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?

Volume 2  Chapter 12  Sensing  presence

“Miyano, you are a hero. However, as I mentioned earlier, you all are still far from being skilled. Even if the opponent is a first-class, there is a possibility of being defeated, whether they are third-class or not.”

“I am a third-class, but honestly speaking, if I were to decide to kill you guys, it would be relatively easy for me to do so. That’s not because I am particularly close to you, but purely a matter of skill.”

“Well, I wouldn’t do such a thing!”

“And Yeah, that’s right. Your control over your power is still lacking, and personality-wise, you probably won’t be a threat. However, that can’t be determined from the outside, and the fact that you are capable remains unchanged.”

The individuals above me often disregard individual thoughts and personalities, forming judgments solely based on the information available to them. Therefore, what truly matters is not whether you have the inclination to “do it,” but rather whether you possess the capability to “do it.”

Once this distinction is recognized, it solidifies the perception that you pose a threat. Such a perception alone provides more than sufficient justification for your life to be targeted.

“So, in order to survive in the unlikely event of a crisis, it is crucial to possess the ability to sense impending danger.”

And this necessity extends not only to the hero but also to the team members who act alongside them.

“With that in mind, does anyone have any objections or differing opinions regarding our future course of action?”

As I posed the question, Miyano and the others remained silent, their faces even darker than when the conversation began.

“It seems there are none.”

“But how are we supposed to train the ability to sense impending danger? We warriors can’t use magic, you know?”

“Well, it’s not just warriors in this case. You’re the only one who can’t use magic.”

Though Miyano is registered as a warrior, her extraordinary abilities as a chosen hero also grant her the power of magic.

“Well, whether you’re a warrior or a mage, the method is the same, so rest assured.”

With a brief glance at Miyano and the others, I began explaining the method.

“I have two trainings for you, and the first one is to perceive killing intent.”

As soon as I said that, there was a slight loosening in the atmosphere.

Are they thinking, “What is this person talking about?”

“You might think it’s ridiculous, but in reality, you can actually sense it when someone exudes that kind of aura. In this world where magic has become possible, you might assume that only mages possess magical power. However, that is a misconception.”

While only mages can freely manipulate magical power, the essence of magical power exists within everyone and everything.

“As living beings, everyone and everything possesses magical power. The killing intent, the demonic aura, the anger—these ‘auras’ are said to be the unconscious manifestation of magical power. It’s the raw magical power before it becomes directed by emotions and transforms into spells. That’s what killing intent or gaze is. I want you to learn to perceive it.”

However, even after explaining this, I can see that they are still not fully grasping the concept, and a hint of confusion lingers.

Well, it’s understandable. They probably haven’t actually experienced killing intent before, so it can’t be helped.

“…Well, even if I explain, you won’t understand, so let me demonstrate it instead.”

As I spoke, I fixed a piercing gaze upon Miyano and the others, filled with the intention to kill.

“―――――!”

In that moment, Miyano and the others reacted with a start, but that was all.

Miyano and Asada, to some extent, assumed a defensive stance, but they didn’t reach for their weapons or step back. That won’t do.

“…It’s something like this. The absolute determination to kill your opponent. If you hold that thought and focus solely on it, it’s not impossible.”

Normally, I control it to avoid wasting magical power, but if I decide to do it, I can. It can also serve as a form of intimidation.

“Besides, I’ve had you practice ‘concealing your presence’ until now. You already know about ‘auras.’ This time, you’ll just be sensing the auras of others.”

“…Understood about the killing intent. What about the other training?”

“Simply put, it’s about gaining experience.”

As if releasing the tension from their bodies after perceiving the killing intent, Miyano exhaled and asked the question.

“Perceive the feeling of unease.”

“Feeling of unease…?”

“Yes. Experiencing a feeling of unease happens when there is a mismatch between your previous knowledge and your current perception. If you come across something for the first time without any prior information, wouldn’t you feel a sense of unease?”

“In other words, to be able to perceive a sense of unease —being able to detect abnormalities when something happens—you need to gain various experiences, is that it?”

“Correct. However, well, accumulating experiences will inevitably take time no matter how hard you try. That’s why I will attack you. During training, while delving into dungeons, even in your school life. I will attack you with the intention to kill.”

At first, I don’t intend to do it too much within the dungeon. There’s nothing to gain if they die.

Well, if it seems like they have enough leeway, I might do it.

“However, even though I said I have the intention to kill, I won’t actually go as far as killing you, of course. But evade it as if it were a real battle.”

My seriousness seemed to have conveyed through my earnest expression, as all four of them listened with equal seriousness.

“Well, to explain it more specifically, I will emit killing intent or hostility, and then attack ten seconds later, so notice it and take countermeasures.”

If they can learn to perceive the killing intent or ill will of the opponent, their chances of survival will increase significantly.

“And remember dangerous situations and potential risks. That will become the power that allows you to survive.”

“Yes!”