The guild battles had always been one of the better parts of «Dungeon Activity». And more than often, they revolved around «Castle» and their capture.
«Capture the Castle» and «Capture the Stronghold» in particular were thick with castle stuff. With sothing so frequent, there were jobs specifically centralised around «Castle», to no one's surprise.
The «Count» was one such important category in possession of «Fortress Guardian». They're the lifeline in fierce guild battles. Their abilities were, but not limited to, healing castle's HP, strengthening the defense, increasing HP upper limit, and even allowed to defend against powerful skills originally impossible by even tanks.
Of course, it was plenty of good in the dungeons, but in essence, guild battles were always its ho ground. Hence I had been seeking one for so long. Given my goal of S-rank guild, a such job should prove to be extrely helpful in progress.
Well, from a roundabout probe by rt, Shalon didn't seem against joining Eden, and even showed eagerness. And that’s how I decided it would be her.. There were also male «Count» students in this grade, but given the job I had wanted—«Princess of Fortress»—only she could have it.
Ah... I had lost so much in anticipation and excitent that Shalon and lon had already returned from their practice.
anwhile, Misato was checking out other students who might want to change their guild. Her target was mainly those who were seeking guild change, and once she was assured of their personality and job, she would subsequently invite them.
"We're back, Zephyr."
"We... are... back~, Zephyr-kun. I am soooo tired~."
"Welco back. Then, let's run go and check it right now."
"Hn? You'll be accompanying us?"
"Yeah. I have a hunch you're going to strike big this ti."
"Oh please, t-there's no way I will have it."
Shalon waved off my reason to accompany with a giggle.
She was surprisingly friendly in contrast to her status. eting her in-person, had I not known about her, I wouldn't have noticed she was the darling of the Count family. She was also standing quite close, not bothered by it at all. She must be quite friendly with others, eh? Well, it's good that we're not standing on opposite sides.
Anyway, Shalon should've completed all conditions now according to my estimations. No one would think it strange when I recruit her at the manifestation of job.
It was also ti to wrap up my instruction class. I notified Rina I was out for a short while, and left the classroom alongside rt and Shalon.
"Zephyr, do you think she would be fine......?"
rt closed in and quietly asked.
"Yup, The last training should've done it."
"......Haa, I really want to look into your head and see where you get all that knowledge. «Princess of Fortress» is said to be the strongest guardian job. It's quite a fable in my family too; and so rare."
Oh, yeah. He, too, was from a «Count» family. He should be aware of this job's importance.
"Uh-uh~. Hey, Zephyr-kun, do you think I have no talent? I still haven't seen any high-ranking job despite working so hard."
Shalon, who had been walking forward with her hands clasped behind, suddenly turned her head around, and asked amidst our whispers. There was a tinge of weariness in her eyes.
What she ant was any high-ranking job in the «Count» and «Noble» categories, even high-ranking mid-tier ones. The noble's kids were often more concerned about these jobs after all. Understandably so, as they'd usually prove to be more strong.
As one of them, she must be feeling disappointed having nothing discovered so far.
"Believe in yourself, I can feel your spotlight is right there. After all, I am accompanying you this ti."
"Pfft. What did it even an?"
"You will have your high-ranking job, and then join Eden. This is one absolute thing."
"......"
I had tried to encourage her, though she suddenly ca to an abrupt halt in the middle of the corridor.
"Say, I did hear from rt-kun, but why ?"
"Hmm?"
As she turned around, I spotted her expression was no longer bright. It was as if her optimism and brightness had been turned into smoke.
"I am completely bankrupt of talent, you know? I still can't see any high-ranking jobs. But everyone in Eden is so opposite and better than . I, too, saw you and rt-kun in the inter-class competition. I know myself, and that's beyond ."
Her head was plopped down, as if she had run out of any positiveness to carry onward, and her tone tinged with nihilism.
"You two are obviously in another league—no, you're beyond what I can even comprehend. Your battles had drawn everyone on their toes. And there's , with nothing of value, not even a high-ranking job. The others seem to be gradually discovering their high-ranking job too. So, why invite ?"
Ah, I was wrong. Her earlier easygoing nature wasn't optimism, but an act. To be frank, her current self was so strikingly similar to Rina when I first t her. She, too, was in fraught having seen no sign of a high-ranking job. Maybe, not precisely that, but she just had no confidence in herself.
rt gave a slight node, but that was all. He didn't say anything. I guess he wanted to take over, eh?
Very well. Stirring confidence in soone was a piece of cake!
"Because, it's set in stone. You will definitely be able to get the job we are hoping for. You're going to have a grand welco at Eden. You better believe my words since we're a guild aiming for S-rank."
There was a slight vacant expression on her face, but it was just as soon replaced by a bitter smile. She tried to repeat the sa nihilistic speech, but I didn't let her.
"But—"
"Not but or what... You know, nevermind. I bet you're going to have «Princess of Fortress» this ti! If I turn out right, then you're joining our guild!"
"!!"
"Haha, that's why you're our guildmaster."
Well, I hadn't inford her what kind of job I had been having her trainer for. Her current job was a mid-ranking mid-tier, «Castle's Keeper». She had done a decent job in raising the fortress's defense and so on, but that was a standard «Count» job and barely passable.
The person herself just sought a high-ranking job, anything possible. Her confidence was running dry as dessert. As a Count category, she should've been acting more confident. Oh well, with Rina's situation back then as reference, It was indeed not sothing that could be handled in the short term.
Alright, there's nothing a high-ranking job wouldn't fix! Rina was the living proof after all. Confidence would naturally follow then.
anwhile, Shalon froze up on her spot, stunned at the sudden na of «Princess of Fortress». Now that's a worthy reaction.
"Hello, now's not the ti to shut down, you know right? We have an appraisal pending."
I spoke to bring her out of her stupor, and walked forward while taking her hand.
The stagnated strides finally kicked up again, though with a bewildered expression, Shalon turned to rt, as if calling for help.
"W-what? «Princess of Fortress»? B, but.. no, wait. You said S-rank guild? Hey, I didn't hear anything about that, rt-kun?!"
She was thoroughly flustered as I pulled her.
"He's our guildmaster we take pride in. You may think you're being deceived, and it's alright, just follow him for now. I can assure you it's anything but bad."
"Now you make blush."
Geez, that guy sure knows how to say so cheesy lines. Was he hoping for sothing?
"Zephyr, take care of Shalon/"
"......"
His eyes wore a somber expression as he looked at / Ah... he didn't have to. I already know.
I turned my head to glance at him, and gestured a thumbs up from the other hand to reassure him.
"Leave it to ."
And in that tidbit, we were at our destination, the empty classroom with «Crystal Statue».
The only thing between Shalon and her new job was just a mont of touch, but. Maybe such simplicity might not be best for this round. Of course, she should have achieved all conditions, but to build a connection of trust and reliance with , a performance was necessary. And I just knew the right thing.
"Shalon. Hold it."
"Hmm, this is? ......A gold coin?"
"It's a good luck charm. It's going to be your guide, I just know."
It was the «Gold Coin of Golden Cat». A rare item. We had carried it for a better gold chest drop rate and the boss's material drop, and it had worked so well.
It was a good luck charm even for us, players, as a fact. It should help her chaotic heart. At the sa ti, it was a welco charm of Eden.
Shalong's gaze danced between the small coin, then at a couple tis. She appeared like a robot with no awareness, and just cluelessly glancing around. It was quite a cute reaction.
"I think anyone would be confused if you suddenly gave them Gold Coins, Zephyr."
rt took a jab at my action, but nonetheless, he displayed the Gold Coin he had, as if saying we're in together. I also pulled out my Gold Coin, appealing the sa, pulling a thumbs-up while winking.
"With this, you now have the good fortune of Eden on your back. Fear no more. Go ahead, and touch the statue."
As I urged her, she gripped the Gold Coin before her chest, and with a determined expression touched the statue. And with no mishap, it was there in the job list—
"N-no way?!"
"Congraulations, Shalon. You're now «Princess of Fortress»."
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