Chapter 42

Once the temporary confusion subsided, it seemed that Maisei's excitement had taken over.

"Still, that's amazing, Lord Rex! Of course, being able to tell how strong others are is one thing, but to use a duel like this... I never would have thought of it!"

It seemed that Maisei had given up on using polite language other than the honorific, and was repeatedly praising me.

Using a <Soul Duel> to test character builds was something I often did in games. I don't think it's such a far-fetched idea to use it to check potential values, but for the local adventurers who only think of the arena as a place to fight, it might be a surprising idea.

(Or perhaps, the residents of this world need some external stimulus to take actions that don't exist in games.)

It's an interesting point, but I'll have to put that verification on hold. Just as I was thinking of moving to the temple, Maisei let out a "Ah!" and asked me with a serious expression.

"Um, Lord Rex. Is it okay if I tell the other party members that I had my talent read? Of course, I'll tell them to keep it a secret, so..."

I thought it was something serious, but it was no problem. I was about to say "Sure" reflexively, but then I thought for a moment.

"...No. Bring them here."

"Eh?"

"I'll check them out too, while I'm at it. Of course, I won't force them..."

As I said this, Maisei jumped up.

"I'll bring them! I'll bring them! I'll drag them here even if I have to tie a rope around their necks, so just wait a bit! ...Please!"

With that, she was already out the door. From the look of it, she really might bring everyone.

"Maybe I acted too hastily?"

I was certain that this would definitely make things busy, so I started explaining individual training regimens to Rad and the others, who had been following me.

※ ※ ※

Then, the day dawned on November 12th. Recilia and I were walking leisurely towards the guild.

"Today, I have to properly look after Rad and the others."

In the end, Maisei had gathered all the party members and returned in just about twenty minutes. What surprised me was their reaction; some were clearly still in their pajamas, but not a single one complained. Instead, they seemed to be quite apologetic towards me.

It was unexpected, but there was nothing to be done about it since they had been gathered. I sent everyone outside again, had them equipped with appropriate gear, and changed their class to <Novice>. Then, using the <Soul Duel>, I checked everyone's potential values and, while I was at it, went to the temple to give them advice on their classes. By the time I was done, the whole day had passed.

While the others had been doing their own training, so there was no loss of time, I did feel a bit guilty.

"That's why I said you should have refused."

Recilia commented, but I shook my head.

"No, it was a good experience. I gained a lot from it."

I had firmly established a method to see others' potential values, and the usefulness of being able to see stats with <Piercing Insight> became clear. It's easy to forget when you're in a game-like mindset, but the advantage of being able to see exact stats is significant, especially when it comes to class changes.

It seems that the people in this world only have a vague idea that "if you work hard as a Fighter, you'll eventually become a Swordsman" and don't do any calculations about required ability values.

When I showed them their ability values and taught them the conditions for their next class change, their reactions were so big that I was taken aback.

"I already knew this from Rad and the others, but I'm confident that my game knowledge is applicable in this world. That's why I want to actively spread the concepts of 'quantifying potential and current abilities' and 'class change conditions.'"

To be precise, I plan to officially offer this as a service through the guild to those who want their stats and potential evaluated. The system is still in the trial and error stage, but I've already talked to the guild about it.

"Are you okay with doing all that?"

"Of course, our advantage will be slightly diminished, and introducing new concepts won't be easy."

There might be people who resist, thinking their stats and potential can't be that low, or it could lead to discrimination or bullying.

"I plan to work with the guild to regulate this. Well, we've just established a big pipeline, anyway."

There might be more trouble, but I'm prepared for some friction. However, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. That is...

"The information of adventurers, right?"

"Exactly."

At least for now, "quantifying stats" is something only I can do. That means adventurers from all over the world will come to me to show their stats.

"I might discover an adventurer with incredible potential, or find a famous character from the game before an event, or even... find the 'main character.'"

That's why, yesterday, when Maisei and the others were embarrassed and said they had nothing to offer in return for such amazing knowledge, I asked them to do a small "favor" as a reward.

---Actually, I'm planning to start a business with this potential evaluation.

---So, I asked them to spread the word about what I did today, within their capabilities.

I called it the grassroots promotion campaign.

I have a bad reputation, so even if I tried to promote myself, it's unlikely that many people would come. So, I want to let actual adventurers experience it and gradually build awareness.

It's a roundabout but surefire plan, I thought.

"Did you really say something like that?"

Recilia's eyes widened in disbelief. Well, it's understandable that the young Recilia might not grasp the nuances.

"Sure, I could have taken a reward, but they're level eleven. I thought it would be better to lay the groundwork for the future rather than force a small reward."

"Y-Yes, that's true, but..."

I tried to reason with the still unconvinced Recilia.

"Don't worry. Being able to see stats as numbers might seem mundane, but those who understand its usefulness will see it. Besides, the power of word-of-mouth shouldn't be underestimated. It might take time for the effects to show, but by repeating these grassroots activities... huh?"

I was so engrossed in the conversation that I hadn't noticed we had arrived at the guild. I opened the door as usual, but the number of people in the main hall seemed unusually low.

(Did they get a big job or something?)

I tilted my head, but there was no answer. I thought, "Well, it's fine," and headed to the training ground.

"Brother! Wait, brother!"

I entered the training ground with a strangely anxious Recilia. There, a large crowd had gathered.

The moment I entered the training ground,

---Gyoro.

All eyes were on me.

"W-What...?"

I hoped it was a case of mistaken identity, but the next moment, everyone surged towards me, crushing my faint hope. For some reason, they all ran towards me, trying to get my attention.

"Mr. Rex! M-Mine! Tell me about my talent!"

"Hey! No cutting in line! I've been waiting since three in the morning!"

"Hey! I want to become an <Imperial Sword>! How do I...?"

"I've always been a fan! Can I have your autograph?"

"How much? How much do I need to pay? I'll pay, just tell me my stats..."

Like a pack of animals swarming their prey, they pulled me from left and right, trying to get my attention. The number of adventurers surrounding me was so large that I wondered if there were that many in the city. They all spoke at once, but I had no time to react.

"Hey, wait, calm down..."

I was jostled by the crowd and couldn't move, and in the midst of this chaos,

"...I told you so."

Recilia's exasperated voice rang clearly in my ears.