Chapter 64: Their Own Choices #1

Chapter 64: Their Own Choices #1

Time flew by like an arrow.

It had already been two months since we left Garden and ventured into a bigger world.

Flora, Mitchell, Wagner, and I had established a new residence in the large city of Karin.

Unlike the underdeveloped Garden, located on the border of the empire, Karin was undeniably one of the empire’s core cities.

Perhaps that’s why the appearance of people walking on the streets was different.

The smell of money wafted through the streets, and the confidence and ambition were visible in the eyes of people walking with their chests puffed out.

The atmosphere here was completely different from what we could ever see in Garden.

Anticipation for the future.

“Estel-nim, thank you for your hard work today as well. Here is the reward for the C-rank request.”

Inside the Adventurer’s Guild, located in the center of Karin.

The staff member at the reception desk, with a well-practiced professional smile, handed over a bundle of money.

“You have acquired 4,200 gold as request reward.”

Thanks to the system unique to someone reincarnated into a game, I could know the amount instantly without counting.

With this, the number of C-rank requests completed is steadily approaching 20.

Our party had been accumulating experience and achievements quite smoothly over the past two months.

“However, Estel-nim. There is one thing I would like to say.”

Normally, the transaction would have ended after receiving the money.

But for some reason today, the reception staff member stopped me as I was leaving.

“Is there a problem?”

“No, it’s not like that. It’s a kind of advice. You don’t have to take it if you find it unpleasant, but it’s fine to just keep it in mind.”

“Advice? Alright then. Tell me.”

“According to our guild’s internal evaluation, Estel-nim is classified as an S-rank adventurer.”

The reception staff member took out several sheets of paper, which seemed to have been prepared in advance, and showed them to me.

A quick glance revealed that the documents were filled with my abilities and achievements.

It was a description praising how great I, Estel, am, in expert terms.

Ah, so that’s what it is.

I had anticipated what they were going to say.

I thought they would bring this up at some point.

“The guild’s evaluation is accurate. They don’t classify adventurers based on rumors or fleeting impressions. It’s a grade based strictly on actual ability.”

“I see. I’m glad you think so highly of me.”

“This is the main point. However, even though you are Estel-nim, who is capable of taking on sufficiently high-ranked requests, you have only been handling low-ranked requests so far.”

S-rank.

It wasn’t surprising. I had already heard about it.

It was a natural outcome, considering the absurd stat boosts I had accumulated in Garden.

I had already single-handedly defeated the vigilante captain Dawson, and even conquered the field boss Giant Worm.

Moreover, I even defeated that Eden.

Even if I’m not Michael, who has reached the pinnacle of the continent, I’m sure I wouldn’t be considered weak anywhere now.

“I’m not saying that low-ranked requests are insignificant. They are jobs that someone has to do. However, it’s also true that the tasks that can be solved differ according to each person’s abilities. C-rank adventurers should handle C-rank requests, and S-rank adventurers like Estel-nim should take on higher-ranked requests that others find difficult to challenge.”

In other words, they think my abilities are being wasted.

What the staff member said is not wrong.

Although I’m an S-rank adventurer, I have never taken on a request higher than C-rank until now.

It’s like using a butcher’s knife to only catch chickens.

‘But I can’t help it. I have my reasons.’

I subtly pouted.

S-rank requests are never entrusted to just anyone.

The conditions set by the client are strict, and if even one party member is an adventurer lacking in ability, they are often rejected.

Yes. That’s why, even though I’m S-rank, our party couldn’t take on higher-ranked requests.

The current ranks of our party are as follows.

As the staff member said, I’m S-rank.

Mitchell and Wagner are C-rank. Both have considerable talent and adapt quickly, so they are on the verge of B-rank.

I think they’ll achieve it before the end of this year.

For reference, Jack and Maria, who were the examiners in the last trial, are B-rank adventurers.

And Flora is…

E-rank.

‘Still, it’s not bad.’

I thought optimistically.

It’s already a great achievement to have moved up from F-rank, which is assigned upon joining the guild for the first time, to E-rank in just two months.

Of course, I already knew that Flora’s talent wasn’t that outstanding from our time together in Garden.

Everyone has their own pace, right?

Flora is also growing slowly at her own pace, so there was no reason for me to rush her.

Therefore, for two months, I only took on C-rank requests with my party members.

Because I didn’t want to part with my current companions.

“If Estel-nim wishes, our guild will immediately arrange S-rank requests that match your abilities. If you are interested, please let us know anytime.”

The staff member concluded the conversation with a bright smile.

The friendly service I couldn’t find from the merchants in Garden.

Here in Karin, one can rise as high as their abilities allow.

That’s why I left Garden and came here…

‘Ha, geez. This is making me think.’

C-rank requests aren’t bad either.

The income is decent. I no longer have to struggle with lack of money.

I can eat good food every day, sleep in good accommodations, and have fulfilling days…

But, is it really okay to continue like this?

It’s been two months since Eden died. That’s more than enough time for Michael to notice something amiss and prepare his next move.

I couldn’t be confident in my decision.

***

A fitness center in Karin.

“Hyaap-“

“One! Two!”

The low, deep grunts of males, the scattering droplets of sweat.

The heavy impact of metal objects falling to the floor periodically.

Wagner was, of course, also in this sweltering training ground, which could be called a sanctuary for muscle-bound individuals.

Since coming to the big city, Wagner had been engrossed in muscle training like a fish in water, and he spent his time here whenever there were no requests or joint party activities.

As a result, his body seemed to have doubled in thickness compared to before.

I heard that he’s highly respected even among the veterans of the fitness center.

I don’t know about that, but to my eyes, he’s just a damn bear. A bulked-up black bear.

He’s not a giant, so does that body size even make sense? He’s completely given up on being human.

“Hoo- Ah, Estel. Huk.”

Wagner greeted me, lifting a heavy barbell with an arm thicker than my torso.

“Here, the request reward. I divided it fairly so everyone is satisfied.”

“Thanks. I’m always indebted to you.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s cleanest for me to handle these things.”

Wagner sat on the bench, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and gulped down the brown drink from his shaker bottle.

“Wagner, how have you been lately? Are things going well?”

“Of course. Coming to Karin has truly opened my eyes in many ways. Like how to wield a shield, or how to build muscle… Every day is a series of new discoveries.”

Wagner smiled with satisfaction.

The diligent Wagner never neglected his training and was slowly becoming an excellent warrior and a capable adventurer.

And I was undoubtedly the one who helped him the most in that process.

It’s rewarding.

At first, I thought he was just a common warrior character without a name, but…

Of course, even now, he’s still a common warrior character without a name, but…

There’s a big difference from before.

Now, Wagner is a useful warrior who can be considered for immediate recruitment.

‘If he’s B-rank, he won’t be looked down upon anywhere.’

Although he’s currently C-rank, rumors are circulating within the guild that Wagner will achieve B-rank in the near future.

That’s why, Wagner once mentioned, he’s been receiving subtle scout offers.

A reliable tank is always in high demand, anywhere, anytime.

Of course, Wagner refused all offers and decided to stay with our party. Just like me.

“Yeah. If nothing’s wrong, that’s good. Then, I’ll find another good request for the next one-“

“Ah, Estel. I have something to talk about. Do you have time?”

“Something to talk about? What?”

“It’s not bad news, so don’t worry. It’s a bit awkward to talk about it where others can hear, so let’s go to the lounge where there are no people.”

Wagner pointed to the door behind his shoulder with his thumb.

We passed by people engrossed in muscle enhancement and moved to a secluded lounge in the corner of the training ground.

“What’s going on?”

“Uh, well-“

Although Wagner said he had something to say first, for some reason he couldn’t bring himself to speak and hesitated.

Come on, he’s as big as Namsan Mountain.

When I patted Wagner’s shoulder, he straightened his back.

“What can’t we say between us? It’s okay, so tell me. What is it?”

“Well, you see. Estel, I’ve recently taken a liking to someone – no, not recently. Actually, it’s been quite a while-“

Wagner rambled incoherently.

Ah, damn.

I thought he had something important to say, but it turns out he’s found someone he likes.

‘It’s not me, is it?’

A chilling tension suddenly filled my chest.

He’s not going to confess to me, is he?

No, I can’t accept that. I can’t reciprocate that feeling.

Setting aside my preferences, and the issue of whether I, as a girl, should accept the change in my gender identity, is secondary.

First of all, the size doesn’t match.

There are possible and impossible sizes. Insurmountable physical limitations.

A horrific image flashed in my mind. No matter how hard Wagner and I try, our love is realistically difficult, isn’t it?

My body would be torn apart. The genre would turn into gore. Absolutely not.

“You seem to be misunderstanding, but the person isn’t you, Estel.”

Wagner quickly added, perhaps sensing my thoughts from my darkened expression.

“It’s Mitchell, isn’t it?”

“Wh-how-“

Wagner’s eyes widened when I spoke so directly.

Well, thinking about it, it couldn’t be me.

I had already noticed signs of Wagner’s affection for Mitchell since Garden, and it seemed their relationship had deepened over the two months spent in Karin.

It’s like the flow of destiny. I couldn’t stop it no matter how hard I tried.

“It was all obvious.”

“⋯Was it?”

“It was.”

“Estel, I guess your eyes can’t be deceived by me.”

Wagner covered his face with his hands, as large as cauldron lids.

His slightly exposed cheeks were flushed red.

“⋯Then, is it okay to get straight to the point? I want to convey my feelings. I think it’s time.”

Silence fell for a moment. In the quiet air of the lounge, as if time had stopped, only the sound of Wagner swallowing could be heard.

‘So it’s come to this.’

With mixed feelings, I silently watched Wagner’s face.

Indeed, human emotions cannot be artificially interfered with by a third party as one might expect.

Is it an irresistible force?

By the way, I don’t suppose I’ll have to play Cupid, will I?