Passed the assessment? And with a perfect score?
While still anxiously waiting for the final result, Green never imagined that the news Miss Betty brought would be so delightful, even far exceeding his best expectations.
After all, judging from Miss Sophie’s recent abrupt departure, by all accounts, his assessment this time should have been a complete failure.
Adding to that the unique “genius” image someone had long cultivated in Green’s mind through their exceptional behavior, he originally thought that unless he completely infuriated the examiner, at the very least, he would be scrutinized through a tinted lens.
“Perfect score? How—how is that possible…”
Lucy, who had maintained a gentle tone and silently shed tears just now, was the first to voice her doubt upon hearing Miss Betty’s sudden announcement.
“Could there have been some kind of mistake?” Lucy widened her eyes, looking Green up and down for a long moment, but still failed to discern anything.
Green, receiving a perfect score?
And with that evaluation coming from the renowned Miss Sophie?
As a fellow mage, when Lucy first found out that Green’s examiner was Sophie, she was actually quite pleased.
Unlike her teammates, Lucy was fully aware of Green’s value within the team.
But precisely because of this, she did not want the other members to pay attention to Green.
Because, once others also realized that Green was not as “useless” as he appeared, wouldn’t that mean Freya—whom Green valued the most—might change her attitude toward him?
Moreover, Green had always been so obedient to her…
No, I don’t want that!
Even the slightest thought of Green and Freya getting along made Lucy feel unbearably uncomfortable, as if her insides were being boiled in scalding water.
Thus, she had racked her brains, working tirelessly—on one hand spreading rumors about Green outside, and on the other, undermining his image among the other two teammates.
Her efforts were paying off.
That Freya, who always looked down on others by relying on Green’s affection, had finally driven him away. Next, as long as she opened her arms, she could bring this confused little pup back home. As long as she showed him a bit of affection, Green would surely be tightly held in her hands.
Though there was a small twist—Green had somehow been especially valued by Miss Betty, even being recommended to headquarters for the position of Senior Advisor.
Fortunately, things had turned again, and the examiner sent by the Royal Capital Headquarters turned out to be that very Miss Sophie—the one who invented the Soul Elixir and shone brilliantly at the Mage Council, the super genius whom Lucy deeply admired.
She was famous for being strict.
With such a nearly harsh eye for detail, even if Green had some ability, there’s no way he could have passed, right?
This way, her plans could continue smoothly as intended.
It was supposed to be like this…
But why, why, did Green not only pass, but even got a perfect score?
Lucy stared in disbelief at Miss Betty, who had announced this shocking news.
“Uh…” Looking at Lucy, who clearly wasn’t a guild employee but barged right into the internal area without any guilt and instead righteously questioned her message, Miss Betty was stunned for a moment before she came to her senses.
Whew…
Forget it, these noble ladies always have these tempers.
As a former top adventurer and now the branch president, Miss Betty certainly had cultivated a considerable amount of patience.
She quickly adjusted her mindset, put on a professional smile, and replied, “Miss Lucy, please rest assured. Our guild assessments are extremely rigorous. Mr. Green’s outstanding performance is based on very strict standards, not just the examiner’s personal preferences.”
“I know, but—but that Miss Sophie is famous for being strict. How could a mere mortal, and even with a perfect score, possibly pass?”
Lucy didn’t notice the subtle change in Betty’s expression, and continued pressing as if nothing had happened.
“Well…” With nothing left to say, Betty took a breath, forced a smile, and replied lightly, “Perhaps it’s because Mr. Green is just that outstanding?”
Green, outstanding?
Miss Betty’s answer was like a thunderbolt, striking Lucy’s unguarded heart hard.
Yes, that guy really is outstanding—outstanding enough to be worthy of being my tool.
But a tool is still a tool. If I’m a little nice to him, shouldn’t he just know his place and serve me well?
Anyway, compared to being toyed around by Freya before, I’m obviously the better choice, aren’t I?
But why—why did everything turn out differently from what I expected as soon as he left the team?
Lucy was deeply lost in confusion.
“Green, outstanding?”
While Lucy was left speechless, on the other side, Freya seemed unable to tolerate the farce any longer.
The duke’s daughter narrowed her eyes, gave Betty a cold glance, then snorted at the innocent-looking Green, her words laced with ridicule: “It seems what Sophia said before was right—Green, you’ve really climbed to a high branch.”
“But I hope you remember, every gift from fate has already been secretly priced.”
Freya quoted the words of the hero she admired, then paused, her tone turning admonishing: “Any reputation beyond your own ability might be granted by chance, but under the judgment of time, all that’s hidden will be revealed.”
She gave Betty a deep look, then left without hesitation, throwing out one last line.
“Looks like I overestimated the Adventurer’s Guild. Lucy, Sophia, let’s go.”
What the heck.
Storming away, Freya raged in her heart.
Green is more outstanding than I thought?
Him?
Thinking of how she first met Green, ragged and pitiful, looking no different from a beggar, Freya felt indignant.
Does she not know what kind of person Green is?
Just a complete idiot.
Maybe a bit clever at times, but at his core, just a mortal not even a real professional.
And even so, he passed the assessment? With a perfect score, no less?
Hmph, it must be that sleazy old woman of a branch president with some ulterior motive.
Could she have her eyes on Green?
Tch, that useless fool—does he really plan to coast through with just his looks?
Has he even considered if there might be other traps behind this?
Forget it, if I say anything, he’ll just think I’m jealous.
Clearly—clearly I was the one who took him in when he was down and out.
Shouldn’t he be grateful and stay by my side forever?
Yes, my tone was a bit harsh when I kicked him out of the team, but with his abilities, how could he possibly pass the Hero’s Subjugation Squad selection?
I did it for his own good.
And yet, he just won’t appreciate it…
“Freya.” Seemingly sensing Freya’s frustration, the saintess Sophia gently spoke up: “Actually, we don’t have to mind not being able to join the Hero’s squad. The team to defeat the Demon King isn’t the only one—I’ve heard the Imperial Empress is recruiting as well.”
Speaking of that iron-blooded empress, the always composed Sophia couldn’t hide a rare admiration on her face.
“Her Majesty the Imperial Empress is no less than your hero, perhaps…” Sophia’s bright eyes flashed, “even a step ahead in terms of big-picture vision.”
“I see, but…” Freya’s expression turned conflicted, “it was the hero who saved me from the Withered Order.”
For once, the always proud Freya looked a little dejected. “I still want to prove myself to her—that the girl she saved is now completely different.”
Clip-clop-clop!
At that moment, the urgent sound of hooves kicked up dust and wind, stirring up a new storm amid the chaos.
“It’s the Royal Emissary Delegation?” The sharp-eyed Sophia recognized the newcomers. “Why would they come to this remote town? Could it be…to discuss cooperating with the hero to defeat the Demon King?”
Sophia’s eyes lit up. “Freya, looks like we might have the best of both worlds.”
The duke’s daughter immediately understood.
Right! If the hero decides to cooperate with the Empire, then if she joins the Empire’s crusade, she can still prove herself to the hero!
Hmph.
Unlike that trick-filled selection test, on the real battlefield, the only thing that determines victory is strength.
And as someone known as the Valkyrie, how could I possibly lack strength?
Just watch, Hero, and you too, Green.
I will prove it.
At the same time, at the Raven Town Adventurer’s Guild branch.
“In any case, congratulations, Mr. Green. These are the benefits you’ll enjoy as a Senior Advisor of our guild.”
Miss Betty handed Green a stack of wool paper scrolls, her lovely face filled with a broad smile.
Green’s unexpected success in the assessment, and even with a perfect score, not only validated her earlier judgment but also gave her an achievement worth boasting about.
It was easy to imagine that her performance evaluation this year would be outstanding.
“Not at all, this is all thanks to you, Miss Betty, for recognizing my worth.”
Looking over the documents Miss Betty handed him, Green’s eyes lit up. The Adventurer’s Guild really was generous—these benefits would make even top adventurers envious.
“By the way, this permanent library access…can I use it right now?”
Green couldn’t help but ask.
“Of course.” Miss Betty beamed. “Your job here is to analyze all sorts of intelligence. How could we not open the library’s resources to you?”
“Ahem, then I’ll go give it a try first?”
Remembering all the confidential documents protected by layers of formations in the library, Green could hardly contain his excitement.
Clack—
He opened the door and sat down at a random spot.
“Hm, right.”
Just as he was about to pick out a few books to enjoy, Green suddenly remembered something. He took out his somewhat worn Adventurer’s Log from his bag.
“Since I have time now, how about starting a new Simulation?”
Come to think of it—
The last reward I got was “Cure Soul Curse 2/3,” which means…
Just one last Simulation, and he could completely lift the curse?
Not to mention the other generous rewards he had accumulated.
“Whew…” Even Green, who prided himself on being calm through storms, couldn’t help but get excited. “Alright then, Simulation…start!”
Buzz—
A white light flashed.
“Generating adventurer background…”
“You are a bard. Born in the countryside, you dreamed of becoming a professional, but with only average talent, you could only transfer to this much-maligned jack-of-all-trades class. Still, you did become a professional.”
“However, your songs and stories went unappreciated. At the town market, in the garden plaza, in the corner tavern—you tried everywhere for a steady gig, but no one cared enough to give you their favor.”
“One day, as you came to the corner tavern as usual to try your luck, you met a strange guest…”
The Simulation had begun.
Green’s eyes shone.
I wonder, what kind of life will I experience this time?
He felt his blood boiling.
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