Estimated reading time: 5–6 minutes
Chapter 36
【Alto’s POV】
I’ve always aspired to be a hero who saves the world.
My name is Alto Franciphone.
I was born a commoner, but by some stroke of good luck, I’m now attending the Heinrich Noble Academy thanks to the chairman’s favor.
I wanted to make the most of this opportunity and repay his kindness.
Then one day, I came across a poster at the academy.
「Seeking heroes… join the Demon King subjugation squad!」
I thought this was my chance.
If I applied, maybe I could make something of myself.
Plus, with the Demon King revived, I couldn’t just stand by silently.
I was filled with restless energy and immediately signed up.
But honestly, I don’t have much confidence.
My spirit is willing, but I have no accomplishments or abilities to speak of.
I always believed I had talent that would blossom one day.
But here I am, already 16, and I still haven’t become anyone special.
I’m starting to realize I might just be an ordinary person.
With that being the case, would they really accept my application and find me useful on the subjugation squad?
I’m only level 6 – would I even contribute any fighting strength?
No, I can’t give up before even trying.
I will devote this life to the cause of justice!
◆
Somehow I passed the document screening. I bumbled my way through the interview but seems I cleared that too.
I was selected as one of the 50 squad members.
To be honest, I’m probably the weakest of the bunch.
I don’t even know why I was picked.
Maybe they liked my enthusiasm, but there were plenty of other eager candidates too.
In any case, I felt an equal mix of joy and unease.
The selected members gathered together.
Many already knew each other and were chatting lively, divides into groups.
I didn’t talk to anyone, standing alone.
Of course I’m the weakest here.
There’s few close to me in age or level.
To be blunt, I stuck out.
Sigh… can I really keep up like this?
Even at the Noble Academy, as a commoner my world was different from the nobles’.
I never made any friends there.
It was miserable.
But I have a strong sense of justice, more so than others.
I want to make use of that here, somehow.
As I thought that, someone came and spoke to me.
「Hey you, Alto was it? Why’d you volunteer for the subjugation squad?」
「Yes, Captain Eld. I cannot stand by silently when there is wrongdoing or injustice. If there is anything I can do, I must act.」
I was a little happy to be spoken to.
It was Eld Schmerzen.
He attends the same Noble Academy, and is the squad captain commanding this operation.
Why is he leading it?
Because at level 9999, he’s the pinnacle of human potential.
Amazing… he’s my age but has everything.
I’ll admit, I look up Eld a bit.
If I had that level, I could defeat the Demon King and accomplish things too.
On top of that, he’s friends with a princess and acquainted with the King.
A guy like that must have a good personality too.
He probably took pity on a loner like me and came to talk.
Then Captain Eld looked me over.
「Good, Alto, you seem to have talent. I want to personally train you. I hope to make you leader someday.」
「R-really!? Thank you very much!」
He started saying things like that.
What’s he talking about?
He sees potential in me?
I haven’t done anything though. Why’s he suddenly saying that…?
I see, he must be testing me.
Showing me an opportunity out of kindness…?
Doesn’t matter.
I have to meet his expectations here…!
Then I could really become leader.
As a commoner I’ll just have to work harder than anyone.
「Alright, now fight against Domingo.」
「Y-yes sir! I’ll do my best!」
I ended up pitted against Assistant Captain Domingo, a buff macho man way out of my league.
But I can’t chicken out here.
This is a precious chance given to me. I have to respond!
「Hyaaaahhh!!!」
But—
Wham!
Crack!
I was smashed to pieces in an instant.
「Gaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!! It huuuuurts!!!! My arms are bending the wrong wayyyyyyy!!!!」
My bones were bending the wrong way.
My joints were screaming in pain.
He wasn’t holding back at all.
Or am I just that pathetically weak…?
Anyway, I felt like I was dying.
Damn…! Damn…!
Are you trying to beat me to a pulp and make me quit?
Is the squad beyond me…!?
If only I was stronger…!
I was extremely frustrated.
The pain was unbearable.
Just then—
「Extra Heal!」
「Th-this is…?」
When Captain Eld chanted that, my pain instantly disappeared and my body returned to normal.
It was a strange feeling.
Why did he…?
「I’ll heal all your wounds. Now stand, Hero Alto! And aim even higher!」
「Y-yes sir!」
Captain Eld had a serious look saying that.
I was thunderstruck.
I see… he’s seriously trying to make me stronger.
As is I’d be killed by the Demon King instantly.
So become stronger, is what he’s saying.
Don’t give up so easily or you’ll never make it.
Yes, I have to stand back up…!
If he says he’ll heal me I can keep at it…!
Your words resonated with me…!
「Raaaaaah!」
「Good, well stood!」
Captain Eld, I’ll live up to your expectations…!
「Please, keep at it without holding back! I’ll endure any pain!」
「That’s the spirit!」
I was moved. He has that much faith in me.
I want to repay that, no matter what.
Captain Eld, I’ll defeat the Demon King…!
After that I withstood the Spartan training of Captain Eld and Domingo.
I feel much stronger now!
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