Chapter 5 – A Man Called Reviel Stants

“I’ve heard all about you. How you graduated at the top of the magical academy in the Gardana Kingdom, and became a Court Magician in spite of being a commoner. And of course, you used to be a fellow party member of young Yorha.”

There was nothing wrong with those words.
But before I could agree with him…

“Um, Guild Master.”

However, Yorha interrupted us.

“Aye, I know, I know. I’ve heard it all from Clashia. You want permission to descend to the deeper floors of the dungeon, don’t you?”

So saying, the man twirled a card between his fingers provocatively.

“What is that?”
“It’s like a travel permit. As the difficulty shoots up in Fezel dungeons after the 30th floor, there are restrictions. Well, just think of it as a measure put in place to stop the senseless deaths of Adventurers.”

Besides, having something like this makes it seem more special, doesn’t it? Not only that, but it ensures that Adventurers also stay on their guard.

So it’s all for their benefit. The man explained.

“…However, normally, we would not issue such a permit for someone unless they have worked as an Adventurer in Fezel for at least two years. And yet Clashia has been pestering me, saying that there was no reason to worry, and that I should have it issued anyway…”

The man had a faraway expression and looked tired as he talked.

…I had a feeling that it would be like this.

After all, I knew Clashia’s personality.
When I glanced to the side, I saw that Yorha looked just as exasperated as I did.

“Unfortunately, for once, Ms. Clashia was actually talking with some sense. Indeed, if you really cannot be questioned in terms of ability, then there is no reason to not issue you a permit. After all, the purpose of it is to keep Adventurers alive.”

This restriction’s sole purpose was to benefit Adventurers.
And so exceptions should not be a problem.
That’s what it sounded like he was saying.

“Leaving that idiot Ornest aside, the fact you are in a party with Yorha and Clashia was enough reason to allow an exception, but…when considering the floor they intended to go through…it becomes a little more complicated, understand?”

After all, it’s not like you are going to work half a year in the shallower floors, are you?
You intend to go straight to the depths.

The man said accusingly. Yorha averted her eyes and objected in a barely audible voice.

“…Obviously. That’s why we called him.”
“I can’t allow someone who has been soaking in lukewarm water for the last four years to suddenly enter the 52nd floor of Fezel’s dungeon. If he dies, I’ll be seen as some kind of murderer.”

The man continued to grumble about how he wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.
I felt that I would probably say the same if I were in his position.

And so I could not argue with him.

“…However…”

But the man wasn’t finished yet.

“As I said before, this restriction is to prevent the death of Adventurers. In other words… If you can prove to me that you have what it takes, then I will have no reason to not issue you a permit.”
“So, what do you want me to do then?”
“In order to prove it, go and enter the dungeon. Is what I would want to say, but it would defeat the purpose if you went down there by yourself.”
“Guild Master. Hurry up and get to the point.”
“Well, in other words… I’m going to watch this so called ability of his up close.”
“…I see.”

It made sense, if it was his decision whether to give me the permit or not.
However, was there something inconvenient about this?
Because Yorha had bitten her lower lip with a serious expression.

“…I expected as much, Clashia.”
“Well, this was her suggestion, alright? I’ll give you the permit once you prove your ability to me. That’s all there is to it. Simple, eh?”

While Yorha cursed Clashia under her breath, the large man was smiling with amusement.

I wasn’t asked to defeat him.
The only requirement was that he acknowledge my ability.
And so it didn’t seem that difficult.
So why did Yorha look so anxious about it?

“Don’t worry, don’t worry. I didn’t give them a permit as an exception, and so they had to work hard for two years. That’s probably why she is upset.”

Now that I think about it, something like this happened four years ago as well. She’s probably remembering it? The man said with a malicious smile.

Well, judging by how the corner of Yorha’s mouth was twitching, it was probably true.

“…Ornest made a mess of things. I think it was when we had only been in Fezel for about a month. He went to see the Guild Master, demanding that he give us a permit. And after agreeing to the condition that he beat him in combat, the result was a complete defeat for Ornest. Thanks to that, all of us were not able to go to the lower floors for two years.”

Well, that certainly sounded like the confident Ornest that I knew.

However, he wasn’t someone who was all talk.
He had ability as well.
I knew that more than anyone.

“I wouldn’t say it was a complete defeat. Indeed, while I did win, the situation would have been reversed if he had an extra ten years. Perhaps I might have even lost, if I was in my worst condition.”

The man said, defending Ornest. However, it was really just him saying that he could continue to beat Ornest for the next ten years.

“So, what will you do? Alec Ugritte. Yes or no? I really don’t care what you choose. However, I have no intention of giving you a permit under any other conditions.”

In that case, I would not object.
Besides, Yorha had come to fetch me because they needed my help. It would be ridiculous for us to come all this way, and for me to refuse.
I did not want to disappoint them.

And so…

“…I don’t know if I can live up to your expectations, but I will do my best.”
“Good, then it’s decided. Now follow me. I’ll take you to the perfect place.”

So saying, he took the lead and was about to step foot into the guild, but then he suddenly stopped and turned around.

“Now that I think about it, I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Reviel. Reviel Stants. The Guild Master in Fezel.”

Reviel.
For some reason, that name was familiar to me. But where had I heard it before?

“In fact, I was an Adventurer, about ten years ago, and was in a certain S-Rank party.”

Reviel Stants.

…Ah, that’s right.
Reviel an Adventurer in a S-Rank Party.
And while he may be past his prime, it did not change the fact that he was an incredibly skilled magician.

“I’m looking forward to this, Alec Ugritte.”

Next Chapter

A Court Magician Who Was Focused On Supportive Magic Because His Allies Were Too Weak Aims To Become The Strongest After Being Banished Aims To Become The Strongest After Being Banished