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  32    Asuka: Frustrating man

“Asuka: Well, well, young lady. Quite a rough reunion, I must say.”

However, although she had no intention of killing, Asuka’s attack aimed at the legs, intending to take him down with a single blow, was effortlessly evaded, showing a calm composure.

Asuka, who never expected her attack to be dodged, furrowed her eyebrows in surprise and cautiously jumped back, wary of a counterattack.

By that time, the flames that obstructed Asuka’s vision had already dissipated, leaving only the two of them—Koosuke and Asuka.

“…You’re quite skilled.”

“I’ve survived four years in the dungeon, after all. Assessing danger is my forte.”

“Indeed.”

However, while they exchanged words, Koosuke remained motionless, despite Asuka brandishing her weapon. Asuka couldn’t read Koosuke’s intentions.

Superficially, he stood with a carefree and vulnerable posture, just like before the game began. But Asuka had witnessed him evading her attack with her own eyes.

He must have some hidden trick, and if she were to attack carelessly, she might face a counterattack.

Asuka disliked Koosuke, but she couldn’t deny the fact that he had been active in the dungeon for nearly five years, as he claimed. She had no choice but to be cautious.

Nevertheless, Asuka had no intention of losing. However, this battle was not a one-on-one duel. Even if she were to defeat Koosuke here, it would be troublesome if she ended up injured in the process.

Thus, they both remained still, observing each other, in a standoff. Frustrated by being held back by someone merely of “third-class” caliber, Asuka felt the urgency to take action. She exerted force in her legs, gathering strength, preparing to dash forward.

“So, what are your plans from here?”

However, as if to thwart her intentions, Koosuke addressed Asuka.

“…What are you planning to do? You don’t have any comrades, you know?”

Ignoring such remarks and simply launching an attack would have been the easier choice, but Asuka decided to respond to Koosuke’s words.

Part of it could be attributed to her personality. However, it wasn’t just that. Asuka herself found Koosuke intriguing.

Of course, it wasn’t in a romantic or affectionate sense, but there was enough curiosity for her to engage in a brief conversation.

“Well, there’s something I want to ask. Mind if I do?”

“What is it? Please keep it brief. I have to defeat you and chase after my comrades.”

“Oh, so you’re willing to listen?”

“I did say ‘briefly,’ didn’t I?”

As Asuka gave off an aura that indicated she wasn’t interested in idle chatter, Koosuke shrugged his shoulders, let out a sigh, and then spoke.

“Why do you seek such power, to the point of aiming for Special Class… or rather, seeking it?”

“Why? Isn’t that obvious? It’s for the sake of the country and humanity.”

It was the dream Asuka had harbored ever since she discovered her Special Class talent. To destroy Gates, rescue those attacked by monsters, and become a righteous hero who brings smiles to people’s faces.

In pursuit of that dream, Asuka put in effort. However, as she grew, she came to understand that she couldn’t help everyone on her own.

That’s why her dream of helping everyone transformed into a goal of assembling a team of fellow Special Class individuals, breaking Gates safely and swiftly, and assisting as many people as possible.

“You certainly aim high when it comes to humanity.”

“…Do you understand the current state of the world? Twenty years ago, ‘Gates’ suddenly appeared, connecting our world to a different one. From those Gates emerged grotesque creatures. If left unchecked, the Gates gradually expand and engulf the surroundings. In return, they continue to send more and more monsters into our world.”

“I’m an adventurer, you know. I’m well aware of that. Well, it’s common knowledge.”

(Then why are you smiling so carefreely?)

Despite speaking earnestly, Asuka couldn’t sense any genuine concern in Koosuke’s attitude. Her face frowned, and she tightened her grip on the spear.

(—Ah, how frustrating.)

That was Asuka’s sentiment as she spoke with Koosuke.

“Why don’t you fight then? You awakened as an adventurer, but why don’t you fight to protect the country, to protect the people? At this very moment, someone somewhere might be under attack. They might be wishing for help. We can fulfill that. We can save them! So why don’t you fight?!”

From a ‘dream’ to a ‘goal’… It was a path that had to be changed, but the fundamental desire to help others remained unchanged.

However, as she spoke with Koosuke, even her own feelings seemed to be belittled.

“…Why? Well, that’s because… it’s too much of a hassle.”