Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 207: Promotion Assessment
Chloe, the Dansas branch manager, and Shiroi, the deputy branch manager, carefully reviewed the extraordinary results Black-Gold Wings had achieved during the limited-time free quest.
Other participating teams had also performed well, but their accomplishments generally matched their existing ranks. Black-Gold Wings, despite operating in the E-rank band, had defeated numerous monsters normally assigned to higher-ranked adventurers. Such results were unprecedented at the Dansas branch.
“Ragune should be promoted directly from F rank to E rank,” Chloe said. “It’s in the guild’s interest to recognize her ability quickly and allow her to work at an appropriate level.”
“I agree,” Shiroi replied. “Ankh’s ability and combat record justify moving him from E-minus to E-plus.”
The difficult question concerned Tauro and Aeris.
“The team’s record is sufficient for both of them to enter the D-rank band,” Shiroi continued. “However, Ragune and Ankh’s front-line performance is so conspicuous that Tauro and Aeris’s contribution may be overlooked. Ideally, I’d prefer the four members to enter the D-rank band together later, preserving the team’s balance.”
“Delaying the two of them would be unfair,” Chloe answered. “Ragune and Ankh could only perform so aggressively because Tauro and Aeris supported and controlled the battle from behind. The vanguards themselves must understand that. The team’s overall achievement qualifies Tauro and Aeris for promotion.”
After considerable discussion, Chloe decided to offer Tauro and Aeris promotion to D-minus.
The following morning, she called the four members of Black-Gold Wings to the guild and announced the results.
“I’m E rank!” Ragune exclaimed. “I never expected the guild to value my results so highly. Am I truly worthy of this rank…? Kuh…!”
Her delight was obvious, although the last muttered sound was slightly alarming.
“Two steps at once? That’s generous! Wahaha!” Ankh said after learning he had reached E-plus.
He was pleased, though his easygoing reaction suggested that rank itself wasn’t especially important to him.
Tauro and Aeris reacted very differently when Chloe offered them D-minus promotion.
“We don’t need that yet,” Tauro said.
Chloe blinked.
“What? This is an exceptional promotion.”
“I want the team to advance together. Aeris and I would rather enter the D-rank band when Ragune and Ankh can join us.”
“But Ankh is already E-plus. By the time Ragune reaches E-plus, he may qualify for promotion before her.”
“Ankh doesn’t seem concerned about rank,” Tauro replied. “He and Ragune work well together. I’m sure he’ll wait for the rest of us.”
Ankh nodded without hesitation, and Ragune looked relieved.
Watching them, Chloe realized that the problem she and Shiroi had debated late into the night had never truly troubled the team.
She nevertheless gave them a stern warning.
“Ragune and Ankh received exceptional promotions because of unusual circumstances. Don’t assume this will happen again. The guild doesn’t normally reward adventurers for deliberately hunting targets above their assigned rank.”
If other teams copied Black-Gold Wings and pursued large numbers of stronger monsters, deaths would be inevitable. Although the Dareder branch had issued the free quest, Chloe intended to submit a formal opinion opposing any similar request in the future.
“I understand,” Tauro said. “But there are still five days remaining. If we produced another set of results before it ended…”
Chloe immediately panicked.
“No, Tauro! This was a one-time exception. I won’t accept another report like this from you during the same quest. Don’t do anything reckless!”
She crossed her arms and glared at him.
Tauro laughed.
“Understood. It’s disappointing, but my main goal was helping Ragune earn a substantial promotion. We won’t take further risks.”
Ragune and Ankh, who had been talking behind him, joined the conversation.
“Tauro’s training is severe,” Ragune said seriously. “I couldn’t endure being made to fight like that every day.”
“Come on, Ragune,” Ankh replied. “The leader and Aeris were controlling the entire battlefield so you could safely deliver the finishing blows. I wouldn’t call that unreasonable.”
Although Ankh fought in the vanguard, his years as a mercenary had trained him to remain aware of everything happening behind and around him.
Tauro looked at the newly balanced team.
“Now that both of you’ve been promoted, shall the four of us accept our first E-rank quest together?”
Everyone agreed.