Chapter 485: Earnest Apprentices (pt. II)

"Umm... How do we become adventurers?" ［???］

A serious question popping out of the blue. Silence followed after it, and soon were deep thoughts, Grey and Yuna looking at one another's eyes as they tried to process just what the young boy before them was talking about.

They had expected something trivial like how food was made, or something which relates to their studies, or many some fun things about games and such, but who would have been through they would be thrown a curveball without any warning.

It wasn't just any serious question either. It was a difficult and tricky one which could very well change the course of the children's life. Grey and Yuna could only ponder with deep thoughts, soon heaving a troubled and exasperated sigh.

"Umm... Your name was... Reed, wasn't it?" ［Grey］

"Y-Yeah! It's Reed!" ［Reed］

"Alright, so Reed, can you sit down for a moment. The others too, sit down on the grass and relax yourselves. This may take a lot of time." ［Grey］

Grey and Yuna are adventurers, and they have been asked all sorts of questions before. Things like "How do I become like you?" or "What should I do to become strong?" or "Is it cool being a hero?"... Things many children ask them.

However, they have never been asked in such a straightforward manner about how to become adventurers. They were very serious as well, their eyes filled with passion and determination, ready to take anything Grey and Yuna threw at them.

Unlike kids who asked them before, the ones before them are orphans, abandoned, previous slum dwellers, and kids of the sort. They have experienced hardships in life and know that that world isn't just flowers and rainbows.

They know that in order to survive in such a harsh world, they need to become strong and capable enough. It is also the reason Grey and Yuna are giving them the chance to learn and improve themselves, and spread their wings like the birds in the sky.

"Umm... Is something wrong, Big Bro...? Big Sis...?" ［Reed］

"Ah, no... It's just, let us think for a moment, alright?" ［Grey］

"Un! Big Sis and Big Bro just need to sort their thoughts a little bit." ［Yuna］

"Umm... O... Okay..." ［Reed］

They could be blacksmiths, merchants, artisans, actors, chefs, inn owners, office workers, engineers, and so many more, however... Being an adventurer was a completely different matter. It was a job of another level.

Being adventurers themselves, Grey and Yuna knew full well of the dangers of the world. It was a profession where you could lose your life due to a single mistake or even just because you have terrible luck.

While there is the temptation of fame, money, honor, and status, the dangers are also just as grave. Not to mention that not all adventurers become successful. Most don't even get past F-rank, and stay there for the rest of their lives.

Many adventurers even chose the job because it was the only choice they have left, risking it all just so they could go by another day. Registering as one was no different than putting one of your legs inside the grave,

"Well, first, Reed, everyone, can we ask you something? Why do you want to become an adventurer? There's so many jobs out there, so why an adventurer?" ［Grey］

"That... I just want to help earn money for everyone." ［Reed］

"Yeah! Me too! And it's also cool!"

"I also want to defeat monsters like Big Bro and Big Sis!"

Too naive... The children were just as naive as one would expect. Though they know of hardships, they don't know the dangers of the wild. Their answers were nothing but dreamy words little children utter in their sleep.

It also seems like it stemmed from their admiration of them, the children aspiring to become great adventurers as Grey and Yuna are, not knowing of the challenges and hardship it entails. All they saw was the goal, but not the journey.

"As for me, I want to carry my weight and help the adults. I know how hard and dangerous adventuring is, but I still want to try."

"Me too. I have seen my Dad fight a goblin before, and while it's scary, I will keep on trying. I will become an adventurer everyone can rely on."

"I have been practicing swordsmanship, so I also want to try!"

The older ones are more sensible and more aware of the situation, however, they are still far too inexperienced. There was a difference in learning theories and experiencing things first hand, and it makes all the difference.

While it is good that they want to help out the adults, sacrificing themselves in such a job would only make them worry and guilty rather than happy. They are people who want the children to live freely, and carry such a heavy burden.

The more Grey and Yuna listened to the children's reasoning, the more determined they were to reject their ideas and stop them from ever stepping into the world of adventurers. It was not a world for the weakhearted.

"Frankly, I don't approve of anyone here becoming adventurers. Unless you love taking adventures and the thrill of danger, I fully condone it." ［Grey］

"Grey's right... There are so many ways to help out without putting yourselves in grave danger. Professionals earn decent wages, you know?" ［Yuna］

"More importantly, do you kids even know how dangerous quests are? One wrong move and you can lose your lives." ［Grey］

"But isn't it alright if we prepare ourselves? As long as we keep our guardsー"

"That's absolute crap! No matter how much you prepare yourself, if you are just unlucky, you could still sustain injuries, or worse, get yourself killed! The outside world is a brutal place! It's not a place for dreamers!" ［Grey］

Grey raised his voice towards the children, scolding them as much as they could and crushing their lofty ideals before they got any funny ideas and got themselves hurt. It may be harsh, but it was best to make them understand.

Even Yuna was in full agreement to Grey's words. While they almost always play around during their quests, such was not true for normal adventurers. They are fighting for their lives and struggling for every arm and leg.

『Master, I think your words are a little harsh.』 ［Sirius］

『I know, but it's better to slap them with the truth and let them continue dreaming and suffer the consequences later on.』 ［Grey］

『Un... That's right. They are free to choose whatever they want, but that doesn't mean we'll cheer them on when we know they are heading to peril.』 ［Yuna］

『We're also partly responsible for how they view adventuring. We can't just let this go on. We need to get rid of the misconceptions before it's too late.』 ［Grey］

『I see,,. Then I wish you the best, Master, Mistress.』 ［Sirius］

They were eager to teach Eliza, but that was because she was safe with them around, and even now, she has Polaris with her. Zeke and Eldhart also have reliable and experienced colleagues they can lean their backs on.

However, the same couldn't be said for the children. With their numbers alone, it would be difficult to keep track of them, and even more so, keep them safe. One missed moment and everything could spiral down to a disaster.

Frankly, if it were up to them, they would have loved it if they just graduated normally and secured a safe, normal, and decent-paying job for themselves. They built the workshops for that very purpose, after all.

"Listen, kids... It's not that it's impossible, but we don't want you to make any rash decisions which could harm you." ［Grey］

"Wolves, goblins, kobolds, tigers, pythons, and all sorts of things. There are even lethal plants in the forest which could poison you. The outside is nor a playground where you just swing your sword around and hope for the best." ［Yuna］

"If you're unlucky, not only yourself, but also your friends and everyone around you could be put in danger. Worst case scenario, the party might get totally annihilated.

While taking quests, you aren't only responsible for your life, but for your party members and companions as well. This isn't a game where you can restart if you lose. This is real life, so think realistically." ［Grey］

The harsh and cold truth was laid down before the children, Grey and Yuna making sure they don't want to cut corners and that the children truly understand the meaning behind their words. They made sure to pound it into them.

They may be children, but everyone fully understood their intention. The children could only keep on quiet as they clench their fists and brit their teeth. All of their words were the truth, and there was no way they could refute them.

"It's good to have dreams, but don't overdo it. We are happy that you're thinking of the future seriously, but sometimes you just need to enjoy the moment." ［Yuna］

"You're still young, so you shouldn't worry too much about the future... Haah... Just where did you get these silly ideas from?" ［Grey］

Grey and Yuna soon cooled down after their lecture, and with their warm hands, they patted the children before them and consoled them. They are still children, after all. Maybe they just said it in the heat of the momentー

"Th-Then! Is it okay if we can prove ourselves?!"

... Or so they thought. However, it seems like their message has yet to fully come across the children's minds. Some of them were quite firm and stubborn, refusing to give up with determination still burning deep in their eyes.

It wasn't just one or two, but a handful of children that stood up and asked for a single chance to prove themselves. It was a complete shock to Grey and Yuna to see such obedient children talk back to them for the first time.

"You want to prove yourself? Do you understand what you just said?" ［Grey］

"Y-Yes! And if we can prove it, we want you to approve of us!"

"Haah... Such stubborn children... Let's see how you fare then..." ［Grey］

"Ah, thank you very muchー"

The children couldn't even celebrate Grey's approval, when suddenly, Grey vanished from their sight. The moment he reappeared, his fist was already in front of the boy who was thanking him, just a few millimeters apart.

FWOOOOOSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

A strong gust of wind accompanied his fist and a storm of dust blew all over the empty lots. The young boy was at a loss for words, his heart beating mad out of his chest as he tried to understand what had just transpired before him.

The moment things clicked was also the moment he realized he was already soaking in cold sweat, losing the strength in his legs and soon collapsing to the ground. His whole body was trembling, his heart louder than his breathing.

"Had I not pulled back my punch, your head would have been blown away. This is how unfair the world is. There is no way around it." ［Grey］

"N-No! Please let me try again! I wasn't ready yet!"

"Wasn't ready...? Hah! The world doesn't wait for you to be ready. If I had been an ogre or a bandit, your life would have already been forfeit. That's just how the world is... Do you understand me now?" ［Grey］

"... Yes... I understand..."

"Good. Then rest for a little while, and think about your actions for a bit. Sorry that I went this far, but this is for the best for everyone." ［Grey］

Said Grey calmly as he patted the young boy's shoulder. He may have gone over the top with his scaring tactic, but he was still thinking for the best of the children. It was better for them to understand the reality of the world as soon as they can.

Silence in the air and the children now reflecting on their words, Grey soon returned to where he previously was and sat beside Yuna. His eyes peered at the children once again before heaving a lengthy sigh.

『Yuna... Was I too harsh?』 ［Grey］

『Fufufu! You're worrying about that now?』 ［Yuna］

『I'm just worried about the children. They won't hate me, won't they?』 ［Grey］

『You're worrying too much. The children may be sulking now, but they know you're doing it for their sake. They're good children so they'll understand.』 ［Yuna］

『... I guess you're right... Haah...』 ［Grey］

The children sulked and pondered, and Grey and Yuna watched over them. Time passed by silently like that and the children's expressions shifted plenty of times. It seems like they are really putting some thought into Grey's words.

Before long, the younger children started to play again and a few of the slightly older ones also joined them. Giggles and laughter filled the air, the children soon inviting Grey and Yuna to play, smiles across their adorable faces.

All that remained silent were the children who were aspiring to be adventurers. They are still thinking about Grey and Yuna's words, mumbling amongst themselves and exchanging various opinions. They were quite serious about it.

"Oh! It really are Your Highnesses!" ［Gartes］

Just as they did so, a familiar figure appeared at the scene. He had just returned from his trip from the Guild, and though he wasn't able to have promote his rank because of how busy the Guild was, he was able to secure a schedule for an exam

Now. He is loitering near the perimeter and while he was doing so, he spotted quite a number of figures, approaching them out of pure curiosity. He also wanted to thank Grey and Yuna for all the tips they taught them.

"Mister Gartes... You're back early. Is the Guild still busy?" ［Grey］

"Yes. It seems like they have a lot of orders and Guildmaster Chiron is swamped with paperwork. It might take a while before things calm down." ［Gartes］

"We see... But why didn't you head to the smithy immediately. The others have been waiting for you, you know? They're really excited." ［Yuna］

"It's exactly because of that that I'm delaying my return, Your Highness. If I get inside now, I'm going to be swamped by them and it will be a huge pain." ［Gartes］

It may be because of relief and glee that he has now become a Tier-5 Blacksmith, but compared to before, Gartes now looks much more refreshed and his complexion has also gotten a lot better, his smile showing bigger than before.

He then talked to Grey and Yuna about reaching Tier-6 later in the future and see what else he could learn from them. Even then, throughout the whole conversation, he couldn't help but notice something.

"Umm... This may be sudden, but can I ask something, Your Highnesses? Uhh... Those kids... Is there something wrong?" ［Gartes］

"Mmm... Actually, Mister Gartes..." ［Yuna］

Grey and Yuna soon explained the situation to Gartes, starting from when Reed asked them a strange question, all the way to the point where Grey tested out everyone's determination. Gartes nodded all the time.

After all, Gartes also has children of his own and he knows well how it feels when children suddenly come up to him with dangerous ideas which could shape their future. He had also given them the scolding of a lifetime.

"I see... So something like that happened." ［Gartes］

"What do you think? Do you think we were too harsh?" ［Grey］

"No, no, not at all. Rather, I think what you did was the right thing. The children are still naive and innocent, and it's our job as adults to guide them to the right paths even if it means we have to use harsh words." ［Gartes］

"And about my little test?" ［Grey］

"Well, that... That may be... It's a little overboard." ［Gartes］

Gartes shared Grey and Yuna's fine sentiment, fully agreeing with their words and actions... Or well, most of the actions. It may be a little unconventional, but it was effective to say the least as proven by the kids' deep pondering.

He isn't an adventurer or had ever been one, but being a blacksmith, he had met a lot of them in the past. He knows how dangerous a job adventuring was when many of his customers returned with dented armors and chipped weapons.

He always makes sure to do his best in making weapons and provide them with the highest quality equipment he can. Their equipment was their lifeline and it was his responsibility as a blacksmith to secure that very precious lifeline.

"Well, but as a father, there's also one thing I learned from being with my children... It's their desire to be free. I believe you're familiar with it too, right?" ［Gartes］

"Un... We've all been there..." ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. Then that makes things much easier. You must know what happens when you suppress their freedom too much, right?" ［Gartes］

"They will yearn for it more... No, they will desire it." ［Grey］

"That's right... While it's good to keep them safe, sometimes, you also just have to let them go. They won't always be children forever. They are themselves." ［Gartes］

It was a simple lesson and one Grey and Yuna are too familiar with. Perhaps they may just be overreacting and perhaps they are just worrying too much. They aren't even parents yet yet they already surpassed the worrisome nature of one.

They won't be able to stop them forever, so rather than oppose them, it would be better to support and prepare them for the future. They will soon carve their own destinies, and so, it was better to give them a chisel to make it easier.

"What do you say you give them a test? Something to prove their abilities. That should make you feel a lot at ease, right?" ［Gartes］

"But I already did though?" ［Grey］

"Your Highness... Please make it possible, at least. There's no way children can stand against an S-ranker's capabilities." ［Gartes］

"I limited my strength to F-rank, you know?" ［Grey］

"That doesn't make much of a difference for the children at all... Why don't you give them a little more time to prepare? A month, maybe?" ［Gartes］

There was no need for Gartes to say it, Grey and Yuna smiling ever so subtly. They have already decided what to do and know the best test they can hold to measure the children's abilities and see whether they can really handle adventuring.

Coincidentally, just as they finished with their little chat, the children also stood up and once again approached them. Their eyes are now much fiercer than before, everyone mustering the courage to try again.

"Hm? Is something the matter, kids?" ［Grey］

"B-Big Bro! Big Sis! A-After all, we want to be adventurers!" ［Reed］

It wasn't a question anymore, but rather, a bold declaration. The light in the children's eyes have completely changed like blades which have been sharpened delicately. All of them were still shaking, but they now stood firmly.

It was hard to believe that they were the same children who were trembling from their words just now, each one of them containing some sort of resolution deep inside their heart, eyes gazing sternly as they awaited Grey and Yuna's words.

"You want to become adventurers... Why is that?" ［Grey］

"Th-That's because I want to become the strongest in the world!" ［Reed］

"As for me, I want to help those in need like Big Sis and Big Bro!"

"I want to explore the world! I want to experience new things!"

Grey asked the same question, and thought the answers sounded similar, there was a huge difference in delivery. Now, they aren't just lofty dreams but burning desires which will keep them going despite the adversities.

They didn't need to resolve themselves so passionately as Grey and Yuna already decided to give them another chance, but seeing them yell out their thoughts so strongly, the two couldn't help but chuckle. Such strong children.

"Then, you have 1 month to prepare. We will be hiring some adventurers to teach you skills to survive and to learn how to fight. It won't be easy, but I'm sure you'll be able to handle that much, right?" ［Grey］

"H-Huh...? Does that mean..." ［Reed］

"Don't be mistaken. This is not an approval, but another chance to see if you're ready. It will be entirely up to you and your efforts whether you pass or not... You all understand what I mean, don't you?" ［Grey］

"""Yes!""" """We'll do our best!""" """Yeahhh!!!"""

"I don't want to hear half-baked answers! Louder!" ［Grey］

"""""Yes!!!"""""

Grey planned it in the heat of the moment, but he will make sure to see it through until the end. He won't be lenient just because they are children nor would he be merciful just because they couldn't handle it anymore.

It was a matter which concerns the future and the lies of the children. Being soft will only make things worse and being lax will result in the children's endangerment. He was willing to bet it all and make it happen... He is Grey, after all...

『Sorry, Yuna, I just decided without consulting you.』 ［Grey］

『Fufufu! It's fine～! I'm also on board with the plan!』 ［Yuna］

『Haha... That's a relief thenー』 ［Grey］

『I'd love some sweets in exchange though. Extra creamy, please～!』 ［Yuna］

『... Haah... You sure have gotten sly...』 ［Grey］

CHAPTER 485 END