D-Rank Gate Subjugation? This is a Scam!
Regression's early days. Back when my mentality hadn't been shredded to bits yet, in those pure times. Even I had expectations then.
Summer vacation meant exposure, right? A white sandy beach under the scorching sun. A feast of beautiful girls in skimpy swimsuits. The classic "swimsuit service scene."
But reality was a shithole.
"Evan, sort all these documents by the end of the day."
"Yes, sir!"
The academy's break was a respite for students, but for the powerless like me, it was just hell extended. A decade ago, monster numbers had exploded exponentially. So the academy enforced "monster subjugation quotas" as summer homework.
But no party would take an F-rank scrub like me. In the end, the stragglers stayed behind as slaves to the staff, handling menial chores.
For the hundredth time.
But this year was different. Now I had Piarot.
If we partied up and filled the quota? Piece of cake.
Knock it out in a flash, and the rest of break was pure free time.
Alright, let's smash the quota quick and hit the beach.
I looked at Piarot and made a vow. This summer, I'd give her the best memories ever.
And then. I ended up giving her some truly unforgettable, dogshit memories.
[D-Rank Gate Perimeter Cleanup]
Party Recruitment (2/6)
[Evan (Magic Dept. 2nd Year)]
[Piarot Evangeline (Magic Dept. 3rd Year)]
I stood at the academy quest reception desk.
"Welcome. Here for party registration?"
"Yeah, signing up for a monster subjugation quest."
"2nd and 3rd years combo... Perfect, got a good one for you."
The list popped up on the magic screen, and murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Huh? Evangeline?"
"W-wait, no way... the infamous dhampir?"
People swarmed in seconds. Thanks to her overwhelming power and the "devoted noble lady" rumors I'd spread, recruiting was a breeze. I handpicked four elite members on the spot, filling out a full six-man party.
"Alright, perfect. You four, prep up and meet here tomorrow at 9 AM sharp for departure."
Next day, 9 AM. Academy main gate.
Under the summer sun, I stood there with my backpack slung on.
"Hoo..."
Deep breath. I spotted the group approaching from afar.
First to catch my eye was, of course, her.
[Piarot Evangeline]
Not her usual floaty dress, but a skin-tight black leather combat suit. Zero skin showing, yet her firm curves made it way more sensual and dangerous.
Hold on, beach. We're coming.
"Hey, Evan."
She approached with a faint smile. That one smile melted the tension around us.
"Hey, senpai. Everyone's here."
I glanced at the party members behind her. The four elites I'd cherry-picked yesterday.
"Nice to meet you. 2nd year Knight Dept., Leo. Frontline tank."
A sturdy swordsman stepped up first. Honest, reliable face. His shield stance screamed pro.
"2nd year, Kai. Assassin. Backline's mine."
A lean guy spun his dagger casually, grinning cockily.
"Hi! 2nd year archer, Lina! Let's do our best~!"
A cute girl waved energetically.
"3rd year Magic Dept., Hans. Firepower's covered."
Last, a bespectacled senior with a cool demeanor. Classic mage family elite. He kept sneaking glances at Piarot.
Frontline: Leo (Tank), Kai (Assassin)
Backline: Lina (Archer), Hans (Mage)
Commander: Evan (Supporter, a.k.a. Pack Mule)
Joker: Piarot (All-Rounder)
Perfect. D-rank gate clear would be a walk in the park.
But the mood was dead serious. Or rather, everyone was frozen stiff.
"......"
"......"
Gazes flicked timidly to Piarot.
The rumored witch. Lately, "hidden saintess" tales were circulating, but facing her aura up close was another level. Just standing there radiated top-predator vibes.
They're spooked, totally spooked.
I cleared my throat to break the ice.
"Alright, everyone, loosen up. Piarot senpai's our ace. Just trust and follow."
"Y-yeah! Got it!"
"An honor, Evangeline senpai!"
They chorused like green recruits snapping to attention.
Piarot ducked shyly behind me, nodding faintly.
"P-please take care of me."
The guys' faces flushed red. Yeah, beauty's the ultimate weapon.
"Okay, let's roll! Target: Northern Black Forest Gate!"
We headed to the academy main building basement, the massive Warp Center. Hundreds of warps lined up, buzzing with departing and returning students.
In the game, it was just clicks away... Reality's a pain.
"Headcount. One, two... six. All present."
We lined up per the attendant's guidance.
"Jumping to Northern Front. You know the drill—post-warp 'mana sickness' possible. Stay sharp."
Wuuung—.
A massive arch gate swirled with blue mana.
"Entering."
We plunged into the light.
Flash—!
Vision whited out, then cool air hit my skin. Eyes open: no marble floors, just rugged wasteland and gray skies.
"Urk..."
"Guh... my head."
Party members doubled over, dry-heaving on exit. Warp dizziness side effect. Even tank Leo looked green.
But Piarot? Fine as hell.
"Evan, you okay?"
She checked my face.
"Ugh... yeah, fine. Once sickness passes, we move. Two-hour hike to Black Forest from here."
I pointed north, where ominous purple mist rose amid faint beast howls.
Black Forest entrance. We followed the narrow path through dense trees.
"This area's safe."
I said lightly to ease their tension.
"Entry zone, so worst you'll see is corrupted rabbits or foxes. Ugly, but weak."
"Phew... good."
Relief sighs all around.
Then scout Hans sidled up, glancing back. Piarot was stepping on my shadow, following quietly.
"Hey, Evan."
"Yeah?"
"What's the deal with Lady Evangeline... exactly?"
He whispered conspiratorially.
"Saw her eyeing just you. Not your average relationship."
Figured he'd ask. I pulled my prepared script.
"Nah, nothing much. I'm a work-study kid."
"Work-study?"
"Yeah. When senpai was in rough shape, I nursed her. Got close then."
I shrugged.
Hans nodded, "Aah."
"Makes sense. No way a commoner and marquess lady, right? I jumped the gun."
He bought it, heading back.
Sorry, Hans. There is something.
Mid-chat up the hill.
Sasasak... sasasak...
"Hm?"
An eerie scratch in my ears. Like millions of cockroaches crawling dry leaves.
"What?"
I squinted past the hill. The whole ridge shimmered black, like heat haze over summer asphalt—but the ground itself undulated.
Haze? Nah, sky's overcast.
Something off. I narrowed my eyes at the "black haze."
One step closer, and it sharpened. Wriggle, squirm.
Archer Lina, best eyes, screamed.
"H-huh?! Th-that's... b-black rabbits!!!"
Not haze. A massive living swarm.
"What?"
Black Rabbits. Mana-corrupted, feral cannibal bunnies. Singles are weak. But their teeth chew steel. One's a kick away from death.
Problem: thousands.
"H-how many is that?!"
Lina's yell hit, and the black wave on the hill froze.
Flash—.
Thousands of red eyes snapped our way. Crushing malice pressed the air.
And.
"Kieeeek—!!!!"
Ear-shattering shriek shook the forest. Legs bulged unnaturally. Fangs protruded like tusks.
"Gah!!"
Tatata—!!
Black tide surged down like a dam burst.
"Uwaaak!!"
"F-fuck! What the hell!!"
Party panicked, stumbling back.
"D-damn!! D-rank my ass!! This ain't the intel!! No warning about this!!"
Kai gripped his dagger, shaking.
Definitely not D-rank scale. This was Monster Wave level.
But crumbling here meant death.
I yelled calmly.
"Don't panic!! Hold formation!!"
"H-how in this—!!"
"Just rabbits! Oversized rodents! Numbers only edge—they're weak individually!"
Leo shook it off, raising shield.
"Right, form up behind Leo! Hans senpai, prep AoE!!"
"G-got it!"
My voice rallied them, weapons ready—but legs still quaked before the black tsunami.
Then.
A seductive, calm voice whispered in my ear.
"Don't worry, Evan. I'll protect you."
"......Piarot?"
She stepped past Leo's shield alone, striding forward steadily. Black wave nearly upon us, no hesitation.
"Wha...?"
As everyone stared puzzled at her back.
Swoosh...
Her jet-black hair bleached white from the roots, shimmering silver.