-No One's P.O.V-

The next day comes as You, Fran, and Teacher arrived at the meeting location where the other adventurers are waiting.

(Y/N): Hey, Teach, we're now at the meeting point.

You tell Teacher as you and Fran start to look around until you hear...

???; Fran~!

It was Amanda's voice as you turned around to see Amanda hugging Fran, but Fran was not having it.

Amanda: Good morning! Did you and your Onii-chan sleep well?

Fran: We were.

Amanda: That's good! Oh, did you have a dream about me?

Fran: Yeah, and it was a nightmare.

While they were talking, You and Teacher noticed that everyone was looking at only you and Fran with observant eyes until someone spoke up.

???: Gather around, everyone.

Everyone turned to see a blonde man with blue eyes who was wearing armor.

???: This investigation of the spider's nest will also serve as a promotion test for two E-Rank parties. My name is Cruise Riouselle. I am the leader of the Azure Guardians, a C-rank party.

(A/N: And now ladies and gents, we have Yasuyuki Kase who voiced Cruise Riouselle and also voiced President Funny Valentine!)

Teacher: A party led by a handsome blonde swordsman.

(A/N: Rig on the left and Eizelle on the right.)

Cruise: I, along with my party members, Rig and Eizelle, will oversee this operation and act as examiners. I look forward to working with you all.

Cruise introduces himself and his two party members with a bow.

Cruise: Now, please introduce yourselves.

Cruise tells everyone until a spiky white-haired boy with a spear spoke up.

Krad: My name's Krad.

Krad: I am the leader of the Dragon's Roar, an E-Rank party.

(A/N: Who the hell invited Bane from Batman and Guile from Street Fighter? Lmao.)

Krad: We'll sweep through this test. We came prepared! That's all from us.

Krad completes his introduction and his party members until he turns to you and Fran with a glare on his face.

Teacher: What's his problem?

Furion: I am Furion.

Teacher: A wood elf Elementalist like the Guild Master. But he looks rather plain.

Furion: I'm the leader of the E-rank party, Forest Eyes.

Teacher: The members of his party look ordinary too.

Amanda: Now it's my turn. I'm Amanda. Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Elf Lady: I knew it! That person is Amanda!

Elf with a Pickaxe Wand: No way...

Bart: Why would an A-rank adventurer join this quest?

Victor: This is a D-rank quest, isn't it?

Teacher: (It's no wonder the people are talking...No one would perceive her to be here because of Fran and (Y/N).)

Cruise: All that's left is you two kids.

(Y/N): My name's (Y/N). My adventurer rank is E. Pleased to meet you all.

Everyone was surprised upon hearing your Rank.

Gennel: An E-ranked adventurer? What's he doing here in all places?

Furion: Cruise, why is there an E-rank adventurer joining this quest? He's not in the D-Rank.

Cruise: Well, the Guild Master, Klimt, told me about him. This boy has insane potential for his abilities despite being a low ranker. The boy, (Y/N), joined in so we can see what he can do. That is all.

Everyone was looking at you which made you sweat a bit, even Krud himself giving you the stink eye.

(Y/N): (Eh...oh boy...)

Fran: I'm Fran. Rank D. I like curry. Nice to meet you.

Teacher: (No, no, no, I don't think they know what curry is...)

Krud: So it's you, after all.

Krud spoke up as he jumps down and starts walking towards Fran.

Krad: The one who fawned over the Guild Master to get promoted by him...The self-proclaimed D-rank brat!

Teacher: *Sigh* (Here come the ones trying to pick a fight with us...)

Krud: I don't know you three at all. The A-rank old lady who just came here to amuse herself. I heard that this kid here beat Donadrond in the mocking battle with his immense strength...and the favorite brat of that pedo Guild Master.

You, Fran, and Teacher noticed Amanda teleported behind Krud.

(Y/N): She's right behind you, dude.

Krud: Huh?

Krud turns around and sees Amanda and then she proceeded to grab Krud's head.

Amanda: Would you care to repeat that? What did you just say?

Krud: What are you doing?! Ahhh!!! I'm sorry! I'm very sorry...!

Teacher: She's fast. She came up right behind in a flash.

...

A few minutes later, Krud almost lost unconsciousness due to Amanda's strength and he was now breathing heavily while holding his head in pain.

Bart: Are you alright, Krad?

Krad: It's one thing for Amanda...But I'll never acknowledge someone who uses their connections to climb the ranks!

Fran: I did no such thing.

Krad: Little brats like you should go back to their mothers!

(Y/N): Her mother's dead, idiot.

Krad was stunned upon hearing that as he let out a "Tch" noise before joining his group.

Cruise: Miss Amanda is only here as an observer. If she does involve herself, she'll clear the quest in the blink of an eye, and there will be no test whatsoever. Now, I will begin the briefing...

Cruise: Our objective is to investigate the dungeon under the Alessa guild's jurisdiction, the spider's nest, retrieve the crystals generated by the dungeon core, and eliminate all monsters we encounter in our path.

Krud: Heh, they're just F-rank monsters, right? We might just accidentally wipe them out.

Cruise: The dungeon absorbs the powers of the monsters to sustain itself. So avoid killing all of them. But there is a dungeon with six floors. It won't be as easy as you think. So caution is recommended. Without further ado, let us set out for our destination.

-Time Skip to Sunset-

Through the whole walk to the Spider's Nest, it was a fun walk and hiking. However, Krad would mess up the whole thing because he keeps messing with you and Fran, but Amanda would be there to make him back off.

Furion: We made it at last.

Cruise: *Sigh* It's because you guys kept fooling around that we arrived much later than scheduled.

Krad: Tch.

Amanda: Ahahaha!

Fran & (Y/N): We didn't do anything.

Cruise: We'll head into the dungeon early in the morning tomorrow. I take it that everyone brought their sleeping equipment and food?

-Mini Time Skip-

Later, everyone unequipped their camping stuff and made a campfire.

Cruise: As for the vigil, Miss Fran and Mister (Y/N), you two are on the first watch.

(Y/N): You got it, Captain.

Cruise: Followed by the Azure Guardians. Then, the Dragon Roar. And finally, the Forest Eyes.

Krud: What about mighty Miss A-rank?

Cruise: Keeping vigil is part of the test, too. If we let Miss Amanda take part, then it wouldn't be a test.

Amanda: So sorry!

Krud: Tch!

-With you and Fran-

(Y/N): Whew, nothing beats more than good ol' camping with friends!

You said with a relieved smile on your face.

Fran: Hm...so it seems.

(Y/N): Enjoy it while you can, you two.

Fran: Yeah.

Teacher: Of course.

That's when you hear footsteps coming behind you two.

Fran: What is it?

Krud: Can a little brat who used her connections to get promoted actually keep watch?

Fran: Yes.

(Y/N): Plus, she didn't get promoted because of her connections.

Krud: Hmph. What about you, boy? How come you managed to defeat Donadrond without much effort, eh?

(Y/N): Just by training to get stronger.

Krud: Training? You've been training just to defeat Donadrond without weapons?

(Y/N): Yes. That is why my class is called "Fighter".

Krud: Tch! If that's the case...

Krud says as he pulls out his spear from his back and pointed at you.

Krud: Prove it! Prove it to me that pedo Guild Master said that you have some insane potential. Care to test that statement, you E-ranker?

Teacher: Don't mind him, you two. It would be best not to get involved in any trouble.

(Y/N): (No, Teach.)

Teacher: Eh?

(Y/N): (If this guy wants to test my strength on him, it shall be done.)

Teacher: You...*Sigh*...Fine...Just don't go overboard, got it?

(Y/N): Very well.

Krud: So, you gonna start fighting me?

You then turned to him with a serious expression.

(Y/N): If it's a fight you want, then it's a fight you'll get.

Krud: You're on!

Krud says with a grin as you and him start to have a battle arena.

However, everyone happens to notice the fight between you and Krud.

Cruise: Oh? A mock battle? This should be interesting.

Teacher: No one's stopping this, huh?

Fran: Let's observe...

Bart: Krad!

Victor: Teach him a lesson!

Krad: Of course, I will. An E-Rank adventurer with insane potential, huh? This has got to be some sort of joke! I'll tear your facade into shreds! Gotta tell you one thing, those who rely on connections to get promoted are the worst, aren't they? So whenever I come across someone like that...The dragon inside me screams!!!

Krad roars with a red aura surrounding him.

Bart: There it is! Krad's roar!

Victor: So cool!

Gennel: I'm in awe!

(Y/N): (During my three years of training just to follow my foster father, I used to have a bit of excitement fighting against monsters back in my own world in Japan. Now, I just don't feel it anymore.)

Teacher: Hey Fran, let's set up wind and earth barriers so we can detect the presence of any monsters, just in case. Both you and (Y/N) are on watch duty right now, after all.

Fran: Okay.

Fran begins to start a praying gesture and forms a white aura which made everyone gain their attention on her.

Fran: Wind of the sky, guide us and protect us. Root of the forest, lend us the perception of the earth and alert us.

Krud: What? What is that brat doing?

(Y/N): (Oh? She's using combined elemental skills.)

Fran: Wind Zone! Earth Zone!

Fran casts her combined spell with Earth and Wind which caused a massive blue and brown ring around the area before disappearing.

Furion: What?! Two elements?

Cruise: Even for a sword mage, that's impressive.

Krud: Hey brat! What did you do?!

Fran: We're just keeping watch.

Krud: How odd. Well, whatever. *Turns to you* Alright, dude. Got anything to say?

(Y/N): Remember, you chose this fight, not me.

Krud: Fine. *Prepares his stance* Bring it on.

You then cracked your knuckles before folding your arms.

Krud: Hey, don't you have any gauntlets or something in your equipment as a Fighter?

(Y/N): No need. Just my gloves and my own knuckles.

Krud: Just using your fists, huh? This is my first time fighting someone who takes the "Fighter" class. I have a feeling that I'll win this fight with my own spear, your own fists are no match for a spear regarding the range. I'll teach this guy a lesson and show him that my spear is far superior to his fists! Are you ready, friend? 'Cuz I'm not holding back!

(Y/N): Okay. Let's dance!

You formed a serious face until you see Krad going for a thrust attack, but you dodged and blocked his attack by using your arms.

Krad then steps back and said...

Krad: Spear Technique!

Bart: The spearhead instantly drew back to his hands! There it is! Krad's ultimate skill!

(Y/N): Ultimate skill, huh? Very well, try to hit me with it.

Krud: Fine! Take this, Double Spear!

Krud thrusts his spear at a rapid pace, but you can clearly see that.

You then stood on your ground and blocked the double thrust attack by using your finger from your right hand.

Krud: What?! He blocked it with his finger!?

(Y/N): Hmph. Was that all you got? Come on, I know you got more than that.

You tell him which made Krud grit his teeth in annoyance.

Krud: Don't fuck with me!

Krud says as you start to run towards him in a menacing way.

Krud then jumps back away from you to get some distance until he rushes toward you, and said...

Krud: Spear Technique! Power Swing!

Kurd swings his spear at you, but you didn't dodge it this time and took the hit on the rib, stopping your tracks.

Krud: There, I land a hit on you!

Krud says with a grin on his face as he looks at you and sees that you had no reaction from the attack.

(Y/N): Well, that was disappointing.

Everyone's eyes widened upon your response to the attack except for Fran and Teacher.

Krud: W-Wha?! What the hell are you!?

You walked up to him, got close to his face, and said...

(Y/N): Just a guy who's an adventurer for fun and profit.

You tell him in a monotone voice until you raised your right hand...

Krud: H-Hey, what are you doing?!

(Y/N): Just putting you to sleep.

Before Krud could do anything, you quickly gave him a Karate chop to the neck, knocking him out instantly, but it also made a small crater on the ground.

(Y/N): Oops.

Bart & Victor: Krud!!

...

Eventually, both Bart and Victor dragged the unconscious Krud out of the small crater.

Teacher: (Well, I guess that makes them think twice about challenging (Y/N).)

(Y/N): Well, that was fun.

You said in a monotone voice.

Amanda: That was an excellent battle, (Y/N).

(Y/N): Uh, thanks, ma'am.

Amanda: How about a mock battle with me too?

You, Teacher, and Fran looked at each other with a bit of worry in your eyes.

(Y/N): Uh, that's nice and all, but you saw me how I fight. I highly doubt you take me on.

Amanda: I know what I saw, and you seemed disappointed with Krud's fight. It's boring doing nothing all day. My shoulders are getting stiff. If you accept to fight me, I'll give you the fight you wanted.

Teacher: (Dude! She's asking for a death wish! (Y/N), don't you dare try!)

(Y/N): (It's fine, Teach. I'll only just knock her out with a karate chop. It won't be serious damage.)

Teacher: (But...)

Fran: (It's okay, Teacher. Onii-chan knows what he's doing.)

Teacher felt a bit conflicted for a few moments before speaking up.

Teacher: (Okay, fine. Just don't go overboard.)

(Y/N): (I know.) Amanda.

Amanda: So, do you accept?

(Y/N): I accept the mock battle with you.

Hearing that decision made Amanda smile until she spoke up.

Amanda: Good! I have certain conditions in our fight.

(Y/N): What would that be?

Amanda: If I hit you once with my weapon, I win the fight. After that, Fran shall call me "Mama".

Fran widened her eyes a little bit while you sweatdropped upon hearing that.

(Y/N): And if you lose?

Amanda: It pains me to say this, I won't bother you and Fran anymore if I lose. In this fight, you must dodge all of my attacks until the 60-second timer reaches zero.

You and Fran looked at each other until Fran said...

Fran: Do it.

(Y/N): Hm...Very well, I accept the fighting conditions.

Amanda: My, my! Aren't you confident?

Eizelle: Hey, hey, looks like that boy is going to fight Amanda next.

Cruise: Klimt did say that boy has insane potential. Let's see what that E-rank adventurer can do against Amanda.

Amanda: So, are you prepared, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): *Nods* Mm. I'm ready alright.

You said with a serious face while Amanda kept her smile at you until you see she dropped out a whip from her green cloak.

(Y/N): A whip?

Amanda: Not quite common, right? Magic Whip of Celestial Dragon beard. This whip and I are old friends.

Teacher: That whip...Hold on...

Teacher then used the "Appraisal" skill to take a full scan at the whip.

Teacher: (What the? This whip's skills have Weight Alternation, Length Control... Holy crap! Amanda's whip has insane high Mana, Durability, and Attack stats! That whip has an A rank Mana Conductivity!)

Teacher thought to himself with shocked eyes while you were looking at that whip and started to think to yourself.

(Y/N): (I have a feeling that Whip is not to be messed around with. Looks like I have to get a bit serious here...!)

https://youtu.be/AzkelF2m1nI

Amanda: Okay, now. I shall start attacking.

(Y/N): Fine, start it off then.

You tell her as you start to slowly close your eyes.

Amanda: Oh? Are you fighting with your eyes closed?

(Y/N): It'll be more challenging if my eyes are closed.

Amanda: Very well. Let's start with something easy.

Amanda then starts attacking you with her whip and you can hear the sound of the thong noise coming from the whip.

Out of instinct, you dodged the attack out of the way.

Amanda: Nice! How about this?

Amanda starts whipping around you to try to land a hit, but you effortlessly dodged by performing jumps and side-rolling with your eyes closed.

Amanda: Take this one!

Amanda goes for a whip slash attack by going to the side, you then dodged the whip attack by leaning the back of your body all the way back to avoid it.

Amanda: Ooh, not bad!

Fran: Whoa...Onii-chan dodged them like it was nothing!

Fran says with an awed expression.

Teacher: (He pulled a Matrix move!)

(Y/N): Come on, try harder than that!

Amanda: Oh? I wonder...you'll handle this?!

At the end of Amanda's whip, the metal spiky popper of the whip glows purple and you can instincively feel the attack is coming.

-With Krad-

Back to Krad, we see him slowly regaining his consciousness as he held his neck in pain.

Bart: Krad!

Krad: That guy...

Victor: Look! That boy is something!

Victor tells Krad as Krad looks at the battle area and sees you dodging Amanda's whip attacks with your eyes closed.

(Y/N): Hmph, is that all you got, Amanda? Make this fight more serious!

Amanda: Hehe, very well~ I think it's time for me to get a little serious.

That's when you felt strong mana coming from Amanda.

(Y/N): (Amanda's mana is flowing. Now she's putting the fight more seriously now.)

Outside from your eyes closed, Amanda's right hand was glowing purple and all the way down onto her whip.

Amanda: Whip Technique! Mizuchi Strike!

You then felt the mana source of the whip coming straight toward you, but once again, you dodged the upcoming attack by doing a side-roll.

However, it wasn't over, the whip kept attacking you and you swiftly dodged them out of the way.

Teacher: (Whoa...So she can control the movements of the whip with her mana flow. What's with those crazy moments of that whip?!)

(Y/N): (Hmm...her mana is getting much faster...it's like this whip is like a snake and is coming after me like prey. However, its speed is still no match to me.)

Fran: Onii-chan, keep going!!

Amanda: Nice one, (Y/N)! However, this is my one-kit-KO move! It has been a long time since someone was able to dodge this!

You then felt the whip's mana coming towards you again, but you performed a backflip to dodge it.

You keep doing backflips for a few moments before stopping as you land perfectly on the ground with your feet.

(Y/N): Hey Amanda, I think 1 minute has already passed. Don't you think it's already over? You've lost this fight.

Amanda: Hmm...You're right. 1 minute has already passed, but...I still need a bit more stimulation!

Fran and Teacher's eyes winded in shock upon hearing that, even yourself who is shocked with your eyes closed.

Teacher: What?! That's not fair! Is Amanda really that desperate to hit (Y/N) once? Or does she need more fighting inside her?

Cruise: The power of the whip increased significantly after it was infused with mana.

Amanda: Come on, (Y/N)! Keep dancing!

(Y/N): Hmph, fine. We'll fight a bit more.

Amanda: Good! Now, here's my next attack!

Amanda then throws her whip at you as you prepare for the incoming attack to dodge it, but it suddenly disappeared.

(Y/N): (Huh? Her mana vanished all of the sudden...)

That's when you felt Amanda's mana suddenly appear behind you from above.

???: I'm over here~

You felt Amanda's whip weapon coming towards you to catch you off guard.

However, you easily dodged it by stepping aside which surprised Amanda.

You then raised your right fist and let out a sigh before speaking up.

(Y/N): Well, it was fun while it lasted...

After saying that, you opened your eyes until you see Amanda falling and her private part landed on your right fist.

(Y/N): A-Ah, oh crap!

Once your fist made contact with Amanda's private part, everyone who saw that had been cringing hard and two female elves from the Forest Eyes was all screaming in terror.

Amanda felt immense pain as she quickly teleport out of there before her private part could get completely penetrated.

Teacher: (Ooooh!! Now she can no longer bear kids with that...!!)

(Y/N): I'm sorry! I'm so, so, sorry! It wasn't on purpose! I meant to stop before hitting you, but my momentum carried my fist into your..ugh...!

Amanda: NNNNNGGGHHHH~~!!!!!

https://youtu.be/WBYdMrUd0w0

-Very Small Time Skip-

So right now, we see Amanda sitting on the ground while Fran was using Recovering Magic to set the pain away.

Fran: There. Are you okay now, Amanda?

Amanda: Ehehe...just a little bit... (Although, I can still feel (Y/N)'s fist into my...N-No! Now's not the time to think about that...!)

Amanda thought to herself with a shameful blush on her face until they hear footsteps coming towards them.

Fran and Amanda turned to see you approaching the two with a regretful expression.

(Y/N): So um...is she...?

Fran: Yeah...she's fine...I've completely used the Recovery Magic to fix her up after you...

Fran says with a bit of hesitation while darting her eyes away from you until Amanda spoke up.

Amanda: F-Fran, it's not the time to talk about it...!

Amanda says with her right hand held up as if to dismiss it.

Fran: R-Right...

Amanda: Um...can I talk to your Onii-chan for a moment in private?

Fran: Sure.

Teacher: (Oh boy, I wonder what they're going to say to each other.)

And just like that, Fran and Teacher left the area, leaving you and Amanda alone.

It was an awkward silence for the two of you until you decided to down in front of her.

You looked at Amanda who had an embarrassed face until spoke up.

(Y/N): Look...I...I'm really sorry, okay? It happened so fast.

Amanda: N-No, I think it's our own fault for starting the fight...and led up to this situation I am in right now...

Amanda says while holding her private part behind her green cloak.

(Y/N): I'm...sure you'll recover your dignity soon enough.

Amanda: *Nods* Mm.

Then it was silence once again for about half a minute until Amanda spoke up.

Amanda: Hey, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): Hm?

Amanda: Would you like to rest your head on my lap?

Amand offered with a smile on her face as she patted her on her thighs.

You were surprised at the sudden offer.

(Y/N): Sorry, I think I'll pass.

Amanda: Please. I insist. It's the only thing I can offer for making it up to our fight.

You were thinking about it for a few moments before speaking up.

(Y/N): Alright.

Amanda smiles as you got up from your seat, went over to Amanda, and start resting your head on her lap.

Amanda: So, how does it feel?

(Y/N): Hmm...it feels warm and comfortable.

Amanda: I see.

(Y/N): However...this is my first time resting in someone's lap.

Amanda was surprised at your words.

Amanda: Eh? What about your mother? Did she not offer you resting on her lap?

Amanda asked as you stayed silent for a few moments before speaking up.

(Y/N): I...never knew my mother since I was a baby...

Hearing that information made Amanda widen her eyes in shock.

Amanda: What?! How can that be?!

(Y/N): That's the question I had in mind. All I know is that I was adopted by someone who found me crying inside the box in the alleyway as a baby. It was only an adult male who take care of me and he was in his late 20s'.

Amanda: Oh my...I'm really sorry...

Amanda says with sympathy in her eyes as she starts to gently stroke you on the head.

Amanda: It must've been really sad without a mother by your side, is it not?

(Y/N): Yeah...but I got through it later on with my foster father being there for me...

Amanda: *Nods* Mm. Whoever your biological mother was, her act of abandoning her own child is unforgivable or perhaps she couldn't become a good mother and decided to abandon you.

(Y/N): Those are the possibilities of what I was thinking.

Amanda: But...why didn't you and your foster father search for your mother in the first place?

(Y/N): We could, but it would be too much of a bother to find her. She'll be living the rest of her life with guilt carrying her shoulders until she dies without knowing her own biological son growing to become stronger.

Amanda stayed silent for a moment before speaking up.

Amanda: If that is your decision, then I won't stop you.

(Y/N): Mm.

Amanda: You should get some sleep. The others will keep watch.

(Y/N): Yeah...thanks.

And just like that, you fell asleep on Amanda's lap as the 58-year-old elf woman couldn't help but smile at your sleeping face.

Amanda: Goodnight, little (Y/N).

However, unknown to the two of you, Fran and Teacher was hiding behind a big rock and eavesdropping on the whole conversation.

Fran: What? Onii-chan is...adopted...?

Teacher: Damn. We never asked him about his family until we heard it now.

Fran: Oh...poor Onii-chan...

Fran says with sympathetic eyes.

...

(A/N: That's that! Stay tuned for Episode 10!)