previously was. (Adventurer) He is probably going to use the Magic Tool Burst Mine, right? We must do something about it as soon as possible. (Branch manager) Litty wanted to ask him about what happened, but the atmosphere was so grave that it didnt seem like she would get a proper reply. The branch manager, accompanied by several other staff members of the guild, called out to several more adventurers present. Well do our best to stop them. Bloom, would you mind coming along? Of course, Im not asking you for free service. Ill reward you accordingly. (Branch manager) Okay, Ill join you guys. (Bloom) Kenny, as well. (Branch manager) Yes, yes. But if its going to be a serious clash, you know, it will not end up well for everyone. (Kenny) Dont worry, I will not let that happen. (Branch manager) Litty was completely ignored. She understood very well why they didnt let her take part, all because she still lacked credibility and achievements to back up her actions, and a serious situation like this required the experience of a veteran. However, rather than being discouraged by this, Litty was instead inspired. Just as she was about to come forward and say, Me too, Roma called out to the branch manager. Branch manager, they would need permission from the feudal lord to do what theyre trying to do, right? (Roma) Thats right. But I dont think they would have the luxury to get such a thing. In the first place, if they had tried to get a permission first before taking any action, they would not be allowed to do so and might as well just offend the lord. (Branch manager) Then, shouldnt we also contact the royal capital for reinforcement? (Roma) Of course, we are parallelly proceeding with that as well. (Branch manager) Litty did not get the chance to take part in the conversation, frustrating her to no end. Why was it necessary to contact the capital? Finally losing her patience, Litty asked Roma about her doubt. Its because we dont know the size of the Scarbs nest. So, we would at least need the help of the Kingdoms regular army in case there are too many of them than the guild could handle. (Roma) Are Scarbs going to attack this town? (Litty) Theres a high possibility that they would if Burst Mine is really used. (Roma) And yet, those people want to use it?! (Litty) Thats precisely why were hurrying over there. (Roma) Roma chuckled at Littys delayed one-tenth-of-a-second anger. Sometimes she would show a flash of horror, and other times she might react in an almost careless manner, as she was doing now. Roma still couldnt understand Litty completely, but she also adored that part about her. She was supposed to see Litty as a friend, but somewhere along their journey she may have started to treat Litty like a sister. Roma suddenly had such thoughts. We have to stop that David guy! (Litty) Were on standby for now. Besides, the branch manager will be there, so it wont be much of a problem. (Roma) Is he strong? (Litty) Regal used to be a Rank 1 adventurer called Bomb Fist, and rumor has it that he can defeat demons of Rank 2 or lower without using any skills. (Roma) Wow! If thats the case, Id love to join him right now! I want to see for myself how he fights! (Litty) Litty, youre just (Roma) Roma thought Litty might be a little intimidated if she got to know what the branch manager was capable of doing, but she was wrong. Litty was instead excited, and this was precisely the reason why everyone called her a monster. She might even jump into a dragons den out of mere curiosity, Roma thought to herself. CH 28.2 Well, were going to stop them now. You guys stay here. I want you to take at least the rest of the day off from whatever requests you might be interested in. (Branch manager) Why, branch manager? (Litty) Its because we need people to stay here and protect the city in case of an emergency. (Branch manager) Aye. Can please bring me along too? (Litty) No! The adventurers David had brought with him were almost all Rank 3! If you are to get into a clash with them, you, a rank 4 adventurer, might end up as a liability! (Branch manager) Litty was so frustrated that she almost wanted to mention her achievement in defeating the Rank 3 adventurer, Niels, the other day. But that was a fluke victory, as the opponent had underestimated her. He had been attacking Litty in a flashy and easy-to-understand way, which Litty could barely handle. Litty herself knew the truth better than anyone else. That was why she had no choice but to close her mouth after getting rebuked by the branch manager. After all, she lacked sufficient achievements or abilities to make others acknowledge or even fear her right now. As for the rest of you! Yes, I know adventurers are not my subordinates and they arent related to me, but this town really needs your help right now so Im asking you to follow my leads for now! (Branch manager) Alright. Since the branch manager is with us, I know everything will go well and we will all return safely. If we dont go soon, it will be too late! Im sorry. Im sorry, but please, I leave this place in everyones hands here. (Branch manager) The branch manager went off with his elites in tow. Some of the adventurers who were later notified that there wouldnt be any work that day were ill at ease. Litty was also one of them. What disappointed her most was that she was left behind, even though she could smell the scent of adventure in the air. Since she was deemed not strong enough by their criteria, she was not allowed to join. In the silence of the guild, Litty made up her mind. Im going. (Litty) Dont tell me youre planning to go after the branch manager? Theyre going to be really pissed at you if you dare to overlook their orders. (Roma) Shouldnt an adventurer go on adventures? (Litty) We have to protect the city. There are many people in this town who cant fight back against the Scarbs. (Roma) People who cant fight (Litty) Litty thought of the old couple who had always been welcoming of her presence and the people in the city who took care of her. If the Scarb horde came, the remaining adventurers would be the only ones who could protect those civilians. Because she was so focused on the immediate goal of an adventure, she had overlooked something very important. Ill wait here. (Litty) It will be okay. The truth is, I wanted to go, too. (Roma) Roma-san? (Litty) Hmmm so lets just put up with it for now, okay? (Roma) Roma patted Littys head as she rested her chin on the table, looking very bored. Despite his words, Branch manager Regal was actually just being considerate of Litty, who was just promoted to Rank 4. In his opinion, escorting an aristocrat was a job with a lot of pressure. Even if nothing had attacked the target of the escort, the adventurer would still be held responsible if the target was injured in any way. Moreover, there were many nobles who had character issues and were hard to deal with. Branch Manager Regal personally set this job as a test for her promotion, knowing what troubles she might encounter in the future. *** This was not the entrance to the Bikki Mine that the Branch Manager Regal and his colleagues knew. It was obviously forcefully expanded. It was littered with debris and the scars of their rough handling of the project. They really did it! Damn it!!! Im going after them right now! (Branch manager) Shhh, branch manager. Someone from the back is coming. (Bystander 01) One of the adventurers, who had been escorting David, was seen staggering over, using his weapon as a walking stick. Blood streamed from his forehead as he walked over and when he saw the branch manager and his elite group, he slumped down on the spot as if his strings had been severed. You, where is David, and what happened to everyone else! (Branch manager) Oh no, I cant, help me, this place, its horrible (Davids guard) Whats going on! Hey! I need some healing magic to cure this idiot! (Branch manager) The adventurer, Cleric, healed Davids guard, but he didnt seem to be in the right state as he kept mumbling something. He was trembling and no one was able to get the point across with him. He should have been a Rank 3 adventurer, but something was able to frighten him to this degree. The group realized that something worse must have happened inside that mine. Is David safe? (Branch manager) I dont know, I dont care about the others, I cant do this anymore (Davids guard) You left him there and ran away?! (Branch manager) Ah An adventurer with a good track record and recognized by the headquarters was in such a state. Normally, he would have reprimanded him, but this wasnt the primary concern of the branch manager. At that moment, an enormous insect crawled out from the back of the cave. They, theyre cominghaiii! (Davids guard) You stay back! (Branch manager) An insect-type monster with a huge scythe appeared in front of the branch manager and the others. The fresh blood on its blade made the group realize what might have happened. CH 29.1 Litty Defends the City A day had passed since the branch manager and entourage had left for Bikki Mine Ruins. People had finished their work, returned home, and were enjoying the evening drink as night descended. Litty, who had also been ordered to stand by, was running around the town fulfilling some random requests. As the sun was just about to rise, an enraged shout was heard from the watchtower. Close the gate! Monsters are approaching! Adventurers, gather at the east gate! As for the rest of the people in town, stay in your houses at all costs! (Guard) Litty, having finished getting changed quickly, rushed out of the old couples house and ran to the east gate. Her speed startled the guards more than the monsters. Youre fast! (Guard 01) Are the monsters youre talking about Scarbs? (Litty) Yes, youre right. There are many of them and they are all bloodthirsty. Theyre probably heading for this place where the humans gather. (Guard 01) Where is the branch manager and others? (Litty) I dont know (Guard 01) One of the guards shook his head with anxiety and frustration clear on his face. Soon, the other adventurers also arrived on the scene and grasped the situation. Knowing that the opponents were Scarb, they were more concerned about the safety of the branch manager, but did not know what had happened on their end. Well try to finish them off with arrows from the top of the wall. I want you guys to stay here, just in case. (Guard 01) Since the gates were closed in time, those monsters will try to crawl on the walls. Will guards be able to handle them all on their own with us standing down here inside the gate? (Adventurer 01) Havent you read the citys emergency procedures? In an emergency situation, you are obligated to follow the instructions of the local security force of the town so dont think too much. (Adventurer 02) Right. (Adventurer 01) Theyre coming! Fire the arrows! (Scouting personal) The guards standing by on the wall all fired arrows. In other words, Scarbs were approaching us. Although they could not be seen from here, the arrows would have probably been flying wildly. Litty was frustrated. She had been summoned here, and yet she was told to stand by and do nothing. And what if even one of the Scarbs found a chance to get in from somewhere they couldnt keep an eye on? At that thought, Litty kicked the building and the wall, and climbed up in a 3-dimensional jump. What! What are you doing! (Guard 03) Im joining the fight! Im here to protect the city! (Litty) Dont do anything rash! (Guard 03) Litty was at the end of her patience, not even listening to the guards. Whats more, it was unusual for Scarbs to be here in the first place. And she was also concerned about the safety of the branch manager. She went over the wall so easily! What terrifying physical abilities! (Adventurer 02) What is she doing with just one spear? (Adventurer 03) Litty stood on top of the wall in an imposing manner with only her spear, next to the guards who were continuously shooting arrows at Scarbs using their bows and also checking the position of the Scarbs every now and then. The number of Scarbs who escaped the guards and were crawling up to the wall was about several dozen. The number of Scarbs was decreasing, but Litty could see that they were closing the distance little by little. Damn! I missed it! (Guard 03) Excuse me, can I borrow a bow? (Litty) What? No, why are you here? (Guard 03) Im borrowing it! (Litty) Litty grabbed a bow and arrow from one of the guards and pulled the string as a test. She was still not used to the feel of the bow as it was her first time using it. Zhul from Yggdrasia also knew how to use a bow, but his specialty was a knife. He had only gotten a few opportunities to use it. But Litty once had the time to look at the maneuver of the Swordsmen Guilds branch manager. Teyaa! The poorly released arrow hit one of the Scarbs perfectly. Then came another shot, followed by the next right after, and this continued for a while. The accuracy of the shot was not so good, but it was almost as good as that of the guard next to her. The guard was stunned at first and soon left her to her own devices, though he felt frustrated for not being able to get a good hit. He was not an archer to begin with, but he was trained to a certain degree. He was surely not new to archery. What about this girl? The guards assessment was that she was not a bad archer, the precise hits showed that she had some prior experience. CH 29.2 This is not enough! Im going down to fight them on the ground, so you guys keep shooting! (Litty) Hey! What the heck are you! (Guard) The guards all knew Litty well. She was so well-known that she had become a local celebrity. Recently, she was promoted to Rank 4, so the number of people who knew her had increased even more. Littys current behavior could be described as outrageous, but her momentum was so overwhelming that it forced almost everyone who witnessed the event to not intervene. And now that she had already jumped off the wall and stood with her spear against the Scarb swarm, they had no other choice but to provide cover for her. Kuh! Keep shooting arrows at Scarbs but make sure you shoot farther back than that girl over there! (Guard) In addition to the cover fire of arrows, Littys melee combat had started to reduce the number of Scarbs little by little, until there were only two unfamiliar ones left. Their size was larger than a regular Scarb, about the same size as a Baffolo. Scarb Soldiers a higher species designated as Rank 4! And there are even two of them! (Unknown guard) We cant do much damage with arrows! Litty planned her attack on the Scarb Soldiers, which she had never seen before. She used her spear to hold them back, but they were faster than she had expected. They crawled around on the ground at high speed, chasing after Litty. As expected, with two of them chasing after her from different directions, Litty could not avoid getting injured in such a dire situation. Although she avoided the bite attack from the first Scarf Soldier, she was still blown away by a heavy body blow. Every bone and organ in her body seemed to be screaming in pain but there was no time to writhe in pain. An unknown Guard shouted, Look out! Litty dodged the Scarb Soldiers pursuit attack by pole-vaulting with her spear at the last moment the attack was about to hit her. As soon as she landed, she held her spear in both hands with a determined look and a hint of excitement. When that Scarb Soldier rushed forward again, Litty delivered a powerful thrust. However, the blow wasnt aimed at its head but it was a blow to the foot, it was a similar blow she had executed in the battle against Nils. The blow was strong enough to flip the Scarb Soldier upside-down and Litty soon followed by a pounce on the fallen Scarb Soldier, and without giving it time to recover from what was happening she took out her spear, and struck it in the stomach with a powerful strike. As she was still panting on the one of the Scarb Soldier, another one took the opportunity and tried to attack her, but a spear strike to the foot sent the Scarb Soldier overturned again. This is the end! (Litty) She stabbed the Scarb Soldier in the head with her spear, killing the monster on the spot. After confirming that it was exterminated, Litty turned to the guards and waved her hand. I killed them all! (Litty) The guards were unable to answer her call. There was no one here who could swallow the current situation and react as if nothing had happened just now. Even though their manpower had certainly reduced a number of Scarbs, she had practically annihilated a swarm of Scarbs, including two Rank 4 Scarb Soldiers, all by herself. In that situation, covering fire with arrows was nothing more than a distraction to stall the rush of Scarbs. Some of the guards hands trembled as they held on to their bows. They were supposed to be reliable allies, but they couldnt help but be struck with awe by Litty, after witnessing her power. Um, I cant climb up from here as there is no supportive terrain around, so could you please open the door? (Litty) Oh, ah. Sure. (Guard 03) 3-dimensional jumping was only possible if there were other walls to jump from. Litty quickly scurried into the door, which opened slowly. From inside the wall, it was impossible to grasp what was going on, but all the adventurers present had a rough guess in their hearts. Everyone responded awkwardly to the girl who had single-handedly annihilated the Scarb swarm. CH 29.3 Did you fight with just that spear? (Adventurer) Yes. At first, I was going to use a sword, but I thought the spear would be better since it covers a wider area (Litty) You have just got promoted to Rank 4, right? (Adventurer) Yes ouchie Ahh, now that I think about it, I was body slammed earlier (Litty) Because of Scarb Soldiers high-speed movements and strong bodies, their body blows were hard to stop head-on, even for a heavy warrior. So, dodging them was the most efficient. Some people turned pale when they realized that Littys body was tough enough to take a serious hit and only get away with that little amount of damage. Let me give you some medical treatment first. (Laila) Ah! Are you going to use recovery magic? It will be my first time to get treated with it! (Litty) Really? I may not be able to heal you completely being a Rank 5 adventurer, but (Laila) Littys eyes widened as Laila, a female healer cleric of Rank 5 adventurer, used her recovery magic. Litty had a blissful expression on her face, even though she was only receiving a lower level of recovery magic. In actuality, the injury was not completely healed. What mattered to Litty was that it was her first time receiving such treatment. Recovery magic feels better than it looks, doesnt it? (Litty) Oh, youre exaggerating. But Im glad to have received so much appreciation after all these years. (Laila) *** Recovery and support could be said to be the heart of any party. Therefore, they were very important as well as useful, but on the other hand, there were many cases where they were treated coldly if they were not up to standard. As a healer, Laila was also supposed to be the heart of her party but she had suffered from mistreatment in the party, and she also had a big fight with a party member about support. In the end, enraged, she threw the whole reward at them and left angrily, but inwardly she regretted it and lost confidence in herself and her skills. I feel a lot better now and I can also join the battle again with even more energy! Thank you! (Litty) Oh, thats great. I really (Laila) No, dont be so hard on yourself. Were here for you, too. (Adventurer 01) The adventurers of the Topas branch, including the heavy warrior Dimos, all stood in a straight line with an intense fire burning in their heart. For a moment earlier, they were all surprised by Littys sheer strength, but they soon rallied to their feet, determined not to be outdone. At first, Dimos thought she was a fool, but not anymore. He saw her charge forward with no hesitation and came back with the victory, which made him finally recognize her efforts. What she said to him may be nonsense, but she was serious about realizing her dream of being an adventurer and going on all kinds of adventures. Dimos didnt like people who were only all talk but no action. However, he now admired Litty, who had provided the results to back up her claims. Next time they attack, Ill be on standby. (Adventurer 01) Leave the rear guard to me, even though Im a Rank 5 Magician, but I can take out a few Scarbs without any hitch. (Adventurer 02) Hey! Hows the battle going? The instructors of the Swordsmen and Heavy Warriors Guild had finally rushed to the scene. The two branch leaders were getting the detailed information about the current situation from the guards and also discussing the next move. Knowing what they were capable of, Litty was excited. She was hopeful that she would be able to work with such reliable people, but Another wave of Scarbs is coming! There are more of them than before! There are also more than two Scarb Soldiers this time! (Scouting guard) Guys! We are running out of time! Remember the roles of the vanguard and the rear guard! (Head of Swordsmens guild) At the order of the head of the Swordsmens Guild branch, everyone passed through the gate. There was no way they would not be intimidated by the vast army of insects approaching them, with a cloud of dust forming because of their speed. Some of the weak-minded adventurers seriously wanted to run away. Not only was the number of Scarbs very high, there were also Rank 4s in the mix. How long could they continue to fight on their own? If the batches of Scarbs keep coming their way, they would eventually run out of stamina. If that happened, only annihilation would await them. Moreover, what about supplies? Reinforcements? How many enemies were there, exactly? What about the Branch Chief Regal? We will definitely make it through! (Litty) Littys words brought one of the fearful adventurers to his senses. This was both a battle and a struggle for survival. If they did not fight, they would die. There was no time to think about what would happen next. Gripping his weapon, the adventurer let out a roar to let go of his emotions and build up some courage. CH 30.1 Litty Thinks About How To Counterattack After the Scarb horde was defeated, there were a good number of wounded adventurers. Although there were no casualties, those with serious wounds could not be ignored. In particular, a Rank 5 adventurer who was rammed by a Scarb Soldier and slammed into a wall was in dire condition. He was still unconscious when he was rushed to the medical site for treatment. I heard you ran out of arrows. We can no longer expect any covering fire then. (Dimos) Dimos, it must be difficult to carry two people on your back. Let me carry one. (An adventurer) You should worry about yourself. One of your legs is completely broken. (Dimos) Thats true, but (An adventurer) Dimos, who was using his physical enhancement to carry one wounded adventurer and an adventurer with a limp leg, was sweating profusely. Despite being a Rank 4, he was out of commission. Magician adventurers also took a long time to recover because of the overuse of magic. The same went for Laila, the Priestess. There was not enough magic power to heal all the wounded. Lets hurry and close the door. Tonight, the Swordsmens Guild will be on guard all night long. (Dimos) I think Ill be working to heal the seriously wounded first. (Laila) Laila, take it easy. If you use too much magic, it might kill you. (Dimos) Let me do it until the last minute, please. (Laila) Laila would have rested herself a little earlier but she had finally found something she wanted to do and a place where she was needed at. There were times when she felt uncomfortable because of the overuse of magic powers, but there were also times when she met people, like Litty, who were grateful. Those who continued to look down on her couldnt be helped. Weve got three wounded over here! (Litty) Hey, you cant carry them all, can you? (Dimos) Im fine! (Litty) Dimos showed an overwhelmed expression on his face as he was Litty running over with all three people on her back. Seeing Litty like that, Laila was also soothed. She could tell that what she had been frustrated by was actually something so trivial, while people like Litty were doing their utmost to achieve their goals. Laila squeezed out magic power from the core of her body and cast a recovery spell on the seriously wounded adventurer who had been brought in. Uuu (Wounded adventurer) Good, hes regained consciousness. Now you can take him to the hospital. (Laila) Yes! (Litty) Litty had been running back and forth between the hospital and the city entrance for a long time, but she didnt look tired at all. She had just been in a fierce battle, and must have needed time to replenish her energy, but perhaps she was pushing herself too hard. Littys behavior was so bizarre that it made Laila wonder if she was overworked. Lets close the gate! (Guard) The guards closed the gate and the adventurers, who were in a better state than others, finally sat down. The heads of two branches and the captain of the guards were discussing the situation. Dimos, who was listening beside them, clicked his tongue. They say our strength has been cut in half at this point. (Dimos) But, but! The branch manager and the others are also strong adventurers in Rank 3, arent they? Then We dont have unlimited strength and energy. And food, too. How are we going to end this with no resources and energy? (Dimos) Well The adventurer, who had been at a loss for words, fell silent. Litty took Dimoss words seriously. As Dimos had said, continuing to fight would only exhaust them. Besides, the citys inhabitants were also coming out of their houses and anxiety could be seen on their faces. Its only a matter of time before those people start to panic. If that happened, the citys security would deteriorate at once. In short its almost a dead end. (Dimos) What happened to the Branch manager Regal? How did this happen? Whats wrong with you, you are also starting to panic. (Dimos) As Dimos calmly soothed the distraught adventurer, Litty thought to herself, Rather than continuing to fight, the priority should be to get rid of the root cause of the problem. To achieve that, she needed to know some information. Dimos, what kind of monster are Scarbs? All I know is that they are insects and monsters that live underground, you know? (Litty) They are monsters similar to ants that live quietly underground and feed on the creatures that live in the same environment. So, as long as they dont multiply too much, theyre not a problem. However, the work at the Bikki Mine has triggered one of their nests, and now they are multiplying at an unusual pace. (Dimos) Thats also the reason why adventurers have been hired to take them down regularly, right? (Litty) Thats right. I hate to say it, but adventurers are either not interested in that quest because of its low rewards or just want to use it to increase their achievements. Its our fault for not being serious about taking them down. (Dimos) In other words, the number of Scarbs had increased so much that they could no longer be satisfied with their food underground. So, they went above ground and started attacking humans. But why only now? Above all, she and Roma defeated the queen-like monster among them before. Thanks to that, their reproduction should have been suppressed. However, this situation proved that something was wrong. CH 30.2 We have defeated a Queen Scarb before Shouldnt that have solved the problem? (Litty) Well, it should have worked, but this situation certainly made little sense. What David did was something unnecessary, but it shouldnt have ended like this. I could only imagine what might have happened (Dimos) There was something strange about Scarbs that attacked me. The size of their bodies and the antennae as well differed slightly from before (Litty) It could be a different type of Scarbs from those we encountered in the mine before. (Roma) Roma, who had been silent until now, joined the conversation. She had also been thinking about it for a long time. However, in this extraordinary situation, their own common sense meant nothing. What if David and the others have dug up another Scarbs nest? (Roma) Its certainly possible. We did not encounter any Scarb Soldiers even when we faced the Queen before. (Litty) The quality of the monsters also seemed to be on a different scale, not to mention the size of the nest. Its also possible that there are stronger species than Scarb Soldiers waiting for us ahead. (Roma) Precisely. Thats what weve just been discussing here. (Captain of guards) The captain of the guards called out to all the adventurers. After examining some of the dead Scarbs, they learned it was most likely a different species than the one that had been in the Bikki Mine before. The adventurers were shocked to learn that Scarb corpses had emerged from inside of some of the dead Scrabs bodies after they had been processed. So youre saying that the Scarbs at the Bikki Mine were eaten by a new Scarbs from a new nest? (Dimos) Thats right, Dimos-san. Scarbs are belligerent monsters that will not hesitate to attack and feed on their own kind. If my assessment is correct, there is a good chance that an even stronger Scarb Army is heading our way. (Captain of guards) Oh, its over! Theres nothing we can do about such a thing! One of the adventurers exclaimed. If that happened, it would clearly not be a battle that he, a Rank 5, could survive. The captains words were more like the declaration that the next attack would mean the end for him. Amid all this, Litty was pondering about something more important. If the previous Scarbs reproduction was suppressed because we defeated the queen, then the new Scarb nest must also have a queen, right? (Litty) That should be the case. But now that weve concluded that it was a new nest, we shouldnt mess with it. If we could do something about it, the Branch manager Regal and the others would have already done it. (Captain of guards) Are they safe? (Litty) Litty knew that the question meant nothing. It had been days since then, and yet the situation was still this dire. Litty had no choice but to admit that it was a hopeless situation for them. The adventurer from earlier put his hand on his chest and tried to suppress his trembling body. If we wait a little longer, reinforcements will soon arrive from the royal capital, right?! I dont know how many days it will take, and I dont know if well be able to hold out until then. Besides, theres even a chance that they wont be dispatched. (Dimos) Dimos-san! Why are you saying that? So why are you the one panicking? The ones who are the most worried are those people! (Dimos) Dimos pointed his thumb at the residents, who were looking at them. They were whispering something to each other, but Litty could not hear what they were saying. She saw their worries and rushed over to them. Everyone, please dont worry! I will definitely defeat the queen and put a stop to this situation soon! It was not only the residents who could not accept Littys words but also Dimos and other adventurers who were the first ones who tried to stop her. What the heck are you talking about? Did you even understand the situation when I explained it to you earlier? (Dimos) But even if we continue to fight, there is a high possibility that we might lose, especially considering Scarbs reproductive capacity. (Litty) But that doesnt mean we have to go and serve ourselves to those monsters as a meal! (Dimos) Thats what an adventure is all about, no? (Litty) Litty could no longer contain herself. She had been put aside by Regal and the other branch managers, and had been holding back what she wanted to say. Dimos remembered his first encounter with Litty. Her gaze back then was as spine-chilling as it was now. The look in Littys eyes when she talked about her goal and motive was as if, no matter what obstacles lay in her path, she would crush everything. Dimos couldnt say anything back to her. I may die, but thats what makes it thrilling for me, and if I keep fearing to lose my life, then I can never have a proper adventure. And I want an adventure. (Litty) But the odds are against you (Dimos) No, Litty is right. (Branch manager) The branch chief of the Swordsmens Guild nodded his head many times to show his agreement. The branch manager of the Heavy Warriors Guild also stood on Littys side, expressing his silent support. Dimos scratched his head and waited for the branch manager to speak. In theory, what Litty said is right. There is no guarantee that the fast horses we sent out would have made it to the capital. Besides, if the next Scarbs horde attacks us soon, they might end up getting into the city this time. With our current strength Then what to do? Whos going to jump into the monsters nest? (Dimos) It is not something I can decide alone. Besides, we also need to ensure that the citys defense is not lowered a lot. (Branch manager of the Swordsmens Guild) Perhaps we should ask everyone to decide (Dimos) The adventurers expressions all varied as they listened to the guard captains mutterings. Even the defense battle had resulted in a large number of wounded. Venturing into a monsters lair would be nothing short of suicidal. The adventures that Litty portrayed were only possible for people with sufficient power and experience. If a person did not know his own place, it would not be courage, but just recklessness. If someone said that to Litty, she would have refuted this, but none of them would tell her this directly. No, they couldnt. Ill go. (Litty) She was the most successful person in the defense. Even in this situation, she was willing to speak and come up with ideas. She was also fearless. She was not an adventurer who only considered themselves to be a whining, bawling mess. Also, not an adventurer who was discouraged and lacked strength and energy. Those who were saved by her couldnt help but stay silent after seeing Litty volunteering herself. CH 31.1 Litty Enters the Scarbs Nest Walking in the lead were Dimos, the head of the Heavy Warriors Guild Branch, and Instructor Gonza. Following closely behind were Litty, Roma, Instructor Toito and James. In the rear guard were Laila and the other magicians. Since Litty and Roma were the most experienced in the battle against the Scarbs, they were also taken together. In the narrow cave, a large number of people would be too much of a hindrance. I wish we had Caddock-san, too (Dimos) I understand how you feel, Dimos-san, but at his age, I cant let him push himself too hard. (Branch Manager) Older people like the knight Caddock and the head of the Swordsmans Guild branch had stayed in the town since long-term battles like dungeon exploration were too much for them. Moreover, they also needed some high ranked adventurers in the town for unexpected situations. Everyone slowly approached the Bikki mines entrance while hiding behind the rocks and bushes. Look. Those multiple holes! (Dimos) Dimos whispered as he pointed to several small and large holes beside the original entrance. Scarbs could be seen going in and out of them. I see. They have dug new entrances to leave the mines! (Branch Manager) There were no signs of those Scarbs heading toward the town, so the Branch Manager concluded they were probably looking for food. That hole over there seems to be used by Scarbs to carry the food in. There are obvious trails of blood and signs of dragging prey inside. Thats where well get in. (Branch Manager) Why, Branch Manager? (Litty) The food is not only for them but also for the Queen. The Queen needs nourishment to reproduce further. (Branch Manager) So that might be where the Queen is. (Litty) Probably. Also, they would have attacked the town again by now, but it seems like they lacked the sufficient number. It looks like we have greatly reduced their number during the recent raid. Thats on target. (Branch Manager) The reason for the lack of raids last night and this morning was now easy to understand. Even though enemies had a high reproductive capacity, they could not produce an infinite number of eggs. They would need both food and time to reproduce. Everyone knew that now was an ideal time to counterattack. Except for one person. But there are so many of them. I dont know if we can eradicate them by ourselves (Toito) Toito-san, I know youre faint-hearted, but please refrain from talking right now. Besides, your cute junior is watching you. (Branch Manager) Yes, Ill do my best (Toito) When Litty first met Toito at the training session, he looked experienced and tough. However, he was trembling after witnessing the number of Scarbs attacking the town. Toito, watching how Litty fought those Scarbs, finally acknowledged her as a reliable ally. He was a rank 3 veteran. His knowledge and experience, including that of the branch manager who decided where to raid, were incomparable to Littys experience. Litty was learning from them, relying on them, and was grateful for it. She had a secret goal in her mind. *** Well launch an attack when all the Scarbs have entered some hole. Everyone! Keep your attention up. (Branch Manager) Yes! (Everyone) With the Branch Manager in the lead, everyone slowly approached the rock nearest to the mine and held their breath. As soon as he raised his one hand as a signal to move forward, everyone moved with him to take the lead. The force of the Branch managers attack was reminiscent of Baffolos charge, but the power of the attack was incomparable to it. The surprise attack was so powerful that it seemed to wipe out the tail end of the Scarbs, reaching until even the leading group. Lets go deeper inside! (Branch Manager) Dimos followed, and Instructor Gonza took his place at the rear, to prevent being caught unguarded in a pincer attack in the cave with vulnerable rear guards behind. The rear guards were protected both in front and back, and light sword fighters like Litty and the others were split in between. What surprised the group when they entered the cave was that there was no longer even a trace of the former Bikki Mine. The passageway was divided into branches, which went up and down, left and right, devoid of any form of control. The width of the passageway, which seemed to have been designed to accommodate the size of the monsters that passed through it, was not a problem. In other words, it was proof that there were twice or three times as many Scarbs as the adventurers expected. Oi oi oi to have such a monstrous nest so close to the town. This could have been a disaster if we didnt take any actions, eventually. (Branch Manager) One of them leads to the Queens location, right? (Litty) Yes, Litty, so maybe this is the right place for this guy to go. (Branch Manager) When the branch manager referred to this guy, he was talking about the last Scarb he defeated. The passageway that the Scarb carrying the food stepped into was most likely the correct pathway. With no other clue, there was no reason to make an objection. CH 31.2 The group continued on their way to intercept the approaching Scarbs. With several Scarb Soldiers crawling up and down the passageway and attacking from all sides, it was surely a traumatic experience for adventurers, especially for those of Rank 4 and below. DIE! (Branch Manager) The branch manager became a wall and defended against the Scarb Soldiers rush. He skewered the head of Scarb Soldier on the ground with his large spear and then, without taking the spear back, he forcibly stabbed it into the Scarb Soldier crawling above. Wasting no time, the branch manager retrieved his spear from the dead Scarbs Soldiers body after it dropped dead on the ground and then launched an attack on the new approaching Scarb Soldier. Spiral Thrust! (Branch Manager) From head to torso, the approaching Scarb Soldier vanished, only leaving its hind legs behind. Litty was the most emotionally moved by the branch managers skill in defeating the Rank 4 demons with a single blow. He had tremendous power to overcome obstacles one would not expect to come from a very defense focused Heavy Warrior class, and it also showed the difference in skills between himself and the others. Even after earning the same Heavy Warrior class as the Branch Manager after a mock battle with her, Litty could not believe that an outstanding person like him had acknowledged her. The branch manager is so strong! But looking at your moves, it doesnt seem like you were only focusing on defense, you know? (Litty) Hmm? I fight based on the principle that if I have time to protect, I should attack. Thats why I often got into trouble when I formed parties. After all, I was supposed to be the one doing the defending. Hahaha! (Branch Manager) Even though youre a Heavy Warrior? (Litty) What we teach in the guild is the standard way to do things. You, too, should find a style that suits you. (Branch Manager) Looking at their situation, the other adventurers wondered if this was the right time to discuss such a topic with Litty. Many of the adventurers could not understand them. The branch manager was certainly strong. But when they saw the excitement on Littys face, they wondered if the girl really understood the seriousness of the situation at hand. To be fair, their interactions did reduce the anxiety of other team members. I want to do a Spiral Thrust too! (Litty) If you can do it just by watching, then feel free to try. Im uncertain if you can execute it as precisely as me, though. Wait, pincer attack! (Branch Manager) From the front and back, Scarbs and Scarb Soldiers were approaching. In front were the branch manager and Dimos, and behind them Instructor Gonza and Toito held the line. Despite their appearances, Toitos ability to cut down several Scarbs at once and Gonzas strong defense left no room for error. Furthermore, the rear-guard magicians assistance kept the Scarb horde at bay. So far, there didnt seem to be any problem, or so they thought. The groups mentality became lax and underestimated the complexity of the labyrinth. *** Where the heck is this all leading to? (Dimos) Lets settle down for some time. It must be late at night by now already. (Branch Manager) No wonder why Dimos wanted to flip. No matter how far they went, they never seemed to be able to find the Queen. And yet, the enemy continued to attack with no mercy. The branch manager decided to camp in a small cave and rest. It was covered with dead insects, but no one was concerned about it. I and other senior members will take turns keeping the watch, one hour at a time. (Branch Manager) Branch manager, this is really not the time to be slowing down, is it? We may be able to save others if we find them. (Dimos) We have a limited amount of energy. Id really like to not take any break, but we also need to be prepared for a fight with the Queen. (Branch Manager) But (Dimos) The remaining adventurers were grateful for the rest. The branch manager, who was putting on a calm expression on the surface, was inwardly breaking out in a cold sweat. Even though Scarbs were certainly known for their high fertility, he had never heard of anything on this scale. If left unchecked, the nest would eventually spread to the underground of the town. He was inclined to conclude that it was a bit naive of them to go on the offensive. The Branch manager wanted the younger ones to rest and leave the guarding to him and other senior members because in the event things went really bad, the young ones would at least have a chance to run away. CH 31.3 Its a big nest. I wonder if we are like adventurers exploring unexplored areas. (Litty) To call this Scarbs nest an unexplored area is a bit of an exaggeration (Branch Manager) But, Branch Manager. Nobody knows where the Queen is, or whats going on. Isnt it what we call a fine unknown dungeon? (Litty) Yeah, indeed (Branch Manager) Then its an unexplored area! We will be the first ones to break through this place! It will be a great sense of accomplishment! (Litty) Fu, fuhahaha (Branch Manager) As Litty declared, the other adventurers simply laughed at her naive statement. How could she even think of such an idea under such circumstances? Could it be that this child had no sense of despair? This is not the time for me, who is both elder and more experienced, to break down. The branch manager slapped his own cheeks with both hands. All right! After a break, well go on with our spirits up! Dont let those bugs get us! (Branch Manager) Branch manager! I want to try that Spiral Thrust! Can I be the one to guard and instead you guys rest? (Litty) Litty, youve got two full hours to rest. The others too. Dimos and I will take the watch. For now, leave it to the more experienced guys. (Branch Manager) Eeeh? (Litty) Other than Litty, the rest of the adventurers were grateful for the guarding arrangement, but a sense of awkwardness prevailed. Perhaps sensing the atmosphere, the Branch Manager looked around, making sure to keep an eye contact with everyone. Well, geez. This is what it means to be a higher up. Im the branch manager. What kind of adventurer are we if we dont take care of the younger generation? (Branch Manager) The branch manager scratched his chin in embarrassment. His words were heard by adventurers of Rank 4 and below, including Litty. However, only Dimos was of a good age. Such a man, of course, had to lend the branch manager some hand to alleviate the awkward situation. Thats why rest yourselves properly. Also, let me tell you (Branch Manager) I will not let you die. I promise for sure. Is what you were about to say, right? (Dimos) Hey, Dimos-san. I hope you dont interrupt me when I am having a moment. (Branch Manager) If youre embarrassed, then get off the topic. Also, youre stroking your chin too much. (Dimos) The branch manager, having his habit exposed by Dimos, hurriedly removed his hand from his chin. Despite being in such a place like this one, after listening to the branch manager, everyone felt that there was some power in his words. It gave hope and spirit to the group of adventurers, which had been engulfed by despair. Litty, lets take a break. (Roma) Yes, Roma-san, lets all recover our strength and get going again! (Litty) Yes (Roma) The branch manager looked at Instructor Toito to signal that he would be the next one to guard. Toito was disappointed, but did not reject the suggestion. Toito was serious in his own way, though timid, but he never let it show on his face so as not to appear pathetic in front of his juniors. However, he never let his juniors live up to their potential, as he was lazy and never cared about them. Branch Manager reminded Instructor Toito how he was brought up to correct his path. Leave this to us. Right, James? (Branch Manager) Yeah, especially Litty, get some rest. (James) Me? (Litty) You have to control your excitement for now. Okay? (James) The Branch Manager and James in charge of guarding were more motivated, and the lively situation of everyone was a relief for the Branch Manager. Normally, when a party took a break, they were supposed to share the work, regardless of who was proficient. It was Litty who made the Branch Manager change the arrangement. Her enthusiasm made him more determined to protect everyone. It was also because she reminded him of his adventurous spirit during his younger years, which he had long since forgotten. But above all, people like her were the ones who should really be cherished. If she and other future generations of greats succeeded in developing themselves, Scarbs could become nothing more than a minor hindrance to them. The branch manager thanked Litty in his heart for giving him the opportunity to look at the situation from a broader perspective. CH 32.1 Litty Heads to the Center of the Nest Everyone repeatedly took breaks and advanced to the far end, but they still could not find the destination they were seeking. They hit dead ends, were ambushed from behind, and had to turn around numerous times. With supplies dwindling, the search time was growing longer and longer. No one was willing to check how much time had already passed. It was not only their physical strength that was in question. The cave was also too small. It was where the sunlight could not reach, and no one knew when the Scarbs might attack. Stress was so high that some of them were already on the verge of losing their sanity. Shhh, Branch Manager. Lets turn back. As expected, we will be wiped out if we continue like this Thats right. Im sorry, but lets call it the end. (Branch Manager) Oh, no (Litty) Even though Litty understood the reason in her head, she did not want to stop her search. While everyone here was losing strength and nerves, Litty had yet to even lose her motivation. From the previous battle, everyone knew that Littys strength had not declined, and she still had that weird mindset. In terms of both vitality and mentality, this girl was definitely out of the ordinary. Even though she was supposed to be their ally, they felt she was somehow different from them. The Branch Manager also recognized her strengths, but he still could not tolerate such behavior. Physical strength wears off before you know it. Besides, you should also be considerate of your team members. (Branch Manager) I understand (Litty) Weve done some of the mapping. The next time we come to the labyrinth, we should be able to proceed a little more easily. (Branch Manager) Mapping was essential when diving into deep labyrinths. Depending on the dungeon, it may take days or even months to complete. The Branch Manager looked at the handmade rough map in his hand and looked a little tired. One of the unfilled branches should lead to the Queen, but everyone was nearing their limits. Lets turn back. Hey, Gonza! (Branch Manager) Okay! Then (Instructor Gonza) Instructor Gonza in the back answered the Branch Managers call, but then he suddenly froze and stopped speaking mid-sentence. There was a monster camped out in the dome-like area they had just passed. The Branch Manager, sensing something was off, shoved his way through the group of adventurers and stood beside Gonza. Branch Manager, wha what is that thing? Instructor Gonza said in a startled tone. That seems to be a Queens Guard. I have a bad feeling about it from the size of the hive, but it was already born, huh? (Branch Manager) No way (Instructor Gonza) It was the Branch Manager who discerned the slightest behavior of the crawling monster. After giving a brief introduction of the Queens Guards abilities and how the fight would be undertaken, Branch Manager released his first spear attack and then followed up with an onslaught of attacks that did not allow the monster to initiate a counterattack. At the end, the spiral thrust hit the monsters abdomen, sending it flying and slamming into the caves wall. Gonza! Dimos-san! (Branch Manager) The Branch Manager called out, completing the defensive wall as the three stood against the monster. The rear guard of the party, Magicians, unleashed icicles, while Toito and James took up the challenge to attack from the blind spots. Litty was dazzled by the brilliant coordination of those skilled adventurers. As much as Litty wanted to contribute to the monsters fight, she and Roma were responsible to ensure that no other Scarbs interfered with the monsters fight and monitor the overall situation. Moreover, they didnt have enough experience to fight such a high rank monster they have never encountered before. Wow! That looks tough! (Litty) Yes, but we are gaining an edge on it! (Roma) The mantis monster swayed loosely in front of the out-of-breath Branch Manager and instructors. As soon as it did, several cuts occurred on the bodies of Instructors Gonza and Dimos. Dimos stood up with a pained expression on his face, but Gonza was in a more dangerous state. Dimos-san, Gonza-san! (Litty) Litty, no! Stay put! (Roma) Roma stopped Litty from getting a little too excited, as everyone needed to perform their given task properly. CH 32.2 Amid the dangerous combat, Litty calmed herself down and started observing the movements of the monster that the Branch Manager and others were fighting so hard against. Named monster Royal Execution Blade The Queens guard Hmmm guard (Litty) Litty had never heard of this monster before, but the word guard triggered a flash of inspiration in her. If Litty made any unauthorized actions, she might disrupt the partys coordination. Also, this monster could easily injure the veterans, including Gonza, with its speed, so it would be pretty dangerous for her to implement her plan. However, after giving it more thought, Litty felt it would be worth it to take the risk. Litty burned all the monsters movements into her eyes. And then she jumped out. Oh, you! (Branch Manager) Ignoring the Branch Managers words, Litty ran to one aisle. The Royal Execution Blade naturally chased after her, but Litty escaped. From an outsiders perspective, it looked as if she was trying to save herself by running around aimlessly, and combined with Littys speed backed up by her leg strength, the Royal Execution Blade gave up and stopped. Turning toward the Branch Manager and others, it returned to the domed area. Over here! Next! (Litty) Litty also turned back, this time running toward another passageway. The Royal Execution Blade, who had its back to Litty, suddenly turned around. Unlike before, it was now in hot pursuit of Litty. Tsk! What the hell is that brat doing! (Branch Manager) Litty spun her body to repel the scythe as it was delivered, while holding her shield. But she still lost her balance and was heavily slammed against the wall. However, Litty did not care about the pain and ran to the Branch Manager and others while avoiding the monsters attacks. Branch Manager, that one is the correct path leading to the Queen. (Litty) You, you werent possibly trying to make (Branch Manager) It gave up chasing me when I ran toward that passageway, but it chased after me like mad when I ran toward that one. As a Queens guard, its main responsibility is to keep us away from the Queen. That path must be leading to the Queen. (Litty) You took such a risky gamble just to make it show the way The Branch Manager said with a bitter smile. The Royal Execution Blade blocked the passageway that seemed to be the right path. The Branch Manager again fired a spiral thrust at the mantis monster that stubbornly refused to move from there. Littys gale slash and James and Toitos multiple slashes were launched at the target, which were barely dodged by the monster. Although they failed to land a fatal blow, they still steadily inflicted damage. Whenever the monster tried to unleash a scythe attack, Litty rushed towards the path, forcing the monster to stop its attack and block Littys advances. The Branch Manager exploited that gap. Litty and the others repeated the same cycle again and again. It was a monotonous attack, but they were trying to finish off the Queens guard. But, as the name implied, it was a tough opponent. One more push! (Branch Manager) The Branch Manager was right, the Royal Execution Blade could no longer stand properly. It could only endure the pain with its multiple limbs on the ground. Hah! SPIRAL THRUST!!! (Litty) It was an imitation of the actual skill that Litty fired from her one-handed spear, but it was enough to stop the wounded monster. Although it hit the monsters head, the attack did not destroy it because of its hardness. After a while, the monster finally collapsed in a crumpled heap. The Branch Manager quickly looked around to confirm that everyone was alive. Litty, Gonza, Dimos, heal up! (Laila) Lailas restoration magic filled the three of them with vitality again. After checking on them, the Branch Manager approached the monster carcass. CH 33.1 Litty Fights the Scarb Queen When the branch manager and team carefully looked at the heap of dried up corpses situated at the opposite end, they soon noticed corpses of David and his guards with countless eggs planted on them. The whole group shuddered at the thought of Scarbs feeding on humans as a source of nourishment. The Branch Chief Regal was barely breathing, but his companions were all gone. The Rank 3 adventurers who had accompanied him were reduced to almost nothing but skin and bones, without even an egg on them. It was a sign that they had already been sucked dry. They at least wanted to save Regal, but the giant praying mantis was watching them closely. The branch manager was desperately racking his brain about what to do in this situation. Oh, many Humans. Good. Everyone could not believe what they just heard. The monster in front of them just now spoke. It was bipedal, had several transparent wings, and multiple layers of fangs. What was even more surprising was its size. As if to outwit the group, the Scarb Queen was not much larger than that of an adult woman. Her body was similarly sculpted, with a silhouette similar to that of a woman, despite being an insect monster. Ive learned. To eat a lot, you have to have a lot. A lot, but not that much. I knew. Humans are a lot. (Scarb Queen) Although the words were spoken awkwardly, the monster was indeed speaking in a human language. Monsters that could speak human languages themselves were not that uncommon. However, they were advanced monsters, as one would expect. The branch manager of the Heavy Warrior Guild knew this fact, so he was still able to swallow the situation. The rest of them were however simply stunned. Human, small. So many, so tasty. If you eat it, you become strong. (Scarb Queen) Arent you small, too? (Litty) Litty plunged in without hesitation, making the queen give her a beastly look. Then, as if to show off her good mood, she snapped her teeth. You look strong. (Scarb Queen) Litty had no time to pay attention to Scarb Queens words. Her advance was blocked by something troublesome, a Royal Execution Blade. This time, there were even three of these Royal Execution Blades. Those three were by far the most powerful of the bunch. Without any doubt, this battle was going to be very tough. Everyone thought the priority was to rescue the Branch Manager, Regal. Although he appeared to be dying, he might still be able to put up a fight if he could recover at least a little. It was not the most ideal treatment for an injured comrade, but in the face of the current crisis, they could not do more. Please Branch manager Regal pleaded in a low and weak voice. Litty and others understood the meaning of that word. As the branch manager, Regal was very well aware that he was asking them to do something reckless. Litty suddenly pointed at the Queen and shouted, Queen Others immediately understood that Litty was going for the same strategy they used not long ago by pointing at the Queen to show her intention to aim at the queen as a distraction to the Royal Execution Blade. This time, there were three of the Royal Execution Blades, and she couldnt take them all by herself, so she needed everyones help. Litty attacked and fled, followed by Roma and the other swordsmen. After surviving previous battles, they were surprisingly sophisticated in their movements. Experience had strengthened the adventurers will to overcome this struggle for survival. The head of the Heavy Warriors Guild branch was aiming to help Regal to at least bring him back. Only after succeeding would they plan for their next move. CH 33.2 Aaaaah! (James) James! (Toito) But not long after, James collapsed. Contrary to Toito, who screamed after seeing his comrade in mortal danger, Litty launched a spiral thrust at the monster to hold it back and saved James. The monster was caught off guard, and the branch manager took advantage of that small window of opportunity to move toward Regal. Toito composed himself as well after seeing Litty and the Branch managers actions. Heh! They finally noticed! (Branch manager) The Royal Execution Blades judged that the branch manager was aiming for the queen and aimed at him, all three of them heading that way. He launched a skill to slow one of them down. However, there were three of them aiming at him. If two of them succeeded in attacking him, he would surely take heavy damage. Litty predicted that it would be Gonza to take the lead after the branch manager. To Litty, it was essential to have skilled people to keep this situation under control. If all the vanguards fell, they would be wiped out in the blink of an eye. The Heavy Warrior Guilds Branch Manager rushed towards Branch Manager Regal. Gah! Before the 3 monsters could reach him, and before he knew it, the queens arm had stabbed the branch Manager in the stomach. She barely missed his vital points, but what was more frightening was her speed. To be able to get close to the robust Branch Manager and attack him so easily, the power of her limbs was astronomical. The queens mouth opened wide and was about to bite his shoulder. Aaaaahhhh! It was Littys scream that echoed throughout the nest. Everyone was shocked by the unexpected loud voice. It created a slight opening. Moreover, provoked, the queen turned her attention towards Litty, which also drew the attention of the other three monsters. Although it did put Litty in a terrible situation with all the four monsters aiming at her, it at least had given the Branch Manager a chance to move. Gotcha! The branch manager slammed his fist into the queens face and blew her away by following the punch with a Hundred Thrust. He was surprised at the toughness of the queen, who didnt seem to be damaged in the process, but that was not his aim. The branch manager immediately ran to Regal and made him drink, an item he had on hand. However, Regals appearance made it doubtful if he would be able to return to the front. He looked thin and his muscles were all weak. The branch manager prayed that it was not too late, although he had crushed the egg that was stuck on Regals body. You killed my child. Im going to kill you. (Scarb Queen) Shut up! You little worm! (Branch manager) The branch manager shouted and boldly challenged the queen. However, the difference in strength was obvious. There was no way he, a Rank 2, could defeat the Queen, who he assumed to be at least a Rank 1 threat after their clash. However, even so, it was for the best. Even if everyone took on the challenge as it was, they probably wouldnt be able to avoid being annihilated by the Queen as an opponent. Branch Manager! Ill back you up! (Litty) Litty! Leave this to me and watch me fight! And while you are at it, take care of those monsters with others! (Branch manager) The word reckless fits the current situation really well. The branch manager smiled wryly, even though his own words were more aimed at himself than Litty. He had high hopes for Litty, a Rank 4, who had extraordinary learning ability, physical strength, and fighting spirit. It had reached the point where it should be called a unique ability. She easily broke the common sense that he had. It could also be a case of desperation, but he had no choice but to gamble at this point. The only way to break out of this shitty situation here would be to take a shot at breaking the same common sense. Litty was still with the others, holding back the 3 guards of the Queen. Now, he had to do his part. And so they clashed CH 33.3 Gghh. (Branch manager) Fragile. (Scarb Queen) The branch manager fell to his knees, holding one arm. From that one arm, blood was gushing out at an alarming rate. By all accounts, it was unusable. The Queen was looking down at him as if he were nothing. Litty! (Roma) Roma shouted as the scythe of the Royal Execution Blade headed for Litty. However, Litty dodged it smoothly as if she knew its exact path and then counterattacked with a gale slash. ! What are you surprised about? I dont have time to entertain you. (Litty) Litty spoke to the monster, who did not even understand her words. There was no time for her to even think about them, and that was precisely what Litty did. The branch manager was putting his body on the line to show them the Queens movements and attack patterns. Litty was focused, just as she had been when James had fallen, she had been observing her opponents. She pushed her emotions to the back of her mind and looked at nothing but her goal. The same was true for the others. They attacked the monster, which had lost its balance and was flailing about, with all their attack skills. Ooooh, oooh, my strong child. Why? (Scarb Queen) You as well. You dont have time to think about them. (Branch manager) The Branch Managers large spear hit the Queens shoulder. Normally, he used the spear with two hands, but the branch manager was now using it with one hand after sacrificing his other hand. Was it his stupidity that let him do this, or his strong willpower? As usual, the attack was barely noticeable in terms of damage, but it did pierce the transparent wings. Good, it seems like it was still possible. Even if only a little, I could reduce that speed. (Branch Manager) Human, weak, but still wont become food. Why? (Scarb Queen) No time to think of anything else, Litty muttered over and over in her mind. She had just finished a Royal Execution Blade by smashing its head with an axe. When they aimed their scythes at her, she countered them with perfect timing, like she usually did when she could read her opponents movements. She could not finish them off all by herself, but the other members already knew what to do next. Gale Slash! (Roma) Ice attribute low-level magic Freeze Bullet! (Magician) The second Royal Execution Blade wobbled under the furious pursuit by Roma and the Magicians. Litty followed the assault and kicked it, then aiming at the third one. When both of them fell over, other members also followed up with a storm of attacks. They had to be able to defend themselves before they could defend the queen. (Roma) True to Romas words, after snapping out of provocation from Roma, even the last guard attempted to return to protect the queen and was now on the verge of death due to the coordinated efforts of the adventurers. If they put a stop to this, all that would remain would beC This one, weak, as well! (Scarb Queen) The Queen moved towards the dying guard, chomped at it at high speed and devoured it. It was an unimaginably fast attack to expect from her small body. It only took her a few bites to finish the guard. The group was horrified once again by her appetite, which left not even a scythe behind. The Royal Execution Blade, which had been honestly trying to protect the queen, was devoured by that very queen, herself. Weak. More, strong child, or else. (Scarb Queen) Scarbs devoured their own kind with no hesitation. They knew about it beforehand, but did not know about the cruelty of a queen who would even eat her own child. Even though they knew in their heads that they were only monsters, they thought differently when witnessing it firsthand. Did they have to defeat this savage monster now? No, could they even do it? Everyone was wondering about the same thing, and for the first time, their hands trembled as they held their weapons. It has become even more interesting than I had imagined it would be. (Litty) The only exception, of course, was Litty. CH 34.1 Litty Finds a Way Out Although the branch managers attack had slowed her down, the queen was still fast for them to catch up with. Instead of moving around, everyone clustered to reduce their blind spots. However, neither the vanguard nor the rear guard were of any use against this speed. Heavy Warrior Dimos, Gonza, and the Magician were getting attacked one after another. Towards the end, Gonza was the only one left standing. Dimos was heavily injured while the young man beside him was losing a lot of blood. Dimos aside, the young man was clearly beyond saving. Litty, who was experiencing the death of a party member for the first time, was indeed shaken. The loss of the life of a person who had been with them just a few moments before was a rite of passage for adventurers. Many people would consider retirement if they could no longer bear it, but Litty gritted her teeth. If only I had been able to hold that thing back, if I only could have (Litty) The branch manager took a last stand and showed them the Queen in action. His sacrifice might end up in vain, and now he was on the verge of death, but someone other than him had already died. With tremendous concentration, Litty struggled to see through the Queens attack. It succeeded, and she was able to spot the initial movement of the Queens slender arm, which was aiming for Romas life. Littys sword fortunately repelled the Queens arm, saving Romas life at the last moment, but it was not enough to result in any damage to the Queen. The Queens body was too hard despite having a slender body. You, still too many. The child food, what a waste. You I will eat. (Scarb Queen) A series of rough bites were aimed at Litty, but she was barely able to dodge them. Even a single direct bite would put Litty in a fatal situation, but it did manage to scrape some of her flesh away. The Queen swallowed it and shuddered. After all, there are many! Strong people, no. Many people are good! This is yes, its called delicacy! (Scarb Queen) Her words are becoming clearer and clearer (Litty) Littys comment was ringing in everyones mind. How could Scarb learn and speak human language so fast? It was true that high level monsters could learn and speak human language but it should not be this fast. It was unlikely that the Queen had been taught. Was it the influence of the humans she had fed on in the past? If that peculiarity were to be acknowledged, the grade of this monster might not just stop at Rank 1. Currently, it was already close to Rank 1. What about tomorrow, or a few days from now? Roma-san! (Litty) Just as the queen was about to thrust her slender arm towards Roma again, Littys axe smashed it. It sliced into the arm and cut off the Queens arm, which was supposed to be hard to penetrate. The Queen was the most surprised, she knew Litty was a Strong, but she had never expected her to be this strong. Moreover, she had never thought that Litty would even be capable of damaging her. In such a short period of time, Litty was already adapting to her moves. No more I wont let anyone die. (Litty) Uuuhhhhhh! (Scarb Queen) The branch manager pierced her wings, and now Litty cut off her arm. This was after they dared to have the courage to invade the heart of her hive. The Queen was weak before she became the current Queen. She could only feed the other potential queens and was not allowed to feed herself. Under such circumstances, she did not care whether she consumed her own kind or not. She would eat eggs that were weaker than her, as well as her own newborn offspring. Although it was not unusual for Scarbs to eat their own kind, the Queen had fed exclusively on her own kind. Such a Queen eventually reigned at the top of the hive. She was strong. The Queen, who had gained such confidence despite being a monster, made a great advancement. I am not weak! (Scarb Queen) Something shot out of the queens mouth like a spray. Litty reflexively dodged, but the others did not have the reflex speed as Litty. Unable to dodge, everyone was hit, and soon the effects began to show: Roma went down on both knees and Gonza moaned. Instantly, almost everyone was incapacitated. Everyone? (Litty) Its poison Laila, the Antidote Magic (Instructor Gonza) Gonza didnt need to remind Laila as she had already performed the magic for everyone but her antidote magic was not very effective and she herself was in no condition to last long. It was obvious from their labored breathing that they could no longer fight. Litty could feel her heart racing. Total annihilation was imminent. Her friend Roma, the instructors who had taken care of her, and the branch manager. The light of their lives was wavering. CH 34.2 Litty! Dont be hasty! (Branch Manager) Littys eagerness to defeat the queen right away was held back by the branch manager, forcing her to stop. If her attack were too reckless, the battle would end after a careless strike. Littys mind was cleared by the branch managers timely warning. Litty thanked the branch manager in her heart, who was already unable to stand up. Oh, you are still weak. I am the best. (Scarb Queen) Ill do my best to catch up! (Litty) Litty, who truly believed the Queens statement that she was the best, attacked. In the midst of this, Litty knew that she could not defeat the Queen with her usual cards in hand. Never had Littys head been so full of ideas as it was now. She dug up every little detail and tried to find even the slightest clue. When the Queens mouth suddenly opened wide, Litty immediately became alert to the poison mist attack. But what was unleashed wasC Giiiggggyaaaaaahhhh! (Scarb Queen) The strange noise made them cover their ears with their hands involuntarily. The walls of the nest cracked, as did the members armaments. Their ears and noses began to bleed, and they were dying from the double attack of poison and ultrasonic waves. How could the queen miss Litty, who had let go of her weapon? She immediately attacked again, trying to eat her, and Litty backed away to escape. But there was no way Litty, whose reaction was delayed by the ultrasonic waves, could dodge the attack. The vicious mouth was just about to touch Littys shoulder. Blaassst Knuuckle! Ngggghh! Explosion occurred on the queens side, blowing her away. Perhaps the blow had an effect, and the Queen did not get up immediately. She was bleeding from the mouth, partly because the attack happened right before a bite. Meanwhile, Litty picked up her weapon and checked the attacker. Thanks. Thanks to you, I managed to recover. (Regal) Re, Regal! (Litty) Looking at him, he indeed had only recovered a bit. His muscular body had lost a lot of weight, and now he was wobbly again. Litty tried to offer a shoulder to Regal, who was on his knees, but he refused. Youre going to beat that thing, right? Dont let it last long, we wont be able to make it The others are in trouble as well, and we need to heal them right away (Regal) yes! (Litty) Okay. No more chatting! (Regal) To Regals words, Litty silently smiled and affirmed. After all, it was thanks to Regal that she had found a chance to win. With the lower half of her face covered in blood, an enraged Queen shot a glare at Litty and Regal. To the Queen, these two were no longer food. They were objects of hatred, objects to be killed. I wont let you poison us again. (Litty) Having lost an arm, a wing, and now this sneak attack, the Queen was enraged and wanted nothing more but to kill them. For the first time in her life, the Queen was at the peak of her anger. Ill kill (Scarb Queen) The Queen did not even have time to complete her roaring sentence before Litty was on her way towards her. Litty knew that this was the only moment to do this. The moment when the Queen was at the peak of her anger. That was why she dared to provoke the queen by emphasizing the word Poison. Thanks to Regals attack, Litty found an unexpected weakness of the queen and came up with an idea for a completely strange attack. To be fair, it seemed to be a dumb idea, but it was Littys chance to win the game. The Queen was about to unleash her all-out attack, aiming at Litty. Haaaaah! (Scarb Queen) The moment the Queen opened her mouth, Litty kicked her directly in the jaw. That was the exact moment something was about to be unleashed. Something oozed slowly from the queens eyes and other parts of her head as her mouth was closed on the verge of firing. Her mouth was covered with blood, though not that of a human. And thenC Bwaaaaaaaaahhhhh! (Scarb Queen) From all the holes the Queen had, the poisonous mist that had devastated the party erupted. The poison that was supposed to go outward stayed inside the queens body and exploded. If the queen had remained calm, the result might have been different. However, an impulsive attack because of extreme anger could not be stopped at the critical moment. Moreover, Littys attack was strange and completely unexpected. A, gah, aaaaah! (Scarb Queen) I have been observing the Scarbs and noticed that you guys have no nose. I dont even know how your bodies are structured, but it seems you guys do have holes Anyway, Im glad this attack really did work. (Litty) The Queen would not die from her own poison. But the Queen, like other shelled creatures, had soft insides. The Queen, ravaged from the inside out, stood again, albeit sluggishly. The various fluids flowing from her body were also produced from feeding on humans. Litty felt no pity for the weakened Scarb Queen. You, this is not, I have to (Scarb Queen) The queen fell forward with regrets and confusion showing on her face. Blood continued to flow, transparent wings still flapping faintly. Litty raised her sword to put an end to the Queen and this battle. CH 35.1 Litty Settles the Match Once done with her battle with the queen, Litty immediately responded to members who were critically injured from poison and supersonic waves by using all the restoratives she had at hand. The branch manager had serious wounds from missing one arm and heavy bleeding. Regal was also in a dangerous state, having been rescued at the last breath and was traumatized by almost becoming Scarbs nourishment. It was already a miracle that he was able to get up and land a blow on the Queen. He was known as Explosive Fist, and normally, he would have never lost a battle against the Queen. However, it was the greedy merchant David and his group that had led to this disaster to the adventurers. By the time we caught up with them, it was already too late. Even though I know that it all happened because of David, I am still going to lose sleep knowing that they all died such a death. (Regal) Regal commented, as Litty fed recovery medicine. He also mentioned that the Named Monster Royal Execution Blade pursued one of Davids fleeing bodyguards, who left David and other bodyguards behind. He ran into Regal and his team at the mines entrance, but eventually got caught and killed by the Royal Execution Blade. Litty had managed to defeat the queen, all because adventurers were cooperating with her this time. Hearing about the actual situation, Litty couldnt help but think that she was helped by the situation again. David and his group were still alive when we arrived at this place. However, it was only a matter of time, though, as the eggs had already been sucking nutrients out of them. (Regal) It seemed like there were around 10 to 12 Named Monsters when Regal and the other adventurers arrived, so it became very difficult to fight them all at the same time. The situation worsened after Regal got injured in the process. The party was then reduced to a total failure, and they all became prey for the Scarbs. It was thanks to Regal and his team that the number of Named Monsters were reduced to 4. Their party was fighting under far harsher conditions than they were. There was no way that Litty, hearing this, could have felt that she helped Regal. I was saved by Branch Manager Regal. (Litty) Its mutual. How are others? (Regal) One of them has passed away Others are fine for now, but they need to get proper medical attention soon (Litty) Looking at everyones condition, Litty could tell just how badly injured they all were. Litty was breathing heavily as well, having been chomped off in various places by the Queen. While Laila was still unconscious from the effects of poison. Litty wondered what she could do to help them, but realized it would be impossible to get everyone outside by herself. Even if she carried them one or two at a time, there were still other Scarbs on the way, as there were many tunnels in which they were hiding. There was no way she would be able to fight while protecting someone in her current state, so she decided. Ill go to the town while avoiding Scarbs on the way and bring more people here. Branch Manager Regal, can you look after everyone here? (Litty) Gugigi Suddenly, Litty turned around at the sound of vibrations behind her. The queen was moving her wings again. Realizing that she had misjudged the situation earlier thinking that she had already finished off the Queen, a monster on a rank equivalent to 1, Litty forced her tired body to chase after the Queen. However, the Queens body suddenly started to float. She flew in the opposite direction of Litty, showing a flight speed that could not be expected from a barely alive monster. Its running away! Its on the verge of dying, and it couldnt kill us, so its not going to attack the rest of us right now! But if it found something to feed on and replenish its energy, then it would be too late! Litty rushed out, with only her spear. She endured the pain in her entire body that made her want to cry out loud, and followed the fleeing queens tail. CH 35.2 The Scarbs in the way attacked Litty, but she dodged them like she was jumping at boxes. The Queen staggered and almost fell off in the process, but its determination to survive was unparalleled. I wont let you go! I wont let you get away! (Litty) As expected of a formidable opponent like the Queen, it was hard for Litty to catch up with her. Because of the comrades she had left behind to pursue the Queen, she felt even more helpless than when she had been fighting along with everyone. However, lamenting the situation would not help. Litty called out to every cell in her body. Go beyond your limits to defeat the Queen. Yaaaah! A spiral thrust with Littys one-handed spear narrowly reached the wings on Queens back. A part of her wings was torn off by the graze of the skill. If the Queen had been in perfect condition, it would have been nothing but a scratch, but now even the slightest loss of speed would be fatal for her. It also allowed Litty to close the distance between them. Outside the nest! (Litty) Outside, the sun was rising. Litty and the others had been fighting all night, at minimum. In the morning bustle, she recalled running around in the town with a request. If she greeted the towns people cheerfully, they would return the greeting. She remembered the people who gave her Momol Fruit, remembered that they were expecting her to do their next request. Remembering the faces of everyone in the town, Litty tugged on the slope with her spear, which she had thrusted out in a spiral thrust. Following with a leap, she reached just above the queen, who had slowed down. Just as she was about to release a follow-up strike with the spear, she felt a sharp pain. Aghh! Regardless of where the blood came from, Litty held on. The chase was unsuccessful, but she managed to jump on the queen, who, with Littys added weight, maintained a low altitude. If Litty had been a little slower, the Queen would have continued to gain altitude. Gigigigi! Get.. down! (Scarb Queen) Not possible! (Litty) The way they were flying unsteadily was just like a confused bug. But despite being ridden by Litty, the queen still had the strength to fly. Before Litty had time to be stunned by the Queens vitality, she saw the town of Topaz in front of her. The limit was finally approaching. Litty pointed her spear at the queens neck, and with a single thrust, she pushed the spear into the queens neck. Gggghh (Scarb Queen) Fall like this! (Litty) G-G-Ga-Ga-Uh (Scarb Queen) If the queen got knocked down here, Litty would also fall down with her, but she didnt care about that. As the city of Topaz came within a stones throw away, a group of people appeared out of the corner of her eye. Litty took a deep breath and shouted. Please help us! This is the Scarb Queen! (Litty) Convinced that the group was reinforcements from the Royal Capital, Litty called for help. Finally, as they seemed to have noticed the situation with Litty, they rushed in. This might be able to save the others in the hive. The Queen was still alive, but this was going to conclude everything. The troops from the Royal Capital carefully looked at the queen and Litty drifting in the air. Thats a girl and a monster? Covering up with arrows is dangerous! If they keep that up, theyll fall into the town! Just as one of the members of the troops had predicted, Litty and the queen finally reached the sky above the town. The residents of the topaz began to look at the sky to see what was happening: Litty was drifting through the air with a monster they had never seen before. They gradually lost altitude as they reached the center of the city. Gigi, gigi, here, Human, city (Scarb Queen) Haaah, haaaaah! (Litty) CH 35.3 Litty had to finish it off no matter what, but the damage she had accumulated so far made her barely able to move. But with Littys vitality, which exceeded common sense, she forced her body to move even if she was in extreme pain. She managed to point her spear at the queen, who had fallen and could not get up. Litty didnt care if she coughed up blood. Because not only the people of the town but also the old couple whom she recognized were looking at her anxiously at the end of the road. She wanted to scream, Run away, but even her voice wouldnt come out. Litty-chan? hu-man food (Scarb Queen) The Queen approached the old couple step by step, and Litty desperately followed behind her with the spear in her hand. The guards hurriedly rushed to the scene, but not in time. It was the last, really the last blow. Even If her arm got shredded, she had to finish it in one blow. Hu, man (Scarb Queen) The last blow, delivered with her wounded body, pierced through the Queens back. After letting out a high-pitched scream, the Queen dropped to the ground, unable to stand up ever again, just like Litty. She wanted to urge the onlookers to run away, but Litty didnt even have the strength to do so. Litty realized that it would be easier to just run out of steam, but her will and energy wouldnt let her. What is this? Take care of Litty! Make sure you put a stop to that bugs breathing! Branch Chief, its already dead Litty was listening to the exchange between the branch manager of the Swordsmans Guild and someone else, but this was the last thing she remembered. Her consciousness slowly drifted towards darkness, but even after that, she did not let go of her one-handed spear. *** The first thing Litty saw after she opened her eyes was Roma. She was lying face down, holding her hand. From the bandages on her head and everywhere else, Litty knew shed been properly treated, too, and before Litty could speak, Roma had already noticed her movements. Ah, you woke up! (Roma) Roma-san youre okay (Litty) Thats my line! (Roma) Litty was bewildered by the tears that began to stream down Romas cheeks. Here, she finally realized that she had been saved. She followed the Scarb Queen to the town of Topaz. After getting over her bewilderment, the first thing that came to Littys mind was the Queen. What about the Queen? (Litty) The guards are handling the body. No one seems to have been killed, so dont worry. (Roma) What about others? (Litty) The Branch Manager Regal is still bedridden, but he is alive. Everyone else was able to get out in time thanks to the reinforcements from the Royal Capital. Litty, you should worry about yourself now. (Roma) Litty was told by Roma that she had been unconscious for more than three days. Everyone thought she was dead when she fell after delivering the killing blow to the Queen. The same was true when she was brought to the hospital. It was only recently that she surprised the medical staff with her quick recovery. If we had not had a few more recovery items at the time, we would have been wiped out. Its a miracle that we survived. (Roma) But one person (Litty) Rest for now. Even I can barely move myself. (Roma) Looking at Roma, she was also bandaged, showing the depth of her injuries. Her injuries were also severe, but she had managed to extend her life thanks to recovery items. Litty, on the other hand, had gone after the queen before using it on herself. After she had cooled down, Litty thanked her luck. Then she realized Roma was still holding her hand. Um (Litty) Im sorry. I was just (Roma) No, you were worried about me. (Litty) Yes. (Roma) Romas cheeks turned a little red, and she hurriedly pulled away her hand. Litty thought, Theres no need to be so shy, but then the sleepiness came flooding back. Good night. (Roma) After confirming that Litty had fallen asleep, Roma returned to her own bed. Both Litty and Roma drifted off to sleep with the same thought in their minds: I wish that this was real and not just a dream. CH 36.1 Litty, Being Scouted After Litty regained consciousness, people started to visit her as they had heard about her waking up. Those who came to express their gratitude left some gifts of sympathy as well. It was like offerings. They were so plentiful that there was no room left for anyone to sit properly, but Litty never turned down anyone and accepted them without fail. Moreover, the elderly couple also brought homemade sandwiches for her and everyone else, including the medical staff. It looks like youre ready to be discharged. Is that so? I cant wait to visit the Adventurers Guild. (Litty) Although her injuries have been severe enough for everyone to think that she would die for sure, after regaining her consciousness, she recovered so fast that now she could move around the hospital room freely and even do somersaults and backflips. And Litty, being warned by Roma that everyone else couldnt move yet, was just another daily occurrence in the hospital room. There is a rumor going around the town about a girl adventurer who hunted down the Queen, yknow? Hmmm The aerial battle between the Scarb Queen and Litty was witnessed by many. Because of that, Litty had gained a lot of recognition in the city, and after that incident, she was no longer a stranger to the towns people. However, Litty was not satisfied with the situation. Everyone worked hard, so its kind of strange to get all the recognition for myself. (Litty) Many people, including the branch managers, were involved in the battle to defeat the Queen. In the town, however, Litty alone was praised by everyone as if she was a great hero. It was making Litty uncomfortable. When she tried to explain that it wasnt just her accomplishments, she was met with a dismissive response. The branch managers she fought with had not yet been discharged from the hospital, and some of the team members still could not get up. The fierce battle was not just about her. So Litty continued to emphasize the contribution of others, no matter how much praise she received. Litty said in a rare impatient tone, I was inexperienced. Without the help of all of you, I would not be able to do much, so its outrageous that Im the only one being hailed as a hero. Litty, you cant be serious. But I guess this way of thinking is also a source of your strength (Roma) Romas prowess was also a surprise. You were precisely hitting the blind spots of that praying mantis monster (Litty) Roma felt less than complimentary, wondering how Litty could have observed that much in that heated battle. She wanted to say, For you to see me doing that is much more surprising, but forcefully swallowed it down. Well, Litty, theres no need to worry about it. I just met some apprentices from the Swordsmans Guild in the hallway. (Roma) They came to visit too? (Litty) Yes. They are worried about James and Toito. They said they want me to get back to training as soon as possible. These apprentices are also some of the people who appreciated the work of the instructors and branch managers. (Roma) So, for the apprentices, the instructors are their heroes. Glad to hear that. (Litty) Their success in defeating the Scarbs would also improve the morale and performance of the entire Swordsmans Guild. The same was true for the heavy warrior guild, with Gonza saying that he was sick and tired of all the annoyance when people came to visit him every day. Litty was happy that there were still people among the others who understood and appreciated the efforts put by instructions and the rest of the team. Excuse me, I heard a girl named Litty is in this room (Unknown person) Its me. (Litty) A female knight in silvery white armor came to visit Litty in her sickroom. Her short emerald hair gave her a somewhat masculine image. Her eyes were tight, and she had this particular air around her which made people difficult to approach her, but instead of feeling repulsed Litty was fascinated. Litty could sense the physical mastery hidden within her mature feminine style, even more strongly than when she had met Natasha. CH 36.2 So thats you. Im Ilysis, the captain of the third unit of the Royal Knights. (Female knight) The third unit? You are that Paladin! (Roma) Roma suddenly interrupted their conversation before Litty could say anything. Perhaps accustomed to this, Litty did not show any particular reaction to Roma. The powerful person who Roma was so excited about was actually the leader of one of the 14 units of the prestigious Order of the Knights under the Kingdom. She was the captain of the Silver Fenrir, one of the strongest units, and her achievements, if one were to convert them to an adventurers level, would be considered special rank. She attracted many admirers from all over the world, and her lack of discretion was a topic of conversation in the kingdom as well, as other kingdoms had made numerous matchmaking overtures in an attempt to win her hand. Of course, she never went to any of them. The only female knight in the kingdom who was awarded the title of Paladin I never thought I would meet her here. (Roma) Roma-san, is the Paladin a job too? (Litty) The job is called an Honorary Job when it is recognized by some other privileged person besides the Adventurers Guild. I think all the people in Yggdrasia have an honorary job. (Roma) Oh, really? (Litty) Well, in their case, they developed their own style and had it recognized by the state. (Roma) It was a dizzying height, but Litty did her best to quell her excitement. She looked up at Ilysis to find out what someone, who had equal standing with Yggdrasia, wanted with her. Before Litty could ask, Roma questioned Ilysis. Why did a person of your stature go out of her way to come over here to take down Scarbs? (Roma) The Scarbs in the Bikki Mine have been on my mind for some time. I have even discussed it in meetings before (Ilysis) You have been concerned about it? (Roma) Its my fault that I couldnt get the heavy weights to get serious about it. This time, I have forced them to launch a half-baked mission. (Ilysis) As she spoke, Ilysis sat down on Littys bed. A bit unreserved, Roma thought, but she brushed it off as a trivial matter. So, why would a great person of your status visit me here? (Litty) Litty, do you want to join the Silver Fenrir Corps? (Ilysis) Yes, Id like to wait what?! (Litty) Litty was about to say something, but then she closed her mouth. What did Ilysis just invite her to do? She couldnt believe her ears, but with a smile, Ilysis confirmed her doubts. Eeeeh! Wait, um! Eh! (Litty) Im not joking. Im serious. (Ilysis) Wait, wait, wait! Why would you put me in such a fantastic unit? (Litty) Because you are incredible, too. (Ilysis) Im only a Rank 4! (Litty) It doesnt matter. (Ilysis) The exchange was so pointless that Roma couldnt keep up with it. She was somewhat concerned about the growing distance between her and Litty. Her fist clenched somewhat on the sheets of the bed. Are you feeling afraid, by any chance? (Ilysis) Of course I am! (Litty) Dont worry about it. (Ilysis) Im uncertain if I really deserve (Litty) Hmm (Ilysis) Ilysis approached Litty and examined her arms and sides. She continued to reach around her waist, her thighs and legs. Litty tried to escape as quickly as she could, but she could not. Rather, she was held down, and it was impossible for her to escape. What was applied to her was not just a simple show of brute force. Ilysis was reading her movements and blocking them, the same way Litty did when she was fighting against the Scarb Queen. What was this person doing to her? Feeling unspeakable fear, Litty head-butted Ilysis. Bwah! Ah Ilysis was not expecting to be hit directly on the tip of her nose with a headbutt from Litty. Teary-eyed as she held her nose, Ilysis came back to her senses and lowered her head apologetically. Litty said in a low voice, Im sorry No, I also got a little carried away. I was just a little curious about your body. Im sorry if I made you uncomfortable. (Ilysis) No, I was simply a little surprised (Litty) A Physical Monster Ilysis quietly muttered under her breath. What? (Litty) CH 36.3 Ilysiss face immediately turned mysterious as she studied every inch of Littys body from head to toe, then crossed her arms as she thought about what she was going to do. Roma, on the other hand, was distrustful of Ilysis. She felt that there was something wrong about this woman, but not knowing what it was, Roma could only grit her teeth and held herself back from interfering. Litty, Im not going to rush you into an answer, but I promise you this. If you enlist, you will be twice as fast and strong as you are now. (Ilysis) Really? (Litty) Yes. The Scarb Queen you defeated judging from the report, Id say shes equivalent to Rank 1. But compared to monsters in the unexplored zone, the power level of the Queen would only be around mid-level at best. (Ilysis) Mid-level? (Litty) Ilysis. What do you want to say? (Roma) Ilysis remained unfazed by Romas somewhat prickly pursuit. Although her true intentions were unclear, Ilysis was inciting Litty. Ilysis wanted to get Litty, at any cost. Roma was about to say something, but Ilysis spoke first. Rather, there were no monsters certified for a rank lower than Rank 1 in the unexplored zones. Yes, I want you to imagine a situation where several Scarb Queen-equivalent monsters are attacking us at the same time. (Ilysis) I cant imagine that. (Litty) Its a world in which you cant even imagine what might await you. In other words, its difficult to reach it if you continue to be an ordinary adventurer. (Ilysis) Ilysis-san! Enough! (Roma) Roma raged. Ilysiss expression finally changed to that of a surprise, and Litty too looked at Roma closely to see what was going on. Litty dreams of adventure! Of course, there are horrible monsters like you have just mentioned, and it cant be easy. But Im not impressed with you pressurizing her like that, and trying to force her to decide without thinking! (Roma) I am not forcing her, though. (Ilysis) Its a matter of how you are trying to recruit her! Anyway! Let Litty make her own decision! (Roma) Yes, youre right. Im sorry. (Ilysis) Im sorry what? (Roma) As Ilysis bowed her head again, Roma was taken aback. Roma couldnt get a grasp of this person. Although she seemed dignified, she was a little forceful when doing things. She still had the decency to apologize when her misconduct got pointed out, which left Roma baffled. Ilysis got off the bed and stood up, comparing Litty and Roma. I have a habit of getting hot headed easily when it comes to solicitation. Besides, youre right; Litty has a dream, and shes serious about pursuing it. (Ilysis) Yes, she does. Once you understand that (Roma) And she also got a partner who knows exactly how to ensure she does things calmly. (Ilysis) Wha? (Roma) No wonder youre so pissed off. I was insensitive. (Ilysis) Unlike before, she looked faintly downcast and gloomy. She was seriously regretting having offended them. Roma could sense that. But then, she didnt know how to respond to Ilysis. Adventure is an opportunity to be blessed with a good party and to grow as a person. Thats what I loved about being an adventurer. And to Litty you, tell me your name. (Ilysis) Roma. (Roma) Roma, Litty must be very lucky to have found a partner like you. (Ilysis) Im sorry, what do you mean, partner? (Roma) Well, Im uncertain if you will change your mind, but Im still staying in town for now. You are welcome to call on me anytime while Im still here in town. Of course, Roma, Im referring to you as well. (Ilysis) Ilysis left the hospital room, and Roma was left surprised to find herself becoming the subject of solicitation before she knew it. She had been irritated a while ago, but now she suddenly fell quiet. Despite her quiet demeanor, she might have a stormy nature at her core. Litty had become increasingly interested in Ilysis. Huh, I didnt know that Ilysis was such an unpredictable person. And what did she mean by partner? Were friends, right? Litty? (Roma) Eh? Umm (Litty) Partner is a bit of an exaggeration. And weve only partied together twice. Its too soon to come to this conclusion. (Roma) Roma-san? (Litty) Even more than Ilysis, Litty could not understand what Roma meant right now. Ilysis, the Silver Fenrir Corps, and her recruitment, the unexplored zone with monsters stronger than the Scarb Queen. There were still so many things in the world she didnt know, and so many things were about to change. Litty was surprised by Ilysis, but ultimately, she was more motivated to pursue the life of adventure. CH 37.1 Litty, on a Holiday Its Litty-san! Shes finally out of the hospital! This is the girl who beat the Scarb Queen, huh? The atmosphere turned frenzied as soon as Litty walked out of the hospital after going through discharge. Litty decided to follow the Romas advice to take a day off and rest. I will not be able to rest even if I want to if I always stay in such a state of excitement. Litty shook off the masses, who looked at her as if watching a rare species. Ah! Youre back! (Bystander) Im sorry but Ive decided to take the day off today! (Litty) Taking a day off (Bystander) The crowd nodded their heads at Littys words, Litty felt confused by their reaction which showed that they finally understood something. To get out of the situation, Litty ran away and the crowd could do nothing but watch in amazement as the girl ran off at super-high speed and also in such good spirits. Litty, who had managed to escape, was faced with a serious problem now. What do people do on holiday? (Litty) In the village, her time was usually spent on helping her family and other villagers in the field. Sometimes she spent her time playing with the children, but it was within the scope of her duties as well. Even swinging with a wooden stick was part of her training. Those were the only activities Litty did before she became an adventurer, let alone during her days in Yggdrasia. Even when someone told her to take it easy once in a while, she didnt know what to do with her spare time. In the end, Litty went to the plaza where she had eaten a meal with Maamu and others, and sat down. There she had bread in one hand, and skewers in the other, as she leisurely gobbled on them. Delicious. (Litty) She had no other impressions of the food. There was no change from the usual, except that she was eating outside. Again, those who recognized Littys appearance crowded around her. This time, she showed off her skills by jumping over the crowd. This separated her from the crowd, and she headed for the Swordsmans Guild. If she didnt know what to do, she would have to search for the answer herself. Toito and James, the two instructors, were still in the hospital, but Caddock was available in the guild. *** Huh? Running a holiday? (Caddock) Caddock, who had just finished a mock battle, couldnt understand what Litty meant. Some of the surrounding apprentices who were training hard and sweating profusely were preparing for their final examinations. Seeing Litty, they could not calm themselves down and ended up challenging her. Um! Id love to challenge you! (Apprentice 01) Sure! (Litty) Im next! (Apprentice 02) Yes. (Litty) I thought you were on a holiday? (Caddock) Caddocks timely interruption made Littys fighting spirit cool down. Well, it seems like fighting mock battles isnt a part of the holiday, Litty thought. However, it was hard for Litty to turn down a mock battle once accepted. After some thought, she decided to fight a series of battles without breaks to finish quickly, but her performance showed the apprentices the cruel reality of the situation. Im no match at all even though Im much stronger than I was back then (Apprentice 01) Oh, for a girl younger than my sister (Apprentice 02) Shes about the same age as my daughter. I dont know when Ill be able to get a new job. (Apprentice 03) Old men should not be doing this kind of thing (Apprentice 04) Various defeated muttering sounds were flying around, but Litty asked Caddock again how he spent his days off. Caddock replied to her honestly, he enjoyed drinking and nibbling on cheese. A modest routine of growing a vegetable garden with his wife and enjoying the growth of the crops. Litty expressed that it was nice, but she could not drink alcohol. Nor was she married, so she had no one to share her time doing something. Keeping it only as a reference, the next stop was the Heavy Warrior Guild. CH 37.2 Thats right, what he said was a marriage activity. (Gonza) Marriage activity? (Litty) Gonza, who had also been discharged from the hospital but was not yet able to engage in mock battles, answered with certainty. Litty finally understood the meaning of marriage activity when it was explained to her by someone else, but she was not satisfied with it. Litty also thought about trying marriage activity, but was not motivated to do so If she really wanted to get married, then she would not be looking for adventure. So, so, a woman hooked up with a guy like that. I dont know if I should let you go along with something like that at all. (Gonza) Huh (Litty) Look, Litty, if youre going to choose a man, he has to be strong! Otherwise, he would not be able to support a family! (Gonza) Huh (Litty) Gonzas nagging spirit heated up, regardless of Littys repetitive replies. She wanted to leave because Gonza didnt seem helpful from the way he was behaving. For some reason, Litty felt pity for Gonza but she couldnt say it clearly. Litty, since you came all the way here, you could at least help me with a mock battle. (Gonza) Sure. (Litty) Perhaps unable to bear the excitement, the apprentices here also offered Litty a mock battle. It was a good opportunity for Litty to work up a good sweat as well. After defeating the apprentices, Litty once again remembered that she was on holiday. *** As she unconsciously made her way to the Adventurers Guild, Litty realized that she had strayed away from her holiday routine. Her legs lured her towards the request board, feeling that she had been distracted from running a holiday for a half a day. Although she had just been discharged from the hospital, she just got nailed with a warning not to overdo it. She was about to accept a request when she spotted Ilysis in one of the corners of the guild. Litty, youre here. (Ilysis) Ilysis-san, what are you doing? (Litty) I reported to the Adventurers Guild that we need their help with clearing out the remaining Scarbs. Its going to take some time to get rid of them completely. (Ilysis) Then, can I help, too? (Litty) How about getting yourself a new weapon first? (Ilysis) Ilysis pointed out and picked up Littys weapon. The blades were badly damaged, and the one-handed spear could break any moment. The axe was also in bad shape. She had been overusing them since the time they were given to her by the guilds, so it was only natural that they were worn out. Litty reflected on the fact that she had been so caught up in the excitement of working on the immediate request that she had overlooked such an important part of the job. The government provides salaries and funds for us Knights so we can purchase necessities we need, but adventurers have to pay for everything themselves, so its not easy for them. Oh well, why dont we go shopping together? (Ilysis) With Ilysis-san? Are you sure you dont have any work to do? (Litty) Were almost done. (Ilysis) Not again (Subordinates) Litty had no idea what that meant, but then a subordinate quickly approached Litty and spoke to her. Be careful. There is a rumor going around that she is being rude to people, but she is doing it out of concern and good will. (Subordinate) Huh? (Litty) Leave the rest to us, and go along with her. (Subordinate) Ilysis beckoned Litty over. Her expression was relaxed and maybe somewhat enthusiastic as well. Litty pondered the meaning of what the knight had just said, but she had no idea what to make of it. CH 37.3 They have a good selection of weapons here, dont they? (Ilysis) Expensive! (Litty) Even though Littys pockets had been enriched by the rewards she had received as an adventurer, weapons were still expensive. Some of the weapons were beyond the reach of Litty, even if she spent all her money on them she might not be able to get even one weapon of high quality. However, Littys excitement was still high when she saw a wide selection of new weapons she had never seen before at the weapons shop she was visiting for the first time. This particular brand is a product of a master craftsman. Some blacksmiths offer great equipment for a good amount of money, especially if its a magical weapon. (Ilysis) Is it okay if I hold it in my hand? (Litty) No problem. (Ilysis) Litty picked up the outrageously priced sword and was astonished at how light it felt. The price tag was high, but the ease of handling made it worth the price. Litty couldnt even imagine what kind of metal was used to make it. Woo, this is a great sword. (Litty) You might want to change the way you hold it a little. (Ilysis) Eh (Litty) Ilysis took Littys arm and straightened her posture. Conveniently putting her hands around her waist at the same time to guide her, Litty was grateful for it. It was certainly an easier stance than she previously had. This reinforced the urge to get out of the weapons shop and try it out on an adventure as soon as possible. This one-handed spear is also very light. But maybe the tip is too narrow (Litty) Its very strong despite its appearance. This way its going to stab deeper, you know. (Ilysis) Hmmm (Litty) She started to count the money she had on hand. If she was going to buy one, it would be this one or the other. But even if it was only one of them, itd still be a great financial blow to Litty, who wanted to get her hand on an axe as well. Litty had never imagined that weapons would be so expensive, and she was worried about how she would be able to pay for them. With this spear, the stance should be like this, right? (Litty) Ah, you should do it like this (Ilysis) Ilysis again repositioned Littys stance on how to hold a one-handed spear. Litty was immensely grateful, which made her overlook the excessive physical contact. To put into practice what was taught to her, Litty strongly hoped to be able to earn enough money to buy this weapon. This axe is not as heavy as I thought it would be. (Litty) Ill buy it for you all together. (Ilysis) Oh, youre kidding, right? (Litty) Ilysis, holding the sword, spear, and axe in her arms, brought them to the shopkeeper to pay for them. Litty panicked and chased after her. Litty understood that Ilysis was not joking, but she was not so thick-skinned as to accept this abrupt favor. It was even more so since it was very hard to obtain them with the earnings of a Rank 4 adventurer. You dont have to do that! Ill work hard to earn money and buy it someday! (Litty) I consider it an investment for adventurers who have a bright future ahead of them. It is lamentable that good adventurers cannot afford good quality weapons. I wish the Adventurers Guild would put more effort into this part. (Ilysis) I dont think Im (Litty) Im curious why you underestimate yourself. I wonder if it has something to do with your past? (Ilysis) Ilysis had noticed this off-putting point for some time now. However, seeing that Litty didnt want to answer her curiosity, she didnt pursue the matter. Well, you dont have to answer me. Shopkeeper, Ill buy these in bulk. (Ilysis) Yes, thanks! Ahahaha, Im glad to hear that a distinguished knight like you is buying them from here! (Shopkeeper) Ill buy this batch, but you might want to lower the price a bit. That would bring in more customers and a much more stable number of sales. (Ilysis) Yes, of course! (Shopkeeper) The total price was dizzying to Litty, but Ilysis generously paid for everything in one go. At this moment, Litty got a glimpse of a different world, where she was shown what a transaction between adults was like rather than a knight buying equipment. As Ilysis said, a talented person could increase their ability proportionally to the assets and equipment they have. Litty decided to be aware of that from now on and work hard. I bought it all, but can you carry all of these equipments? (Ilysis) Yes, I carry it like this (Litty) Youve been fighting in that state? (Ilysis) Ilysis watched Litty strap her equipment on her back and held her sword. Yes. (Litty) I see. You should do something about that as soon as possible. For example, storage skills, magic, making a contract with something (Ilysis) Out of nowhere, Ilysis turned serious and clapped her hands as if she had come up with some great idea. Skills and magic are much more difficult to learn and also require talent. The easiest way I guess is to make a contract but you would need to go to the Capital to get one. (Ilysis) Really? (Litty) Theres a Summoners Guild over there. Those guys might know a good beast to contract with. (Ilysis) Summoners Guild Summoning magic? (Litty) Yup, it also takes some luck and some talent, but its better than trying to acquire skills and magic on your own. (Ilysis) Unlike skills and magic, some summoned beasts might be difficult to handle, but it all depended on the summoner with whom they signed a contract with. In addition to this, luck played a huge role in such cases, as the contract conditions could be very strict. However, the fact remained that contracts were the best solution to the problem of portability. When Ilysis explained everything in this way, Litty decided that she had to move quickly and reach the capital. You can get more details from that guild in the capital. Okay. Im truly grateful for your help but also sorry that you have to go through all this trouble. (Litty) Next, youll need some clothes. (Ilysis) Clothes? (Litty) Spats are a good idea. Theyre very popular with the female adventurers. (Ilysis) Litty was taken aback by this sudden change of topic. She had never heard of such a word as spats, and Ilysis was urging her to hurry, making it difficult for Litty to catch up with her speech. After moving to the armor shop which was right next to the weapons shop, they moved quickly. It was hard to turn down Ilysiss offer to help Litty change in the locker room. Littys heart jumped at the comfort of the spats, and she realized that even though she didnt do her daily things but because of Ilysis she had had a productive day. Mmm, maybe they dont fit quite right. Lets try this one. (Ilysis) Um, Ill try this one then. (Litty) Litty didnt mind the excessive number of times she had to try on the clothes. In fact, she wanted to be the kind of woman like Ilysis who was such a helpful person and cared about others. CH 38.1 Litty, Being Aware of Farther Heights The Silver Fenrir Corps were not allowed to stay long, as they had been forced to move their troops halfway through the operation. They quickly cleaned up the aftermath and left the town of Topaz early in the morning. But before leaving, Ilysis went out of her way to visit the home of an elderly couple who had been taking care of Litty. Apart from the old couple, who were too embarrassed to speak properly, Litty thanked Ilysis once again. Ilysis-san, thank you so much for your help. (Litty) Its an upfront investment, dont worry about it. I just wanted to ask you one last thing. (Ilysis) What is it? (Litty) Have you ever worked with Yggdrasia before? (Ilysis) Littys heart was in her throat after hearing such a direct question. How did she find out about this? Litty thought about feigning ignorance and not responding to the inquiry, but the old couple beside her knew about her situation as well. Maybe Ilysis also heard about her situation from someone else. Where did you hear about that? (Litty) I see. (Ilysis) Litty decided not to hide it. She didnt need to worry about Aldis fooling with her beliefs and her anymore. She also remembered how Toito had advised her to have self-confidence. And Ilysis, who was standing in front of her, also expressed concern about her undervaluation of herself not long ago. Litty was convinced that she had grown up enough to stand straight after going through so much until today. This was partly due to her own strength and partly because of the people around her. In contrast, what about Aldis of Yggdrasia? He treated her like a slave, with no consideration for others. At least, she didnt feel that he was the reason for her improvements. The old couple here, the people from the Swordsmen and Heavy Warriors Guild, the Adventurers Guild, Roma and the others who partnered with her in the battle against Scarbs She was thankful to everyone else other than Aldis. One day, I heard my subordinates gossiping that Yggdrasia was walking around with an unfamiliar girl. (Ilysis) And you thought that was me? (Litty) It matched the pink hair, the height, and other features so yeah You were treated poorly, werent you? (Ilysis) Yes. (Litty) I see. You you did your best. (Ilysis) Ilysiss lips twisted into a disgusting arc. The emotion was conveyed so well that Litty could hear her teeth grinding. She was furious that the disturbing rumors about Yggdrasia were true, that they had abused this promising young girl named Litty. She was a knight innately, and Yggdrasias barbaric behavior was unforgivable. Theyre so despicable. (Ilysis) Litty instinctively thought this person was probably on par with Yggdrasia. Even as someone who was involved, she could not direct her intense hatred toward Aldis so straightforwardly. Although she was angry, Aldis was far superior to her in power. While Litty was indeed angry at him for how he had treated her, she was not sure if she wanted to kill him. Ilysis, however, revealed the essence of anger that was different from her own. One must never get drunk on their power. My father taught me this, and I believe his words are true. Looking down on others and treating them poorly is the same as being weak. You must never make the same mistake, Litty. (Ilysis) I dont know what difficulties I may face or what heights I will reach, but I will never develop that attitude. (Litty) Great, thats the right mindset to have. Also remember that if one stops moving forward, what awaits them is only self-destruction. (Ilysis) Self-destruction? (Litty) Litty wondered if Yggdrasia would self-destruct, but however much she thought she still couldnt imagine it. That party was too strong to self-destruct. Well, its time for us to go. (Ilysis) I will definitely go to the capital. And when that time comes Ill come to see you. (Litty) Yes, of course. Im looking forward to it. Oh, can I ask for one last favor? (Ilysis) Yes ! (Litty) And the moment Litty gave her consent, she was covered in Ilysiss hug. Her face was buried in Ilysiss ample breasts, and the experience was quite painful. After a few seconds, she was released, but Litty could not understand the meaning of this action. Hmm, well follow up in the royal capital. (Ilysis) Follow up? (Litty) Ilysis walked away with one hand raised, a proper lady, but there was something about her that Litty couldnt quite figure out. But that might also be because she was an adult woman, a different person from Litty. So maybe she could understand it when she grew up, Litty optimistically thought. CH 38.2 The next day, when Litty visited the Adventurers Guild, the branch manager Regal stopped Litty. He was bandaged up and he looked really pitiful, and his body was still very thin. Since she was not allowed to see him in the hospital, Litty had not seen him since the battle against the queen. Thank you for that time. (Litty) Im the one who should be thanking you instead. I just want to punch myself in the face for underestimating those guys. (Regal) Everything is fine so dont worry. (Litty) Yeah. By the way, you went far beyond what I thought you could do I wonder how many people in the history of the Adventurers Guild have ever managed to defeat a Rank 1 while being a Rank 4 (Regal) Litty was embarrassed by the change in the way Regal interacted with her. She knew he was good at what he was doing, being the manager of the guild, even though she had never seen him in action before. The blow he delivered to the queen was still burned into Littys eyes. It was enough to make her decide that while fighting with weapons was good, she wanted to hone her bare-handed fighting skills as well. Oops, I got distracted. Well, its not that big of a deal. Like Dimos-san over there, you want to move up to the 3rd Rank, dont you? (Regal) Yes! I want to get promoted to the 3rd Rank! (Litty) As expected. Hey, Dimos-san, youve also been a big help. (Regal) What, why mention me all of a sudden? (Dimos) He pretended to be bothered by it, but his cheeks relaxed, and he seemed pleased with the praise. After all, he was one of the participants in the Queens battle. He had stopped at 4th Rank for many years, but he had already proven his ability. He was strong. The only thing preventing him from moving up was the promotion exam, which Regal wanted to talk about. Back to the main topic, you two should take the exam for promotion to 3rd Rank in the capital. Of course, Ill give my recommendation. (Regal) Keh, Ive already taken the promotion exam a few times. (Dimos) Dont be so naive, Dimos-san, everything is a matter of timing and luck. You should take this exam again. You did survive that life-threatening battle, Im confident that you can do it this time. (Regal) Youre just being irresponsible about this (Dimos) Scratching the back of his head, Dimoss expression was slacked. Litty was ready to take on the challenge, even without being told. If she could advance to the 3rd Rank, she would become an adventurer recognized by the Adventurers Guild Headquarters. In other words, there was a possibility that requests from the headquarters would be handed out to her. But Litty had a question. Why the Capital? If one is ready to be a 3rd Rank, shouldnt one go to the Adventurers Guild headquarters? (Litty) The Capital and other major places in each country are staffed by people dispatched from the headquarters, and you wont be able to reach the Adventurers Guild headquarters with your current level of strength. (Regal) Eh? Why? (Litty) You really want to know it? (Regal) Yes, Im listening! (Litty) Regal grinned, and Dimos looked aghast. Regal started explaining in a mysterious tone to Litty, who leaned forward. The Adventurers Guild headquarters is located near the end of the world, and the surrounding area remained unexplored until recently. (Regal) Thats really far away! (Litty) The people over there are always challenging themselves day and night in their adventures to discover whats beyond the end of the world. The most interesting and challenging place in the world is the headquarters of the Adventurers Guild. (Regal) Whooooah! (Litty) Not so surprised, Regal rambled on in response to Littys reaction. Explaining this could dishearten some of the higher ups as this may demotivate new adventures from moving upward in rank. However, it was not a big issue. However, even adventurers at headquarters are stuck at the edge of the world, unable to make more progress (Regal) Im not ready for this yet. (Litty) Did I make you feel down? By the way, the end of the world is (Regal) Dont tell me anymore! Ill take on more adventures, and Im going to catch up with them! And for that, I will become 3rd Rank! (Litty) As expected. (Regal) Regal enjoyed telling these facts to scare adventures off. However, as expected, instead of making Litty afraid, it only made her more determined to take promotion exams as soon as possible. Well, I did recommend you to go to the Capital for now. But if you decide to go, youll have to say goodbye to this town and everyone living here. (Regal) Ah (Litty) The familiar town of Topaz, the old couple who took care of her, the people from the various guilds. She had to say goodbye to all of them. The old couple would send her off with a smile, but just thinking about it made Litty feel a bit sentimental. With every encounter, there was a farewell. That was part of being an adventurer, but Litty was too young to accept it so easily. Understanding what was going through Littys mind, Regal said in a low voice, Hey, its not like were parting for life. Yes, thats right. Ill be happy to come back again once Im stronger. (Litty) Litty quickly forgot being sentimental as she focused on the goal at hand. CH 39.1 Litty About to Leave the city of Topaz I see, so you are going to the Royal Capital. Ill catch up with you when Im fully healed. (Roma) Yes, Ill be waiting. (Litty) Litty told Roma, who was still in the hospital, that she was going to Royal Capital. She really wanted to go with Roma, but various kinds of incentives were rising in Littys mind. The Summoner Guild and the goal of moving up to Rank 3 were enough to make her decisive about going to the Royal Capital tomorrow. Even though I just got promoted to 4th Rank, I also got a recommendation from the Branch Manager, Regal. If you dont get your act together, Im going to overtake you. (Roma) Im not going to lose. (Litty) Do your best not to lose then! (Roma) As much as she ridiculed Litty, she knew that she could never match up to Littys potential. However, there were no negative feelings involved, but only a burning passion. In the past, she used to be jealous of Litty, but now she was surprisingly calm. It was probably because she gained the feeling of being in the same state of mind as Litty after the battle against the Queen. What was important was not to be stronger than anyone else, but to grow and continue moving forward. What could she do and who should she help now? So, these actions would make them more than just a regular person at times. So, when Litty and Roma saw people like Dimos and Laila who had done their part, they were reminded of their resolve and duties. So, are you ready to go? (Roma) No, not yet. (Litty) Is everything okay? (Roma) Im going to go to the Adventurers Guild and take requests from the people of the town. Then we will start with the preparations. (Litty) So, you will be leaving tomorrow (Roma) Litty would be able to do a lot in the morning alone. At the same time, she was trying to say goodbye to each of her acquaintances. Inwardly, she would like to speak with Roma a little longer, since she would be leaving her here for a while. Well then, Roma-san, Id better get going. (Litty) Youre Rank 4, but youre still doing Rank 6 requests thats so typical of you. Good luck. (Roma) Littys teary eyes loosened a little as Roma waved her hand. It wasnt even the goodbye of a lifetime, and she promised to see her again at the Royal Capital. But she was the first friend she had made from her peers. Even if it was only a short goodbye, young Littys emotions were still shaken. *** After leaving Roma and going out of the hospital, Litty got very busy. She picked and almost completed all the chore-like requests from Rank 6. As a well-known adventurer in the town, all the people were cheerful about Litty moving a step toward her goal and congratulated her on her trip to the Royal Capital. Im going to miss you! (Litty) Youll come back someday, right? Of course I will! (Litty) The deliveries, garden weeding, pest control, etc. were quickly taken care of. People praised and quietly whispered to her about how many jobs she completed on her own. She must have been running all over the town, doing the grocery for the old folks who were limping, but she never seemed to get exhausted. Although her vitality was already high, it has increased even more through the battles she had fought so far. Litty thought about taking on the task of defeating the monsters, but decided against it. Litty decided to work until the evening and spend the remainder of the day preparing. I wish I could be this helpful at Royal Capital. When she was alone, she muttered to no one in particular just expressing her wish, this was the only thing she felt attracted to other than adventure. That was helping someone. Simple quests, but helpful to everyone. Litty imagined what would have happened if she did not hear about the adventurers, maybe she might have ended up just helping everyone in her hometown. CH 39.2 That evening, the old couple cooked a feast for Litty, with all of her favorite dishes lined up right before her, so she could reach them with ease and ready for her to monopolize. However, Litty was not happy to eat the food which was only prepared for herself. Although she still ended up eating most of the food, she wanted to preserve the memory of the three of them eating together. Thanks for the food! (Litty) Youre still a good eater. You should visit this town again sometime. (Old madam) Ill definitely come back. Ill have to say goodbye for now. (Litty) Although Litty had gotten strong over this period of time, she felt that she was not ready to face tomorrow. She felt that if she stayed idle and quiet, something would start to creep up on her. So Litty tried to talk more and act as cheerful as possible. Im still grateful to Old Madam and Sir for accepting me when I had come to you out of the blueand Ill be grateful for my lifetime, for the grace you have bestowed upon me. (Litty) Hahahaha, youve never ceased to amaze me since then. (Sir) Im sorry for being a bother. (Litty) No, no, no. When that monster charged towards me so suddenly, I was really stunned. I was even more surprised to see Litty-chan holding on to it with her dear life. Litty was also horrified when the Queen managed to enter the town without being killed. Not to mention that the old couple ended up right in front of her. Litty was told many times in the hospital that it was a wonder how she was still alive, and they wondered how she was able to move at all. If she had to answer why, it would have to be her energy. Her vitality was just too strong, after all. There were people who took care of me in this town, and I didnt want anyone to die while Im still around. (Litty) A young girl like Litty-chan should not worry about such things. (Old Madam) Its the path Ive chosen, so dont worry about it. (Litty) Its the path you chose, huh? Keep yourself safe and do come to us anytime if you ever feel overwhelmed. (Old Madam) Even after all that ordeal against the Scarbs, Litty was still a child in the eyes of the old couple. The sauce around her mouth solidified that impression even more. Ill make you lunch tomorrow. Youd better go to bed early today. (Old Madam) Yes. I will. (Litty) She wanted to talk more about something, but it was the elderly couple who ended the conversation first. They were pretending not to notice the turmoil and suppressing their own emotions. Litty, already sensing the change, dared not help with the cleanup and went to bed. Im going to miss her, really. (Old Madam) Yeah. (Sir) Getting up from the chairs, they started to put away the dishes. *** Litty, take this. Litty was startled as she was leaving town early in the morning. People stood in her way as if to block her path towards the towns gate. It was not just adventurers behind Branch Manager Regal, but also people from the places Litty had been to with her requests. What are these? (Litty) Its a pair of shoes created using the Queens wings. I commissioned it to be made as a magic tool. (Regal) A magic tool? What?! And the Queens wings (Litty) If you are equipped with this, it will reduce the weight of your heavy baggage. It will also increase your speed, which will come in handy in many different situations. (Regal) It was only natural that Litty was perplexed by this unexpected gift. It was a magic tool made of wings, the loot collected from the dead Scrab Queen and it was achieved through great hard work. There was no way that Litty, who considered it a victory for everyone, would accept it that easily. But this (Litty) This was done after getting the consent of the party members. There are some who arent here, but dont worry about it. (Regal) Really? (Litty) The processing cost of this magic tool was shared by me, them, and everyone here. (Regal) Eh (Litty) Weve been indebted to you for a long time, you know. One of the towns residents replied. CH 39.3 Speaking of magic tools, they were expensive items that were of a different order of magnitude compared to ordinary weapons and armor. As she held onto the shoes in her hands, Littys tears, which she had been trying to hold back all this time, finally filled her eyes and were on the verge of falling. This, for me, such an amazing thing (Litty) Everyone recognizes you and your hard work, and theyre expecting a lot from you. Im certain, youll be able to cross over to the end of the world someday. (Regal) Is this an investment in advance? (Litty) I dont know where you learned that, but you can consider it as such! Haha (Regal) She kept her lips shut and shook her head, no longer able to hold back her tears, even though she did not cry when Yggdrasia treated her so poorly, this time she was at her limit. Everyone, Im so sorry about this! (Litty) No, dont apologize. We know what hardships youve been through to reach this point, so dont mind it and just put them on and go on your journey. (Regal) Yes! (Litty) Litty, who had even begun to sniffle, put her wing shoes on. After putting them on, she immediately felt a floating sensation in her body. She had inherited the queens power, albeit only a small part of it. Surely, with this, she could jump higher. No, she felt like she could fly! Im leaving! (Litty) Ooooh! Good luck! Good luck! Come back again when you have some time! It was as if the whole town of Topaz itself was congratulating Litty. The old couple was among them. Wiping their eyes with a cloth, they were just like Litty, who couldnt hold her tears back. Still, they continued to wave at her. Litty waved back one more time before facing forward. Goodbye everyone! Ill definitely come back someday! (Litty) Without any further hesitation, she dashed out of town. However, she had not taken into consideration the effect of her wing boots. The momentum was so strong that she was almost propelled into the air. Kicking the air as she was feeling unbalanced, she corrected her trajectory. To a certain extent, she could now move flexibly midair. *** Wooooooooo! (Litty) As Litty ran through the Peat Grasslands yelling, she ran into the Baffolo hordes on her way. Normally, she would have taken them down, but now the loot would just be extra baggage for Litty. As soon as she landed, she vaulted off the Baffolos back with both hands and jumped again. She continued doing so until she passed over the hordes. More! Faster! (Litty) The performance of the wing shoes was fully demonstrated at that time, and she was no longer chased by any of the monsters. The shoes felt so good in the end. With the magnificent view of the wide Peat Grasslands, Litty was excited about the adventures ahead. What could be more spectacular than this view? And what unimaginable things would happen in the future? She was not quite the hero of the story yet, but she was a little closer to being that hero. This was Littys self-assessment. Yaaaah! The lunch box given to her by the old couple was filled with many of her favorite foods. But right now, Litty was not thinking about where she would eat it. She just wanted to run through the vast Peat Grasslands ahead of her. Tasting the fresh air and enjoying her own dynamic movement. Litty ran all over the place until she was tired. CH 40.1 Aldis, Lost So this is as far as you can go. The Burnsed Wilderness was located far north of the Royal Capital, near the border. The place was desolate without a sign of any living being, and the demons inhabiting the area were like air to Yggdrasia. In such a place, Dorland looked down at Aldis. Both had injuries on their bodies, but it was Aldis who couldnt get up. It was the result of the fierce battle that had left several large holes and crater-like depressions around them. Thats all youve got now? (Dorland) Dont think youve already won! (Aldis) Then get up. (Dorland) Aldis tried to stand up as Dorland egged him on, but his bones and internal organs were already at their limits. Moreover, he had exhausted his magical power by using powerful attacks and recovery magic. Their match was a battle of attrition. Zhul, who had been present for this duel, was panicking, and Clarine, a bystander, was yawning with no care. Do, Dorland! (Zhul) What, Zhul, youre worried about Aldis? Youre being overprotective. (Dorland) No! No, thats not it! (Zhul) Hey, are you done? (Clarine) Clarine, who had protected herself well and was unharmed, was sitting on the small rock that had somehow survived through their battle, and although their reasons were different, she was in the same opinion as Dorland. The duel began when Dorland complained about the captains aka Aldis constant trips to low-level places. Since Aldis had magic, there was no way he could lose to Dorland. But that was Aldis arrogance. Well, then. (Dorland) Hey! Where are you going?! (Aldis) Im not interested in you anymore. (Dorland) Screw yougghh! Geho!!! (Aldis) Aldis vomited blood as soon as he raised himself up and started to lash out. Carrying only his own luggage, Dorland walked away. He was not interested in those who had stagnated in their pride and disappeared after a certain period of time had passed. I just let my guard down wait a minute! (Aldis) Well, Aldis, you thought he was one of us and didnt go all out, right? (Zhul) Zhul offered Aldis a recovery item, leaving an unmotivated Clarine behind, and Aldis, perhaps slightly relieved by Zhuls words, refrained from yelling. Clarine watched the situation sluggishly. So what are you going to do now? (Clarine) I wont forgive that bastard or Bandera. Who do they think they owe their wealth and honor to, Clarine, and that goes for you as well! (Aldis) Its true that it was thanks to you that I am out of my boring life as a saint, but (Clarine) So youre going to leave as well? (Aldis) Are you nervous? (Clarine) Clarines nerve-racking comments nearly caused Aldis to reignite his anger. However, Aldis could not force her to do anything because she was the daughter of the high priest of the Matthias Church in Restona. Even the great hero Aldis was unable to make an enemy out of them. Well, Ill follow you for a while. (Clarine) Tsk (Aldis) Aldis response could be considered as a good one, as he merely clicked his tongue. He could have had any woman he wanted, but not Clarine, as he didnt dare to touch her. Even he would suffer misery worse than being executed if he were to destroy the purity of the saint of the Matthias Church. Being fully aware of his thoughts, Clarine was also making fun of Aldis. Clarine, Aldis is a really great guy. So dont say something like youll only stay with him for a while. You know? (Zhul) Zhul, youre desperate, arent you? By the way, you were gone for a while last night, werent you? (Clarine) Yeah, I had to run an errand. (Zhul) For a few hours? (Clarine l I heard that there was an outbreak of Scarb in the town of Topaz. (Zhul) Dodging Clarines pursuit, Zhul helped Aldis to stand up properly, and Clarine said nothing more. She knew that Zhul was boosting Aldis pride. From their interactions, she had slowly gotten to know what kind of person Zhul really was. He may look like a man of low self-esteem, but that was not his true nature. Although Clarine saw through that, she didnt want to deal with him seriously either. What about that? (Aldis) Well, you see, there was that abandoned mine over there, right? Whatever the cause was, it seems like a new Scarb nest was discovered somewhere close by. I heard the town was in trouble because of that. (Zhul) Im sure those little worms could be dealt with by the local punks around there. (Aldis) I heard there was a Queen Individual born, and they barely managed to take it down. Its funny, isnt it? (Zhul) Pfft, sure. I mean, a queen is at best a Rank 1 creature, right? (Aldis) Yes, yes! (Zhul) Clarines deep sigh didnt reach the heated pair. Zhul was trying to get Aldis in a good mood, and he always used this trick of telling different stories whenever Aldis was in a bad mood. This simple act made Aldis happy, which in turn made him easier to control. Clarine felt she was getting to understand Zhuls intentions a little better. You know what I think? I think those poor guys need to be made to understand. The real thing. (Zhul) Oh, sure. Many of them only know what were capable of through rumors. (Aldis) Yes, yes. So, how about we go to the Royal Capital for a start? (Zhul) Its a dumping ground for the lowly adventurers, right? Okay, Ive decided then. (Aldis) Yes, yes, replied Zhul. Yggdrasia would never challenge unexplored areas again. They would continue to pretend to be glorious just like they were in the past and bully the weak. Even Clarine, who thought it was better than the boring life of a saint, was on the verge of giving up on them. CH 40.2 Hahaha! There are nothing but weaklings around here! Aldis cleaved several Rank 3 rock trolls with a single blow. Normally, one would have to aim at the parts of the rock surface that were not the actual rocks, as they looked more like a fusion of a rock and a big man. Aldis, however, would wipe them out regardless of whether they were in a swarm or not. Some parts of these demons might be valuable, but they wouldnt pick them up, because for Yggdrasia, even that work would be too much of a hassle since it would only be worth a small fortune. Cant we get some tough ones? Not around here, no. And its also precisely why the Royal Capital is here. Thats right. Im going to have to teach a lesson to those damned weaklings who are struggling against even this level of trash. Hahahahaha! Even though you lost to the cheeky Dorland not long ago, Clarine thought, but she didnt voice out her words. She looked away from Aldis, who was smiling broadly, or rather laughing foolishly, and noticed something approaching from the distance. Coming from the distance was a group of what appeared to be adventurers. From the way they were dressed, you could tell they were of a certain rank. Ah? What adventurers? Those rock trolls over there. Did you guys defeat them? What if I say yes? We dont like trouble. Would you mind handing over the proof of subjugation to us? Sometimes there were adventurers who would take other peoples achievements. Most of them were like hyenas, sneaking off after a job was done. But this group was different. The Grand Sharks, a notorious party of robbers, consisted of some of the most prominent members of the Royal Capitals Adventurers Guild. Youve heard of the Grand Sharks, right? Aldis, Grand Sharks is a pretty decent bunch of guys. The leader of the Grand Sharks is a Rank 2 adventurer. Theyve bullied many adventurers, and theyve even banished some of them. Well, that means theyre a bunch of jerks. Okay, I get it. Aldis? Aldis directed his palm at the leader, who had just questioned him. Instantly, the leader was put on fire, screaming and rolling around. Zhul then grazed the remaining members with his knife at an unbelievably fast speed. One by one, they all lost strength from their knees and could not stand. Within seconds of the encounter, the party, which included the 2nd rank, had been completely defeated. I cant stand up, I cant That knife is poisoned, so the attack just now had put a little bit of poison in your nervous system. Zhul, Im going to use them. Okay, thats good. Anyway, we were just in need of a few more hands. Aldis magically extinguished the fire that had seriously injured the leader of the Grand Sharks party. Then, after a few more rounds of combat, the trampling continued until they were weeping. Satisfied with the leaders tearful apology, Aldis finally stopped. Im sorry, Im sorry. I hope you understand. You guys do the chores until we get to the Royal Capital. Oh, were? Were? C Thats You are a Rank 2, arent you? Well, I cant show my bad appearance to the dignitaries who recognize me, can I? Yes Well, I promise I wont make you look bad. Maybe. Perhaps it was simply a lucky coincidence that Aldis had gained a new toy. But this time it was a well-known party. Clarine was concerned that it was a bit risky to do something so shady. Then Clarine remembered the girl they left behind in the Demon Forest. Just as she was thinking about that girl, suddenly a girl jumped into Clarines line of sight. Oh? Whats with that kid? She looks so skinny. (Clarine) Well, thats an orphan. Wed been using her to handle all the odd jobs and chores for a while now. (Shark Boss) Ha, you have poor taste. (Clarine) No, thats not what Im trying to (Shark Boss) The girl in the dirty clothes was younger than that girl. At first, Clarine thought of using this girl as an outlet for her stress, but she felt this girl would not last long. Clarine thought to herself, The previous one was really an abnormal kid. Could she even survive from that place? No, thats not possible. However, just as she continued to think about the peculiar girl, she suddenly felt a chill. Hey, Clarine, whats up? Lets go. Yes. Even though she tried to hurt that peculiar girl so much during their journey, that girl still didnt die. Now Clarine wondered why she had felt that way out of nowhere, and an unfounded sense of unease began to grow inside her. CH 41.1 Litty arrives at the Royal Capital A huge gateway, a street as wide as three houses, and people were crowding on the street. Litty, who had never experienced such a scene, was overwhelmed by the sight. The scale of the city was nothing like that of Topaz. The people passing by, the passageways, and the guards with their extremely hawk-like sharp eyes watching over them. They were armed differently from the guards in Topaz. They glanced at Litty for a moment, but then quickly moved on to something else. Litty almost braced herself for a moment, but she did not do anything wrong to get such an intense stare. Hey! You merchant! Ha-hi! You, why did you turn back! Stop, do not move your baggage! No, no, theres nothing here. Nothing! A timid-looking merchant was surrounded by two guards and his baggage was tossed to the ground. Litty had no idea what it was about as she watched one of the guards go ahead and sort the merchants baggage. These are Vespa eggs! Vespa farming is forbidden by law! Oh, that? Oh, hey! When did that get in there? Dont play dumb with me! Bring him over! Ow! Please dont hurt me! Some villages have been destroyed by the illegal farming of Vespas in large numbers! Litty was awestruck by the quick and swift arrest. What was even more amazing was that people didnt pay much attention to that little episode. Maybe it was already a common sight to them, or perhaps it was due to their trust in the guards. Either way, it was enough to make Litty marvel. Then a man passing by mentioned to Litty. I guess he probably has a business partner within Royal Capital. Theyre both idiots. This Royal Capital has one of the best securities on the continent. Wow, thats wonderful. Im sure guards will catch his business partners like a sack of potatoes. Youve seen something new, havent you, little girl? Yes. The man perhaps recognized Litty as a country bumpkin and teased her. After a chuckle, he walked away. This was before Litty had even entered the Royal Capital. She was thrilled to the core and couldnt help but think, I cant quit being an adventure after all. But she couldnt stay excited and emotional all the time. Litty remembered the date of the examination for promotion to Rank 3, which made her worry and also sober her up. *** Excuse me! Where is the Adventurers Guild? Right there. I followed his finger with my eyes towards the destination pointed out by him and gasped. The three-story building stood out like a mansion, as wide as it was tall. And it was not only adventurers who came and went. Every so often, what appeared to be ordinary people were spotted, some of whom were not even humans. Cat ears, rabbit ears, bushy hair. They were beastmen. Dorland of Yggdrasia was half-human, but these people here looked more like beasts compared to him. Excuse me! Littys greeting stood out as she entered. The people turned to look at her as if wanting to see what was going on, and as expected, Litty was flustered because of the sudden attention, thinking that she had messed up. She was an airhead, even for the Royal Capitals huge adventurers guild. Is this your first time here, by any chance? Yes. A nearby adventurer kindly asked Litty. I see, then you should go get a numbered ticket and wait. A ticket? Look at that. There are several counters, but all of them are full. They are always full of people who want to get paid, deliver goods, apply for commissions, and ask for advice. I see, can I ask when the exam for promotion to Rank 3 is scheduled? What? Oh, youre applying for a promotion to Rank 3? The young man was surprised because Litty did not look like one of them. He pointed to the bulletin board with his finger. The date for the Rank 3 promotion exam was today, and if Litty missed it, she would have to wait over a month for the next exam. In addition to the date and time, there was also an assigned location written on it, a location in the Royal Capital, which Litty was unfamiliar with. Where is this? Youre going to take the exam for Rank 3, right? Dont ask us adventurers where the location is, you have to look at what is written over there and find it on your own, there should be instructions over there. But, but, emm! This is up to you, okay Okay. Youre right. Ill look for it on my own! Heh? Litty like a tornado dashed out of the Adventurers Guild, leaving the young man speechless. He was not surprised by Littys decisiveness, but more impressed by her quick response. The thought of that being put to use in battle piqued his interest, even as a 1st Rank adventurer. Hey, do you know that girl? No, not at all. Its time to start the meeting. After all, we cant start without the leader of Red Flag. Its a boring bandit extermination, right? Weve already shown them the capabilities of Red Flag. No bandits and criminals had ever survived an encounter with the Red Flag. But the leader thought that Litty was not so lucky because the person in charge of the exam was CH 41.2 I finally reached it! Oh, here comes a girl bursting with so much energy. Eventually after getting out of Adventurers Guild, Litty asked someone on the street of the location, then went full speed ahead. It was near the west gate of the Royal Capital. There was already a large crowd of candidates gathered there, as well as a single, well-styled woman with a pair of sunglasses on her forehead. She had a particularly prominent bulge, better than any of the others. The woman clapped her hands to get the attention of the candidates. Yes, yes, its about time. Uh, yes, yes, you people want to be Rank 3, right? Yes, I would like to be Rank 3! Youre too energetic. Okay, I am Catalana from the Adventurers Guild Headquarters. By the way, Catalana hate gags like Kataranai (Meaning: It cant be helped). I understand! Littys reaction was so loud that the voices of the other candidates became muffled. Although Catalana, the examiner, was the only one who caught her attention, the other candidates were also strong. Some of them, like Dimos, were not taking the exam for the first time. They were not interested in a newcomer like Litty as these newcomers would soon learn the reality of the situation anyway. Before we begin, I have one question. Do you guys really want to be Rank 3? Youve been talking too much. How can there be anyone here who doesnt want to be Rank 3? Thats true, too. However, Im still a little skeptical. Just get on with it. No, I dont even know if I should start. The candidates clamored, but Litty said nothing and awaited Catalanas response. Litty naturally wanted to be Rank 3, but she did not want to engage in pointless talk. Hey, Catalana-san. Didnt you gather us here to hold an exam? I was going to, but I decided not to. Because youre not cut out for this. What? I can tell just by looking at you. Especially your right arm and left ankle. At this rate, even if you make it to Rank 3, youll just be dragging everyone around you down with you. The adventurer who was singled out by Catalana was speechless. His body, which had been abused for years, was no longer responding even with recovery magic. Continuing, Catalana stood in front of the other adventurer. You are, you know, fundamentally weak. I can already tell by your center of gravity. Id like to file a complaint with the branch that recommended you for the promotion exam. What! Youre out of the question. Do you want to die with your hands in your pockets? Uwah! Catalanas forehead flick sent the adventurer spinning and toppling. The surrounding voices of discontent were silenced by her single action, the impact and visuals were so powerful. Was it some kind of skill? The candidates speculated that it was some kind of skill, but it was just an ordinary forehead flick. In other words, as pointed out, the adventurer was simply too weak. You over there as well! You can go home! Gyaa! Bye! Aaah! One after another, adventurers flew through the air as if she were tossing away useless sacks. The guards were not happy with her eccentric behavior in the city, but they turned a blind eye to the situation. Catalanas action sent the adventurers crawling to the ground. Some of them tried to get up, but Catalana made them stay down again. Litty was the only one left. And you? Yes. You are the most out of place. Not only because of your ability, but also because of the number of weapons you have. What is that? Thats too many. This is You can go home. Littys vision whirled around. While she was in midair, she realized she had been thrown off, too. Despite carrying many weapons on her back, she had been thrown away as if she didnt weigh anything. But only Litty landed firmly. Catalana applauded at it, but her eyes were not smiling. My job, do you know what it is? Is it a grappler or some other job that specializes in body art? Boo, boo! Incorrect! The correct answer is This time, Litty was poked in the chest and sent flying. She endured the feeling of nausea after spinning in the air, until she hit the ground. She tried to get up, but couldnt quite manage it. Noticing that she didnt suffer from heavy damage, she realized that it might just be a trick, so Litty immediately tried to analyze the attack. Im a sniper. You might think that I dont carry anything to prove my job, right? Dont worry, Ill show you my equipment if I feel like it. Waving her hand in a friendly manner, Catalana did not have anything resembling a bow anywhere on her body. And the job she revealed was far removed from a person who used physical strength. In other words, Catalana showed that she could subdue these groups of people even with her weak physical skills. The guards who were watching this devastation muttered. Ahhh Adventurers Guild headquarters is really no place for sane individuals, is it? Take that woman for example This was not the first time they had witnessed this scene. They could keep their cool because they knew the peculiarity of Catalana. The Adventurers Guild headquarters was an entity affiliated with various countries, and as long as no harm was done to the people or their property, a bit of rowdiness was allowed. This was even more so when it came to examinations. CH 42.1 Litty Takes Rank 3 Promotion Test Litty observed Catalina. Although the candidates might not be as strong as Catalina would have expected, were they so unskilled that they had to be turned away without even an exam? The adventurers who had been tossed aside earlier were not weak either; they were Rank 4 after all, and all of them had been recommended by some branch head from some other Adventurers branch. Litty was still not convinced by such an ending, either. I want to be Rank 3. Please start the exam. (Exam Candidate) Sure, it would be nice to have more promising adventurers. But you know, it doesnt matter how many adventurers there are if they are not good enough. They would simply become a hindrance later on. (Catalina) Then, what would you say or do if we were good enough? If you guys were good enough, we wouldnt be in the current situation, would we? (Catalina) No! Stop it, stop it! One of the adventurers suddenly stood up and walked away and disappeared towards the Royal Capital. Another adventurer glared at Catalina. Im not going to waste my time with an examiner like you. Ill wait for someone else to conduct the exam. If you luck upon that guy from the neighboring country, he is worse than me, you know. How many people are there like you? I dont care if youre from the Adventurers Guild headquarters or not, youre too arrogant. Of course we are. Other adventurers also followed suit and shouted abuse at Catalina. She, however, simply covered her ears with her fingers and struck a pose that could be seen as provocative. Litty also thought Catalina did not have a nice personality, but did not follow the rest of the candidates. She didnt believe leaving right then would make a difference. You only announced that you are going to conduct the test, and this is what we get. Adventurers are built partly on trust, and we were expected to get an exam, not this. If you refuse to accept my judgment, then thats all youve got. The problem lies with you. We give up! Hey, lets all go out for a drink today and leave this annoying woman alone. Almost everyone agreed with that one persons invitation. As an adventurer, Litty wondered to herself if what those adventurers did was the right thing to do. Litty asked the group of adventurers, who were leaving the place in droves. Excuse me! Are you sure about this, everyone?! Dont you want to be Rank 3? What are you talking about when that woman isnt even willing to start the exam? If shes not going to do it, just make her want to do it. Are you all really going to give up so easily? This isnt the only place to take the test. We can try elsewhere. And you should know that time is limited. Littys efforts to persuade them were in vain, and almost all of them declined and left. They might have reached Rank 4 by doing their best and were convinced enough that they could take the test. Litty still could not understand them. Besides Litty, Catalina was trying to suppress her laugh. Hahahaha! No, youre right. I just rejected them for a minute, and then they were all gone. Okay, okay, Ill give you the test now. Eeh? Litty couldnt keep up with Catalinas eccentric attitude. Catalina once more stood in front of Litty and one other person. Now then, Im the examiner, Catalina. I was actually thinking of being a little more insistent and turning you away as well, but you guys are pretty good. Excellent! You guys When Litty turned to her side, she saw a suspicious looking figure standing there with a brown hood and muffler covering her face. She was slightly shorter than Litty, and her figure suggested that she was an adventurer close to her age. This person should have also been in Catalinas onslaught earlier, but there was no noticeable damage that could be seen on her body. Why did you do something like that earlier? (Litty) For those who want to raise their rank, it is necessary to be able to enter and exit the unexplored area. We dont want anyone who will just leave after a few moments of inactivity. In other words, we dont need ordinary adventurers from Rank 3 onward. (Catalina) Well thats true, but (Litty) Hey, you. Have you ever witnessed someone much stronger than you being killed in front of your eyes instantly? (Catalina) No, I havent. (Litty) Litty thought about the battle against the Scarb Queen, and although they did lose one member at that time, they managed to survive. The situation was close to what Catalina had desired, but Litty hesitated to mention it. Thats because Littys own analysis indicated that the Branch Manager Regal and the Scarb Queen were close to each other in ability. Those people gave up as soon as they were hindered by me, but the unexplored zone wont be that forgiving and would also reject us with force. Of course, this is just my own opinion, and I dont know if Im entirely right or wrong. (Catalina) But we can all work together as a party, even if we are weak at the start, we could all still grow up together later on. Besides, there are times when we have to retreat in the face of a few circumstances. (Litty) It sounds interesting to argue with you, but Im running out of time, so Im going to start explaining the test. (Catalina) Dodging Littys rebuttal, Catalina revealed the exam information. It was a simple test of obtaining a proof of subjugation of monsters that inhabit the Damusia Valley. Im sure youll have to prepare and stuff, so well leave tomorrow. Oh, and dont worry, Ill do the exam properly this time. (Catalina) I take your word for it. Litty, who was more than a little antagonistic to Catalina, replied with a hint of sarcasm while the person next to her did not even say a single word. Litty wanted to say something to the person next to her as a fellow participant in the exam, but she couldnt think of anything to say to her. After all, she hadnt even looked at Litty all this time. CH 42.2 The next day, Litty met Catalina at the Royal Capital and the three of them headed to the exam venue. Litty had a fair amount of luggage, but the other two were mostly empty-handed. In the upcoming examination, they might have to help each other out, so Litty thought it would be a bad idea not to communicate with each other. Im Litty. Nice to meet you. No response. It was as if she didnt even recognize Littys existence. Litty was worried that the girl might not actually like her, but she couldnt figure out the reason for that. Oh, and by the way, be sure to protect yourselves. (Catalina) Litty immediately understood the meaning of Catalinas abrupt reminder: several Rank 5 Green Goblins were ambushing Litty and her companions. But for Litty and her companions these demons werent much of a threat. Green Goblinsthey have low intelligence and no weapons. But lets fight them without letting our guard down. Um Litty wanted to call out the name of the girl who stood next to her, still hooded and with a muffler covering her face, but that girl never told her name, so Litty didnt know what to do. While Litty was distracted, the hooded figure was startled when she saw the goblins. It was the goblins who took the lead and charged, aiming at them. They jumped towards the two while uttering a monkey-like squeal. Their movements might look messy, but they did have power in their attacks. Litty compared them to wolves, she slashed two of them, protecting herself without much effort. Now, the rest ah! A figure in a hood and a muffler was running away from the goblins. Perhaps amused by her reaction, the goblins were teasingly hunting the hooded muffler down. Litty, who initially thought that the girl could handle it alone, didnt move right away. The Green Goblin was not a monster that a Rank 4 would normally have trouble dealing with. Litty wondered if the girl was not a vanguard unit. Reaching that conclusion, she slashed the goblins chasing after the girl. Teyaaah! Thats it! Litty, who had quickly killed all the goblins, picked up their ears, as the proof of their subjugation. It didnt amount to much, but Litty thought it was important to accumulate them. Though, not wanting to keep it all to herself, Litty approached the hooded muffler girl that had been running around. Lets split the reward for killing the goblins in half later. The hooded muffler did not answer as she slumped down. As one would expect, Litty was not about to let this bother her. Catalina then observed the goblins corpse. Youve hit the vital spots precisely. And even for a low-grade monster like this, you showed no mercy. Even if its a low rank monster, I cant let my guard down. You never know what will happen in an adventure. Thats right. You have had my attention since the beginning. Oh, really? But you said I was the weakest. I simply lied to make you snap a little bit. Youre the best among them, and with that simple clash, I am more certain of your capabilities. Littys mouth twitched at Catalinas nonchalant attitude. Repulsion grew within Litty, wondering why this woman was like this. However, Catalina was an examiner at the moment. Litty ignored her feelings of discontent, since her goal was still the same, and not to challenge this woman. *** Well, well camp a little further down the road. The sun had set, and it was decided that tomorrow was the day to begin the exam. They had been attacked by monsters several times so far, but the person in the hooded muffler still did not fight. In fact, there were also times when the hooded muffler did not even move. Of course, this was not a test, so Catalina did not say anything about it. Litty, as expected, decided that she should ask the girl about this. Umm, why arent you fighting? Also, did I do something wrong? If I did, then I apologize. Again, no answer. Litty felt a faint twinge of irritation, and thought about ripping the scarf off. If she didnt like Litty, she wouldnt mind. But as they were entrusting their lives to each other, Litty wanted her to put aside such personal feelings. Litty would never allow any compromise when it comes to an adventure. Why did you? She was about to say something else. But, at a rocky spot near the canyon, her feet shook. The nearby rocks collapsed, and her own perspective had been lowered along with the collapse. Ah Litty tried to keep her balance, but her foothold had collapsed. Debris and rocks from the surrounding area rained down towards them at the same time. She tried to reach for the cliff, but it was too late. Without any way to reach it, Litty was dropped underground along with the other candidate CH 43.1 Litty, Goes Underground Litty looked around first. The impact from the fall was not as great as she had expected. When she looked up to see if it was deep or not, it turned out quite high. She wondered if she could get out by jumping using cave walls as support, but the foothold was not stable, so looking at the situation she concluded that it would be too dangerous to try it out. Litty quickly got up and shouted, Catalina-san! There was no reply. Either her voice had gone unanswered or Catalina had already called for help. But then Litty reconsidered. With Catalinas personality, if Litty asked for help here, she might simply think that Litty was not qualified to be a Rank 3. Litty was fed up with Catalina, and that was beside the point. From the way Littys voice had echoed earlier, the area was wider than expected. *** Hooded Muffler person! Are you safe? Litty wanted to confirm her companions safety, but there was still no response. But then Litty remembered that this was a person who would not respond even to a normal conversation. Once Litty realized that she was safe for now, she continued through the cave, using light magic that Roma had taught her to illuminate the area, which turned out to be a limestone cavern. Whoa! Litty rolled to dodge a surprise attack from overhead. It was a steel bat that reacted to being hit by the light magic. They were Rank 5 Monsters, but they usually moved in a swarm. It was said that if one discovered one of them, then there should be around 20 more in that area, at that time all of them were flapping their wings and were heading towards Litty. The targets were small and flying, so Litty kept her cool to make sure she didnt mishandle them. They were somewhat quick, but they were still Rank 5 monsters, the same as goblins, they did not pose much of a threat to Litty. Fuuh Done with steel bats, Litty put her hand on the wall and turned off the light magic. Partly to save Magic Power, but also to not attract new bat swarms. Besides, with Littys small amount of magic power, the release time was limited to a small duration. Carefully probing the walls of the cave, she proceeded further into the cave. Litty wondered if the Hooded Muffler girl was safe. How could she be so quiet? Litty was sure that the girl didnt hate her because when Litty saved her from the goblins, Hooded Muffler had faintly bowed her head. All kinds of people were in this world. Litty decided to take her time and communicate with that girl slowly. Then Litty suddenly stopped. There was something moving on the ground. It was too dark to see the whole thing, but the head alone was as tall as Littys waist. Deciding that she should avoid a battle in the dark, Litty daintily jumped over the head of the unknown being with her feather shoes. Fuggah?! The Monster woke up from her movements, as Litty made a dash out. Littys first move was to use light magic to get a feel for the surrounding terrain and Monster. The Monster launched a surprise attack from behind in the form of its huge claw. It was a mole Monster with dark brown body hair. The Rank was unknown, but the terrain was completely in its advantage. After running for some time, Litty had unexpectedly headed towards a dead end. Then Hundred Thrust! The skill that was intended as a warning was repelled by the moles claws. Determined to face it head on, Litty grinned. In this situation, and with this Monster, Litty was clearly in a desperate situation, but Litty was still smiling broadly. It was the same elation she felt when she fought Nils. The claws it is using to guard are hard, but my attacks should be able to go through its skin. Since it is a mole, it should be able to dig to escape or attack. If thats the case It was right after Litty had come up with the idea of a counterattack. An explosion hit the giant mole from the side, heavily damaging it. The blast also knocked Litty off, sending her to the cave wall. What happened? In the direction to the left of the mole stood the Hooded Muffler, and beside her was an unfamiliar Monster. It had an ape-like face with horns and exaggerated bat-like wings on its back. Crouching in a hunched posture, it was what one might call a Demon. What is that Monster?! The relationship between the Monster and the Hooded Muffler was unclear, but for the moment there was no sign of attack from that Monster. Then the Demon shuffled his tail and lightly tapped Hooded Mufflers leg. Frekekeke, I saved you. You should be thanking me? Yes, thank you. And what are you? Im her summon, A Demon. Demon oooh, so shes a summoner?! Hooded Muffler did not give an affirmative answer, but the Demon said yes. The unexpected encounter gave Litty the urge to ask more questions, but Hooded Muffler probably would not answer. Even now, she was looking away. So you were summoned by that person? Thats right. This fellows lucky, huh? Shes lucky to be friends with an Arc-Demon like me. Luck? Summoning magic is difficult. Its fine if you can summon the one youre looking for, but if youre not good at it, it might cost you your life. And even if you did not get killed, it can destroy your life. Is it really that hard? Ilysis recommended Litty to get a Summoned Beast, but she started to reconsider a little. As if seeing through her thoughts, Demon laughed again. There is a big price to pay for a contract with a strong summon. But since Im a nice guy, I made a contract at a cheap price, you know? Cheap? Demon asked Hooded Muffler to agree, but Hooded Muffler didnt nod, and Litty felt a faint discomfort. She observed, but no clear answer came from the duo. In any case, it was true that they helped Litty. Moreover, Litty did not pursue the matter, as she had also witnessed the power of that Demon. Its going to be difficult for you to continue to be with her. Anyway, call me when you need me. See you. With that, the Demon whirled away and disappeared. Hooded Muffler then, without any word, walked through the silent cave. CH 43.2 Litty still dared to walk next to her and even peek in trying to get a glimpse of her face. Litty realized that this person was a little girl, probably younger than she was. Hooded Muffler turned away from Litty slightly and did not look at her at all but, straight ahead. That Demon, he seems strong. Are all Summons that strong? Again, Littys words were ignored. However, Litty did not care at all and continued to speak. She wanted to find out the girls true intentions. I wonder how far this cave goes. I dove into Scarbs lair once before, and it was amazing. The Hooded Muffler did not respond to Littys rambling speech. On the contrary, she kept her face down. This caused her to trip and almost fall, but Litty supported her. You have to watch your step, or youll be in danger. Oh, oh, thanks The girl uttered what sounded like an apology in a feeble tone. However, immediately after that, she moved away from Litty quickly. She walked as fast as she could, creating a large distance between them. I was also helped by you, and I am grateful for that! (Litty) Her walking speed increased even more. However, Litty caught up with her instantly, thinking that it would be dangerous if she stumbled again. The girl was quite surprised when Litty did so. Then she looked at Litty for the first time. Litty smiled back, but without any expression, she then still looked away. Litty was satisfied with the girls reaction because she now confirmed that she was not hated. Its still dangerous without a light. Um, if a Monster attacks us, lets fight together. The girl actually nodded this time in response. She still didnt speak, but this was a big step forward. Litty thought it was fine if she didnt like her, but she didnt want her to hate her either. And since they were of the same age or close, she wanted to get to know her better if she could. Speaking of which, it should be almost night. Lets find a camp as soon as possible. The cave is filled with darkness right now, but when the sun rises next morning, there might be light coming from somewhere. Although the cave was unfamiliar to her, she was able to easily find a campsite thanks to her training and her experience at the Scarbs nest. However, Litty was concerned that it would be less safe than that time because of the monster moles. As Litty started preparing the evening meal, the girl also helped. Youre very skilled at this, you know. The girl, who had finished her preparations diligently, placed a small pot on the fire. She then poured the simple meal, which was simmering slowly, into a cup and handed it to Litty. Litty took a mouthful without hesitation. Its delicious! What did you do to make this? Sugar. Sugar? Ive always cooked it the usual way. Her voice was still husky, but now she was staring into Littys eyes. Deciding it was a good sign, Litty moved boldly to sit next to her. Just then, the girl shuddered and moved away from Litty. UmIm sorry. Oh. Litty regretted what she had done. She was worried that the girl might not like her because of what she just did, but the girl glanced at Litty again. Then she turned her face down. It was frustrating not knowing what she really meant, but Litty was in no hurry. Even if she didnt understand what she was trying to do, the two of them were still in an unknown place. There was even a possibility that they would not be able to get out without mutual cooperation so she had plenty of time in her hand. Litty wanted to close the distance between them to the extent that it would not affect them during the battle. Ill take care of the watch, you can take a break first. This was all Litty could do at the moment. As she looked at the girl who had fallen asleep, it occurred to her that it might have helped if the girl summoned that Demon. But Litty decided not to ask her to do that. Seeing that Demon, Litty didnt have a good feeling about it. That was the only reason why Litty chose to keep watch while the girl took a nap nearby. CH 44/1 Litty Fights a Giant Mole It was still dark in the cave, so it was hard to tell if the sun had risen or not. Litty was vigilant while taking a nap, so it was not considered a complete rest, but it was enough for her. After stretching out her back, Litty looked at the girl sleeping peacefully next to her. Her hood was pulled down to reveal the full extent of her head. She had short orange hair and a childish face. And from her height, Litty decided that she was younger in age. Please wake up. Catalana-san should be waiting for us. Mmmm The girl woke up softly, uttering strange noises. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she looked over to see Litty and bowed her head lightly. After cleaning up, they started walking through the cave again. There was no guarantee that they would make it to the surface, and Litty didnt want to take any more time than she had to. I heard something. It sounds like something is shaking faintly Here, Litty remembered the monstrous mole from yesterday. Looking at the cave illuminated by the light magic, she could see that some parts of the cave were newly dug out, while other parts had traces of time. Litty assumed that the former had been dug by the monstrous mole. There may be other mole monsters just like yesterday. Lets continue this way. Avoiding the newly dug ones, Litty continued in the direction of a different area. Litty chose the simplest path, the one that might lead upward. Litty was mindful of the sound while fighting off the occasional steel bat. Its getting closer and closer. Do you know what this mole monster is? I didnt have time to check the information on the monsters around here before because I came to Catalana-sans place right after I arrived at the Royal Capital. Rank 2 in the bottom the underground caverns the Tyrant Digger (T/L: Above line is intentionally written broken just like in raws.) The girls words revealed that there was even a named monster here. Litty could tell from her previous encounter that even a normal mole monster in this area was around Rank 3. Normally, she would have enjoyed the adventure, but when she thought about Catalina, Litty felt a sense of urgency. The more time she spent, the higher the risk of Catalina rejecting her. Lets hurry. Litty moved quickly, trying to escape the rumbling vibrations. Litty could sense it, though unproven, that she was heading towards the surface. Little by little, they were moving upward. But then, Litty heard a grinding noise from the wall. Its here! With the girl in her arms, Litty left the spot where they stood. Then, the source of the sound appeared, bursting through the wall of earth. The size of its head alone was as high as Littys chest. It had a noticeable scar over one eye, as it might have been wounded in some fight with the adventurers or other monsters. The wounded eye showed how resilient the monster was to survive an attack to its eye. Oh, its big! Is this the Named Mole? Even a normal mole was able to repel Littys Hundred Thrust, so when it came to Named Mole, the hooded girls cooperation was indispensable. However, the hooded girl did not make any attempt to summon that Demon. On the contrary, she panicked and was looking around as if she wanted to run away but didnt know where to go. Then, the Tyrant Digger extended its claws, preparing to attack. Teyaaah! Combined with the instantaneous force generated by her Wing Shoes, Litty delivered a precise blow to the monsters arm. It was all thanks to the confused girl who served as a decoy, although she probably didnt intend to. Kicking against the walls of the cave, Litty took advantage of her mobility without letting her guards down. After all, although her attacks were accurate, they werent fatal. Please summon that Demon. Eh, umm, ummm. The girls mind had completely failed to catch up with what was going on. The giant mole was slightly hunched, and Litty foresaw a rush attack. Once again, Litty securely held the girl in her arms and tried to flee, but the monsters rush caught up and knocked off Littys body. The girl in her arms was safe, but Litty was writhing in extreme pain. Please calm down I will protect you, please summon Im sorry, I normally move alone I get nervous when Im around other people and my body Litty was relieved to hear her true feelings finally. Some people would get nervous when there were strangers around them. Litty escaped, finding a wider area with the girl, who was being carried in a princess style. Wawah, wawah, wawah! Lets settle down for a moment! Litty continued running, but she didnt expect to escape against the Master of the Underground. She was trying to buy just a little bit of time. She sprinted through the winding passages, and then made another turn. Even the Master of the Underground could not immediately catch up to Litty, who had the advantage because of her Wing Shoes. But it was only a matter of time before it could catch up with Litty. CH 44.2 The Tyrant Digger immediately started digging a hole. Litty tried to ease the girls tension during such a short window of time. What is your name, please? Ku, Kuufa Kuufa-san I could only do this to calm you down. Ehhifu. Litty hugged Kuufa. Litty simply followed what Ilysis did to Litty before. When Litty had felt the warmth of Ilysis, she felt more comfortable and at ease. Litty wanted to reassure Kuufa in this short period of time by expressing her warmth in the form of a hug. Wa, wah Kuufa-san, can you summon the Demon in this state? Ye, yeah. As Kuufa finished her short chant, the Demon emerged in a whirlpool of energy, tail first; the Demon yawned, its face distorted slightly as it looked at the two of them, and then it turned to Kuufa and said. Hey, hey, Kuufa. Whats that supposed to mean? Ah! Kuufa rushed to move away from Litty. At the same time, the sound of shattering of the cave walls could be heard again. The Demon looked at the mole, but did not attack it. Kuufa-san! Ask the Demon to attack! I did, a Violation Litty boldly moved around and attacked, but the moles defense was still very strong. Then the tip of a long nail grazed Littys side, causing her to bleed. Aggghh! Ahhhh! Kuufa-santell Demonto Ba, Baphomet! Attack! The Demon, called Baphomet, glanced at Kuufa and Litty, looking bored. At this moment, Litty realized. This Demon was not under Kuufas complete control. On the contrary, something felt off. However, there was no time to think about it. Since Litty could not rely on the Demon, she had to do something about her current situation. Numerous thoughts whirled in her mind as she tried to endure the pain. Litty-san Im sorry Im totally useless This is also part of an adventure! Eh? Litty took on the offensive stance again. Despite the injuries, her movements were still keen. Even so, she could not break through the claw defense and the hard skin of the monster, but Litty saw two opportunities to win. Suddenly, she stopped attacking and started running again with Kuufa in her arms. Wha, wha We cant always fight in perfect condition. This time it just happened to be Kuufa-san who cant fight. But Dont worry. Now I know how to win. Eh!? Without the Wing Shoes, she would not have been able to perform the feat of escaping with one person in her arms. Litty predicted the giant moles next move. It would surely start digging underground again. Then it would sense where they were and reappear before them. Litty closed her eyes and tried to figure where it would come out, it was now a matter of concentration. The vibrations on the ground gave Litty a rough estimate of the giant moles position. Stopping, she set Kuufa down and listened with extreme attention. Its here! Litty, after estimating the place where the Giant Mole would come out from, moved to the side where the damaged eye was positioned. When the monster finally revealed itself after digging violently, Litty who was standing on the side of its wounded eye, launched a spiral pierce with her one-handed spear. It was a high-end spear that Ilysis had bought for her. It went inside the skull of the giant mole with ease from the wounded eye. Not yet! Litty did not stop there. While the mole was immobile, she sent a follow-up strike, a Hundred Thrust, which shattered the insides of its skull and at last reached its brain. The large amount of blood that trickled down made Litty realize her victory as the mole stopped moving. Haahthat was close. Wowhow did you I just noticed that when it came out before, it was right ahead of us. So, I assume that mole is not completely sure of our exact location. After a quick break, Litty cut off the parts of the Giant Mole which seemed valuable. Kuufa also decided to help, so the two did their best to remove claws, fur, and a portion of meat from it. Kuufa was simply astonished and spent some time trying to understand Littys words. Um what do you mean? I only listened to the sound of that monster digging through the ground, and the rest is just intuition and focus. I then aimed at the wounded eye, which was also a blind spot. I had noticed this during our previous clash, I could tell that when I was on the side of the wounded eye, it reacted slower. How even It was easy for Litty to mention how she did it, but it was not something a normal human would understand. Even a Rank 1 adventurer would have marveled at the unfathomable feat that she did. Kuufa no longer understood what Litty was saying. Still, she was relieved that she was saved. Lets get out of here quickly. There is definitely an exit somewhere. Yes Oh, wait! Baphomet, Kuufas Demon, flew to block the path that Litty took. He glared at Litty, who also braced herself. The Demon did nothing but lazily flew around when Litty was fighting, and this time Litty could feel hostility from the Demon and expected that a confrontation was about to happen. CH 45/1 Litty, Fighting Baphomet Baphomet, the legendary Greater Demon. When she was in the village, Litty had heard about it from a traveler. In their stories, Baphomet had the upper body of a goat, and whenever he wielded his scythe, thousands would lose their lives. If he were to spit fire, an empire would fall in a single night. Litty recalled the episode which made him worthy of being called the Greater Satan, though she did not know whether such a thing really happened or not. You are Baphomet? Yes, I am. No one in history has ever seen this Greater Demon make a pact with a human. You know, right, Kuufa? Kuufa was frightened, but Litty had already realized that this demon was not Baphomet. The difference in appearance from the legend was a minor matter. However, Litty did not feel much danger in the face of a demon proclaiming himself to be that great. After coming to this conclusion, Litty then thought about how to confront this demon. Kuufa, its a breach of contract. Do you understand? Im sorry, Im sorry! Ill do anything, just dont hurt Litty-san! The contract between the summoner and the summoned is absolute. You made a contract with me knowing that. Litty-san, please run! Saying so, Baphomets firebomb was launched at Litty. With no escape in the narrow passage, Litty had no choice but to retreat. Baphomet chased after Litty, laughing gleefully. Frekkekkekke! Shes a b?i?t?c?h?! She made a deal with me! In exchange for my help, shes not allowed to be friends with anyone! Kuufa-san did that? Litty barely survived the second blast and ran underground. Even if he may not be a named individual, his attack was still strong enough to take out the mole monster with a single blow. All in all, even if the legendary great demon was a lie, it was not an opponent that Litty could ever underestimate. In fact, she could barely dodge the flames of the explosion. Thats right. I feed on her negative feelings. She can live up to this stage because of me. Our interests are aligned. Baphomet stopped the attacks and stayed where he was. Then he looked at Litty and twisted his face in an ugly smile. She has no parents. She has no talent. She was in a situation where she was about to fall into slavery for survival, so she dabbled in summoning techniques shed heard about. It was because she made a contract with me that she was able to come this far. I see The fact that Kuufa was capable of becoming a 4th rank adventurer all thanks to this demon did not change Littys mind. No matter what one said, she had worked hard as a summoner and accumulated achievements. Unlike Littys case, she did not have parents. She dabbled in the Summoning Technique with nothing to spare, and she continued to live desperately. For this, Litty admired the girl, who was probably younger than herself, sincerely. The penalty for breach of contract is to kill the person she gets close to. I mean, it wont do that one any good if you dont die for her, you know. Kuufa-san have you ever seen someone you were close to get killed by this? N, no? I have always kept myself away from people Littys anger simmered in the pit of her stomach at the absurd, half-baked answer. It didnt matter to Litty whether the agreement was consensual or not. Litty thought that she was being denied an emotion that a human should have. Litty knew nothing about Summoners, but she didnt care about minor details regarding how it worked. Okay, I understand. Then I have a question for Kuufa-san. Ah? Oi, oi! Litty hurried to Kuufa and found her shaking from her knees. As Baphomet was approaching them, Litty took an unexpected action. Kuufa-san, do you need that demon? I cant do anything without him Then, would you be okay if someone was killed in front of you because of that? Thats Oioioioi, what are you asking so late in the game? Baphomet grabbed Kuufas head and forcefully stroked it. Kuufas tearful but enduring expression was what gave Litty her answer. CH 45.2 Litty forcibly pulled Kuufa away from Baphomet and held her hand. Kuufa-san is a wonderful person. Unlike me, youve been alone all your life, and youve endured everything. Just like when they first met, Kuufa stayed silent even at this moment. She seemed to be trying to avoid getting too close even now, even if it was not the right thing for her. If Litty couldnt kill Baphomet, then she would be killed. Litty really wanted to get to know Kuufa better, but she had also been holding back. Because of the lack of contact with people, she had even lost her immunity to interpersonal interaction. And the few people she might have interacted with might have fallen prey to Baphomets influence. Kuufa had to endure everything just to survive. Litty wondered if she would continue to accept this as a given. Isnt there anything you want to do, Kuufa-san? What I would like to do? A goal. A dream. No, I dont. I see. Then lets find it together! When Kuufa looked up, Litty was already pointing her weapon at Baphomet. It was a little pushy, and Litty could no longer wait in the current situation. She had her own struggles in life, but also many joys. Her experiences in Ruiz Village, Yggdrasia, and the town of Topaz in her short 15 years of life had made her believe that she could do something to help Kuufa. If Litty had ended her own life from the desperation she felt during her time with Yggdrasia, she would never have experienced the excitement of living ever again. Littys recollection made her hate Baphomet even more. You dont know anything about the summoning techniques, do you? Yes, I dont know anything. I told you. I told you, Im a cheap contractor. Do you know that there are summoners who have given up their relatives and loved ones for their summons? What? As one would expect, Litty was shocked. Even if it was actually a condition of the contract, she could not believe that there were people who would go to such lengths just to get a summoned demon. As if enjoying Littys shocked emotions, the devil continued to explain happily. When it comes to a breach of contract, the penalty can even be Summoners life. The greater the power, the greater the penalty. I had explained everything to her, you know? I see. In the first place, the job of summoner is recognized just for being able to make a contract. What would have happened to her if I had not been summoned? Right, Kuufa? Stay alive Before Kuufa could say anything, Baphomet intercepted her and stood in front of her. At that moment, Baphomets face, which had been showing signs of composure, became tense. Baphomet felt something, but it was not the same as what Nils, who was once hostile to Litty, felt. It was more like Aldis, who had unconsciously feared her. It was the same gaze she directed at Dimos when they first met, at that time when Litty had the feeling of eliminating an obstacle to her dream. To Litty, the demon was no longer an object of interest. Continue to live. I will be with you. Baphomet didnt know why he was so afraid of the girl in front of him. Her prowess in defeating the giant mole was impressive, but she was still no match for him. The more Baphomet looked at Litty, the more the sense of danger increased. I know you are not Baphomet. Because if you were real, I would be dead by now. Ha, fi, fine, then Im going to get serious and kill you! Baphomet shot a blast of flame from one hand to chase Litty down again, and as Litty tried to escape, another flame was sent right after without giving her time to steady herself. Baphomet felt a slight sense of relief as Litty continued to escape. What! I thought you were going to kill me? Just as Baphomet shot another burst of flame, his body was sliced from the side. It didnt even give him time to wonder how it happened. Besides, it was only a single blow, Baphomet realized. Gah! There was a hole here. In addition to the natural cave, the area was full of complex tunnels that had been dug by giant moles. That being the case, there were at least one or two small passages that had been created. It was only natural that Baphomet could not respond to Littys appearance through such inconspicuous passageways. As an adventurer, one must know the terrain around them, and Litty did just that. The first time she reached this place, the first time she camped, and the first time she fought the giant mole. You you you coward Coward? Litty was looking straight ahead while Baphomet was shooting flames uncontrollably as she continued to escape. Moreover, Litty could not understand what Baphomet meant. Litty simply thought that it was the natural thing to do as an adventurer. It occurred to Litty that the demon was fighting without any strategy or observation. Im not a coward! You took me by surprise through such a sneaky way! This lying demon was not an opponent Litty could ever underestimate. However, compared to Litty, who had challenged far superior opponents, this demon had only dealt with lower-ranked opponents. This created a big gap between them that could no longer be filled. Thats cowardly? Litty, who was used to being taken by surprise in her adventures, still couldnt understand the demons argument. For a brief moment, she even wondered if she had committed some terrible crime. But then she quickly concluded that it was simply Baphomets nonsense. CH 46.1 Litty Learns More About the Demon Hey, hey Kuufa you need me, right? (Demon) Kuufa remained standing still, as she did not know what to say. Kuufa could not let go of the debt she owed to this demon that had kept her alive. And Baphomet did not miss such weakness. Are you confident that you can successfully perform a summoning technique again with me gone? Can you imagine what kind of fellow will come out and what the cost will be? (Demon) Kuufa glanced at Litty without saying anything, and Litty didnt react to that either, waiting for Kuufas voluntary action. Youre not talking, are you? You used to live in misery by sneaking around and stealing from people repeatedly! So, you had to rely on me, you know? (Demon) Stealing? (Litty) Kuufa, who has just been told about her past, was more reserved. The word stealing surprised Litty, but she did not despise Kuufa. Kukuku, with me gone, someone with your ability can only go and wander around the city dressed like a little dirtbag. Living your whole life being chased around like a stray dog. Wouldnt that be funny? (Demon) You think its funny? (Litty) Whats the point of living like that? By the way, do you wanna know what would have become of you without me? (Demon) What would have become of me? Seeing that Kuufa was being influenced by Baphomets words, Litty approached Kuufa and took hold of her trembling hand. At first, Kuufa was startled, but she seemed to have calmed down when she saw Littys unclouded gaze. Kuufa-san, let me help you. Litty-san Impossible, impossible, impossible! You cant, you cant, you cant, if you kill me, youll live on scavenging for garbage! Frekekeke! Thanks to Litty, Kuufa didnt seem disturbed by Baphomets vile laughter and agitation. She then squeezed Littys hand back tightly. I, I, I want to have friends! Kuufa pulled her hand away from Litty and clenched her fist. Baphomet was understandably surprised when Kuufa stood up. Baphomet had never seen Kuufa like that before. How did this happen? Baphomet saw the answer right before his eyes. He stared back at Litty, who was pointing a sword at him. Friends? Not for a fellow like this! (Demon) Li, Litty-san, Ive done bad things. (Kuufa) Ignoring Baphomet, Kuufa talked to Litty. Kuufas face was downcast as she started to speak in a faltering voice. My parents disappeared I was all alone. So, I stole a lot of food They threw many stones at me. I was caught, beaten, hurt (Kuufa) Yes! You are such a wreC! (Demon) Litty thrust her sword into Baphomets mouth. She no longer had mercy for him. He was simply an object to be eliminated, even if he was a demon. The only difference was that there was no reward for eliminating him. Ah, one day, I heard about the summoning technique I heard that I could do it even if I didnt have any weapons But I didnt have any money, so I couldnt even join the guild. Still, somehow, I succeeded (Kuufa) Agh, agh (Demon) Baphomet, stabbed to the throat and unable to say anything, was struggling to speak, and Litty maintained her position, listening without adding a word. Innately, there were fundamentals to Summoning Techniques, and there were preparations necessary to properly establish a contract. It would normally be impossible for a girl who had none of that knowledge to succeed, which showed just how much talent she possessed. Although Litty did not have that much insight about the details, she had already recognized Kuufas talent. The more she listened to Kuufa, the more Litty was impressed. I went to the Summoners Guild and everyone praised me so much I got a title I was so happy, but I didnt tell them, because it would be a breach of contract, so I kept my mouth shut but still, everyone (Kuufa) Its nice to interact with people, right? (Litty) Kuufa nodded broadly, her face soggy with tears and a runny nose. Litty was greatly moved by Kuufas desire to change. Seeing Kuufa like that, Litty almost ended up crying herself but held it in, she looked down at Baphomet who was still stabbed by her blade and struggling to get free. Kuufa-san, do you want to be separated from this demon? Ive been alone for so long, and I was afraid Id be penalized for breaking the contract. But now its different Litty was waiting for her to say something. I want to start over, from scratch! I would like to separate myself from the demon! CH 46.2 Litty confirmed Kuufas words and pulled her sword out of the demons mouth. Just as she was about to deliver the finishing blow Alright, Stooop! Catalana appeared from the depths of the cave. This was the first time Litty remembered that they were still taking a test. It must have taken them quite a while, and Catalana must have come to find them and tell them that they were rejected. Despite Littys negative speculation, Catalana crouched down and stared at Baphomet. I didnt think you were able to summon a demon. I could guess how things ended up like this, but Litty-chan, I think youd better wait a bit. What? Cant I just kill it? Even if you kill the demon, its soul will simply move out of this world. And one day it will return. The body is just a vessel for the demon. Eh-! Guho This demons attitude was affirming Catalanas words. Litty realized that one more step would have caused a troublesome situation. Hey, lesser demon Deshter? Huh? Huh? Dont put me with those mooks! Im Galiel Baphomet stopped talking just as he mistakenly said his name. Catalana smiled and said, I see, well said. Galiel-san, a household belonging to the Greater Demon Baphomet. A simple mob. Ah, ah! Damn! Galiel, the demon, tried to crawl away, but something shot him in the back. Galiel was pierced right through the heart, and it died without even a cry of despair. Litty looked at the bow gun on Catalanas arm. When did Catalana take that out, she thought. Seeing Littys surprised face, Catalana said, This? Its a magical tool, Phalanx. I usually keep it in a bracelet form, but it can be switched to a weapon as needed. By the way, its custom-made, so dont ask where I got it, okay? Oh, a magic tool So, did you kill the demon? Well talk about demons later. You guys are in the middle of a test, remember? Oh! Speaking of which, how did you come to find us? The ground in this area is loose because Ludwig has been wrecking it. Thats why I fell in. This just confirmed Littys hunch that Catalana knew something was wrong with this place. And knowing this, Catalina led them here. Litty, who was getting a vague idea of Catalanas personality, looked up at her, who had a sly grin. You got it. It was on purpose. I knew it An adventurer of this rank should be able to handle such happenings. But well, I remembered that there was a Named Monster around here, so I came here as quickly as I could I beat it. This is the subjugation proof. Wow! The Named Monster Tyrant Digger had buried a number of Rank 3 adventurers. Catalana laughed, saying that it was a pain to handle for adventures because when it got angry, it would shake the whole underground and try to bury invaders. Litty scratched her cheek, feeling that her timing had saved her yet again. If she had taken more time to take care of it, she would have been dead for sure. Well, you really surprised me, though! You are nothing but a spectacle! Thanks to Kuufa-san. Kuufa was most surprised by the unexpected gratitude from Litty. However, she was too flustered to speak. Even when she tried to speak, her voice was muffled. Thanks to Kuufa-san buying me some time, I was able to identify where the monster was digging underground. If it had been me alone, I might have died. Eh, oh, ah, no. I When you were running around, it tried to follow you and got distracted. That time had given me the opportunity to find it. Eh, oh, re, really It was a situation where Kuufa could have been called a liability. Litty took that optimistically and tried to keep Kuufa included in the group. Right, I guess we are done then. That should be enough. What no way. Its a test. Its useless to test the kids who can defeat the Named here. Also, it was Ludwig who was raising and feeding the monsters here. Was it no good? You passed. Littys uneasy illusions were successfully dispelled. That was a leap of faith for Litty. But Litty was not pleased yet. After all, she was dealing with Catalana, the person who had turned away most of the candidates in a half-hearted way. Did we really pass? Yes? Arent you happy? Its too early to judge. Hmm? You are rig As expected, Catalana couldnt understand this and almost ended up agreeing in response to Littys serious look. CH 47.1 Litty Promoted to Rank 3 Catalana made a triumphant return to the Adventurers Guild with Litty and Kuufa. The adventurers at the Guilds office were now in a clamor after knowing that the streak of zero successful applicants in the past was actually broken by not one but two little girls. It was inevitable that they would attract attention. What, did that woman really let someone pass? Seriously. Wasnt she famous for not even holding the exam and forcibly turning people away? The Royal Capital guild branch should have said something. Litty was humming a tune while listening to everyone. On the other hand, Kuufa was too preoccupied with being the center of attention, so she was trying to hide her face with a scarf and a hood. Of course, instead of suppressing the attention, it had the opposite effect. Oh, ah, um, pl, please, please be quick. (Kuufa) Alright, first, lets have this evaluated. (Catalana) Oh, ok (Kuufa) The first thing to do was to cash out the subjugation parts of Tyrant Digger, including the meat, which Catalana told Litty that they would be of high value, so Litty delivered them to the guild counter. Even though Catalana had assured the two that they had passed the test for Rank 3, Litty was still a Rank 4 as of this moment. No wonder the receptionist was bawling her eyes out. Oh, youre the one who loudly greeted everyone after entering the guild for the first time, huh? Oh, arent those the claws of the Named Monster, Tyrant Digger! (Receptionist) Would you buy this? (Litty) Of course! (Receptionist) What, was that true!? (Random Adventurer) Not only did the receptionists words attract attention, but many adventurers came close to see the Named Monsters body parts. This caused Kuufa to completely cover her eyes with her muffler. This monster was so powerful that a skilled Rank 3 party, who had set out to defeat it with great enthusiasm, had never returned. The royal family was even considering dispatching a team of knights to kill it. It would have been impossible to believe that a group of Rank 4 girls could defeat such a monster, had they not witnessed the evidence firsthand. There must be some mistake! (Random Adventurer 1) Yes, yes, youre in my way, so please clear the way. (Catalana) Didnt they simply escape with their lives? (Random Adventurer 2) As I have been saying, youre all in the way! (Catalana) Catalanas threat was effective. The noisy adventurers all fell silent at once, and the settlement went smoothly. Catalana was recognized as an elusive and troublesome person. No one wanted to offend her for nothing. Well, it cant be helped that every time something big happens these people make a ruckus. You two should get used to it while were here. (Catalana) Yes! Ill plug my ears! (Litty) Catalana chuckled, wondering if it was the noise that was a problem for Litty. Kuufa was more normal, wanting to avoid the attention altogether, but she had been hiding her face since the beginning. Seeing this as a problem, Catalana went out of her way to peel off Kuufas muffler and remove her hood. Hyaaaaa! (Kuufa) Dont Hyaaaaa me. You can dress as you like, but think of this as a part of your training. (Catalana) Bu, bu, but (Kuufa) Its interesting to see how youve come this far. (Catalana) Kuufa, red to the ears as if she had been boiled in hot water, now clung to Littys back. After being paid a hefty sum from the transaction, they were now taken to the back of the guild. CH 47.2 The quality of the work that could be undertaken would inevitably increase at Rank 3. Not only could they receive subjugation requests, but they could also receive requests from important people in various fields. Not all important figures were as generous as De Mile. Most of them required the adventure to be of at least Rank 3 to be able to accept their tasks. If these important figures took a liking to you, it would be a good chance to move up the ladder. Some adventurers were aiming for riches, and Rank 3 was the gateway to that dream. Now you are officially Rank 3. Congratulations. (Catalana) Thank you very much! Ill do my best in my adventures! (Litty) Adventure The branch manager of Royal Capitals Adventurers Guild looked at the two with a distant look in his eyes. These were bitter words for the old man, who had once been trusted by the royal family with a distinguished record of achievement. He had seen hell in the unexplored areas, where his friends had been exterminated. Even as the sole survivor, he was reduced to a mere shell of a man. After taking his time to slowly recover his mind and body, he turned down an invitation from the headquarters and chose to live out the rest of his life as a branch manager. He had already decided to go into semi-retirement, but how would he view Litty? You should not continue is what I would have said. However, I can see it in your eyes that I cant change your way of life with my words. Guho, guho, guho! (Branch Manager) Are you all right? (Catalana) Catalana rubbed his back to calm him down, but his breathing was ragged. Haaah haaah (Branch Manager) Um are you feeling ill? (Litty) Nothing to worry about. Its just the result of my recklessness when I was young. But even if I was told back then not to do that, I wouldnt have listened. (Branch Manager) It seems like youve had a tough adventure (Litty) No matter how accomplished and capable a person was, they would still grow old. They could not be active forever. This old man had just now shown Litty that reality. It would not normally be surprising if she shied away from the idea, but Litty remained the same. In the first placeit is a mistake to think that one can change others with simple words. Particularly to people like you and me when I was younger. Even if I told you to stop your adventure, you wont listen to me anyway. Am I right? (Branch Manager) Yes. It is also part of an adventure for someone as strong as the branch manager to try and stop going through a difficult adventure. It makes me more determined. (Litty) Im glad to hear that. It is worth showing my ugly self to you. (Branch Manager) Thats strange. If it had been your usual self, you would have stopped them, right? (Catalana) Catalanas mischievous comment made the branch manager chuckle as he responded with, At Rank 3, even if one doesnt do anything crazy, their income is more than enough for them to start a business or live a normal life. Starting a business could be a good idea. Or start a family. If things go beyond what normal people could do, no ordinary person would attempt it. It was normal for those adventurers to settle down, like the instructors of the Swordsmans Guild. As branch managers, they were the ones who wanted to show that there were other ways. Catalana, Im an adventurer like you, but we dont have the same point of view. That is something that cant be changed so it cant be helped (Branch Manager) Thats terrible. You make it sound like Im some kind of freak. Litty wanted to interject, but Kuufa did her best to stop her, determined not to say anything from the start. She was so nervous that she was even wondering if it would end soon. Litty, you cant do anything but be an adventurer. I suppose. I think so myself. That girl over therewell, you dont have to be impatient. Kuufa did not understand the meaning of the branch managers words, and she was not even confident that she could continue as an adventurer with the demon now gone. She was not that passionate about being an adventurer, unlike Litty, so the branch manager saw right through her. But then again, you have a good grasp of the current situation, dont you, you two? (Catalana) As you get older and less mobile, your eyes become more discerning. And then you get bored and start worrying about trivial things. (Branch Manager) I think its good to train the eyes. Litty Wahahaha, I would never get tired of talking to you! The branch manager wondered when was the last time he had laughed. Litty, who projected his past and to which he even tried to hold back by showing the results of his adventures, was not affected at all. At the same time, he secretly hoped that he would not hear the news of this childs demise. Branch Manager, I have a question. How is the Summoners Guild doing right now? (Catalana) Catalana, what exactly are you talking about? (Branch Manager) Is that place not even teaching people about the dangers of the demons and how to handle them? (Catalana) What? (Branch Manager) Kuufa looked up and saw their faces. As the conversation progressed, the branch managers face gradually became stern, and Catalanas as well. Kuufa, scared, looked down again. Kuufa-chan, how did the guys from the Summoners Guild look when they found out you could summon a demon? (Catalana) They seemed happy, and I was happy, too. (Kuufa) I see (Catalana) Catalana got up from her seat and took Kuufas hand. Kuufa-chan shall we go with you to the Summoners Guild? (Catalana) Eh, eh, eeh? (Kuufa) Um! I actually have something to do there as well! (Litty) Litty-chan? Oh, okay. Its actually perfect if you come along. (Catalana) Litty felt a chill when she saw the freezing blank expression on Catalanas face for just a moment. Litty sensed that it was anger beyond description. Litty could not speculate on the details. All she knew was that the Summoners Guild was the reason for Catalanas anger. Name: Litty Gender: Female Age: 15 Rank: 3 Main Job: Swordsman Master Job: Swordsman Heavy Warrio CH 48.1 Litty visits the Summoners Guild The gateway to Summoners Guild, located within the Royal Capital, was so exaggerated that it could have been mistaken for a castle. With its triangular, cylindrical, and other non-uniform roofs and few windows, it was clearly a unique building on the outskirts of the Royal Capitals commoners district. Well, lets go in with a grand gesture. Catalana. What exactly are you going to do? Im going to blow them up, depending on what the situation calls for. Blow them up!? Catalana kicked open the door, and the woman at the reception desk was startled by the sudden impact. The triangular-hooded beauty immediately responded to the violent visitor. The woman drew something in the air with a cane in one hand, and a unicorn with white fur appeared. It was a horse with a single horn growing out of its head. A unicorn is not enough to stop me. Rather, I need to talk to the branch manager. I cant let him meet with a violent intruder like you. Im investigating by authority of the headquarters. Catalana presented her adventurers card, and the woman turned pale. She hurriedly stepped in front of the unicorn and gave a big bow. I beg your pardon for this! Um, did something happen that involved our guild? I wish to speak with the branch manager. Litty was petting the unicorn next to the woman, purring and sniffing Litty as he nuzzled her, which surprised the woman. Thats unusual. I cant believe that my unicorn could be so friendly to someone other than me Summoning magic is wonderful! I want to use it as well! The only condition for signing a contract with a unicorn is to be pure, so perhaps even you can sign a contract. Pure? Alright, time to go! Catalana hurriedly moved to the back of the room as if she were trying to cover something up. The guild employee then mentioned that breaking ones purity would be a breach of contract, and the summoner would be stabbed by its horn. Neither the woman nor Catalana explained this to Litty. They decided that there was no need to give impure knowledge to a girl who just wanted to have a unicorn. Kuufa, on the other hand, was disappointed that she could not sign a contract with a unicorn because she was a thief. However, she didnt know what purity the woman was talking about. *** Litty was ushered into the branch managers office, where various items were on display that Litty could not understand. There was an elderly man sitting in a chair with his elbows on the desk and his hands folded. He was dressed in a sorcerers robe and sported a drooping catfish-like beard. The man welcomed Catalana and the others with a smile. Welcome. What brings you all the way from headquarters here in person? You know about Kuufa-chan, dont you? And about how she was able to summon a demon. Yes, thats right. A child with no knowledge of summoning has successfully summoned a demon. She has received the acknowledgement of our guild. You didnt explain anything about demons to this girl? Now, then, there seems to be some discrepancies with that. The branch manager brushed his fingers over his beard and then gave Kuufa a downcast look. Avoiding his gaze, Kuufa stuck close to Litty. From this observation, Litty assumed that this branch manager was not a good person. Of course, I explained it well enough, didnt I? Im sure Kuufa over there knows that, as well. The name of the demon is reflected in their personalities, and there are many people who have been ripped apart both physically and emotionally by contracting with them. Some of them are easy to deal with, but some of them are too difficult to manage, right? Yes, thats right. Fortunately, the demon she contracted with is of a lower rank, so it doesnt seem too serious Are you trying to mess with me? CH 48.2 The branch manager backed away and was overwhelmed by Catalana. With her hands on the desk, Catalana moved her face up to the tip of the branch managers nose. The girl has barely interacted with anyone. No one questioned her, but rather, they all praised her. Only because she summoned something rare. But did you know what happened after? But, but you see, its bad manners to go into the details of Summoners contract. You could have at least asked someone to make an evaluation of the result. With a branch manager like you around, its no wonder why there arent any decent adventurers around here. I doubt thats our problem. The branch manager, defeated, glared back at Catalana. Litty was thinking about the current conversation, which was creating a hostile atmosphere. There was none of the warmth that Litty had felt when talking to the branch manager of the Swordsmans Guild, nor the gentleness amidst the roughness of the branch manager from the Heavy Warriors Guild. Littys first impression of this branch manager was that he appeared to be cold. So, what do you think I should have done? Youre going to ask me that? Confirm the contract, and see if it would be good for Kuufa-chan. And whether she will grow in the future. Or is there a more suitable summon for her. Thats your guilds responsibility, right? You are just being overprotective. How can you expect us to deal with other peoples circumstances? Thats what your job is, you stupid branch manager. Thats too much for us to be bothered with. Hey, come in! The branch manager clapped his hands, and several Summoners entered the room. Litty was now on high alert because of the situation. As long as it was obvious that the branch manager was about to use force, there was no reason for them not to defend themselves. So people like you are sitting around and doing this kind of nonsense. I cant believe that decent adventurers will be raised in a guild like this. It doesnt matter if you are from the headquarters, please refrain from speaking out against the branch manager. Do you guys really want to do something to me? Uh Litty was genuinely impressed by Catalanas capabilities. She wasnt letting them, the instructors, get the better of her. Do you know why I came all the way from headquarters to Royal Capital? Im the one who is screening the adventurers youve brought up. I want at least one adventurer who can go to unexplored regions. This is not a game. Do you understand? Yes, of course, I understand that. Then do your job properly! Catalanas fist hit the branch manager in the face, and the branch manager slid down from his seat, his face covered in blood from the punch of a High-Ranking Adventurer. The branch manager crawled on the floor, with his nose bleeding. The punch was quite strong. You almost destroyed such a promising talent! Do you understand? Hey! Sh, shtop with the violence. If she did not meet Litty, she would have just continued to decline! Is your seat just for warming up while HQ is doing everything to explore more areas? Im.. Im sho, shorry Catalanas angry voice was felt by Litty. The change was so drastic that even Litty, who was not involved, felt a slight sense of fear. Kuufa, on the other hand, was closely pressing her body to Litty. She was so scared that she was in tears just from listening to Catalanas rebuking words. So what are we gonna do about these people? Oh, you, you people can go back to your posts The instructors quickly fled the room just as the branch manager finished his instructions. CH 48.3 Catalana crouched down and spoke to the branch manager, who was still crawling on the floor. The branch manager was holding his nose with his hand, tears streaming down his face. You should go to another job guild for retraining. I recommend the city of Topaz from around here. They have good leadership there. Ha, Hahi The branch manager of the Swordsmans Guild tried to believe in people like Rogai until the very end. But eventually, he made the ruthless decision to banish him. It was, of course, for the good of the guild as a whole and for the good of others. The branch manager of the Heavy Warrior Guild also took the initiative to give up his rest for his junior when they were fighting at the Scarbs Nest. This was also a decision made for others and, above all, out of concern for the younger members of the guild. The instructors were also very attentive to each individual. They carefully observed their subordinates. Litty was also convinced that depending on the way instructors handled young adventurers would show how those adventurers interacted with the public. By the way. I have a suggestion. Whats that? Let me use your facilities. Ill teach Kuufa-chan and Litty-chan how to call the right summons properly. Ha what are you talking about? Im going to show you how bad you are. This is the only nice thing I can do for you. The branch manager had no choice in the matter. He nodded his head repeatedly and agreed. It was a good thing for Litty as well. She was not without sympathy for the branch manager, but she prioritized her own self-improvement. Also, when Im down helping the two, Ill have them face off against the Summoners here. Of course, Ill leave the selection to you. Are you serious? I dont think its a bad idea, even for you. I mean, you must be frustrated, right? Okay, okay fine. So, thats how it will go, you two. Kuufa was no longer keeping up with the conversation. She stood there in a semi-unconscious state, Catalana was holding her hand out in front of Kuufa, but she didnt respond. I guess it was a little too much to take in. (Catalana) I dont think Kuufa would want that match, let alone me? (Litty) I dont care about what she wants to do after the match, but shes going to end up dying one of these days if she doesnt keep up with whats happening around her. Of course, if she decided not to continue being an adventurer then I wouldnt force her. By the way, from her state right now, I dont think shed be able to respond. (Catalana) Kuufa-san, Kuufa-san. (Litty) Litty shook her, but Kuufa only swayed. Having no choice, Litty carried her on her back and led her out of the room. After the group left, the branch manager clung to the desk and glared hatefully at the door. Damn shes just doing as she pleases. How can she possibly understand what a Summoner is? Hmph! After kicking a chair in frustration, the branch manager had a flash of inspiration. He laughed and produced a blazing flame from one of his hands. You mentioned that I was free to choose, right? That means it includes me as well. You idiot. You dont even know what my summons is The flames circled around the branch manager. The skillful movement seemed to be linked to the mind of the branch manager. He saw an opportunity to win. This is a good opportunity. Im going to crush that crazy woman thoroughly. The branch managers smile, illuminated by the flames, was like that of a demon, filled with heavy evil intent. CH 49.1 Litty Finds the Right Summon There were countless books on summoning in the Summoners Guild. The books contained all the items necessary for summoning, and if one succeeded in summoning and making a contract with a summon, they would be awarded the title of Summoner. However, Catalana was not happy with that anymore. She rented out a room and ransacked a large number of books. If only the branch manager had been more careful (Catalana) Oh, um. Why am I also in Rank 3? (Kuufa) You have lost your summon, right? (Catalana) Yes I am useless now (Kuufa) Well. To be honest, I did think about not promoting you to Rank 3. (Catalana) Kuufa was not shocked to hear this, but she became increasingly confused. Even if she succeeded in summoning and signing a contract, she was not confident that she would be able to match other Rank 3 adventurers. Since Galiel had taken care of everything for her, Kuufa did not have enough knowledge to overcome the situation herself. Kuufas choice to become an adventurer was one that came to her when she was on the verge of death at a certain point. She had no feelings or passion for it. Kuufa is probably thinking that its annoying to have someone like you hanging around, after all, Litty was the one who actually saved you. (Catalana) Ye, yes Well, its because of your talent. (Catalana) Talent? Mine? Catalana let out a short sigh and put the book down on the table. Kuufa sat down beside Litty, who was reading her book attentively. You know, you managed to summon a demon without any knowledge of its existence, didnt you? (Catalana) Well, I mean Lets be clear. There hasnt been anyone like that, even at the Adventurers Guild headquarters. I actually freaked out when I heard about it. Listen, Kuufa. You might be a gem compared to any of the people here. (Catalana) Oh, no, no, thats not true! With a slightly flushed face, Kuufa waved her hand in denial. But Catalanas eyes were sharp and serious, conveying that every word she said was the truth. Glancing at Catalana, Kuufa casted her gaze down to the table. I, you know, I think the ultimate requirement to get to the top is talent. Of course, I like people who work themselves to death. But when someone with talent does it, they are so much better than someone without it. Catalana poured black coffee into a cup she had taken the liberty of borrowing and sipped it, and Litty tried to imitate her, but made a very bitter face after tasting black coffee. Litty did her best to follow Catalanas example, but it was quite a struggle for her to endure. I wish the last group of test takers had shown a little bit of guts. As for those people, its not just a matter of talent, but also the lack of effort. Ms. Catalana, how can you say that? Not only did they give up easily after being beaten to a pulp by me, but they went out drinking. They could have at least continued to get smacked until they were in tears of frustration, then I might at least have reconsidered. On the other hand, Litty-chan didnt give up. Yes, but Litty still did not approve of Catalanas ideology, but she understood what she was trying to convey. Litty, who was once pointed out for her lack of talent, was not proud that she actually possessed talent, even after achieving results. She was not distracted by such abstractions and only looked at her goals. That was simply Littys way of doing things. CH 49.2 You are going to get stronger anyway, so it doesnt matter if I leave you at Rank 3. Its too much trouble to give you a test again later. (Catalana) I, I dont think I have that kind of talent (Kuufa) If I compare your mentality alone, youre just as good as those candidates that quit but its okay since Kuufa-chan has exceptional talent. (Catalana) Do I really, though? (Kuufa) Kuufas miserable life up to now shaped her into the individual she was currently C unconfident and lacking mutual friends. From the start, the demon was verbally manipulating her to become dependent on him. Catalana feared that it would be extremely difficult to remedy this. You can do it! As Catalana pondered what to do, Litty encouraged her. Catalana thought the words were irresponsible and baseless, but they had power. In fact, Kuufa naturally stiffened her back in response. Catalana concluded that it was better to leave this matter to someone of Kuufas own age who she could relate with, rather than herself, who was more skilled and older. Thank you. Litty could listen to her more clearly than the Thank You she received back in the cave. Catalana. Ive read a book on summoning techniques, but I dont really understand it. I dont know that much about it, either. What should we do? A moment of silence fell as Littys mouth curled up in a grimace and Kuufa froze in her tracks. Littys opinion of Catalana did not improve. No, well, as I said, I know more about it than you guys. Ive got a lot of reference material here, so lets do our best. Lets do our best! The Summoners guild had a full range of household goods and facilities. This was because, unlike in the Swordsmans Guild, summoners often stayed overnight in the guild to do research. Litty was taught that coffee had the effect of keeping one awake, but she had trouble overcoming the sleepiness. *** Angels, demons, spirits, and phantom beasts. These were invited from places other than this world, but there were a few things that needed to be kept in mind. Firstly, the other entity was summoned by force. When trying to make a contract with them, things might not go well. Depending on the race, it may be extremely difficult to establish a contract. The next most important factor was the race of the summon. First, the demon race must be avoided. Some Summoners who were knowledgeable of demon contracts even considered the demon race as exceptions. Kuufa-chan accidentally summoned a demon. They inhabit a world called the demon world, and they are basically not trustworthy. Now I understand Angels have the image of being kind, but they are very proud. They are strong overall, though. So, spirits or phantom beasts? First, well examine Kuufa-chans magical inclinations and characteristics, and then well decide which race to call upon. Catalana-san, when you defeated Galiel, you asked him his name, didnt you? Why did you do that? Catalana, who had forgotten about that important topic, drank her remaining black coffee in one gulp and answered. If you attack demons in a normal way, it will usually only destroy their physical bodies. The spirit body still remains, and because of it, they can possess something else to start over again. To kill them, you need to get their true name, which is the key to their spirit, and recognize it when attacking. But if that were the case, why would the demons tell us their true names? Well, it will be trial and error on your part. Exorcists are more knowledgeable in this area. So, demons are something that even we at headquarters want to avoid encountering as much as possible. It was fortunate that Kuufa contracted a minor figure like Galiel. Hearing this, both Litty and Kuufa took Catalanas advice to heart. CH 50.1 Litty Getting Ready to Pick a Summon The time had reached midnight. Magic stone runes, Magic Parchment made of Baffolo Skin, and Magic Candles were needed for the summoning technique. A specific chant with sufficient magical power and a precise magic circle must be written on the parchment as well. There were further detailed requirements, but Kuufa figured them out just by reading books; Catalana once again praised Kuufa. Kuufa-chan, I keep telling you, you are a genius. Oh, I..I Youre a genius! Uhhh While Catalana, tired from her research, was messing around with Kuufa, Litty was quietly reading a book. What Litty needed was a Phantom Beast to carry weapons and other items. There were several types of Phantom Beasts which could do it, but they all had their own quirks. Litty was torn, but after considering her own fighting style, she decided on a particular Phantom Beast. Catalana-san. How about this Phantom Beast? What aboutwhat? This one? Well, it certainly meets the requirements but why dont you go for something stronger? Its okay. I have a feeling shes the one for me. The Phantom Beast that Litty showed Catalana was not as strong as Catalana had expected. If Litty-chan has decided that, I wont say anything What about you, Kuufa-chan? This one is scary this one looks good Ill make you some coffee. Litty and Kuufa were not happy with the (black) coffee, but Catalana still offered it to them. Kuufa only smelled it as she could not bring herself to drink it, but Litty on the other hand still managed to sip a little bit of it. Catalana, Im not certain Im afraid of getting a scary summon and fighting I understand. I was the same way. My first battle was terrible. Catalana was? During the day, I said something about talent. Im more of a hardworking person myself. Thats why Im so obsessed with talented people. Catalana put sugar and milk in Kuufas coffee and offered it to Litty as well. Finally satisfied with the taste, they both sipped their coffee. Its still bitter, but kind of tasty Well. I put a lot of milk and sugar in it this time, so Kuufa-chan can drink it too, right? Yes At first I also thought coffee was not a drink for humans. Litty had felt the same way until this moment. But with just one twist, it became drinkable. Catalana continued to take a sip of her black coffee. I had also tried to make it easy to drink at first, with adding either milk or sugar. I used to get mad when people would say, Youre such a child if you cant drink it black. I did my best and finally I can drink it black without feeling anything and I even enjoy it now. So, summoning and fighting are all about ingenuity and challenge? Well, technically, yes! Litty interpreted that it was important to get used to things that might be new for them. Now that the two of them had made it to Rank 3, all Catalana could do now was to guide them patiently and make things easier for them to get used to. Thats why she was taking the responsibility and would do whatever it took to raise them to the next level. Despite her outward appearance, Catalana was also very excited. *Knock *knock Excuse me. Yes, yes, if youre not an assassin, feel free to enter. The woman who visited them was the one who summoned the unicorn. On her tray were sandwiches and fruits, which seemed to be her evening meal. The woman bowed deeply to Catalana, which made her wonder about the unexpected reaction. I apologize for my behavior during the day. I was wondering if I could be of some assistance after knowing what happened CH 50.2 You are not a member of the Branch Managers group? Most of the guild members are not happy with him. The authoritarianism has gone too far and many apprentices have been sacrificed It would be fair to say that the Summoners dignity was determined by the Summoners Summon. Having a large number of Summoners with strong or rare Summons would increase the guilds reputation. The woman revealed that the branch manager was thinking, It would be even better if we summoners would be recognized for more than adventurers and be active in the world which was a really authoritative mindset. How many times have I been almost forced to terminate my contract with Unicorn, saying that there are stronger Phantom Beasts compared to that I thought Unicorns were lax in both contracts and terminations. Yes. But I like my partner, so I dont intend to change it. So Kuufa-chans summoning of a demon was approved because of that ideology? Yes. To be honest, I was relieved when the headquarters came to check and also put an end to the contract. Therefore, I will help you as much as I can. The woman, Seira, began to gather all the necessary materials. As expected of a professional, she gathered information more efficiently than Catalana. Because of her help, the placement and types of magic stone runes were gradually narrowed down, along with the list and details of the chants. If it was something that had been summoned before by some fellow guild member, then, she presented the data about the summon. Littys Phantom Beast, however, had never been summoned by someone in this branch. By the way, what about Kuufa-chan? Thats I cant decide. What is your attribute and type? Water, spirit. A water spirit Seira took Kuufas hand and seemed to sense something in it. Then she removed her hand and looked into Kuufas eyes. The magic is a lot milder. You might be inclined to think that a spirit with a similar personality would be better, but thats not necessarily the case. Oh, how do you know about that? Im good at sensing magic. Youre very talented as well. I wish we had someone like you at headquarters. When Catalana praised her, Seira touched her cheeks with both hands. Her maiden-like gesture made it seem obvious why the Unicorn made a contract with her. Well, think of it the same way you would with a friend. The more opposite personalities you have, the more often it works out unexpectedly. A summon as your friend, huh? If its a quiet type like Kuufa-chan, it would be better to pick one of this type Of course, this is just my opinion I see. Kuufa-chan seems to be the type that wants to have someone push her forward Kuufa pondered and started flipping through the pages of the book. Then she stopped at the page for a certain spirit. It was a high-ranking water spirit, but the terms of the contract and any breach-of-contract penalties were unknown. Oh, you picked something really strong. Because I want to change myself, or, I want her to help me change. I believe in what Seira-san recommends Litty encouraged her many times, and Catalana brought her to this point. It was only after Seiras kindness that she finally got the courage to step forward. Kuufa finished her lukewarm coffee and now poured herself a black one. Youre going to try that? I doubt thats a good idea Nigg Hmm, its okay. You dont have to force yourself to drink it. Ill try it! Litty also took a cup of black coffee to drink. She still looked reluctant, but she persevered and gulped it down. Kuufa, inspired by Litty, tried again, though not with gulp. Um, what are you two doing? (Seira) Dont worry about it. Im glad that they are not nervous. It was a good decision to challenge the old man, dont you think? (Catalana) CH 50.3 Haaah Bitter, bitter Litty was moaning, as if she had pushed herself too hard. Kuufa couldnt stand it any longer and added a lot of sugar and milk. Seira giggled at the sight of the two of them. The branch manager would soon give them a declaration, asking them if they were ready to perform the summoning. As Seira thought so, there was another knock at the door. Excuse me, may I come in? Is someone coming again? No surprise attacks, please. This time, several instructors entered. Some of them were ones who had surrounded Catalana and the others during the day. It was clear that they had no hostile intentions this time. Each of them carried a book of some kind. We noticed that Seira came to visit you. We were hesitant at first, but let us help you. Some of you seem to be from the Branch Managers camp, though? I am sorry about what happened during the day. Everyone is too scared to go against them Hmmm Despite not trusting them all, Catalana invited them in. She considered the possibility that the branch managers faction was coming to probe, but decided to judge them with her own eyes. Especially when she declared that it was an investigation. After drinking coffee, Litty and Kuufa finally started preparing for the summoning. Under Seiras guidance, they carefully selected and placed the types of magic stone runes they needed. A minor difference in the summoning technique can summon something entirely different. Be especially careful with the magic circle. Ah, I dont want to summon a demon By nature, summoning demons is very difficult Kuufa-san, your talent could have caused a disaster. Be careful, be careful the water symbol is this Kuufa nervously drew the magic circle, while Litty also made steady progress with her preparations, occasionally getting advice from the other instructors besides Seira Littys respectful attitude towards them made the instructors feel comfortable Not like that. The position of the mark should be Oh, yes! I see! There are many options, but for Phantom Beast, the Taspika script would work. Hmmm! That would be very helpful! Creating a magic circle was a delicate and difficult task. If the person who created the magic circle had bad handwriting, it may end up being recognized as a different character, which could result in a catastrophe. Since a magic circle would be ineffective if the person did not create it by himself without any manual help from an outsider, the people around them could only comment about this matter without daring to step in themselves. Eventually, the results of their diligent efforts showed up. And thats about it. Now the preliminary work is done. Thank you all for your help! Im really learning a lot! You are so honest and diligent. I wonder if the branch manager will change when he sees a straightforward adventurer like youoops. Its late, but lets start the summoning. Before they knew it, Seira had taken the charge, and the summoning finally began, and although she was trying to look calm and steady, her heart was filled with anxious thoughts and lots of hopes. Kuufas choice was a top ranking water spirit, which was simply too difficult to manage. Not only that, but the Phantom Beast that Litty was summoning was an unknown entity. It possessed the ability to do exactly what she wanted, but other than that, there was no other information about the summon. Suuu~haa~ Litty-chan, are you ready to go? Yes! Catalana stopped Litty from taking deep breaths again and again. Seira, seeing Litty like that, still couldnt understand why she was doing it. So, she simply stopped thinking about it. CH 51.1 Litty Summons a Summoned Beast With the magic circle in front of her, Kuufa started chanting. If she made even a single mistake in the long chant, the Summoned Beast would not appear as desired. Catalana, Seira, and the others could only watch, unable to help. Soon, the magic circle began to emit a pale blue light. Firefly-like light floated around the magic circle and spread around the room. Water Spirit Aquaria! Kuufa added the name of the summoning entity at the end of the chant. A column of water was released from the magic circle and hit the ceiling. The guild building was built solidly, preparing for such an occurrence. Seira was slightly concerned about the cost of repairs, but her eyes were soon drawn to the summoned entity. A beautiful n?a?k?e?d? girl with a light blue tint appeared. Her hair was the same color, as were her eyes, which were azure and clear. It took everyone a moment to recognize that the entire figure was made of liquid. What is this? Where is this place? While Aquaria was trying to understand the situation, Kuufa was silent. No, she was unable to speak as she was at a loss for words. Seeing Kuufa behave like that, the instructors, who knew that the first move was crucial, were uneasy. Fortunately, Kuufa finally regained her composure and called out. Oh, will you be my friend? Aquaria finally realized the presence that had summoned her. And her first reaction to Kuufa was a sigh. She should not have been breathing because of body structure, but she was making the gesture of sighing. Seriously? You are the one who summoned me? This was not good. Aquaria was a prideful spirit, exactly the opposite of Kuufa, so her reaction was understandable. Kuufa had no idea why she had decided on Aquaria. There were many other summons which met Seiras advice. However, Kuufa strangely believed in her intuition. Please, would you like to be my friend? Whats that, are you trying to be funny? Catalana felt the Spirits personality was stronger than they had expected. However, it was not only the Spirits personality that was strong. Catalana could also feel that the magic power of this Spirit was much stronger than their estimates. Because of all of this, Catalana was already on her guard in case something bad were to happen. You are not asking for a contract? I cant ask for a contract out of the blue. First, lets get to know each other. I dont understand. What are you even trying to Is it strange? Of course! With a snap, Kuufa was knocked away. Catalana and the others felt that it was hopeless, but Kuufa didnt look away from Aquaria. Litty watched the confrontation with a smile on her face because she could see that Kuufa was true to herself now. The reclusive girl was able to reach out that much to an unknown partner, and for Litty, that was incredibly pleasing. I see, its okay. (Kuufa) Hmm? I Well, I dont expect it to go well all of a sudden the fighting, making friends the contract, one step at a time. I want to get used to it. (Kuufa) You summoned me with such a carefree attitude This is how I honestly feel Hmm. Aquaria transformed her body and surrounded Kuufa. Kuufa was enclosed in a wall of water, but she was unfazed. What if I say no? CH 51.2 Please this is the only choice I have right now Hey, if I want to, I can kill you, you know? Kuufa kept her eyes on the wall of water and didnt move. Do you really want to live? Please be my friend please, please, please If youre afraid, why dont you just beg for your life? Please! After Kuufas words, Aquaria, now a wall of water, closed the distance, while Seira and the instructors prepared for battle. The instructors summoned their contracted summons, while Catalana readied herself for first move. Just as her phalanx was about to be activated, Aquaria returned to its original form. No, no, no. I cant be your friend. Please You can be my Master. That will be better, right? Kuufa was facing Aquaria with her mouth half-open. Catalana and the others, who had been on the defensive in case of an emergency, were now ready, while Aquaria was looking at the people around her with interest. Did you ask them to help you to be friends with me? Hmmmm, I guess not Eh? I can tell by your reaction. You know, Im not insensitive or blind, even though I may look like one. Well, it didnt really mean much even if they helped Aquaria touched Kuufas cheeks with both hands. Kuufa let out a small squeal at the cool touch. Litty was in full curiosity as to what that felt like, but she held back from touching Aquaria. Youve got to properly feed me Master? Mas, ter To tell you the truth, Im worried about you. Youre too weak I am the Master Kuufa recited this and put her hand on her cheek where Aquaria had touched her. For some reason, there was not even a drop of water on it. Aquaria transformed again, this time clinging to Kuufas body. Hyaan! Dont worry about getting wet, okay? Im a Water Spirit, so I wont be that messy! Ah, Aquaria-san, youre such a great Spirit, Ill You dont need to say Aquaria-san, just Aquaria is fine Aquaria Litty was relieved that it went well. It was everyone but her who was astonished at the sight of it. Aquaria, a high-ranking Spirit, had recognized Kuufa as her Master. After the summoning, it was normal for a contract to be made. Only after the contract was concluded that a Summoner could be recognized as a Master. Aquaria, in particular, seemed to be a unique case in high-ranking Spirits. Was it really just a whim? Of course, Seira and the instructors were all wondering about the reason behind Aquarias consent to this contract. So we have a contract Yes Here it came. Kuufa was not the only one whose heart was racing. The instructors were gulping, knowing that this was where the real work began. Not only high ranked Spirits, but all high ranked Summoned Beasts in general, had very strict contract conditions. Yet, people still tried to contract them, even though they knew it was almost impossible. You must strive to become a Master worthy of me. Thats all. Yes, I will do my best! When Im not satisfied with your performance, I wonder what I should do Well, Im going to terminate the contract? Okay Thats ridiculous! Is that all there is to it? One of the instructors raised his voice. The conditions seemed to be too lenient to be true. However, Aquaria gave him a freezing stare. Instantly, the instructor stiffened all over as a chill ran down his body. Thats all, okay? So, do you want to try and sign a contract? You think you can do it? No, no. Ill pass CH 51.3 The instructor shook his head, and Aquaria did not pursue the matter further. Terrified, the instructor slumped down into a kneeling position on the floor, as if he had been released from some shackles. His eyes were slightly teary. Catalana understood that Aquarias anger at the instructors comment was understandable. It was not easy to become a master, as recognized by a high-ranking Spirit. That was because, in terms of the adventurers rank, they had to harbor qualities of at least Rank 1 or higher. Well, Kuufa-sans summoning is successful. Next is Litty-san, right? Oh, yes. Yes. Seira clapped her hands to break the tense atmosphere, and Litty, too, was so distracted by Aquarias impact that she had forgotten about it. What is that? Is there going to be another summon? (Aquaria) Yes, Aquaria-san, its a Summoned Beast mentioned in this book. What is it? The Summoned Beast was a strange-looking Beast that made Aquaria, who had come up to Litty to take a peek at the image of the beast, look aghast. The instructors were against Litty summoning this beast until the very end, but Littys will was firm. The low difficulty of the summoning, coupled with the fact that the summoning was not as tense as when Aquaria was summoned, made Litty decide to proceed with the summoning process. Then lets begin Litty started the summoning process in the same manner as Kuufa. When she finished chanting without making a single mistake, orange fireflies were released from the magic circle. Soon, with the light emitting from the center of the magic circle, Litty shouted its name. Phantom Beast Myan! The flashy performance ended, and there it stood in the magic circle. Myan! It, it succeeded! Litty was the only one who was excited about the success. The event itself was simply devoid of any excitement because of its simplicity. The eyes of the creature were round and weasel-like in appearance. Its torso was unusually long. The arms and legs attached to the front and back were short and, depending on how you looked at them, it was looking awkward. I am your Master. Do you understand? Myan! Phantom Beast Myan rushed to Litty with her long body wriggling, and when Litty took her in her arms, Myan rubbed her head against Litty. Everyone thought, She looks like a pet. What about the contract? Mya~n! I see. I understand. No, wait, can you communicate with that thing? Catalana was the first one to react, and even though she had made it to the top of the Ranks, there were still things she didnt understand. That was exactly one of the things she could not understand was happening at this moment. Then your name is Myan. Myan! No, wait, thats like naming a cat Cat. Phantom Beast Myan, a lowly member of the Phantom Beast family, but one whose abilities were what Litty wanted most. Its the deal everyone was worried about, but Catalana, Seira, and the instructors had other things on their mind. From the start, communication was Littys main concern. But when she confirmed that she could somehow communicate with Myan, she simply thought that everything was now OK, without really knowing how hard it was for a summoner to understand their summon unless they could speak. CH 52.1 Litty and Summoner Battle It had been a few days since the successful summoning by Litty and Kuufa. The duel with the branch managers faction would take place in the dueling arena located in the Summoners Guild. It was built sturdily for having Summoned Beasts fight each other. The ceiling was vaulted, and its size was unimaginable from the outside. There are quite many spectators, arent there? We invited trainees and adventurers from neighboring countries. Isnt that what you want as well? Catalana-sama. The branch manager provoked Catalana with a sly smile. Catalana was more concerned about the number of people on the branch managers side. Youre so bad, youve only got one ally on your side. Oh my! I, Mc Creed, am enough to be on the branch managers side! This popularity was quite painful. The instructors who helped them with the summoning technique the other day were on Catalanas side. Not long ago, they would have at least pretended to be on the branch managers side. However, the bond between Catalana and the instructors was strengthened by their joint work to help Kuufa and Littys summoning ritual. Everyone was elated at Kuufas successful summoning and despondent at Littys Summoned Beast. Kuufa and Litty had several days of training. And they both improved spectacularly. As it turned out, Catalanas predictions were right: they all agreed that Kuufas talent was the real deal. Lady Catalana, there are some adventurers here. If you were to lose, it would mean the downfall of the headquarters, wouldnt it? Some of the adventurers are expecting that, right? You know very well how popular you are. Kukukuku This is a good opportunity. If she learns her lesson with this, well get someone else from headquarters to come over. All those who had been rejected by Catalana or who were not even allowed to take the exam were gathered here. Catalanas popularity was less than that of the branch manager in this audience. Furthermore, all the trainees here were, of course, aspiring Summoners from neighboring countries. Some were still undecided about Summoned Beast, and some were here purely to learn about Summoning. In other words, to them, both the Branch Managers side and Catalanas side could be said to be the face of the Summoners in this country. However, there was one person they couldnt take their eyes off. Myan! Good, good. Litty, a strange participant, was stroking the head and chin of a mysterious creature that wrapped itself around her waist, and the creature seemed left to do it pleased. Expectation and disappointment swirled within the crowd that was watching her, knowing that she was one of Catalanas prized adventurers, but her summon was simply a strange creature. Hmm, your name is Litty, right? Ive been looking into you. Youve done a tremendous job as an adventurer so far, even though youve only been an adventurer for a short time. Im glad to hear your praise! However, that Phantom Beast is not good. Myan is too weak to be of any use. Thats not true. This girl (Myan) is wonderful. Mya~n! Litty responded honestly to the branch managers criticisms. Catalanas side could not help but nod in agreement with the branch manager. To be fair, Catalana also had doubts. She wondered about the contract, whether there was a penalty for breach of contract, and above all, how Litty and Myan were communicating with each other. As a high-ranking adventurer, she knew more than enough about summoning, but she didnt know what to expect. CH 52.2 Our guild is looking for talented people. Because, if excellent people gather, people who recognize them will also gather. This will ultimately lead to the development of the Summoners, more so of Adventurers Guild and Summoners Guild. Furthermore, if you can make connections with influential people in the process, you can expect to receive large financing. (Branch manager) Say it in an explanation that I can understand. Im only interested in my own benefit. (Litty) Thats the wrong way to think that way. At least its healthier and easier than going to an unexplored area to die, saying its what an adventurer has to do or something. (Branch manager) Litty reacted with a twitch to the branch managers dismissive words. Adventurers didnt go to die, they went on adventures. For Litty, who could not shake this premise, the branch managers words were difficult to understand. Well, that aside, Litty, are you willing to work for our guild? Of course, I promise to give you preferential treatment. No, thank you. There was no way that Litty would take kindly to a branch manager who had mistaken adventure for work. When Litty gave a curt refusal, the branch manager gritted his teeth faintly. So, heres what well do. If you lose in the game we are about to play, you will be asked to comply. If you win, you will receive the title of Summoner. Title! Normally, the title of Summoner would have been given to the person who summoned and made a contract. However, Litty had not gone through the formalities. A normal person would think that he would be fine without the title, but Litty was Litty. Ill take it! Prove yourself! The branch manager smiled as if he had succeeded. The reason why the branch manager was able to feel confident was because of Mc Creed, an instructor of the branch managers faction. The adventurers seemed to recall his name and understood that it was a good decision, after hearing about Littys fighting style. Oh, is that Mc Creed? The Melee Killer? I havent seen him for a while, so he became an instructor. The adventurers whispered to each other about Mc Creed. Mc Creed, a mature man with a rather angular face, listened to them and smiled smugly. The branch manager prompted Mc Creed with his eyes and instructed him to go to the playing field. Girl, your opponent is me. Yes! Pleasure to meet you! Litty went up to the circular playing field and examined her enemys weapons. Litty was not carrying a single weapon. Mc Creed didnt take Litty seriously. He heard about Litty from the branch manager, and her fighting style was a good match for him. That was why he was confident thinking the victory was in his hands so he couldnt help but smile. Im a proud man. When I was active, I beat up a number of adventurers who came after me. They were just a bunch of loudmouths with no real skills. I see. What about you? I certainly recognize your accomplishments, but there are many people who only have momentum at the beginning and then lose it. I cant stand to see the reputation of adventurers damaged by weak adventurers. I understand because if clients dont trust adventurers, no one will give them work. I can see why Mc Creed-san thinks so much about accomplishment. Mc Creed was somewhat offended by Littys attitude because he had expected her to attack from the provocation. He treated her as a weakling in a roundabout way. Mc Creed was not the only one who thought he had every right to be angry. A mocking sneer broke out among the trainees and adventurers. Failing to provoke her, Mc Creed became angry and started summoning his partner. CH 52.3 The branch manager is supposed to be getting you! You! Youre just a child! The branch manager has more brilliant ideas than the woman there! I dont think either of them are wrong! But I dont agree with the branch managers way of thinking! Mc Creed finished his motions with a wave of his wand, and a magic circle floated on the cobblestones of the playing field. Blow it down! Fane, Spirit of the Wind! Immediately after his words fell a gust of wind came from the center of the magic circle, a small, fat, round-faced spirit appeared. It floated in the air, tinged with tornadoes in places. Its troubled face would induce irritation in some people. Blow and Fly, Fane is here, fuun. What do you want, Master? That kid over there is the enemy. Go for it. Yes, yes, fuun. The moment Litty saw the spirit, she ran. However, a storm hit Litty from the side, making her lose balance, blowing her away in an instant. Hyaaaaaah! Myaan! Dont allow a Summoner to summon, its an ironclad rule! Girl! It was an instructor-like statement as if he was teaching Litty about the rules of summoners, but Mc Creed had already brought the situation into a winning position. A tornado by the wind spirit Fane, a storm to incapacitate the opponent. Mc Creed waved his wand again. Fane! Scatter Wind Cutter! Yes, yes, fuun. From the opposite direction of the storm, wind blades were sent towards Litty. While stuck in the storm, Mc Creed used the wind cutter to finish the fight. This had been his tactic since he was on active duty. Most of his opponents usually concluded the match here after experiencing these series of attacks, so Mc Creed already felt like he had won. ButC Teyaaah! Wha, what? Litty with her sword offsets the Wind cutter with an explosion slash. The reaction caused her to move, albeit only for a short while. The question of where the sword came from was resolved when the next Wind Cutter was intercepted. Mya~n! Myan opened her big mouth and out of it came a one-handed spear. The spear repelled the last Wind Cutter and was knocked away as Litty used the momentum of her swing to send her to the ground. There, Litty thrust her one-handed spear into the cobblestone pavement and held it with one hand to withstand the storm, tucking the one-handed sword into Myans mouth which was now replaced by a one-handed axe. Litty then started to spin in the direction of the storm, using the spear as an axis, and slowly gained momentum. What the heck are you doing? Fane, put an end to her! Ah It was this exact moment when Fane suddenly uttered a cry. Litty, who had gained tremendous rotational power from the storm, suddenly pulled the spear, which made the momentum of her spin send her flying. Quickly correcting her pose midair, Litty aimed a flying kick to Mc Creeds face. The force of the blow was enough to send Mc Creed flying out of the ring. His face was covered in blood, and he remained motionless and twitching. Hmph? Finished, huh? Well, goodbye. Fane, the spirit of the wind, disappeared inside the tornado. After the kick connected to the Mc Creed, Litty immediately changed her posture to make a safe landing on the ground. Dont allow Summoner to summon, I see, also if I defeat the Summoner, its over. I learned a lot. Litty, who seemed not to be feeling the afterglow of victory, stood firm. She went to retrieve her spear and put it in Myans mouth again. Seeing the Wind Cutter flying from the opposite direction despite such a storm, Litty thought of an idea. If she was heavier and faster than the storm, she could resist it for a moment. Myan, you two win. Mya~n Mya~n! Huh, why did the Summoned Beast disappear? Myan wiggled around her body and waved it from side to side in a triumphant pose. Litty patted Myan and then turned to the branch manager, who was standing still in the same position, but now she was also in the same position, standing quietly there. There was no comment from the branch manager, as he stood silently, unable to make any sound. Instead, Catalana replied to Litty. If the summoner is unable to fight, the Summoned Beast will have no reason to fight. That summon was using magic, right? I didnt think about that I see, Summoner is also a great job. Yes, unlike a sorcerer or wizard, they can use all the power they want as long as they meet the terms of their contract. I dont know what kind of contract Mc Creed had with Fane, though. Im learning more again It was difficult to understand for Litty at first glance, who was still trying to absorb whatever she could, even though she had won. The trainees and adventurers were stunned, but the branch manager was trembling. He wanted her at all costs, she could definitely be the banner of their guild what more her style of working with Myan had fascinated him. CH 53.1 Litty Meets the Incomprehensible Oh, thats great! The branch manager applauded Litty. Mc Creed, the instructor who lost to Litty, was out cold and unlikely to wake up. Litty scowled at the branch manager, wondering what he was up to. After all, he left Mc Creed like he was nothing. I thought Myan was a simple creature with limited storage capacity. However, that was a brilliant combination. Thank you, please tend to Mc Creed-san. Im done with him. Hes certainly capable of signing a contract with a mid-level spirit, but that was all he could do, and hes just an incompetent adventurer who fell out of the adventurers ranks. Are you serious about that? Litty detested the branch manager who easily cut off Mc Creed, the only person who adored him so much. It overlapped with her own experience, and she couldnt look at it anymore as someone elses problem. Ignoring the branch manager, Litty went to help Mc Creed. Mc Creed-san, wake up Ill take care of him. Seira with the unicorn approached Mc Creed. The unicorn brought its horn close to Mc Creed and the tip of the horn glowed a little. Mc Creed groaned in the light and opened his eyes. Uha unicorn? Seira Youll have to rest for a while. I lost Mc Creed was carried on the back of the unicorn and was sent to the back of the guild. The branch manager didnt even look at him and just let out an exaggerated sigh. I wonder how those of you who were watching the match felt about the matchs result. How could anyone aspire to be a Summoner after seeing that Mc Creed disgrace? He has just now smeared mud on our name. The branch manager walked to the center of the arena and started his speech, reminding everyone of the match just now. He moved the gushing flame from his fingertips, drawing a circle and then extinguished it. Litty looked up at the Summoners Guild branch manager, whose display was more like magic. It was a mistake. I should have fought from the beginning. Then I could have invited you, Litty, to join our guild Mc Creed-san fought as hard as he could. I dont think he is weak. No need to follow up. I dont need Even if he lost, he can try again. Unlike when going on a dangerous adventure where I might not be able to return alive, he can still try again. The branch manager was at a loss for words in response to Littys rebuttal. He thought that Litty was being protective of Mc Creed because she had the luxury of being the victor, but that did not seem to be the case. Litty was able to make such a strong argument because of the life-threatening experiences in her previous adventures she had gone through. Her words were also filled with power and firm belief. Somewhat overwhelmed, the branch manager ignored Litty and turned his attention to a certain girl. Kuufa, you will fight too, right? Yeswith the branch manager I think Catalana-sama is simply using you to mock me. But if you think otherwise, then Ill have you show me your power. Kuufa would never refuse anyone, so she and Aquaria went to confront the branch manager. The branch manager looked at Kuufa and Aquaria and scratched his head. I dont know what kind of magic trick you used to sign a contract with Aquaria. Do you have the means to beat me? Im not certain Yet, you still want to challenge me? The branch manager held up one arm and released a pillar of flame. The red-hot flames scared Kuufa with the heat alone. If she were to be hit, she would surely die from it. More than anything else, Kuufa had the same doubts as Litty. The branch manager had not Summoned a summoned Beast, but only those flames. Seeing Kuufa unable to give an answer, the branch manager snickered. CH 53.2 I dont summon anything. If all I do is summon a Summoned Beast to fight, Im no better than a second-class Summoner. A first-class Summoner makes a contract with the Summoned Beast and uses its power. Combined with the fire that the branch manager displayed, his words had weight. It drew the interest of the spectators, who had been skeptical of the branch manager earlier. The branch manager responded by shooting a pillar of flame upward and releasing a hot blast of air. The crowd lost their balance, Litty and the instructors endured, and Catalana folded her arms in protest against the hot air. KuufaC I see, you are clad in Aquaria. By covering her entire body with Aquaria, the spirit of water, she was able to establish a protective barrier. With a few days of training, Kuufa had mastered the basic link with Aquaria. The question was how quickly the Summoners thoughts could be transmitted to the Summoned Beast. This could be honed by training, but compatibility was also important. In this respect, Mc Creed and Fane were a good team, but not compatible with each other. Then I will show you the power of the Efreet I have contracted. The branch manager shot a pillar of flame at Kuufa. The rotating flames scattered hot air around the pillar, which had a wider attack range than it appeared. It hit Kuufas water armor, and the sizzling sound of evaporation echoed. Its not going to last long, is it? That defense of yours is going to turn into boiling water at this speed, yknow? A, Aqua Road! Kuufa, in response, refined several columns of water from her water armor and scattered them in all directions. After that, she immediately escaped into one of them and avoided the branch managers attack. Thanks to Aquaria, Kuufa would not die from not being able to breathe inside water. Youre so clever! How about this, Blaze Storm! The branch manager raised one arm to the heavens and turned the pillar of flame into a tornado, increasing its firepower in an attempt to vaporize the very path of water Kuufa was fleeing from. From the path of water whose temperature was slowly increasing, another path of water was created. Just running away! It seems thats all you can do! Kuufa-san! Littys hands were sweating, hoping Kuufa would win but Catalana kept watching unfazed, while the instructors grew noisier. Catalana! If we dont stop this, the girl will die! Efreet and Aquaria, their power balance is about the same. There is no way to generalize a comparison between Spirit and Phantom Beast, but the problem is the branch manager! We dont know it for sure, but he probably paid a terrible price to get that power! Yeah! He definitely paid a hell of a price for that power! The branch managers expression was distorted as he manipulated the flames and his mood improved after seeing the changes. Seeing this, Litty felt that he was drowning in power rather than enjoying the battle. I simply offered my daughter and her husband! Efreet demanded it! As you can imagine, I was perplexed too! After all, I had just had a granddaughter and was at the height of my happiness! I thought about refusing, but when Efreet showed me a glimpse of his power, I didnt care anymore The branch manager was heating up Kuufas escape route, and the water path generation was slowly lacking in comparison with the heating. If the branch manager was human, he would never do such a thing, Litty thought. Since they vanished instantly, I dont even feel the loss. Burnt souls are Ifrits favorite food, and so I acquired this power. Litty-chan! Catalana held down Litty, who was about to jump out, unconsciously. That brought Litty back to her senses. Litty knew in her head that if she continued to be an adventurer, unexpected things would happen. Was that branch manager really a human, Litty questioned with rage burning in her heart. She struggled to piece together the torrent of thoughts swirling in her head. Ca, Catalana-san what is wrong with that person? Why would he do something like that You dont need to understand someone like him. There are plenty of such people in this world. Catalanas simple answer gave Littys numerous questions a pause. Litty felt that further thoughts about this would be foolish. After calming down, Litty felt uncomfortable when looking at the branch managers face lit by the red light of the hot flames. When she thought that it resembled something, she naturally worded out her thoughts A demon CH 53.3 As if to silence Littys mutter, it happened. A pillar of water moved and diffused the flames. A large fountain was released all at once and pierced the fire. Branch manager reflexively tried to guard against it with more flames, but the water easily pierced it. Gyaaaaahhhh! The water pillars that had turned into boiling water were evenly sprinkled on the branch manager. As if performing a strange dance, the branch manager twisted and then tumbled over. Rolling around and struggling as he rubbed his entire body against the floor. Hooooooottttt! Aqua Burst. A counter-skill against flames. I know you can handle your own flames thanks to Efreet, but not my boiling water, right? The flames that had covered the surrounding area disappeared, and all that remained was the flailing branch manager. His skin was blistered, and his appearance was unbearable to look at. Aquaria smiled at him. I thought with that much heat, I could expect it to be powerful, but. It wasnt that strong, it seems? Well, he still seems to be alive after all. (Aquaria) Was this Kuufas plan from the beginning (Litty) Well, the control was still mostly me, but (Aquaria) Even when she was with Litty, Kuufa was nervous. How could she not be so in front of such a large gallery? At best, all she did was wear her water armor and activate Aqua Road. Because of this situation, Kuufa was a little frustrated, she was unable to fully demonstrate the results of her training. Ah, Aquaria-san, I Not san? Ah, Aquaria Youre the one who declared that youre going to get used to things little by little, right? Aquarias attitude, that was neither comforting nor demeaning, was a good match for Kuufa. She reminded Kuufa of her original goal, and that she should keep moving forward. Aquaria herself did not know why she was so devoted to Kuufa. Kuufa also selected Aquaria just based on a hunch. Shit, not yet, Im not done yetEfreet! He shouted, and everyone was startled, as he was supposed to be fully wounded. Flames flared up from one of the branch managers arms, and there showed a pair of glistening eyes. Even Litty, who had little knowledge of the summoning art, knew what was going on. [CWhat do you want?] Co, contract! Lets change the contract! I want more power! While lying down, what the branch manager made to appear was unmistakably an Efreet. Even if it was not in its full form, its presence was enough to overwhelm the surroundings. The voice echoed heavily throughout the space, making the listeners shudder. Catalana readied her phalanx, fearing the danger of being caught in a contract at this point. However, this soon became a groundless fear. [CIts impossible.] Why? [CThere is nothing else you can pay me.] So, then, those those instructors over there [CTheyre not important to you.] The aghast branch manager breathed heavily. The light of his life began to waver, partly due to the effects of the burns. that, that cant be [CWell, there was one thing left, I would say.] There is? Then take it, and give me power! [CFine. The contract is done.] Aquaria wrapped herself around Kuufa again, transforming herself into water armor. Hahaha yes, now I can reverse this situation. It was only after the branch manager burst into flames at once that it was discovered that this was the worst thing he could have done. The flames erupted like a blazing storm, showing a moment of intense power engulfing the branch manager, but was quickly extinguished. In the aftermath, not even the body of the branch manager remained. What, what happened? That idiot! Efreet demanded the old mans soul Eeeeeh! Thats, thats, awful This is the reason why being a Summoner can be so difficult. Contracts are not always honest Mc Creed returned and walked over to where the branch manager had been. He kneeled, hands crossed in a prayer. Litty mimicked him there, although she wasnt sure what to think about the situation. I, I still have a lot to learn Myan There was a lot Litty didnt understand, but she vowed to get used to it, little by little, just like Kuufa. For some reason, this reminded Litty of the bitterness of coffee. CH 54.1 Litty Learns About Summoned Beast Compatibility Everyone present in the Summoners Guild was interviewed by the Knights. The guilds training grounds were licensed by the kingdom, so dueling was allowed to a certain extent. That meant if it was judged to be beneficial to the country it was fine, but in a situation like this, its a different story. Moreover, this time, those who came to verify the situation were those who were skeptical about Summoners among the Knight Order. The branch manager of the Summoners Guild destroyed himself by signing a contract with Efreet, huh? You are all saying the same thing. But, do you guys have any conclusive evidence? (Knight Commander) Its hard to convince the corps of Amphisbaena. Or, rather, they have no intention of being convinced. (Catalana) Are you trying to defy us? (Knight Commander) The knight, wearing armor engraved with a two-headed serpent, directed his intimidating demeanor at Catalana. Catalana was dealing with Baidar, the captain of the Amphisbaena Corps, who at that very moment was looking at her with a creepy gaze. Many were disgusted by his gaze and persistent manner of speaking. Stroking his chin, his eyes never left Catalana. Hey, I saw it too. Efreet. (Litty) Ive been hearing that repeatedly, havent I? I need conclusive evidence so that I can file a report right away, you know? (Baider) Litty, be quiet for now. (Catalana) Myan! Myan, be quiet as well. (Catalana) Myan froze as if being stared at by a snake. Myan! Myan, dont. (Litty) Phantom Beast Myan, isnt it? Its the weakest one I know. (Baider) You know about it? (Litty) I know a lot about Summoned Beasts, yknow. Knowing about your potential enemy is a good thing, you see. (Baider) With his persistence, Baider thoroughly researched and prepared for what he disliked. This was also linked to his prowess. He turned his disgusted gaze from Myan, who was trying to intimidate him, back to Catalana. Without proof, I guess well all have to bring you in as suspects in the murder of the Branch Manager Dubmuf. Besides, he had a granddaughter she will hate you, wont she? (Baider) Ill take care of the girl. Why dont you worry about yourself instead of worrying about her? (Catalana) What do you mean? (Baider) Dont you understand? The Adventurers Guild now has roots all over the world. Its roots have allowed it to integrate with many countries, it is also sharing its benefits with those countries. What will happen if you do something to antagonize them? (Catalana) Muh (Baider) Catalana presented her own adventurer card. It stated that she was from the Adventurers Guild headquarters. If she were to report his antics to the Adventurers Guild headquarters, it would no longer be a matter of personal concern. If that happened, Baiders position as the captain of a unit would be shaken, whether he wanted it or not. If you still dont believe me, I dont mind bringing this matter to the king at the castle. Wa, wait, you dont have that kind of authority! Did you not realize the connection between high-ranking adventurers and the royalty? And if the royalty wants to demand proof, I dont mind taking the responsibility to explain the situation along with the cause of the branch managers death. Should we bring it to their attention? Enough Baider pushed his chair away and stood up, heading for the exit of the room. He instructed his escort to open the door with his chin held high like a peacock. Watching him, Litty sensed that he was not a nice person. She decided that he was like Aldis from Yggdrasia, although of a different type, and that he was a man without any kind feelings for others. Summoned Beasts are dangerous! We dont want our country to be dependent on such a thing to fight! (Baider) Baider spat out, slamming the door in anger as he left. Catalana shrugged her shoulders. CH 54.2 Well, now that the obnoxious guy is gone, lets talk about the future, shall we? (Catalana) Catalana-san, the way youre talking (Seira) Oops, the creepy stuff has spread. Well, I can understand his point of view, though. (Catalana) Ca, Catalana-san? (Seira) Seira was concerned about Catalanas words. However, she could also understand it. When the instructors who were being interviewed in the other room came in, Catalana gathered them all together. It is a fact that the branch manager was killed by a Summoned Beast. Which also teaches us a lesson that Summoned Beasts should be handled with caution. (Catalana) True, but it all depends on the contract itself. (Seira) Thats right, Seira-san, thats all everyone needs to know. So, from now on, I want you to be the branch manager. (Catalana) Me? (Seira) When you helped me with the summoning for these children, you were in charge, and when Mc Creed-san was hit, you immediately healed him with the unicorn. (Catalana) Mm I also think Seira is the right person for the job. (Mc Creed) Mc Creed affirmed Catalanas decision. He, too, who had supported the branch manager, had been awakened by this incident. The dangers of delusional belief in power, and Seiras actions, made him realize what was significant. The same went for the other instructors, all of whom followed Mc Creeds lead and endorsed Seira. Im (Seira) It was Seira-san who came first to help us, wasnt it? Thanks to you, I met Myan. (Litty) Myan! Myan thanks you too. (Litty) Is that so? (Seira) Seira was skeptical about Litty speaking on Myans behalf, but she nodded her head at the unanimous recommendation. Then, holding the cane with both hands, she demonstrated her enthusiasm. I understand. I dont know how much I will be able to contribute, but I will do my best. (Seira) We will support you as much as we can. Let us all start over from scratch. Yes! Applause erupted, and Seira stood there bashfully on her feet. She was underestimated because of her unicorn and was instructed to work as a receptionist. She believed in the unicorns potential and accepted the situation, but now her life was about to change for the good. Seira was excited, she wanted to fundamentally rethink about being a Summoner and change the conventional wisdom. She believed that there should be no Summoned Beast supremacist philosophy, and above all, she preached the importance of compatibility. It was also thanks to Litty and Kuufa that Seira felt so strongly about this. *** Litty was allowed to stay at the guild for the night and was out on the rooftop. What happened today was a shock to Litty. It was a person, a branch manager, with a fiendish ideology. She wondered if people who could sacrifice their loved ones for power were really human. And while pondering over her doubts, she was also struggling to convince herself that this was part of an adventure. Litty-san? (Kuufa) Kuufa-san? Whats wrong? (Litty) Kuufa climbed up and sat down next to Litty. Beside her, who was silent, was Aquaria, the Spirit of Water. Litty admired them both for that brilliant fight. Um, thank you. I, without Litty-san, I wouldnt have (Kuufa) Thank you very much, too. Without Kuufa-san, I wouldnt have made it this far. (Litty) I, I dont have (Kuufa) I was truly thankful from the start. At the Named monster battle, and now. Its because you were there that we have reached this point. (Litty) Litty couldnt put it into words, but she meant every single word she had just uttered. Kuufas presence was the reason they were able to make the breakthrough with the Named Monster. She was the reason Litty was allowed to accompany Catalana to the Summoners Guild. It may have been a stretch, but Litty was seriously grateful. CH 54.3 How come you are so strong, Litty-san? (Kuufa) Im still weak. (Litty) Icouldnt do anything if I was alonethats why I envy Litty-san (Kuufa) But you can do things now. You won against the branch manager who used the power of that terrible Efreet. (Litty) That was because of Aquaria (Kuufa) As she was about to say it, Kuufa remembered her original intention again. Little by little, step by step. Nothing to worry about, she reminded herself, Litty must have been the same way. Litty was grateful for everything that had helped her move forward. Kuufa also felt the same. Litty-san has been walking forward for a long time. But maybe someday I will too (Kuufa) If we walk together, we can go further. (Litty) Ah (Kuufa) Litty held Kuufas hand. The warmth of her hand reminded Kuufa of the old days, and her eyes were warmed. Having been alone for so long, Kuufa missed the warmth of others. She could finally walk along with many people. Maybe you two are a good match, huh? Like Master and Summoned Beast. (Aquaria) Good match? Like Kuufa-san and Aquaria-san? (Litty) Master and Summoned Beast has a so-called compatibility value. If it is higher, there will be less lag when linking, and more advanced skills will be available. (Aquaria) How can I know that? (Litty) I dont know? (Aquaria) Litty and Kuufa blinked repeatedly. As if to tease them, Aquaria transformed her body to bring the two closer. Litty relaxed her body, feeling cool but comfortable. Most Masters go their entire lives without ever meeting a compatible Summoned Beast, and theres no clear way to confirm it Im sure Myan and I are compatible. Hey, you. Why did you decide to choose Myan? Its just a feeling. I thought it had to be her. I knew it Aquaria moved away from Litty and stuck with Kuufa. I dont understand. Im also one of those people who just kind of get it, you know? Its rare for Masters to meet a Summoned Beast that is the best match for them, just based on their gut feeling. Thats also why I believed in Kuufa and recognized her as my Master. Isnt that funny? So, Im a good match for Myan after all. Myaan! Myan rubbed her head against Littys in a good mood. Aquaria looked at Myan, she was not quite sure what was going on between the two despite being a summoned beast as well. By the way, whats your contract like? If Myan gets hurt, I get hurt instead. When did you sign that contract? When we met. Myan-myan! Without exchanging a word, it was an instant decision the moment they met. This was an even stranger phenomenon among the highest of all affinities. Probably most of the worlds leading Summoners would snicker when told by Litty, but Aquaria was beyond shocked. She had gone above and beyond what even Aquaria herself would have agreed to form a contract for, and without even thinking twice. Youre going to be called a monster one of these days, you know? Why? Well, its time to go to bed, Kuufa, because if you stay up too late and oversleep, you will lose your Masters contract, okay? Ye, yes. Contrary to her words and actions, Aquaria demanded discipline. It was proof that she had the character of a higher level spirit, no matter how strange that may be. This was not surprising, since spirits were born from nature, which had consistent laws since time immemorial. That means Kuufa should act with more careC Well, the three of us are going to sleep. The three of us? Hyah! She forcefully stuck Litty and Kuufa together, and they smoothly walked inside the guild. There was no way for the two of them to know the reason for such behavior. Kuufa interpreted this as a necessary part of becoming a great Master. CH 55.1 Litty, Touring the Job Guilds Litty and Kuufa, who had finished breakfast in Summoners Guild, said goodbye to Catalana. Catalana decided to support them in their decision, feeling that it was caused by her own actions. She bowed her head to the two of them and apologized. For all my big talk, I didnt really help much, it would have been a bit of a mess if it werent for the help from Seira-san and the others. (Catalana) Thats okay. I have learned a lot from you too. (Litty) Litty-chan never wavers, does she? (Catalana) Catalana had always done whatever she wanted, but this time she was genuinely feeling guilty. In fact, she was even grateful for the opportunity to learn from them. She had reached the rank of special and had mastered the art of being an adventurer, but she suddenly remembered her beginner days. Although she was recognized for her marksmanship at an early age, she had repeatedly experienced many failures and had been told that she lacked talent. Sometimes she even thought of giving up. However, in the end, she had succeeded in coming so far. Eventually, those who had looked down on her either shut up or were left behind to rot. Unfortunately, she ended up developing her current personality in this struggle. Catalana herself was aware of her personality issues, but she was not willing to change without reason. It was also because of that personality that she had been working hard even to this day, without being too prideful, but had enough confidence to hold her head high. I dont like half-wits, but I love you two. Especially Kuufa-chan, youre outstanding. (Catalana) Thats not (Kuufa) You didnt give up even under the most unreasonable circumstances, even until now. I honestly respect you. (Catalana) You dont have to say that (Kuufa) Kuufas face flared up at those words of praise. In reality, Catalana was also jealous to some extent. Kuufa had survived in a miserable environment, endured her contract with a demon, and after terminating her first contract, she even succeeded in making a contract with a high-ranking spirit of water. Catalana was not even close in talent to her. It was the same for Litty. In terms of the pace of her career, she was far ahead of Catalana. Secretly, Catalana mocked herself that it was only a matter of time before she would be overtaken, but she never let it show. Ill do my best as well. Dont lose, you two. (Catalana) Yes! (Litty) Ill do my best! (Kuufa) Catalana was grateful to Litty and the others more than she could express. She was able to come to her senses before it was too late. *** After parting with Catalana, Litty visited the Adventurers Guild. Resisting the urge to browse through the requests, she picked up a brush and prepared a piece of paper. Litty-san, is that ? (Kuufa) Im writing a letter to my parents who are living in my home village, about becoming Rank 3, about my arrival in Royal City, and about Myan. I have a lot to tell them. (Litty) Parents (Kuufa) Litty regretted her answer. She stopped writing in a hurry, as it was a careless remark in front of Kuufa, who was an orphan. However, Kuufa showed no sign of being depressed. On the contrary, she stared at the letter. Um, its okay (Kuufa) But (Litty) I dont remember much anyway (Kuufa) Litty guessed that Kuufas past was more complicated than she had imagined. CH 55.2 After a short pause, Litty started writing again. Kuufa watched in silence as Littys writing progressed smoothly. Litty wanted to do something for Kuufa, so she quickly handed the letter she had finished writing to Harpy Transport. Kuufa-san, why dont you come with me to visit the job guilds? There are many guilds in the royal capital besides the Summoners Guild. (Litty) Litty-san, you dont mean to say that you still want another job? (Kuufa) I am thinking about it. I feel that learning different jobs will make me stronger. (Litty) Kuufa thought for a moment. With Aquaria, there was little advantage for Kuufa in learning other jobs. Kuufa wanted to become a Master worthy of Aquaria. As she did not know what exactly she needed to do to achieve that goal, Kuufa decided that it would not be a bad idea to challenge herself like Litty was doing. Okay I will accompany you. (Kuufa) Well, my first option was the Knights Guild But, Kuufa-san didnt have the title of Swordsman, so lets try the Archer Guild. (Litty) Litty wanted Archer Skills as soon as possible because there were a good number of predicaments that she could have gotten out of with the help of ranged attacks. Although she wasnt sure if a bow was the best choice to start with, it was also one of Littys aims to master. It looks interesting, doesnt it? (Litty) Can, can we simply go there? (Kuufa) The Archer Guild was not a tourist attraction. They had no obligation to entertain Litty and her friend. Kuufas anxiety was more appropriate for the situation. *** Are you joking? The instructor who had greeted Litty and Kuufa a few minutes earlier was looking bloodthirsty. He was not pleased with Litty, who seemed to think of this guild as some tourist attraction. Shooting required a different sense of perception than swords. Unlike swords, it wouldnt provide the archer with any defense, and hitting the target was all that mattered. In other words, if the target was not hit, it was meaningless. In such a severe environment, Litty showed that she could hit the target with a high probability. I missed once Well, thats fine. If it was a stationary target, you could have probably hit it 100 times out of 100?! Just as he finished speaking, an arrow landed right beside the instructors feet, nearly hitting him. The instructor let out a strange cry in surprise. Kuufa, the cause of it, held up her bow. She didnt even notice that her arrow had flown in the direction that was far from the target. Oh, hey! How did this happen?! Uh oh, Im sorry! Kuufa-san, you have to hold it like this Yes Litty instructed Kuufa despite the indignant instructor. After many attempts at correcting her posture and grip, she finally learnt to shoot properly. The instructor thought that hitting the target was a long shot, but Litty was enthusiastic. After a few more struggles, Litty finally succeeded in making Kuufa hit the target, albeit just short of the bullseye. Oh, I hit it You did it! I did it! I did my best! Myan! Uuugh The instructor groaned at Littys ability to teach Kuufa with horrendous skills. Litty patiently continued to teach Kuufa, who could not be said to have any talent for archery. Litty praised her tremendously, even though she had only hit one shot. CH 55.3 Although the instructor had been teaching for more than ten years, he would always give early notice to those who had no prospects, watching Litty, he wondered if he had made a mistake. However, he was an instructor who had fought many battles in the past. He decided to follow his rules and confront Kuufa with the cruel truth. You are a Summoner, right? I can see from the spirits there that you have already bloomed your talents there. So you dont have to be concerned about the bow Yes but it makes me happy. What? I realized once again that even I can do something like this. I, I see. The instructor, who did not know Kuufas circumstances or feelings, did not understand the intent of those comments. But the auspicious attitude became a major evaluation point for him and this made him change his mind. Unlike other job guilds, this place is also open to the public. You can come here at any time. It wont be free, of course. Ye, yes. With that, Kuufa was satisfied, although she did not show much improvement. Compared to when she was struggling to survive, Kuufa was happy to be able to engage in something which excited her. Above all, being able to spend time like this provided her with inspiration. This led to confidence, and Kuufa showed a newfound drive. Litty-san. Id like to go to the Martial Guild too, that move by Catalana-san it was nice That was nice indeed. As for Litty, she wanted to keep pushing until she earned a title, but she had decided to do something for Kuufa today. The fighting technique Catalana showed on the day of the exam was unmistakably the move of someone with the title of Marshall. Catalana told them the story of how she had knocked on the door of the Marshal Guild when her marksmanship skills had failed to improve. Now I feel like I can do anything. (Kuufa) Litty, too, was determined not to belittle that motivation. *** You gutless bastards! Aaaaah! Hiiii! As soon as they entered the old-fashioned dojo-like building, large and heavy bodies of adults were seen flying into the air. Two of those were slammed against the wall and sprawled. The person who had thrown those people walked over to them and slapped them in order to wake them up. You, when will you get the backbone to keep standing? Think about why you cant continue to fight! Ye, yes You over there, stop yawning! I already told you before that even one yawn could be the death of you! Im sorry! Youre slacking! The result of the second throw sent tremors through the floor of the dojo. As expected, Litty was also shocked. In addition to being different from the previous guilds, she now had only one thought. The Branch Managers of the guilds in the Royal Capital were all unusual. However, Litty felt that the Instructor had to be strict to be effective. And besides, Kuufa would probably be the next one to try, Litty thought, as she looked next to her Kuufa-san? She actually passed out standing up?! Sigh (Litty) Myan Litty felt as if she could even see Kuufas soul slipping out of her mouth, and decided to quietly move her to the back. Litty herself learned that things should be done step by step. Though she never expected that Kuufa would have fought against the Branch Manager who had signed a contract with that Efreet. Name: Litty Gender: female Age: 15 Rank: 3 Main Job: Swordsman Master Job: Swordsman Heavy Warrior Summone CH 56.1 Litty visits the Martial Guild again Later on the same day, Litty visited the Archer guild again. The training was divided into shooting at non-moving targets and shooting at moving targets. The first step of the training was to hit targets with a skill such as simple shooting, two-stage shooting, and so on. The second phase was to accomplish these tasks in a reduced amount of time, which Litty completed in a single day. At this point, the Branch Manager made an immediate decision for her to take the final exam. The senior female Branch Manager of the Archer Guild was known to be demanding. If someone was not good enough, they could forget about ever passing the final exam. Find and hit the target among the countless moving targets within the time limit You have 6 seconds to complete the task Thank you. The Branch Managers red lips twitched as she stamped the title on Littys Adventurer card. As a person with a mean streak, she was somewhat amused. But she also felt good at the arrival of a gifted adventurer. In this context, the conversation naturally shifted to the topic of Catalana. As far as I know, you are the fastest to attain the final exam. Im certain that Catalana will be very disappointed when she finds out. Did Catalana-san also acquire her title in this guild? She took seven years to acquire it. Ive seen her crying behind the scenes more than once. Oh, really? Litty was at a loss for words when she was told about the stories that confirmed Catalanas statement that she was a hard worker. Litty was somewhat torn whether to take Catalanas stubbornness in the promotion exam as a sign of spite or part of her personality. But remembering Catalanas attitude when they parted, Litty decided to take it as the latter. At least now, Litty didnt have as bad an impression of her as she did when they first met. Four titles now, huh? At this pace, youre going to go to Martial Guild as well, right? Yes, I intend to do so. The Branch Manager there hasnt had any titleholders in a few years. Youd better be careful. Uh yes. Littys enthusiasm remained the same, though she did not know the intent behind that statement. Knowing that Kuufa had been intimidated enough to faint before, Litty had already expected her to not join this time. Litty walked out to the front door, heeding the Branch Managers sarcastic remark, who said, Im sure youll have no problem facing that one. *** The Martial Guild was clearly different from the other job guilds. The building was old and cracked in places. The paint was peeling off in many places. Litty entered the gate with solemn expression. The angry voices coming from the back of the building grew louder as she approached. You fool! If you cant even identify what youre guilty of, get out of here right now! Upon entering, she found herself in a large dojo where the apprentices were forced to sit on their knees. One of them, a young girl, was being reprimanded particularly harshly. She was in tears and was being bombarded with spit from a large man. Get up! Kumite again! Come at me from the left! [T/L: Kumite means sparring and is a part of Karate training. Read more HERE.] Yes! The kumite started, and each fighter was taken down within a few seconds. Then they got reprimanded, and the repetition continued. Some of them were even thrown away. Not a single one of them could put up a good fight against the big man. When all of them had neither the energy nor the strength to stand up, the big man would give them a push. CH 56.2 Whats this, is that all! Is this all youve got! Especially Aida! How long have you been here? Three years! Then you should be the one to set an example! Dont you? Yes! Umm Litty, unable to stand the sight of him any longer, stormed into the dojo. The large men and apprentices stopped dead in their tracks at the unexpected visitor. It was no surprise that they reacted in such a manner as the visitor was a girl, with a strange creature wrapped around her. This is the Martial Guild, right? I am Litty. Im here to acquire the title. You are? If you want to acquire it, at least be a Rank 5, or look somewhere else. We dont accept weaklings here. Im Rank 3. Ill do my best for the title. Hou The large man walked up to Litty and observed her. He looked at Myan in particular from all angles. No pets allowed. Put this away. Its not a pet. Its Myan, a Phantom Beast. You call that a Phantom Beast? No, I dont care about that! If you dont listen to me, youll never be accepted! Okay, Myan, wait in the corner. Myan Myan moved to the corner and sat down as apprentices followed her with their eyes. Litty watched Myan wait meekly, satisfied. Heres my registration payment. Hmmm. Im Duggam, the Branch Manager. Duggam took the money from Litty and put it in the pocket of his robe. The apprentices, still nervous, looked at Litty and urged her to leave with their expressions. Litty knew they were doing her a favor, but she had no intention of giving up. Were halfway through the day and its your first day. You can stay until the evening. Yes! Then, sit down! Yes! Following Duggams instructions, Litty hurriedly sat down on the floor next to Myan at the edge of the dojo. Kumite started again, and the apprentices were beaten up one by one. Aidas situation was especially bad. She was beaten, kicked, and thrown around. The other apprentices, though strangers, felt sorry for her, but relieved at the same time. They assumed that by having her as a target for Duggam, they would have less exposure to the beatings. Youre being a coward again! (Duggam) Yes! (Aida) Theres an opening on the left! (Duggam) Ugh (Aida) Aida endured a kick from the side, but was knocked down by a follow-up thrust. Duggam forced Aida to stand again, who could not get up. He slapped her wobbly cheek. You have died six times today! How many lives do you think you have! (Duggam) Hahii (Aida) Do it again! (Duggam) Ye, yes. (Aida) Aida could no longer even respond properly, and Litty was not pleased with the situation either. It was true that training needed to be tough for it to be effective, but excessiveness would not have any good impact. Duggam looked down at Aida as her knees shuddered, and she collapsed over again. Theres no point in training if you rest right away because youre in pain! You gutless little brat! (Duggam) Hai (Aida) Hmph! Enough! If you want to sleep so badly, go sleep in the corner! (Duggam) Duggam grabbed Aida by the neck and threw her away, while Litty went to catch her. Duggam was taken aback by the unexpected action and quickly approached them. The apprentices were amazed by Littys quick reaction, but Duggam was the only one who remained calm. Who gave you permission to interfere? (Duggam) Are you trying to kill her? (Litty) Thats not going to kill her. (Duggam) The Job Guilds were supposed to be established to prevent deaths. (Litty) The apprentices turned pale and tried to remind Litty not to add more fuel to the fire. Unexpectedly, Duggam said nothing, turned back and returned to the center of the room. CH 56.3 I lost my enthusiasm. Todays session is over. Litty tomorrow, be ready. (Duggam) I will do my best. (Litty) Duggam quietly disappeared, contrary to his earlier momentum. The remaining apprentices exhaled loudly in unison. Then they stood up and staggered out of the dojo. As they did so, they uttered curses to Duggam. Litty followed them. I cant do this anymore Im quitting today. That old man is insane. Me too. Im going to die before I get stronger Its just a lower job Martial. He could only show off to someone as inferior as us, right? You should stop, as well, girl. No, I wont. The apprentices looked at Litty with knowing expression. After all, they also felt that they could do everything when they first joined the Martial guild. It was only after they experienced being tossed around countless times in a single day that they wanted to give up. To be fair, it was not unusual for apprentices to quit Martial guild within a few days of joining it. Some of them were so angry that they even challenged the branch manager to a fight, but even with weapons in their hands, they were tossed aside like nothing. You saw it yourself. Thats just abuse at this point. Thats why theyre going under. What do you mean, going under? Theyre not going to be able to attract people because of the way theyre going. They cant even keep up with the operating expenses, let alone fix up this old building. Litty looked up at the building. The roof was in shambles, and the whole place looked as if it could collapse at any moment. Litty couldnt understand Duggams intentions in handling training like this. And if you think about it, Martial is so lame. A swordsman is a mans dream, after all. Great. Lets go to the Swordsmans Guild tomorrow. Dont you have to tell Duggam-san that youre quitting? The apprentices snickered in disgust when Litty asked such a naive question. The ones who quit before never informed him as well. We already paid as well. Its a pain in the neck, but its not so bad if you think of it as a severance package. Why dont you take the opportunity to quit with us, Aida? Youre the most fed up among all of us, arent you? No, Im not! Litty was surprised, but she knew it was not a bluff. She was crying after being hurt so much, and yet Litty could sense a strong resolve in her eyes. That mans coaching is spot on! Its me who cant improve enough to be worthy of it! You cant improve like that Of course its tough! He was thinking about being in a life-and-death situation! You can go to the Swordsmans Guild or wherever you want! Im still determined to continue! With these words, Aida ran off. The apprentices were overwhelmed by her momentum, but they soon started walking again. How can she be so foolish when her family is poor? I heard shes working to make ends meet while attending that place. Is that true? If thats the case, she really should quit that place. It would really kill her Litty reconsidered her actions. From the looks of things, it seemed as if she was trying to help Aida, but it seemed unnecessary. If she was right, it was Litty who was fundamentally mistaken. Im not like those people, am I? Thinking of Yggdrasia, Litty grumbled and decided to stop here and rest up for now, to save more energy for tomorrow. Name: Litty Gender: female Age: 15 Rank: 3 Main Job: Swordsman Mastered Jobs: Swordsman, Heavy Warrior, Summoner, Arche CH 57.1 Litty, trains in the Martial Guild So there are only six of you today. The apprentices, who had announced they were quitting, were really not present the next day. Duggam showed no significant reaction, as if this kind of thing was an everyday occurrence. The Martial Guild, which Duggam ran, started early in the morning. Normally, there would be some instructors and a certain amount of activity in the guilds, but right now, this guild was deserted and spacious. Despite this situation, Duggams job remained the same. After the basic training, it was just martial skills practice, kumite, and simple routines, and since Duggam was alone, he was responsible for everything. Litty, you are no longer a beginner. Youre going to join kumite today! Yes! Myan! I told you to keep the pet away! Myan Myan got off from Litty with a sulky look on her face. She settled down in the corner to watch over her Master. Litty, now in a rather awkward position with no Myan wrapped around her, lightly moved her body and then began basic training. By the time the apprentices had finished their spirited basic training, they were drenched in sweat. As I always say, in Martial, your body itself is your weapon! Concentrate on every nerve in your body! Feel it down to the tips of your hair! Yes! Littys voice was the loudest. She observed the apprentices, trying to determine the truth of the Archer Guilds branch managers statement. The apprentices who quit yesterday had been here for a long time and had not yet mastered their titles. The same goes for Aida, who, as far as Litty could tell, was the most polished in her movements. Litty! Youre not concentrating! (Duggam) Sorry! Litty did her best to avoid getting caught observing her surroundings, but Duggam was terribly observant. It was enough of an incident to demonstrate his prowess as an expert. Litty judged that Duggam, like the other Branch Managers, was at least a Rank 2 or above. After the basic skills training was completed, there was a break of a few minutes. Next, one by one, the participants began kumite with the Branch Manager. Litty had a question at this point. She had trained in pairs with Roma at the Swordsmans Guild, but here it was only one-on-one with the Branch Manager. After thinking about keeping silent for a moment, Litty decided to just ask in the end. We are training with the branch manager, not with the other members? (Litty) It makes no sense to fight with a weak opponent! Im going to make you a better fighter! Then, Aida! (Duggam) Litty still had room to argue, but decided not to interrupt any further. Not only would it have interfered with the flow of the conversation, but it would also have angered the Branch Manager. Whats the matter! Youre still slouching! (Duggam) Haah! (Aida) Nuh! (Duggam) Aidas kick was blocked by Duggam, but it had a definite weight to it. The Branch Managers expression faintly softened for a moment but it quickly changed to a stern form, and he parried Aida away with a single punch. Its not enough! Think about why you got this result! (Duggam) I didnt follow up after the kick! (Aida) Good! Next! (Duggam) Soon, the rest of the apprentices were in a mess, and as far as Litty could tell, it wasnt so bad, but Duggam didnt let his cheeks slacken after that. Some of the apprentices went down without being able to defend themselves against the first blow, and Duggams scolding intensified. If youre like that, quit already! (Duggam) Uh uuh Move! Next! Litty! (Duggam) yes! (Litty) CH 57.2 Litty was Rank 3, but a beginner when it came to grappling. That said, she was not willing to concede victory to Duggam. Litty had something to say to Duggam, but instead of just saying it, she thought it would be better to actually show him the results. The dissatisfaction with Duggam, which was present in no small amount, motivated Litty. Come at me! (Duggam) Duggam was ready, and with a leap, Litty launched a kick toward his head, which Duggam guarded, but did not anticipate the weight of the attack. His arm was pushed back, and his guard was almost broken. In fact, it might even leave damage to his arm. Ugh! (Duggam) Yah! (Litty) Duggam dared to lean his body to soften the impact. Litty landed in the gap and followed up with another kick. The barrage of blows left no room for Duggam to counterattack. He was actually getting pushed back by a small girl. Littys grappling skills, though rough and untrained, were beyond the realm of an apprentice. She had developed her power, speed, and above all, her skills to this level with only one training session. Duggam had no time to realize how much she had grown, and a slight fear of Litty began to grow within him. Haah! As soon as the word defeat popped into Duggams head while receiving a continuous barrage of attacks from Litty, he gave an unconscious response. You! Oryaaa! (Duggam) Wha? (Litty) When Litty received Duggams attack, she felt as if explosions had occurred. One, two, three, four Her whole body was being bombarded by something. It was Duggams skill. It was not a skill he would usually unleash on an apprenticeC Explosive Fists! (Duggam) Litty was no longer allowed to guard. Her small body was beaten so badly that it floated in the air with the force of the blows. Martial, in fact, was the Job required to be a grappler. Litty, unarmed, had no way to prevent Duggam from unleashing his power, and just as Litty was about to faint, something flashed out of the corner of her eye. Myan! (Myan) Whoa! (Duggam) Myan was running around Duggams feet. Duggam, caught surprised in the middle of his skill, unexpectedly fell down. The sound of his massive body striking the floor of the dojo echoed. Ughhhh! (Duggam) Ah Myan? (Litty) Myan! Myanmyan! (Myan) Myan rushed to Litty, who wobbled and fell to her knees, licking Litty all over, showing her concern. Here, Litty finally realized that Myan had saved her. She endured the part where she should have scolded Myan for interrupting the match. Myan thank you (Litty) Myan! (Myan) Uu, unu (Duggam) Duggam stood up, rubbing his lower back. The apprentices who were watching the match felt nervous. If Duggam got furious and lost his temper, they would be dragged into this matter and had to bear more beating. Im well, I see. Ive done it (Duggam) Im sorry about Myan! Also for my inexperience. (Litty) It cant be helped for a summoned beast to help their Master (Duggam) Duggam sat down in the dojo, still rubbing his back. Litty, too, was still damaged from the barrage of explosive blows and couldnt stand up properly. Litty realized that Duggam was a man of great strength, and she wished that she would have the opportunity to witness the full extent of his skills. I was careless Im sorry for it. Not only did I use my Grappler skill on you just now, but I also used it because of my own immaturity even though I knew it wasnt right. (Duggam) Um, you dont have to be so hard-hearted Im alive. (Litty) Im sure the apprentices have seen how foolish I am now. There is no excuse for this. (Duggam) CH 57.3 With his rough shell gone, Duggam sat down and would not stand up. Litty was at a loss for words at the sight of his dejected appearance. Then Aida came and sat down in front of Duggam. Branch Manager, please dont say such a thing. What is wrong with you? (Aida) Aida You already have the ability to acquire the title. It is my own weakness that prevented me from giving it to you. (Duggam) I am already?! (Aida) Well, well, I came here to greet you, and ask you to drop your overflowing energy, but you dont seem that energetic today, huh? Leaning against the entrance of the dojo was Baider, captain of the Royal Knights of the Amphisbaena Corps. Baider came up with a few of his subordinates in tow, with their dirty shoes on. Wait! Take off your shoes! (Duggam) Oops, excuse me. (Baider) As if he had made a mistake, Baider took off his shoes and put them aside. Myan growled at his appearance. Litty hugged Myan and soothed her, but her threats did not cease. Myaaan! (Myan) Myan! (Litty) Youve reduced the number of guild members yet again. As expected of Branch Manager Duggam, who was feared as a warrior demon How marvelous. (Baider) Litty knew it was sarcasm. However, Duggam did not show any emotion, so Litty stayed silent. Duggam finally stood up and moved into close range of Baider. What do you want? (Duggam) Well, I simply came to see how things are going. I just wanted to ensure guilds are doing their job, you know. (Baider) Im in the middle of training, go away. (Duggam) After several years of not producing any titleholders, the number of apprentices is dwindling. Who does this guild even serve at this point? (Baider) Its none of your business. (Duggam) Well, no. (Baider) Baider paced back and forth, languidly. He struck a provocative pose with his tall figure and turned again to Duggam. However, a certain person belonging to the Adventurers Guild headquarters told me that the Adventurers Guild has established its roots in our country, but it must also show results, you see? In other words, a guild that doesnt show results is worthless, right? (Baider) We pay our taxes on time. What do you want? (Duggam) Im going to be direct with you. We are here to request for this guild to be removed, you see. (Baider) I refuse. (Duggam) You failed to have any successful titleholder adventurer. What results can you present if we were to report to the higher-ups? (Baider) Baider clicked his tongue, a gesture reminiscent of a snake, which disgusted Aida and the others, and even though Baider didnt finish, Litty could guess his intention. What if I still refuse to entertain your request? (Duggam) Are you certain that you really want to refuse? You know, you will be losing a fair amount of benefits. (Baider) I refuse. Do whatever you want. Anyway, I dont trust you. I am not ignorant of the dark rumors swirling around you. (Duggam) I guess you would believe the rootless gossip, wouldnt you? Well, that cant be helped, I did indulge you and yet, you still refused (Baider) Baiders group drew their weapons at once, with Duggam bracing himself and the apprentices shrinking back in fear. Litty was frantically trying to figure out what to do in this situation. For her part, she didnt want a fight without proper understanding of the situation. CH 57.4 Are you going against us? Against the Knights of the Kingdom? (Baider) That arrogance of yours is unacceptable! (Duggam) We came here to calmly discuss the matter, and you attacked us in a fit of rage We call this self-defense. There are many ways to do this, you know? (Baider) Wait a minute! (Litty) When Litty raised her voice, Baider turned a narrow, sharp look at her. Nudging Myan, Litty kept a certain distance from Baider because Myan was restless. Baider-san, you want to shut down this guild on the basis of not producing any results, right? (Litty) Basically, yes. We met once, didnt we? (Baider) Yes, we met at the Summoners Guild. (Litty) So, what are you trying to tell me? (Baider) Im certain that Ill learn and achieve the title very soon. The rest of those who are here will also soon follow suit. (Litty) Haha (Baider) Baider then laughed lightly, and the apprentices turned pale, with only Aida calmly watching the exchange. What are you insinuating? The apprentices are all pale from the fright, and only that girl is calm enough to watch the exchange. Thats bogus, isnt it? (Baider) Duggam-san will not fail and apprentices will definitely reach that goal. Cant you wait until we can prove that this guild is great? (Litty) Whats in for me? (Baider) Nothing. Thats why Im simply asking you. (Litty) Kakakaka Baider, are you afraid of them? (Duggam) Before Baider could reply, the Branch Manager sneered, and approached Baider again. What is it? (Baider) As more and more adventurers continue to develop and fill in prominent positions, the position of the Amphisbaena Corps will become more and more compromised. In fact, I am not even sure what your squads role will become compared to the rest of the knights. (Duggam) What, what are you talking about? (Baider) The Adventurers Guild has taken root in this country. The more deeply they take root, the less work the regular army will have I can understand that much. (Duggam) You are blabbering nonsense! (Baider) Baider glared at Duggam as if ashamed, but he was somewhat intimidated by the unmoving Duggam. Subconsciously, he realized that he would not get away unscathed if he tried to fight. Baider clicked his tongue loudly and then stowed away his weapon. Ill only wait a week, hey! If you still dont achieve anything, I wont just ask you to shut your little mouth! (Baider) Baider hurried out of the dojo, followed by his men. After confirming that they were out of sight, Duggam sat down on the floor again. Haah you, you little brat. (Duggam) Duggam-san, what is it with that man? Dont know. I dont want to know. I dont need to know. I see. Even though Duggam was laughing right now, the apprentices felt the danger. They were caught in the middle. Some of them were even thinking of quitting, just like the apprentices the other day, while some were thinking that his anger might simply shift its focus on Litty. Everyone, you can definitely become stronger! I will cooperate with you, so lets work hard! (Litty) Myan! (Myan) The apprentices were deflated at Littys carefree smile. Although these words could be seen as irresponsible and without any basis, their negative feelings were somewhat purified. It could be said that this was because earlier Litty had fought the branch manager on even terms. Above all, they were reminded that Litty had an achievement of Rank 3, not just her words. CH 58.1 Litty Learns the Truth About the Martial Guild The one-week period specified by Baider was too short. Duggam knew better than anyone else that it was impossible to show the significance of the Martial Guilds existence in such a short time. Therefore, Duggams actions would not change. The only happy miscalculation was Litty. Litty, on the first day, made Duggam take her seriously, and on the second day, she was able to go toe-to-toe with him. Good! That was spot on! (Duggam) Yes! (Litty) Despite his loud words, it was Litty who was pressing the attack, making Duggams huge body shudder. Duggam even thought that it was no longer possible for him to fight back without using his skills. In such a situation, Duggam came to a conclusion: He could not not refuse to recognize Litty, who had already reached Rank 3. Hmm I have nothing to complain about. (Duggam) Thank you! (Litty) The title (Duggam) Duggam swallowed his words as he was about to declare it. His mind flashed back to a former student of his. He was a child prodigy who started learning with no experience, and within a few months, he had already mastered everything Martial had to offer. Duggam and the other instructors at the time were unanimous in their praise of him and let him pass. No you need to work on it a little more. (Duggam) Yes? (Litty) Duggam held his forehead with one hand and looked distressed. Aida, who couldnt help but notice, tried to respond. Branch Manager, please tell me what Litty-san is lacking for my future studies. (Aida) Well, you know (Duggam) Yeah. She is seemingly already great. (Some apprentice) I have been a member of this guild for more than two years, and yet I have never seen someone get the title! If we are not good enough, I admit it! But why is this girl not qualified?! (Another apprentice) Following Aidas lead, other apprentices unusually offered their opinions to Duggam. They had been moved by the genius like Litty. Her brilliance, which did not even inspire jealousy, was the driving force that made everyone let out the resentment that had been suppressed until now. Shut up! I said I dont approve! Thats all there is to it! (Duggam) But if you dont do anything, Baider will get what he wants. Branch Manager, please. (Aida) what? (Duggam) I love this guild. I dont want to leave. (Aida) Duggam was taken back and felt silenced by Aidas unexpected words. Duggam was aware that he was giving too much training to the apprentices. That was also why the apprentices had quit one after the other. He felt that those who were still undergoing the training did not feel good about him either. Although Duggam didnt care even if they hated him, he was caught off guard by Aidas words. Aida, you what? (Duggam) As I said, I love this place. Some people think that you are going too far with your harsh guidance. However, I dont think so. We are currently lagging behind because of our own inadequacies. Thats also why I want to get strong in this place and prove them wrong. To be fair, I chose this place at first for a very naive reason (Aida) Aida looked down, her words slightly muffled, and Duggam wiped the sweat from his forehead, waiting for her to speak. As apprentices were aware of Aidas situation, they also listened to her attentively. My family is poor, and it is hard to feed my siblings. I decided on Martial because I cant afford to buy weapons. (Aida) For such a reason (Duggam) CH 58.2 As Aida had not earned the title, she could not take the advancement test to Rank 5. Currently, she spent her days fulfilling requests for Rank 6. It was quite a demanding schedule, but the branch manager was unaware of her circumstances. At first, I was overwhelmed by the intense training. Honestly, I thought about quitting multiple times However, one day, I saw someone come to you with tears and snot and saying he wanted to quit. (Aida) You mean that time! You were watching us?! (Duggam) Yes, accidentally (Aida) Litty could predict what Duggam might have done to that person. Did he throw him off or reprimand him? However, both guesses were wrong. You returned their registration fee and sent him off with just one line: Im sorry (Aida) What, is that true?! Mr. Branch Manager! What really is going on here!!! Duggam just stood there without saying a word. Litty had been wondering about what Duggams intentions might be, but she still had no answer to her queries. But she now understood why this building was so old and damaged. Litty concluded that this was the reason he could not even cover the cost of the repairs. Branch Manager, youve been wholeheartedly taking care of the apprentices. Thats why I decided to stay in this guild. (Aida) I see. (Duggam) I know that the instructions that seem to go too far are all out of love I felt that way. I recognize that, and its why I want answers. (Aida) Duggam looked at Litty and the others with a sense of resignation. With his whole body relaxed, he did not look like a leader, but just a commoner. Duggam changed his mind about hiding the truth from everyone, and tried to tell everything as a person. Love, huh? If I had that, maybe that boy wouldnt have died. (Duggam) That boy? (Aida) There was a boy I had a special interest in. He was not as good as Litty there, but he had grown up fast. I was convinced that this boy would soon develop into a successful adventurer. (Duggam) Well, where is he now? (Aida) Hes dead. A few days after I gave him the title, he was found in a very disfigured state. (Duggam) Everyone was at a loss for words. Even Aida was unable to take in the unexpectedly heavy story. I dont know if my teaching was wrong or if he made a mistake I dont even know what happened, but ever since then, I have become more and more focused on training everyone to be stronger, to be as good as me. (Duggam) Duggam clenched his fists, but it didnt stop them from trembling. Everyone thought he was probably crying, although they couldnt see his expression as his back was facing them. If students are not good enough, they will just lose their lives. If that is the case, it would be better for them to quit However, its my duty to make my students into full-fledged professionals. If I cant fulfill that duty, what kind of Branch Manager am I (Duggam) Litty had mixed feelings when she learned the meaning of his apology to those who had quit. She desperately wondered how to reach out to him. What Litty found out was that Duggam was a very serious person. Too serious to get things done. In reality, Duggam was simply too clumsy, but Litty could not come to that conclusion. Litty took the plunge, even though she didnt know how to motivate him, she simply put out her feelings in earnest. Duggam-san, I am a Rank 3 adventurer. I will use the skills I learned here to fight monsters and help people. So please have confidence in yourself. (Litty) Bu but I am not going to give you the title. (Duggam) It doesnt matter if I am not given a title. I am and will remain Duggam-sans student. (Litty) ! Littys optimistic declaration almost brought tears to Duggams eyes again. He understood her true nature in a vague way. CH 58.3 Litty was capable enough to force Duggam to use a series of Explosive Strike against her. Even if Duggam did not give her the title, she was fine with it and ready to move forward. Moreover, she was not only thinking of herself, but even of others. Hey, you cheeky to say all that (Duggam) Im just an adventurer. By the way, Duggam-san is fine the way he is. (Litty) Thats right. (Aida) Aida nodded to Litty. The apprentices followed, and they, too, expressed their feelings as before. Aida and the rest of the apprentices were still hanging in there, not quitting. The reasons for their persistence varied, but they all agreed that they had no distrust of Duggam. Im only Rank 6, but Ill do what I can do. Same for me. All of them ranked lower than Litty, but their abilities had been steadily improving. They realized it as well. Seeing them like this, Duggam couldnt hold back the tears that were pouring out like rain. You fools youre just a bunch of chicks (Duggam) Ill do whatever it takes to get you to acknowledge me. By then, I should be able to reach Rank 3 as well! Im not going to be nice to you Im the same as Ive always been! (Duggam) Duggam wiped away his tears and then faced the apprentices again. He stood with his fists clenched, his hands raised in the air, his motivation high, as Litty and the other apprentices struck the same pose. Lets resume our kumite! Whos first? (Duggam) Ill go first! No, its me! No, its me! Lets do this again! Litty, youre done now, join later! Duggam showed the same strictness to the apprentices who volunteered to be the first to go. However, he could not help but smile as they showed more enthusiasm. *** So, its only a matter of time before we get that property Is that so A man wearing a thin revealing gown sat on a bed, greeting Baider who was kneeling beside him. The man smirked as he looked across at the sleeping lady. Ive always wanted that place, but the crumbling guild was an eyesore. We knights will have a hard time if adventurers guild headquarters starts breathing down our necks. If it were not for that, we would have been able to force our way through everything. Yeah. But since that guild is now worthless, the Adventurers Guild will most likely ignore it The man stood up, tapping his chest. Baider, sensing this, refilled the glass of wine on the table for the man. Well done, Baider. So, about the honorary position of Real Ill think about it. Im grateful for that! Baider suppressed the urge to laugh out loud. Among the prestigious Royal Order of Knights, the Amphisbaena Corps played a role similar to that of a vigilante squadron, which was only assigned to the area around the royal capital. There were many reasons for him and his group being treated like this, but Baiders immorality was the primary one. The funds allocated to them were reduced year by year, and they were subjected to increasingly harsh criticism. Baider decided to resolve these problems by acquiring the honorary position of Real. For that, he was more than willing to flatter this powerful man. If I become an honorary Real, Ill be more than just a figurehead within the Order of the Knights. Thus, I will be more useful to you. Just work hard to the best of your ability. Yes! Baider had another plan in mind. He wanted revenge on Ilysis for defeating him in the intercompany tournament held in the castle. The thought of a future in which he could avenge the humiliation of being disgraced in front of all those people made Baiders spirits soar. In his mind, Illysis was already a pile of mess. CH 59.1 Litty struggles for the Martial Guild Even when the Martial Guild was on vacation, Litty and her team did not rest, as they declared that they would protect the guild against Baider for Branch Manager Duggam. After a lot of brainstorming, Litty and the others decided to complete as many as Rank 6 requests as possible. The members consisted of Litty (Rank 3), Oliger (Rank 4), Aida (Rank 6), and three others. The receptionist had to ask several times about the unusual situation of having a total of six people accepting a Rank 6 request. Litty thought about inviting Kuufa, too, but decided not to since she was holed up in the Summoners Guild studying. A Rank 6 request, huh? Actually, its my first time (Oliver) Did Oliger-san take the promotion exam to Rank 5 right away? (Litty) Not immediately. It took me a year. (Oliger) Oliger was already a Cleric. With the title of Martial, he could become a Monk, a higher position. His goal was to become a Monk and take over the temple in his hometown in the future. That was why he didnt want to be sidetracked by Rank 6 requests. Oliger couldnt help but praise Litty, Your idea is honestly great. This will help us improve the perception of Martial guild among residents and generate publicity. It just occurred to me suddenly. If you work hard and help people, they will definitely appreciate and recognize you. This is something I have personally experienced before. (Litty) But you dont have to stick around, do you? We will handle it ourselves. You should better focus on training. (Oliger) Only Aida has done Rank 6 requests before. You need more experienced people, so Ive got to go with you! (Litty) The members laughed at Litty, who was acting like a senior member in a strange way. At first, Litty initially suggested that the group should take down as many monsters as possible to gain more experience. However, Oliger pointed out that defeating monsters outside the capital would not make them stronger in the short term or have much of a publicity effect. Oliger believed that if the number of people who wanted to join the guild was high, Baider would not be able to do anything. His views convinced Litty and others. After some brainstorming, Litty suggested doing as many as Rank 6 requests as possible. This would improve the perception of Martial guild among residents and generate publicity. That would in turn increase the number of people who wanted to join the guild. Moreover, doing Rank 6 requests was easier for them with physical abilities they had cultivated in the Martial Guild. Of course, they were nervous whether this strategy would work or not. However, they could not come up with anything better. I am also experienced regarding Rank 6 requests, so if you have any questions, please ask me. (Aida) Thank you, Aida, but I never thought I would be doing Rank 6 requests at Rank 4. Just consider it as part of training, you know? (Aida) Yeah. It feels better when you put it that way. There was no doubt that Aida was a hard worker. Although she chose to study at the Martial Guild because of a lack of money, it was not out of ignorance. She had a goal and she chose the best way to achieve it. Even if she had the money to buy weapons, she would rather spend it on feeding her family meat regularly and send them to study. Oh, I think my shoes are a bit torn I recommend spats. They are easy to move in. Oh, that. Its kind of embarrassing Its for the best of the group. Its hard to deny when you imply it like that. Before long, as they conversed on silly things, they arrived at their first job. The job was to help with a relocation. CH 59.2 Although the job seemed simple, it involved a lot of work because there were large pieces of furniture, etc. It could not be done by one person. Thank you for your help. I dont know anyone here. I was so worried about thinking what I would do if no one took the job. No problem! We will do our best! Under Littys command, the group made rapid progress. The team members were able to show off their strength as they carried the goods to the new location without wasting any time. By the time all the work was done, even the members could not hide their fatigue. It was nice to be able to boast about their physical strength, but some wondered if this was really the right thing to do. That guy thanked us, but is it good publicity? Lets take things one at a time. The next task was to demolish an abandoned house. It was not just hard work, but also dangerous. The building was old, and the old man who owned the building was worried about the demolition cost. The old man thought that the cost would be huge if he asked the government to do the work. He believed that adventurers would be able to do it for less cost. It was one of the neglected requests because of the heavy workload for the small reward. Have you all really decided to do it? Building is damaged in places, and its not safe with all the debris falling down Leave it to us! The old mans fears were quickly dispelled. Dismantling required skill and knowledge, which was covered by their physical strength. As they dodged or caught debris that had inadvertently fallen, the eyes of the old man were glued to their performance. The group was satisfied that they had taken on the job as this would appeal to everyone, even if it wasnt a battle. Wow, that was remarkable. It was over so quickly. This is the first time Ive seen adventurers work live, but I didnt expect anything like this We are from Martial Guild which doesnt expect anything less from its members. I see. Thank you. I was just thinking about what to do when the Knights were pressuring me to give them this land. Is that the guy who looks like a snake?! Yes, it is. But now that the demolition is taken care of, he cant do anything. If he comes again, Ill just drive him away. The old man bowed his head repeatedly to express his gratitude. The group was dismayed to see the shadow of the Amphisbaena Corps in such a place. Litty, who was aware that the Knight Orders job was supposed to be protecting people, was filled with more and more doubts. *** Litty and her team worked hard, even after a week of intense training at the Martial Guild, to contribute to the people. Normally, people would have been overworked by now, but thanks to their intense training sessions at Martial Guild, they were used to heavy physical activities. Although it was a big city, some people started to take an interest in their activities. In particular, the client with whom Litty was talking with said with a broad smile. Youre a hard worker, arent you? I thought most adventurers were a bunch of boorish people. Youre good. (Woman) Thank you very much. Is Auntie living by herself? (Litty) My husband passed away, and my son is living in the Knights quarters. (Woman) I see A somewhat wealthy middle-aged woman patted Myans head as she spoke. It was a rest time after Litty had acted as her shopping agent on behalf of her weak legs and aching back. Litty felt a touch of loneliness as the woman let out her true feelings that she really wanted her son to stay with her. I know they call themselves knights, but there are many people who were forcibly evicted by those people called knights. Every time I hear something like that, I worry that my son is also involved. Whats so great about the Knights? CH 59.3 They are supposed to be a symbol of security. Theyre given power to make it possible. The questions deepened in Littys mind as to what the Amphisbaena Knights under Baider had been doing and why they were not maintaining security. Litty didnt know the details, but she hoped that this womans son was doing the right things. *** Litty, I am awarding you the title. What! Are you sure?! Duggams words were very shocking to Litty, causing her to react like that. But it did not end there. The Branch Manager came to Aida and looked at her. Aida, Im awarding you the title as well. E, Even for me? Your martial skills have been refined for a long time. It was the knot in my heart that prevented me from awarding you the title. Besides Duggam looked around at Litty and the other apprentices. Duggam could see that the scars on their bodies were not the result of their training. What were they doing? And what for. Duggam was not so stupid as not to know. I cant just stand still while you guys are doing your best. Duggam urged them with his hand to give him their adventurers cards, and when they did, he disappeared into the back of the room. When he returned a few minutes later, the long-awaited title had been inscribed, and Litty, of course, was trembling and thrilled, so was Aida, when she received her Adventurers Card from Duggam. I did it I finally did it Yes. I too. But! I have one last thing to say! Yes! Yes! Never die! If you die, your title will be revoked! In fact, your adventurer status will be revoked as well! Do you understand? Yes! Yes! No one would make a wild accusation that if you die, you could no longer be an adventurer or anything else. They knew that this was Duggams way of giving them encouragement. It was not that Oliger, a Rank 4 who was ahead of Aida, did not have any regret for being overtaken by her. However, the daily work of Rank 6 tasks had given him an opportunity to review his own situation. He never had many opportunities to receive appreciation from others because he was always busy hunting, so this was a valuable experience for him. Oliger, too, had matured. Congratulations, Aida! Well, since were happy and the timing is just right, let me buy you a drink. (Oliger) Oh Oliger-san, dont you mean youll buy me some meat? (Aida) No, not necessarily meat (Oliger) Its meat! Meat! (Aida) Okay, okay, wipe your drool off your face. (Oliger) Thank you very much for the meat! (Aida) The juniors also thanked Oliger for the treat. Oliger had intended to limit it only to Aida, but there was no way he could back out of it anymore. And may I invite my brothers?! (Aida) Youre not being so reserved, are you now?! (Oliger) Ill pay for it as well. (Litty) As expected of Rank 3, Litty-san! (Oliger) Oh good grief I think Ill go out as well. (Duggam) Duggam, who joined the group, looked a little embarrassed. The image of him, who had always been a fiery and intense trainer, was overturned. Some members of the group felt a little awkward, but eventually, the temptation of meat was too much to resist. Good grief, well, this is also training This will help you become a Monk, you know. Myan, myan! Although no longer relevant, Oliger found Littys nonsense strangely persuasive. Litty was concerned about Myans excitement, but she soon settled down. Myan, do you want some meat? Myan! A silver line of saliva from Myan could answer it without needing to ask. Name: Litty Gender: female Age: 15 Rank: 3 Main Job: Swordsman Mastered Jobs: Swordsman, Heavy Warrior, Summoner, Archer, Martial CH 60.1 Litty Fights in the Sewers Part 1 Aida received the title and was officially promoted to Rank 5. This meant that she could now accept subjugation requests. At this opportune moment, the Adventurers Guild issued a request for a large-scale subjugation of the Sword Rats that had nested in the sewers. The rank of this monster itself was Rank 5, but the number of Sword Rats was beyond average. The request was to eliminate them all before they could harm the civilians, as they were using the sewers, or the underground of the Royal Capital, as their stronghold. The adventurers gathered in the Adventurers Guild were waiting for their leader to appear. Its a request for a large-scale subjugation. Many adventurers will be participating in the subjugation, right? Yeah. I feel so out of place here The party over there is also a well-known one. (Aida) Aida-san is strong. You should be more confident. Aida knew that Litty was not falsely praising her to calm her down. After all, since Duggam decided to bestow the title on her, it showed that she was beyond comparison with her peers. Her abilities were not limited to a Rank 5. However, Aida, who had never been in a real battle, could not help but become nervous in the presence of so many adventurers. Ai, Aida-san, Im also a little ne-ne-nervous, so (Kuufa) Kuufa-san, righteven in Rank 3, do you get so nervous that your teeth clatter? Shes a klutz, after all Wahya?! (Adia) Aida jumped at the appearance of Aquaria, who suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Moreover, Aquaria was weirdly clinging to Kuufas back as she moved in sneakily, freaking Aida more. Hey, dont be surprised. Im a water spirit. I wonder if a strike-only Martial like you would be capable enough to damage me. Damage you?? Aquaria-san, dont scare her. Mmm-hmm. Litty was worried about the mix-up between the mischievous Aquaria and the serious Aida. On the other hand, there were a few who scowled at the loose atmosphere of the girls. There was a reason why adventurers were flocking to accept the task of defeating the Rank 5 rats. After all, this job was commissioned by the government, so it was also an opportunity. If they were successful and stood out, they would receive some kind of benefit. Most of them thought that there was no harm in flattering the government. What the hell are those kids? Theyre probably taking it easy just because theyre dealing with Rank 5 rats. Dont you guys know? That pink-haired kid named Litty is famous for defeating a Named Monster in the Deep Underground. What? Even within the capitals Adventurers Guild, Littys fame was rather high. Her defeat of a Rank 2 Named Monster, which could have wiped out the entire party, made her stand out even if she didnt want to be noticed. Litty didnt mind, and stroked Myans head and chin. A man she had met before appeared in front of her. Yo, youre here too? I believe you provided me with the information about the Rank 3 promotion exam Im Charl. I assume you made it to Rank 3? Yes, I did. Thanks to you. The stares from the people around them disappeared when the leader of one of the parties called out to Litty. Red Flag was a party made up of Rank 1 adventurers who specialized in killing, be it monsters or humans. They had been commissioned by the government to take down many unscrupulous people on numerous occasions. They had also contributed to the extermination of anti-kingdom forces and were highly regarded by the Royal Family. CH 60.2 The leader of the party, Charls broom-like blond hair, made an impact on Litty. Charl is actually talking to that kid? Is she somehow related to him? Why dont you go ask him? I dont want to I heard theyre super scary. I heard they are the kind of guys who would laugh at a screaming bandit and stab him to death. As the adventurers were spouting information about the Red Flag, the person who was supposed to manage the task on behalf of the government finally appeared on stage. It was someone Litty also knew, but it was enough to lower her spirits. After all, the sign on the request only said that it was to be led by the Knights Order. Youre all here. This time, the attack will be a joint front between the adventurers and us, the Amphisbaena. You have to listen to what I say. No one was excited by the appearance of Baider. He was always the subject of suspicious rumors. The men who were expecting to see the Silver Fenrir team led by Ilysis were discouraged by the appearance of Baider and his team. Perhaps sensing their mood, Baider twisted his lips more nastily. We dont have time for this, either. We have no choice but to do this because we have orders from the top. Well, adventurers, all you have to do is follow behind us, okay? Hey, seems like Ill be learning from you guys. The owner of these words, which could only be considered sarcastic, was Charl. He, too, was not impressed with Baider. For him, who showed no mercy to humans, good or bad, Baider was just a walking bag of meat. *** The sewers of the royal capital were vast. A few adventurers were not enough to deal with the countless monster rats that infested such a place. Magic traps, magic tools, and magic itself could not be used because of the possibility of damaging the city above. This place stinks! Why am I doing this? Captain Baider, sword rats are smart monsters. If you fall behind, youll be disadvantaged Shut up! Do you know who youre talking back to!? Im sorry, sir! No one was in a good mood after hearing their supposed leader say such an unreasonable insult to his subordinate. Charl, who couldnt help but notice the low atmosphere lingering in the team, clapped his hands to get everyones attention. Your good subordinate there is right, dont underestimate the enemy just because it is Rank 5. They are intelligent enough to target the rear guard, who are not good at close combat. Baider immediately replied while snorting, Oh, really!? Charl decided to just ignore Baiders response and addressed others, Yup. Thats also why its troublesome when they breed. This time, were going to exterminate every last one of them. First, well split up into sections Seeing Charl ignore him like this, Baider pushed the man, who was considered an excellent subordinate, away with one hand and stood beside Charl. Seeing Baiders actions, Charl said with an expressionless face, The foothold is very narrow here, you know. If you slip, youll dive into the sewage. Charls response made Baiders expression turn more ugly, but before he could say anything, one of the team members shouted. Well, here they come! Sword Rats were about the size of a childs head, but with a small blade growing out of their back. At high speed, they emerged from the depths of the sewers, displaying hostility towards the intruders. Baider moved in after them. Youre all here just to die, I suppose! One Snake Slash Single Hub! CH 60.3 Baiders body flexed gracefully as he dodged the rats that dared to challenge him. The mobility of his joints exceeded Littys expectations. His arms, legs, and hips all curved as he sliced through the rats with his thin twin swords. His figure was just like a snake. What is that? What is that movement? Its a soft sword technique that has been passed down in his family for generations. He was born with a soft body. I heard that no one has ever escaped being chased by him. Charl-san, you know a lot of things, dont you? No, I only know what Ive heard. Hahaha! What do you think of my ability? Indeed, Baider was so good that everyone was impressed by his ability. However, his opponent was only a Rank 5 rat. Regardless of Baiders ability, there was no one who could not achieve unrivaled performance in this situation. As for the others, all they could think of was that he was getting ahead of himself and feeling good about it. Ah, Aquaria! Yes, yes. Oh, dont worry about the sewage. It wont mix with it! Ah, drown them, Aqua Road! The power of the Aqua Road that was released from Aquaria was very different from that of the Aqua Road that was shown in the Summoners Guild Branch Managers battle. It was not for swimming, but flushing. The trapped rats drowned, without any way to do anything about it. The Aqua Road was named after a river in the guilds book that flows through the other world. So Cool! Oi, oi thats foul, isnt it? Kuufa improved the accuracy of her coordination and skills through further training and study. The source of this effort was Litty, whose words still have roots in Kuufas mind. She wanted to stand alongside Litty as soon as possible. She also hoped to have adventures with Litty someday. Kuufa-san, you are amazing! Litty-san, I Oh, the sewage! Hiii! The control dulled as she relaxed. The Aqua Road almost landed in the sewage. Aquaria was not the only one to admit that Kuufa was still inexperienced. Well, this is a surprise. We at Red Flag are going to have to get into action. Daido, Caron, Jennifer, lets do this. Oh. If they dont want to use magic, why do I need to join? Caron can take a break! Red Flag passed by Baider, who was still stunned by Kuufas Aqua Road. The other adventurers who followed challenged the overflowing pack of rats. The speed of their annihilation was extraordinary, as they were a force of well-known adventurers. Joining them were members of the Martial Guild, including Aida and Oliger, with Litty in the lead. Um, Captain Baider? Ha? Lets do it too! Of course! Damn it! Thats why summons are always such a pain! Baider, who had lost his aim to show off his units strength, hurriedly resumed the rat hunt. However, it was not a good time for Baider and his men. Every rat they targeted was killed before they could get to it, leaving them completely stranded on the wrong side of the battlefield. CH 61.1 Litty Fights in the Sewers Part 2 In the large sewers, each person worked hard to defeat the rats. The exits had already been sealed off, so the rats would not have any escape route. It was not unusual for such small monsters to enter human territory. However, most of them presented little to no threat and were quickly defeated. So, why had they multiplied to such an extent? Hey! What are you guys doing! Wow, theyre doing so well that we dont even have a chance The culprits who had neglected the territory they were supposed to protect, namely the Royal Capital, scolded their co-workers aka adventurers. They were unable to contribute in any way because of being critically outperformed by the adventurers. Aida leaped in front of the Amphisbaena squad and kicked the sword rats. In the sewers, where footholds were limited, she was moving freely in all directions. She put one hand on the floor and kicked several rats with a spinning kick, which made the Amphisbaena squad look at her in amazement. Litty also kicked at the wall and landed on the other side of the sewer. Thats great, Litty, I cant lose. Oliger-san, lets do that too! Oliger and the others, who were also eager to get rid of the rats, stood alongside Aida and did not leave the rats any leeway. The Amphisbaena squad as well as adventurers were impressed by their physical abilities and skills. That included the veteran party, Red Flag. Amazing Ive seen a lot of Martials, but that one (Litty) has a different level of potential. Charl, arent we unnecessary here? Dont you try to skimp on anything, Caron, look at Daido. The vanguard of the Red Flag, Daido, blocked the rats escape route. It was as if rats were caught in an invisible trap, helpless to prevent themselves from being mowed down. Litty watched Daidos performance and asked Charl in amazement, It was wonderful! How is he pulling that off? Well, thats just how he fights. With him there, not even a single rat could get through. Lets leave that part to him. Yes, yes! Everyone, sing, dance and fight! (Jennifer) Jennifer, also from Red Flag, started dancing to a lively rhythm. The adventurers were stimulated to see her dancing in a rather revealing costume. Ohhhhhh! Jennifer-chaaaaaan! Fight! Adventurers! Jennifer-chan is awesome The adventurers, who were unusually excited about Jennifer, became even more hyped. They seemed to be on fire, and with Jennifer at the center, they were taking out the rats at a pace that was much faster than before. Among them was Oliger, who was in a frenzy that was unimaginable to the serious man he usually acted as. O, Oliger-san? (Litty) Jennifer is a singing and dancing idol. A job with the most narrow selection, except an honorary position known as Real. That song and dance energizes the people around her, adding extra vigor to their blood and makes them surpass their limits. (Charl) Eh, how does she do that?! (Litty) There are many people who want to take the next step, but cant. They need something to inspire or motivate them. Jennifer stimulates people with her charm. However, it may sound easy, but it is quite difficult to do. (Charl) I think you can do it as well, you know? (Jennifer) Litty was surprised to suddenly find herself being responded to without her noticing. She may have been caught off guard, but its fine because it was Jennifer, who was her ally on the field. CH 61.2 Jennifer circled around Litty and then tapped her on the shoulder. That girl over there is attractive, too, isnt she? (Jennifer) Aida-san too?! (Litty) Yes! I should scout her out, right? And it would be fun if we formed a unit! (Jennifer) Nice, nice. Its good to see the girls getting along with each other, isnt it? (Charl) Charl propped his weapon against the wall and was completely absorbed in the situation. He looked completely relaxed in this stinky sewer. Its really weird to see you like that (Caron) Hey, is that how you look at me, Caron-chan? It makes me want to leave the group. (Charl) (Caron) Litty listened to Red Flags conversation as they continued to finish off the rats that came into their way. The atmosphere surrounding them was different from Yggdrasias, and it was interesting for Litty to watch them. She even hoped to be able to meet them again someday. Just then something unusual happened to Aida. Ah! Oops, sorry about that. Aidas foot was blocked by Baider, making her almost fall into the sewage. However, Jennifer caught her arm with a follow-up move of pulling her back. The way Jennifer danced and supported Aida was enough to make Baider click his tongue. Are you okay? (Jennifer) Thank you, I (Aida) Shall we dance like this? (Jennifer) Eh?! (Aida) By the way, if you keep sneaking around, youre going to get in the way of us defeating the rats, you know? (Jennifer) Baiders expression was distorted after Jennifers comment. Everyone was antagonistic to his behavior, but it was Charl who looked the most furious. He was holding a halberd, a weapon that had been placed on display. Litty wondered if he would do something to Baider. Well, lets get this over with, shall we? (Charl) Ugh?! (Baider) The fiery aura from him made Baider shudder. It made Baider feel as if he were included among the targets. The adventurers appeared from the back of the sewers, chasing rats. Standing in front of them, Charl took a single swing of his halberd, and it was over. The rats were quickly torn in half. The adventurers nearly fell on their butts. Even the most ignorant Baider could tell that this move was the last warning for him. If Charl wanted to, he could always get rid of him. Join hands with me, okay? Lets start with a few simple moves! (Jennifer) Ye, Yes! (Aida) Thats it, thats the way! (Jennifer) Aida and Jennifers dance seemed to break through the tense atmosphere. No, it was a battle. Caron showered the rats with balls of flame like bullets, and Charl wielded his halberd. Aqua Road created by Kuufa and Aquaria, and Daidos Wall Looking at those people made Litty refine her moves. She did not want to be outmatched. As a fellow adventurer and a like-minded person, she admired them. Litty was impressed once again, realizing that Yggdrasia was not the only great adventurer party in the world. I will also! Myan! (Litty) Myan! (Myan) Litty took a bow and arrows out of Myans mouth and shot them all at once. After accurately shooting the rats on the other side of the sewer, she used her technique to fight at close range. Charl and the others were not the only ones to appreciate Littys ability to handle even long-distance attacks. The adventurers were also speechless. Some even thought that with Littys skills in handling all kinds of weapons, and her ability to use them in the right place, her actual fighting ability was definitely not limited to that of a Rank 3. CH 61.3 Wow! Thats great! As seniors, we will have to show them better, wont we? Captain Baider? (Charl) Damn! Youre just an adventurer! (Baider) Baider, who had been sarcastically attacked by Charl, got infuriated and chased after the rat with his twin swords. It was not only summoned beasts that he disliked. He also loathed adventurers as beings from the outside. Although he was concerned about them being a threat to the country, the root of his hatred was different. Im Baider, captain of the Royal Knights of Amphisbaena! Ive been trained and brought up in a harsh environment that adventurers cant even begin to think about! And yet they all take it so lightly! They all look down on me! In desperation, Baider was now running around on his own. He was no longer thinking about his position as the leader of his troops. He continued to attack the rats, thinking only of his own unrivaled success. He abhorred adventurers. On the other hand, he was also afraid of them. He was afraid that his originally shaky position would be destroyed by competent adventurers. It was inevitable that he would go on another rampage. Agh! (Oliger) Youre in my way! (Baider) Oliger-san! (Litty) Baiders boot, which kicked Oliger in the back, was making sounds. They had sharp blades on the toes, which could be used as a weapon. Litty supported Oliger as he was about to fall to the floor after being kicked. Im sorry Im just inexperienced (Oliger) That was his fault! (Litty) No, just as Branch Manager Duggam had mentioned. I easily let my guard down. (Oliger) Litty admired Oligers spirit and mentality. However, things had gone too out of control to do anything. Baider. (Litty) Litty, theres a rat over there. Please. (Charl) But, but (Litty) Please. (Charl) It was Charl who diverted Litty away from Baider. Charl knew that Littys anger was building to the point of murderous intent. No matter what kind of person Baider was, he had to be judged by the nation if he had harmed a member of the Order. Having recognized Litty as a major talent, Charl wanted her to remain steady and calm minded in such situations. Caron, give him some healing magic. (Charl) Alright. There you go. (Caron) I apologize for the trouble Ive caused (Oliger) Myan bared her fangs and made angry noises in Baiders direction on Littys behalf. Baider snorted at that, as if to provoke Myan. Were almost done with the rats. Lets push forward from here. (Charl) Charl was focused on defeating the rats. Baider, who was expecting Charl to retaliate, was relieved to hear that. You know you should be watching your step! (Charl) Whaaaat?! (Baider) At that moment, halberds handle caught Baiders foot. Uhhh! (Baider) Baider lost his balance and his body faced the sewage. Charl left before the sound of water splashing was heard. It was only after this that those present noticed something was wrong. Ahhh Jennifer covered her nose and mouth with her hands. It was a natural gesture, considering the disaster that was about to happen. As Baider got out of the sewage, the first to react was Charl, who had made him fall. Pinching his nose, Charl ran away from him after commenting in an exaggerated tone, Sorry! I didnt know you were there! Ugigigi (Baider) A second later, the other members of Red Flag and the adventurers also started running away. Uppp!? (Baider) Theres still rats over there! Keep going! Baider nearly threw up from the sewage that clung to him. Only a few of Baiders subordinates were present there. However, most of them were missing. Even though they knew they would be severely reprimanded later, they simply could not bear the stench of it. Hahaha, did I overdo it? (Charl) is, is it okay? (Litty) Dunno? (Charl) Myan? (Myan) For some reason, Myan was imitating Charl, who was playing dumb. Litty felt a little better after seeing Myan had cooled down. CH 62.1 Litty Watches the New Beginnings of the Martial Guild The Martial Guild was busier than ever. The guild received a flood of applicants to join. Not only adventurers, but also ordinary citizens. Among them were those who had left the guild in the past. Branch manager, we apologize for leaving without any notice! Whats going on here? We saw Aida and the others during the sword rats subjugation task. We were impressed At the same time, we also felt that we missed an important opportunity. So you guys want to rejoin? The adventurers all offered Duggam their registration fees, but Duggam did not accept it. I have already received it. But I return registration fees when someone quits, but you guys left without saying anything. Duggam saved the money he received from them in case they came back at any time, or if they asked him to return the money. Aida and the others had only recently learned that Duggam had been earning money from somewhere else, without ever touching the funds from the students. So everyones back. Aida, Im sorry. I didnt try my best. Its fine. You just have to stick with it. Im sure the Branch Manager Duggam will approve of you. I hope so Thats right! You can do this, dont give up! Aida feared that this announcement might cause the prospective members to shy away from joining the guild, but Litty was already on the move. She was making the ordinary people, who had no experience of fighting, learn simple movements. The previous Duggam would have threatened her, but now he just groaned. Hey, Ill have to think a bit about whether or not to train ordinary people and how to train them. Branch Manager, in the Archer guild, ordinary people are allowed to use learner archery casually. I think it would be a good idea to do the same here. But Litty, we are not the Archer guild. We will first let them learn the joy of physical exercise, and if they want to progress further and want to become strong like Aida-san and the others, the branch manager should show no mercy in their training. Mm This was the conclusion Litty came up with after helping Kuufa in the Archer guild. She thought it would be good to let them try first and see how much fun it was to improve. Litty believed that this would result in a positive outcome. Surely, I couldnt just start throwing people who have no fighting experience. Ill give it some thought. No problems. Just teach them gently in the beginning. Litty added to Duggams somewhat misplaced conclusion. Litty didnt want Duggam to train halfheartedly, but she also didnt want newcomers to quit too soon because of excessive training. Trying to adhere strictly to the be gentle part, Duggam awkwardly started explaining to the prospective members. Just when everyone thought the matter was settled, an uninvited guest walked through the gate. Its quite lively today, isnt it? No one who is neither a prospective member nor a visitor aint welcome here! Mya-myan! Litty stood in front of Baiders group, arms crossed. When prospective members saw Baider, they immediately understood he was up to no good. He was notorious for making people evict their places. What are you doing here! You want to evict this place as well? Go waste your time somewhere else. Get out of here! You, you bastards! Baider flinched at the storm of boos. CH 62.2 Seeing Baider, Duggam clenched his fist, but unclenched it after a moment. He decided he didnt need to be rough with Baider. He did not falter, even when an enraged Baider drew his twin swords. Do you smell something? Yeah, apparently its coming from that guy. Geh Baider panicked and sniffed his body and arms. It was the smell of the sewer where he had been tossed into by Charl. He had cleaned his clothes, armor, and body like a madman since then. However, the sewage flowing in the sewers, which could be called a collection of dirt, was tough. As a result, anyone at close range would still pick up the scent. Baider-san, didnt you take a bath? Of course I did! That Charl is the reason Im like this, you know! Oliger-san was stabbed in the back by you. Aida-san almost fell because of you. Dont compare my position with that of adventurers! Thats not reasonable. Please apologize. Duggam was the first one to notice that something was strange about Littys presence. It was as if she was ready to attack at any moment. Wha, what are you saying? You people should be the ones apologizing Youre a knight. You should be reasonable. You, you, do you even know what a knight is? Baider could not understand why but he was feeling a sense of danger crawling over him. It was as if he was being swallowed by something. Baiders breathing became raspy and his throat dried up as time passed. At some point, he lost his voice and backed away several steps from the entrance. If you wont do it, please dont come back. Ah, ah ah, ah. With shaky legs, Baider almost fell over. Fortunately, his men caught him on both sides in time, but he could not take his eyes off Litty. Next time I will not let things slide. We are retreating for now, but we will be back soon! Baider was dragged away by his men, and the Amphisbaena squad disappeared. Even after they were gone, the silence remained. Everyone could see that Litty was angry. Litty, thats enough. Uh, yes. After hearing Duggams words, Litty finally returned to her usual self. Then, as if in alarm, Litty tilted her head at those who had been watching the whole event. Um, everyone? Whats wrong? Theyre gone, arent they? Yes, thats right, Litty-san, thank you. While Aida was acting friendly, the surrounding tension still remained unresolved. It was partly fear of Litty, but most importantly, it was a simple question that made them wonder. That girl what is she? Myan! Whether it was an answer to that question or not, Myans cries made everyone return to normal. Duggam, however, came to a conclusion. She was a Monster. *** A man was sitting on his bed and a beautiful woman was sleeping beside him. Baider noticed that the beautiful woman was a different person from the other night, but did not mention it. Baider had heard rumors about the mans taste, but when he witnessed it himself, he wanted to take advantage of the situation and his taste. You stink, Baider, you know youre supposed to be paid at the door. Ha! I washed it off thoroughly, but After his humiliation at the Martial Guild, he bathed and changed his clothes, but could not get rid of the smell completely. This was all done by Charl from Red Flag, you know! We should take him to court That would be difficult. There are many members of the royalty and nobility who are attached to him. And if he claims that it was an accident, it will be the end of the story. But, wont that be Thats not worth it. More importantly, Baider, you. CH 62.3 Baider felt like he had just been hit. It was the mans power that even made him feel as if a sharp blade were being held to the tip of his nose. This forced Baider to grit his teeth in silence. With how things are going, I dont think you can take down the Martial guild. It seems that more and more people are eager to join that guild So you just tucked your tail between your legs and ran away? Ah, eh, no! I just felt that it was better to think of a plan before taking any action! Baider replied hurriedly, but the fear he felt for Litty during the confrontation was still seeping into his body. At the same time, it was a humiliation that made him squirm. Only now could he pull himself together. He wondered why he ran away back then. Why did he run away when he could have won the fight? Over and over and over again, he had to remind himself of this. The man took slow and leisurely sips from his wine glass, and Baider couldnt help but be horrified by his next words. You look like youve seen something terrible. Well, no, nothing like that. If this man had his way, Baider could easily lose his head. Well, Baider, I dont think this country needs an invasive species known as adventurers. Youre right, sir! Even if you look at the history of our country and other countries, the loss of those eaten by invasive species is great. Yes, they are full of holes as if they were eaten by insects. What will be mixed into those holes? Thats The man approached Baider right up to his nose, not caring about the smell. There were no words Baider could utter. At best, he could only plead in his mind for his life. It is depravity. The power of our own country is waning, and we cannot survive without outside help. You open a hole in the ground, and they pour their selfishness into it. They are proudly claiming that its all thanks to them. What do you think Can you forgive them? I cant forgive them I dont just want the land. I ordered you to destroy that guild. Not only you couldnt do what you were told, but you also ran away. You bastard! Im sorry, Im sorry, Im sorry! The man pushed Baider further back until he fell. Then he crouched down again and looked into Baiders eyes. Unable to control his ragged breathing, Baider was already shedding tears. I will show no mercy to anyone who stands in the way of my ideals. Yes, no matter who it is. Please give me one more chance! Please! What would you like to wager? What, I mean By the time Baider realized that his bluff was a bad move, it was too late: he was grabbed by the head and suspended in midair. After writhing in agony, he was struck in the stomach. Baider felt as if his internal organs were going to explode, and he vomited as soon as he was dropped. Ughhhh! That carpet is vintage. Oh well a big service equivalent to your entire fortune. Ueeeeh So, what do you want to wager? Baider, in tears, searched for the right words. Then he made a desperate bet. My life how about it? You are not allowed to withdraw or make any excuses, got it? The man snapped his fingers, and a servant came into the room to remove the carpet. Baider had been humiliated twice that day, first by Litty and now by this man. He felt like he was being underestimated as a knight in active service. If given the chance, he would definitely do something about this man Baider, you shouldnt underestimate me too much. It was the moment when Baider felt like he had been seen through. CH 63.1 Litty joins a Bandit Subjugation Litty and Kuufa might be just fine since they are both Rank 3. At the Adventurers Guild, Litty approached Charl from Red Flag because she wanted to see what the Rank 1 party was capable of and what they could do. Normally, there would be a big gap between Rank 1 and Rank 3. The work included not only exploration of unexplored areas, but also exploration of dangerous areas where Rank 2 and below went missing. The most popular of these areas would be the Dragons Valley, a lair of dragons, which were considered the strongest species in the world. This time, however, they would be performing neither exploration nor monster hunting. Charl, arent you being too pushy? (Caron) Caron, please get along with these kids. Its good for the eyes. (Charl) Im going to hit you. (Caron) Were also in charge of nurturing up-and-coming adventurers. (Charl) Charls words were so reasonable that they made Caron loosen her clenched fist, but it was not their lack of ability that Caron was worried about. The target this time were bandits, i.e., humans. The crucial difference from defeating monsters was that they were of the same race. Are you going to let those girls kill humans? (Caron) Thats up to them, you know. (Charl) Thats a little too much to ask (Caron) Caron was unsure of Charls intentions, but Litty knew what he wanted. Adventures were not always fun, and sometimes they could be bittersweet. There were people in the world who were beyond her understanding like the Branch Manager of Summoners Guild. As an adventurer, meeting such people was inevitable. So the best she could do was to be prepared. Well, shes no fool. Im sure she understood the situation and approached us. (Charl) But what about that girl over there? (Caron) What ah? (Charl) Kill people! Kill people! (Kuufa) Despite accepting Littys invitation to join the adventure, Kuufa did not anticipate such a turn of events. Trembling, she regretted it. She was just about to decline when Aquaria, who had been attached to Kuufa, turned into a humanoid form. Kuufa, you want to be a wonderful Master, dont you? (Aquaria) Um, yes, but but killing people (Kuufa) Its fine, you know? Lets go! (Aquaria) Fuueeeeh! (Kuufa) Heh I really cant tell whos the master between them. Kuufa was dragged away by Aquaria. *** Based on information that bandits were hiding out in a certain location within a few days radius of the royal capital, the group followed a route off the city streets. Along the way, Litty actively interacted with members of Red Flag. She was now sitting next to one of them, Jennifer, who had a peculiar Job. At this moment, they were just relaxing after a meal at the camp. Hey, hows Aida-chan? (Jennifer) Not good enough yet, since shes only Rank 5. (Litty) I was hoping to get a unit together (Jennifer) Charl refused Jennifers request. They also discussed how fighting against bandits, or rather, against humans, was different from defeating monsters. Because they were humans, they had no specific fighting pattern and were more intelligent than monsters. It was not unusual to find villains who were very cunning and half destroyed subjugation parties. The other was the murder problem that Caron pointed out as the most important issue. Litty-chan, dont listen to those guys, especially when they are whining and begging for their lives. (Caron) Yes, Caron-san, Ill be careful. (Litty)p The people were going to take down this time have killed many travelers and wiped out many traders. They are the kind of people who would kill even a crying child. The secret to victory in a fight against humans is to never hesitate. Daido, a man of few words, was silently cleaning up after the meal; Litty tried to help, but was stopped with one hand. Despite his unapproachable air, he tried not to burden Litty and Kuufa, who were his juniors. After dealing with these Red Flag people, Litty was again reminded of Yggdrasia. Daido-san, why did you choose to become a Vanguard? (Litty) Because theres not much I can do. (Daido) Eh? What do you mean? (Litty) I cant move as fast and dexterously as Charl or Jennifer, and I dont have the magic talent that Caron has. (Daido) Saying so, Daido stroked Myans head as she licked the container. He was the only one who was difficult to grasp because of his silent personality, but Litty had a good impression of him. Even Myan, who had shown her fangs at Baider, was very much at ease with him. Im just a big tall guy who can only be a wall. (Daido) Dont be so self-deprecating, Daido, were counting on you. (Charl) Sorry. CH 63.2 Litty agreed with Charl. If he really was just a big tall guy, he wouldnt have made it to Rank 1. Litty guessed that he had to go through a lot of hardship. Litty noticed that Jennifer was holding Kuufas hand and pondering something. Hmmm, I dont think shes the right girl for this. (Jennifer) Right? Shes so nervous when she goes on (dancing) stage that shes useless. (Aquaria) She may overcome her nervousness, but I dont think shes the type of person who can handle the stage. (Jennifer) Well, what about me? Jennifer and Aquaria were starting a debate without Kuufas consent. Charl, who had come up behind them, grinned, and Caron gave him a look of disdain. Oh, dont mind me. Come on, lets get some sleep today. Charl will be the one to keep watch for first half, right? Yeah, I guess so. Litty and Kuufa can rest easy, too. Are you sure about that? Where in the world is there a Rank 1 who takes advantage of his juniors? Dont worry about it. Charls words were delivered so lightly that Litty was about to mention Yggdrasia. Even if it was no big deal, the atmosphere changed as soon as he held his halberd in his hand. That guy is amazing. Thats right. Id rather say that his strength is his only merit. That and the fact that he doesnt spend a lot of money playing with women. Litty didnt know what his other merits were, but he still reminded her slightly of Aldis. And then there were the Branch Managers of the Heavy Warrior Guild, Dimos, and the instructors during the Skarb raid. She envisioned what she would be like one day when she became a great adventurer and could proudly show off her skills to her juniors. *** Caron, hows the situation? Maybe a little further. A few days later, they finally reached the bandits sphere of influence. At the entrance to the mountain, Caron performed magic sensing and confirmed the presence of surrounding life forms She was an excellent wizard, but magic sensing required a different talent. Caron could recognize, within a certain range, the magical power that creatures, large and small, possessed. Im sorry, Caron. Its my job. Why are you apologizing? I know how hard it is. Im counting on you, but please dont push yourself too hard. As Daido said before, I only have magic to offer. Im just doing what I can. After working with them for a few days, Litty realized that both Daido and Caron underestimate themselves. If they were right, they were not geniuses or anything. Still, they were strong, and Litty knew firsthand what it meant to be in their position. In fact, Litty and Kuufa had little to do in defeating monsters along the way. And Im just dancing for fun, you know? Youre a big help, Jennifer. I wouldnt have fallen into exile if it werent for Charl. What? Explain. Aquaria, I think its time you guys start getting ready. It was obvious that Charl said that to break off an unpleasant conversation, but there was no mistaking his words. They were already in the bandits sphere of influence, and they should not let their guard down. In particular, the head of the group, a mercenary-like man, had defeated several adventurers of Rank 3 or lower. He was such a skilled man that he had often made a name for himself in conflict zones. There was no way to comprehend how he had fallen into the banditry, but Red Flags job was the same as ever. Magic power detected, confirmed! The number of people is just as we have been informed! Well, lets do this. You two can do as you please, Litty and Kuufa. Yes! It was Charls intention to follow through, no matter how they moved. Litty knew that this was not a statement out of pride. She concentrated, removing from her mind the fact that she was dealing with humans. She was following the advice of her seniors, who told her to do that, or else she would die. A, Aquaria Im here, right? Do your best. Kuufa was less certain, but Aquaria told her that she could do whatever she wanted with the power of the high-ranking spirit of water. CH 64.1 Litty, Trying to Understand The Bandits The bandits were holed up in a natural cave that was gaping in the cliff. It was surrounded by a dense forest, and the topography made it a blind spot for many people. If one were to search for them without Carons magic detection, they would need a lot of manpower and time. This would give bandits enough time for escape, also the reason why Charl thanked Caron from the bottom of his heart. Caron, well probably be enough to handle this battle. (Charl) Youre kind, and thats one of your virtues, but no need to do that. (Caron) I understand. (Charl) Seeing Carons serious expression, there was no way Charl could refuse her. Charl approached the yawning guard with an air of dignity. Seeing the uninvited guest, the guard stopped yawning, and Charl, instead of attacking, smiled at him. Yo, a gang of bandits, huh? (Charl) Who are you and why are you here? (Guard) Were adventurers here to take you down. Anyway, please call the people inside. (Char) Youve got to be kidding me! (Guard) The man, in a fit of anger, pulled out his sword, but Charl simply sidestepped his attack and grabbed him by his neck until he almost passed out. They didnt have a strategy meeting when they aimed for the bandits. Litty also addressed it, but the answer from Charl, their leader, was simple. Were going to fight the crooks fair and square, head on. Otherwise, it would be meaningless as a learning experience. (Charl) Ah, I see *** Call them, okay? (Charl) Charl released the man, who barely nodded. Coughing from the lack of air, the man ran into the cave at once. Litty could not understand why Charl would go to such great lengths to put himself in a disadvantageous position. However, Litty could feel the essence of what was going on. Fair and square against the crooks, that was all. Oh, here they come. (Charl) Adventurers? (Bandit 01) Every single one of the bandits was unkempt, especially the man scratching his birds nest on his head. None of them had bathed in a long time, and the stench of the place wafted through their noses. Charl smiled at the sight of the men who came out of the cave. It was not out of affection, but more like a sneer. We are Red Flag, and we are here to exterminate you. (Charl) Re, Red Flag? Youve come all this way! The bandits expressed their fear towards the Ref Flag. Litty gulped, knowing that the party was so well-known even among the bandits. In this vast world, it was no small feat to make a name for yourself. And to make people fear you just by hearing your name, it was a task that could not be done by just having an ability. Litty knew this, and that was why she was awed by the Red Flag. Huh I see. Well, I guess we owe you a lot for your efforts. (Zakir) Zakir, Red Flag is bad. They are the ones who destroyed the Mad Lion, the great bandit group that was once a major force. What kind of joke is this, a group of bandits being crushed by a young boy who doesnt know anything about the battlefield? You know, Ive killed many guys like that. (Zakir) CH 64.2 The bald man, Zakir, waved a chain sickle in his hand. Litty was curious about the unfamiliar weapon, but she kept mum. She analyzed the performance of the weapon in her mind in her own way. With her usual concentration, she imagined many times what it would be like if she were to fight. Adventurers who have been praised for some achievement, adventurers who have defeated some monsters by themselves Many such people came to take my life. However (Zakir) There was no doubt in everyones mind that the man, Zakir, was the bandit boss. With a jarring sound, Zakir raised his chain sickle. He was showing off his might by declaring how many people he had executed with this weapon. Taking care of those people was a piece of cake. They were all nothing but spoiled brats who only knew how to fight head-on. (Zakir) Zakir spun his chain sickle with a shrug, showing its strength. You (Litty) Nn? (Zakir) Why did you become a bandit? Why did you kill people? (Litty) You are seemingly very young to be an adventurer. Hey, look at this. I hear that the adventurers talent pool is getting smaller and smaller these days. Now they are even bringing their pets with them. (Zakir) Myaaan! (Myan) Myans threats fell on deaf ears, and after Zakirs words, the bandits gave a vulgar laugh. They pointed all kinds of verbal abuse and slander at Litty. But Littys face did not even twitch. It was because it didnt resonate with her. Litty could not understand at all what was so funny that they were laughing. You asked why I became a bandit, right? Its easy, its more lucrative than being an adventurer. The more you kill and loot, the more money you get. (Zakir) You dont have any resistance to killing? (Litty) Whats there to be resistant about? (Zakir) Littys anger could be felt by everyone present. Charl, who acted as if he owned the place, held up his Halberd and smiled as if he had achieved his purpose. Just as the bandits were puzzled by the discrepancy, the other members of the Red Flag made their move. Fire Bullet! Countless flames shot out and hit the bandits in the front row. Immediately after their bodies were struck down, flames flared up from the shots. The speed of these fire bullets made them nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. They excelled in speed and density, a result of Carons efforts. Damn, damn it! Zakir, what do we do? Attack! We have a number advantage! (Zakir) We cant do that. What stood in the way was a wall. No, it was Daido, whom the bandits perceived as such. With him at the head, the bandits who approached were cut down with a greatsword. The bandits were unable to attack Daido because of his huge frame and unusually wide attack range. Thats it, go, go, go, go! (Zakir) Kyaaa! Guuaaaah! Jennifer weaved her way through the bandits, swinging her sabers in both hands. No one could catch her dance moves, and they were cut to pieces without any chance to put on the resistance. An Idol did not only sing and dance. Her steady body movements and rhythms were unmistakably specialized for combat. The bandits, whose numbers were dwindling, were screaming in agony in the midst of her dance. Earth! Rise! Titus, Spirit of Earth! A man near Zakir performed a summoning technique. Then, as if growing out of the ground, the blocks piled up and took on human form. CH 64.3 Titus! Rock Wall! Titus, who was easily taller than an adult male, showed his arms into the ground, and a wall of dirt rose in front of the bandits. Su, summoning technique? But the link seems a bit slow? (Kuufa) If you know what it is, use me to defeat it! Its just a lower rank spirit, you know? (Aquaria) Water Gun! (Kuufa) What Kuufa unleashed through Aquaria was a so-called water gun. But it was not just one, but several, all slamming into the rock wall. The water slowly seeped in from wherever the Water Gun hit, and the earthen wall started to lose its shape. Wha, what! Titus! You, seriously That one, I cant Water, higher. (Titus) Hey, Titus! Hey, why did you disappear? With the disappearance of the Earthen Wall, Titus also disappeared into the ground. It happened so quickly that even their allies could only stand in stunned amazement. This is really funny! He didnt even coordinate with his summoner at all! Why! Ive never seen anything like this before! Of course, no one would want to fight against a superior opponent, right? This is what happens when you fight with summoned beasts, so be careful! Im going to strengthen the bond between me and Aquaria! (Kuufa) Kuufa studied summoning techniques and summoned beasts day after day. Because She knew that this would lead to improving her ability. Simply summoning a summon and having it act was not enough, and this incident only helped confirm what the former head of the Summoners Guild had mentioned before. In other words, the bandits who lacked knowledge and training were easy to defeat. The bandit is not a proper summoner, huh? Guha The bandit, who performed the third-rate summoning technique, was killed by a thrust of Charls Halberd. The bandits in the vicinity were pierced by arrows and reduced in number again by Littys bow and arrow technique. That kid, shes a bowman! Spread out! (Zakir) The bandits managed to get close to Litty, trying to escape the arrows. However, it didnt end well for them. One of them was kicked and shattered in the jaw, and the other was cut up with a sword. It was like Jennifers dance, a harmony of body art and swordsmanship. Based on her previous experience, the bandits were not a threat to Litty in the least. In fact, Zakir, who had underestimated her earlier, was horrified. This brat, shes pretty tough, isnt she. But shes just a little girl (Zakir) Alright, Litty, Ill go play with Zakir-chan, okay? (Charl) Leader. Zakir brandished his chain sickle and accepted Charls challenge. It was a hopeless situation, but Zakir had a chance to win. He recognized Charl as the leader of the Red Flag, and realized that was their weak point. All he needed to do was kill him, and Zakir had already sharpened his fangs as a former mercenary to fight someone like him. It was over the hideout, and cover fire by an ambush would be possible. Im going to make you guys realize how naive you are. (Zakir) Head-on, fair and square, he was convinced that such people were nothing more than prey in front of him. However He failed to realize that he would soon end up becoming prey himself. CH 65.1 Litty, Went to a Fine Dining Restaurant You captured this man alive? As expected of Red Flag No, no, its the little girl over here who brought him. Litty and team had decided to hand over Zakir at the Knights station as he most likely possessed information about other bandit groups which was quite valuable. It would have been difficult for knights to capture Zakir alive, so him being brought to them in a ball of water was good news for the Knights. One of the knights couldnt help but comment, Hou, a water spirit! Thats quite a feat at your age! Th- thanks. Continue the good work. By the way, who is that spirit? I have never seen one like this before. Myan! Myan, who was also a summoned beast, appealed herself. Of course, the reactions to Aquaria and Myan differed. It was an everyday scene that simply ended up being adorable. Myan, a phantom beast, was not well-known, and few people in the Knight Order knew of it. Myans eyes narrowed and her body relaxed to make a certain gesture. It showed that she was satisfied with letting more people know her. Well, thank goodness we have excellent adventurers. Were always short of manpower here. Im glad to hear that from the Gold Gryphon Corps, one of the most talented groups in the country. No, no, we respect you, Charl, and all the other adventurers. Thanks for your support. Lets get along with each other. Along with the Silver Fenrir Corps, the Gold Gryphon Corps was also regarded as one of the two pillars of the country. They were feared by other countries as the twin pillars of gold and silver, and were the reason why this country could not be easily invaded. There was no way that Litty would not be interested in these knights, the symbol of the country. Um! You all are Now, now, no need to interrupt their busy schedule. Well, then, Knights. Ill leave the rest in your hands. Knowing that Littys questions, which were going to be a continuous barrage, would interfere with knights work, Charl decided to calm down Litty. Besides, they had other plans for later in the day. This was another new experience for Litty and her friend, and also the one that the members of Red Flag were looking forward to. *** The restaurant Linde Frum was one of the most famous restaurants in the capital. The taste of their food was very good, but the prices were also so high that commoners could not afford it at all. Few adventurers could afford to indulge in a full-course meal made with the finest ingredients, but it was nothing for Red Flag. This is a very high-class restaurant, isnt it? Yes, its a restaurant which even royalty, let alone nobility, recognize. Is it alright for us to be here? If you are Rank 3 or above, you will have opportunities to dine at places like this with the bigwigs. You dont want to be embarrassed when that happens, do you? Right! With a knife and fork in each hand, Litty eagerly waited for the food. Myan also licked her mouth, clearly excited. Everything was going well, but a well dressed patron looked at them coldly and asked the waiter, Hey, since when are pets allowed in here? And that outfitits just terrible looking. Those people are our clients. Besides, we only allow authorized adventurers and summoned beasts to enter our restaurant. What! What if that long creatures hair gets in the food!? And that thing looks like water! Its a monster! There will be no hair loss from a phantom beast, Myan. And the other one over there is a high-ranking water spirit, Aquaria. We think it is appropriate for us to accommodate. CH 65.2 Litty was impressed by the waiters knowledge of Myan, which almost no one else could have known. The ladys complaints were not entirely unfounded, and she was probably the wife of a powerful aristocrat. However, Red Flags position in the restaurant was far superior. The Red Flag is an excellent adventurer group which has been approved by royalty. We will refrain from further questions and answers, as it may cause inconvenience to other guests. Wha, what! Just from this exchange alone, Litty sensed a close connection between the country and the adventurers, especially the Red Flag group. Litty wondered how many accomplishments were needed to make this happen. Charl tried to console Litty, You know what? There are people who sometimes harass me too, but dont worry about it. The lower nobility, who cant seem to get rid of their prejudiced elitist views, are worse offenders. They can hear you, Charl. Oops, thats not going to make the meal any better. Litty and Kuufa were Rank 3 adventurers and had no connection to the restaurant, but Charls good words were all that mattered. Litty was reminded of the fact that the Adventurers Guild had deep roots in this country. Suddenly, the entrance door behind her opened as she awaited her food. I dont have a reservation, do you have a seat available? Yes, Master Redner. Let me guide you in. Turning around, Litty was surprised to see the man. He was huge, and she could tell from his clothes that he was toned and fit. His appearance shattered the image of nobility that Litty had. The mans bodyguards were also a sight to behold. Two of them were wearing black armor covering their heads and looked somewhat inorganic. They didnt look like the kind of people youd expect to see in a restaurant full of well-dressed guests. Oh, now theres a bigwig! Charl-san, you know him? The Archduke Redner. He is the military minister, the ever-victorious general, and the brother of the current king. You two are very lucky to see him. Eh, why so? Hes practically the countrys number two. Its not every day you get to see someone like that. How about this seat? Redner was guided to a table next to Red Flag. Litty watched the calm, mature man as if fixated on him. When Caron poked her, she finally stopped, but she was still curious. Redner noticed Littys gaze and turned his attention to her. I didnt know you Red Flag guys were here too. Did you like this restaurant as well? Yes, we do. There is no restaurant in the capital that serves better food than this one. Right, of course. After all, every ingredient used in this restaurant is domestically produced. Domestic products are good they make you feel the pleasant breath of our country. Hahaha, I know exactly what you mean. The way that the good-natured Charl was being so respectful, even Litty could see how much of an important person this Redner was. Mmm, this old wine smells good. This restaurant is the pride of our country. Thank you very much. Ill take the same course as they did. Yes, sir. Litty pondered the meaning of the unfamiliar word course, but soon understood. First came the soup. Thank you for waiting. Todays first dish is a cold vegetable soup with hollandaise. The soup itself was familiar, but the taste was beyond Littys expectations. Puzzled by the cold soup, she put her spoon down for a moment. Continuing with another sip, she finally caught the flavor, and Myan smelled it and started licking the soup off her plate. CH 66.1 Litty, Went to a Fine Dining Restaurant You captured this man alive? As expected of Red Flag No, no, its the little girl over here who brought him. Litty and team had decided to hand over Zakir at the Knights station as he most likely possessed information about other bandit groups which was quite valuable. It would have been difficult for knights to capture Zakir alive, so him being brought to them in a ball of water was good news for the Knights. One of the knights couldnt help but comment, Hou, a water spirit! Thats quite a feat at your age! Th- thanks. Continue the good work. By the way, who is that spirit? I have never seen one like this before. Myan! Myan, who was also a summoned beast, appealed herself. Of course, the reactions to Aquaria and Myan differed. It was an everyday scene that simply ended up being adorable. Myan, a phantom beast, was not well-known, and few people in the Knight Order knew of it. Myans eyes narrowed and her body relaxed to make a certain gesture. It showed that she was satisfied with letting more people know her. Well, thank goodness we have excellent adventurers. Were always short of manpower here. Im glad to hear that from the Gold Gryphon Corps, one of the most talented groups in the country. No, no, we respect you, Charl, and all the other adventurers. Thanks for your support. Lets get along with each other. Along with the Silver Fenrir Corps, the Gold Gryphon Corps was also regarded as one of the two pillars of the country. They were feared by other countries as the twin pillars of gold and silver, and were the reason why this country could not be easily invaded. There was no way that Litty would not be interested in these knights, the symbol of the country. Um! You all are Now, now, no need to interrupt their busy schedule. Well, then, Knights. Ill leave the rest in your hands. Knowing that Littys questions, which were going to be a continuous barrage, would interfere with knights work, Charl decided to calm down Litty. Besides, they had other plans for later in the day. This was another new experience for Litty and her friend, and also the one that the members of Red Flag were looking forward to. *** The restaurant Linde Frum was one of the most famous restaurants in the capital. The taste of their food was very good, but the prices were also so high that commoners could not afford it at all. Few adventurers could afford to indulge in a full-course meal made with the finest ingredients, but it was nothing for Red Flag. This is a very high-class restaurant, isnt it? Yes, its a restaurant which even royalty, let alone nobility, recognize. Is it alright for us to be here? If you are Rank 3 or above, you will have opportunities to dine at places like this with the bigwigs. You dont want to be embarrassed when that happens, do you? Right! With a knife and fork in each hand, Litty eagerly waited for the food. Myan also licked her mouth, clearly excited. Everything was going well, but a well dressed patron looked at them coldly and asked the waiter, Hey, since when are pets allowed in here? And that outfitits just terrible looking. Those people are our clients. Besides, we only allow authorized adventurers and summoned beasts to enter our restaurant. What! What if that long creatures hair gets in the food!? And that thing looks like water! Its a monster! There will be no hair loss from a phantom beast, Myan. And the other one over there is a high-ranking water spirit, Aquaria. We think it is appropriate for us to accommodate. CH 66.2 Litty was impressed by the waiters knowledge of Myan, which almost no one else could have known. The ladys complaints were not entirely unfounded, and she was probably the wife of a powerful aristocrat. However, Red Flags position in the restaurant was far superior. The Red Flag is an excellent adventurer group which has been approved by royalty. We will refrain from further questions and answers, as it may cause inconvenience to other guests. Wha, what! Just from this exchange alone, Litty sensed a close connection between the country and the adventurers, especially the Red Flag group. Litty wondered how many accomplishments were needed to make this happen. Charl tried to console Litty, You know what? There are people who sometimes harass me too, but dont worry about it. The lower nobility, who cant seem to get rid of their prejudiced elitist views, are worse offenders. They can hear you, Charl. Oops, thats not going to make the meal any better. Litty and Kuufa were Rank 3 adventurers and had no connection to the restaurant, but Charls good words were all that mattered. Litty was reminded of the fact that the Adventurers Guild had deep roots in this country. Suddenly, the entrance door behind her opened as she awaited her food. I dont have a reservation, do you have a seat available? Yes, Master Redner. Let me guide you in. Turning around, Litty was surprised to see the man. He was huge, and she could tell from his clothes that he was toned and fit. His appearance shattered the image of nobility that Litty had. The mans bodyguards were also a sight to behold. Two of them were wearing black armor covering their heads and looked somewhat inorganic. They didnt look like the kind of people youd expect to see in a restaurant full of well-dressed guests. Oh, now theres a bigwig! Charl-san, you know him? The Archduke Redner. He is the military minister, the ever-victorious general, and the brother of the current king. You two are very lucky to see him. Eh, why so? Hes practically the countrys number two. Its not every day you get to see someone like that. How about this seat? Redner was guided to a table next to Red Flag. Litty watched the calm, mature man as if fixated on him. When Caron poked her, she finally stopped, but she was still curious. Redner noticed Littys gaze and turned his attention to her. I didnt know you Red Flag guys were here too. Did you like this restaurant as well? Yes, we do. There is no restaurant in the capital that serves better food than this one. Right, of course. After all, every ingredient used in this restaurant is domestically produced. Domestic products are good they make you feel the pleasant breath of our country. Hahaha, I know exactly what you mean. The way that the good-natured Charl was being so respectful, even Litty could see how much of an important person this Redner was. Mmm, this old wine smells good. This restaurant is the pride of our country. Thank you very much. Ill take the same course as they did. Yes, sir. Litty pondered the meaning of the unfamiliar word course, but soon understood. First came the soup. Thank you for waiting. Todays first dish is a cold vegetable soup with hollandaise. The soup itself was familiar, but the taste was beyond Littys expectations. Puzzled by the cold soup, she put her spoon down for a moment. Continuing with another sip, she finally caught the flavor, and Myan smelled it and started licking the soup off her plate. CH 66.3 Myanmyan! Is it good? Myanmyan! Oh, a Myan. You have something unusual with you. Myan caught Redners interest, and she froze. Litty felt uncomfortable as Myan faintly pulled her head back. I see, so is that part of your fighting style. Yes, shes a very amazing girl. Myan Despite Myans reaction, which could be taken as discomfort, Litty tried to be friendly with Redner. She thought that she should treat him the same way as Charl when they first introduced themselves to each other because he was royalty. Soon, Redner was also served a bowl of cold vegetable soup with hollandaise. This is one of the restaurants prized items. Which Redner took a satisfied sip, but his hand stopped there and his eyes turned sharp. Then he put down his spoon and stared silently at the soup. A moment later, Litty almost stood up involuntarily. The other members of the group all turned towards Redner as well. Waiterthis hollandaise cold vegetable soup has a slightly bitter taste. Ah, yes. The khorasan that we use its very difficult to find domestically due to the disaster And? This time we had to order it from a neighboring country. Due to a mistake on our part, there was a delay in displaying it on the menu. We apologize Litty tried not to blink, even for a moment. Redner was radiating anger, albeit very slightly. It was a fury so unfathomable that it made the strong mans presence felt. Waiter, is the owner here? Yes. Um, can I help? Yes, Id like to meet him. Excuse me! Ignoring the waiters panicked voice, Redner disappeared into the back with his escort. The waiter, unable to take in the situation, rushed after him. Litty, too, reflexively followed. She didnt know why, but she thought she had to. Um! Whats wrong?! The waiter knocked on the owners office, but he did not receive an answer. Litty was unsure about what was going on. Soon, the door was opened and Redner came out. The owner came out next. Waiter, the owner is apparently not feeling well. It looks like he wont be able to work for a while, so Ill arrange for someone to take his place. Yes? He was fine until this morning Owner? I guess he was just tired from his daily routine. You dont have to worry about this restaurant. Im sorry. I need some rest. The owner choked out and smiled at the waiter. He clearly felt out of place, but the waiter knew that digging more would only end up badly for them. Redners silent pressure made people want to run away, and Redner placed a hand on the owners shoulder. A little rest and youll be fine. Right? Yes Take the owner home. Yes, sir. One of the armed guards escorted the owner. If Litty hadnt seen everything that took place here, she wouldnt have noticed anything wrong. By now, she had already seen a fair share of unusual people. She knew that she should stay out of this, but she didnt know why, it was as if her body acted on its own. Please wait. It wasnt just the owner that Litty stopped, Redner was included. Under the pressure, the waiter could no longer say anything, but Litty managed to get closer to the owner. The cold vegetable soup with hollandaise grass, it was very delicious. I see. ThanksC Its a failure, right? Redner again placed his hand on the owners shoulder, this time with more force. The owner, in anguish, quickly gave in and corrected his words with tears in his eyes. That was no good. The ingredients must be domestic, after all. No, it was delicious. Litty! What are you doing! The members of Red Flag rushed over, but they all stopped in their tracks. Because there he was, the ever-victorious general. They subconsciously noticed that this was his expression when he stood on the battlefield. CH 67.1 Litty Changes Her Impression Grand Duke Redner. He had long been in competition with the current King for the throne and had many sympathizers. Although he lost the throne, he was given a Knight Order and the position of Minister of Military Affairs by his brother, the King. With his inherent gallantry and energy, he quickly implemented military expansion and dramatically improved his countrys defensive capabilities. It was now fair to say that the control of the military, including the current Knights, was entrusted to him alone. Enough. Bring the owner along. (Redner) Ha! (Owner) The owner was forcibly led out of the restaurant by an armored escort. Litty did not move, thanks to Charl. He grabbed Littys arm and silently restrained her. It was not simply because Redner was royalty. It was because he was also an ever-victorious general, and there was nothing exaggerated about the meaning of that title. Now then, Litty, right? Whats your rank? (Redner) Rank 3. (Litty) Hou, at your age. Why did you decide to become an adventurer? If you had the ability, you would probably have other options. (Redner) Because I love adventure. No matter how hard it is, I want to see the world with my own eyes and feel it with my body. (Litty) I see. How about this? (Redner) A blow was delivered to Littys stomach. Immediately afterward, she almost passed out from the intense pain and wobbled on her knees. She was unable to catch her breath, and her brain was urging her to pass out, but Litty persevered. She held her ground and looked up at the man who had attacked her. She gritted her teeth and showed her will to fight. Fuuuh Fuuh! (Litty) Myaan! (Myan) Excellent. Its been a while since Ive been serious, you know. (Redner) Ah, you! Knights, adventurers, private armies of the nobility, all acknowledged Redners abilities. He once led the kingdoms army with Red Flag, and crushed the rebels will to fight on the front lines. Those who faced him cursed their own foolishness in rebellion, while some went half-crazy and died. His savage valor, in which he killed everyone without allowing even a single person to surrender, left even his own allies in awe. Redners curiosity was aroused by Littys unyielding stance in the face of a man who guaranteed victory every time he fought. I see, this is unusual, Charl, is this a favorite of yours? (Redner) Yes, shes a cute junior, so please let her off the hook, okay. (Charl) Alright, waiter, will you show me to the kitchen? (Redner) Ye, yes (Waiter) Waiters voice rose slightly. And when Redner invaded the kitchen without needing to be ushered in, the chefs were left speechless. They bowed their heads and did their best to show respect with their actions. Litty walked while holding her stomach, Jennifer supported her, Caron cast a healing spell, and Kuufa remained motionless in her seat, a mosquito out of sight. I, you see, think about our country more than anyone else. I mean, its perfectly natural for me to want to protect my country, isnt it? For example (Redner) He opened the storage room and picked up the ingredients one by one. He smelled it, and then went on to the next. Nobody tried to question him, although they didnt understand what he was doing. This is domestic foodstuff. This one is domestic, this one is domestic, this one is domestic. Domestic, domestic, domesticimported! Domestic! Domestic! Import! Domestic! Import! Domestic! Domestic! Import! Imports! He loudly called out to many different domestic and imported goods, and while doing so he shouted as he smashed imported foodstuffs on the floor. The chefs were now prepared to face death. They huddled together and prayed to get out of this mess. They could do nothing but watch the odd behavior with clattering teeth. What the heck! Why are there so many imported ingredients here? Does this restaurant not feel the importance of homegrown ingredients, that is to say, the nurturing of our own country? What are you planning to do with all these rotten imported ingredients? (Redner) Please, we were wrong we ask for your forgiveness! (Waiter) It was the waiter who made the first move and got down on his knees. He banged his forehead on the floor in a pose that could be taken as a plea for his life. It wasnt even an exaggerating act, because Redner was so angry that he could have stomped on his head. It all was it was all my naivety! I beg your pardon. (Waiter) Waiter. Its fine. Stand up. (Redner) As instructed, the waiter stood up and went around stepping on every piece of imported foodstuff. Slamming them against the wall, one after another, the foodstuffs were reduced to useless garbage as Redner took the Waiters wrist and shook his head from side to side. Immaturity is not a shame. Whats important is to realize it and improve. You are an important citizen of our country. If someone is suffering, it is my duty to give them a helping hand. (Redner) Th, Thanks! (Waiter) CH 67.2 Red Flag and Litty were not the only ones who could not muster a comment on their skit. The chefs were overwhelmed, falling on their butts, and Aquaria was in an exasperated pose. Redner rubbed the Waiters back as if to soothe him. Then he turned around to face Litty, who was the main subject of the conversation. Foreign products will cause homegrown products to be eliminated. And if that happened, what would happen to the producers? They will end up on the streets, starving to death (Redner) But the waiter clearly said that it was because of the disaster and the lack of crops. If thats the case, the neighboring countries will be helping us out. (Litty) Redner slammed his fist down on the desk as he said, Thats what I call being naive! Although Litty wasnt convinced, she felt that escalating this issue more would implicate Red Flag and restaurant staff, so she decided to stay quiet for now. Redners arrogance was obvious, and no one was happy about it. Seeing how heated things were getting, the waiter suddenly said, This restaurant will remain closed until the new owner arrives. Im going to ask the customers who are eating to leave. Waiter-san! Are you sure! Are you sure about this? (Litty) Shut up! (Redner) Redners fist again aimed at Litty, but this time Litty dodged it. Redner, who had intended to hit her, stopped and straightened his posture. That was clever. Its been a while since Ive felt the urge to pick up my weapon. (Redner) Redner-sama! Please calm down and forgive us all for our stupidity! As I said before, we will send a replacement. Until then, the restaurant will remain closed. Yes, sir! Litty was not happy, but she had no choice but to remain quiet in order not to bring trouble to Charl, the Waiter, and the others. If Litty had attacked Redner, his armored guard would probably have been the one to take the fight. Litty also felt that the escort was not half-baked in his abilities. After Redner and the others left the store, Charl exhaled heavily and sat down on the floor. Hahhh!!! Oh, shit!!! I thought I was going to die (Charl) Charl-san, everyone. Im sorry (Litty) You, where do you get your courage from? Is it because you dont know what to be afraid of? (Charl) That guard is also as good as a Rank 2 adventurer! (Jennifer) Jennifer implied that if they had gotten into a fight, they would not have gotten out of it unscathed. But it was not their abilities that they feared. They were afraid of making an enemy out of the Royal family member called Redner. Even though the Adventurers Guild had a strong presence in the Royal Capital, Redners prestige would still be far above the reach of the Guilds members. The exhausted-looking waiter told Red Flag, Um were about to close, so Ill return the bill. There was nothing they could do about it. Litty was annoyed at not being able to eat the course meal. Kuufa, on the other hand, was so nervous that from the moment she was seated she froze. Aquaria wrapped her up and brought her outside to help settle the situation. *** At the Adventurers Guild, Litty apologized again to Red Flag. As Litty started to calm down, she realized how much trouble she had caused. At the same time, she also faced her own sense of helplessness: she had been with Yggdrasia and experienced what they were capable of, and she expected that Redner might be able to come close to their strength. It didnt end badly, so dont worry about it too much. You look more unsatisfied with it than anything else. Yes I need to improve a lot. Dont tell me you are feeling helpless about getting hit by Redner? I plan to enter unexplored areas one day. The demons there must be much stronger than that man. If if that is the case, how am I Charl was about to say, Dont think too much about it now. but felt a slight tingling sensation. It was like something close to killing intent was emanating from Litty. Im going to get stronger, right? Oh, you will for sure dont get too worked up, okay? Litty turned around and headed for the bulletin board where the request was posted. Her back looked massive to Charl. For a moment, his fear was at its highest, and he almost screamed. Haaahhaaah. Oh, calm down. me Charl, whats wrong? No, its nothing Some kind of hallucination. Charl couldnt help but feel that this was a vision of Littys future. If this was reflected as a difference in competenceC Hey, Kuufa. You didnt even drink the soup, did you? Because, the restaurant Kuufa is too As an orphan, Kuufa was under pressure from the restaurant itself, even before Redner had arrived. Charls thoughts were interrupted by such an amusing exchange. It was rather a relief when he thought that maybe it was a good experience for her. CH 68.1 Litty Reunites with Roma Litty! (Roma) AhRoma-san?! (Litty) The person who approached Litty at the Adventurers Guild was Roma, whom she had encountered in the city of Topas. Seems like her injuries from defeating the Scarbs had healed, as there were no scars of any kind to be seen anywhere. She looked more toned, not to mention her noticeable brown skin. From her appearance, Litty understood that she, too, had been engaged in diligent training. Roma-san! Youve recovered from your injuries! (Litty) When did youwhat? Hey, what is that creature? Its long? (Roma) Its Myan. (Litty) Myan! (Myan) Roma reached for Myan, which was wrapped around Littys waist. She then stroked her chin, then her head, as Myan nuzzled Romas hand. Oh noso cute! (Roma) Myan. (Myan) What a creature! Its too good! (Roma) This is Myan, a summoned beast. Its very cute and reliable. Litty told Roma about the Summoners Guild and her experiences in the capital. Romas reaction was surprisingly light, but that was a testament to her appreciation of Litty. In short, she expected Litty to do that much. Summoned beast Or rather, how many job titles did you get? What do you plan to do with that many? (Roma) I feel Im getting stronger, but its not enough. (Litty) Litty recalled her encounter with Redner. As per her self-assessment, her combat skills had improved dramatically since coming to the capital. But even so, there were still fierce fighters like Redner and other powerful monsters in this world which she couldnt hope to compete with her current strength. Considering how long she had been active as an adventurer, Litty was more than capable of becoming as strong as them in future, but she was not satisfied. Are you going to take the Rank 3 promotion test, Roma-san? (Litty) Yes, but the timing is not good. It looks like there is still time before the next exam. (Roma) You should be careful. The examiner is very mean. (Litty) Thank you, but I dont want your advice. Like you, Im going to get promoted on my own. (Roma) Although not as strong as when they first met, Romas rivalry with Litty had remained, and Litty also admired Roma for that. Litty looked up to Romas resilience as she tried to carve out a path for herself. Roma-san, if you dont have any plans after this, why dont we go on an adventure? (Litty) Sure, but youre a Rank 3, and Im a Rank 4. I dont mean to be disrespectful. (Roma) Lets take down a Rank 3 Named Beast. As I am a rank 3, guild wouldnt object to Roma-sans Rank being 4 with me accompanying you. (Litty) Rank 3huh. Fine, please support me, okay? (Roma) Roma agreed to Littys reckless plan because she was aware of her capabilities. That was why she did not feel uneasy at all. *** The location was a stream that ran through Damusia Canyon, where the Rank 3 promotion test for Littys friend was scheduled to take place. It was famous as a fishing spot, but of course, it was not a place where ordinary people could enjoy fishing. The surrounding monsters were Rank 5 at best, but in this river lurked nasty Named Beasts. The Vicious Devourers another great name. (Litty) They seem to attack from the river, targeting people who are fishing. If we can reduce their number by defeating as many as possible, the anglers will be happy. (Roma) I wish we didnt have to start in a place like this (Litty) This river had fishes which adventurers and travelers who love fishing wanted to catch, even if they had to risk their lives to do so. CH 68.2 Litty sympathized with their desire for adventure, but that wasnt her only reason for choosing this location. Hey, its not safe to stand there like that. Lets keep a bit of distance and aim at them as they come up. (Roma) They are Rank 3. We should be able to take them down at this distance. (Litty) Litty, whats wrong with you? (Roma) With her sword in hand, Litty stopped by the stream and waited for the Named Beast. Despite the fact that she had a bow, she still went out of her way to make a risky move. Roma wondered if she should stop her, but decided to leave it to Litty, thinking that it was not her place as a Rank 4 to interfere. Here it comes! (Litty) As soon as Litty jumped back, a monster came up from the river. The monster, which could be described as a giant crocodile, was covered with layers of scales all over its body. It had strong claws and fangs and a large mouth. If caught, there was no way to escape, and prey would be dragged into the river. Explosion Slash! (Litty) Litty suddenly hit the top of the monster crocodiles head with a huge blow. The force of the blow was so powerful that the crocodile suffered a concussion and stopped moving for a few moments. Littys onslaught of attack after attack left Roma stunned, as Litty deftly pulled weapons out of Myans mouth and used them to her advantage. Moreover, they were not handled roughly. She used those weapons with the same or greater skill than the weapon of choice she was mastering. A spiral thrust similar to the one used by the Branch Manager of the Heavy Warriors Guild, as well as other high-powered skills that she experienced, were unleashed, leaving the enemy just on the verge of defeat. Ah! It got away (Litty) Just before Litty could bring the finishing strike, the monstrous crocodile rolled over and escaped into the river. Litty stared at the river in annoyance, thinking that she was so close. Roma still felt a sense of incongruity. She had not seen Litty in a long time, but she felt that something was different with this battle. Litty, calm down a little. Why are you acting impatient? (Roma) Im trying to increase my strength. I need to be able to beat that Named Beast as easily as possible. (Litty) It sure looked like you could take it down by yourself. (Roma) As Litty stared at the river, a monster crocodile made a surprise attack from the side from a short distance away. Although caught by surprise, Litty dealt with it without difficulty. With a kick, the crocodile opened its mouth wide, and Litty slammed a spiral thrust into it. The surface of the river shook just before the giant crocodile, whose internal organs had been twisted by the skill, died. Litty! (Roma) Litty was relieved after killing the crocodile that had taken her by surprise, but she was ambushed again. It was a small opening that she had loosened up after defeating the crocodile. Oh, not good (Roma) Named Beasts were not always just one. Some species responded to the danger of their companions. This was called linking. Even if their individual strength was weak, their numbers could become a major threat. However, these vicious devourers were troublesome even as individuals. Haaah! Yaaaah! (Roma) Romas sword skill, Multi-Strike Parry, was developed as an application of the Multi-Strike Slash. It was a high speed move that excelled in repelling attacks in quick and fine movements at high speeds. CH 68.3 This was a skill that was not taught at Swordsmans Guild and that Roma had developed on her own. Thanks to this skill, Roma succeeded in drawing the monster crocodile away from Litty, even if she was not able to defeat it. Escape while you can! (Roma) Yes (Litty) Romas decision was correct. Another crocodile had already started to attack. In addition to the one that had escaped earlier, a total of three had gathered. The vicious devourers could move on land or water, and the way one of them charged at the two despite being wounded was a testament to their ferocity. This isnt like Litty! Calm downoh! (Roma) The monster crocodiles fangs slightly scraped the flesh of Romas shoulder, along with her armor. Seeing this scene, Littys mind finally cleared up. What had she done because of her impatience? Litty! Focus! You just need to do your best to have a great adventure. Dont think about anything else. (Roma) CLitty-san, youre really just trying to have an adventure. CThats right. Thats all Ive dreamed of for a long time. The conversation from sometime ago replayed in both of their minds. Because Roma respected Litty, who was single-mindedly chasing her dream, she could not stand to watch Littys current confused state. Roma could see that Litty was trying desperately to gain victory as if she was in a hurry. Roma, -san! (Litty) Despite being wounded, Roma grabbed the attention of the monstrous crocodiles. Then Litty remembered the first time she and Roma had fought together. It was when they worked together to defeat the Forest Leader at Mount Baruni. In addition to being wounded, Romas speed made it impossible for her to continue dodging the onslaught of the monstrous crocodiles. But even so, Roma took action. All for Littys sake. Remembering how Litty behaved, she believed that they would soon overcome the situation. teyaaaaah! (Roma) Finally, returning to her senses, Litty changed places with Roma who was facing monstrous crocodiles, while sending Roma away by body slamming into her back and following with a plunging attack of her one-handed spear into one of the monstrous crocodiles. After fixing her position, she sent a spiral thrust deep into the monster crocodiles throat which finished it off. Litty spun around to face the other two crocodiles that were approaching. With the weight of her one-handed axe, she crushed the scales of the approaching giant crocodiles, regardless of size. She slammed her axe down again on the belly of the monster crocodile, after flipping it over on its back. Li, Littyyou, how much did you (Roma) Theres only one left! Lets keep calm! (Litty) Roma could do nothing but watch as the two Named Beasts turned into corpses. Although Litty managed to flip the 3rd one, it quickly got up and made a quick attack on her. The distance was so close that Litty was not able to unleash a proper spiral thrust in time. Litty! Use Explosion Slash over that fellows big mouth! (Roma) Without replying, Litty accepted Romas suggestion. A blast of flame landed in the long gaping maw of the monstrous crocodile, forcing it to close its mouth. Roma leaped into the air and climbed on top of the crocodile. Now! (Roma) Even the Vicious Devourer with its strong jaws was vulnerable to the pressure from above. Unable to open its mouth quickly enough, Litty immediately landed a Skull Crusher on its head with her axe. CH 68.4 Roma jumped away from the monster crocodile after Litty delivered a blow to the brain. A fountain of blood from the top of its head decorated the girls victory. Threeyou were able to defeat them. (Roma) Lets just get the parts we need right away before they get linked up again. (Litty) The scales, fangs, and claws each yielded their respective price for the subjugation. The meat was left alone, since it was reputed to be the worst. They quickly left the mountain stream and headed back to the royal capital before the sun went down. *** On the way home, they were silent. Each had their own thoughts, and it was difficult for them to express their feelings. Litty reflected on her actions and regretted putting Roma in danger, while Roma recalled the threat of the Rank 3 Named Beast, but most of all Littys strength. Litty, youre getting stronger. Youve managed to beat me again. (Roma) Roma-san is also strong. Even though I was dealing with that monster, you covered for me. (Litty) Thanks. (Roma) With Littys words, Roma decided that she had put aside her excessive rivalry. Roma couldnt help but look out for her. However, Roma didnt force Litty to talk about why she was in a rush, unlike what she would usually do before. I met someone very strong the other day because of that, I wanted to get stronger faster, but if it wasnt for Roma-san, Im sure I would have (Litty) I guess even you feel that way sometimes, but Im glad I could be of help. (Roma) Im glad that Roma-san was there. After all, Roma-san is a grown-up. (Litty) Oh, stop it. I told you we are not that far apart from each other in age. Besides, its Roma, not Roma-san. (Roma) Its okay, Roma-san is Roma-san. (Litty) It didnt matter what they called each other, Roma thought, and she made up her mind to accept it if thats how Litty viewed her. In that case, for me, Litty is Litty, okay? I want to be equal, you know? (Roma) Yes! Im glad! (Litty) Youre doing great as always. If thats the case, maybe I can trust you to take down the next monster. (Roma) What? That means youll fight with me again? (Litty) Well, yeah, I guess. (Roma) Litty held Romas hand and smiled broadly. Embarrassed, Roma turned her head away, but her mouth was also smiling. Im starting to look forward to seeing how strong youll get, you know. (Roma) How much strongerno, it should be how much adventure I want to go on! (Litty) When Roma looked at Litty, she looked somewhat different. Her whole demeanor, or something, had changed. Litty had grown up; the incident with Redner had been a shock to her, but it had made her come out of her shell. In other words, Redner should have not attacked Litty. He should not have shown her the difference in ability. In that sense, Aldis of Yggdrasia had made the right choice to suppress Littys growth. If he tried to train her at that time, he would have beenC *** It was almost midnight by the time they returned to the Adventurers Guild. Normally, around this time of night it would be quiet, but at that time there were many people and it was noisy. They were wondering what was going on, when they heard the conversation of the adventurers. Seriously? That Yggdrasia? Yeah, I heard hes staying at that ultra-luxury hotel, the Tenryukaku. As expected of a hero I wonder if he will come here too? I want Aldis-sans autograph No, no, Bandera-sama is better! I never thought Id see him in person! For men, its Clarine, right? As soon as Litty heard their conversation, she clenched her fists. Roma was perplexed by this strange behavior, but decided not to ask her about it. CH 69.1 4-5 minutes Aldis Arrives at the Royal Capital As expected of Aldis-san. This is like a dream. Great, thats great. Well, go ahead and eat. Aldis and his party along with members of the Rank 2 adventurer party Grand Shark which now numbered only three were having dinner at Hotel Tenryukaku. Grand Shark tried to rob Aldis and his party of the Rock Trolls materials, but they ended up being crushed. Normally, they would have been killed on the spot, but the whimsical person (Aldis) spared some of them. The Grand Shark members were pleased to have such a fine meal, although their dignity had already been shattered. Heheheyou guys, be grateful. Now you have to serve Aldis to the best of your ability, got it? (Zhul) Of course, Zhul-san. With the beautiful Clarine-san here, us being around is certainly an eyesore to the scenery. Ufufu, thats good. It seems like you understand your positions well. Clarine, with a soft smile, gracefully wiped her mouth with a napkin, but normally she would have done it with her hand. She was acting in a manner appropriate to her position as a saint of the Matthias Church. Inwardly, she couldnt wait to go back to her room, because it was a hassle for her to act like this. By the way, you guys. What happened to that dirty slave? Ah, shes waiting outside. We cant let her in here, can we? Indeed. But wont she escape? I dont really care. Or rather, it was not really possible for that one. She would do anything if we ordered her to do so. The slave girl that Grand Shark had been keeping was still outside even during the night. The girl was sitting and waiting for them, despite receiving blank stares from the numerous passerby. No one bothered to call out to her. Everyone had their hands full just trying to live their own lives. Well, that was good! I couldnt relax without Aldis-sans feet planted in my back! I like you guys, you know what to say. By the way, I know a couple more great places to go after this. (Aldis) Wed be happy to accompany you! If you know more places similar to this one, be sure to recommend. We are the celebrities, after all, so its not often that they would get visitors like us. (Aldis) Sigh The conversation was so vulgar that it made Clarine scratch her head. The adventurer community was highly competitive, and if one was too proud, they would one day be knocked down by another who had more talent than they had. Aldis and his party arrived just as things were getting desperate for adventurers with all the troubles they were facing within the capital because of Redner and Baider. For the guild and the people who didnt know Yggdrasias true colors, they were a godsend. And so, tomorrow well greet the king and then go to the Adventurers Guild. I have something to do. What things? Well, youll have to wait until tomorrow to find out. Grand Shark, the party, which was now down to three people. The leader of the party, Jozu, was determined to follow this man with all his might. He thought that if he was recognized by Yggdrasia, a charismatic adventurer party, he would be able to make their party (Grand Shark), which had a bad reputation, look good. *** Thank you for dropping by after a long journey. (Kingl Ha! It is an honor to see you alive and well. (Aldis) CH 69.2 In the audience hall, Aldis and his party were kneeling before the King. Having conquered the unexplored Bottom of the world, it was easy for them to have an audience with the King. The aged king was in a good mood as he was thanking Yggdrasia for its efforts. So what can I do for you? Is there anything you wish to do? (King) I would like to teach at the Adventurers Guild here in the capital. We are special class adventurers ourselves, and we dont want to neglect training the next generation of adventurers. (Aldis) Thats fine, but if its the Adventurers Guild, you should make that offer to them directly. (King) The Adventurers Guild may be called an extraterritorial organization, but it is His Majestys domain. Its only logical that we should go through the right process. (Aldis) I see, thats very generous of you. So, what do you want from me? (King) Clarine stifled a yawn, and Zhul held back a laugh, thinking that this was the only place he would see Aldis like this, and that the royal family would be impressed by it. We would like to request the right to use some of your facilities and to dispatch personnel. (Aldis) Wont that be too much for a simple task? (King) The raising of the adventurers level will bring great benefits to this country in turn. A half-hearted effort would lead to disrespect for His Majesty. (Aldis) Hmm let me hear the details first. (King) It went so smoothly that Aldis chuckled inwardly. He was reminded that achievements, not allies, were what he needed to have. But then a certain man entered the Kings Chamber and said. Well, well, well, Yggdrasia and company. I am impressed with your greeting to His Majesty. (Redner) Ha! I apologize for the delay in greeting you, Grand Duke Redner. (Aldis) Redner looked down taking advantage of his huge body, as if he was scoping out Yggdrasias party. Your Majesty. It sounds like something complicated is being discussed? (Redner) Yes, it is. It may involve you as well. I would like to leave a part of my forces with Yggdrasia. (King) What? (Redner) Redners eyebrows did not even twitch as he listened to the Kings detailed proposal. Aldis was not pleased with the arrival of Redner. His presence here was no coincidence, but rather blatant timing. Such a thingI see. WellAldis, I will accept your proposal. (Redner) Ha! Thank you! (Aldis) I have heard about Yggdrasias success. Its a great achievement, even from a young age. (Redner) Aldis stood up and shook hands with Redner, but Aldis immediately grunted. Uh ughh! What the! (Aldis) Whats wrong? (Redner) Ugh! Nothi (Aldis) Redner gripped Aldiss hand with a brute force. Although Aldis was not physically as strong as Dorland who was a first-class fighter, he was still a special class himself. Yet he was sweating and gritting his teeth. After some time, Redner finally released Aldiss hand when it broke. Clarine wondered if she should restore Aldiss hand, but decided not to do so because it may irritate his pride. Moreover, using magic to heal the hand in front of the King would be disrespectful and embarrassing, given that it was a normal handshake. Your Majesty, I will gladly cooperate with him. I will dispatch the Amphisbaena squad to him later. (Redner) Im counting on you. (King) Aldis glared hatefully at Redner and analyzed his underlying strength. His power was at least equal to or greater than his own, and that was considering the fiery energy that was being transmitted. CH 69.3 Aldis, if you ever get the chance, Id love to have a match with you sometime. (Redner) Yes, I would also love to. (Aldis) If he fought with Redner, he would not be in a favorable position for sure. He had to admit that. Aldis understood the underlying threat in Redners voice. Aldis felt like clicking his tongue at the thought that there was no room to negotiate with this man by the Kings side. *** Captain Baider. Whats wrong? KuKukuKukuku! Baider was smiling wryly in the Amphisbaena Corps staff room in a corner of the Royal Capital. Some of his subordinates were disgusted, thinking that he had finally gone crazy, but Baider was oblivious. Well, Ill tell you. Starting tomorrow, our unit will be on a joint mission with Yggdrasia. (Baider) What? Yggdrasia is here in the capital? The details of the mission will be announced after we meet up with them. Listen up, okay? This is a turning point for us. (Baider) Baider was planning to reinstate the Amphisbaena squad as a proper squad, which had been forced to only do patrol work in the capital. The Silver Fenrir and Gold Gryphon teams had been the only ones who had been given a proper role, so Baiders resentment had reached its limit. Speaking of Yggdrasia, its a dream come true for adventurers, right? Kukukuku (Baider) Baider was born into a barons family with no land. He was treated as a shady person by the nobility, and pointed at as a poor aristocrat by the commoners. In such an environment, his rebellious spirit was nurtured, but not in a good way. One day, he would trample those who looked down on him. For that he did everything. No one would oppose him if he were a knight of the Order, which every citizen would admire. He took advantage of his rivals weakness and kicked them down the road to enlistment. If I take advantage of them, the position of my unit will change drastically, wont it. Nakonda! Gohra! (Baider) Hey! Hai!! The two men Baider called out were the opposite of each other in terms of figure, one with a large, thick build and the other a thin, stout body. Nakonda, the second-in-command, and Gohra, the assistant to the captain. You guys are on standby, right? But in case of an emergency, you know what to do (Baider) Yes! Will that be the time to use this Sword of the Viper magic tool? What, how about this Snake Whip of mine? These two men entrusted with the magical tools were two of the best in the Amphisbaena Corps, and Baider had taken a liking to them, and the words, actions, and personalities were not difficult to understand. They were one of the main reasons why the Amphisbaena was considered a group of ruffians. They even abused their subordinates, sometimes violently. Hey! You! Im thirsty! Yes! A young man who happened to be passing by immediately responded. That young man wanted to become a knight and protect people. He knew that he would never be able to achieve this in the unit to which he was assigned. He was already on the verge of losing the dream he once had. At the same time, the face of his mother, whom he left behind at home, constantly haunted him. He wondered what his mother would think of him if he quit or became like them? Youre too slow! Do you think Im a fool, this Nakonda-sama! Excuse me! Next time, rub my shoulders. Yes, sir! After being kicked in the stomach, the young man could not stop thinking about his mother. His mother was always kind to him. Every day, he was suffering from the harassment, but he could not stop thinking about his mother. He endured all the harassment to fulfill his moms expectations and his dream. CH 70.1 Litty Meets Again with Yggdrasia The Adventurers Guild was more crowded than ever. There were not only adventurers, but also ordinary people, and the guild staff had to be pressed for time to organize all the work. Catalana was also pushing her way through the crowd to make space. Litty and Roma were also there. They should be here by now, right? Theyre coming in! As soon as Yggdrasia appeared in the guild, there were cheers. Aldis responded with a wave of his hand, and Clarine kept smiling. In addition to the affable Zhul, members of the Grand Shark party also looked somewhat out of place even though they were less popular than Yggdrasia. Why them? Maybe because theyre good, Yggdrasia took them in. Damn as expected of Yggdrasia. Hey, guys. I never thought Id be so warmly welcomed. (Aldis) Aldis smiled briskly at the masses, and some of the women almost fainted. Littys mouth curved into a crooked smile at his husky voice. The people here wouldnt even guess that he was cursing Litty with foul language and lashing out at her not long ago. Litty, are you alright to stay here? (Roma) I am fine. Dont worry. (Litty) Litty had already told Roma about her and Yggdrasias past. While she was listening, Roma covered her mouth with her hand with a sad expression on her face and did not say a word. Or rather, she could not talk about it, for it was the source of Littys strength, but at the same time, the price that Litty had to pay was far too cruel and heartless. Roma even regretted being jealous of her not knowing her circumstances, and felt that no amount of forgiveness would be enough to soothe her ignorance. It sounds like some of you arent adventurers, but its a good opportunity. Let me be frank. I want to raise the level of adventurers here in the capital. There is no denying that adventurers are becoming more and more important in many countries nowadays, unlike in the past. Some countries are even showing their willingness to put effort into the adventurer industry. In the midst of all this, it occurred to me that what we as Yggdrasia can do is to train the next generation of adventurers. (Aldis) Aldis, oblivious to Litty, addressed the masses in a calm and firm voice. Litty looked around. She knew that Aldis words meant nothing. Yet she could not do anything, she simply hoped that they wouldnt be fooled. As you know, leveling up is not as easy as it sounds. There will be difficulties, but we will be there to help you. As you know, Grand Shark are excellent adventurers, and they are more than happy to join us in our mission. Not only them, there will also be others joining us Here they come! (Aldis) Littys mouth dropped open at the unexpected appearance of that person. The person was none other than Baider, who was waving to the masses. His unfavorable reputation was evident here as well. At once, the place went silent. What? What the heck is going on? Aldis-san, are you sure youre not being deceived? Ignoring the shouts of adventurers, Baider began to say, I admit I used to be skeptical about adventurers before. When Baider began to talk about something, all the adventurers turned silent as they believed in Aldis. Baider grinned, not caring that he was disliked. But when I met Aldis and the others here I think my mind changed, you know. So, although it is an order from the government, we, the Amphisbaena, have also decided to cooperate with them wholeheartedly. (Baider) CH 70.2 Aldis added, There will be situations that may hinder our training. In such a case, we will rely on them. What exactly do you mean by training? One adventurer raised his hand and asked. Aldis responded to him with a smile, First, lets get the requests done in the area around the royal city. We will accompany you. It would be helpful for you to follow our example. Dont tell me youre going to teach us directly? Of course. Of course. Otherwise, whats the point? Yes, absolutely. It would be such an honor! Litty was at the end of her patience. She was sure that Aldis would not do as he said, and she was about to shout. Thats Aldis-san! Hes thinking of us too! If it wasnt like this, they wouldnt be called heroes I can repay my parents by becoming stronger and earning more money! These words from an unknown female adventurer further motivated Litty to put an end to this farce. After all, nothing good would come out from Aldis and it may even hurt these adventurers. Litty waded through the crowd to get in front of Aldis and the others. Aldis-san, its been a while. (Litty) Ahah? (Aldis) Aldis had no idea who the girl was who had appeared at the height of his mood. He froze for a while and finally pulled Littys name up from the depths of his memory. His face tightened as he realized that it was the girl he had once left behind in the Demon Forest. Why, why, it should have been impossible, he thought. Was it an illusion, or was he mistaken for someone else? Or was he being misled by some kind of skill or magic? But there was no one here who could do that to him, and he had to admit it, whether he wanted to or not. Oh, oh, you, eh! (Aldis) Thank you for your help in the past. (Litty) You, what are you? (Aldis) Grand Shark Jozu was worried, A, Aldis-san, whats wrong? Even Baider was taken aback. The person who had been giving a gracious speech was now dismayed. All of them could not grasp the situation. I think thats Litty or something Thats the girl who has single-handedly buried several Named Monsters. Ive heard that shes practically a Rank 2. I heard she was working with Red Flag, and I think shes being watched closely Is she acquainted with Aldis-san? As the various evaluations of Litty flew by, Litty was tempted to criticize Aldis, but she suppressed it and told him what she thought. I was trained in Demon Forest. But this time, please keep your word and dont put them all in danger. (Litty) No, you, why, why! (Aldis) Oh my girl, youve got to be kidding me. Oh, no, no Aldis remained aghast, but Clarine and Zhul faced reality. Littys statement triggered a series of questions from all of them. What was the relationship between Litty and Aldis? What was the promise? It was Zhul who made the move before it could turn into a credible statement. Well! Isnt that great! I heard that you overcame the ordeal Aldis put you through! (Zhul) Oh? (Litty) Guys! This was Aldiss apprentice! She tried to overcome the Demon Forest by herself at the end, but she never came back We went looking for her, but we couldnt find her. Im glad shes still alive! (Zhul) Oh, really! Aldis-san, you already have an apprentice! Litty gritted her teeth at the unexpected turn of events. She knew Zhul had been following up on Aldis, who had been caught short in some way. He was the only one in Yggdrasia who had not harmed Litty directly. Although he pretended to be neutral, in a way this man was also the cruelest of all. Im sorry, sweetie, but Aldis was serious about finding you, and he still regrets it. Right, Aldis? (Zhul) OhIm so glad youre alive. (Aldis) You people! (Litty) Litty! (Roma) CH 70.3 Roma came over to Littys side and held her hand, trying to bring down Littys temper. Aldis clicked his tongue for a moment in response to Roma, which made Litty uncomfortable. I wonder if its thanks to Aldis-san that that girl was able to become Rank 3. Rank 3?! Thats right. I see. Then well have to work hard too. Hey, girl. I know how you feel, but its wise to hold back here. You know the situation, dont you? Litty wanted to brush off Zhuls earful, but her head cooled down a bit. She thought about it. Zhul was right, even if she did confront him, it wouldnt change anything. Besides, what was his purpose? Litty looked at Roma, gave a small nod, and went to the request board. Oh, wait. Heres heres the request. Well take care of it. Wha! Aldis intervened and ripped off all the request posters. An ordinary adventurer would have been turned down at the reception desk if he did something like this. After all, there was no way he would be able to fulfill all the requests. But with Yggdrasia, the story was different. Well take care of hunting monsters that everyone else is having trouble with You can follow us. Littys fists were shaking, and she was getting close to her limit. Aldis gave Litty a small comment. You got to Rank 3 with your luck, but dont get carried away, okay? Watch, this is the power of achievement. Litty turned to Aldis, who was in a good mood, with a glare. Aldis finally remembered it was something about Litty that made him feel discomfort or threat from her many times. It was also because of this that he intentionally made sure that Litty wouldnt survive back then. Looking at the situation, Baider also joined the conversation, Aldis, she may be your apprentice, but shes really cheeky, you know. We were having a hard time with her, as well. Dont worry. Now that Im here, I wont let her do anything she wants to do. Thats a relief. Litty was inwardly annoyed, wondering why there were only such a bunch of jerks in the world. Littys answer to these people was simple. Roma-san, lets go on an adventure. What? Fine, lets go. Litty and Roma simply walked out of the Adventurers Guild. Aldis wondered if he missed a request that they had already taken. Not liking that, he crumpled the request paper in his hand. A, Aldis-san? Oops, sorry. Aldis anger simmered even as he unfolded the request sheet that someone had pointed out to him. The girl he thought was dead was alive and still rebelling against him just as he was about to establish his own personal paradise in the capital. Captain Baider, I want you to immediately notify the designated facilities. Also, were going to rent all the bedrooms in the Adventurers Guild here. Understood. Aldis muttered to himself over and over again, his distorted nature growing more and more twisted in the face of a girl he couldnt even remember the name of. *** Umare you alone? A little further away from the Adventurers Guild, Kuufa found a shabby little girl. Judging by her appearance, she did not appear to have parents. The girl raised her head at Kuufas call, but did not speak. Are you hungry? She nodded this time and munched absentmindedly as Kuufa handed her a simple snack for adventurers. Relieved, Kuufa observed the girl and saw in her a reflection of her former self. Dont you have a father and mother? Or a place called home? The girl finished eating, but still did not answer Kuufas question. Deciding that if things continued like this, she might steal from someone like herself, so Kuufa offered her a hand. Will youhold my hand? Kuufa remembered Litty, though she did not know why she did so. The girl in front of her remained silent, but eventually reached out to her. You are free to accompany me. Kuufa did not know if this was the right thing to do to a girl whose identity was unknown. She simply did so naturally. The girl, who had been treated badly by vicious adventurers and had never disobeyed them, gradually moved on. A memory from when she was just a child came back to her. She remembered how she had once been treated as well. Hey, are you crying? A single tear streamed down the girls grimy, muddy cheek. It was the moment when the girl regained herself, even if only slightly. CH 71.1 Litty, Always Aiming for an Adventure Since Yggdrasias arrival, Litty and her friends had been unable to accept most of the requests they received. The requests for the higher ranks had been completely wiped out, and the only requests left were simple gathering requests for the lower ranks and the killing of vermin that were destroying village fields. Litty found herself stuck in the situation, where she was not able to get requests suitable for her rank. One needed to collect sufficient points by doing Rank 3 requests in order to get the right to challenge the Rank 2 promotion examination. If she passed the promotion exam, she would become a semi-Rank 2, and if she received a certificate of recognition from some important figure, she would become a Rank 2. Oh, thank God. Now the fields wont be destroyed for a while. Its fine. I am also relieved that everyone can continue eating delicious vegetables now. Delicious vegetables, huh? When was the last time someone said that to me. Well, how about having some? The vegetables that Litty and Roma ate were so fresh and tasty that they could be eaten raw. Litty was impressed when she felt that it was comparable to the ones produced in her own village. She even thought that this alone was worth coming to a village far outside the royal capital. Recently, adventurers dont come here anymore. We used to have a resident knight, but he was too arrogant Fortunately, he left. So, in the end, the young people of the village decided to report it to the royal capital asking for help by making it a task for adventurers to receive. What was that knights group called again? The the fly squad or whatever it was? The Amphisbaenians? (Roma) The old men in the village nodded their heads in agreement to Romas answer. Even though it had not been that long since Roma and Litty came to the capital, the bad reputation of the Amphisbaena was well established in their minds. Litty was able to picture how much trouble the villagers must have gone through with those people around them. Ill ask for someones help, a better knight. (Litty) You will? Yes. I know someone who might be able to help you guys. (Litty) I appreciate that, but The old men in the village knew Littys rank, but did not consider her to be in the same league as the others of the same Rank as her because of how she looked. Half-heartedly but gratefully, they waved goodbye to Litty who completed the request and turned to return to the capital. *** Unable to take high rank requests, Litty and Roma decided to focus on Rank 6 requests. In addition to Littys natural motivation and vitality, she now had Roma with her. The two of them sweated, laughed, and hit it off with their clients. It was different from the kind of work Roma wanted to do in the capital, but she thought it wasnt so bad. It changed her perception of adventurers once again. Ah, Im tired Aldis-san, Im going to go pay the bill. Ohone more restaurant after that, I guess. A flushed Yggdrasia and Grand Sharks, and the adventurers who followed them, entered the guild. Their staggering steps showcased a far cry from what was expected of dignified adventurers. The strong smell of alcohol emanating from them irritated Litty and Romas nostrils. Roma couldnt help but murmur in a low voice, Stinky Litty said to Roma, Roma-san, now that the clearing is over, lets go get some rest today. Oh? Well, well, well arent you a Rank 3 adventurer of some sort? CH 71.2 Aldis tried to agitate Litty, but she didnt even look at him. Aldis, annoyed with Littys attitude, grabbed her by the collar. Since when did you become so arrogant? Ah? Let go of me. Jozu, one of the Grand Sharks members, yelled out a crazy comment, Have you forgotten what Aldis-san did for you when he made you his apprentice? However, Litty did not even bother to look at Jozu and slowly but coldly uttered a word at a time, Let me go Aldiss breath, which reeked of alcohol, was on Littys face. At this point, she was barely stopping herself from losing control. I warned you twice (Litty) Just as everyone thought that Litty, who was caught by a special class adventurer, had no way of escaping, Litty simply slapped Aldiss wrist. Not only did Aldis was forced to let go of her, he even wobbled and fell to the cold floor because of being dead drunk. Ah? Ouch! (Aldis) Seeing this, other adventurers shuddered. Even though Aldis was drunk, it was no small feat to easily yank off a special rank adventure. Aldis tried to stand up using a nearby pillar as a support, but failed to do so and started vomiting. You, you aaaaah! (Aldis) As Zhul, Jozu and other Grand Sharks members rushed to support Aldis, other adventurers left as if a tide was receding. After all, no one wanted to get caught in this mess. Zhul was the one who held Aldis up as he collapsed on top of the gooey mess staining the floor. Hey! Jozu! Take Aldis-san to the hotel! (Zhul) What? Me? (Jozu) Of course! You should know your place, you bastard! (Zhul) Yes! (Jozu) The three Grand Sharks members carried the filthy Aldis in their arms. Zhul, who had witnessed the scene, looked at Litty seriously. Roma was more terrified than she expected to be, having incurred the wrath of a special class adventurer, but Litty continued to look Zhul in the eye. Hey, girl. Dont go making trouble just because there is someone scary keeping an eye on us. Ehem? Catalana responded like a child, but she was far away because of what stained the floor. The adventurers glanced at her, whom one of the Yggdrasias members described as frightening. The squabbles between colleagues is also a part of being an adventurer. As long as it does not get too extreme, I will just observe. (Catalana) Hearing Catalanas reply, Zhul said in a cold voice, Hmm Anyway, you little girl (Litty) better not expect to be able to move around much from here on out. Especially since the guilds chambers are already full. Is that so, then, Roma-san, well sleep somewhere else. (Litty) Oops, no point in that. The best places to stay are already reserved for us, and only Yggdrasia approved adventurers are allowed to use them. (Zhul) Huh? How can you guys get away with that? (Roma) Roma was the first to respond. However, Litty wasnt surprised as she knew these guys were capable of falling that low. We didnt do anything illegal, so why do we need to get away with it? Hehe Weve got the Kings permission. No one can do anything about it. (Zhul) Youre crazy! (Roma) Roma felt this way not only about Yggdrasia, but about the country as well. If they could not use the main accommodations, they would have to stay out in the field. Without a bath, she would be no better than a hobo. Zhul, as if sensing Romas concern, laughed. I wonder what Aldis will do when he sobers up. (Zhul) This adventurer training is worthless, just like Litty told methere is no way this is going to last forever. (Roma) Were still going to be the ones that have the last laugh. Now, if youll excuse us, go sleep outside in the cold. (Zhul) Roma-san, lets go. (Litty) CH 71.3 Litty walked out of the guild without a word back to Zhul. She had two guilds to choose from: the Martial Guild and the Summoners Guild. Both of these guilds offered lodging, Litty could decide to stay in either of them. *** Oh, you guys arent on the list. Sorry, youll have to find another place to eat. The problem was food. Aldiss faction had a hand in this as well, refusing to accept anyone but the adventurers on the list. The restaurant was under orders from the King, and they could not go against the order. After checking out a few more restaurants, Litty and Roma gave up, and made do with a simple meal that could be eaten without cooking. Well have to rely on jobs in the guild that also offer meals for us, if we could find any. Right. We cant cook meat in the city Hey! Hey! What are you doing there! The one who called out angrily to Litty was a knight of the kingdom. She recognized the two-headed serpent symbol as the Amphisbaena. Baider, the captain, was nowhere to be seen. In his place were two contrasting figures, one round, the other tall and slender, leading the knights. Yes? Hey, both of you come to the station! We didnt do anything. Is this part of your joint operation with Yggdrasia? The knights did not answer Romas question, but tried to forcefully restrain them. Amphisbaena Corps represented the power of the state. If they resisted, it could be considered as obstruction of justice. It didnt matter if Yggdrasia was behind it. However, if they were caught, no one knew what they planned to do with them. It would have been fine if it was only her, but Roma was also with her. Be quiet and come with us. Litty even thought of escaping the capital for the time being. With her current strength, she was confident in escaping from knights encirclement, but what about Roma? Litty, who had no intention of abandoning Roma, thought desperately. As Littys mind was racing, she saw two figures standing at the corner of the building ahead of her. Come with me, Roma-san! Whatare you? Without any hesitation, Litty grabbed Romas wrist and dragged her toward those figures while escaping the encirclement. The knights also reacted quickly and were closing in. However, they suddenly stopped because there was a man that they couldnt touch. Oh, my dear knights. What are you doing here so late at night? Ah, you are A small, plump, magnificent aristocrat, a woman with long flowing hair of bright blue, and a young girl with brown hair stood there. They were Maamu, who was escorted by Litty in the city of Topaz; her father, De Mile; and her escort, Natasha. De, Count De Mile?! Those two are my honored guestsis something the matter? (De Mile) No, no, nothing in particular It seemed like you were chasing them around. (De Mile) It was our mistake! We are sorry! The knights bowed their heads and then disappeared at breakneck speed. Taking a deep breath, Litty was surprised to see them again. Although they had never met before, Roma was able to figure out who this man was because of the knights greeting. Everyone Thank you so much for your help. Oh, no, no. I was just on my way home from picking up my daughter today. It was just a coincidence. (De Mile) Oh, Maamu, you see, she goes to the Magicians Guild now. De Mile is taking her to and from the magicians guild every day, as much as possible. (Natasha) Oh, thats amazing though, it seems like I might have gotten you involved in a mess. (Litty) Litty gave a dazed look to Maamu and noticed that she was not in the elegant dress she used to wear. She was a trainee, wearing black vestments, a skirt and tights, and even just in appearance, she looked like a fine wizard. In her hand was a wooden wand, and she looked very different from her previous image of a young lady. CH 71.4 When Litty told him what happened, De Mile let out a sigh of resignation. I see, I suppose it all depends on the disparity between adventurers. It is similar to an aristocratic society (De Mile) Im not sure if Id have a good chance of winning in a fight with Yggdrasia. Especially with the Knights on their side. (Natasha) Even Natasha, a Rank 2 adventurer, was now in the same situation as Litty and Roma. Adventurers who were not following Yggdrasia were being shunned. She was concerned about the country allowing special class adventurers to do whatever they wanted. De Mile felt the same way as Natasha, and it was a chance for him to reflect on his own status as a Noble and what he should do. He was thinking that, If we, as nobles, are going to we allow high ranking adventurers to do as they pleased, then we should at least also be able to do something about it if things went out of control. Father, cant we let Litty-san and the others live in the mansion? (Maamu) Well, if its a request from my daughter, we could take care of them for a while. (De Mile) Eh, is it really alright? (Litty) Its fine. Well then, I have some work to do. (De Mile) Litty was relieved, but also knew that she could not be taken care of forever. As an adventurer, accidents were bound to happen, and sometimes she had to break through them on her own. Just as she was thinking about becoming stronger, Roma held Littys hand with both of hers. Litty, helping and receiving help from others is also part of an adventure. (Roma) Yes, it is. (Litty) Even though it was by accident, she made connections with nobles. This was definitely one of the qualifications that Litty aspired for when becoming an adventurer, and this was not something that anyone could do. Litty already had her foot on the stairs to Rank 2 and beyond. Litty-san, sleep in my room tonight! Lets talk a lot! (Maamu) Wait! Maamu-sama! Thats so bold! (Natasha) Thats right! I dont think its a good idea to share a room with a noblemans daughter! (Roma) Maamus suggestion was met with indignation by Roma and Natasha. Romas statement in particular was a good argument, but the way she spoke was not appropriate. She showed so much emotion that she lost track of the meaning of what she was talking about. Sohow about we all sleep together? (Maamu) Well, that would be fine. (Natasha) Yes, that would be fine. No problem. (Roma) Roma herself did not understand her feelings, not realizing that she was contradicting her previous statement. Litty, however, was only relieved to be able to sleep under the warm covers. *** In the knights lodgings, a young man opened a notebook and wrote. He kept a record of all the corruption in the unit to which he belonged. The information that Baider had slipped up while drunk was particularly significant. He knew about the corruption he had been involved in and the people with whom he had been doing business. Unable to bear the daily violence, the young mans spirit had reached its limit. Ive got to do it now Not only was his suggestion during the rat subjugation brushed aside, Baider, who took offense to this, even took away his days off and made him work hard day after day. Today, after finally settling down, the young man made up his mind. I have to tell the truth but to whom? The King? Who else? What about the Adventurers Guild? Even the Guild is now compromised He mumbled and mumbled, but there was no way for a lowly knight apprentice like him to have any connections, when he could do nothing but devote himself to his work. There was also the option of trying to contact another Knight Order, but he was not sure if he could trust them. After racking his brains, he came up with an idea. He thought of the people he visited with Baider in the past. I have to go. Mom Ill be on your side soon The young man stood up unsteadily. He stepped outside, dazed as he thought about what he was going to do. I will be a respectable knight I will protect my country The earnest young man considered himself equally guilty of belonging to a corrupt unit. Still, with the notebook in his hand, the young man walked away. Was it desperation, or was it the realization of a dream? It was unclear, even to the young man. CH 72.1 Litty, an Adventurer for the People At an exclusive party venue in the Royal Capital, Aldis was somewhat impatient. He wanted to show the lower-ranked adventurers how strong he was and gain supremacy over them. That had been his goal, but recently adventurers had been acting strangely. Almost everyone in the party venue witnessed the incident in which Aldis was knocked down by Litty when he was drunk. This incident caused more than a few people to look at him with skepticism. Aldis, enraged, planned to retaliate against Litty immediately after he sobered up, but was stopped by Zhul who said, Getting back at her currently will have the opposite effect. We should just continue to laugh at her as a joke for being someone of a lower rank. Heeding Zhuls advice, every time Aldis saw Litty at the Adventurers Guild, he would lash out and hurl as many abusive words at her as he could think of, but Litty simply ignored him completely. Only Myan would turn her fangs on him instead. In turn, Litty would pat Myan on the head and give her a silent dont mind them. Its been so many days. What the heck is Baider doing? Zhul, what the heck is going on?. (Aldis) Well That young girl has been received as a guest by Count De Mile. (Zhul) What? What kind of connections does that little brat have with Count De Mile? (Aldis) I found out that she was asked to escort his daughter to the city of Topaz. (Zhul) It was a wise decision for Zhul to not tell Aldis about Littys other exploits there. Even Zhul felt like he had been shot in the chest when he heard that Litty had killed a Scarb Queen equivalent to the 1st Rank monster. Zhul knew that if Aldis found out, he would be in big trouble, so he kept his silence. Aldis-san. What? It was a group of Rank 5 adventurers who spoke to him. They, too, admired Yggdrasia and had witnessed their work. The way Aldis was cleaving Rank 3 monsters single-handedly was enough to make them almost lose their confidence, but they were following him because they believed in his training. When is the training going to start? Hah? I mean, when are you going to train us, since we havent done anything like that yet? You guys didnt learn anything from watching me fight? Did you expect me to teach you everything I know? Well, thats Look at the members of the Grand Sharks here. Thats how these guys improved, you know? You know their ranks, right? Yes, Rank 2 I brought them up from a bunch of jerks to Rank 2. Dont you feel anything when you see this result? Im sorry. We didnt study hard enough After saying so, the Rank 5 adventurers, who were following Yggdrassia, returned to their seats and started drinking in a corner of the party venue. At first, they were having fun following Yggdrassia, but now most of them were questioning whether they were doing the right thing. Some of them even began to doubt Aldis. Oh, by the way, Jozu. Whats up with that slave kid? (Aldis) I think she ran away. Thats cold. (Jozu) Thats what happens when you dont keep a collar on a slave. For example, if a dog is barking too much (Aldis) Aldis got up from the sofa and went over to the Rank 5 adventurers. Aldis kicked one of them in the stomach and then looked around to see everyones reaction. Ugh! This is how you need to discipline them (Aldis) After several rounds of relentless violence, the adventurer went limp. Aldis, now drunk and out of control, continued to assault the other adventurers. Not having time to be surprised by Aldiss change, another adventurer became a victim. A, Aldis, -san? What? You got a problem with me? (Aldis) CH 72.2 No The surrounding adventurers could not say anything and just looked down. The other adventurers who were unaware of Aldis deed were still drinking and boisterous as usual. However, owner, who witnessed Aldiss barbaric act, came to question him, Mr. Aldis, whats the matter? Nothing. Go away. (Aldis) What are you trying to do to our gue? (Owner) This restaurant was rented out by order of the King to us. We have also paid you generously, right? (Aldis) The owner had no choice but to shut up when he was confronted with such a nail-biting statement. Although this caused him to distrust Aldis in no small amount, the man himself was drinking as if he was showering on booze. Damn it, Im a heroIm Yggdrasia (Aldis) Dreamily, Aldis was slumped on the couch, Clarine had long gone back to the hotel, and Zhul was in deep thoughts. He had no idea how this would look in the eyes of the owner or the Rank 5 adventurers. *** Hey! Is Yggdrasia here? Early in the morning, shortly after Litty and her friends arrived at the Adventurers Guild, an elderly man noisily entered. Spitting, the old man walked to the reception counter. Litty looked at the man and guessed that he was an aristocrat, for he was dressed in an elegant outfit that was comparable to that of Count De Mile. What can I do for you, Viscount Orion? (Receptionist) The other day, I asked Yggdrasia to collect Hercules horns of a certain length! What they brought was not long enough! You allowed the delivery of such a product! (Orion) Im, Im sorry. I checked with them, but. we were forced to accept the delivery (Receptionist) Not wanting to incur the wrath of the aristocrat, the receptionist immediately confessed that Aldis had forced her to deliver a horn that was not long enough. Normally, guild employees would be expected to have the mindset of not backing down one step in front of adventures, even if the other party was a special class. However, the other party was Yggdrasia who had gained Kings favor. I wanted to put it up on display to show it to my grandchildren! My son and his wife are going to arrive soon with my grandchildren! (Orion) Sorry about that (Receptionist) Well, I can still wait until Yggdrasia gets here! I gave them this task because theyre very famous Looks like I made a mistake (Orion) Oi! Get Yggdrasia out here now! A man dressed in a cook suit kicked the door. The young staff was inwardly exhausted, wondering what it was now. Yes, what is it? (Receptionist) What is this delivery? I asked for the High Shroom. Even though they are both mushroom-shaped monsters, the one they delivered was Death Shroom! It is poisonous and inedible! Its not hard to see the difference between both. Is this really the work of a Special Rank? (Cook) I was in charge of that! Im sorry! (Receptionist) Young, lady, arent you supposed to be professional about this! (Cook) A certain aristocrat also appeared on the scene and was also very angry. The reason he was angry was because he only received the subjugation report of one Blast Bear on their private property, even though there was supposed to be two of them that was sighted. What the heck is all this! I will be waiting for Yggdrasia! I will file a complaint when they arrive! (Receptionist) I dont have time for this! I was supposed to deliver those items to a special customer tomorrow! Can I take care of your request? The clients, who had been throwing a frenzy of anger, all looked at Litty at the same time. At first, some of them thought, Who is this girl? but then the man who looked like a cook recognized her. Are you an adventurer named Litty? (Cook) Yes, I am. How do you know my name? (Litty) CH 72.3 Because my neighbors have been bragging about your name a lot. I hear that you are known for doing a lot of small jobs for them. (Cook) I see, Im Rank 3, so I can take care of your request, if thats okay with you? (Litty) If thats the case, then please take care of it. (Cook) The others were skeptical of Litty, perhaps not imagining her to be actually Rank 3 from her appearance. However, her achievements proved to be very promising. Despite some misgivings, everyone finally decided to hire Litty. There was one more reason. Why were there so few adventurers in the first place? Arent there usually many adventurers clamoring around here? Most of the adventurers who were worth looking out for were now following Aldis. So there were not many adventurers other than Litty who could accept Rank 3 or lower requests. The only ones who remained were those who had either shied away from Yggdrasia or were not interested in them. It was impossible for everyone to be interested in a party of heroes known only by rumor. Litty, a Heracles Beetle is a Rank 3 monster, but a large one could be equivalent to a Rank 2 monster. And of course, the one Im looking for is around that rank. (Orion) Leave it to me! Lets make your grandchildren happy soon! (Litty) Oh, ooh thats very encouraging. (Orion) The one dressed as a cook asked Litty, Speaking of which, can you tell the difference between High Shroom and Death Shroom? I have checked all the monsters around the Royal Capital, so yeah! I cant wait for your guests to taste the food! (Litty) Yes, wellIm looking forward to it. (Cook) Littys unhesitating replies made the clients have more confidence in her. But what is that creature? Isnt it long? No, its incredibly long! (Cook) Myan! (Myan) Its Myan. (Litty) No, wait, its really what its called? (Orion) Viscount Orions question was also mentioned by Roma once. When everyone had the same reaction as her, Roma ended up laughing. It was probably because of Myans charm that she became Maamus favorite when they stayed at the De Mile mansion. She was supposed to be a magician, but Myan made her seriously think about switching to a summoner. Litty, I will help you, of course. (Roma) Thank you, now that Roma-san has reached Rank 3, we can do the same job without hesitation from now on. (Litty) Yes it was quite a struggle (Roma) The Rank 3 promotion exam was mildly traumatic for Roma. It started with a rude dismissal by the unconventional Catalana, and when Roma finally arrived at the test site, the examiner was missing. When Catalana showed up on the test site, she brought a horde of burst boars, a Rank 4 monster, with her, making Roma seriously hate her. Although the few examinees were finally able to defeat them, the real despair started there. Roma still could not forget the look on the face of the candidate who was rejected because she had been given a lot of bad advice on how to prepare and how to fight the monsters that approached. I wont become an adventurer like that person. Its strange that someone like her is allowed to do this. (Roma) Yes, right? It was terrible at my time too! (Litty) Catalana, who had become a complete opposite to the two of them, was a quality driving force. It inspired the two young adventurers to become decent adventurers once again. With such pure hearts, the two of them were ready to take on the challenge of cleaning up Yggdrasias mess. *** The young man was struggling with a notebook clutched to his chest. Last night, he tried to head to his destination with the notebook, but there were knights of the Amphisbaena Corps all over the Royal Capital. While off-duty, troublemakers like those knights would stand out if they were hanging around. It was not impossible for him being part of their group to be noticed by some of them. Normally, he would just smile and pass them by, but now he was carrying his notebook. The young man had a sense of urgency, knowing that if they rummaged through his belongings and saw what was inside, it would be the end of him. This route is also no good. Then this is the only way The destination was not far away, but the young man spent the day exploring, taking detours. In the meantime, the sun went down again and he missed his opportunity. Of course, the next day he was supposed to go to work, but the young man would never put on his knights outfit again. He was ready to throw away his life. He was also desperate, wondering what a man like him was worth. Captain Baiderno, Baiders aim. That guy is dangerous that guy is no knight He had stumbled upon Baiders plot. When he realized what Baider had been planning, he shuddered at how horrible it was, so he acted accordingly to his beliefs as a real knight. It was undeniably his sense of justice, and the heart of a knight trying to protect his country, that pushed him forward. Watch me. Ill definitely give it my best However, in some corner of his heart, his aim was also self destruction, knowing that he was also part of that group. CH 73.1 Litty fights a Giant Heracles Ah! Thats the High Shroom! (Litty) And the one next to it is Death Shroom, isnt it? (Roma) In the middle of the forest, a mushroom-shaped monster, which looked like a large open umbrella, quietly approached them. Death Shroom moved slowly but spewed poisonous spores. Litty made the first move and slashed at the Death Shroom. If the poison was so nasty, Litty thought, why not just kill it before it gets a chance to attack? Death Shroom, which was lightly guarded, received a sharp cut, and was ripped apart roughly. Nice work, Litty. Ive taken care of this one too. (Roma) Roma-san, you are quick as well. (Litty) Its a Rank 5 monster, and Death Shroom is Rank 4, right? (Roma) Yes. Its a dangerous monster that approaches campers and sprays them with poisonous spores, but if you fight it head on, it is manageable. (Litty) The damage caused by Death Shroom was not insignificant. Plant types were one of the scariest monsters to face. Even veterans could be caught off guard because they could assimilate into the forest landscape and move like assassins. What do we do? Death Shrooms were also posted as a request to subjugate, so we can get an additional reward if we hunt more of them. (Roma) I would love to, but for now, lets deliver the ingredients to that Cook-san. (Litty) The cook needed the ingredients tomorrow, so they had to deliver them by midnight today. Orions request for horn collection also didnt give them much time to relax. *** Oh! Thats it! This is it! Thank you! I didnt think you could make it! (Cook) Thats great. Im sure your customers will be very happy. (Litty) Well, well we did our best (Roma) The cook was pleased with the delivery, but something seemed off. He was supposed to be a professional cook, but for some reason, he seemed nervous to Litty. Um, is something wrong? (Litty) No, actually, the special guest is the woman Im going to propose to. If she doesnt like the surprise If youre sincere, Im sure shell understand. (Litty) Thats right. Just show her how much of a good cook you are. (Roma) These were the words of the not-so-professional Roma, but the Cook man seemed to have made up his mind. After seeing him off with the ingredients, Litty and her team quickly moved to their next request. Roma was not interested in the word marriage, but she sympathized with the man who was serious about something. Just as Litty did at the moment. *** Litty and Roma were looking around for some large Heracles. Heracles were beetle-like monsters. They could have hunted some smaller ones because their horns could be used as materials for armor and furniture, but they were basically ignoring them because of time constraints. It will be difficult to find one as large as Orion-san requested. (Litty) Yeah. No wonder that lax hero-san gave up. (Roma) He is only defeating monsters to make himself look good. Thats why hes so messed up. (Litty) Litty was not one to speak ill of people, unless they were very bad people. However, she had a particular ill will towards Aldis. Lets find a big tree. If its a really large tree, then maybe big Heracles will come to sip its sap. (Litty) Although Litty suggested looking for a big enough tree to attract a big Heracles, she was not willing to go too far into the depths of the forest. She knew that this area would be the limit, considering the time needed for the return trip. Besides, Heracles in their ordinary states were not weak monsters. Unlike the Scarbs, they could fly through this forest in any direction. CH 73.2 If it takes too long to find a big one, then we could only settle with whatever we get. (Roma) Yes, but I dont want to give up as much as possible. For Orion-sans sake (Litty) Hes a bit reckless with his orders, isnt he? Its typical of a rich person to be so concerned about a luxury item. (Roma) Hes in such a hurry to please his grandchildren. Im sure hes a nice guy. (Litty) Current situation reminded Litty of the previous branch leader of the Summoner Guild. Some people were outrageous enough to sacrifice even their own relatives for their benefit, while others were like Orion. Choosing between both extremes, Litty was determined to at least do her best for the latter. Ah! That big tree looks good. (Litty) Thats we might attract a Rank 2 equivalent Heracles. Im a little worried. (Roma) A large tree, probably several hundred years old, was in front of Litty and Roma. Looking up, they saw a normal Heracles clinging to the top of the tree. After cutting a large gash to the tree, they hid and waited for a big Heracles to appear, hoping to find it before the sun went down. Litty was anxious about finding one, but she kept her composure. Then, at one point, they heard a loud rustling of wings. Is that? Oh, here it comes. Just as that huge Heracles appeared, other beetles who were consuming the sap dropping off the tree immediately withdrew. The huge Heracles clung to the tree as soon as it reached it. Its tall horns scraped off thick branches, demonstrating its strength and power. Roma-san, Ill initiate the attack. Im going to drop it from the tree, so please aim at that moment. (Litty) Dont tell me youre going to shake the tree to drop it? (Roma) No, Im going to do it this way. (Litty) Litty moved in a 3-dimensional motion, kicking smaller trees that surrounded the giant tree, aiming for the Heracles clinging on it. Roma was again amazed at her physical abilities, but this was not the time to marvel. Litty struck the Heracles legs with her Parrying Cleave, detaching it from the tree. As Heracles was about to fall, it attempted to open its wings and fly. But Litty was obviously not going to let that happen. She jumped from the giant tree to another tree in a triangle leap, and then reached right above the Heracles. Shell Splitter! She pulled out her axe and swung it down hard, hitting the base of its open wings. Litty thought she had hit a vital spot, but was surprised to see how hard it was. Thrown into the air, Litty had no choice but to free fall. Litty! (Roma) Its landing! (Litty) After declaring this, Litty broke her fall by rolling as she landed to cushion the impact. Following her, the damaged Heracles staggered as it landed on the ground. Litty, not wanting to miss it, tried to make a follow-up attack, but the Heracles was not to be outdone by her move. It swung with its horns in Littys direction. Look out! (Roma) Just as Roma pulled Litty back using her hand, the giant horns that missed their target easily pierced the ground, launching debris as if a huge cannonball landed. And as if trying to show off its power to the two who thought its horns might have ended up being stuck, the Heracles easily lifted a chunk of the ground that clung to its horn. Dirt was swept up after it pulled its horn, blocking the vision of the two as it prepared a quick charge. Ill hold it down! (Litty) Litty, seeing no way knowing where the attack would come in, pulled out her shield and axe to intercept. As the giant horn popped out of the dirt, blocking their vision, Litty caught it with her shield and axe, catching the force with her entire body as she slid through the ground, trying to disperse the force pushing her. Left, aim at the base of the wing! (Litty) CH 73.3 Litty communicated shortly to Roma, before she was slammed into a tree. The impact was enough to snap the tree, and although properly blocking the attack, Litty was not unscathed. Although worried about Littys condition, Roma carried out her attack, swinging her sword down at the base of the carapace where Litty had hit. Romas attack stabbed into the Heracles body, causing it to twist and turn away from Litty. Alright, now! (Roma) Next, Roma followed up with Multiple Strike. It was an attack powerful enough to resonate through the hard armor, rendering Heracles unable to make its next move. Explosion Fist! Goho! (Litty) Without missing the chance, Litty immediately unleashed another attack while spitting blood, it was a grapplers skill that the Branch Manager of the Martial guild showed her. After recovering enough from the move she unleashed on the Heracles, Litty pulled out a one-handed spear. Spiral Thrust! (Litty) With the Heracles sufficiently immobilized, Litty unleashed a spiral thrust that had both a large windup and great power. The Heracles armor, which became weak from the chain of attacks delivered by the two, was finally pierced by the spear, delivering the finishing blow. Litty and Romas victory was assured. Haah haaah (Litty) Litty, let me give you some first aid. (Roma) Sorry, but we should leave (Litty) Seriously you could have died from that attack, you know (Roma) It was neither humility nor modesty on Romas part. The powerful Horn Thrust was capable of piercing through several large trees. Just being able to move and being conscious after receiving it already puts Litty on another level than other Rank 3 adventures. Leave the horn collection to me. (Roma) Yes, please (Litty) Litty felt reassured as she watched Romas backside working diligently. Litty was not sure if those Heracles were actually equivalent to Rank 2, but she knew that they were a dangerous opponent for her to face on her own. That was why she was happy to work with Roma, who always provided help at the right time. I was able to remove it properly, but this seems like something Myan wont be able to swallow (Roma) Myan (Myan) Yeah, it seems like its no good. (Roma) Well just have to find a way to carry it. (Litty) The horns looked majestic, especially after all that hard work required to get it. The rest depended on whether Orion would be satisfied, and Litty was a little worried about that. Litty was injured, but not hindered from carrying the horns. It was clearly abnormal, and Roma was unaware of the physical monster that she had become. Litty, dont push yourself too hard. (Roma) Im fine. (Litty) Litty answered, showing no signs of feeling any pain. *** Ooooooh! Yes, this, this is it! Its so majestic! (Orion) Orion excitedly gasped. There was a huge horn there that even seasoned adventurers rarely see. The staff and a few adventurers came to take a look. Is there really a Heracles this big? Staff-san, this is not a Named Monster, right? We havent recorded any named ones for this monster. There have been no reports of them attacking people after all (Receptionist) Hey! Dont touch that! I asked you for those horns! (Orion) The unmannerly Orion kept the onlookers at bay. Just as he was about to cough again, Litty rubbed him on the back. Ah, Im sorry. I didnt expect that you would get me something this huge And for me (Orion) Your grandson is surely going to be surprised. (Litty) Well yes, but. Thinking about it calmly, even though it was for the sake of my grandson, I have put you two in danger. It must have been hard for you to fight this. (Orion) Its okay. Its us who decided to accept this request, knowing the risk involved. (Litty) You are strong in many ways. (Orion) To which Roma agreed. While she would like to emulate that mentality, she also felt a sense of weakness that she could never become like Litty. Lets get the transport arranged right away. You guys have been a big help. (Orion) Yes Ah! We still have the Blast Bear to take down! (Litty) That ones done. said a man carrying what looked like one of Blast Bears arms. He was in the lead of a group which had Jennifer walking around with the pelt rolled, followed by Caron and Daido, who were carrying a package on their backs. It was Red Flag who announced that Blast Bear had been defeated. Charl-san! (Litty) I was just having some free time. (Charl) I was hoping to take it down (Litty) Oops. (Charl) Charl thought that he was going to be thanked, but he was wrong. Roma chuckled at Littys desire to fight rather than rewards and accomplishments. Well, do you want some meat? (Charl) No, thanks. (Litty) Myanmyaan! Myan! (Myan) Litty was not attracted by the meat, but the same couldnt be said for Myan. Myan was trying her best to bite into the flesh of the Blast Bear in Charls hand. Of course, she was easily fended off.