The King’s Stratagem

Vim was led by the steward and shown into the reception room. There, King Eldred and Princess Erin were seated.

“Congratulations on your appointment as an S-rank adventurer.”

“Congratulations!!”

Both spoke with smiles on their faces.

“What is the meaning of this? Making me S-rank all of a sudden…”

“You said you wanted adventurer qualifications, but you never specified a rank, did you?”

True, that was the case, but one wouldn’t expect to be made S-rank out of the blue.

“Is this really okay? Appointing someone to S-rank without a proper examination?”

“I hear you can use a Disconnection Barrier.”

“I can, but…”

Since Jeffrey the steward had seen through the fact that he could use a Disconnection Barrier, the King had surely been informed as well.

“I don’t believe Jeffrey would misidentify it, and if you can use a Disconnection Barrier, I believe you more than meet the criteria for S-rank.”

The Disconnection Barrier is the highest level of barrier magic. Consequently, the number of mages capable of using it was limited. Vim’s perception had been skewed because there were people around him who could use it, but in reality, there were likely fewer than ten such people in existence.

“I’ve heard of your prowess in battle; no one will complain about you being S-rank.”

“I understand. Fine, I’ll be S-rank then. I accept the epithet ‘Magician of the Abyss’ as well.”

Vim figured nothing he said at this point would change the situation.

“Also, becoming S-rank comes with a reward.”

“Didn’t I say I didn’t want any money?”

“It’s the regulation, so it can’t be helped. Just take it.”

Upon becoming an S-rank adventurer, a reward is bestowed by the state in recognition of one’s achievements.

“Understood. I’ll accept it.”

“Very well. Furthermore, I have arranged a mansion to serve as your base of operations.”

“Um, isn’t this going a bit too far?”

Vim had simply deployed a Disconnection Barrier. He never imagined the matter would escalate to this extent.

“Nonsense. This is hardly enough for the savior of my daughter’s life.”

The King spoke with a serious expression. He seemed to genuinely mean it.

“Fine. I’ll accept everything.”

Vim gave up. At this point, his only option was to comply.

“Good. I’ll have someone show you to your mansion later. It is your home; use it as you see fit.”

“I shall do so.”

“Well then, I expect great things from you in the future.”

The King gave a smirk. There were times Vim felt as though this man could see through everything. He didn’t yet know what the King expected of him, but that would surely be revealed in time.

The news of Vim being certified as S-rank would reach the Empire sooner or later. It would be quite a sight to see how the Empire chooses to move from here.