Araya v9c27

Volume 9 Chapter 27 Promotion Exam


Edited by: Kanaa-senpai


 Previous Summary: Clarissa-san wants a Rejuvenation Potion.


 Liese: serious dragonewt.

 Camilla: Beastman (fox) who loves Daisuke.

 Ilse: Beastman (tiger) who lives by instinct.

 Nicola: slightly timid human.

 Grete: human with exceptional social skills.


 ===


 Liese and the others were E-rank Adventurers. They were better than rookie F-rank, but still considered half-baked as Adventurers. Normally, living independently was tight; they supplemented their income by acting as Porters in Senpai parties or doing non-Adventurer part-time work.


 Only Grete in the First Blood party was D-rank, but even D-rank kids had some inconveniences. Loan limits were low, interest rates high, and Guild support weak; monsters equivalent to D-rank hunted were not formally bought. The former wasn’t a problem while living with me, and the latter was covered by Porters registration.


 Still, in this world where independent living was valued, it was normal to want to rank up quickly.


 ”So, today starts the promotion exam,” I said.


 ”Yes.”


 ”Yes, Master!”


 ”All right, let’s do this!”


 ”I-I’ll do my best too!”


 ”Hehe♪ Let’s do our best♪”


 Liese nodded quietly but firmly. She normally didn’t assert herself much, but she never skipped spear training and had the strongest thirst for strength. She led the diverse party as the leader.


 Camilla answered energetically and hugged me. As usual, she seemed relaxed. She had been quite dissatisfied with the Designated Request stay-at-home duty, so she had strong feelings about this promotion. In combat, she excelled in attacks and support as an illusionist.


 Ilse pumped her arm up with spirit. She didn’t have much longing for strength, but she was motivated. Having originally starved and fallen to Bandits, the quickest way to avoid that state was to become stronger. She was an archer who could surprisingly assess situations calmly in battle.


 Nicola looked a little nervous. Promotion was one reason she had joined the party, and she normally was delicate and considerate, so she probably didn’t want to slow the group. As a scout, her direct combat ability wasn’t high, but she contributed by detecting and disarming traps.


 Grete appeared relaxed. Being already a D-rank Adventurer, she understood Escort Quests to some extent. In combat, she acted as a spear-wielding tank. Being the only shield user made it somewhat burdensome, but her composed movements gave reassurance.


 The D-rank promotion exam was an Escort Quest. It was a one-way journey of several days, escorting traveling merchants. Protecting non-combatants was challenging; camping and night watches were naturally included, making it physically demanding. When I had taken it, I hadn’t yet widened the Level gap with my party, so it wasn’t so tough, but for ordinary E-to-D rank, it should be a little harsh.


 The promotion Escort Quest had been reserved a few days prior, so today we only needed to send them off. It was early, before the sunrise. I went to the front door to see them off. Mornings and evenings had become chilly. Hugs for Camilla and Nicola; pats for Liese and Ilse.


 ”Then, Master, we’ll go,” Liese said.


 ”Let’s go!” Camilla replied.


 ”Be careful,” I said.


 ”Yes, Master!” Nicola answered.


 ”If it becomes dangerous, don’t hesitate to run—safety first,” I added.


 ”I know, Daisuke,” Liese said.


 ”Daisuke-san has the Mind trait♪ She’ll return properly, so it’s okay♪” Camilla added.


 I waved at them as they walked, Liese leading with her tail swaying.


 The town streets were patrolled by the Knights’ Order, so monsters appearing were weak and Bandits were almost absent. Irregularities were possible, though, so Mind. Bandits being human might hesitate in a killing conflict. The most Mind was Nicola. She was serious and a bit shy or timid. (Hmmm, should I secretly follow…?)


 ”Daisuke, aren’t you thinking of following?” Ines said, sharp and dignified.


Gulp!


 While I hesitated, Ines called me out directly. Huh, was it that obvious on my face?


 ”Liese and the others are taking this request to become full-fledged. Mind it if you will, but following doesn’t help them,” she continued.


 ”Hmm, but…” I said.


 ”Even from my view, they’ve gained enough strength and shouldn’t be in danger in normal combat, right?” Ines said.


 ”That’s true, but…” I admitted.


 Sharp Ines said this with a mentor’s face. Recently, her clumsiness was noticeable, but she was a veteran Adventurer. Her words carried weight from various experiences.


 ”It’s fine, Daisuke. I took it long ago too, and it’s not something you fail easily. Besides, if you can’t handle this yourself, you can’t call yourself full-fledged,” she added.


 ”I like Daisuke-san’s kindness, and I understand the desire to Mind, but let’s trust Liese-chan and wait♪” Camilla said.


 Veteran Adventurers Sylvie and Vanessa of the Heatwind party also seemed to agree.


 ”Daisuke-sama, this time we should deliberately refrain from intervening to observe their growth,” Sylvie said.


 ”Hmm… okay. I’ll resist following,” I replied.


 Even the usually blindly obedient Meta said it, so I had no choice. Still, doing nothing felt uneasy, so I planned to preemptively hunt any dangerous monsters I encountered. That much should be allowed.


 ”Haa… Daisuke, you’re overprotective as always. Don’t overdo it,” Camilla said.


 ”Understood, Senpai,” I replied.


 ”Hey, if you’re joking, I’ll get mad,” she added.


 ”No, I just respected the guidance from senior adventurers,” I said.


 ”…Well, fine,” Camilla said.


 It was true Juliet and others guided me, and I respected them as Senpai. Stroking the head of my secretly clingy lover without meeting her eyes, I thought about how far to hunt.


 ”Daisuke, that (patting) is in order,” Camilla said.


 ”Hehe, while waiting my turn, I’ll stay close♪” I said.


 ”Well, what a wonderful idea, Deer!” she replied.


 ”Daisuke, does this make you happy?” she asked.


 ”Of course,” I said.


 Though it had been cold earlier, I felt warm with all the lovers pressed around me. Liese and the others wouldn’t leave the town for a while, so I decided to enjoy the different textures of my fluffy, soft, springy lovers.


* * *


 Leaving Daisuke-san’s house, I headed to the meeting point outside the town gate. Though it was a familiar path used for dungeons, I was a bit nervous…


 ”Nicola, you don’t need to Mind,” I said.


 ”Liese-san… Liese isn’t nervous… right?” Nicola asked.


 ”Of course. Daily training, Dungeon leveling, and real combat experience, plus the Magic Item borrowed from Master,” Liese said.


 It felt awkward to drop honorifics with Liese, but she scolded me for using -san with slaves. Others didn’t mind that she was a slave, but Liese was stubborn.


 ”That’s right, Nicola! Master is amazing!” I said.


 ”Ahaha… I know that. Camilla is so fired up,” Nicola replied.


 ”Yes! I will definitely get promoted and be taken next time!” Camilla added.


 Camilla pumped her fist, full of determination. She was completely different when with Daisuke-san than when in battle.


 At first, I was really surprised.


 When I listened to the story, it seemed that becoming lovers wasn’t much different for us, but the meeting had happened quite early. Maybe, apart from Ines-san, Juliet-san, and Sylvie-san, I was the earliest? Even during the year we couldn’t meet, it seemed he never forgot. Considering Daisuke-san’s skills, that was pretty remarkable. It made sense why he participates in “meetings” so enthusiastically, almost on par with Meta-san.


 We walked while talking and arrived at the meeting place slightly before the designated time. The client was already there.


 ”Good morning♪ You must be the client, Zirke-san?”


 ”That’s right. Are you Grete-chan from the First Blood party?”


 ”Yes♪ Nice to meet you♪”


 ”Ah, nice to meet you.”


 The clients were a traveling merchant mother and daughter: Zirke-san and Zelma-san. Zirke-san, the mother, had white hair but still responded firmly. Her gentle aura somehow felt nostalgic. She was much older than my mother, and my mother wasn’t particularly kind… Zelma-san, the daughter, had reddish-brown hair tied back. Maybe around thirty? She spoke clearly and had the presence of a strong-willed mother. Neither seemed scary, which was a relief.


 The actual party leader was Liese, but having a slave as a leader wasn’t ideal publicly. Therefore, interactions with outsiders were handled by Grete. I was bad at that sort of thing, so it was a relief.


 The destination was a town two days away on foot. None of us were from the Royal Capital, so traveling wasn’t new, but being on the side of protection was a first, making me nervous. The monsters likely to appear were Goblins and Horn Rabbits, with Wolves being the strongest. They were about the same as the Crows I usually fought in dungeons. Grete seemed to have fought in a dungeon before “Dungeon Upheaval”¹, so it shouldn’t be particularly difficult. Wild monsters differ from dungeon monsters, so vigilance was necessary.


 On the town streets, bandits could appear too. Since this route was near the Royal Capital, the chance was low, but caution remained necessary. Liese seemed completely unfazed, and Camilla didn’t spare enemies. Ilse had once encountered bandits but only in an attempt, so she was prepared. Grete had already completed an Escort Quest², so she would be fine.


 ”Nicola, are you okay with bandits? Daisuke was using Mind on them, you know?”


 ”Ahaha, Daisuke-san has a Mind nature♪ But Nicola will be fine too♪”


 ”Yeah, I can handle (kill) them properly.”


 Daisuke-san had also said the same to me. I was glad he was using Mind. I had never fought directly, but I shouldn’t have problems with bandits. It wasn’t that different from fighting monsters.


 ”No, no, it’s completely different.”


 ”Really? It’s just whether they understand words or not; they’re still coming to kill us, right?”


 ”Well, yes, that’s true…”


 ”You might feel differently about Ilse, but if they block your way, they are enemies. You don’t necessarily need to kill them, but there’s no reason to hold back, and you probably won’t have the leeway anyway.”


 ”Ilse is prepared too, right?”


 ”Of course. Even though I used to be a Bandit, I’ll do it properly without sympathy. I just felt a little uneasy treating them like monsters.”


 ”As long as you don’t hesitate when the time comes, it doesn’t matter. Whether facing monsters or bandits, we will do our utmost to meet our master’s expectations.”


 ”…Understood, Liese-san.”


 Ilse seemed somewhat dissatisfied, but in the end, she accepted it.


 ”Let’s do our best to complete the request and get praised by our master!”


 ”I’ll get praised too♪”


 ”Me too!”


 ”That’s a good spirit.”


 ”Is that really okay?”


 ”Ilse, don’t you want to be praised by Daisuke-san? You might even get a ‘reward’.”


 ”…Alright, everyone, let’s do our best!”


 ”Ahaha, Ilse is so practical♪”


 ”You little ladies are lively, huh.”


 ”Thank you, Zirke-san♪”


 ”Young people are great, mother.”


 ”Oh, Zelma-san, you’re still young too♪”


 ”Cut it out. She’s almost thirty and has a child.”


 ”Really? But if it’s Daisuke-san, surely… right, Nicola?”


 ”Yeah, Grete.”


 ”Daisuke has a wide taste…”


 Seven women chatted cheerfully as we proceeded down the town streets. The client mother and daughter were smiling, so it seemed we’d get along well.


 ===


 Meta Tsedes: “Somehow, we’ve managed to get along despite everything.”

 Meta: “Daisuke-sama doesn’t want us to fight.”

 Meta Tsedes: “Sigh… I wish Cassandra Vice-Captain would be kinder to Mercedes-chan. Any good ideas?”

 Meta: “…Impossible, I guess.”

 Meta Tsedes: “That’s cruel!”


 —


 Summary:


 The party sets off for the D-rank promotion Escort Quest. Liese leads, with Camilla, Ilse, Nicola, and Grete in formation, while Daisuke considers following but decides to observe. The adventurers are prepared but face unknown challenges. Safety precautions and mentorship advice frame the journey, leaving some uncertainty about future encounters.


 The party walks to a meeting point, discussing past meetings, prior combat experiences, and readiness for bandits or monsters. They interact with a traveling merchant mother and daughter and clarify leadership responsibilities with Grete acting as liaison. The group rehearses expectations for protecting each other during the journey, but the exact town and specific prior events remain unknown.


 —


 Trivia:


 - Exact mechanics of Mind are unclear

 - Minor environmental cues like precise temperature or street layout

 - Detailed combat stats and Leveling up mechanics

 - Exact monster abilities

 - Full prior dungeon events

 - Specific town name

 - Exact timing of past meetings

 - Background for Liese, Camilla beyond observed behaviors

 - Cultural nuances not fully explaine


 —


 Character Insight:


 Liese demonstrates leadership and focus, Camilla shows enthusiasm and attachment, Ilse maintains practical motivation, Nicola struggles with nervousness, Grete remains composed. Daisuke exhibits protective instincts but adheres to mentor guidance.


 Nicola shows confidence and responsibility, Ilse displays initial skepticism that resolves into readiness, and Grete assumes a protective liaison role, balancing leadership requirements with public perception.


 —


 Glossary:


1 Mind: An in-universe trait or ability related to awareness, caution, or decision-making, context-specific to the party’s mechanics.

2 Escort Quest: A mission to protect non-combatants over several days, including defense, camping, and night watch duties.

3 Porters: Adventurer roles or side tasks assisting other parties or transporting items.

4 Designated Request: Specific assignment given to party members, sometimes involving staying behind or guard duty.

5 Leveling up: The process of gaining experience and increasing rank or abilities through combat and training.

6 Dungeon Upheaval: a previously mentioned event that Grete participated in before this journey.

7 Escort Quest: a prior mission completed by Grete ensuring her experience in protective travel.
,


Notes:


• Clarissa – Clarissa, a young, composed librarian at the Royal Library, is a beautiful, curvy woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, plump lips, and a rose-scented aura, her elegant attire accentuating her supple, well-endowed figure. Ten centimeters shorter than her lover Daisuke, she hides insecurities about her age and appearance behind bashful smiles and tender hugs, radiating a soft, fluffy, healing presence. Though serious and innocent, she’s deeply attached to Daisuke, who gently eases her vulnerabilities; they share weekly Blue Day dates. Skilled in Fire Magic and illusions as a D-rank Adventurer, she speaks carefully, reveals emotion sparingly, and anchors others with humble grace—quietly devoted, easily swayed, yet profoundly loving.

• Liese – Liese, a 170 cm dragonewt with grey‑blue hair, thick horns and grey scales on neck/limbs, is daughter of red and blue dragonewts. Meta‑recognized Level 21 pillar of strength and leader of the First Blood party. Disciplined spear‑fighter, calm yet determined, she leads quietly, tail thumps to betray emotion, serves Daisuke loyally, nurturing affection while guiding her party with strict battle discipline.

• Camilla – Fox‑type beastwoman, near adulthood, with a sleek upright tail that wags fast when excited or fantasizing about intimacy with her Master. She is overtly affectionate toward Daisuke, loves sweets, shyly serves as his slave, clings to him on outings, and nuzzles him suggestively. Energetic and cheerful, she’s an illusionist‑combatant in the First Blood party, uses fire magic, craves promotion, and is doted on by teammates while hugging and supporting them.

• Daisuke – Daisuke is a lean, youthful Japanese reincarnate and B-Rank adventurer leading the Gale Party. A master of Wind Magic, alchemy, and healing, he balances pragmatic leadership with clinical, sincere affection for his partners—including Gerta, Elisa, Regina, and Cassandra. Known for his expert nurturing, cooking, and protective mentorship, he manages his household with care while navigating dangers as a skilled, intuitive combatant.

• Ilse – Ilse is a 17-year-old tiger-kin archer with a petite, boyish frame, gold-and-black hair, and an expressive tail. A level-18 member of Daisuke’s party and the Beunemünde Guild, this former slave-bandit balances sharp, instinctual combat focus with a cheeky, tomboyish personality. She masks deep devotion to her found family with blunt humor, empathy for outcasts, and a playful, candy-loving nature.

• Nicola – Petite 160 cm adventurer with blue‑green side‑tail hair, cute and shy, stutters. Human scout of First Blood, sensitive and conscientious, excels at reconnaissance and trap detection. Loves meat, deeply attached to Daisuke—bold in intimacy, shares his home and feels secure in his lap. Admires senior Vanessa, cautious around seniors, and strives to meet expectations.

• Grete – Grete is a bright-orange-haired D-rank adventurer and former Wyvern Slayer known for her infectious charm and playful, diabolical smile. Sporting a blouse and checkered skirt, she serves as the party’s spear-wielding tank, providing stability and tactical support. A confident, socially gifted leader, she lives in Daisuke’s household as an aspiring lover, winning over everyone with her affectionate, whimsical nature.

• Ines – Ines is an 18-year-old, 170cm D-Rank Magic Swordsman with silky emerald hair, blue eyes, and a curvy frame in college-style armor. As the dignified, motherly leader of the Gale Party, she mentors Daisuke with strategic oversight and decisive guidance. Though authoritative, she is secretly lonely and insecure, balancing her role as a harem mediator with clumsy, maidenly affection for Daisuke.

• Vanessa – Red‑haired, ponytail‑tied veteran of the Twelfth Floor, this muscular Magic Bludgeoneer wears wild, revealing gear, thick‑thighed, and wields a fire‑infused mace as Wyvern Slayer vanguard. Blunt and teasing, she’s sleep‑resistant in Orc zones, saved by Daisuke, mentors Nicola, and in Heatwind party aligns with Sylvie and Ines on mentorship. A 20‑year‑old confident woman, naturally open, she teases reserved members like Ines and Juliet while sharing a playful, sexual bond with Daisuke.

• Sylvie – Petite 140 cm elven spirit mage with long wavy blonde hair, twitching pointed ears, blue eyes and playful motherly charm. She wears a white blouse and embroidered yellow forest‑scented skirt, swapping to gothic‑lolita lace‑up boots for dates. Gale adventurer and Daisuke’s magic teacher, she wields Water and Wind, summons Intermediate Spirits, masks loneliness with fearless smiles. Older sister to Camilla, shares a home with other women, seeks Daisuke’s love advice, and is his second lover, delighting in pampering. Veteran Heatwind party member, calm and stabilizing, curious and assertive, skilled in kissing and exploration.

• Meta – 160 cm curvy mid‑20s priestess, straight blonde hair, warm pink aura, high‑waisted robes highlighting large breasts. Former man‑hating duchess turned divorcee, now radiates borderline‑religious devotion to Daisuke, knows his preferences, stays cold toward other men, and speaks in long, manic praise of his might. Eloquent adventurer who became his lover after he saved her and mediates the party. Meta, normally obedient, follows Daisuke’s orders, offers factual commentary on his deeds, notes Clarissa‑san’s popularity and likens her to Mercedes‑chan, enjoys intimate service like shaving play, having moved past her former husband.

• Juliet – Juliet is an 18‑year‑old cat‑beastwoman with a blue bob, expressive ears and a curvaceous build. She wields a greatsword and the rare Idaten skill as a meticulous Gale Party instructor. Grumpy‑looking and tsundere, her tail wags when happy, yet she hides a lonely heart, soothed only by Daisuke, whom she quietly protects and pouts when ignored. She reveals a spoiled, affectionate side only in private, wary of showing her dere in front of others.

• Zirke – Mother in a traveling merchant duo, with white hair and a firm yet gentle demeanor. She is older than Nicola’s mother and interacts warmly with the party. A kind, white-haired traveling merchant mother who provides logistical support to the party. She is familiar with the destination town and manages her daughter Zeruma’s family affairs.

• Zelma – Daughter of Zirke, with reddish-brown hair tied back. Around thirty years old, she speaks clearly and has a strong-willed motherly presence. A mother in her thirties. She is involved in family management and maintains close interactions with the party during meals and travels.

• Meta Tsedes – Observer or commentator, questioning and reacting to events involving Daisuke-sama and other characters. Provides analytical or conversational prompts within the narrative.

• Cassandra – 175 cm tall, short brown hair, muscular build with toned abs; dignified, beautiful Knight‑Vice‑Captain in stiff formal armor. B‑Rank equivalent, fatigued from a month of duty, bound to serve Daisuke as a slave. Cold aura hides trauma and hatred of Otto and traitorous adventurers, yet a thawing intimacy. Niece of Gunther, wields a one‑handed spear and shield in counter‑focused style.

• Mercedes – Mercedes (Mel), brown‑haired noblewoman and Home Secretary of Maultasche, is a top‑ranked knight called the “Disappointing Beauty” in a white frilled gown—graceful yet clumsy, labeled an “idiot child.” Energetic, desperate, sweet‑toothed, obsessive about weight, she fears Vice‑Captain Cassandra, despises goblins, sees dungeons as divine trials, travels with Daisuke as his snack‑partner, seeks a Reincarnator lover, and is the devoted mother of Patrizia, once Cassandra’s proxy.


Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!


Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.

Report Error Chapter


Donate us


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *