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

Volume 4 Chapter 0 and Chapter 1 - The future awaits and The Story of Koosuke and Asuka

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

Volume 4 Chapter 0   The future awaits

Inside a certain dungeon, a place covered in dense foliage where modern people rarely venture.

However, at this moment, Miyano Mizuki and Tenshi Asuka were facing each other in this very place.

“Asuka-san, this time I will let myself win,” Mizuki declared, brandishing her sword and pointing its tip at Asuka.

“Unfortunately, allowing ourselves to win is something we shall do,” Asuka retorted in response to Mizuki’s words and attitude. She poised her spear and directed its tip towards Mizuki.

Neither of them was using magic, nor did it seem like they intended to. Perhaps it was just a cautious approach or a form of greeting.

Mizuki was an extraordinary individual, even among the top-ranked “heroes” in existence.

However, while Asuka may not be referred to as a hero, her talents were in no way inferior to Mizuki’s.

Although there were differences in their past experiences, there was no difference in the hidden power within them.

The only disparity between the two was whether they had the opportunity to demonstrate the power befitting the title of “hero”… No, that’s not it. They did have the opportunity. After all, Asuka had participated in the battle where Mizuki earned the title of hero.

So, to be more precise, it was a matter of whether they could “showcase their power” or not.

Both of them understood this.

Therefore, the title of “hero” held no meaning between them, their power remained unchanged, and they refrained from using magic.

That left them with a pure test of skill, determining who could better handle their weapons and outperform the other.

Mizuki swung her sword, Asuka thrust her spear, and the two engaged in a series of repeated attacks and defenses.

However, after several exchanges, Asuka paused, furrowing her brow, and addressed Mizuki.

“…You’ve become quite an unsightly fighter.”

During their recent exchange, Asuka had been earnestly and faithfully wielding her spear like a model of perfection, while Mizuki had been throwing sand in Asuka’s eyes and launching unexpected attacks that deviated from Asuka’s predictions. It was safe to say that Mizuki’s fighting style was far from admirable.

Asuka found it unsatisfactory.

“Unsightly? Are you really so sure? If we wish to win and survive, shouldn’t we do whatever it takes?” Mizuki countered.

However, for Mizuki, it was different. Regardless of being called cowardly or despicable, this was a battle. While it may not be a life-or-death situation, that didn’t mean there was any reason to hold back.

The opinions of others could be pondered upon after winning and surviving. Anything beyond the goal of victory and survival was unnecessary in battle, such as notions of righteousness or pride.

That was the teaching of their mentor.

Therefore, no matter what others said, Mizuki remained resolute. No one had cared for them more than their mentor, valuing their lives and wishing for their survival.

And the results Mizuki had achieved so far had taught her that their perspective was correct.

In response to Mizuki’s words, Asuka, wearing an even more displeased expression, readied her weapon with mounting discontent.

──◆◇◆◇──

Volume 4 Chapter 1   The Story of Koosuke and Asuka

“Sigh… How tiresome.”

When I looked up at the sky, there was a clear, worry-free expanse above.

…On a day like this, it would be nice to find a spot somewhere and take a nap. I could sleep peacefully and feel refreshed.

In the vast surroundings devoid of any structures, I leaned against a large staff meant for spellcasting, gazing absentmindedly at the sky while contemplating such thoughts.

However, it wasn’t possible to do so. It should be evident from the fact that I was leaning on the staff—I was currently armed.

Normally, I wouldn’t rely on such a staff much since I would be moving around as a skirmisher, but the situation was different now.

There was no need to move around, and there was no need to conceal what I had.

Staves usually carried into dungeons were designed to be portable but fragile. If you tried to use them as melee weapons, they would break easily.

On that note, this sturdy staff can withstand a fair amount of rough handling, and it’s easy to use.

Besides, even though my position is that of a skirmisher, I’m a mage, so it’s not strange for me to carry a staff.

What’s more, I’m just using school equipment, so even if it breaks, it won’t cost me any money. The school’s equipment is simply durable and doesn’t have a particularly high role as a magical aid, so other students and instructors use their own tools. It doesn’t matter much since I don’t have much intention of engaging in serious combat.

Well, I’d prefer not to break it if I can help it because I’d have to write a report.

So, what am I, armed like this, doing? Well, it’s work. I’m reluctantly doing it.

I became, or rather, was forced to become a tactics instructor. And today, like every other day, I’m following Miyano’s group to participate in school lessons, fulfilling my duties.

However, Miyano’s group isn’t present in this location.

More precisely, not everyone is here, right? In a slightly distant place, Miyano, Asada, and the other students are wielding weapons and engaging in battle, but Abe and Kitahara are absent.

The reason is that they split into several teams, with some serving as vanguards and others as rearguards, training together separately.

Since we’re part of the vanguard unit, there are no mages here.

Well, in Miyano’s case, she can go either way. Even if she’s registered as a vanguard, she can still use magic.

Truly a hero. Amazing. I envy her.

…Wait, why am I even here?

As a tactics instructor, it would have been fine for me to not participate in training when I was just a regular instructor.

But here I am, clearly equipped as a mage. Why am I participating in vanguard training?

“Excuse me, could you please focus on the class properly?”

As I was idly contemplating such things, for some reason, the young lady—Tenshi Asuka—walked towards me, her brows furrowed, and spoke with a stern tone.

“Well, well, young lady… Even if you call it a class…”

I casually glanced around the spacious training ground, observing the students who were engaged in their training. It wasn’t so bad that I needed to go out of my way and say something.

Besides, I couldn’t be sure if someone like me, a Third Rank, would be listened to if I were to offer advice. If a lower-ranked individual were to say something, there might be resistance and stubbornness, hindering their future growth.

So, I thought it would be better to remain silent and answer if someone approached me with a question. If they came to me willingly, they would likely be more receptive.

…Well, apart from Miyano’s group, no one has ever asked me any questions.

“If there are people like you slacking off, it will affect others as well.”

Although she said that, when I glanced around again, I noticed that besides me, there were other instructors who were simply chatting among themselves without actively guiding anyone.

If we’re talking about slacking off, those guys are just as guilty.

“Well, even if I’m slacking off, aren’t there others who are doing the same?”

While tactics instructors usually just observe the students’ training, they also answer questions and provide guidance if they notice something of concern. Additionally, if someone asks me to be their practice partner, I have to oblige.

But here I am, a mage, chosen to be a practice partner for the vanguard… Seriously, why am I even here?

“The other instructors over there are all diligently providing guidance. Although I haven’t witnessed you teaching anyone other than Miyano’s group.”

“Nobody comes to ask me.”

“Then why not take the initiative to share something? There must be a few things you’ve noticed or found interesting, right?”

“I’m shy. I can’t just start a conversation on my own.”

“You’re telling such an obvious lie…”

It seems that this young lady thinks I’m lying, but being shy is actually quite true. I wouldn’t go as far as to say I’m socially anxious, but approaching someone for the first time makes me nervous, and if possible, I’d rather avoid it.

Before awakening, I was just an ordinary working adult, so I became accustomed to speaking normally through my job. However, my natural disposition is that of an introvert. Or maybe I’m just reserved?

Well, it doesn’t matter which one it is, but it’s true that I don’t prefer initiating conversations.

Though I can manage to some extent if I have to. For example, with this young lady here.

“I’m not lying, I swear.”

Upon my jokingly spoken words, the young lady glanced at me skeptically.

Those eyes definitely don’t trust me.

But anyway, this young lady is somewhat intriguing.

Oh, and I don’t mean that in a romantic sense. Definitely not.

By intriguing, I mean her attitude. The last time I spoke to her was during last year’s school attack incident.

Since then, I had witnessed this young lady, Asuka, talking with Miyano, but I had never personally spoken with her, so I didn’t particularly question it. However, as we now faced each other in a one-on-one conversation, I couldn’t help but notice that the openness she displayed during that incident seemed to have vanished.

Well, the sharpness I felt during our initial meeting has also faded away.

Perhaps it was because it was an emergency situation during the attack, so she didn’t push back. That could be one reason, but it somehow feels different.

I haven’t interacted with her extensively, so I can’t claim to know the details.

But it piqued my curiosity, so I decided to ask anyway.

“I… I want to ask something. Has your attitude changed too much since that time?”

I thought I might be intruding with a question that hardly concerns me, and I also doubted whether she would answer.

But even if she doesn’t, it doesn’t really matter. I asked out of pure whim anyway.

“If you continue to act with the same ‘true ability’ as you did back then, I will respond with a certain level of respect.”

Contrary to my expectations, the young lady’s reaction flickered for a moment, and she slightly lowered her gaze as she spoke.

However, there was clearly something off about her demeanor. It felt like she had some kind of trouble, but it wasn’t just a trivial concern. It seemed to be a profound emotion or hesitation, beyond mere worries.

Yet, despite noticing this strangeness, I remained silent and pretended not to notice, continuing the conversation as it was.

“So, is there no choice but to give up? I can’t meet the expectations of someone pursuing such illusions.”

In reality, I believe this young lady overestimates me.

The words “true ability” shouldn’t even come up if that were not the case.

But… Hah, what on earth is this young lady saying?

Does she think that was my true self? That I have power but I’m just slacking off now?

How foolish. Back then and now, I am still me, and nothing but me. There’s no such thing as “true ability.”

It’s true that I’m slacking off and not taking things seriously.

But originally, I was just a mediocre person with no exceptional talent. I don’t want to be expected to be something I’m not.

If I appeared as a hero or something, it was probably because of the crisis situation, where I piqued curiosity… Ah, I got it. It’s something like the “suspension bridge effect.” Well, maybe not exactly, but it’s roughly that kind of feeling.

“You…!”

That’s why I dismiss the young lady’s delusion of the “true me” as something trivial.

Because it doesn’t exist in reality, it’s truly meaningless.

It’s fine to pursue ideals, but if one keeps chasing such delusions, they will eventually perish. So it’s for her own good that I cut them off decisively here.

However, it seems my response didn’t sit well with her. The young lady slightly raises her lowered face and glares at me with determination.

“What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing at all!”

The young lady bites her lip, contorts her face, and frustratingly mutters those words before hastily walking away.

…I wish she wouldn’t contort her face like that.

Seems like she’s the type to get carried away with her assumptions. People like her tend to pursue ideals to an extreme, sometimes distorting themselves and eventually self-destructing.

If she’s aware of that, then I should try to intervene in some way. However, I have a feeling that even if I, who isn’t her “ideal me,” were to approach her, she wouldn’t listen seriously.

Besides, I don’t believe I can live up to her expectations.

No matter what she thinks, I’m just an ordinary person with only third-rate talent.

If it were a battle involving tricks and schemes, it might be a different story, but in a pure test of strength, I would undoubtedly lose to her. There’s no way I can meet her expectations.

I don’t want to show any gestures that may falsely give her hope, only for her to later feel disappointed or betrayed…

So, I had resolved not to let her have any expectations of me, but it seems that the expectations for the “me” she envisions won’t disappear.