Volume 2 Chapter 18 She Is Following Along, But...
I managed to successfully advance to the 4th rank, but my daily life at the guild, taking on requests to earn a living, remained unchanged.
Compared to when I was in the 5th rank, I'm making more money now and able to take on more challenging jobs, but the routine itself hasn't changed.
However, one significant change was when I returned home and Kyunei greeted me with a smile. Her presence, welcoming me back to the clinic, became a source of comfort and motivation for me.
There were also other changes around Kyunei.
More mercenaries started using the clinic compared to before.
The catalyst was undoubtedly the 4th rank promotion exam.
In that exam, not only were there people who suffered serious leg injuries, but there were also those with minor injuries. While each individual may not pose a significant threat, facing them in large numbers required extra caution. Although I didn't fail the exam, as the supervisor, the 2nd rank mercenaries still delivered harsh words to me.
At that time, news of Kyunei's skill in quickly healing injured mercenaries spread through word of mouth, and she became well-known in the Mercenary Guild. Thanks to that, the clinic is thriving.
However, her reputation was not just for her medical skills. Kyunei used to be a former high-class pr**titute. While she only entertained a select few wealthy individuals, there were some who tried to buy her, even within the Mercenary Guild. Some even spent a night with her, especially the higher-ranked mercenaries.
Because of her beauty, there were quite a few people who were attracted to visit the clinic. There were probably some who had ill intentions.
However, this didn't cause much of a problem.
The reason for that was because Kyunei knew Mikage.
Sometimes I forget, but the real Mikage is a strict mercenary to herself and others. At least, when I talk to her before. Thanks to her support, Kyunei can focus on her work at the clinic without worries.
And, this is the second big change that happened around me──
The request I received that day was to 'exterminate monsters'.
As a mercenary, it was a very common job. In other words, it was a job that always came with being a mercenary.
I prepared carefully as usual and left the royal capital.
"Now, Yukina-sama. Let's do our best at work today!"
"Why are you so energetic?"
To Mikage, who was full of motivation, I replied with an exasperated voice.
She had followed me as if it was only natural, but this wasn't the first time. Since being promoted to 4th rank, I had already completed many requests, and there was a high probability that Mikage would accompany me.
It's not uncommon for mercenaries to recruit companions and work together, especially as they climb higher ranks.
In the world of monsters, there are many that are much stronger and bigger than humans. It's not a good idea to face them alone. When dealing with these kinds of monsters, it's best to team up with others in a party.
However, there are many monsters up to the 4th rank that can be defeated alone. There is no need to make a team.
And this current task is something I can easily complete with my current abilities as long as I don't let my guard down.
But then, there's Mikage.
"If we're 'friends', it's only natural to go together."
...I think I mentioned something like that before.
A while ago, Mikage asked me to become my servant, which was quite unexpected. I just replied, "Let's start as friends for now," but I completely forgot about it because I've been preoccupied with Kyunei and the promotion exam.
It's not forbidden for mercenaries of different ranks to work together on a task. However, lower-ranked mercenaries cannot take on tasks from higher-ranked ones. This means higher-ranked mercenaries must inevitably complete tasks from lower ranks.
So, if a 4th rank mercenary teams up with a 3rd rank mercenary to take on a task equivalent to a 4th rank, I can understand that. But in my case with Mikage, I'm a 4th rank and she's a 2nd rank. Our mercenary ranks are quite different.
Honestly, there's no real benefit for me with Mikage.
If she were to take on a 3rd rank task on her own it would definitely be more profitable than teaming up with me for a 4th rank task.
When she first suggested coming along, if I had asked her about it, she would have said,
"I'm not really struggling financially. With the earnings I've had so far, I have enough savings to live a normal life for several years."
"Wow... you really is a rich 2nd rank mercenary."
──She casually declared her wealth and it made me feel down.
'Well, it's not so bad, partner. With Mikage around, at least you won't be in trouble even if something unexpected happens. After all, she's so skilled that she could easily beat the "current" you, partner.'
"Ughh..."
I was even more devastated by Gram's words.
Even as a 5th rank, I could have earned a substantial amount if I worked hard. As a 2nd rank mercenary, the amount people could earn from a single request is considerable. That's why there are many dangerous requests, but they are truly a chance to make a fortune.
Both economically and in terms of ability, I felt miserable compared to Mikage.
Well, Mikage is a senior as a mercenary and has been dedicated to rigorous training as a martial artist since childhood. It's natural to be inferior, but it's a little tough when someone of similar age is in a much higher position than me.
However, there is some truth in Gram's words.
I don't think there will be another Monster Rampage like Stampede, but having someone as skilled as Mikage by my side is reassuring.
'Well, as for me, I'm good at giving advice to heroes, but Mikage is more suited to giving advice as a mercenary. If you intend to aim higher than now, she can teach you various things.'
Oh, I hadn't thought about that.
After recovering from the mental damage, I decided to pass on Gram's suggestion to Mikage, thinking she might as well come along.
"──So, what do you think?"
"I was planning to hold back on excessive involvement, but if it's just that level, then it's a good deal. I'm still inexperienced, but I'll do my best to help."
And that's how an unbalanced and strange team was formed, consisting of a 4th rank mercenary and a 2nd rank mercenary.
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