CH 328

The interview ended, and I accepted both Misato, and Mert as members of <Eden>.

Except that, Misato's joining is temporary. It was her request.

In a few words, Misato considers herself to be partially responsible for this mess, and so, she will be a member till the guild battle with <Best of the Best, the Great Star>. In short, for a short duration.

Although I repeatedly assured her it's really not her fault, she mustn't be able to overlook this given her personality. It's because the members she had scouted have caused such a deplorable scene that makes it impossible for her to feel guilty.

Taking responsibility isn't easy. Yet, her courage to see it to the end is very commendable.

Can I do it? I contemplated it, and deduced that if any of <Eden> members really caused trouble, I will probably help them out even if it doesn't concern me.

So, I gave an okay.

Fufufu, but you're too naive, Misato.

Once you join, even temporarily, there's no turning back. I will welcome you with the full force of <Eden>.

<Eden> has many unique and captivating aspects that other guilds lack. I will make sure she can't stay without the one of a kind experience!

And then, I will make Misato herself requests to join us formally!

Fuhaha! Oh Misato, you have willingly entered the wolf's den.

Anyway, such a thing has happened, but things have cooled down. Next, I decided it was time for our 'custom' to introduce.

Yes, It was time for my speciality, <Strongest Training Manual>!

Or so were my thoughts, but a surprising development was awaiting for me.

"...Impressive."

It was my reaction after I asked both of them to show their status.

"Tahaha! Actually, I heard about your classes from one of our classmates. So, I tried to research <Training Manual> on my own way!"

"You liar. I haven't forgotten how you came crying, and clinged to me to research about the training manual together."

I was surprised, both of them had developed their own <Training Manual>.

And now they were seeking my opinion as someone who is spearheading the <Training Manual> course. You never can tell when an unexpected surprise awaits you, huh.

I take a second look at the memo in which the training manual both of them have devised was written on.

Misato & Mert, <Sage> & <Wiseman>; I have also prepared a proper <Strongest Training Manual> for them, but the <Training Manual> both of had devised was equally incredibly fascinating.

First of all, they have really done well. It was well made, and well thought. Just the quality I expect from 'sages'. They have firmly outlined the path to strongest on their jobs.

"Did Mert come up with this?"

"No, it was both Misato and me. It was too much work to achieve on my own."

"We debated over each other's theories after classes daily. A poorly planned leveling plan would have been detrimental, so we locked ourselves in the <Great Library>. 'We can go to the dungeon later. <Training Manual> takes priority of all,' was Mer-kun tagline."

"Hey, Misato, I've told you before. Stop calling him 'Mer.' At least use his name at school."

"Aww, Can't I?"

"No means no. This isn't our home. Be more aware about the place."

"Ugh, fine. Then, Mert-sama?"

"Yes, that's fine."

It seems like the two are really close to each other. Their trust in each other is evident.

Nonetheless, this memo.

The concept of <Training Manual> is still in its infancy stage in this world. There's barely any research conducted over this field.

Despite that, this level of completion by the two was just amazing. After all, it bears a striking resemblance to the initial approach I had taken for <Strongest Training Manual>.

This level of work just needs a bit of modification, and it will be in parallel with my <Strongest Training Manual>.

Sure enough, I was right to publicize the <Training Manual> course. I could feel my mouth drawing a smile.

And, it was then I sensed a gaze upon me.

I glanced forward, and saw Miasto and Mert taking a look at my expression.

"Zephyr-san, please be honest. How will you evaluate this <Training Manual>?"

"Well, Zephyr-kun, the thing is Mer-k---... Mert-sama was incredibly eager to talk to you about <Training Manual>. You see, Mert-sama is actually your fan."

"No one will treat you as mute if you don't say anything, Misato!"

"Gyu!?"

Mert swiftly grabbed the head of Misato who uttered unnecessary words. He was gripping the area near her ear roots.

Misato's voice... kind of feel like the sound when someone is checked. Also, Mert was barely tall, so he had to stretch himself to the limit to actually grab Misato's ear, which was quite a comical scene. Nevertheless, there is something else that draws my attention.

"Mert is my fan?"

"Phew... It's true that I genuinely wanted to have a detailed discussion about the <Training Manual>. I've been fascinated by this revolutionary perspective and wanted to talk with the person who conceived it."

So said Mert, while still holding his grip over Misato's head. Misato's face on the other hand was slightly red, and her jaw was trembling. Hmm, so the ears of <Rabbitkin> are their weak spot?

Regardless, I was honestly happy they are so much interested in my <Training Manual>.

"We will have plenty of opportunities later.The <Training Manual> you two have come up with is really amazing."

"Really!?"

"Kyu!?"

Melt leaned forward and exclaimed as soon I complimented on their memo. Though Misato had let out a strange sound who was still under the grip of Mert, is she alright?

"......For now, how about you release Misato? She looks to be in pain."

"...... If Zephyr-san says so. Be careful to not utter any unwarranted information from here on, Misato."

"Huff-Huff Yes, I'm sorry, Mert-sama~. So please no more 'rabbit-ear-hold'."

Misato, who was finally freed from Mert's grip, seems utterly exhausted.

What the heck is 'rabbit-ear-hold'? Did something happen when the rabbit ears are pinched like this? There was a lot I wanted to ask about.

However, Mert was more eager to talk about the <Training Manual>, so I unfortunately didn't get the time to ask him.

Phew. I exhale a breath.

Nevertheless, having individuals with whom I can exchange ideas is gratifying. Every <Dungeon Activity> player believes that their own <Strongest Training Manual> is the best of all.

Therefore, they rarely concede or recommend anything other than their own. They always proclaimed their <Strongest Training Manual> as the one of a kind. Though, drawing references from other's <Strongest Training Manual> was a common occurrence.

After all, there are 1021 jobs in <Dungeon Activity>, and the definition of strongest is never the same with the passage of time.

<Dungeon Activity> had both the function of PvP, and ability to engage in battle. This led to research, countermeasures, and new discoveries.

Even my <Strongest Training Manual> had drawn reference from the whole database, and thus was the crystallization of the extensive contemplation.

But of course, it cannot continue to hold onto the title of strongest forever. Someone preparing countermeasures was an obvious step.

That's why I really hoped for someone with whom I could discuss the <Training Manual>.

Well, this world is still far from discovering all jobs though, so I don't think there's anything that can dethrone my <Strongest Training Manual> for the time being.

But, this is reality.

While I could have befriended any race member I like in game, there are some races in this world I can't even spot on, let alone bring them to <Eden>.

That's why new data is must for <Strongest Training Manual>. And I believe Mert, and Misato will become important personnel in my research.

In the breaktime, I fetched the <Strongest Training Manual> for <Sage> and <Wiseman> that I had jotted down in my notes and placed them on the table.