Chapter 58

As I mentioned in the activity report, I have reached 30,000 points. Thanks to everyone's support, I have been able to come this far.

Thank you so much for the many visits! I will do my best to continue providing enjoyable content, so please continue to support me!

"Ah...? I don't understand what you're saying."

"Eh? Isn't Instructor Kaiser a former adventurer?"

As Kaiser gradually showed signs of anger, Ain continued the conversation with an attitude that made it clear he didn't understand.

"Th-That's why! Why are you... Why is Ain, the crown prince, saying he wants to engage in adventurer activities!"

His point was valid. For someone in Ain's position, a crown prince, to become an adventurer was something he couldn't understand at all.

When Ain came to the academy, he went straight to the training ground where Kaiser was. It was unusual for Ain to come so early in the morning, let alone show his face after a long absence and suddenly ask to be taught about adventurers. Kaiser had no way of grasping the situation.

Incidentally, today was a holiday for the students, so basically only the instructors were at the academy.

"Due to certain circumstances, I think I'll be visiting the guild more often."

"…Can't you say it?"

"Actually, Grandfather said it's okay to tell you, Instructor Kaiser, so I can explain the circumstances."

Ain explained to Kaiser with a grin. Watching him, Kaiser's frustration gradually grew, and it finally exploded.

"It... It hurts!?"

For the first time in a while, Kaiser's knuckles landed on Ain's head. His knuckles were a good punch that resonated well.

"Then why didn't you say the circumstances from the start, you idiot!"

"Well, to be honest... There aren't many people who can hit a crown prince!"

"Rest assured. I have the king's permission."

"The culprit was the family... I was doomed from the start."

What are you losing to? Kaiser muttered to himself. Without hearing the circumstances, the conversation couldn't progress. He decided to have Ain explain.

Even though he skipped some details, Ain explained the general flow and circumstances. Upon hearing those circumstances, Kaiser held his head in his hands, overwhelmed by the magnitude and complexity of the situation.

"Why did it come to this...?"

"Ah, of course, it's confidential, so please keep it in mind. Grandfather said there will be a confidentiality allowance for a while, so he said, 'Treat yourself to some good food.'"

"...I'm not really happy about that. Sigh... Well, I understand the situation. So you want information about adventurers?"

"Yes! I heard you were quite famous."

Kaiser, who had prepared a cold glass of water, drank it all at once. After a moment, he began to speak, as if recalling the past.

"Somewhat. ...Well, it's fine. If that's the case, I'll write you a good letter."

"Good letter?"

"I'll write you a letter of introduction. The guild is a troublesome organization, and without a recommendation from someone decent, you'll be looked down upon."

Having a recommendation letter would ensure that the guild and the adventurers who frequent it would take you seriously, as it would guarantee your capabilities.

"That's very helpful."

"Surely, as a royal family and as a nation, you can't act openly yet, right?"

"...Have you figured it out?"

You can't act openly until you've gathered enough information. It might provoke the other party and cause unrest among the people. That's why, for now, you have to act secretly.

"What about your identity? You can't act publicly as a crown prince, right?"

"Would I be recognized if I showed my face?"

"How did you think the hero who defeated the sea dragon wouldn't be recognized?"

"...Yes."

Hiding his identity was essential. If it became known what the crown prince was doing, the news would spread quickly.

"Damn. You haven't even thought about what to say, have you?"

"I'm feeling my way around."

After learning about Ain's situation, Kaiser thought for a moment and then spoke, offering information that would be beneficial to Ain.

"Consult Majolica. She'll give you a good answer."

"Majolica...? Wait, Instructor Kaiser, you know Majolica?"

"Not just know. She was a member of my old clan."

Ain was so surprised that he almost fell to the ground.

"Eh, eh!? Majolica and Instructor Kaiser... You mean, you were in a party together...?"

"Yeah. She was the best support member I've ever known. No one can support better than her."

"...Has she always dressed like that?"

"...How could I adventure with someone dressed like that! It was after she opened a magic stone shop!"

What happened to Majolica after the adventure ended was the most curious thing, but he decided to ask about it next time.

"Regarding the sealing techniques and the monsters you're looking for... She has extensive knowledge. She might even have some leads. I think relying on her is the best decision for now."

Ain thought she could also help with hiding his identity. He had obtained valuable information.

"...I'll drop by on my way back."

"Yeah, do that. ...Alright, now for the final test from me."

"Test?"

Kaiser stood up, opened the door, and walked out. The training ground was set up ahead.

"Where are you going all of a sudden?"

Ain followed Kaiser, complaining. When they arrived at the stage, Kaiser took out a metal sword with a blunted edge instead of a wooden training sword and locked the door to prevent anyone from entering.

"Ain, choose one you like."

"Choose one... You mean, I'm going to fight Instructor Kaiser?"

"I'll show you a different way than the entrance exam. ...As a senior adventurer, I'll give you one experience. Even so, I think Ain can easily beat me, but I'll show you what a tough opponent is like."

"...Is that the test?"

"Yeah. It's the final test I'll give you. I'll base your grades and credits on this result, so come at me without hesitation."

"Is that okay?"

"Instructors have the authority to decide all student grades. There's no problem, get ready."

Suddenly, Ain felt a chill. A new presence he had never felt before. When he looked in that direction, he could clearly sense it coming from Kaiser.

...I see. Ain understood. He was feeling the reason why Kaiser had become famous as an adventurer.

"Are you ready, Ain?"

"Yes. With a presence like that, I have no choice but to respond in kind."

"...Alright. Then it's good. Come at me whenever you're ready."

"Whenever I'm ready...?"

"I'll let you make the first move. I'll tell you, you can do anything. Think of me as an opponent who's trying to take your life. I'll give you the experience of such a battle. Use whatever tools or means you have, and if you win, it's the right way."

In other words, he could use the Dullahan's skills, and even the Elder Lich's. However, he didn't fully understand how to use the Elder Lich's skills, only using them by feel. So, if he used anything, it would be the Dark Knight's skills.

"Then, here I go."

Kaiser was doing something for him. If so, he wouldn't hold back. He would use everything from the start.

"...Damn. That's a really incomprehensible ability. ...Come at me whenever you're ready, I'll show you how an 'adventurer' fights."

Ain moved forward, aiming for Kaiser. He intended to land his signature attack immediately.

However, Kaiser didn't move from his position in front of Ain but seemed to be making slight adjustments to face Ain head-on.

"Don't take it personally, Ain."

"Wh-What...!?"

Two objects that looked like magic stones were thrown at Ain's feet. One of them activated instantly, enveloping Ain.

"It's a barrier that Majolica made to immobilize the opponent. The effect is short, and the walls are soft, but... you can do this kind of thing."

Kaiser told Ain, and the second one began to activate.

"Vines!? All of a sudden...!"

The second attack bound Ain with vines, including his Illusory Hand, leaving him unable to move. Only his sword hand could move, but breaking free was difficult.

"Damn... It's so hard...!?"

"Of course! I made it with somewhat valuable magic stones, a custom-made hindrance! Once this happens, the match is over, I'm coming for you, Ain!"

Kaiser started running with his sword drawn, intending to end the match by placing the sword at Ain's neck.

Ain, on the other hand, could only try to peel the vines off his body. Even with his enhanced stats, the vines were too tough to remove. If this continued, Kaiser would end the match in one move.

Is there anything I can do? He thought. Use the Fog? No, it wouldn't work. Current? How would that help here? The Elder Lich's skills... Yes, if I use that to stop Kaiser's movements...

"Surprised, Ain? I didn't expect you to be able to use something like that... I'm glad I took precautions, the mindset I developed as an adventurer really paid off!"

Kaiser was wearing equipment made from monster materials. Therefore, the binding magic was deflected. As a result, he was only momentarily confused, and it didn't have much effect. Just as he thought he would be taken down so easily, his body started moving on its own, almost unconsciously.

Ain began to swing his sword with a relaxed movement.

"It... It cut... Alright, I can do this!"

Until a moment ago, the vines wouldn't cut despite swinging the sword, which had a blunted edge. After a moment of calm, when he swung the sword again, the vines cut like fruit.

Seeing this, Kaiser was even more surprised than Ain.

"Hey, no way... That thing could hold down the Lord of the Forest for a few minutes...!"

In the sudden battle, Kaiser hadn't fully prepared. But that was just an excuse now.

After that, Ain, who had heightened his guard, reached Kaiser. The combination of Ain's sharp sword swings and the Illusory Hand was intense.

Unlike the exam, Kaiser used many techniques in close combat, such as blinding Ain or using items that made loud noises. But Ain, the hero who had defeated the sea dragon, found these methods somewhat novel, though he couldn't say he wasn't surprised at all.

But still, Ain was a hero. The one who had won the battle of wills against the sea dragon wouldn't stop here. He couldn't be stopped.

"Hah... Hah... I win...!"

"...Damn. You're really a reckless guy. You've been like this since the first time we met."

Be grateful for today's battle. You learned a fighting style you've never experienced before in a situation where your life wasn't in danger.

Ain thanked Kaiser. Although he was laughed at for his unusually serious attitude, the relationship between him and Kaiser was better this way.

This level of distance was ideal for them, both as teacher and student and as their ideal relationship.

Since the balance seemed a bit off, I'll split it into two parts.

The second half will be posted today if I have time, but it's more likely to be tomorrow.

Thank you for your understanding.

Addendum: The second half will be posted tomorrow. I apologize for the inconvenience.