Chapter 93: Recommendations for adventurers part 2

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Translator: Soafp

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After finishing our break, we resumed our mission.

“It’s about time we got back to training, rookies. Aldo, Elphus, we’re counting on you for lookout duty.”

“Understood.”

El and I used Space Kicks to move onto the trees and scattered around with Lewis and the others at the center. Lewis and Nero seemed to have something on their minds about my remark regarding “having no difference in techniques apart from spatial kicks,” as they lacked their usual enthusiasm.

“Wait! Rookies, gather around here.”

Joe gathered everyone. This was necessary; training in this state was pointless.

“Lewis, Nero, are you happy or frustrated to be told that apart from Space Kicks, your techniques are the same as Aldo’s?”

“Wha…”

“I don’t understand, but if he says so, then it’s probably true. Just don’t forget. Focus on what you need to do right now. Aldo has surely done his best with what he can do now. You guys should also do what you can do at this moment, what needs to be done.”

“”Yes…””

After that, Lewis and Nero’s movements were completely different. Lewis, though not perfect and prone to mistakes, gave cautious and solid instructions, prioritizing safety. Nero, on the other hand, assisted promptly when the situation became precarious and actively engaged in attacks when there was room. Of course, his skills in scouting were remarkable, preventing potential crises for the party.

From above, it’s clear that even during our mission, Lewis and Nero worked harder than us.

Lewis and Nero contributed more to the overall party during our mission than I or El did, as they exerted their full efforts to master group combat. Of course, it’s undeniable that having us around allowed them to take on some additional challenges.

I realized once again that I still had much to learn. While I had honed my combat skills since the age of five, that was all.

I needed to consider which abilities to develop further—leadership skills like Lewis, scouting skills like Nero, perhaps the magical abilities I initially thought of when I came to this world, or maybe physical capabilities.

A balanced approach didn’t sound bad either.

I needed to think it over carefully. It was probably synonymous with seriously considering my future. I had thought about my future before… Yes, that’s right… even in this world, I needed to think about, worry about, and agonize over my future. What I’m thinking now is that “Reincarnating to another world isn’t easy” – living in any world involves simply “surviving,” I suppose.

Returning my wandering thoughts, I observed Lewis and the others. Joe was keeping an eye on everyone, following closely behind Lewis and providing guidance whenever necessary.

I moved next to Joe and asked,

“Joe, may I use Area sonar? It can detect all enemies within approximately 1000 meters, but there’s a risk that if there’s an enemy magic user, they might detect our position.”

“…..I’m not surprised anymore.”

“I didn’t mean to surprise you…”

“….”

“Sorry.”

“….I understand. If you end up calling enemies, I’d like to see how you handle that situation.”

“I understand.”

I activated the full-area sonar. The range is approximately 1000 meters.

There doesn’t seem to be any particularly concerning enemies nearby. There are, of course, no wyverns or orc nests.

“No particularly concerning enemies within a 1000-meter radius. We’ve got orcs, goblins, and killer spiders at roughly 100-meter intervals.”

“Is that so? Today seems like perfect training weather.”

He said with a fearless grin.

If there were such a thing as an adventurer school, Joe would make a good teacher there. Even just accompanying him once or twice would make a significant difference. I should talk to Naga-san about it sometime…

From my perspective above, the situation becomes somewhat boring. There are only weak enemies around. However, for Lewis, Nero, Gaius, Tifa, and Mark, this training session should have been very beneficial.

Although receiving one day of instruction from Joe won’t lead to a dramatic change, just focusing on awareness should make a significant difference.

I also listen attentively to Joe’s comments, trying to make the most of his advice from my position in the tree.

And thus, when it’s time for lunch…

“Alright, time for a break.”

At Joe’s words, Lewis and the others look for a spot with a good view and begin to take their breaks.

The men relieve themselves nearby, but Tifa seems a bit troubled. It can’t be helped, so I use the area sonar to confirm that there are no enemies nearby before allowing her to go.

It’s unavoidable, but if there were a better way… I briefly consider diapers, but I want to maintain dignity.

I descend from the tree and sit on a nearby stump. Though it’s break time, I still want to join in the group conversation.

“I’ll take a break too.”

“Yeah, might as well. I’m not a demon to make you stand guard while eating.”

That’s what Joe says, but it seems he forgot about us until I came down.

“By the way, what’s Joe-sensei’s evaluation?”

“An evaluation… Can I say it now?”

I look around at everyone, and they all nod.

“They all want to hear it.”

“Then, I will go one by one.”

The atmosphere becomes somewhat tense.

“First, Lewis. Even now, you’re at a level where you can take on a request with me as a party. Honestly, you’re not even at F-rank level.”

However, he delivers lavish praise.

“However, that’s only in the context of training. Your current performance is solid even without Aldo and the others. But in actual combat, there are enemies that can’t be handled with just formations. Your individual combat abilities are lacking.”

(He’s lifting them up just to bring them down… It’s a good approach. Maybe this guy is really suited to be a teacher?)

Lewis probably understood this about himself already, as he calmly accepts the evaluation.

“Next is Nero. There were moments where your speed in detecting enemies and your reconnaissance movements shined. If you continue training like this, you have the potential to become a top-notch scout.”

He makes a vague statement. Now it’s time for the negative part.

“As a scout, it might be a good idea to have an axe as a backup. Also… scouting involves a lot of mental labor, like managing information, party funds, and making decisions about requests. There’s no need to rush; take your time to decide how you want to proceed.”

“What about me as an attacker instead of a scout?”

“Scouts play a crucial role within the party. If you’re going to act as an attacker, you’re already quite skilled. Just like Lewis, your individual combat abilities are lacking.”

Nero seems satisfied with his evaluation, as a smile spreads across his face.

“Now, for Gaius, Tifa, and Mark…”

The three of them gaze nervously at Joe.

“You three lack experience significantly. First, regarding vigilance, it’s essential to determine the main direction for vigilance based on your position. There’s no point in all of you vigilantly watching the same direction, right?”

Joe’s words make sense. There are basic movements to consider. We’ve been drilled in that aspect by Ice Witch-san back in the Blue Ring territory.

“You’re making too much noise when you walk. You don’t need to deliberately step on loud branches. And…”

From there, it’s a series of criticisms. We’ve heard similar things from our mother before. I’ll have to follow up …

After Joe finishes his evaluation, Gaius, Tifa, and Mark’s morale drops to zero.

“Gaius, Tifa, Mark, we have been drilled into the basics by our mother…the ‘Ice Witch’ in the Blue Ring territory. I’m sorry, but it seems like we’ve been drilled into us more than I expected.”

“Y-Y-You…”

Joe seems flustered. What’s up with him?

“Are you guys Rafina-san’s children?”

“Hmm? You know our mother?”

“Of course I do! The Ice Witch, she was the rising star of adventurers, expected to reach A-rank in her teens… Then she joined some magician group and got married right away… and you guys…”

He’s looking at me and El as he says this. Is he seeing traces of our mother in us?

There’s a strange atmosphere for a while, but Joe eventually lets out a small sigh, as if he’s letting something go.

“Is Rafina-san doing well?”

“Yeah, she’s happily engaged and having fun every day.”

“I see…”

He says that and then smiles slightly.

After that, we finish our break and smoothly continue completing the requests. Joe starts talking a bit earlier than usual on the way back.

“It’s a bit early, but let’s head back.”

I remember what Naga-san said. “Adventurers who push themselves too hard won’t live long.” It’s just right to leave a little early.

There’s nothing noteworthy on the way back. However, everyone seems a bit tense.

Gaius, Tifa, and Mark are also considering which direction to be vigilant based on their positions within the party.

Originally, Scarlet Forest isn’t too far away. We return to the guild in about an hour.

“Now, let’s report completion to Naga-chan.”

Joe talks to Naga-san and calculates the reward for Lewis and the others.

Although El and I didn’t do anything regarding the request, we all unanimously agreed to share in the reward equally. If they won’t include us in the share, we won’t take on requests with them again.

After Naga-san calculates, it’s 4 gold coins and 5 silver coins. Joe says he doesn’t need it, but he would accept one gold coin.

The remaining 3 gold coins and 5 silver coins are divided equally among me, El, Lewis, Nero, Gaius, Tifa, and Mark. Each of us receives 5 silver coins.

We still have some time until evening. I invited everyone to use the bath at our house.

“We still have some time. Would you like to come to the Blue Ring Mansion’s bath?”

“Bath?”

Joe looks puzzled.

“Yeah, you’ll understand once you try it. It feels great.”

“If Aldo says so, I have a feeling it’s worth a try… Since we have some free time, why not?”

With Joe’s agreement, everyone seems inclined to go. Let’s just ask Marl and Noel for Tifa.

As we walk towards the Blue Ring Mansion, Nero asks:

“I wonder if the Wyvern Leather Armor is ready yet?”

“Oh, if it’s done, we’ll receive a notification at the mansion. But let’s not rush them…”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Everyone seems to want the Wyvern Leather Armor… However, we shouldn’t rush them; after all, it’s something that protects our lives.

As we stroll relaxedly unlike outside the city, we soon arrive at the Blue Ring Mansion.

Upon entering the mansion, everyone is guided to the guest room. While they relax, I call for Noel and Marl.

Next is the bath’s order. We divide into three rounds: one round for me, Joe, Lewis, and Nero; one round for El, Gaius, Mark; and one round for Tifa, Marl, and Noel.

As I ask Noel and Marl to take care of Tifa, I notice Gaius and Mark making a fuss.

It seems like they’ve taken a liking to Marl upon seeing her for the first time. El has been asked to introduce her. Behind El, I noticed a dark aura. Uh oh, looks like he’s about to cast Condense Ray…

Quickly, I introduce Marl as El’s girlfriend and soon-to-be fiancée, and El’s aura disappears.

“Now, let’s head to the bath!”

Everyone seems puzzled by my enthusiasm. Indeed, not many people in this world would be excited about taking a bath.

We move to the backyard and undress in the changing room.

“Aldo, are you going to take everything off?”

“Yeah, that’s right, everything.”

“O-Okay…”

Lewis seems hesitant. Maybe he should be more relaxed.

“Once you’re done undressing, come over here!”

I quickly move to the bathing area.

“First, let’s wash our bodies here. Wash as many times as necessary until it lathers.”

I demonstrate how to wash the body.

Joe washes four times, Lewis twice, and Nero three times before the lather appears.

“Next is the hair! Keep washing until it lathers.”

Joe washes five times… He’s really dirty! Lewis and Nero wash three times each until it lathers.

“Now, let’s get into the tub.”

Joe, Lewis, and Nero are cautious about entering.

“Aaaaaaahhhhhh”

“Aaaahhhhhhhh”

“Aaaahhhhhh”

“Aaaahhhhh”

With the four of us in, it’s a bit cramped, but the bath feels wonderfully relaxing. As a treat, I use Air Conditioning magic to adjust the temperature to winter conditions.

“I understand what Aldo was saying.”

“Yeah… I get it.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah, sorry… my body is just so big, it’s cramped.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s all casual when we’re naked.”

“Casual when naked… That’s an interesting way to put it…”

The four of us guys bantered about with silly conversations, almost getting lightheaded from the heat of the bath.

After leaving the bath, we were each handed four glasses of milk, magically chilled to perfection.

We downed them in one go.

“”””Fuewaaaa—– delicious!””””

When we left the bath, it was time for El’s team to take their turn. We were enjoying a game of Reversi in the guest room when a maid asked us about dinner plans.

“Wanna grab dinner?”

“The head of the household will be joining, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“I’ll pass. I don’t know a thing about noble table manners. I’ll just relax and enjoy a drink at a familiar tavern.”

Joe waved his hand as he spoke.

“I’ll probably have something prepared at the mansion. I’ll pass as well.”

“I feel bad for my grandpa. I’m heading home today.”

“Got it.”

We told the maid that the three of them wouldn’t need dinner. She then asked Tifa, but given the suddenness of the invitation, she politely declined, saying it was too late for dinner.

After a while, El’s team returned. They walked in looking refreshed, with steam rising from their heads, clearly having enjoyed their bath.

Finally, it was Tifa and the others’ turn. Security around the female knights suddenly tightened. Perhaps because Marl, Faristera, and Yuri usually helped them with their baths. Lately, I’ve been feeling like they’re getting treated better than I am.

“How was the bath?”

“It was so relaxing… Aldo, can I come here sometimes?”

Gaius’s words sparked excitement in Lewis, Nero, and Joe, their faces lighting up as if they’d just discovered a treasure.

“Ah, Aldo, can I join too? Olivia apparently comes here occasionally…”

“Aldo, I wanna come in too!”

“Aldo… I’ll teach you some basics of being an adventurer if you let me join in sometimes…”

I chuckled wryly as I responded.

“Let me know when you’re coming. I’ll make arrangements.”

“””””Hooray!”””””

Mark was sneakily celebrating too. He’s El’s friend; I can’t deny him a bath.

While chatting, Marl and the others emerged from the bath.

Why do girls look so alluring after a bath? The guys were left speechless, mouths agape, gazing at the women. I caught Joe ogling at Noel, grinning to himself.

Marl sidled up to El, making him visibly nervous. Specifically, he seemed to be bending forward…

Seeing this, Lewis, Nero, Gaius, and Mark glared at him as if they wanted to curse him.

Tifa, seeing the guys, muttered something under her breath, looking fearful.

Since everyone declined dinner, they were escorted out by carriages.

A stroll after a bath is nice, but with the fatigue from today’s mission, a carriage ride seems just right.

“See you later.”

With those parting words, the carriages set off.

Once the carriages were out of sight, I casually asked El.

“Are you going to marry Marl?”

“Yes.”

I glanced sideways at El, who seemed to have a look that said, “Isn’t it obvious?”

“I see, you’ll have to announce the engagement at some time.”

“Yes, you’re right. It wouldn’t be fair to leave Marl hanging.”

In my mind, I chuckled at the thought of Marl becoming my sister-in-law.

Listening closely, I could hear insects chirping, and the autumn breeze rustling through the air. I silently thanked the universe for this moment of bliss.