Chapter 7

Seating myself in the audience of the conference hall.

Two men were seated on the brightly lit stage chairs.

The man on the right had slicked-back golden hair and was clad in a massive, brilliantly polished red armor. He looked every bit the part of a mighty warrior.

In contrast, the man on the left had a shaved head and was dressed in well-worn light armor that looked battered from extensive use. His face was covered in scars, visible even from afar, hinting at the harsh life of an adventurer and giving him a somewhat intimidating appearance.

“Today, we have two adventurers from ‘Sword of Cladia,’ the Sword of Grace, joining us,” the event host began.

There was an empty chair between the two of them—what was that for?

“To the right is Rex Arcane, an A-rank adventurer. To the left is Ruben Harks, an S-rank adventurer.”

“Ruben Harks… That name sounds familiar.”

“Minel mentioned that Ruben uses a sword skill as well.”

“What?! So, if I work hard, could I become an S-rank adventurer too?”

Luke looked at the scar-covered Ruben, projecting his future onto him, his expression gradually turning tense.

“Will I end up like that…?”

“That’s a bit rude, don’t you think, Luke…?”

“Thank you both for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here today.”

“Oh, it’s nothing! For the youth who will shape the future, I’d give as much time as needed,” said Rex, brushing his hair back and gazing into the distance, which drew cheers from some of the audience.

“The two of you belong to ‘Sword of Cladia,’ so I assume you have had opportunities to meet Lady Cladia, our nation’s guardian deity. What kind of person is she?”

“Ah, well, she’s incredibly kind… very much like a goddess. Feels like she’d forgive anything.”

“I… see…”

“This guy only recently got promoted to an executive position. He’s only spoken to Lady Cladia a handful of times.”

“Hey! Don’t tell them that! I want to maintain my legendary adventurer image here!”

Ruben, arms crossed, sighed at Rex’s carefree manner but answered instead.

“Lady Cladia is compassionate. She constantly wishes for the well-being of her people. Her wishes manifest as miraculous powers, keeping us healthy. Compared to other nations, the longer life expectancy in ours is solid evidence of her grace. The strength of Lady Cladia’s power here is proof that our devotion reaches her. If you wish for the health of family or friends, remember to hold Lady Cladia in reverence.”

Maybe it was because of his rugged appearance, but Ruben’s words carried a certain weight, and everyone listened closely.

Meeting a goddess casually—it’s clear these two are truly extraordinary.

“What inspired the two of you to become adventurers?”

“One day, I heard the goddess’s voice say, ‘I need your strength…’ When a goddess asks, how can you refuse?”

“Funny, I recall someone begging to join the clan ‘to get popular.’ Guess I was mistaken.”

“Yes, you were… Ruben, that’s definitely your memory failing.”

Rex’s cheerful demeanor seemed to lift the mood, drawing chuckles from the audience.

“Among the students here, some may aspire to be adventurers. If they work hard, is there a chance they could join ‘Sword of Cladia’?”

“Of course! Anyone can achieve their dreams. Especially cute girls—those dreams might come a bit easier! Don’t hesitate to come to me for advice!”

“Ruben, what do you think?”

“Did you even hear what I said?”

“…I have nothing to say. But if you come here, be ready to face death.”

The questions for the two continued, and the talk wrapped up by noon.

The students returned to their classrooms with their teachers in groups.

“Hey, where’s Mr. Kate?”

“Are we the only ones left behind?”

Without Mr. Kate, we were the last to leave the conference hall.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone. Let’s head back to the classroom now.”

“Teacher, you’re late!”

“My apologies. Something important came up.”

After leaving the hall, Luke’s eyes sparkled.

“Ruben-sensei was amazing…”

“Did you just call him… sensei?”

“He looked scary, but just listening to him, you could tell he’s strong. I’d love to be like that someday. Becoming an adventurer after graduation might be a good idea.”

He’d initially seemed unnerved by Ruben’s scar-covered face, but now he seemed inspired.

Adventuring is undoubtedly a dangerous path.

As a friend, I should probably remind him, “It’s not that easy,” but Luke is different.

If he does become an adventurer, I feel he might actually rise to the level of serving the goddess herself.

“What do you think, Ausel? Becoming an adventurer?”

“Luke might be fine, but I’m not cut out for it. I’m way too soft for that life.”

As we were about to leave with the others, I felt a chilling cold brush my neck.

Around the corner appeared slender legs.

A woman with long black hair, streaked with blue, which was beautiful and shimmering. Her drowsy eyes were a clear, striking blue.

She was taller, so probably older than us, but she wasn’t in a uniform, nor did she look like a senior student.

“Excuse me, do you have a moment?”

“Y-yes?”

“Do you know where the conference hall is?”

“The conference hall is that way.”

“Thank you.”

The coldness faded as she walked away.

Was that her skill? It must be nice to stay cool, even in the heat of summer.

“You’re so late, Lady Raffyria! Where have you been!?” a desperate voice called from the hall.

I looked back, but the voice quickly faded.

“A-Ausel… could I have a word?”

I’d fallen behind everyone, so Mr. Kate called out to me.

He seemed unusually flustered, his gaze unfocused.

“Is something wrong?”

“W-well… it’s a bit hard to discuss here. After school, could you and Luke come to the principal’s office?”

Luke and I exchanged looks.

We couldn’t think of any reason the principal would call us.

A bad feeling gnawed at me.

With some apprehension, we entered the principal’s office.

Looking serious, the principal spoke.

“I’m sorry, Ausel. Your recommendation has been revoked.”