Chapter 113
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: Captain-Class Exam (6)
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A middle-aged man with his black hair neatly slicked back sat in the room.
His attire was impeccable without a single wrinkle, his jawline firm, and his eyes deep-set. Anyone could sense the weight of his experience in that position, yet his face looked surprisingly young for his age.
His skin was taut, his features sharp—enough that calling him middle-aged felt off. Just by his aura, he could pass for early thirties, maybe mid at the latest.
Godmond von Christia.
A figure naturally introduced in the setting documents. A capable ruler with a strong yet gentle personality, or so I recalled.
'Security's tight, as expected.'
I couldn't help but feel a faint admiration as I stepped into the Count's room.
Up until entering, I hadn't been able to probe the interior at all. No idea who was inside, what was happening—nothing.
The reason? A special mana wave constantly pulsed around the Count's room, interfering with detection and blocking any observation.
The original game's settings mentioned it briefly: important locations had mana-based security measures.
First time feeling it firsthand, though.
Not that surprising, since the only places I've properly roamed in this world are forests, canyons, and mountains. Can't be helped.
'Plenty to learn.'
Techniques like Ray's mana detection that blends with nature, or these special waves. Experiencing them bodily drives it home better than any setting docs.
The tentacle monster's overwhelming combat talent allowed precise analysis the moment I sensed the mana wave. I intuitively grasped how such a wave was generated.
'Might even be able to breach it if I tried.'
But right now, without deploying detection tentacles, I'm not getting stat bonuses—looks tricky.
Probably need at least 200 detection stats to punch through. Meaning that device continuously emitting the wave around the Count's room is one pricey magic tool.
Beyond the mana wave, basic barriers blocked sound and scents too.
As these thoughts swirled, Ray stepped to the room's center and bowed politely.
"Your Excellency. This is a Captain-Class applicant for the Monster Wave defense forces."
"I'm Eugene. It's an honor to meet you."
The moment Ray finished, I snapped out of my reverie, stepped forward, and gave a light bow. I even softened my tone deliberately.
"Pleased to meet you, Sir Eugene. Thanks for volunteering for the Monster Wave defenses. With your strength bolstering our County, it couldn't be more reassuring."
The Count's tone was gentle. He flashed a kindly smile and pressed a small button on his desk.
Soft footsteps echoed from the nearby corridor, and a maid quietly opened the door, bowing her head.
"You called?"
"Prepare some tea. Something warm, with snacks."
"Yes, Your Excellency."
The door closed softly again, and the Count gestured for Ray and me to sit.
"Make yourselves comfortable. I don't care for stiff talk. Sharing tea and treats makes for a far cozier chat."
Ray smiled and settled into a plush, sofa-like chair. I gave a slight bow and took the seat opposite.
The Count rested his chin on his hand, observing me appraisingly, then smiled warmly again.
"I doubted my ears at first. An E-Class adventurer applying for Captain-Class? Figured it was another fake. But then I heard you'd overwhelmed Thomas in seconds. Quite the shock. Ha ha. You're the real deal for the role."
"You're too kind."
I replied, and he waved it off.
"Humility's fine, but owning your greatness matters too. You've got the skills—and the character to match. A truly good heart."
"My heart, you say?"
I reflexively echoed. Since becoming a tentacle monster, I couldn't recall living "nicely."
For starters, I'd fucked every pretty girl in sight.
Sure, now that they're my wives, I'm a sweet tentacle hubby to them—but it always started with rape.
And even now, plotting to fuck Ray, he calls me good-hearted?
Shocking, hilarious stuff. But I desperately schooled my face to blank neutrality.
"Your Excellency, the tea and treats are ready."
Right on cue, the maid arrived with a tray. The Count personally lifted a teacup and slid it my way.
"Herbal tea from our County. It'll ease your nerves and warm you up. Drink freely."
I gave a light nod of thanks and lifted the cup. A warm aroma enveloped my nose, carrying a subtle herbal scent.
The Count sipped his own, then continued in a slightly more serious tone.
"Reports came in. Not just beating Thomas—you saved survivors from Lilac Village too."
Ah.
He's talking about rescuing Sera and Seri.
That explained the "good-hearted" bit.
"You spread word of Lilac Village from Binbona Village, alongside the two survivors. The moment it reached me, I dispatched Binbona's elite guards straight there. Lilac was indeed ravaged by monsters, just as you said. Tragic. But you saved two lives—I'm truly grateful as lord."
Speaking of, I'd gotten a signal yesterday from Tentacle Subordinate N-36 in the ruined Lilac Village. Created to fend off bandits and monsters.
Linking senses, I spotted what looked like guards approaching, so I ordered N-36 to withdraw and regroup at Pedros Canyon.
Good call—they were guards. I shook my head.
"No, just did what needed doing."
"Ha ha, more folks than you'd think don't see saving lives as 'obvious.' Sadly. And not just that—you even buried their parents' bodies. Guards confirmed it."
Did it thinking it'd help, and boom—instant payback.
I put on a genuinely regretful face and continued.
"Couldn't not. Sera and Seri told me their parents sacrificed themselves to buy the girls time to escape. Seeing those corpses tumbling by the doorway... it felt wretched. No matter the rush, funerals are right. Just the bare minimum. I'd have buried the whole village if I could, but conditions didn't allow."
"Ha ha."
The Count chuckled in admiration, while I bit my lip to stifle a grin. Luckily, he and Ray mistook it for me getting emotional.
Ray, hearing this from us, looked at me differently now. She'd had no idea about my backstory.
"With good, strong folks like you volunteering, it's reassuring. Thanks again."
"No, you're making me blush."
"Shall we get to business? Monster Waves are periodic invasions. You know the basics?"
"Yes, roughly."
The Count nodded firmly.
"Good, saves time. House Christia has repelled them safely for centuries. Close calls, but never breached. Ten years ago, we minimized casualties to a record low. High expectations this time too... but I fear it won't be easy. Our forces are weaker now."
"You mean Sir Lycan."
"Mm. You knew."
"Former strongest knight of Roshel Kingdom, the Count's sword. Of course."
The Count sighed, and Ray bit her lip in frustration.
Lycan was Ray's father. Kingdom's top knight, died in a secret realm—or so the settings said. Details fuzzy, but basics from the docs.
"Repelling the Wave itself? Manageable. The issue's always casualties—minimizing deaths and damage. Lycan swept them before, keeping losses low. No guarantee now. That's where your Captain-Class support shines. You'll play a big role."
"I'll do my utmost to stop the Wave."
I replied resolutely, and Ray chimed in.
"Don't worry, Your Excellency. Eugene's the most outstanding fighter I've ever seen. Honestly... no one in this castle matches him but me. Beyond Captain-Class."
"Ha ha, first time hearing such from Lady Ray."
Conversation flowed smoothly after that.
Captain-Class application? Approved, naturally. Got briefed on the system.
Mock drills where and how; Wave defense lines; command structure, etc.
Boring, but I listened. Info is power.
Didn't apply much to me, though. Mocks are for soldiers and knights; I'll be solo rampaging enemy lines, not building defenses.
My rank's commander-level, but role's solo spec ops—no chain of command to memorize. Only the Count outranks me anyway. Simple.
"Pay's 350 million Jenni. 50 million upfront, rest after. Bonuses for merits—give us your best."
Whoa. 350 million Jenni?
That's 3.5 billion in old world cash.
No wonder the strong rake it in.
Not every event pays this, but power grabs the big pots when they appear.
Count asked if cash; I said yes, maid brought a bag of it pronto.
"Until the Wave, full lodging and facilities provided. Flash that badge, roam the castle freely. Your Golden Dragon Knights badge is for our temp forces in crises. Rank matches, so Captain-Class treatment."
That wrapped Wave talk. I sipped tea and eyed the Count.
"One favor?"
"Of course. Speak."
"Lilac survivors."
I explained Sera and Seri.
Asked for help with housing and jobs. He praised my character effusively and agreed readily.
'Perfect.'
They're future wives. Sera's fucked, progress slower than others, but Seri next—both mine soon.
Dungeon solves jobs, but chatting with the Count sparked an idea.
Human transformation skill + new ID. No need to hole up in one dungeon. Play it right, massive boost to fucking pretty girls.
"Then, I'll take my leave."
"Do. Come anytime if needed."
"Thank you."
I bowed to the Count and exited with Ray. She was guiding me to lodging.
Walking stone paths, she asked.
"Eugene. Plans? Captains get top lodging. Stay here if you want, or take assignment and go."
"Staying. Inn was fine, but this beats it."
"Smart. But Eugene."
"Yes?"
"One favor?"
"What?"
"How do you train?"
"Uh..."
Out of left field.
Training...
Never done any.
Been here under two months.
Thinking about it, this growth in two months is insane.
"Training" conjured fumbling human form practice in my room. No real training like others.
Sex is my training.
Stumped, I bullshitted.
"Just move around. Nothing formal."
Ray pounced like a hawk spotting prey.
"Never formally learned combat arts, right?"
Her pretty red eyes fixed on me.
No suspicion, pure curiosity—so I nodded.
"Right."
"Hm, as I thought. Overwhelming Thomas, I sensed raw ferocity. Not refined technique—pure instinctual hunt."
Damn. Monster stats, monster insight.
As I admired inwardly, Ray spoke again.
"Eugene."
"Yes."
"Spar with me?"
"Pardon?"