LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 147.1
147.1. Not Letting Your Guard Down When Things Are Going Well Is Bad, Isn’t It?
I glance around at the remaining members. There are still nine who haven’t been tested yet.
“So that leaves Alphard, Persia, Raidoc, Solar, Eva, Camille, Marilyn, Jitaro, and Leafan. And Jabil-sensei, right?”
When I discussed it with Kyle, Jabil-sensei’s name didn’t come up, but considering her achievements, maybe she should be rewarded too. I look at Kyle, and he gives me a nod.
“Let’s check sensei’s aptitude as well!”
It wasn’t in the plan, but there’s no harm in it. She might even bear the same Twilight Alchemist crest as me, or maybe something unheard of will appear.
I gaze at Jabil-sensei with anticipation, but she waves her hand lightly with a wry smile.
“No, I’ll pass. I’ve had my aptitude checked several times before.”
“Oh, really?”
That makes sense. Even though the test is expensive for commoners, the professor likely earns enough to take it whenever she wants.
“I can’t exactly say I just recently checked if Twilight might be marked on me, thanks to my students… (mumbles)”
Jabil-sensei muttered something, but it sounded like she was talking to herself, so I didn’t catch it.
“Sorry, did you say something?”
“N-No! It’s nothing at all! Just get on with it!”
“Got it.”
They say geniuses sometimes let their thoughts slip out. That must be one of those moments. Not wanting to disturb the professor’s thinking, I decide to proceed as instructed.
“Generis, please continue.”
I hand over a mana recovery potion and urge her to move forward.
“Alright. Jitaro, you’re up.”
“Yes, sir!”
Jitaro raises his hand enthusiastically. It seems they’re testing the ones without crests first.
“Alright, [Crest Aptitude Judgment]… Hm, hmm?”
For the first time, the Crest Official, who had been smooth so far, lets out a puzzled grunt. Could it be that there’s no suitable crest for him? Jitaro may be a bit of a clown, but his skills as a hunter are top-notch.
Everyone holds their breath, eyes fixed on the examiner.
“This is… rare. It seems Jitaro has an aptitude for the Matagi.”
“””Matagi?”””
It’s an unfamiliar word.
“Matagi? What’s that?”
“Do you know what it is?”
“I don’t know the Matagi crest, but I know the profession. It’s a lone wolf hunter, right?”
“Yes. That’s pretty much correct.”
So, a lone hunter? That kind of suits Jitaro, but not really. He often invites hunting companions when necessary. Even I’ve been dragged along by him before.
“The Matagi as a crest is purely about ability. Compared to the Hunter’s crest, it enhances survival skills, tracking, and detection, provides more trap options, and improves stealth.”
Isn’t that amazing?
“So, it’s a colored, higher-level crest?”
“No, it’s a black crest, so it’s not a higher rank. But its manifestation rate is low, and its abilities are high, making it rare. There may only be a handful in the entire kingdom.”
Jabil-sensei adds to Generis’ explanation.
“Even black crests with high abilities are difficult to manifest. Think of it as being similar to Alchemists and Crest Officials.”
That’s easy to understand.
“Now, Jitaro, do you desire the crest?”
“Of course!”
Jitaro replies cheerfully. You’d think he’d deliberate a bit more, even with no real choice.
Once the crest is inscribed on him, the kids immediately start teasing Jitaro. Unlike before, the atmosphere is lighter!
“Thanks, everyone! Thanks a lot!”
Though he’s returning their congratulations, it still feels casual! The teasing words, like “Congrats” and “Jitaro, acting all cocky!” are just as laid back. Well, that’s typical of Jitaro.
I’m happy for him getting his crest, but a rare one rivaling a higher crest? It’s a bit unsettling.
“Next up are those who already have crests. Craft, are you okay with the increased potion consumption?”
“I’ve prepared plenty for today, so it’s not an issue, but does it really use that much mana?”
“Yes. The mana cost is about double for those with crests.”
“I see…”
I think I understand now why the kingdom’s crest testing fees are so high. As I hand over another mana recovery potion, I silently thank the guild master once more for my own good fortune.
After the (questionable) celebration for Jitaro ends, the Crest Official pulls out the list.
“Next is Marilyn.”
“Yes~”
When she walks, there’s a… bouncing motion. I won’t say what exactly. Even though she’s supposed to be sisters with Eva and Camille, her curves stand out. What’s with that?
“Alright then.”
As the Crest Official chants the spell, once again his eyes widen, and he freezes. Oh, come on… what now? Marilyn already has the Priest crest. I’ve never heard of a higher-level priest crest, so maybe there’s nothing else for her. But his reaction is odd.
“It seems Marilyn has the aptitude for Archbishop.”
Another unfamiliar title, but this sounds like a higher crest, doesn’t it?
“It’s also called the Archbishop’s Crest. As you may have guessed, it’s a colored, higher-level crest. There is one other crest you’re highly suited for… Marilyn, lean in.”
“Yes~”
The Crest Official whispers something to her, and she blushes.
“I don’t need that one~”
“Thought so.”