Chapter 103
Chapter 103
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 103
Chapter Title: Roughly the Greatest Thing in Another World
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The tense atmosphere made it clear right away.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I had a hunch I could rack up all the points I needed for promotion in one go.
"As you all know, emergency orders come with hefty rewards.
Just like with Miss Herka Philote and Miss Tilia Vanguard in the past.
In Melbritt, there's a heroic candidate who completed a student council emergency order and made a major contribution to the nation."
A major contribution to the nation?
The only emergency orders I knew about were the school handing out soul vials to pick up.
From the way she was talking, though, this didn't sound like some easy task.
Whatever. Was I the only one finding it weird that a teacher was relaying the student council president's orders?
How special was the student council president in this school?
Maybe it wasn't the title that was special—it was her.
Student Council President Sia.
I could still vividly recall that night.
The woman who stood there gracefully against a tree in the garden, watching me without any warning.
Even our sturdy bitch Noah knew nothing about her.
In other words, she was the biggest enigma in all of Melbritt.
From Plenor's words and actions, I could sense a glimpse of the student council president's power.
"On the other hand, countless candidates have lost their lives carrying out emergency orders.
I don't want any of you candidates to get seriously hurt or die, but this is an unavoidable trial for those dreaming of becoming heroes.
Because it's about protecting the innocent."
Protecting the innocent, huh.
Something urgent must have gone down somewhere.
They were throwing hero candidates into the field in a pinch. Not a bad idea.
For those gunning for hero party spots, they could see it as a positive—getting real fieldwork experience ahead of time.
But something felt off.
This was Wolf rank, wasn't it?
For something this serious, shouldn't higher ranks handle it? Why bring it up here in Wolf rank?
And by some random teacher, no less?
"Any candidates want to volunteer?"
One male candidate raised his hand.
"May I ask a question?"
"Yes. Go ahead."
"What's the emergency order about?"
"I don't know the details either.
Student council emergency orders aren't school assignments—they're real incidents happening out there.
Which means you'll often end up fighting dangerous monsters."
Murmurs rippled through the room.
The second the teacher said "monsters," the chatter groups multiplied visibly.
"Emergency orders always come with incomplete info.
Investigating that and resolving it properly is all part of the mission."
Tricky.
If I volunteered and went to the student council room, I'd probably get the gist.
But from what Plenor was saying, even figuring out what monster we'd face might be tough.
Anyway, something dangerous happened, so go check it out...
If that was the case, we couldn't even guess the enemy's strength.
The weirdest part was still why they were announcing this in Wolf rank.
I was about to raise my hand myself when another male candidate beat me to it.
"I think real combat's still too soon for us.
Aren't there stronger candidates in Bear or Dragon rank?"
Huh. That's exactly what I wanted to ask.
Of course, I didn't agree with what he said before.
Real battles don't wait for the perfect timing.
But throwing Wolf rank candidates into a life-or-death emergency order felt premature.
I could partially sympathize.
"That's..."
Plenor hesitated like it was hard to say, then steeled herself.
"Because emergency orders will greatly aid your growth."
What?
They didn't even know what the enemies were, but sending us would make us grow?
"Melbritt prepares soul vials filled with high-quality souls as compensation for emergency orders.
For those already in Bear or Dragon rank, it's just a minor boost.
But for Rabbit or Wolf rank candidates, it's a dramatic leap forward."
"..."
Unbelievable.
Melbritt wasn't a school.
I'd thought that when they mentioned soul vials, but this was over the top.
Forget the mission details—they were saying Bear and Dragon ranks weren't worth investing soul vials in.
No wonder it was awkward to say.
They didn't want to send candidates where they might get hurt or die.
If that was her honest feeling.
If Melbritt thought the same,
They'd deploy their top talents with the best skills and handle it swiftly.
Without any loose ends.
That made sense.
But Melbritt's thinking differed from Plenor's.
Plenor cared for the candidates. Melbritt didn't.
Wolf or Rabbit rank.
Pick the right ones for soul vial feeding and promote them to Bear or Dragon.
Like feeding XP to game characters.
Having a teacher like Plenor relay that school policy
Made it sound all the more fucked up, since it clashed.
This really wasn't a school.
Something creepy was lurking here.
The system was ruthless.
It wasn't the surveillance that was suffocating.
What even was a school?
Sure, Melbritt had plenty of adults, but minors were there too. In a proper country, schools protect students.
They shouldn't shove them into danger.
That was the army's job.
But Melbritt was doing this with the nation's full backing.
No wonder it felt gross.
Trash recognizes trash, and a bad smell makes you pinch your nose.
Even me, who toyed with women's bodies for fun, felt disgusted by this.
Not that I'd step up righteously to change the system or anything annoying like that.
"Put my name down?"
As everyone hesitated, Diana Vanguard spoke up.
She declared it confidently, with a refreshing smile that blew away others' unease.
"Diana Vanguard.
Just like my sister, it's my turn this time."
"...Miss Diana, you're reliable.
Anyone else?"
Why's everyone looking at me?
Even Diana was glaring.
"Hurry up and come along?
No half-assed nobody can guard my side. You have to be at least on your level."
"...Sigh."
Let me think.
Sure, Melbritt's operations were disgusting for a school.
But I was just a shameless hypnotist and goddess's proxy pretending to be a candidate.
This emergency order definitely had massive souls on the line.
Lately, stuck at level 160 after the promotion exam from 150... a chance to skyrocket without real risk.
I was the goddess's proxy.
I grew faster than others, stat gains doubled.
Regardless of talent... no, I'd basically been granted talent itself and transferred here.
That talent made up for all the time not born in this world.
So if I aimed for Bear or Dragon rank later,
Gaining class-appropriate power would definitely help...
"Mr. Decal, what about you?"
Plenor finally stopped staring and casually urged me.
"I've only been in Wolf rank a short while.
A few classes in, and I've skipped without permission. You think I'm the right pick?"
"Yes. No one here doubts your combat skills."
As if to prove it,
The other candidates stayed dead silent.
Because I got cocky and spammed new skills? Ugh...
"And there's evidence."
"Evidence?"
"Melbritt objectifies and holds data on all candidates.
When this emergency order came down, the faculty gathered and discussed. Who was suitable, who showed clear results...
In Wolf rank, I thought only you, Mr. Decal. Your adventurer experience, the search skills and persistence to find the Thin Wolf..."
I wanted to cover my ears from the embarrassment.
Plenor's praise kept going even after that, stopping only when I sighed.
"But that's just my opinion. Not enough to convince others."
Ugh. Wasn't it over?
"Then, quiet Miss Sia spoke up."
An unexpected name dropped.
"'Candidate Decal is the talent needed for this order...'"
I was dumbfounded,
But everyone else hung on Plenor's every word.
They were shocked, looking at me since the president singled me out.
The student president's authority was scary—one word made headlines.
But why zero in on me for a dangerous mission?
We'd never even talked. Why was she choking my neck like this?
"I've chattered on.
I just wanted to show how much of a promising star you are in Melbritt, in Wolf rank."
"Got it."
I hadn't realized Plenor backed me this hard.
Her enthusiasm was even infectious.
"I'll volunteer.
...Ah, I can hear them out at the student council and back out if it's no good, right?"
The candidates laughed at that.
"Haha. Yes.
The volunteer's will matters most. No penalties for refusing on the spot."
"You're so shameless saying that crap."
Diana sidled up and teased me.
"Shameless? About what."
"The student council's the top power in Melbritt! Telling them 'no thanks' to their faces?
You have no idea how embarrassing that is?"
Hmm...
I got Diana's family-honor-first mindset,
But I couldn't relate.
"It's life-or-death. No shame in that. I won't die of embarrassment."
"Such a crude adventurer mindset. Doesn't suit a hero candidate at all."
Did she just call me adventurer-like?
I'd thought I fit neither. Unexpected.
If I had to label it, Selene nailed it. Shameless pervert.
"Why not withdraw now?"
"I'll hear them out first."
Diana whispered just for me.
"...Even if you're not a candidate anymore, I'll take care of you."
"What?"
I pretended not to hear, and she panicked.
"N-No, nothing...!"
"You two, follow me after class.
I'll escort you to the main building."
The mood returned to normal.
Maybe because Diana and I volunteered.
It was already old news to the other candidates.
Target practice with magic.
I put in extra effort today.
"Now, you two, follow me."
Class ended, and Diana and I trailed Plenor to the main building.
Come to think of it, first time here.
It was the first building I'd seen beyond the gates when I arrived at Melbritt.
Truly magnificent architecture.
Calling it a castle was exaggeration, but anyone would get the vibe.
The first-floor lobby felt like an art gallery showcasing exhibits.
In the center stood a marble statue crafted by a master artisan.
Modeled after a beautiful woman...
That caught my eye, but right now, I zeroed in on the familiar figure before it.
Red ponytail tied down, cute yellow ribbon.
Bountiful tits bursting even through her uniform, slim waist leading to plump, sexy thighs asserting their presence.
Only one woman I knew could stand chatting and make my dick ache hard just by existing.
"Ah..."
Our eyes met.
Karen bolted to me like a puppy seeing its owner and hugged tight.
"Oppa!"
"Whoa."
I took those tits full-force and basked in bliss.
Long time no see. My personal fuckhouse.
Just a few days, but damn, I missed her.
"I missed you!"
Karen looked up at me, beaming.
I gazed back with affection, then flinched.
This wasn't Melbritt-appropriate behavior.
"Ahem."
Plenor's cough snapped us back to reality.
The candidates' faces twisted in shock and dismay, like they'd seen the impossible.
"Ah, ouch..."
Karen blushed late, stepping back a few paces, fidgeting with her fingers.
"My bad..."
I could practically hear the reputation points draining.
But it meant she was that happy to see me.
Karen and I exchanged smiles.