Chapter 61

"Yay! We did it!"

We can become A-rank adventurers!

To suddenly become A-rank without the next test, it really pays to do good deeds, doesn't it?

"Huh? Wait a minute?"

Didn't you say something else that I couldn't just let go?

I'm sure it was...

"S-rank adventurer...?"

That's the highest rank above A-rank in the adventurer system, right?

And it's so difficult to qualify that even those who have become A-rank can't get it, and there are only a handful of them in the world, right?

"A-rank adventurers exist in a few numbers in each country, but S-rank adventurers are only a few in the world. It's the ultimate title given to the truly chosen ones."

"Because the conditions for appointment are so strict that even the A-rank adventurers who have become so strong can't qualify, and there are only a few in the world, to the point that the system is set up to operate with A-rank as the highest rank. In our kingdom of Rubrum, there is no record of an S-rank adventurer being produced in the past few hundred years. It's that rare."

Even King Rubrum joined in to explain how amazing S-rank adventurers are.

Impressive, indeed.

"But wait a minute? We came here to take the A-rank promotion test. Is it really okay to skip A and go straight to S?"

"You two have been decided to pass the A-rank. I assure you with my authority as a councilor."

"Yay!"

We became A-rank adventurers.

But for some reason, I don't feel any sense of accomplishment.

Maybe it's because it was said so casually in the flow of the conversation.

Even though it was supposed to be our ultimate goal, achieving it doesn't give me any sense of reality.

"Huh...?"

Look, Noem is also confused about the situation.

And before I even have a sense of becoming A-rank, we're already talking about becoming S-rank.

It's too much!

"Promotion to S-rank is not decided by an exam. It is determined by the council after A-rank adventurers have achieved remarkable feats in their adventures."

"Feats are necessary, then?"

"Yes, and you two have already achieved such feats. Unprecedented great achievements."

Hmm...

Could it be about the battle with the Demigod Oceaneus last night?

"Saving an entire country is a feat that even S-rank adventurers who have been promoted in the past rarely achieve. It's a solid basis for recommending you for S-rank."

"Wait a minute."

Saving this country from the tsunami was not my achievement alone.

Of course, Noem's efforts were also significant, but it was also thanks to Abinion's advice and the efforts of many adventurers who helped with the evacuation.

"We cannot evaluate others over those who have achieved the greatest feats. Everyone will understand."

"Is that so...!?"

"To that end, I first made you A-rank. I can make that decision alone, but for S-rank, I need to consult with the other councilors. Once all the matters here are settled, I will return to the headquarters of the Adventurer's Guild and propose it to the council."

This is getting intense.

Originally, becoming an A-rank adventurer was the goal, but before I knew it, we were making a big leap to become S-rank adventurers.

The pace is too fast, and I feel like I'm not grounded.

"Ryuya...! Me, S-rank? Is it really okay? S is S, but not the S for 'shabby'...!?"

There's someone here who can't accept the reality.

Noem, pull yourself together.

"It might be the S for 'useless.'"

"It could be the S for 'cynical'!"

Teasing is fun, but it's too pitiful, so I'll stop.

"As heroes who saved our country, it is only right to confer the S-rank. I will also strongly recommend you."

King Rubrum spoke again.

"Of course, in addition to that, we will do our utmost to repay your kindness. If you have any wishes, please speak freely."

"..."

I thought for a moment...

...But there's no need to think about it.

"Please give Prince Zemnant a proper punishment. The root of the disturbance lies in his excessive ambition."

"That's right. My nephew, even with the favor of the family, is far from being fit to be a king. His excessive dreams are probably because he thinks our country is his backing."

King Rubrum looked at the void with a sad gaze for a moment.

Even though he's a nephew, knowing that he's a hopeless case must be a bitter feeling.

"I will leave his punishment to King Centaurian, but our country will cut ties with him and promise not to give him any support, no matter how small. Is that acceptable?"

"Thank you. ...If possible, one more thing."

"?"

I told him about Resliza, the next queen of Centaurian, who was designated as a bastard.

She has no backing and is trying to ascend the throne with only her excellent mindset, abilities, and achievements.

"I think the reason why someone like Zemnant is stirring up trouble is because Resliza's position is not solid. To improve that..."

"I understand. We cannot interfere in the affairs of other countries, but when Resliza ascends the throne, we will show our support from our country."

"That's a relief."

If she can get significant support from other countries, it should at least be a tailwind for Resliza.

Not only did we achieve our goal of becoming A-rank adventurers, but we also got a pretty good souvenir, and we accomplished everything we needed to in the Kingdom of Rubrum.

"...Oh, right. I'll restore the dungeon I destroyed."

"Huh?"

I almost forgot and was about to leave.

That was close.

◆

Thus, we received the official approval to become A-rank adventurers.

Although there are some doubts about whether it's really this easy, there's no point in hesitating, so we went to the guild branch in this town to complete the formalities.

Updating our guild cards.

---------------------------------

Guild Registration Information

【Name】Ryuya

【Lv】17

【Skills】None

【Criminal Record】None

【Affiliation】Adventurer's Guild: Centaurian Capital Branch

【Rank】A

【Suitable Job】All

---------------------------------

---------------------------------

Guild Registration Information

【Name】Noem

【Lv】38

【Skills】Alchemist King

【Criminal Record】None

【Affiliation】Adventurer's Guild: Centaurian Capital Branch

【Rank】A

【Suitable Job】Alchemist

---------------------------------

【Rank】A.

Let's confirm again? 【Rank】A!!

"Yay! Ryuya, we're A-rank! Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!"

"That's right, we did it, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!"

Noem's level quietly reaching 38 was also terrifying, but what we should focus on now is the rank!

The golden 'A'! The ace 'A'! I don't know what it means, but...

"When you become A-rank, the color of the guild card changes! It's gold! Shiny gold!"

"And it has a prism finish! It's dazzling and sparkly!?"

And the fact that this might soon become S-rank is even more terrifying.

What color will the guild card be when we become S-rank?

Is it going to be a black card, the next level up from a gold card?

"Hey, I heard you passed the test first. Congratulations!"

As we were celebrating in front of the guild, a group of people with a familiar vibe approached.

"Oh! It's you guys!"

The Mohawk Trio and a few others, the fellow examinees who shared the trials and tribulations of escaping the dungeon!

"We're about to take the final test. Whether we become A-rank or not depends on the results."

"I thought it was only natural that you would become A-rank first! If you hadn't stopped the tsunami, we would all have died!"

"Really, you're a wild one! Hya-ha-ha!"

I've gotten used to this level of enthusiasm.

I might miss it if it's gone.

"Only this many people made it to the final test?"

"Yeah, they were evaluated for their actions during the disaster, and about ten people made it. Coincidentally, they're all 'no skills.' Even the skilled ones who usually pass the first round in large numbers were all disqualified."

I heard from Councilor Bistamario.

The adventurers who fled in terror at the Oceaneus attack were all skilled.

Relying too much on their given powers, they had never experienced a proper crisis and had no choice but to run when they found themselves in a situation where their powers were useless.

The 'no skills' who had survived on the brink of a cliff in constant adversity were more resilient.

The Mohawk Trio and about a dozen others.

New A-rank adventurers will be selected from among them.

"Since we've been given this chance, we'll do our best to follow in your footsteps."

"Good luck."

We shook hands in support.

With each and every one of those taking the final test.

"Ge-he-he-he! Let's go, guys! We'll show the bigwigs at the guild that there are more than just Ryuya who can do without skills!"

"Hyaa-haa!!"

Ah, it's spreading to the other examinees...!

I might have to see if this indomitable group can successfully overcome their final trial.

I'll take a short break from updates. The next update is scheduled for January 2nd (Saturday).