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 28    Before the battle

After talking with Miyano, we headed to the waiting room and decided to wait there until it was time.

By the time we entered the waiting room, Miyano had already returned with her usual smile, and I too was putting on a facade of normalcy.

However, it was difficult to say that our inner thoughts were the same as usual. And perhaps Miyano felt the same way.

“I-I’m starting to get nervous… Can we… c-can we win?”

Nevertheless, time continued to pass.

Once the time comes, we will pass through the gate and enter the dungeon. The game will begin after we both take our positions. However, it’s better to avoid contact with the opposing team before the game, so we are waiting in the private room of the management office.

And of course, our opponents are none other than the team from Tenshi Academy, just as we expected to face them in the first match.

Well, maybe it’s more accurate to say that it went according to our investigation?… Either way, it doesn’t matter. Both are not wrong, and it’s not something worth caring about.

A week before the end of summer vacation… about two weeks ago from today, we made various preparations for this battle.

Our tactics, coordination, and equipment have all become different from Miyano and the others before.

For me, if we can execute the plan successfully by about 70%, I believe we can win, even if it’s not perfect.

However, no matter how much we’ve improved, our opponents hold a higher rank and possess their own trump card in the form of an S-Class member, just like Miyano.

On paper, their specs are clearly superior.

Knowing that, even Asada, who is usually strong-willed, is probably expressing her concerns.

But it’s not a problem. I don’t want to resort to it, but if necessary, I’ll forcefully make sure we win.

Well, anyway, it’s not good to remain in a tense state like this… Can’t be helped.

“What’s the matter? You’re always so confident, but when it really counts, are you running away?”

“W-What?! I’m not running away! I just wanted to ask a little something. You know, that thing where the team members come together and share their thoughts before the match! I just wanted to confirm something like that! ”

“Coming together and sharing thoughts, huh…”

“If you’re an instructor, don’t you have any clever things to say?”

“Well, in that case…”

But even if you say that… Although I’m here as an instructor this time, I’m not particularly good at teaching others, and I don’t have anything specific to say.

“We’ve done everything we can. The rest is up to you. You can do it, or something like that?”

“…I feel like I’ve heard that line somewhere before.”

“Well, it’s a common thing to say, so it’s bound to sound familiar.”

Despite complaining, Asada seems to be fine now.

The others also seem to have loosened up a bit after witnessing the exchange between Asada and me.

“If I were to say it seriously, it means to mock the enemy with all your might. Don’t fight seriously, use deception. Use everything at your disposal, whether it’s family, friends, acquaintances, or benefactors. Deceive them in the most unfair and despicable ways.”

“…As always, that’s not something a teacher should say.”

Although I bear the title of an instructor, I am not a teacher.

“But, Igami-san, do you believe we can win this battle?”

“Yeah.”

An immediate response…

“Of course, isn’t it obvious? I’ve prepared everything so far to win. There is a good chance of victory. If we lose after this, it means you all made mistakes, not my strategy. In terms of ability alone, you all are more than capable.”

As I said that, the members’ eyes visibly filled with determination. With this attitude, any nervousness should be manageable.

“So, I’ll head to the gate first, but don’t approach me or call out to me when we meet over there. And don’t stare at me. When you do need to look, make it seem like you’re reluctantly doing so with an expression of “I have no choice.” That’s all for now.”

With these instructions, I leave the room. It’s all part of the strategy.

But well, even though I said those things to them, it’s still quite nerve-wracking when lives are at stake.

To prevent the opposing team from sensing our tension, I take a deep breath as I step out of the room.

And just as I’m about to set off, I hear the voices of my team members from inside the room.

“If you want to give us encouragement, do it in a more straightforward manner.”

“Hehe, well… But it’s true that Igami-san acknowledges us, right?”

“Mm. We can’t afford to lose.”

“That’s right. If someone as amazing as him says we can win, then we have to win.”

Someone as amazing, huh… I actually think you all are more than amazing compared to someone like me.

“…Hey, everyone. I’m sorry that things turned out like this because of me. But I still want to be with all of you. I want to continue our adventures together. So, please, lend me your strength.”

“Well, that’s a given.”

“Better late than never.”

“Well, I might not be able to contribute much, but yeah, I’ll do my best.”

…Well then, let’s go. The nervousness hasn’t completely disappeared, but… Ah, it’s not a good time to dwell on negative thoughts.