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 20   I’m looking forward to it

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After a brief conversation with Nina, I left the room and headed towards the room where Miyano and the others were waiting. It was there that Saeki-san called out to me

“‘Good work, you must be tired”

“Well, it’s not like I fought or anything, so I’m not that tired”

“But you have to constantly be on guard, right? It’s tiring to always have to be vigilant. We never know when things might go out of control, and even just having a conversation could be a matter of life or death.”

I nodded. I understood clearly how Nina, who now appeared as an ordinary girl to me, should be treated. At the same time, I also came to realize how I had been all this time.

However, it wouldn’t be wise to show my realization and change my attitude now. So, I clenched my fist tightly, acting as if everything was normal—just as I always had.

“So, did you tell them about it?”

“Oh yeah, I did. It was necessary for me to meet the ones who became heroes at least once, so it worked out well. Well, it might be a bit early timing-wise, though.”

I turned my gaze towards Miyano and the others, only to see them looking visibly downcast and disheartened. Well, except for Abe, who didn’t seem to have changed much from her usual self.

Or so I thought. Maybe not. She might not be as overtly obvious as the others, but there was still a subtle frown on her face, different from her usual expression.

“I see. Thank you.”

Well, whatever. Let’s just leave this place for now. There’s nothing good that can come from staying here, for me or for them.

“Alright, guys, let’s go home.”

As I said that, Saeki-san stood up and once again took the lead, just like when we arrived, and we followed him.

“Oh, before you go, there’s something I want you to keep in mind.”

As we walked in silence towards the exit, we were about to bid farewell and say our goodbyes to Saeki-san. However, just before parting ways, he called out to us, stopping us in our tracks.

“This matter is to remain a secret. It’s fine if the appearance of your abilities is already known to the public, but here’s the thing: if anyone tries to leak the information you heard here, then at that time—”

“I’ll make sure to remind them as well.”

“Is that so? Then I’ll leave it to you.”

And so, I silently led Miyano and the others out of the research facility.

“And that’s the nature of my ‘side job.'”

In the car on our way back, I spoke to Miyano and the others.

“…Is that the reason you wanted to quit being an adventurer? Because if you quit, you wouldn’t have to fight anymore? You wouldn’t have to go there anymore? Is that why you wanted to quit?”

“Well… it’s one of the reasons, I suppose.”

I thought that if I quit being an adventurer, there would be restrictions on using my abilities, and I might not have to fight Nina there anymore.

“However, even if I quit being an adventurer, I think I would still end up going there one way or another.”

That’s why the main reason I wanted to quit being an adventurer had a lot to do with other factors.

“But we might have been able to avoid going there, right? It’s because we stopped you…”

“It’s just a slight delay in the timeline. It doesn’t change the fact that I’m quitting being an adventurer.”

I denied Miyano’s apologetic words. And while I was at it, I made it clear once again that I was quitting.

It might seem persistent, but if I don’t say it at times like these, it’s likely to drag on indefinitely.

“And besides, instead of regretting it so much, why don’t you all become stronger to the point where you can take on that person? It might be impossible alone, but as a team, you might be able to do it.”

However, there was no response from Miyano and the others I spoke to.

That means they have given up, accepting that it’s beyond their capabilities.

…Well, considering they witnessed her power and heard various things, it’s understandable.

They didn’t directly witness Nina’s battles. However, they should have caught a glimpse of her strength.

Even if it’s just a fragment, it’s evident that Nina possesses formidable power. After seeing that, it’s harder to think it’s impossible rather than possible.

There’s no choice…

“It might be possible, not just ‘might’… We’ll definitely become stronger, to the point where we can face her alone… No, we’ll defeat her! If even a third-class like you couldn’t do it, then we surely can, right?”

“Yes, that’s right… Yes. We’ll show you how much we can grow stronger.”

“Well, I don’t think I can do it alone, but with everyone!”

“We’ll do our best.”

Just before I reached a conclusion, Asada rejected my thoughts.

And following Asada’s lead, the other team members also spoke up, expressing their determination.

Perhaps they can say that because they haven’t witnessed Nina’s full power.

But…

“…Hmph, I see. I’m looking forward to it.”

I truly hope it becomes a reality.

If that happens, she will be able to have friends too.

She is merely a child, not even an adult, and she hasn’t even reached high school yet.

No matter how strong she is, it’s still lonely to have no one by her side.