Chapter 35

"Six months is simply impossible."

As they stepped out of the Explorers' Guild, Almar said, unable to hold back, a resentful look on his face, his gaze fixed on me.

"Since becoming an explorer, I've done a lot of research, but it's still impossible to become a Seven Star in just a year. And six months? That's just reckless."

"It's not reckless. Didn't Grandpa Harold say that if we can create a clan that meets the conditions, he would fully back us up? If that happens, it's a straight path to Seven Star."

"Even if we believe what that old man says, how do you plan to make a clan that meets the conditions? And in just one week?"

"We have a plan."

"A plan? What kind of plan?"

"To defeat a strong demon. That's the best way to build a record."

At Koga's suggestion, Almar clutched his head.

"I know that's the best way, but no matter how reckless we get, we can't defeat a demon that far exceeds our strength. In other words, it won't be a record that can change our evaluation."

"Then, first, we need to gather new companions and strengthen our forces."

"Are you an idiot? It's not that easy to get strong people to join. Even if we could, we'd need to train for coordinated combat, and a week isn't enough time."

"Oh, right. Without coordination training, we can't send them into battle..."

Almar's point was correct. Just getting strong companions isn't enough. We need to train until our individual movements sync up, only then can we function as a team. When Koga joined, we spent half a month on combat training. Even if we released Hugo from prison and made him a companion right away, a week wouldn't be enough. In any case, it will take more time to get Hugo's sentence revoked.

Also, using the money we got from the Gambino incident and having already learned spirit exorcism, we could probably defeat higher-level ghosts, but even then, it wouldn't be enough to achieve a significant record.

In other words, it's impossible to meet the conditions through conventional means.

"By the way, why did you say one week?"

"Obviously, a shorter period means a higher evaluation."

"But a week is too short. We can't do anything."

"No, a week is more than enough. In fact, it's too long."

"Really?"

"Really. Though, it's not a method I want to use."

"...What kind of method? It's not dangerous, right?"

"It's not dangerous. It's a method often used when expanding an organization, not just for explorers. Neither of you understand, do you?"

"No, we don't." "I don't get it either."

The two of them shook their heads in unison.

"Then, I'll explain. What I'm planning to do is—"

Just as the words were about to come out, I suddenly remembered.

"No, you two can't keep a secret. Stay in the dark."

"Wh-What!?"

"Too dangerous. I almost revealed the plan."

"Hold on, Noel! The one who can't keep a secret is that woman! I've never leaked a secret!"

"That's true."

"Then, you can tell me, right?"

"No, it's not fair to leave you out. Koga, be patient."

"S-Such..."

Koga's shoulders slumped. Next to him, Almar whistled awkwardly. Talkative woman, you should reflect a bit.

"I'll tell you when it's necessary. Until then, take a good rest. But don't neglect your training."

"Speaking of training, I have a plan to teach each other our combat styles with Reisha later. Is that okay?"

"Sure."

Reisha is a member of another party, but there's no reason to refuse a technical exchange. It's better to improve together than to drag each other down.

"Noel, can I ask something?"

"What is it?"

"The inn seems to be short-handed. I thought I'd help out when I have free time. Is that okay?"

"You want to work part-time? I thought I gave you enough money for living expenses?"

Koga was originally a slave. Though he's free now, he has no savings, and the living expenses were provided by me. He's supposed to repay it gradually from future activity rewards.

"No, I have money, but the innkeeper is in trouble. It feels uncomfortable to ignore it."

So, it's purely out of kindness. What a troublesome guy.

"...Alright, do as you please."

Allowing a side job isn't ideal, but this much shouldn't be a problem. Besides, as a leader, I have no right to restrict personal activities.

"Thanks! I really appreciate it!"

I waved my hand dismissively and then looked at the two of them again.

"That's all for today's party activities. Dismissed."

†

†

"Hmm, it seems they've come to an agreement."

Outside the window, the three young people waved goodbye to each other. Harold watched them with a narrowed gaze.

"Noel Stollen, indeed, an interesting talent."

He had known Noel's name since he registered as an explorer. After all, he is the grandson of the immortal demon. It's impossible not to pay attention.

However, his profession was a talker. To say he wasn't disappointed would be a lie. If Noel had been a warrior, he would have undoubtedly been the successor to his hero.

"Yes, at first, he was a disappointment. But you overcame your innate disadvantages and steadily gained a reputation."

In the entire explorer industry, he is still just a promising rookie. But Harold, who has seen many explorers over the years, sensed something different in Noel.

In fact, Noel successfully rebuilt his party after its collapse and defeated the Gambino group. Despite being the weakest support role, he didn't flinch at Harold's killing intent. His courage was impressive for a sixteen-year-old.

"He is different from the traditional heroes. Perhaps he can reach new heights that no one else has."

Harold closed his eyes and remembered his hero.

"Be proud, Brandon. That boy is definitely your grandson. Even if he doesn't inherit your talent, he will surely surpass you as a hero."

"Of course, you idiot! He's my pride and joy!"

The hallucination was so vivid that Harold's memories came flooding back. He was the one in charge of the legendary clan, Blood Blade League. The noisy yet fulfilling memories remained vivid even after decades.

"Grandpa! I came to visit you!"

Immersed in his memories, the door was rudely opened.

"Ah, I'm so tired. Why are explorers always so stupid? I can't deal with it."

Sitting on the sofa as soon as he entered the room was Marion Jenkins, a fellow inspector of the Explorers' Guild and Harold's grandson.

It seemed he had just fought with some clan. His shirt under the tailcoat was stained with blood.

"Marion, good work. You finished a task, I see."

"They kept complaining about the evaluation, so I beat them all up. It's annoying how incompetent people are so cunning. If they have complaints, they should show results."

"Indeed. But that's part of the inspector's job, Inspector No. 26."

"I know, stop lecturing, grandpa. By the way—"

Marion's expression turned serious.

"Is it true that you're taking charge of a new clan? You haven't been in charge of any clan for almost ten years. Is it that impressive?"

With a wry smile, Harold nodded.

There are thirty-six inspectors in the Explorers' Guild, each in charge of one or more clans. But for the past ten years, Harold, citing his age, had not taken charge of any clan.

Of course, age was a pretext. Though his prime had long passed, he still had the ability to fulfill his duties. He hadn't taken charge of any clan because none had stirred his passion. For the past ten years, he had focused on nurturing the next generation.

"Wow, I'm surprised! What kind of people are they!?"

"Noel Stollen, a young boy leading the team."

"I know him! The grandson of the immortal demon who ended up as a talker! Seriously!? You're taking charge of a clan with a weakling leader!?"

"That's right. Is there a problem?"

Harold smiled and tilted his head, and Marion's expression stiffened, sensing the quiet anger in the smile.

"Um, well, if you're coming back to active duty, I'm happy. Yeah..."

"Marion, how about you? Are you handling the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons well?"

"It's impossible. They're hopeless."

Marion crossed his arms and made a sour face.

"Basically, the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons got into the Seven Stars because their master, Rioh, is ridiculously strong. The other clan members are average. But Rioh is a lazy and arrogant slacker who only takes on the requests he likes. The sub-master is working hard to maintain the clan, but it's exhausting to watch."

"That's a problem..."

"I've tried everything, but if this continues, they might fall from the Seven Stars. In fact, it might be better for the clan members. Damn! If Rioh would just get serious, he could be a top-ranked explorer anytime!"

"Marion, I understand your feelings, but you mustn't get too involved as an inspector. It's not good for either of you."

"I know! Stop nagging!"

Noel was surprised that Harold favored him, but inspectors always favor their assigned clans.

Of course, the clan's performance affects the inspector's evaluation, but more importantly, all inspectors love heroes. Unable to become heroes themselves, they adore those who shine on the stage.

"However, if the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons falls from the Seven Stars, the X-Day forces will be lacking... I had high hopes for them..."

"Yeah, but the X-Day prediction has changed."

"When?"

"In six months."

"Six months!? Wasn't it supposed to be at least a year!?"

"Predictions change, grandpa. The emperor is about to declare a state of emergency and take control of the major cities' defenses. The Abyssal Erosion caused by the Ten Kings of Hell is unprecedented. The entire country could be swallowed up in no time. We need to align our defenses to stand a chance."

"Six months... That's..."

Harold's mind flashed with Noel's words.

"We will become Seven Stars at the 'six-month' evaluation."

Could that boy have read this? No, that's impossible. But even so, it couldn't be a mere coincidence.

"Grandpa! Hey, grandpa!"

Lost in thought, Harold snapped back to reality at Marion's call.

"I'm fine. I heard you."

"Okay. So, I have a question—"

"Which clan will lead the X-Day battle?"

"Right, that. The military and other explorers will defend the cities, so the Seven Stars will fight the Ten Kings of Hell. Normally, the top-ranked Dragon Tyrant Squad would lead, but—"

"Master Victor is too old, right?"

"Yeah..."

Perhaps considering Harold's age, Marion nodded slightly.

"Don't worry. Everyone ages and declines, both physically and mentally. Victor understands. It's better to let another clan lead."

"Then, the second-ranked Khan or Taechung?"

"No, neither is suitable."

"Why not?"

"Khan is a special clan composed only of blood relatives. Their teamwork is excellent, but they lack the ability to command outsiders."

"True..."

"Taechung's master is from another country. While it's not a matter of trust, a clan from the same country is better suited to defend it. It affects the morale of those under their command."

"I see... Should we choose from the third-ranked clans, then?"

"What do the other inspectors say?"

"They think the Dragon Tyrant Squad is the best choice, despite the issues. But they're worried, so they asked me to consult you."

"They're unreliable..."

"It can't be helped. You're the only one who knows the battle against the Ten Kings of Hell. They don't know how to handle it."

That's right. Almost no one who remembers that battle is left. His beloved wife, colleagues, and the immortal demon are all gone.

"...Marion, what do you think? Which clan do you think is suitable?"

"Me? I think the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons is suitable."

"Why?"

"True, Master Rioh is a jerk. But his strength is top-tier, even historically. In fact, I believe Rioh is the strongest explorer ever. You know, he was already EX-ranked when he became an explorer at fifteen."

Harold was well aware of Rioh's strength and his numerous heroic tales.

"But can Rioh lead?"

"He doesn't need to. If we make him the general and send him into battle, everyone's morale will naturally rise. Controlling the strong-willed Seven Stars is impossible anyway. So, a leader who can guide them with sheer strength, like Rioh, is the best choice. He has the power. He'll get serious against the Ten Kings of Hell."

"Interesting... That's a valid point..."

It's not a bad suggestion. Those who recommend the Dragon Tyrant Squad without much thought are far from considering the actual battle. If it were before today, Harold would have agreed with Marion.

But Harold had met that boy.

"Which clan do you recommend, grandpa?"

"I recommend Noel Stollen."

"Huh? ...What!?!? That's the explorer who just formed a clan today!?"

"Actually, it's on hold."

"So, he hasn't even formed a clan!? How can such a person be a general!? Grandpa, have you lost it!?"

Seeing Marion panic, Harold laughed out loud.

"What's so funny!?"

"Hehe, sorry. I understand why you're shocked."

"Of course I am!"

"Marion, how about a bet? My choice, Noel, or your choice, Rioh. In six months, who will be in a position to be the general? If you win, I'll give you the head of the Jenkins family."

Marion's eyes changed.

"...Are you serious, grandpa?"

"Of course, I'm serious."

"...And if, by some miracle, I lose?"

"Then, you'll attend a bride school and become the perfect lady, mastering etiquette and housework."

"Are you serious!?"

Marion, Harold Jenkins' granddaughter, is eighteen. She inherited her mother's beauty and good figure. Her bright orange-tinted blonde hair, tied in a ponytail, enhances her healthy and attractive appearance.

Even without her grandfather's favor, she is a rare beauty. However, she is too rough and violent. With such behavior, no one would want to marry her.

I'm not saying women should be feminine, but I wish she had at least some grace.

"What do you think? If you're afraid of losing, you can back out."

"Ha, no way! Who's backing out! I'll take that bet!"

At that moment, Harold's face lit up with a broad smile.