Published: July 31, 2025
Three chapters posted simultaneously today.
This is the third chapter.
“No real challenge, huh.”
We charged into a new mine tunnel with determination, but since the monsters appearing were weak, we progressed quickly. This was already the third tunnel.
“What do you expect, seeking a challenge from small rats and slime?”
“If enemies that Mr. Jeff finds challenging showed up, that’d be a problem. We’re fine, but if they appeared to other G-rank or F-rank groups, it’d be way too dangerous.”
“Our primary job is to be in the abandoned mine just in case.”
“But if we just hang around here, it won’t set a good example for the lower-ranked adventurers.”
…Judging by how they talk and their fighting style, especially their combat skills, they seem far above most thieves I’ve fought in this world. All of them must be pretty high rank, right? Then why am I, an F-rank, mixed in with this group?
“Hm? Is something wrong, Ryoma?”
“No, it’s just that you all seem like high-rank adventurers, so I was wondering why an F-rank like me was included here. Maybe it’s the guild master’s kindness? It’s easier if you know someone.”
“That’s unlikely. That old guy is meddlesome, sure, but when it comes to missions, he prioritizes ability above all.”
“Probably because if it’s only the five of us, it’d be tough to handle monsters that can only be defeated by magic. I think Ryoma-kun’s stamina and skill were recognized.”
“Ryoma-kun, we’re moving at a pretty fast pace. Most F-rank adventurers would barely be able to keep up.”
“At first, we planned to slow down when you got tired, but since you kept up so easily, we just kept going.”
Is that so? I didn’t notice at all.
“Ryoma, you’re not really F-rank in skill, are you? Definitely not.”
“What’s the biggest magical beast you’ve defeated so far?”
“Not exactly a magical beast, but the biggest was a black bear in the Gana Forest.”
The five all made a ‘just as expected’ face.
“Black bears aren’t usually something F-ranks take down. If you want to hunt them safely, D-rank parties take them on.”
“If you can hunt a black bear alone, Ryoma-kun, you probably have C-rank level skill. Maybe you showed that skill to the guild master?”
Now that you mention it, yes.
“When I registered, the examiner for the skill test was the guild master himself.”
“That’s it.”
“No doubt about it. He’s had his eye on you since then.”
“So that’s why I was assigned to this group. Makes sense.”
“You’ve got the skill, so don’t worry about the rank difference. Given time, you’ll reach the same rank as us.”
“By the way, what are your ranks? I don’t think I asked.”
“You didn’t, huh?”
“We’re all B-rank.”
“Finally ranks where you can call yourself first-class adventurers.”
“By the way, Cher, who worked with us recently, is D-rank. Gordon is B-rank. And Asagi and Reipin are A-rank.”
As we talked while walking, Wellanna focused her senses ahead, seemingly sniffing the air.
“What is it?”
“From the smell, there’s a huge group of cave bats up ahead. Too many to take down quickly. No danger, but some will escape before we finish them off.”
“What a pain…”
“Is there anyone over there?”
“No human scent.”
“Do you have any wide-area attack magic?”
“It’s not lethal, but there’s a perfect spell.”
I explained the sound bomb spell I tested yesterday.
“Oh, so it does that?”
“I haven’t heard of that magic before.”
That figures; I created it referencing Earth’s knowledge.
“That spell just stuns or immobilizes them, right? Can we finish them before they recover?”
“If we can stun them, it’ll be much easier. But I’m not sure if we’ll make it in time.”
“Then why not get the people behind us to help?”
I suggested, and the five agreed.
“Wait, you noticed them following us?”
“I lived in the forest for three years. I’m sensitive to presences.”
“I see. Then, let’s wait here for a bit.”