The Banished Villainous Noble Son Who Was Used as a Stepping Stone in the Original Work Awakens to Combat and Destroys the Laws of the World - Episode 17: Promotion Notice

Chapter 2

Episode 17: Promotion Notice

—Deep within the misty sewer, a swarm of Miasma Rats gathered. Standing at their center, I readied my sword and stepped forward.

Sharp. Precise.

The blade cut through the vital points of three rats. Their shrill cries rang out before dissolving into the miasma.

(As expected, my body’s sensation is different.)

“Constant Activity”—a new skill I gained from that extreme battle with the Maw of Miasma. Its effects were now clearly flowing through my body.

(…Yes, the fatigue is definitely building. But—)

Deep in my tensed muscles, I could feel subtle discomfort slowly unraveling. The bl00d coursing through my body washed away minor strain and stagnation as it circulated.

(Rather than suppressing… it’s more like it’s promoting the flow.)

My breathing didn’t feel heavy. My reaction speed hadn’t dulled. Even though the total amount of fatigue had certainly increased, I didn’t feel it surfacing—

As if an unseen flow inside my body was constantly diffusing the strain, evenly distributing it.

(“Constant Activity”… I see. So this is how it allows you to “keep moving for longer.”)

It wasn’t faking physical limits.

Rather, it prevented the weight of fatigue from accumulating by constantly shifting and dispersing it.

(A fascinating system, logically speaking.)

In the game, it just slowed the increase of the fatigue gauge. But in reality, it functioned so differently.

And this was only Lv.1. I couldn’t help but be excited to see what would happen as it grew stronger.

The swarm of Miasma Rats couldn’t keep up with my movements. One by one, they fell.

Their attacks and poison couldn’t even reach me—blocked by “Physical Resistance” and “Poison Resistance”.

(This is still only in the “testing phase.” But the potential… is limitless.)

Eventually, I made it to the far end of the sewer and quietly collected the materials. I stored them in a bag.

A routine task.

Yet within me lingered a sense of exhilaration.

(Battle is proof of life. And I’m just getting started.)

Having finished this test run of my “Constant Activity” skill, I turned back toward the guild.

◆

By the time I returned, evening was setting in. In the guild hall, a few adventurers were beginning to gather. They were returning from their own quests.

Tapping my sword’s hilt lightly, I joined the queue at the reception counter. My turn came quickly.

The usual receptionist greeted me with a gentle smile.

“Welcome back. I’ll take your report.”

“Yes, thank you.”

She swiftly opened the bag I handed over and began checking its contents.

“—I see, this includes materials from a variant-class monster as well… hmm…”

A slight flicker of surprise crossed her face. Though she quickly suppressed it.

By now, this must be the umpteenth time I’d submitted such materials.

(So the rumors are circulating in the guild too.)

Even in the hall, I’d begun noticing glances here and there.

An abnormal number of successful quests for a newbie.

Cumulative kill records.

And above all, the continued slaying of variant monsters.

But so what?

They were results I’d earned through combat.

“Thank you for waiting. Including the variant materials, your total reward comes to 3 silver and 41 copper coins.”

The bag she handed back was full of coin.

The valuation for materials was clearly improving—likely due to the rarity of the variant monster parts.

Also, thanks to “Constant Activity,” I could fight without worrying much about fatigue. Which in turn had improved my efficiency.

(…Not bad.)

Even after deducting the potion expenses I’d prepared for, I was still well in the black.

More than enough to fund my next set of preparations.

“Oh, and Alphonse-san… one more thing.”

The receptionist looked up, as if recalling something.

Another notice?

I waited for her to continue.

“At today’s upper management meeting, you were approved for promotion to E rank.”

“Promotion, huh.”

At those words, I felt my brow twitch slightly.

I’d heard about the rank system in the orientation.

Reaching E rank unlocked access to higher-reward quests.

More powerful monsters would appear. And naturally, more rare materials for skill growth would be obtainable.

It was an attractive environment for training.

The receptionist continued her explanation with a warm smile.

“Yes. Your record and material evaluations alone were enough, but—It seems the decisive factor was the continued slaying of variant-class monsters.”

“I see…”

I could accept the E rank promotion.

Material submissions, kill counts, variant kills—these were all the result of my accumulated efforts.

(Not just luck—my consistency was recognized. That’s acceptable.)

I had no attachment to the rank itself. But as a sign of progress—it brought a bit of satisfaction.

However…

(There’s the “interview,” huh.)

I’d also heard that promotion from F to E rank required a formal interview.

It wasn’t based on combat results alone.

Annoying. But I supposed it was understandable for a structured organization like the guild.

“…Additionally, I’d like to give a brief explanation regarding the interview.”

Perhaps reading my thoughts, the receptionist politely added,

“The guild treats F rank as a trial phase, leaving most responsibility to the adventurer. However, beginning with E rank, formal contractual responsibilities begin. Since higher-difficulty quests are unlocked, a basic aptitude check is required by rule—”

(So it’s essentially a management protocol.)

I nodded inwardly.

It was reasonable.

Pointless in combat terms. But from an administrative standpoint, it made sense.

“Understood. Then I’ll take it.”

“Very well. The interview is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Please head to the consultation room at the back of the guild.”

With a light nod, I turned and walked away.

Behind me, I felt the receptionist quietly bow and say, “Thank you.”

(A preparation step for further battle.)

A mere formal interview—trivial.

What mattered was what came after:

An improved environment for battle.

The rate of training growth would skyrocket.

(Good. It’s finally time for the “next phase.”)

I quietly left the guild—looking toward tomorrow’s interview, and the even greater battles beyond.

◆

I returned to the inn. Just as I reached the front entrance—

“U-Um…!”

A voice suddenly called from behind.

I turned and saw Linea standing a few steps back, frozen. She was clutching a bundle of herbs.

She seemed like she wanted to say something, slightly parting her lips—

Only to avert her eyes, flustered.

“U-Uh… um… W-Welcome back…!”

With that, she gave a quick bow. She then scurried off toward the side entrance in a hurry.

I didn’t laugh. But I gave a small shrug of my shoulder.

How many times had this strange behavior from Linea occurred lately?

Whenever I returned, she would always keep her distance like this—yet somehow, her eyes always followed me.

Thinking about it—

It seemed like she simply hadn’t figured out how to approach me.

(I wonder what she’s thinking.)

Just as I began heading toward my room, the innkeeper called out from behind the counter with a smile:

“Oh my, did Linea run off again?”

“I haven’t done anything.”

“I know, I know. But that girl seems quite interested in you, you know.”

With a wry smile, the innkeeper continued wiping down the counter with a cloth.

Behind her, the large sword was still hanging on the wall as always.

“Well, just some small-town gossip. Be gentle with her, alright?”

She gave me a sidelong glance, eyes full of meaning. Before she disappeared behind the counter.

(Well, it’s not an issue for now.)

That was my judgment.

I turned again and entered the inn.

What mattered to me now was the next training, the next battle—nothing else.

Original Author’s Comment:

――――――――――――

Thank you so much for reading this far!

All the support, ★, and reviews up through Chapter 1 have truly meant the world to me!!!

New battles and new encounters await in Chapter 2, which I’ll continue building carefully—so I hope you’ll keep enjoying the story!!!

(Here’s the link if you want to support the Author: https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622176303375188.)