Mercenary guilds are generally recognized as demon slayers.
　Mercenary guilds receive requests from demons that appear in each village or town, go there, and get rewarded by defeating them.
　The price of the materials from the demons they kill depends on how well they are stripped, and if their skills are not good enough, the price is only about two or three pounds, so they need to be skilled hunters.
　It's not enough to just kill demons, but the rank of mercenaries depends on whether or not they have the skills to secure reliable materials, and the world of mercenaries is highly meritocratic.
　Of course, the skill to kill demons is required, but more than that, the knowledge of materials is also necessary, and the world of mercenaries has a surprisingly academic aspect.
　For this reason, there are many people who are hunters.
　Those who are rough and tumble will naturally fall.

Hey, Mr. Xellos. ......
What's up, Mr. Ad?
We're getting a lot of attention, aren't we?
It's not every day a mage becomes a mercenary, so we're bound to get some attention. Don't worry about it, be proud of yourself.

　One of the reasons why there are so few mercenaries who are mages is that only those who are relatively wealthy can enter the Istor Academy of Magic.
　Mages are basically scholars, and it costs a certain amount of money to learn magic.
　Naturally, orphans, peasants, and those who have become mercenaries from the ranks of hoodlums are despised by the mages. There was a big gap in terms of lack of education.

You'll be able to find a lot of people who are willing to help you. I've heard that the academy teaches martial arts as well.
I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. It's annoying. ......
In addition, since mercenaries can now buy magic scrolls, more and more mercenaries think that they don't need mages.
　However, it seems that only those mercenaries who have passed the guild's screening process can purchase magic scrolls.
It would be a problem if magic was used for crimes, so such screening is necessary. It would be troublesome if someone with bad behavior used magic.

　Magic is troublesome when it is used for crimes.
　Especially in this world where scientific investigation technology has not been established, perfect crimes are possible if you want to do so. Even simple spells such as [Sleep Cloud] and [Acid Mist] are difficult to identify the culprit if used in a crime.
　Mercenaries will be judged based on their rank and reputation, and only those with a certain high rating will be qualified to purchase magic.
　In addition, those who purchase magic scrolls will be listed on a list, and the Mercenaries Guild will share records of what magic they have learned, so that they can be used in investigations when magic is used in crimes.
　The new law still had some holes in it, and it would take some time before the problems could be solved.

I thought magic scrolls could be used multiple times after learning a spell.　Isn't it too late to make such a system now?
"It's hard to recover old scrolls that have been sold. I heard that they are taking them back at half the selling price, but the recovery rate is not good.
　Fortunately, magic itself doesn't work without a certain amount of magic power, and the fuel consumption is low. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.
It's defective. So?　What's the new type?
When the magic is transferred to the subconscious, the scroll's magic formula disappears. It's much easier to use than the old type of magic and I hear it's quite popular.

　I'm not going to tell you that I'm the one who set up the magic scroll.

Where do you get this information?
"Newspapers. Ad, you should at least read a newspaper, you'll get more information than you think.
By the way, ......, you didn't spread that scroll, did you, Xelloss?　I remember something similar...
"Well. You should register it as soon as possible.

　I'm convinced that there is definitely an old man behind the magic scroll sales, Ad.
　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few.

What can I do for you?
I want to register as a mercenary.
You two are mages, aren't you?　The guild accepts all kinds of people, baby. You'll have to follow the rules, though.
I don't know, I think it was rapping in the middle. The guy behind me is already registered.
Okay. We're shorthanded Yo-Hey! Guild, thanks for the applications!　I'm a bit of a f*ckin' mage, but there's no substitute for a shortage of people!　Can I sign up right now?

　It was a funky receptionist.
　She looks like a career woman in a suit, but she interjects rap music into every conversation.

You don't have to be so blunt just because you don't like the mage, do you?
Oh Yee, you stupid a**h*le mage from the academy!　I'm not going to let you get away with it.
　You're no better than a useless piece of horse manure!　You're no better than Stone on the Road. You can't battle, and you can't strip!　You can't even get materials, you useless motherf*cker baby!　
　You're a useless motherf*cker, baby!　I'm disillusioned with the Heart. I'm not here for you, you mouth-breathing mage, but seriously, GoHome, Fu-
GoHome, Fu-" "Speak normally, ........ And I didn't go to the academy, remember?　I don't want to be a nuisance to people from other countries.
I'm sorry.　I'm sorry. It's called the Magic Kingdom, but to be honest, I don't have high expectations for mages.
There have been many times when mages have registered as mercenaries, but most of them were just talking, and few of them accomplished their requests properly.



　Ado couldn't help but turn to Xelloss.
　At the very least, the old man is stronger than the average mercenary, and is capable of completing simple requests first. It was inconceivable that the mage was not working as a mercenary.

I'm not a mercenary, but I'm a member of the mercenary guild because I need to be.　It's not that I don't make enough money to be a mercenary, or that I wanted to be one.
No, if you're a registered mercenary, why don't you take a few requests? It would be annoying for a newcomer like me if I got some strange prejudice.
I think it's up to the individual. And if you want to improve the treatment of mages, why don't you do your best, Ad?
It's a good argument, but it doesn't make sense to me. ......

　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it.
　But I think it would be good for him to contribute to improving the treatment of mages, even if only a little.

"Then go to ...... and fill out the application form, and listen to the instructions, Crazyboy. End as our best battler. Thanks for accepting my guild card, Pooou!
"......... (Does this receptionist have to rap every time she speaks?)
"Excuse me, .......
"I'm sorry, ......." - "That's rude, seriously, .......

　That was not the way to treat a customer.
　He was working diligently, but he seemed to get feverish at any chance.
There was a huge gap between her appearance and his.
　Anyway, Ad was guided by the receptionist to a room in the back to take a lesson.

　I've been to the gym.

　We waited for an hour for Ad to go to the training.
The old man was slurping down some ale at the counter of the bar, when he noticed Ad walking unsteadily from the back.
　He seemed to be very tired.

"Oh, you're back.
"Oh my God, ...... that receptionist got heated from the start and started rapping about it. I had no idea what she was talking about. ......
Well, you just have to remember the basics, don't you?
I tried to get him to explain what I didn't understand, but for some reason, halfway through, his rapping turned into death metal, and he ended up explaining it with a song mixed with nursery rhymes. ......
It's ...... subtle and innovative music that you want to listen to, but don't want to listen to.
"Do you remember the protocol? You can't get it into your head at all. And the recital goes on forever. ....... It's worse than some kid's grandfather.

　Ad was completely exhausted in the past hour.
　From what I've heard, the receptionist is a great singer and sang the guild's constitution in a fast-paced, fast-changing tune.
　However, it was meaningless if the song was too distracting and the rules themselves did not enter your mind.

There were a couple of new mercenaries, but I was cheering them on with geek art. ......
What local idol are you?
"Heck, ...... had a great sense of humor. I'm so tired of your commentary.
"Enka was included!　The only reason I was so tired was because I was doing too much tsukomi!
I ended up getting a copy of the guild's bylaws. I don't understand what that course is about. ......

　This world seemed to have a unique music culture.
　And it seems that reading the guild rules is faster than reading the manual.

You're about to take a field test, right?　Are you going to be okay, Ad?
Somehow ....... It's easier on the mind if you're physically active.
Well, there's no reason why you can't pass the test.
...... I'm not so sure about that.
"?

　I turned around at the sound of a voice from the side and saw a young man standing there.
　In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

A mercenary is a deadly business. I don't think mages have a place in it. Besides, ...... it's me who's testing you. I'm not going to give you an easy pass.
I'm not going to give you an easy pass.

　My first impression of the two of them was that they were characters from an anime about a mobile weapon.
　Their pretentious gestures and naivety gave them that image, and they did not look like examiners who would be conducting a field test.

A mage who never goes to the vanguard is not necessary for a mercenary. Step aside gracefully before you make a fool of yourself.
"No, why do I have to be told that?　It's not that you can't do mercenary work even if you're a mage. You're prejudiced, aren't you?
...... Mercenaries are the last line of defense for the weak. It's too much for a mage who can only provide magical support from the rear. It's true that there are ways to fight, but if you can't protect yourself, you'll die for nothing. I've been in that situation many times.



　The young man brushed his bangs with his hand and let his hair fall in an unbelievable fluff.
　Seeing him, the women behind him let out a yellow cheer.

"This guy is annoying ......".

　That's what Xelloss and Ado really thought at the time.

"Master Kiremy is right. Mages should just give up and go home, becoming a mercenary is just a hindrance.
You're useless anyway, right?　You're useless anyway, so go home to your momma while you're not hurt.
Don't bother with us B-rank clan, the Order of the Red Rose. I'm just trying to be nice, okay?
Guys, even though it's true, you should be more careful with your words. You're making me question my character.
「「「「「 Sorry about that. Mr. Killemmy. ......」」」」」
I thought you were one of us. ....... I thought you were a loner.
The Red Rose: ...... What do you mean?　There are a lot of weirdos in this world.

　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

Mercenaries should be clean and decent, and above all, they should have character and civility. Of course, individual strength is a necessity, but if some people are vulgar, the character of others will be questioned. Especially not mages.
No, I'm a mage, but I'm also a melee fighter.　I'm a mage, but I'm also a melee fighter, and I'm better at it.
I don't know what kind of mages you've met, but I don't like being compared to all of them. I'll take that as advice, though.　It doesn't mean anything, though.

I'm not going to ask the question, "What's wrong with your friends?
　I didn't say anything about the question, 'Your friends have no character either,' because I felt that if I were to make a comment, it might lead to a complication.

"Well, never mind. I'd appreciate it if you guys didn't do anything that would damage the reputation of the guild. I'm not counting on you mages to begin with, so go gather some herbs where you won't be disturbed.
"Hyah!　No good, little man of Kiremy!

　This time, a vulgar, thug-like man in a certain fin-de-siecle fashion joined us.
　He was half naked under his leather jacket. The mohawked man with spiked shoulder pads and a chain wrapped around his body, licking his knife with his tongue, was an A-ranked mercenary of the Santor Mercenary Guild.
　The other members of the guild were dressed in the same fashion, and the man's words and actions made Jeremy frown in displeasure.
　Xellos and the others inwardly thought, 'There's that weird guy again.

"These two are bad, huh?　They're not the kind of guys a kid like you can beat. I'm going to have to do something.
"Ace-san? I'm sure you're not the only one who thinks so highly of mages.　I'm sure you're not the only one.
"Hee hee, you're telling me. I'm not sure what to make of it.　It's not someone you can fight with. I'm not sure what to do.
I'm not sure what to say.　I'm not sure what to make of that.
"Hahahahaha!　I'm not going to lie, I don't even want to get close to them. I'm sure you'll agree that this is a great idea.
"......

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

"Heeheehee. What's the matter with you, Head?　You're bothering the rest of us, aren't you?
"Hyah!　Joker, you're late, aren't you?
Joker, what took you so long? - Geez, I ran into some old lady with a big bag on the way over. I helped her carry her stuff home. She gave me some fried bread as a thank you.　Freshly made.
"Hee hee, you did a good thing. That's my family. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
"They're not as nice as they look!

　Their fashion sense was disgusting, but their hearts were very good.

"Hey, I don't know what to ask you, but ...... are they actually very nice people?
"Well, ...... they may look like that, but they are famous for being very charitable, taking care of the elderly and orphans. At the very least, you should do something about that outfit. ....... They're a bunch of hypocrites, if you ask me.
It's much better than being as bad as they look. ....... Well, I'm not so sure about that fashion.

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.
　Ace's clan, the Saints of the End of the Century, is a benevolent organization that will take on any cheap request.
　By systematically operating members of all ranks, from high to low, the clan efficiently accomplishes requests without incurring losses under any circumstances. Moreover, they are so thorough that they even do charity work.


　He may look like a jerk, but he has the support of many people and is always ready to serve. He has one of the highest commission completion rates in the Santor Mercenary Guild.
　These aces were truly successful mercenaries.

"Well, it's better than choosing a job based on the amount of money it pays. It's better than being a smart ass.
Mr. Xeros: ....... In a way, aren't we just like them?　You're not normal, are you Xellos?
We're not the good guys, you know.　We're not the good guys, we're the bad guys. We choose our jobs based on how much they pay.
Any ordinary mercenary would be the same, wouldn't he?　Well, we're not as vile as they are. We're not as vulgar as they are. ...... It's not so much their behavior as their attitude that's the problem.

　The aces are too good for the other mercenaries to stand a chance.
　But that's just the way it is. Mercenaries have to spend a lot of money on equipment maintenance and recovery potions, so they take on high-paying commissions to make a living.
　There is not enough room for charity, and many of them are just trying to make ends meet today. Ace and the other "saints of the end of the century" are too different.

It's better for you if you pass this guy right away, Kiremy!　If you try to fight him, you'll lose in one blow.
"What?　You think I'm weak?　That's an insult, Ace!
I'm just saying, these two guys are monsters. Look, I warned you, okay?
Huh!　Then I'll exceed your expectations. You can't lose to a mage.
"Kekeke, I'm sorry, but I did warn you. I've been warned.　If you attack him, he'll die.

　Laughing, Ace walked away from the scene.
　I guess the A rank is not an exaggeration. He would not know exactly how strong Ad was, but he could probably estimate his strength just by the hint he gave off.
　It means that he is sensitive to danger, which is a necessary ability for a mercenary.

　The less sensitive you are to danger, the sooner you die. This is the reason why the mercenary profession has a high wear and tear rate.
　If they don't know the strength of the demon just by looking at it, many of them will charge into the battle with only momentum. This is a common practice among bloodthirsty mercenaries, but it is impossible for them to live long.
　This is a profession that requires the ability to prevent wear and tear and to accomplish requests efficiently. Naturally, the higher the rank, the more cautious the mercenaries are, and sometimes they spend a long time fighting demons.
　This is because they always make careful preparations and are always ready for any eventuality. For this purpose, it is more efficient to start a clan than a party.
　Even with such careful preparation, failure is always a possibility. Therefore, act cautiously, keeping in mind the need to increase your survival rate. Mercenaries who can use [Search] and [Appraise] are highly valued.
　This is to detect danger as much as possible, and is also a means to accomplish the request.
　However, not all clans are as careful and meticulous in their preparations as the Saints of the End of the Century. Some clans are notorious for disposing of their members.
　The guild is only an organization that mediates requests, so it does not go into the internal affairs of the clan. This half-hearted management had lowered the reputation of mercenaries.

I'm going to lose. ....... I'll overturn that prediction for you.
I'm sure you're not the only one.　You're just adding fuel to the fire, aren't you?

　Kiremy was on fire.
　He was the third son of a noble family, and of course he had no right to inherit the family name.
　As such, he was seeking fame, and it was natural that he would seek decency in the profession of mercenary.
　To receive a request from a merchant, one must have a good track record and be polite. The higher the rank of the clan, the stronger the tendency. The only exception is the Saint of the End of the Century.

"Ad, don't kill ......, okay?
"Don't trust me that much?　I'll go easy on you.
I'll go easy on you." "No, I think even that's a bad idea. You're stronger than you think, okay?　You have to be aware of that.
Well, I'll take it lightly. ......
Quit insulting me!

　The old man seemed to have dropped another bomb.
　The old man seems to have dropped more bombs. Ad gives Xellos a very disgusted look. The old man apologized in his heart.

It's ...... time. Let's see what you newcomers can do. Especially that mage there, .......
"Wow, you're so hostile ....... What a pain in the ass!
"Have a good day, Mr. Ad.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.
　In this way, several new mercenaries were tested in the underground arena.



Master, lock.
"...... aiyo.

　After watching their backs, the old man fluently ordered an expensive whiskey at the counter.

　This is a very good place to be.

　Underground arena.
　It used to exist above ground, and many fighters fought here.
　Now it is blocked by a semi-circular curved ceiling, and is used as a training ground for new recruits of the mercenary guild.

You will now be tested in combat. The first to arrive at the reception desk will take their turn!

　Kiremy instructs with a snort.
　The staff brought in wooden swords for training, and you choose the one that suits you best.
　Ad chose a two-handed sword called the Zweihander.
　He swung it around lightly to see how it felt.

It's not that bad. ....... It's wooden and light.

　Ad only swung it lightly, but the sword's lines were completely invisible to the new mercenaries and Jeremy.
　The fact that the slash was unnoticeable made everyone shudder.

I'm not sure what to make of this.　It's impossible!　I'm sure you're not the only one.　I'm not sure what you mean by that. If that's the case, then your true ability is .......

　Killemmi thought that Ad was using body enhancement magic.
　If there were mages here, there would be no traces of magic use, but unfortunately there are no mages in the mercenary guild.
　Therefore, he did not realize that he was mistaken.

"You don't approve of enhancement magic, do you?　Remove the spell.
"Enhancement magic?　No, I'm not using it.　I told you, I'm better with a sword.
You're lying!　Where else in the world would you find a mage who knows how to use a sword?
You're here, right?　You can tell by looking at me when I use enhancement magic. You can see the light that surrounds your body with magic.
What?

　Yes, enhancement magic can be visibly identified.
　And there's no trace of it in Ad. In other words, he swung the sword with his own power. But Kiremy couldn't admit that.

It's not enhancement magic, you say?　I'm not sure what you mean by that.　I'm not sure what you mean.　I'm not sure what to do.

It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.
　Since the magical power circulates inside the body, it cannot be seen from the outside. The body is further strengthened, and the power is twice that of a normal person.

If you're looking for ......, it's the "fighting spirit method". I'm surprised a mage can use such a technique, but my eyes can't be fooled.
I'm not using it. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. If you could fight, you wouldn't have chosen a sword in the first place. Well, I'm good at both, though. If you hit me with your bare hands, you'll die for sure.
"Huh?

　You are a mage, but you can fight with swords as well as other forms of combat.
　In other words, while learning the wisdom of a mage, you have also learned melee combat. To put it bluntly, it's out of the ordinary.
　In the first place, the【Touki Hou】is a technique that can be called a martial artist's profound skill. If you can use it, it is no exaggeration to say that you are an expert.
　In other words, the mage in front of you is saying, "I can use magic and weapons, but even with my bare hands I'm an expert.

I'm not sure how that's possible!　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.　You can quit mocking me!
"No, it's true. ....... If you don't admit it, you're really going to die, okay?

　It's no wonder that Jeremy is so angry.
　The training of a mage is not something you can learn half-heartedly, and the same goes for fighting. Even if you learn both, it is likely to be half-hearted, and it is impossible to master a technique that can be called a profound skill. Even if you do learn them, you will not be able to use them to their full potential.
　This is natural in terms of common sense, but unfortunately, people don't realize that Ad is insane. That's why they can't admit the reality.

I'm sure there's more to it than that. ....... I won't admit it!


"No, admit it. ....... What are you being so stubborn about?
Shut up!　Shut up! I'm going to take your skin off.

　Ad's opinion was not heeded.
　And the field test begins.

　"He's from a magical noble family.

"He's from a magical noble family. He's from a magical noble family, and he's been ostracized for his lack of talent. ......
"Wow, ......, that sounds familiar again.

　While having a drink, Xelloss was talking to the bartender master.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

"He was kicked out of his family home and had to become a mercenary. Of course, he didn't have the skills to survive.
It must have been hard work. That's why you're ranked B. And you started your own clan, that's impressive!
You know what I mean.　You know how useless the mages were until now. ....... It's faster for mercenaries to learn magic, and more suitable for actual combat.
You're right. ....... But that's in this country, right?　There are some exceptions.
Yeah, ...... monsters like you two, you know. But he's not going to be accepted.　

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that. If you admit that, it means that your life up to now has been denied.
　That's a bit extreme, but it's .......

It's not our business, is it?　I'm sure you're not the only one.
You're right. ....... That's why you need to know the size of the world. Even if you have to go through some pain, you can still go to .......
That's harsh!
Reality is cruel. That's why we have to face the present. ......

　The world is changing.
　The world changes, for the better or for the worse, little by little over time, and eventually it becomes accepted as common sense. There were mercenaries who learned magic in the Order of the Red Rose in Killemey.
　It's true that magic is no longer just for mages, but that doesn't mean the same thing as personal circumstances. If mercenaries can use magic, then it is not surprising that mages can use weapons and combat. If you can't accept the reality of the mercenary profession, you will be hurt.
　And--

Mr. Kiremy, please be careful!
Why? ....... Why would a mage be able to ......
Impossible!　Why did this happen to Jeremy? ......
"Because he's a ...... boy.

　The master wiped the glass and the old man muttered almost simultaneously with the glass in his hand.
　As the gurney carried him away, his friends escorted him to the infirmary.
　Unable to admit the truth, and clinging to his common sense to the end, Jeremy seemed to have been defeated by Ad with a single blow.
　Ad appeared from the back of the room, scratching his head and looking unhappy.

I took it easy on him. ......
No, it was just a light hit. I think that's too much, even if it was just a little.
That's really rude, isn't it?
No, at our level, it's just bullying the weak. ....... At least, you can handle his sword until you're satisfied.
I think that would be terrible, don't you?

　Ad seemed to have responded in a disciplined manner.
　As a result, Kiremy was sent to the infirmary.

"Ad, right?　You're strong. ...... No, too strong.
"Well, I was trained by the man in front of me. I've seen hell. ......
Xellos ...... I believe there was an S rank mercenary with that name ....... I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.
"Xelloss-san ......, what are you doing too?
No, it's out of necessity. I had no intention of becoming a mercenary, but...

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing. Of course, the name would become known.

"Well, you're the Duke of Solistea's personal servant. We can't just ask him to appoint us. Most of the S-ranks are held by the nobility and the state.


Is that so?
Please don't ask me that. I've told you many times, I only signed up because I had to. I just registered because I had to. Uncle wants to take it easy.

　The old man's position was free.
　The Duke of Delsacis seemed to have no intention of putting a collar on Xellos.

My position is give and take. My position is give-and-take. When the Duke of Delsacis and I have a mutual interest, I'll accept the request. Well, if it's an interesting request, I'll take it.
"It's good that you have freedom. It's a good thing that we have freedom, because the other S-ranks are getting fed up with the reckless requests they get.
"You know a lot for a master bartender, don't you?　Are you Guillermo by any chance?
You're right. ....... I retired as a mercenary due to injury, but I used to be an S-rank mercenary.　Well, no one even remembers his name anymore.

　Master barkeep and guildmaster of the Santor Mercenaries Guild. His name is Cezanne Rorkes. He was once a defender of large shields.
　He used to be a defensive mercenary who used a large shield and was known as a key member of the vanguard to protect his friends.
　Due to injury and old age, he retired from mercenary work and began working for a guild, and is now the master of a mercenary guild.

He is now the master of the mercenary guild. He is an S-rank apprentice, or even S-rank from his skills. ......
You should at least give me an A rank. If you're an S-rank apprentice, you're going to have a lot of unwanted people following you around.
"Hmm, ...... are you okay with that?　You're his disciple, right?
I'm not really a disciple. ....... If you're okay with it, I don't see why I should be against it. It's basically free will. I'm not going to tie you down.
I'm not going to tie you down." "Well, if you're going to ......, I'm going to register you at A rank. Bring me demon materials on a regular basis and I won't complain.
Roger that. ....... We're gonna make some money.
The guild card will take a while. You want a drink?
In the middle of the day?　Well, ...... a little.

　Ad seems to have a good head on his shoulders.
　While the guild card is being issued, Ad and the old man are sipping on salami and sipping on drinks.

By the way, when did they start selling whiskey?
I've only seen ale, too. It's warm. ......
Solstair Trading Company recently started selling it. They've been working on it for a while, and they've finally come up with a product they're happy with.
"Wow. ......

　The Duke of Delsacis, who has been expanding his business in addition to being a lord.
　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot more information on this in the future.