Did you think that I wouldnt be able to hear you through all this noise, huh? Did you honestly believe I wouldnt rember that rooster head you call hair? Co on, I know you want to let everything out, so do it already!
I was livid. Blood was rushing through my body from my hearts furious pounding, agitated by the words this young man sneakily gossiped about . The rational parts of my brain, which included my parallel minds, were trying to convince to calm down, but the childish side of , the part that still rembered the annoying prattling of the other idol trainees, overwheld everything else.
The searing heat I could feel from the center of my chest made aware that I had to let my anger out. My solar core wouldnt rest until I did.
The red-haired boy widened his eyes like a surprised pug, looking at with a mix of bafflent and anxiousness. As I was staring him down, my anger was slowly taking the control away from my [Draconic Aura] skill. Among the three skills that comprised this master skill was [Tyrants Aura], the evolved version of [Terror Aura], and it was just oozing out of , pressuring the five people sitting at this table.
Hey, Miss priestess, I would like to ask you to calm down. We aint looking for trouble. We want to enjoy our evening after so hard work, a well-built man with a greatsword leaning next to him at the table reproached . His glare told of his irritation, that he didnt want to deal with whatever argunt that was about to happen.
Within the hunters and rcenary guild, there were rules for how an adventurer was allowed to act in public. As fantasy as this world might seem, guilds were still run by the guild master using a set of rules that each mber had to follow, regardless of their rank. This was to keep the unity and peace within it. This wasnt so rag-tag organization just cause of their rowdy mbers.
A couple of these rules ntioned the interaction between adventurers.
Normally, from what I heard from Ellaine, a commoner was never, ever allowed to disobey a noble, regardless of their rank. If a noble invited you to co to their mansion for a eting, a commoner wasnt allowed to decline without a proper reason. The caste system in the Kingdom of Artorias influenced its society, giving nobles even the right to punish a commoner without a real reason.
However, lia explained that within guild property, a noble could not exert their influence over an adventurer. From what Farron, the guild master, told , I had the support and protection of the guild while I was a mber so long as I followed the local towns laws. The guild wasnt part of the Kingdom of Artorias; it was international and had so room for leeway concerning the unfair authority nobles had over commoners, but that didnt an they could break the law. If a mber broke a law, even the guild couldnt protect them without risking being shut down.
Cause of these rules, nobles couldnt ask for special treatnt from the guild. Even as royalty, I would have started at G rank like any other newcor, if not for my profile and all the D rank monster materials I handed in.
As such, a noble adventurer couldnt force a commoner adventurer to do anything. I had no authority over them. Then again, Im not the type of person to actually abuse my titles and status to strongarm sobody.
I would like to apologize for interrupting, but please stay out of this. This is between and your party mber here, this rooster head, I replied, still conscientious enough to not direct my rage at bystanders. As long as I dont escalate this, then nothing can be done, right? The guild doesnt forbid quarrels.
Adventurers werent allowed to attack others without a warning or the other partys approval. If you did, you would be kicked out of the guild and sent to the local authorities. I also wasnt allowed to kill another mber if it wasnt for self-preservation. Arguing and fighting, however, is just another part of being a rowdy adventurer.
However, this rowdiness that I was creating seed to have attracted the attention of those around us. As my rage wasnt subsiding, more and more people noticed the atmosphere deteriorating; the cause coming from a table of five adventurers and one angry little crimson-haired dragonewt girl.
U-Uhm, Lady Shrine Maiden, f-fighting here would displease the G-Goddess, sobody said as I was staring daggers at Rooster Boy, so I turned around. Standing behind was one of the white-robed priests who handled the healing of those poisoned hunters, whose hands were trembling as he was about to touch my shoulder. Eeeeeek! But before he could, he flinches backward, nearly falling.
Why was he calling My Lady? Did he notice my robes?
I apologize for this unsightly display, I responded. But, leave alone, Mister. This has nothing to do with Aurena or the church. This is personal.
With another scared groan, the priest finally landed on his butt, looking at with fearful eyes.
Huh, why did you fall down, Mister? Did you trip on your robe? As I was puzzled at my interaction with this priest, my attention returned to the table as sobody slamd his fist on it.
Why the fuck do I gotta apologize to her?! She ca and shouted at first, Lucia! Rooster Boy shouted in defiance at the robed girl next to him.
Adjusting her blue mage hat, a strand of green hair fell on her dainty face, which was beginning to redden in anger. Because youre the one who cant stop speaking behind her back, you imbecile! Just because shes a noble doesnt an you have to spite her every single ti, Leif!
Like kids, the two began to shoot out argunts and insults at each other, having completely forgotten about the events leading up to this point and the atmosphere surrounding them. Although the girls tongue was sharp, the boy wasnt holding his punches back. If I were a responsible adult like Saori, I would try to diffuse the situation or watch on until they beca too tired.
Unfortunately, I wasnt. If two can play this ga, so can a third!
HEY! Dont just ignore like that and enter your own tiny world! I pointed my finger at Rooster Head to interject, before turning to the girl beside him. In the first place, Im supposed to shout at him, not you!
I expected her to co to his defense now that I interrupted their own argunt, but against common sense, she raised her hands as if she was surrendering, and replied in a nonchalant tone, Im sorry, my Lady. Leif is all yours. She then turned her head away from and began whistling, treating the situation as if it had nothing to do with her.
Rooster Heads other companion did the sa in her own fashion. The beautiful green-feathered arvision lady, a bird beastman, covered her face with her winged arm, using it as an impromptu fan. anwhile, the fully furred wolfkin said, Damn, am I thirsty. I need more ale, before standing up and literally running away from us, displaying his high Agility as a rogue. The human greatsword wielder massaged his temples, muttering, You reap what you sow, brat, before continuing eating from the plate in front of him, silently.
Ooooh, even his teammates gave their approval. Well, get ready to get roasted, dude!
Whether it was cause of the consent of his party mber or maybe cause of ti, my anger slowly waned to the point that my lips curled into a smug. Well, well, well, looks like youre in a pick
Shut up, you bitch! As an adventurer, youre not allowed to use your status as a noble to order around! I know the rules! I can say whatever I want cuz your birth doesnt matter here at all! Now, fuck off! Rooster Head blurted in a fit of trepidation.
Ok, now Im angry again.
Before I could say another word, the red-haired boys mouth wouldnt stop opening. And you want to hear what I said before, huh?! Thats right, youre a lousy priestess! The Goddess is a warm-hearted divine mother who cares for her followers, but you aint showed anything similar! You didnt rush to help those injured hunters. You made those other priests do the job cuz they are commoners, and you cant move a finger cuz youre a stinking noble sitting on her golden chair!
Uh, wha-what?
I was flabbergasted, and it seems I wasnt the only one. The other adventurers around us had their mouths open, looking at the young man as if he was crazy or stupid. The atmosphere shifted from being the center of attention to him. Even my [Stage Fever (Minor)] was gone.
Probably thinking his words intimidated , Rooster Head continued, You heard that right! With the hunters guild, Ill rise through the ranks and gain enough strength and authority so nobles like you cant even touch . In fact, Ill make sure incompetent adventurers like you will be punished for abusing your status to
WILL YOU FUCKING SHUT UP, ALREADY!? My agitation boiled over. I raised my voice to shut the Dummkopf up, accidentally activated [Draconic Roar], slightly injuring the people in front of . Considering he looked around my age, it probably looked like two red-haired kids flaring up a childish argunt.
Are you fucking serious, when you said all that? Do you even have a brain, Dummkopf? Did you not notice my tail or horns? Im not from this kingdom, you fucking moron! I dont have the authority to do anything to you and even if I did, Im not shallow enough to wield it just because Im angry, you asshole! I yelled out. You can call selfish, lazy, stubborn, or whatever you want, but dont you fucking dare question my abilities! Ive worked hard on them like anybody else! Ive got to this point because Ive trained every single day; even if I have been slacking recently, I can still kick your pathetic ass to the other side of town like a fucking football!
Amidst my earnest rebuke, a few adventurers who showed equal displeasure at the fact he was unfairly bashing , made their own opinions clear.
Hey, brat, you and your party have been away for a week now. The lass and her party have been working like any other upstanding adventurer. What kinda man badmouths a girl behind her back, eh?
Shes been doing G, F, and E rank Quests despite being D rank. Who cares how she got her rank when shes actually doing her bloody job?
Hey, Miss priestess, dont fuckin fight inside the guildhall! Use the fuckin training grounds behind the building like anybody else! Drag the brat out already so we can actually get back to eating!
That last guy knows his priorities. Respectable.
With more adventurers voicing their discontent, Rooster Heads face reddened like a tomato, and not cause of embarrassnt but of indignation. You buncha slimy old n! Youre talking like horny bastards! In the first place, why the hell did the guild promote her to
That is enough! The voice of a woman pierced through the rambunctiousness of all the adventurers. Pushing herself through the crowd, the figure of lia, the katzune receptionist, appeared. The guild building is not a place for fights! Stop this imdiately!
It was like lias words were the law. The loud adventurers hamring complaints into both Rooster Head and I beca silent, despite having had complete control over the situation up until now. Although I didnt speak back like Rooster Head, I did feel uncomfortable. My parallel minds were right, and the amount of I told ya I was receiving dampened my mood.
Why did lia and the other receptionist co now?
lia then walked to , placed a hand on my shoulder and back. As she was taller than , it was easy enough for her to move her mouth to my ear and whisper, Lady Hestia, I would like to ask you to co with us and
Hey, hey, why is the guild showing so much favoritism to this damn noble! Arent all hunters supposed to be treated equally! Rooster Head shouted, rejecting a chance to escape this fight between us.
Leif! The guild is responsible for diffusing fights and diating between adven lia was about to rebuke the young man, but I raised my hand to interrupt her. I understand that the guild wanted to stop our fight, as it was quite loud and annoying, but just like him, I too wasnt done with this quarrel yet. I really dont like being gossiped about behind my back, so it would be better to uproot the problem now.
To start, why were she and her party made D ranks, huh? Sure, white-robed priests are invaluable to the adventurer guilds but that doesnt an she can just skip the novice ranks! Raian, here is a C rank rcenary but he still had to start as a G rank hunter! He pointed at the greatsword wielder. He had confird ability from the rcenary guild, but was still made a G rank. That proves the guild treats everybody, regardless of their background, as equals until they prove their worth. This girl has done nothing worthwhile.
Leif. As he was used as an example, Raian stopped eating and looked at Rooster Head. Dealing with a human and a monster is completely different. The strategies you use against a human or beastman cannot be used to fight sothing like a troll or bullvark. The guild did the correct thing.
Hestia has proven her ability to slay monsters by handing in D rank monster materials on the day she issued her ID, lia defended . Considering the amount of G, F, E, and D rank monsters sold to the guild, her party would have been eligible for a D rank promotion from points alone if they were Quests. Including her profile, the guild has assessed it would benefit both parties more if we promoted Hestia and her party mbers to D rank.
Yeah, I heard one of the receptionists blurt out she was level 80 or sothing. You cant fool the crystal if youre trying to make an ID!
W-Wait, what the fuck?! Shes level 80?! Da fuk, why isnt she a C or B rank, then?!
I was there when she first visited. Most of the materials were from Belzac Forest monsters. Doesnt matter if you question her skill and give her companions the credit, cuz you aint surviving that hellhole if your holy mage or alchemist cant keep the healing and affliction curing up.
The amount of support I was receiving was relieving. However, Rooster Head didnt give up. I would have admired his persistence if he hadnt been directing it at . T-That doesnt an she should be allowed to rank up to D just like that! The adventurer guilds also value the trust in their clients, right? The Quest givers! Even if she is strong, this is about principle! How can the guild allow this? This has to be cuz shes a noble. How can the guild master, who was famously known as the A rank adventurer Wing Ripper, allow this?
Wait, Farron is A rank? Wait, is he supposed to be even stronger than Master Kush?!
While I was interested in what he just said about Farron, I had to admit Rooster Boys argunt this ti was sorta correct. Although they hadnt admitted it, I know for sure they gave D rank for so ulterior motive. Was it cause I was an otherworlder or a champion of Aurena? I know my princess title shouldnt be the cause if the integrity of the guild is everything they say. Then again, being a B rank dragon could be the actual reason.
Regardless of what the reason really was, Saori and Tasianna were correct to assu they wanted us for our strength. I wasnt sure why they did it; nonetheless, it should be obvious enough that they didnt do this for our benefit. Rooster Head was correct with this one argunt.
However, the other adventurers didnt know this; they looked at him with exasperation and annoyance. Even the girl sitting next to him thought he was dragging this out for too long, as she was attempting to calm him down.
If I continue throwing oil at this hothead, the situation might get worse. In the first place, an idol shouldnt cause such a stunt.
Having the chance to cool down, the rational part of myself began to feel my mind with guilt and sha. I thought I had outgrown this part of the person I once was on Earth, the who couldnt help but blow up at people for badmouthing . It had almost been a year since I was reborn into this world, but I guess an almost 16-year-old isnt much different from a 15-year-old in maturity. I was still a brat.
My abilities were still ridiculed and that ant the sunfang dragon inside still felt her pride was hurt. I had to fix it to feel refreshed again, but how was I supposed to do that? What am I supposed to do here?
Couldnt I just show-off like how the [Young Sunfang Dragon] description explained the dragon?
Alright, I announced, now with a calm mind. You dont believe in my power and think I used my status to get my D rank, right? Well, I dont like my efforts being ridiculed so how about I show you what I can actually do, huh? A demonstration to shut you up, Sacred
L-Lady Hestia, wait, wait, you cant!
Lady Shrine Maiden, by the Goddess, please, you mustnt!
Woah, woah, get away. Shes casting a spell!
L-Leif, Leif, say sorry, now!
A white magic circle appeared before my hand. For so reason, lia, the priests, and the mages among the adventurers were frantic and erupted in a panic. The arvisian lady was also agitated into action, but instead of panicking, she took out her bow while her other hand took out an arrow. The greatsword wielder grabbed his weapon and attempted to grab my arm with his free hand.
Huh? Why are [Foresight] and [Danger Perception] activating? Is sobody attacking ?
But before I could actually figure it out, my lips let out the na of my spells. Sacred Field.
A white circle appeared under my feet, quickly expanding to encapsulate the whole guild floor, before shining a blinding white light. A serene aura with small white particles was released from my spell, touching each adventurer and guild staff.
It has been a while since I used [Sacred Field], mostly since my party didnt need healing. We were over-leveled for Firwood and nothing gave us a challenge. Aside from Ellaines training, I never had a reason to use a healing spell in this town. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of this AOE healing spell was as great as ever.
T-The cut I got today is healing up! Is this a white grace?!
I-Incredible! Without a chant and such a large magic circle! Has she mastered [Chant Revocation]?! How much Mana does the priestess have?! Where is her catalyst!?
S-Sacred Magic! Ooooh, the Goddess has given this humble servant a glance of the power of a high-ranking shrine maiden, nay, bishop! The finest miracle of the Goddess of Light!
Everybody was marveling at my spell. Even the arvision lady and the veteran Raian, lowered their weapons as they noticed the spectacle. It should be one if I understood a normal magician correctly. Each spell had a minimum amount of Mana that I had to pay to activate it, but by increasing the cost, both power and size could be increased. I intentionally made [Sacred Field] super large to boast.
In the Goddess rcy, this white grace shall be free of charge, I proclaid with [Benevolent Aura] activated to appear more priestly. I then raised my hand with the other white circle. When was the last ti you guys have been to church? When was the last ti you got blessed? Itll be on the house, then~
Although I still couldnt obtain [Multi-Cast], I still was able to cast multiple spells at once due to my parallel minds. By materializing both spells magic circle simultaneously, I was literally telling everybody I had [Multi-Cast], or at least, thats what they should think. Even if Rooster Head couldnt understand it, I had a feeling the girl next to him should. She was a mage, after all.
The white magic circle in my hand flew up to the ceiling, which was one story high, quickly expanded like [Sacred Field] and began rotating. Oh, Goddess of Light, Aurena. I bid you, hear our prayers of gratitude and ardent worship so it may empower you evermore in your duties of overseeing us. I beg of you to hear us and grant upon us your blessing of light, Prayer!
Pouring in as much mana as the spell needed, I made it imdiately ready to cast the mont it rotated. Normally, [Prayer] was a cooperative spell that needed multiple priests to be cast due to its insane Mana cost. As not every priest had as much Mana as I did, the spell also had the effect of absorbing praying followers Mana to fuel it.
Only an accomplished mage with a huge dispensable Mana capacity would be able to be the sole caster for it. Even for , it felt like a piece of was just ripped off. Next ti, it would be better to do this as slowly as possible.
[Blessing of the Goddess of Light (Moderate)] inflicted on [Young Sunfang Dragon, Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor]
I-Impossible! Brothers, did you start praying to aid the Lady shrine maiden?!
N-No, she cast it all by herself, and its moderate, too! Dear Goddess, is this a ssage from you? Have you chosen this rciful maiden to show us our lack of faith? Oooh, we are unworthy!
Praise the Goddess, for she has blessed our souls. Her graceful hands are guiding us on our path of growth! This noble shrine maiden is showing our lacking piety.
A ssage from the Goddess, indeed, brothers! Our noble sister here cannot just be an ordinary shrine maiden. A saintess! She must be! Ah, I can see the divinity of the Goddess, the light shining around her! We white-robed priests have much to learn, oh, Crimson Saintess!
4 humans have beco your followers
Total follower count updated. Total follower of [Young Spark Inferno Dragon, Hestia Atsuko]:131
Dudes, Im not your sisterAlso, whats with this freak-out?! This should be entirely possible for a high-ranking bishop or cardinal, or whatever clergy ranks existed in this world!
While everybody was still srized by the sight, I smiled at a job well done. I then turned to lia, whose eyes were shining like stars, and told her I wanted to et with the guild master. Before she could co to her senses, I was already at the stairs.
The guild masters secretary said I needed to make an appointnt to et him, as he was supposedly busy. However, before I could start complaining, the voice of a man suddenly ca from behind the secretarys desk. Let her in, it said in the guild masters voice.
What do you want, kiddo? Farron, the guild master, greeted without taking his eyes away from a stack of docunts.
K-Kiddo, where did that co from?! Didnt you call Lady Hestia last ti?! No, not that! How did you know I wanted to see you? I asked, a bit flustered at my sudden nickna.
When lia and the other receptionist were reporting to what happened to those three newbies, my secretary reported so loud shouts from the guildhall. When the door opened, I heard your voice, Farron explained, informing why lia didnt diffuse the situation imdiately. So, now, what do you want? A complaint? Didnt think you were the type of person to co running after getting angry.
Nah, I just resolved it. No problem there, dont worry, I replied with a hand gesture. However, what I actually ca here for is because I want to spar with you, Mister Mysterious Know-it-all.
Spar?
Yep, I heard you were once an A ranker, right? Well, my Master has the strength of a B ranker, you see. I havent been able to defeat him once yet, but Im curious about how you stack up to him.
Raising his head, he frowned in confusion. Huh? You have a master? How did-, when d- wait, no, it doesnt matter. The answer is no, kiddo. Im busy.
Yeah, yeah, I kind of had that feeling you would say that, I replied with a shrug. So, lets just assu Im close to [Battle Frenzy]? How about that? I need to cool down and Im asking the strong and brave Wing Ripper to help train. And besides, if youre stuck in this chair the whole day, then so exercise is better than none. Take it from , my world proved sitting down too much is bad for your health.
He narrowed his eyes, looking at with a hint of irritation now, but quickly gave it up to sigh in exasperation. The training grounds are at the back of the building. Give so ti to prepare. et you there, kiddo.
After hiding my presence with my stealth skills, I sneaked past the adventurers that I had blessed. They seed to be in a good mood. When I went through the guilds back door, a field the size of a European football field greeted . Despite the falling snow, the training ground remained snow-free.
I could see a few adventurers currently training and sparring inside it, but luckily there was still enough space for my spar with the guild master.
When I entered the premises of the field, a warm sensation covered my body, reminding of those temperature regulators Ellaines mansion had. Was it the sa kind of manatech? Wait, how rich was the hunters guild? Or was this another loan like those [Crystals of the Divine System]?
Regardless of what it was, I simply shrugged and chose a spot large enough for the upcoming spar. I stretched and did so warmup exercises to bring my body into top form.
WooooSobody stronger than Master Kush. Wow, I feel kinda nervous.
It had been a while since I last had a chance to fight sobody that might be stronger than , status-wise. Saori was a great sparring partner, but after evolving into a B rank monster, the stat disparity between us increased to the point I could mostly brute-force through her strategies. If not for Tasianna and her smart usage of skills and spells, it wouldnt be much of a challenge.
But now, I got the chance to fight sobody who could be stronger than the man I still couldnt defeat. Farron wasnt a mage but a warrior. Id learned how to fight against a mage and an arcane trickster, but I dont think Id ever gotten the chance to spar with a warrior before, so this was exciting.
However, what motivated most about this fight was cause of what happened today. Did I earn this instant promotion to D rank? Well, my stats and skills are good but Im currently lacking the attitude of one. Ive been taking it too slow after my debut and I forgot an Idol cant just stop her training. She needs to strive for more and more. Vacation is over, its ti to get back into the groove.
Ill take care of [Idol] tomorrow. Today, Ill see where I still need to improve and test out so ideas.
Eventually, Farron exited the guild building; with him was a posse of adventurers. No, I think most of the guild ca out to spectate us.
Whats with that look? he ntioned as he stood on the opposite side of . You dont have any armor or real gear, so I only brought out my weapon. With all the enchantnts and runes on my armor, there would be too much of a handicap for you. I saw your profile so this one weapon should be good enough.
He sounded a bit arrogant, or maybe just confident in his strength, but that wasnt why I was staring at him. What actually caught my eye was his massive greatsword or halberd. It was essentially a sword stuck on a long spear shaft, looking like a sword spear.
As far as appearance goes, it was the most eye-catching weapon Ive ever seen in this world. Its shaft was black and shiny, looking like it was made from so sorta black tal, while the cross guard was covered in a combination of white and black feathers. The sword part of this sword spear, or whatever, was long and looked like the long canine of a giant lion. The blade was decorated with multiple weird circles in different colors, each of which emanated a dim light.
This was the first real fantasy weapon Id ever seen. I had the feeling it was not only made with exquisite tals, but also high-quality monster materials, combined by a master blacksmith into this intimidating weapon of death.
Wait, is he trying to kill ?
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