LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 146.1
146.1. If You’re a Man, You Don’t Show Tears, Isn’t It?
I thought I’d surprise everyone and make them happy, but they all gave me bitter looks.
…I pull myself together and decide to watch as Moda’s crest aptitude is determined. Moda has been the shield of Raidoc’s party, always giving his best. Please let him be marked with a combat-related crest!
“Now then, [Crest Aptitude Judgment]. Hmm…”
Everyone holds their breath, waiting for Generis’ words.
“It seems Moda has the aptitude for Warrior.”
“””Oh!”””
Everyone, especially Raidoc, bursts into smiles of joy. But here, I find myself wondering.
“That’s great news, but did Moda not want the Warrior crest when he became an adult?”
Moda nods. …Hmm, that doesn’t explain much. Then, the mage Bardak sighs and explains.
“I heard that when Moda became an adult, he wanted a crest related to his family’s trade. After a lot happened, he switched careers to become an adventurer. I’m in a similar situation.”
The “a lot happened” part piques my interest, but it’s considered bad manners among adventurers to pry into someone’s past. I nod in understanding. The Crest Official smiles.
“Crests aren’t just determined by natural talent; they can also be influenced by one’s actions and effort. Moda must have trained well as a warrior. It’s the fruit of his labor.”
“…Yes!”
“If you’re ready to have the crest engraved, we can do it here today instead of waiting two days. What will you do?”
I see. Unlike students, he’s already an adult with no reason to hesitate over which crest to choose. No issue with engraving it now.
“Please, go ahead.”
“Very well. [Crest Engraving: Warrior]!”
Moda’s left hand glows brightly, and the Warrior’s crest is deeply engraved on the back of his hand.
“…Yes.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Moda finally bows his head to the Crest Official.
“Congratulations!”
“You did it, Moda!”
“Way to go, old man!”
“Isn’t ‘old man’ a bit much?”
“Congratulations! It’s quite the lesson, knowing you can still get a crest after becoming an adult.”
Everyone congratulates Moda. Ah, Raidoc looks like he might cry a little. I considered teasing him, but that would earn me some glares right now.
“Next is Bardak.”
“Alright.”
Bardak approaches the Crest Official with the calm demeanor of a mage, though I bet he’s quite nervous inside. If, like Moda, he switched to adventuring for similar reasons, then he probably didn’t want a Mage crest when he came of age either.
Despite lacking a mage-type crest, Bardak is a man who has mastered numerous spells. But not having a crest means his magical power and efficiency are poor. Even so, he’s been a key member of Raidoc’s party. If he gets a mage-type crest here, he’ll undoubtedly become a top-tier mage.
Please, gods! Grant Bardak is a fitting crest!
While I pray silently, the Crest Official casts his spell and finishes the aptitude test.
“Hmm. It seems Bardak has the aptitude for Mage.”
“…!”
Dark-skinned Bardak’s eyes widen in surprise.
“Is that so? Even I have crest aptitude…”
“It’s the result of your efforts as an adventurer. Shall I engrave it now?”
“Yes, of course. Please do.”
“Very well.”
The Crest Official nods slowly and engraves the crest on Bardak’s left hand, just like with Moda.
“Ah… I can feel it. All the knowledge I’ve accumulated, all the spells I’ve cast with limited magic—it wasn’t wasted…”
Bardak gazes at his newly engraved crest, almost on the verge of tears. I can totally relate to how he feels.
“Congratulations!”
“Way to go, Bardak!”
“Yeah.”
“Dark brother, you’re amazing!”
As everyone offers their congratulations, Raidoc suddenly takes on a serious expression.
“Now that you’ve got your crest, will you rejoin us in the party—?”
“No. We’ve already started walking a new path. We’re relied upon in ways different from yours. We won’t be coming back.”
“Right. The three of us will keep pushing forward.”
“…Yes.”
Interrupting Raidoc’s words, Bardak, Bepp, and Moda all speak in turn. It seems their resolve hasn’t wavered. I kind of understand how they feel. It’s not like we won’t see them again. We can always meet in this town. There’s no rush to decide now.
“I see. Got it.”
Raidoc looks a little sad but says no more.
“Next is Bepp.”
Everyone’s eyes turn to Bepp, the priest.
“I believe this crest was bestowed upon me by the gods. So, I’ll decline the aptitude test.”
“What!?”
I couldn’t help but shout.
“Bepp! Even if you have an aptitude for a crest you don’t like, you can just not have it engraved! You might have the aptitude for a higher-level priest crest!”
Despite my protests, Bepp shakes his head with a smile.
“No. I take pride in the crest that’s already been given to me. But since this is a reward from the lord, could you at least check if the current Priest crest is a good fit? If it’s as mismatched as it was with Craft-san, I’ll consider it.”
As he says this, he glances at Kyle.
“Understood. If you’re satisfied with that, Bepp-san, I have no objections.”
“Then, I’ll just check to ensure the crest isn’t life-threateningly inappropriate.”
“Yes. Thank you very much.”