<Chapter 149: Favorable Situation (1)>
As expected, it was indeed so,
The blessing of the Beast King sure did live up to its name.
“Thinking about it again, it’s insane.”
Not just S-rank, but S+-rank.
“And it’s not just the strength that increases.”
The Beast King’s blessing affects strength, agility, and stamina altogether.
“Agility and stamina are at least A+-rank.”
In other words,
When using the blessing of the Beast King, means one could exhibit physical abilities close to an S-rank superhuman.
“Heh.”
No matter how many times I think about it, I can only admire it.
“From a loser who wasn’t even F-rank to coming this far.”
At this rate, when using the blessing of the Beast King, wouldn’t it be worth trying even with the protagonist of the original work at this point?
“Of course, the side effects are severe….”
As much as the increase brought by the escalation is tremendous, the decrease brought by the de-escalation is also tremendous.
Even the penalty time is incredibly long.
A de-escalation for a time period equal to 100 times the usage time of the Beast King’s blessing.
This is too great even if it’s large.
“…No matter how I think about it, isn’t F-rank too harsh?”
A whopping decline of 5 ranks due to the penalty.
Barely hanging on to D-rank for strength.
Agility and stamina are firmly F-rank.
“Even the senses become dull….”
I was really surprised.
My body wouldn’t move as I wished. Regardless of being the master of the weapon, it felt like I truly became uncoordinated.
“Still, the maximum usage time is 1 hour, so….”
Normally, there won’t be a situation where the blessing of the Beast King would be lifted during combat.
“If you time it well during a prolonged battle, there should be no problem.”
I was very satisfied with the blessing of the Beast King.
* * *
The next morning.
A problem arose.
“…Did I go too far?”
People were spread out in front of the house, making it impossible to go to school.
“Half are journalists, half are guild officials.”
There was someone who looked like a guild leader. It had been quiet recently, but it seems everyone lost their patience hearing about the S+ rank strength.
“While the goal was to get this kind of attention….”
It feels a bit too much. I don’t have the courage to step into that crowd.
“…Can’t I go out?”
I didn’t know that so many people would gather at 5 a.m. This house has excellent security and soundproofing, so I didn’t notice at all.
“What to do?”
Should I just take a day off from school? I was contemplating, rubbing my chin with my thumb, when…
Woong-
The phone in my pocket vibrated.
“Instructor?”
It was a call from Instructor Pi Jin Ho. What happened?
“Hello….”
―Stay at home quietly today, don’t go to school.
“Huh?”
He spoke out of the blue.
―The school is in chaos right now. Journalists from around the world have come to cover you. I see guilds and superhuman corporate officials too. Quite a few places have the guild leader personally present.
…Aha.
The school is the same.
―In this situation, if you come to school, it will create a very headache-inducing situation.
“…I understand.”
In such a situation, it’s better to take a break. If I go to school, I will be nothing but a nuisance.
―I’m just asking in case, is it the same over there?
“Yes. It is crowded with people everywhere.”
―I thought so.
Instructor sighed softly. I also sighed along.
―Anyway, the school will try to find a way, so wait at home for now.
“Yes. Understood.”
―Don’t roam around unnecessarily.
“…Even if I want to, there’s no way to go out.”
―Just trying the phrase once.
The instructor chuckled softly.
―By the way, I want to ask about the S+ rank strength matter….
Instructor’s voice suddenly became heavy.
―Did you use a momentary doping-type skill?
It was only natural for him to ask such a question since he confirmed that my strength was
A-rank right before the start of the ability measurement.
“Yes. That’s correct.”
I affirmed it.
The Blessing of the Beast King was indeed a temporary doping-type skill, and there was no reason to lie in the first place.
I would be caught the next time we met, so why lie about it?
―I see.
The instructor sighed as if the ground was sinking. The atmosphere felt serious.
“…I heard that using traits or skills is allowed, did I misunderstand something?”
Did I make some sort of mistake?
―No, it’s allowed to use them. It is indeed permitted, but…
The instructor sighed deeply again.
―It was too much. Being at S-rank would have been sufficient.
“…You’re right.”
Between the S-rank and S+ rank, there exists an insurmountable wall. On the internet, S-rank is referred to as ‘fake’, and S+ rank is called ‘real’; such a significant difference exists between them.
What could be the reason behind this perception difference? The answer lies in the difference in the use of ‘bonus points’.
Shall I explain in detail?
When a person with A-rank [A(1/99)] uses bonus points, they naturally become S-rank [S(1/99)].
Now, let’s assume an individual’s strength is at A+ rank [A(98/99)]. If they use 10 bonus points to upgrade their strength rank, what happens? Do they attain S+ rank?
No.
The answer is, ‘They become S-rank [S(50/99)]’.
In S-rank, one cannot raise their specific abilities with bonus points; therefore, to grow from S(50/99), they have no choice but to ‘train’.
That’s why those above S+ rank [S(67/99)] are called ‘real S-rank’.
In reality, among those in the S-rank, less than 30 individuals have achieved S+ rank.
Under such circumstances, a mere cadet showed a ‘strength’ near S+ rank using some sort of trait. Moreover, rumors say that the cadet is the ‘sole possessor of all attributes’ in the world?
Asking to not draw attention would be an unreasonable request. It was only natural for reporters and stakeholders to rush in with delight.
―It would be better to turn off your phone. You’ll start receiving calls from all sorts of people soon.
“My phone is given by Ms. Maiden, so it should be fine.”
There was no concern about information leakage regarding this phone.
―…Is that so? Then there’s nothing to worry about.
It seemed like Instructor Pi Jin Ho trusted Ms. Maiden’s technical skills, so he put away his worries.
―Take a good rest today. The school will find a way to handle this situation.
“Ah, instructor, what should I do about the club introduction meeting scheduled for today?”
Today was the day for the club introduction meeting. Honestly, the meeting itself wasn’t a big issue, but…
“I haven’t joined any club yet…”
The problem was that first-year cadets had to choose a club by today, as stipulated by the school rules.
―…Did you not hear about it from Maiden?
“Huh? Hear what?”
―I was under the impression that you’d be doing job experiences as an alternative to club activities.
“…What?”
―All the necessary documents have already been submitted.
Job experiences? What is that?
“…Um, what exactly are job experiences?”
At my question, the instructor clicked his tongue.
―Tsk. They’re as arbitrary as ever.
It seemed to be a remark directed at Ms. Maiden.
* * *
To briefly explain, it is a system where cadets can have a preliminary experience of ‘guilds’ or ‘superhuman tasks’.
“Was there such a thing?”
It’s news to me. Why wasn’t such a great system publicized?
―Of course, not just anyone can do it. Often guilds reject the proposals, and above all, only those who have a ‘personal sponsor contract’ can replace club activities.
“Ah~”
So, there were such stringent conditions.
―It is a system usually utilized by promising individuals who are second-year students or higher.
“It’s like getting a head start. The personal sponsor is like giving a contract fee to the cadet in advance.”
―Exactly.
I completely understood.
“So, it means I can legally skip the club activities, right?”
―Yes. But in return, you would have to learn to work under Maiden.
“…That is a bit scary.”
These days, Ms. Maiden has been gritting her teeth a lot. She says she’s extremely busy.
Won’t I be dragged along too?
―Well, it will be a good opportunity. Although her personality is a bit…different, there’s a lot to learn from her. You will gain much more than what you can from club activities.
“Yes. I think so too.”
Would I learn weapon usage in a club or perhaps how to use magic?
The accolades from winning competitions through club activities are also meaningless.
There are countless guilds out there that want to take me in, so what use is a winning record?
―Anyway, note that you will be replacing club activities with job experiences.
“Ah, yes.”
―Then contact me later.
“Yes. Please take care.”
With that, the call ended.
“…It’s chaos.”
I took one last look at the crowd still making a fuss outside before closing the curtain.
I should have some coffee.
I brewed coffee from the coffee machine, and after letting it cool for a bit, I sat down on the sofa.
“Umm.”
At that moment, Rena came out of the room rubbing her eyes.
“Haven’t you gone to school yet?”
While yawning with half-closed eyes, she wobbled over to me.
“Hmm. It seems like I don’t need to go today.”
“Why…?”
Rena, who sat down beside me with one eye completely closed, looked at me with a dazed expression.
“Journalists are all over the place outside.”
“Journalists?”
She tilted her head as if she couldn’t remember what journalists were.
“Yeah. People who write articles for newspapers or news.”
“Ah.”
She seemed to remember.
“Why are those journalists here?”
“Hmm. Because I’m popular?”
I said jokingly with a smile.
“Really now.”
Rena responded half-heartedly and then wobbled.
“Princess?”
She lay down as if collapsing onto my lap.
“Ssss… Ssss…”
Her breathing was regular.
It seems she has fallen asleep.
“I knew you didn’t sleep until late yesterday.”
I don’t understand what’s so fun about running around playing with Goldie and White Tiger all night. She can’t keep her consciousness straight.
I lightly stroked Rena’s head, then got up from my seat.
Gently picking up Rena, I headed into the room.
On Rena’s bed, Goldie and White Tiger were sleeping facing each other.
I gently laid Rena next to them.
“Goldie…”
While sleep talking, Rena hugged Goldie tightly.
White Tiger, not wanting to be separated from Goldie, followed and crawled into Rena’s arms.
Looking at that scene, a smile unknowingly flowed onto my face.
…Maybe I should wake her up around 8?
I should do some magic circulation training until then.
* * *
That night.
An unexpected event happened.
“…What did you say?”
―Didn’t you hear?
Maiden said over the phone.
―Master of “The One” guild contacted us, saying he wants to meet you.
The world’s top guild, “The One.”
And the guild master of that guild, the world’s strongest superhuman, “Master.”
―That justice freak. The guy who blatantly refused my request not too long ago is now asking for a favor.
That must be the person who had thoroughly crushed my plan during the Gate runaway incident not long ago.
“What did he say while expressing his wish to meet me?”
The One guild is famously known not to accept newcomers.
They didn’t see the need to take in unverified newcomers, did they?
What business would The One Guild have with me?
Surely it’s not scouting.
―What else could it be? It’s scouting.
Really?
“…The One?”
―Yes. That justice freak, Master, who doesn’t even have a speck of interest in new guild members, is personally showing interest in you.
“…Master personally.”
This is really unexpected.
―What will you do? Will you meet him?
“…Give me a moment. I need to think about it.”
―Do so.
I touched my lips as I sank deep into thought.
What are the merits and demerits of meeting Master now? Why has The One approached me at this point?
What was The One doing at this point in the original work?
I had numerous other thoughts as well.
And then I came to a conclusion.
“I will meet him.”
Meeting unconditionally is beneficial.
―I knew you would say that.
Maiden chuckled over the phone.
“Do you know what I’m thinking right now?”
―You plan to use the guys from The One in your unknown handling operation, don’t you?
She got it right away.
But the nuance of the word is a bit unpleasant.
“Saying ‘using’ them makes me sound like a villain. Could you phrase it as requesting cooperation?”
―Either way, it is the same thing.
Maiden chuckled again.
―Anyway, I got it. I’ll reply to that guy, Master. Any time after 6 PM is fine, right?
“Well… any time is fine, but…”
I stood up from my seat and slightly lifted the curtain.
“It seems like there will be problems going outside.”
The vicinity of the house is still filled with people.
―No need to worry about that. So, any time is okay, right?
“Before 6 PM is also fine. It seems like I’ll have to take a break from school for a while.”
Instructor Pi Jin Ho said that this matter seems like it will last for a while.
Since it is before the summer vacation and there are no separate classes, he told me to comfortably take a break, kind of preemptively considering it as a break.
In my opinion, there is a high possibility that this will continue till the summer vacation.
Okay. Then contact me again later.
* * *
The next day.
“…I heard that this guild is not known for being proactive.”
“That’s what they say.”
Maiden chimed in with my words.
The surroundings were in chaos.
“Wow, awesome.”
“They came directly from The One guild?”
“And even three from the top ten rankers came in person….”
“This is definitely frontpage material”
Exclamations and a barrage of flash photography erupted from journalists all around.
“…The One is really showing interest?”
“Ha. It’s done. It’s settled. Yeah, let’s withdraw.”
“Ah, we are going to lose to the U.S. again.”
Superhuman industry officials were preparing to withdraw with frustration.
And at the center of all this.
“Maiden! Long time no see!”
World ranking 5th, the Witch of Fire.
“Are you Kang Seo-yul?”
World ranking 7th, One-man Army.
“Interesting mana, isn’t it?”
World ranking 8th, Knight of Ice.
The single-digit superhumans from The One Guild were looking at me.
<Chapter 149: Favorable Situation (1)> The end.
