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 18: A Battle Called an Interview

Episode 18: A Battle Called an Interview

—The morning air was as cold as ever. But I found it rather refreshing.

After a simple breakfast in the inn’s dining hall, I checked over my equipment in front of the mirror.

Leather jacket, blade without any chips, potions—everything was in order.

(The E rank promotion interview, huh.)

The receptionist had informed me just yesterday. My achievements as an F rank adventurer had been acknowledged. And now, I was to undergo an aptitude interview for E rank promotion.

(…Annoying, but not bad.)

At higher ranks, I’d face stronger monsters, earn greater rewards, and improve my training efficiency.

I had no interest in formalities like interviews. But logically speaking, the promotion was well worth it.

I left the inn and headed to the guild.

The morning streets were already lively with the voices of craftsmen and the sound of carts.

Yet even amidst the bustle, my steps felt light.

In my previous life, the mere thought of an “interview” would’ve made me shrink back a bit.

The idea of going to an interview would’ve made me nervous—

—but strangely enough, that didn’t happen at all.

(To grow stronger… this is just one step along the way.)

Passing through the guild doors, I saw the receptionist waiting behind the counter. She gave me a polite nod.

“Alphonse-san, we’ve been expecting you. The interview room is this way.”

I nodded silently and followed her down the corridor to a quiet space completely separate from the usual guild hall—the interview room.

Under normal circumstances, this might have been a nerve-racking moment.

But what I felt wasn’t nervousness. It was something different.

(It’s not combat… but it’s still “unknown.”)

An unknown opponent. Unknown tactics. Unknown criteria.

Just thinking that made the corners of my mouth twitch upward slightly.

(Not bad at all.)

I took a slow breath and knocked on the door.

After a few seconds of silence, a calm, low voice answered from within:

“…You may enter.”

I opened the door and stepped inside.

Waiting there was a sharp-eyed woman with short red hair. She was probably in her early thirties.

Her back was straight, arms folded. She was silently assessing me from behind the desk.

(…A seasoned veteran.)

Even without skills like “Appraisal” or “Insight,” it was obvious.

“You’re here. …Don’t tense up, though. I’m not here for small talk.”

She gave a slight smile. But her sharp eyes never softened.

“I’m Irina, the one in charge of this guild.”

In other words, Guild Master Irina.

A probing smile played on her lips.

“You’ve only been registered for about a week. And yet—You’ve taken down variant-class Miasma Rats, hunted multiple Ironhorn Boars, and done exceptional dismantling work… Even the material handlers were impressed.”

Irina flipped through some papers dramatically. Her eyes were still locked onto me—

Clearly, the interview had already begun.

“For a rookie… you’ve done a bit too well, haven’t you?”

A short pause.

A probing, almost provocative question.

But I replied in a flat tone:

“I only took on requests I was prepared for. The results were within expectations.”

“…‘Within expectations,’ huh?”

Irina narrowed her eyes. Then, in the next instant, her tone grew more casual.

“Let’s be honest—Given your background as a former noble, a lot of people suspect you pulled strings behind the scenes. Frankly, I’m one of them.”

Her sharp eyes searched for a reaction.

Her words were provocative, no doubt.

But without even a flicker of emotion, I responded:

“If I had that kind of backing, I wouldn’t have bothered going through the guild in the first place.”

“Hah! Good answer.”

Irina smirked. She then leaned slightly forward.

“So that just makes you yourself all the more suspicious. Even Gilius, the one who ran your orientation, said you were ‘starving’.”

(Gilius… the guy from the training lecture.)

“You like fighting, don’t you?”

I paused a moment before answering plainly:

“There’s no need for a reason to fight. The fact that I can fight—that alone is more than enough.”

“‘More than enough,’ huh…”

Silence fell for a moment.

Irina’s tone dipped slightly.

“‘Living for battle’ types like you… They can be dangerous for the guild. Charge ahead with no purpose, and eventually, you might break something.”

Testing words.

Sharp like a warning.

Indirect, but clear.

Quietly but firmly, I replied:

“As long as I feel myself growing stronger, that’s enough for me.”

Irina’s expression twitched slightly. Her eyes glimmered faintly—and she smiled.

Not a mocking one like earlier. But it was a curious, almost intrigued smile.

“…You might just be the kind that survives. The kind who moves to the next level before others can even finish sizing them up.”

*Rustle.*

The sound of papers being closed echoed through the room.

“—You’re approved for E rank. But don’t forget—From here on, the higher your strength, the more you stand out. And with that comes jealousy, manipulation, temptation, pressure… All kinds of things will come at you.”

Even so, I answered in an unwavering voice:

“I welcome it. Reading the enemy is the same, no matter the battlefield.”

Hearing that, Irina narrowed her eyes—

And she grinned boldly.

“…Interesting. I’ll remember those words.”

With that, the interview ended, her eyes filled with meaning.

◆

After finishing the interview with Irina, I completed a few administrative tasks and signed some forms—

I then returned to the front counter.

The receptionist was busy organizing request forms. She noticed me and looked up.

“Ah… welcome back.”

Her tone was natural. But she seemed ever so slightly relieved.

She must’ve been curious about the results.

“It’s done. No issues.”

At my calm reply, she hesitated for just a moment—

Then she gave a soft smile.

“…I see. Then you’re now eligible to take E rank requests. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

Just a short exchange.

But the moment I said it, I felt a subtle warmth welling up in my chest.

(Now I can step into a higher realm.)

New requests.

Stronger monsters.

Skill enhancement.

Acquisition.

Plans for my next training session were already taking shape in my mind.

(Everything until now was just a “trial.” From here on… the real game begins.)

The receptionist had said F rank was considered a “trial period.”

That was exactly right.

The events leading up to obtaining “Constant Activity” were necessary—but only a prelude.

What lay ahead would be the true path.

I lifted my gaze to the receptionist and calmly spoke:

“I’ll take an E rank request.”

Original Author’s Comment:

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Thank you as always for reading!!

Knowing there are readers following this really means so much to me…!

I’ll keep building this story, one step at a time, so I hope you’ll continue to enjoy it!!!

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