Saturday, June 20, 2026

[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 18 - 4 Part 1


18-4 Part 1

The Bizarre Book Says to Take the Promotion Exam at the Guild

- Gravel -


Translator : PolterGlast


Promotion exam, promotion exam, huh. Now that you mention it, there was such a thing...

His complexion clearly showed he wasn't keen on the idea. As if to say it was troublesome, the man at the reception slumped sloppily into his chair.

Is there some inconvenience?

I don't really mind, but if you'd take on a big job, I could go see my favorite woman too, you know...?

Please expect that for next time.

The bizarre book will surely demand unreasonable things of me again anyway. The day when this man's wish comes true probably isn't too far off either.

Please make it as quick as possible. We might end up in a situation where business is out of the question...

Yeah, I suppose so.

He's probably talking about the Emperor's illness. If it has spread even to a grassroots existence like him, is it finally time for conspiracies to swirl in earnest...? But that's not the only problem. This man has seen through a part of my real name. The grey (Shinza) is a fake name; it's ash (Ash), right? he had said on the first day we met here.

So, you, what was your rank again?

Even if you ask me that, I've never taken an exam here even once.

Then, you're Gravel. It's the rank that takes on medicinal herb gathering, errands to remote areas, information gathering, and extermination of Giant Rats.

I wonder why you entrusted the annihilation of the Goblin army to such mere Gravel...

When I said it sarcastically, the receptionist who always smelled of alcohol laughed somewhat languidly.

Well, on your first job, you went and defeated Abyss Hounds with that bastard Sigrun, after all. Thinking a good sucker had arrived, my evaluation of you is what you call a salmon swimming upstream.

You haven't changed. More importantly, I want to quickly get the promotion exam out of the way.

Yeah, is that so. Well, I don't mind letting you take it, but—this is mostly just for show, you know? There are guys who are satisfied with the Stone rank, one above this.

Seems like it. By the way, what about Sigrun?

It's interesting because everyone's complexion changes when I bring up the topic of Sigrun. Not missing the reaction of the vast majority, the receptionist also made a tired face.

That one... She is Obsidian. I specifically had it newly established for her, with the warning 'you'll get hurt if you mishandle it' included...

Kachua?

That country bumpkin is Stone.

Then I want the rank above that. Let me take them all at once.

It's easy if you anticipate the tendency of that bizarre book's questions. That book would definitely demand that I aim even higher.

You're a lazy one... Well, it'd be troublesome for us if you cause lost opportunities over and over, so I don't mind.

Even if you say that on the premise that I will take the jobs exactly as you wish and definitely succeed.

The receptionist tore off a memo, folded it, and handed it over. There's probably no need to specifically look inside. I shoved it into my breast pocket.

Right now, you're the top of our guild, as far as I know. Besides, the biggest thing is that you're far easier to use than Sigrun. That woman, she behaves herself in front of you, but... she's outrageous.

No, I'm troubled precisely because she doesn't behave herself at all. More importantly, what should I do?

Not really, that woman doesn't listen to anyone's orders, but she barely listens to your intentions, barely... So, I'll have you go to the place I'm about to tell you.

It probably means I'm favored. Not wanting to get lost, I memorized his words accurately and headed east in the Imperial Capital for the promotion exam.

Land prices in the Imperial Capital of Bergelmir are extremely high. Even to place one school for commoners, they struggle to find a location. These are the words of Puis, who was a student until a while ago, not me, though. Because of that, the designated place was the most remote of remote areas even within the Imperial Capital. Two-story collective housing was crowded around, and each and every room was so cramped that my room looked like a mansion.

Excuse me, to those who are not related—ah, no, are you perhaps from the guild?

No, I'm on the side that takes jobs there. I heard I could take the promotion exam here.

It was a small school. And one meant for commoners, primarily the younger age group. When I handed her the scribbled note from the receptionist, the female teacher brought it close to her glasses, perhaps being nearsighted.

Understood, I will prepare for the exam immediately.

Sorry when you have school work to do too.

No, this place is sustained by donations from the guild, so there is no need for you to mind.

I see. Then, sorry but I'm counting on you.

Thus, I was allowed to take the promotion exam immediately.

The task for the Stone rank promotion exam, that is—

Then, please submit it when you have filled in all the questions. It's a written exam.

I thought I would be told something more like hazing a newcomer, like hunting 100 Giant Rats...

Yees, let's all continue our studies~♪

That wasn't the only bewilderment. Parallel to my exam, the children's class had begun. The budget is limited, and they are short on people. I understood that just by looking.

...Being an adventurer is a gambling business with one's life as the wager. Therefore, there are many who lack general education, and so this rank system was started to make them acquire the minimum level of education. ...Yees, let's practice multiplication today~♪

Sorry, let me complain. It is tremendously uncomfortable... The children are looking at me with curious eyes. Eyes that say, Big brother, why are you here?...

Kukuku... This book and you are truly interesting. I never thought I would see such a sight.

Laughing when someone is troubled, you have a bad personality... Returning an awkward smile to the children's round eyes, I looked at the questions written on the edge of the blackboard. The contents were not much different from what the children were taking. Simple math and vocabulary tests. I lined up the answers on the writing board.

Before long, the class ended. In time with that, though I had ended up waiting quite a bit, I showed the writing board to the female teacher.

Wow, all questions answered correctly, well done~♪ And congratulations, it's a promotion, clap clap clap

There was a reason I waited until the end of the class. It wasn't that I missed the chance to call out to her, but because this phenomenon that occurs as soon as I pass the exam was inconvenient in many ways. In short, I glowed and became a firefly as usual. At the mysterious man who suddenly started glowing, everyone there opened their eyes wide in surprise.

Big brother, amazing!

Wow, wow, he's glowing! Why, why!?

Humans glow!?

The children's eyes were shining. It seems it's well-received. The female teacher was flustered, but it was hugely popular with the children. Avoiding their gazes, when I opened the Book of the Evil Dragon under the desk, it was just as I read.

- Adventure - Clear the Adventurer's Guild promotion exam Completed

·         Reward: EXP 150 (Already received)

- Adventure - Get promoted to the Adventurer Rank: Stone

·         Reward: EXP 300

A new topic had been added. It seems I can get double the previous experience points just by taking a simple exam. By the way, perhaps because it was extremely easy as a mission, my glow subsided immediately.

Alright, let me take the next exam.

Is there no explanation whatsoever about why you're glowing or anything!?

The kind-looking female teacher with glasses raised a loud voice. It's bewilderment. But as someone who has a constitution that glows every single time, I couldn't be bothered to deal with it every single time.

It's my constitution. It seems that when I feel I've accomplished something, I glow contrary to my own will.

I faintly heard Zirant's laughter. It's troublesome. Let's push through with a serious attitude.

So that's how it is!

Nice, nice! Sparkling and pretty!

This is the first time I've been envied for it too. It's nice.

Yeah, so nice!!

The girl's eyes were shining.

There's no way that's true! I've never heard of humans glowing!?

More importantly, let me take the next exam. I want to do it all at once.

It seems she had finally understood what kind of person I was. Looking tired, the female teacher leaned against the teacher's desk as if crumbling.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 375


Chapter 375

(Kyle Calendar Year 515: Age 22)

Northern Front The Shield of Gaia


Translator : PolterGlast


By the time the Third Army led by Gail confronted the people, and the three hundred individuals equipped with monstrous large shields had lined up, the fanatical believers were closing in to about 300 m away from them. Even in such a situation, the believers did not waver at all, and continued to slowly advance forward. And when they reached a distance where they could confirm each other's faces, the men advancing at the front each slowly began to hum a song praising God. That voice was eerily low, as if they were stepping forward one step at a time in time with the song, gradually driving Gail and his men into a corner. Seeing that state, the men who were originally sturdier and more experienced in battle than them couldn't help but feel an indescribable terror.

Even so, it's a creepy song. To me, it only sounds like a funeral…… no, a cursed song.

Right…… but they don't hold weapons. If it's a test of strength, there's no way you guys would be outdone, right?

Well yeah, and even the singing is still cute compared to how awful it is when the Boss sings drunk at the tavern.

Shut up! What part of my singing is creepy!

By making light talk, they were overcoming their fear and trying to maintain their mental balance somehow.

Even so, Boss, is it really okay for you to take off the armor you received from His Majesty?

What Lars was referring to was the armor made using Klimt's scales, said to be the strongest, which Takuhir had given to key personnel in the previous war. But this time, Gail had intentionally taken it off and joined their great shield unit.

You idiot! With heavy equipment, it'd be difficult to handle this large shield, wouldn't it!

Hahaha, the Boss is surprisingly shy too.

Lars understood painfully well the feelings of Gail, who answered so while being shy. Despite boasting tremendous defensive power, Klimt's armor is extremely light and easy to handle, boasting defensive power superior to full plate armor in performance, yet its appearance and weight are not much different from light armor. Therefore, his circumstances were different from the others, like Lars and his team who had changed into leather armor because they disliked heavy equipment and wanted to freely handle the large shields. However, Gail didn't think it was good for only himself to be in a safe position, and intended to face danger with the same equipment and the same risk as those around him. Precisely because he is such a commander, many fellow laborers adored him, and when he became a soldier, they volunteered as soldiers following him.

That being said, the Boss is an irreplaceable commander and a Mage. Unlike us, there is no replacement. Thinking so, Lars lined up his shield next to Gail, intending to become a substitute if anything happened.

Here they come! You bastards, get fired up!

And…… exactly as Gail's instructions, suppression shells launched from catapults began to land before their eyes. Matching that, Gail, who was on the absolute front line, exercised Wind Magic and began sending wind.

Has it begun……

Reim, who was participating in the march mingled with the people, muttered in his heart, and with slow movements so as not to stand out, took out the hood hanging at his waist and began to cover his nose and mouth to hide them. Before his eyes, the suppression shells that landed grandly slightly in front of the men advancing ahead scattered the powder packed inside, which rode the wind and began covering the group.

Wh- What is this? Ah-choo! F-Flinch…… h-ha, ah-choo! Ha, hi…… ah-choo!

Everyone stayed on the spot and stopped moving. The man claiming to be a Bishop, who was on the platform made on the wagon in the center of them, was also repeatedly sneezing while gagging, in a situation where it was unknown what he was saying.

Tch, useless guys. It can't be helped…… do it!

When a single man mingled among the people gave a signal, dozens of arrows attacked the people.

Guh, why arrows? We don't have weapons……

Raising their voices, dozens of people fell all at once.

Look! They shot arrows at us! This is their way of doing things! At us, who are conducting a march dedicated to God, refusing to fight without holding weapons! Say everyone, is it fine to be hindered by devils here and stop God's will?

We can't forgive them. What a terrible thing to do. They are devils, hindering us. We won't let them hinder the march dedicated to God. Everyone, get them! For our comrades! Break through this highway, and we will save the people of this country!

Those responding to that man's voice were also the ones who had accompanied them claiming to be their escorts, wearing swords at their waists which they originally shouldn't possess. As if answering the man who gave the signal, the people began to raise voices of anger.

Damn it, they'd go that far! Reim inadvertently clicked his tongue, and issued instructions to his comrades to resort to 'strong measures'. Thinking calmly, the arrows flew from behind, and were not fired by Gail and the others. They hid behind the human wall of comrades and fired them secretly.

Everyone, calm down! The arrows came from behind! From inside our column! Don't erupt, we are conducting a march dedicated to God, aren't we!

Reim's shouts only echoed emptily. Frightened by fear and turned into a mob, they started running all at once toward where their hateful opponents lay in wait.

Here they come! Don't get pushed through. If we can hold out, we've got another move to make. Show them what you're made of, you bastards!

At the end of the highway where Gail and the others had readied their large shields, the people who had turned into a mob violently clashed. But…… Originally, both sides were supposed to be blown away with a fierce impact sound, and screams were supposed to echo…… But what resonated there was a soft, low impact sound, and only the spirited voices of the soldiers supporting the shields. Compared to normal large shields, their shields, which were many times thicker, acted as cushions absorbing the impact and caught the mob.

Those shields had covers placed over the normal shields, and those covers were abnormally swollen and had thickness. Large pockets were sewn onto the covers in many tiers, and inside them, cotton, clothing, and the like were fully stuffed, making them swell greatly. This was exactly the non-lethal, non-injurious shield devised by Gail, and hastily manufactured by the sewing factory lines in Gaia operating at full capacity, which would later be praised as the Shield of Gaia.

Calm down! We have no intention of hurting you. Don't mess with us, what are you saying after killing our comrades! We didn't do anything. Calm down and step back! We didn't hold weapons, just to God…… despite that!

Fruitless exchanges continued in various places. Among them, there were those who noticed that the soldiers of the Demon Territory Dukedom were equipped with mysterious shields so they themselves wouldn't get hurt, but they were pushed in by those in the rear ranks surging forward one after another, and could only raise screams.

This is bad…… in this situation they won't lend an ear. With this…… While desperately pushing them back, Gail's anxiety grew regarding the plan Alexis had contrived ahead. But…… there was no way to stop that flow.

On the front lines, the people surged forward, and the offense and defense with those standing in the way holding the Shields of Gaia continued. Seeing that, Aura made a decision.

It's not the situation we envisioned, but it might become an opportunity for Commander Gail to pull his unit back. I will begin persuading them from now on.

Along with her words, the sound of a large bell echoed throughout the area. This bell was not one normally used in the Kyle Kingdom, but something made by former people of the Imperial Kingdom living in the city of Ishtar to resemble a bell in a church in their motherland. The sound of that bell echoed loudly by a Sound Mage, and for an instant, the mob also stopped in their tracks.

My compatriots, those who praise Goddess Ishtar, I beg of you, please listen. I am Aura, who once served as a Divine Messenger governing the wind in the Istoria Imperial Kingdom, and participated in the war with the Kyle Kingdom alongside many soldiers.

Divine Messenger-sama? Uttering those words uniformly, the mob stood petrified on the spot.

Is the path to God you believe in and advance on truly correct? Is your march something that will become the salvation of the people living in this country? Please reconsider the instructions to do so, and the words that sound pleasant to you. You still have the opportunity to correct the mistake I once made.

When everyone began to listen to Aura's words, several voices erupted within the crowd.

Don't be fooled! Just now she said she's a Divine Messenger of the Imperial King! They are the Divine Messengers led by the Imperial King who made us suffer so much!

That's right! They are the atrocious Imperial King and his minions!

A part of Aura's words was conveniently snipped, and she was tripped up. Once again, hostility began to spread like ripples within the crowd.

In the first place, Divine Messenger-samas would never speak to us directly! She is a fake prepared by the atrocious Demon King!

That's right! Don't be fooled by a fake!

Once again the crowd bared their hostility, and each began to shout. What was unfortunate at this time was that the opponents were not soldiers. If it were soldiers, especially longbow soldiers, everyone knew the Wind Mage Aura, and worshipped her equally to God as an Emissary. But the opponents were mere territory residents who didn't even know Aura's name.

Once again the crowd applied pressure toward the shields, and those in the front row were pushed out strongly.

Gah!

Unable to resist the flow, a woman who was pushed out to the absolute front row before she knew it, violently clashed into the lined-up shields. Moreover, unluckily, she struck her head on the corner of a gap where the shields were linked.

Oh no, switch! Mother!

Simultaneously as two voices echoed, the crowd surged aiming for Gail, who jumped out to protect that woman, and crushed them. Among them was also a boy who jumped out raising a screaming voice.

BOSS!

Lars, who was right nearby, shrieked. In the chest of Gail, who stepped forward as if to protect the fallen woman, a dagger pierced deeply, breaking through his leather armor, and his clothes instantly began to be dyed crimson.

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Friday, June 19, 2026

[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 18 - 3


18-3

The Old Man and Sigrun


Translator : PolterGlast


The Female Hero

P-Please spare us already... Sigrun-sama...

Nn, what, you're done already?

The work of military training is quite fun. However, my precious toys have stopped moving. Dogs, cats, foxes, boars. Beastmen of various appearances are groveling on the ground. It seems they've run out of stamina.

To think that even when us elites gang up, we're no match...

How is it that we, who are surrounding her, get exhausted first!?

Strange! Sigrun-sama is absolutely strange!

Even though they have the energy to talk, the beasts were whining without standing up. Military training is fun. It's especially the best because the beastmen can keep up with my movements!

Don't say that, let's enjoy it a little more. Umu, shall I add two more people?

This isn't a training to train Sigrun-sama, is it wan!?

Wahahaha, if you can beat me, you graduate!

Then everyone's guaranteed to repeat a year! No more, we oppose animal cruelty!

Voices of complaint were rising in the training grounds of Erin.

Ah, look over there, over there!

Told so, I looked behind me. Nn, that's the alchemist Durin and—ooh, isn't that the blacksmith old man and, on top of that, that gal Plea!

Animal cruelty, deshu ka...? I cannot just ignore that, deshu.

Please help us, Durin-chan, Plea-sama! Sigrun-sama is telling 10 of us to slash at her all at once!

Pfft, what's that~♪ So stupid it seriously puts me off~♪ The pride of the Horned race is~ like, zero~?

I got irritated, so I casually pointed my sword at Plea. Well, she's not a woman to be intimidated by that level. The beastmen prostrated themselves before Plea, and those with tails curled them between their legs.

Never mind that! Blacksmith, is it finally done!?

Ou...

What's with that reaction!? Somehow, your attitude towards me alone is different from everyone else's, ain't it, old man!?

Sorry, you somewhat resemble an acquaintance of mine, you... Rather than that, Plea-chan, she's noisy so show it to her.

When I turned my eyes to Plea, she was holding a sheathed short sword. It's finally here! The one the blacksmith told me about before!

Candy for a crying child, a new sword for Sigrun, like that~? Plea-chan also~ worked hard together with Durin-chan~♪

Rather, deshu ne... It was remodeled by Plea-san afterwards, deshu...

No, I love this kind of thing! The Horned race of this era are interesting!

It seems it's a collaborative work between Durin, Plea, and the blacksmith old man. With my expectations high, I snatched the sword from Plea. Ooh, a nice, hefty weight. When I pulled the sword from its scabbard, a grey blade tinged with light green shone.

The old man made the sword~, Durin-chan~ strengthened its sharpness with alchemy~? And then, I installed a gimmick♪ Pfft... hilarious~♪

What is a 'gimmick'?

Um, deshu ne... If you shift the decoration on the hilt, deshu ne...

When I fiddled with it as told, the decoration slid and a small button appeared there. Buttons are meant to be pressed. I pressed it immediately. Then, a surprise!

O-Ooooooooohhh?!! Fu-fu-fu-it's vibratingggggg!?

The sword vibrated in small, rapid movements.

Kyaha, how's that~♪ Amazing, isn't it, Sigrun

Umu! Umu... Well, I don't understand the meaning, but I like it!!

What does it vibrate for? I tilted my head, but decided I didn't understand but it's interesting so it's fine, and stopped thinking!

Look, didn't I tell you, deshu ka... She doesn't understand at all, deshu...

This one is an idiot, after all!

Right, right, a massive idiot, isn't she~♪ Like, total denial of intelligence~?

In short, this is a moving saw. By vibrating itself, it can cut things it normally couldn't cut. Got it?

Umu, I don't understand!! But it's a good weight, I like it!

There's just a little problem, though; if you press that button twice rapidly~?

Oh, like this?

I pressed the button twice rapidly. Then it was even more outrageous! Instantly, the sword emitted an ultra-high-pitched sound, and everyone ended up covering their ears.

Wahahaha, this is noisy! Oi, Plea, it's interesting but this is a defective product!

But like~, the one using it is Sigrun, right~? If it's Sigrun, she's totally fine with it, right? Rather, the person herself is the noisiest, like that~?

It's loud as hell, but I think it's a good kind of unorthodoxy.

As expected, it's noisy. I turned the switch off. Its stealth capabilities are ruined, but it's somehow interesting, so let's say it's fine.

Wahahaha, it's certainly unorthodox! But that's what's good about it! This is a super weird weapon, the only one of its kind in the world!

That's why I said, deshu... It was given a strange remodeling by Plea-sama, deshu... Even though it was a proper finish, a weird weapon-san has been completed, deshu...

Umu, umu, Princess Atomina's favorite is cute like a small animal. It makes me want to hug her, but it seems I am recognized as a dangerous person! She is wary of me!

Um, why are you approaching, deshu ka...?

Umu, please, let me give you a biiiig squeeze! I want to show my gratitude!

I, I will decline, deshu...

Oh, stop it, stop it, you'll get her bones broken, kakaka!

How about Plea-chan gives you a squeeze later~, Sigrun?

No! I don't want it unless it's Durin-chan!

I-I am troubled, deshu... Durin has Atomina-oneesama, deshu...

She is wary of me right now. I must look for an opening and thank her with all my might.

Oi oi, aren't you going to do anything for me?

That's right! What would make you happy!?

Yeah, show me your boobs.

I see. Understood.

Since Durin-chan was holding the blacksmith hammer (the old man's main body), I snatched it—

Ah, no, oi hey, what are you planning to—daaaaaaahhh?!!

I achieved a great record of a long throw of about 50 meters.

Shovel Boy

Last night, I got absorbed in Zirant and Puribel, and unintentionally stayed up late. I wonder if I could somehow excavate the continuation volumes by working hard at excavation work. Well, for that reason, having woken up before noon, I put breakfast in my stomach and did a light run to the Imperial Capital at double speed. My destination is the Adventurer's Guild. I came to take the guild's promotion exam.

- Adventure - Clear the Adventurer's Guild promotion exam

·         Reward: EXP 150

·         It should be just right for digesting your food. Finish it quickly.

Judging from the pattern so far, achieving a task reveals a new challenge. Even if the reward is modest, it makes me expect what follows.

Oh, you finally showed up, Mr. Moneybags. ...No, I mean you, you!

When I looked behind me, there was no one. Also because of the time of day being noon, there was no one lined up at the Adventurer's Guild reception.

What are you talking about?

No, you haven't received your money!?

When I stood in front of the reception desk, the usual man with stubble piled up money bags on the counter.

Ah, the reward from that incident. I forgot.

How could you forget that, you... Even Big Sister Sigrun is strictly exact only when it comes to money, you know?

I pulled the money bags toward me and put my signature of receipt on the binder from before. It's true. Everyone's signatures were lined up closely together.

So, what did you come for today?

Yeah, I want to take the promotion exam. Please guide me.

Then, the receptionist made a bitter face as if to say it was truly troublesome. I suppose so. Even if they conduct an exam, the guild won't make a single penny. Even so, I wanted to finish this easily doable task within an hour if possible, and go on a food tour around the Imperial Capital. If possible, I would like to invite Aniue to that, but the hopes of that are slim.

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