Chapter 58
Chapter 58
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 58
Chapter Title: Freedom Comes with Responsibility. (8)
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"Phew, this is tough."
Today, following yesterday, I finished instructing the second group of D-rank adventurers.
No, instruction itself is fine.
But having to do the exact same thing twice is seriously irritating and exhausting.
And knowing I'll have to do it again tomorrow and the day after... my head is spinning just thinking about it.
Phew... I really need to bring it up one more time about moving to a different classroom.
I already asked Terry, the branch chief, to either expand the classroom or move us to a larger space somewhere else.
But apparently, these things don't happen overnight.
Well, sure. Finding a new place, clearing it out, and moving would take some time.
Still, I wish they'd hurry it up... I don't want to deal with this every time I teach.
"Good work, Mr. Kane."
As I let out deep sighs, Rin handed me a cool glass of water from the side.
"Ah, thank you."
Man, it was the exact same material as yesterday, so she didn't really need to come listen again today.
Going out of her way to attend class again.
She's an unusual one.
Still, it's nice and appreciated that she's looking after things like water for me.
"Oh, Instructor Kane. Heading back after class?"
As I drank the water Rin gave me, someone approached and spoke to me.
Those guys... other instructors, I suppose.
Including me, there are three instructors at the Adventurer's Guild.
Come to think of it, there weren't that many people taking classes before, so I wonder why they hired three.
They didn't seem particularly motivated when there were no students.
"Hello, Instructors."
Still, they're my seniors in this line of work, so I greeted them politely.
Lately, they seem a bit more enthusiastic.
"Hahaha, thanks to you, Instructor Kane, we get a good crowd for our classes too."
"Right? It feels like people's perception of theory classes has really improved."
"Haha, is that so? The rumors are a bit exaggerated... but in the end, it's a good thing."
The instructors said things like I was being modest.
But what can you do? It's the truth.
The idea that I was the main one who stopped the Troll Lord is honestly overstated.
The real stars were Veronica and Jenny.
All I did was leave it to them and watch from behind.
And the notion that your skills skyrocket after taking my classes is nonsense.
Of course, theoretical knowledge does help... but whether you see dramatic results depends on your own effort, not my teaching.
"The rumors got it wrong. Mr. Kane is far more impressive than they say."
...What is this girl talking about?
It's flattering to hear such high praise, but isn't that a bit much?
Wait, now that I think about it.
"Rin, is your schedule okay? Isn't today your first request as an adventurer?"
Right, today is Rin's first day taking on a request after becoming an adventurer.
Yesterday, something must have changed in her mindset, because she stepped up and registered.
Of course, since I'd already spoken to the branch chief about her, the guild welcomed her with open arms.
I mean, honestly, someone with Hero's Quality who's not even a hero from another country wants to be an adventurer?
They'd be banging their heads in gratitude.
Anyway, Rin started off as a major rookie adventurer, receiving the highest rank possible for a first-timer: C-rank.
Her first request was to clear an orc village.
Orcs are D-rank monsters, but a village means at least dozens—maybe over a hundred if it's large.
It was a request on the higher difficulty end even for C-rank.
Something you'd normally recommend to a C-rank party or a B-rank adventurer.
So I asked her why she'd pick such a tough one right from the start.
Her answer?
"...It's a wall I must overcome. If I can't get past this, I can't move forward."
Honestly, orcs are pushovers for an A-grade Hero candidate—felled with a single punch.
Hardly a 'wall' worth mentioning.
But after hearing her out, I immediately understood why she chose it.
It must be trauma from what happened at the Academy.
Probably some lingering subconscious fear of orcs, and this is her way of conquering it.
"But going alone is dangerous. It's recommended for a C-rank party from the start."
I can't send her by herself.
Logically, a hero like her wouldn't lose to orcs, but with the trauma...
Sending her solo felt too risky.
"......"
She seemed to know that too—her body trembled slightly.
Probably scared.
Afraid of ending up like at the Academy.
"Don't worry. Since you're a mage position, I figured solo would be tough anyway. I'll assign someone to go with you."
Part of it was her current role as a mage.
I know people with Hero's Quality have superior physical abilities.
Even a hero with aptitude only in magic and academics is better barehanded than most C-rank adventurers.
Still, to maximize a rear-line spellcasting style, you need a frontliner to hold the line.
"Someone, huh..."
She tilted her head, curious who.
"I asked a front-line tank I know well."
Someone very reliable.
#
"I leave it to you. I'm Jerome, the shield warrior."
A burly man in heavy plate armor, wielding a shield as big as a person.
An A-rank individual midliner, serving as the frontliner for the Scarlett Party—the current strongest adventurer party.
Mr. Jerome.
"With Jerome here, you can handle anything short of a dragon popping out of the woods."
"Hahaha! Yeah, no defense against that."
Jerome laughed heartily.
Actually, when I heard she was becoming an adventurer and taking requests, I asked Scarlett for a favor.
Could she join the Scarlett Party?
Mages struggle solo.
And pairing her with just anyone would waste her potential to rocket to S-rank.
So, the Scarlett Party seemed perfect.
They lacked a dedicated mage, too.
Arna handles archery on top of it... but that's just part-time.
Anyway, Jerome stepped up, offering to party with her temporarily.
The Scarlett Party had two frontliners—Scarlett and him—so he could step away briefly.
And apparently, they were taking a break from requests anyway.
This would let him moonlight, test her as a potential member, and kill two birds with one stone.
Plus, someone like Jerome wouldn't overshadow Rin's growth.
"......"
Well, ultimately, Rin's opinion matters most.
If she insists on going alone... I'd have no real recourse.
Tailing her secretly and helping if things go south would get spotted quick.
Her mana sense aptitude is A-rank—insanely good perception.
So, best to hope she agrees and goes with Jerome.
"Hmm."
Well?
"...Alright. Since it's you, Mr. Kane, I'll make an exception and allow it."
Oh, she agreed!
Phew, what a relief.
I was seriously considering calling Veronica—expert at hiding her presence—to tail her.
...But that speech pattern is confusing.
She talks like a princess to everyone else, not just me.
Is that her real way of speaking?
Eh... she acts aloof but subtly helpful and agreeable, so she's probably just a good person.
"Then we'll head out."
"Yes, have a safe trip. Take good care of Rin, Mr. Jerome."
"Don't worry about it, bro."
With that, the two set off.
I was left alone in the square.
Phew... I'd love to go with her myself.
But as I am now, I wouldn't help much.
Maybe chuck bombs and take out a few orcs, but if she got in real danger, I'd be useless.
Better to trust Jerome and focus on my own tasks.
As I turned to head back to the guild...
Whoosh!
"Gah?!"
Suddenly, someone shorter barreled into my arms.
Startled, I looked down.
"Big brother Kane, I'm here!"
It was Jenny, hugging me and beaming.
"Jenny?"
Jenny.
Already?
It's only been a few days...
She wrapped up hero duties this fast?
"How'd you get back so quick..."
Flustered, I asked, and she let go, stepping back with a grin.
"I missed you, big brother Kane, so I hurried. I just tossed my badge at the Hero Management Bureau, and they were like, 'Sure.'"
"......"
She smiled innocently, but I didn't buy it for a second.
The Hero Management Bureau wouldn't let go of a rare hero talent like that in this vast empire so easily.
Rin was a foreigner anyway, unproven as a hero, and involved in that demon possession mess—so okay.
But Jenny? Top verified talent.
Harkur bloodline, top scores, top skills.
Proven in real combat too.
And they just let her go? No way.
She must've caused a scene or stirred up trouble to bust out.
...Phew.
This might be more complicated than I thought.
I need to plan countermeasures.
The Bureau or the Empire will surely pull something shady.
"Hehe, now I can be an adventurer too. Then I get to see you every day—perfect!"
"...Haha."
Whatever happened...
As long as Jenny's happy, that's what matters.
The three Harkur children—Marquis Harkur and Alicia's kids—living happily.
That was my two benefactors' wish.
And my life's goal.