Raising the Lowest-Ranked Adventurer, the Heroic Girl – Wasn’t I Just a Substitute Old Man?

Raising the Lowest-Ranked Adventurer, the Heroic Girl – Wasn’t I Just a Substitute Old Man?

Chapter 22   Mizuki Encounters and Challenges

However, as Mizuki murmured such thoughts, someone spoke to her, causing her attention to shift towards the person who approached her.

“Oh, Tenshi-san? What brings you here?”

“As part of student council activities, I’m conducting patrols, and I heard loud voices in the hallway. I just wanted to ensure that everyone remains calm even during summer vacation when not everyone is away.”

“I see. It seems like I let my guard down a bit. I apologize.”

Normally, Mizuki would have been more cordial, but there was nothing more to add, and their conversation ended there.

“And by the way, have you reconsidered the previous discussion we had?”

“I believe I already made it clear that I have no intention of accepting that proposal, didn’t I?”

“Yes. However, I believe your exceptional talents should be put to better use. That’s why I’m suggesting you reconsider. Train in a favorable environment, equip yourself with the best gear, and conquer dungeons alongside exceptional comrades. It’s for the sake of this country and, don’t you think, for your own benefit as well?”

That was the offer presented by Asuka Tenshi, the young girl. In essence, it was a proposal to transfer teams.

Mizuki had rejected it, but she had been repeatedly tempted and persuaded.

Certainly, Mizuki understood the reasoning behind it. If an elite-class adventurer capable of single-handedly destroying gates were to join a team, they could demolish dungeons more safely, quickly, and efficiently.

“…That might be true. We wouldn’t be able to gather good equipment ourselves.”

“Exactly. That’s why…”

“However, if it’s about conquering dungeons with exceptional comrades, I believe my current team is more than enough… No, I think my current team is the best. So, I’m sorry. No matter how many times you ask, I have no intention of leaving this team and joining you.”

Yet, Mizuki couldn’t bring herself to accept it.

She didn’t intend to dismiss Asuka Tenshi’s perspective, but she firmly believed that her current team was where she could showcase her best performance.

“…The best? Your current team, you say?”

“Yes.”

“…Let’s set Abe-san aside for now. Despite her lack of motivation, her abilities are exceptional even among first-class adventurers. If utilized effectively, her strength is on par with even the top-tier adventurers.”

Asuka paused there, releasing a light sigh before shaking her head gently and continuing the conversation.

“However, can we really call them the best when we have a reckless frontline fighter who only knows how to charge in, and a healer who hesitates in fear, unsure of whom to heal? Honestly, aren’t they becoming a burden? They are hindering the team’s performance, aren’t they?”

“That’s not…”

“In addition, I’ve heard that you recently added a third-class external collaborator to your team. Are you seriously claiming that this is the best team?”

Asuka exhaled once again, looking at Mizuki with a gaze that resembled how one would look at a helpless child.

“Understood. So, after the summer break, there will be a ranking battle. How about we settle it there?”

“A battle?”

“Yes, that’s right. If my team can defeat yours, then you will join our team.”

“But there’s no benefit in accepting such an offer. In fact, the only consequence of losing is a penalty. It’s all disadvantages and no advantages, isn’t it?”

“Oh, for someone claiming to have the best team, you seem lacking in confidence.”

“It’s not about confidence, it’s about the lack of benefits. Avoiding unnecessary risks is fundamental for adventurers, isn’t it?”

“Then, if you win, I promise not to invite you anymore, acknowledging that my perspective was wrong.”

“Well, I can just continue rejecting such offers in the future, can’t I?”

Sigh “Won’t you accept it? If that’s the case, in addition to that, I will listen to whatever you have to say.”

Asuka may think she’s making a concession, but from Mizuki’s perspective, she has no desire to have her requests fulfilled, and honestly, she believed that she would lose if she were to compete against Asuka’s team. Therefore, she had already made up her mind to refuse no matter what…

“If you still cannot accept even this, then reluctantly, I will have to ask your father for a favor. I cannot say how your team members will be affected or what they will think, but if you are still fine with that, please feel free.”

“…”

“Your silence implies consent, is that correct?”

It wasn’t an ideal situation. However, knowing who Asuka’s father was, there was a possibility that if she resisted here, it would not only inconvenience herself but also everyone else.

Therefore, Mizuki found herself unable to argue and fell into silence.

“Truth be told, I don’t want to resort to tactics like this. However, there is no other choice. …I’ll be looking forward to the Ranking Tournament.”

Mizuki could only watch Asuka’s departing figure, unable to do anything else in that moment.