Chapter 42 – Weighing on the Scales…

“Тhе Shisеi Guild hаs prepаrеd an eхecutivе роsitiоn fоr Мr. Yuki Asuto.”

“—Нuh!?”

“If you wоuld jоin our guild, wе wоuld wеlсоme уou аs an eхесutivе. What do уou sаy? Would yоu сonsider joining the Shisеi Guild?”

Нearing Himuro’s words, mу еntire body grew hot.

Тhе Mastеr himself hаd соmе to recruit Asutо—and as аn ехecutivе оf thе Shisei Guild, no lеss.

Asuto wаs happy tо hаve beеn еvaluаted so highlу.

Howevеr, that hеаt rapidly faded.

(Тen уеаrs latеr, the Shisei Guild did nоt fight thе mоnster armу.)

I don’t knоw whаt rеаsоn keрt thеm frоm aррearing in that battle. But regardless, in the future, the Shisei Guild would not fight the Monster of Heaven.

If I joined a guild, it was highly likely Asuto wouldn’t be able to move freely.

If I intended to challenge the Monster of Heaven, I couldn’t join.

“It’s an incredibly generous offer, and I’m very grateful, but I’m sorry. I cannot join the Shisei Guild.”

“May I ask the reason?”

“…………”

Because when the Monster of Heaven appeared in the future, the Shisei Guild didn’t fight.

—There’s no way I could say that.

Asuto fell silent.

Himuro continued, however he interpreted that silence.

“I hear you’ve been receiving recruitment offers from many guilds.”

“Yes, thankfully so.”

“By any chance, have you received offers from other major guilds as well?”

“No, Shisei is the only major guild.”

“Hmm. In that case, there shouldn’t be any guild that can match our conditions.”

It was an impressive show of confidence, but he wasn’t wrong.

There was no way a small or medium-sized guild could readily surpass the Shisei Guild’s conditions.

“By any chance, are you planning to start your own guild?”

“……”

Hearing the words “start a guild,” for a moment, Asuto thought of Kanzaki.

There was no telling if she would become as strong as the Ice-Blood Princess from the previous timeline.

If so, what about creating a guild and nurturing her within it?

Such a thought flitted through his mind.

But that would undoubtedly be interfering too much.

Far from becoming stronger, there was a possibility she might become even weaker.

Strength isn’t something given; it’s something you desire and obtain for yourself.

Rather than forcing her growth, it would be better to lend a hand only when she wished for it.

“I have no plans to create a guild either.”

“So, you intend to remain freelance for a while?”

“That’s right.”

“I can’t guarantee we’ll make this same offer again next time. Even so, you have no intention of joining the Shisei Guild?”

“I’m sorry.”

“…You’ll surely regret it.”

“…………”

Their eyes met for five seconds.

Himuro let out a sigh and shook his head.

“Understood. I’ll give up on recruiting you.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. If you change your mind, please contact me here immediately. Well then, I’ll look forward to the day we meet again.”

Handing over his business card, Himuro left through the entrance.

Asuto watched him leave, counted a full ten seconds, then collapsed onto the floor in a starfish shape.

“Haaah… I’m exhausted!”

Being in the presence of Himuro Seiya, Japan’s Top Ranker, had been terrifyingly draining.

He was just standing there calmly, yet there seemed to be no opening at all.

Moreover, there was an oppressive feeling that didn’t allow for even a moment’s lapse in concentration.

(So that’s a Top Ranker…)

It felt like I couldn’t possibly compete.

Even so, the peak of the Rankers—though still quite distant—was now clearly visible.

In the previous timeline, it had been so high I couldn’t even see it.

Just being able to see that peak made me feel my own growth.

“Hey, Asuto, was it really okay to turn down his offer?”

“Yeah. A poor guy like me isn’t cut out to be an executive in a major guild.”

“That guy’s definitely the type to hold a grudge.”

“No way. What good would it do for a major guild’s Master to hold a grudge against a nobody like me?”

“Nah, I can say it for sure. He’s definitely going to retaliate against you.”

At Amy’s words, Asuto shuddered.

Perhaps satisfied with his stiffened expression, she cackled with laughter and flew around the room.

○

It took a full two days after renting a room in the condominium to finish preparing for the expedition.

Scouts and reporters were still prowling the city, so it wasn’t a state where I could move about freely.

Also, having just moved into the condominium was another reason the preparations were delayed.

Sleeping a night in the empty room left Asuto’s entire body aching.

Of course it would, with no bed or futon.

The lack of tissues and toilet paper was also a problem.

Being his first time living alone, shopping for all the various necessities took a lot of time.

“Just buying the bare minimum takes this much…”

Checking the balance on his Hunter’s License Card online, Asuto let out a heavy sigh.

Just a few days ago it had been seven digits, but now it had dwindled to five.

At this rate, he found himself thinking living in an internet cafe would have been better.

(Well, it’s not like I could get into a net cafe anymore, so it couldn’t be helped…)

It was while he was trudging dejectedly through the town.

Suddenly, he sensed someone approaching.

“Again…”

I’ve had enough of scouts and reporters!

Turning around, Asuto’s eyes widened at the sight of an unexpected person.

“Kanzaki… san?”