Chapter 2

"All right, Alle! Don't even think about giving up! No matter what job you're given, you're still my proud son!"

"You're right, Dad. Alle is still Alle."

"Big sister is on Alle's side too!"

When I returned home after the blessing ceremony, my father and sister tried to comfort me.

When you are given a job, you acquire skills that correspond to that job.

For example, if you become a 《Swordsman》, you gain 《Swordsmanship》, which improves your sword techniques.

If you become a 《Merchant》, you gain 《Appraisal》, which helps you judge the quality of goods.

The impact of these skills is significant, and it's said that there's a world of difference between those who have them and those who don't.

Being 《Unemployed》 means you don't receive any of these skill benefits.

Unlike other jobs, you can't advance to a 《Higher Rank》.

You remain 《Unemployed》 for life.

In a sense, it's like the goddess herself has branded you as 'talentless.'

That's why people often shun and despise 《Unemployed》 individuals. Even the eldest son of a noble family can be stripped of his inheritance if he is 《Unemployed》.

My father pleads with me desperately.

"Listen, Alle! Don't even think about giving up!"

"No, I'm not thinking about that at all."

My sister also tries to reassure me.

"It's okay! Don't worry, I'll take care of Alle!"

"I'll pass."

"Why not!? Hey, when you were little, you said you wanted to marry me when you grew up!"

"That was a long time ago. And, to be honest, you're not my type."

"What!?"

"Because, big sister, you're so short and childlike. I prefer someone with more feminine charm."

My sister looks a lot like my father—short and child-faced.

She's thirteen but has a flat chest and is shorter than me, who is ten.

I often get mistaken for her older brother.

My father, who is thirty-five, is almost as tall as me.

"Still, I'm growing! I drink a glass of milk every day! I'm definitely going to be 150 cm!"

"Another 15 cm, huh? Well, keep trying, big sister."

"You think it's impossible, don't you!?"

Of course, I do.

"Anyway, don't worry about me. Your mother and I will work as long as we can, so you don't have to work, Alle."

My mother, who is calm and accepting of her son being a freeloader, is the opposite of my father and sister. She is tall and has a curvaceous figure.

I think I look more like her.

Still, they seem very worried about me.

Honestly, I don't feel that desperate.

Because I think that even without skills, I can still make it somehow.

The day after the blessing ceremony, I was practicing sword swings in a nearby square.

I've been doing this since I was five.

I started because I saw my mother doing it every day, and I joined in.

People told me it was pointless, though.

They said that no matter how good you get with a sword as a child, a 《Swordsman》 who acquires 《Swordsmanship—Beginner》 will easily surpass you.

"But it's not completely pointless. It feels good just to swing the sword."

As I swung the sword, making a whistling sound, I heard laughter from somewhere.

"Hey, look! The 《Unemployed》 is practicing with a sword!"

"Hahaha! For real!"

It was two boys my age.

They were among those who received their blessings with me yesterday.

Both of them had swords at their waists.

"Are you guys the same?"

I asked.

"Same? Haha, we're not like you, we're 《Swordsmen》!"

"Don't lump us with you!"

It seems they both received the 《Swordsman》 job and acquired the 《Swordsmanship—Beginner》 skill, so they came to test its effects.

"We don't need to do lame stuff like sword swings, unlike you, 《Unemployed》!"

"Watch this!"

They suddenly started a sparring match.

Clang, clang, clang!

Their swords clashed, and sparks flew.

"Wow, this is amazing! I've never held a sword before, but my body is moving on its own!"

"Me too! I could probably kill a goblin in an instant with this!"

Indeed, their sword skills were impressive for beginners.

This must be the power of the skill.

"Phew, phew... Skills are really amazing!"

"Huff, huff... Haha, someone like 《Unemployed》 will never experience this feeling."

After a while of intense sparring, they collapsed, out of breath.

Once their breathing calmed down, I spoke up.

"Since we're here, how about a little sparring with me?"

They burst out laughing.

"《Unemployed》 against us 《Swordsmen》? Hahaha, you're not even worth it!"

"Didn't you see our sword skills just now?"

"Actually, I did. I think you'd be just the right level for me."

So far, the only person I've sparred with is my mother.

But she's too strong and doesn't know how to hold back, so it's not much of a training session.

I wanted to spar with someone closer to my level.

They stared at me with wide eyes, then burst into laughter again.

"Hahaha! You're an idiot!"

"Did the shock of being 《Unemployed》 make you lose your mind?"

Hmm.

Did I say something that ridiculous?

In my estimation, I don't think I'd lose even if I faced both of them at once.