Akatsuki Translations

No matter what, they were determined to become adventurers. It was something they had to do. Ur, fully aware of the fact that there was no turning back, continued to endure Glen’s rigorous training at the training facility. 

His guidance was rough and chaotic, yet over the past two weeks, Ur had gained a strong conviction that it had become a part of his very being. Despite his rough demeanor, Glen instructions were precise, albeit with a great deal of violence. Therefore, there was no doubt in Ur’s mind about receiving his guidance. There was no other choice but to become an adventurer, to become stronger. There simply was none, but… 

“…Even if your motivated, painful things are painful.” -Ur 

“It’s tough, isn’t it?” -Shizuku 

Ur winced, his swollen face pressed against his hand, while Shizuku hunched over, clutching her stomach. 

“…Shizuku, you’ve been holding up really well.” -Ur 

“Well, I have things I must do too.” -Shizuku 

Shizuku nodded, despite her slightly pale complexion. Even for Ur, whose sister’s life was at stake, there had been several moments over the past two weeks when his spirit nearly broke. However, as far as Ur could see, Shizuku had never faltered. 

When they first met (due in part to her unusual and peculiar entrance), Ur had thought of her as a somewhat airheaded and strange girl. But now his perception had changed. She was exceptionally beautiful, kind-hearted like a saint, and had an unwavering spirit—a genius. 

“Today, I tried using a new magic spell, but it didn’t go well with makeshift methods.” -Shizuku 

“Did you go to the Magic Guild and ask for guidance?” -Ur 

“Yes, and once they showed me, I was able to do it.” -Shizuku 

“You did it, huh…” -Ur 

Normally, magic was not something easily mastered. Ur also practiced to expand his repertoire, but it was a struggle just to learn one spell. 

Unlike the 【miracles】 performed by the chosen priests of gods and spirits, 【magic】 theoretically could be wielded equally by anyone. Magic was originally developed as a means to achieve miracles without the intervention of God and the spirits. However, to perform magic, unwavering effort was required, and it was impossible to master a single spell overnight. Normally, that is. 

Those who are able to are called geniuses. And she was a genius. 

As a chalk-ring adventurer, it would be good if he could use a certain magic spell once a day. But Shizuku had the talent to effortlessly handle it three times a day. Even Glen, who spoke with curses and sarcasm as if they had a will of their own, praised her talent wholeheartedly. 

“It’s reassuring. Truly.” -Ur 

Being with her sometimes made Ur feel disheartened by his own mediocrity. But he quickly brushed away those thoughts. He knew that being self-deprecating wouldn’t help him in any way. Besides, it was incredibly fortunate for him to be able to form a party with such a prodigious talent as her. 

Calming his petty and twisted spirit, Ur stood up and brushed off the dirt from his clothes. That’s when Glen, who should have been busy training other students, stood before him. 

“Hey, just now, all the other students ‘cept you guys graduated. Congrats. You two should quit already.” -Glen 

“…Weren’t there supposed to be a few new students coming in?” -Ur 

“They quit too.” -Glen 

“Smart of them…” -Ur 

In the first place, it was strange for Ur and Shizuku to continue clinging to this tyrant’s training facility. According to adventurers they had spoken to at the tavern, Glen’s training was supposed to last no more than a week (although they added with a bitter expression that it wasn’t a waste since he relentlessly beat survival skills into them). Within a week, it was clear to anyone that this man had no intention of bestowing a copper ring. Yet Ur and Shizuku still persisted. 

“Glen, give us the copper rings.” -Ur 

“Not gonna happen. You’ve been saying the same thing for two weeks.” -Glen 

“My sister’s life is at stake. Time’s running out.” -Ur 

Glen let out a sigh. Ur had been repeating the same thing for two weeks, and he had been responding with the same words. Two weeks. They had already used up half of the promised month. Although the training itself to become adventurers was going smoothly, the sense of urgency only grew. 

“Glen-sama, for these past two weeks, Ur-sama has endured your training without ever giving up.” -Shizuku 

“He gave up like three or four times…” -Glen 

“At least Ur-sama can be said to have overcome your ‘tests,’ right?” -Shizuku 

Glen closed his mouth, glaring at Ur. Ur clenched his teeth, determined not to falter, even though his steps were unsteady after venturing into the dungeon and returning, followed by rigorous training. Despite all that, Glen let out another sigh. 

“…Well, I’ll admit that you’ve got mental endurance.” -Glen 

“Is that all?” -Ur 

“It’s crucial. I would even say it’s the most important thing.” -Glen 

“Follow me then.” -Glen 

Putting an end to their usual training, Glen led Ur and Shizuku toward the training facility. 

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Adventurer’s Guild: Greed Branch Training Facility, Documentation Room 

“First and foremost, let me explain just how daunting the Gold Rank you’re aiming for truly is,” Glen said, as he firmly tapped the blackboard hanging on the wall with his palm. Enormous letters spelled out 【Grand Federation】 on it. 

“The 【Gold Rank】 is the highest rank in the adventurer hierarchy established by the Adventurer Guild, and very few ever reach it. Currently, there are only a handful of adventurers recognized as Gold Rank.” -Glen 

“Is the Guild Master not one?” -Ur 

“The Guild Master you encountered initially, Jiiro, is a Silver Rank. Well, never mind that. The Guild Master of the City of Sin, Proudia Headquarters, is a Gold Rank… but that’s beside the point.” -Glen 

In other words, the Gold Rank did not necessarily align with the simple positional hierarchy within the Guild. Just because one advances within the Adventurer Guild does not guarantee reaching Gold Rank, nor does attaining Gold Rank mean having control over the Adventurer Guild. 

The Adventurer’s Ring was a highly demanding criterion based solely on an individual’s overall capabilities as an adventurer. No matter how much contribution one made as a member of the Adventurer Guild, it did not directly lead to promotion within the ranks of the Ring. 

Thus, the Gold Rank was, without embellishment, the highest honor for adventurers. 

“Well-known figures like the 【Black King】, the 【True Human Creator】, and the 【Lightning Empress】 are among them. Even if you ask me about their true abilities, you probably wouldn’t understand, so let’s just focus on their achievements.” 

Dealing with the monster disasters in the City of Sin, Wrath, and its surrounding satellite cities. 

The number of Conquered dungeons over the double-digits with the use of homunculi known as True Humans. 

Exploring and developing the area of the “City of Sin, Sloth,” located beyond the boundaries of the Human Survival Zone. 

Annihilating the criminal guild “Viper” that spread throughout the Isralia continent. 

The list is endless, and the variety is vast. Adventurers are, so to speak, the top of the “jack-of-all-trades.” Besides the fact that their accomplishments involve “violent affairs,” they have few common points. 

However, despite being diverse professionals, they all have one achievement in common: no matter which Gold Rank it is, they have all encountered “it,” and have come out victorious. “It” is… 

“A 【dragon】. If you wanna become a Gold Rank, defeating a dragon is an essential prerequisite.” -Glen 

“A dragon…” -Ur 

“That’s right. A dragon. Even if you’re a Nameless, you must’ve heard of them. Think you can beat a dragon?” -Glen 

When asked if he could defeat a dragon, Ur had no inkling of what to imagine. 

If asked whether he is aware of them, the answer would be yes. Being “Nameless” and wandering throughout the cities of various nations, he naturally had opportunities to learn about dragons. 

Dragons, the adversaries of the world, objects of hatred for all living creatures. 

The enemies of the One True God, also known as the masterminds behind the creation of the dungeons and devourers of cities. 

But even with this awareness, the idea of conquering a dragon did not resonate with him. It felt as if someone had asked him if he could move an entire mountain range. 

“…Specifically, how strong are dragons in battle?” -Ur 

“Dragon scales are impenetrable to blades and poisons, and all magic other than advanced level magic is reflected. Their fangs possess a deadly venom that can dissolve even Mithril, their gaze turns living beings to stone, and their roar can shatter minds. When they emit their breath, countless lives are instantly melted away. Moreover, their intelligence surpasses that of sages, and despite being repeatedly targeted for subjugation, they possess the experience of battle-worn veterans. They are enemies to all living creatures.” 

“There’s no way I can.” -Ur 

“In that case, give up on becoming a Gold Rank.” -Glen 

Glen said it matter-of-factly. It seemed as though he had received his wish if Ur were to give up. In fact, Ur was starting to understand the reason behind Glen repeatedly telling him to give up. 

“…Even if I can’t do it now, can I become capable of fighting a dragon as I grow?” -Ur 

“No, you can’t.” -Glen 

Those words sounded familiar. Ur was tired of hearing “you can’t” to such an extent. Why was Glen so adamant about making that assertion? 

“Is it because I lack talent?” -Ur 

“You’re average.” -Glen 

Glen’s evaluation was concise and accurate. 

“After observing you for the past two weeks, that’s the conclusion I’ve reached. Neither good nor bad. Just ordinary, average, run-of-the-mill. That’s who you are.” -Glen 

“I’m gonna cry.” -Ur 

“It’s not like you’re devoid of talent,” Glen said. Throughout the training so far, Ur had shown exceptional determination, fueled by various troublesome circumstances. He possessed a vigilance born from fear of monsters and the courage to face that fear without succumbing to it. Indeed, through constant efforts and perhaps a stroke of luck, Ur might even reach a respectable position, like that of a silver-ranked adventurer. 

“But reaching Gold Rank is impossible.” -Glen  

“Are you saying I don’t have the talent to reach that level?” -Ur 

“No, there’s a ‘difference.’” -Glen 

A difference. Ur hadn’t anticipated such a denial. 

“Undoubtedly, it’s always better to have talent. However, talent alone won’t lead to achieving Gold Rank.” -Glen 

“Then, is it a lack of effort?” -Ur 

“Those who are Silver Rank and above put in enough effort to kill themselves. Yet, they can’t become gold ranked.” -Glen 

“Is it luck?” -Ur 

“Perhaps one could become a Gold Rank if luck were to favor them a million times in a row. But such people don’t exist.” -Glen 

Effort, talent, and luck were not the determining factors. So what sets apart Gold Rank from Silver? 

“It’s determination.” -Glen  

Stepping back slightly from Ur and the others, Glen loosened his attire with a firm tug. 

“The mad determination to abandon everything, including oneself and those around them, is what transforms Silver into Gold.” 

As Glen’s well-trained physique became exposed, a bluish-black scar marked his body, slicing through his right shoulder down to his waistline.