Chapter 13
Everything that followed descended into utter chaos.
Everyone in the gymnasium was focused on me, so there was no way the Job assessments could continue.
Just when I thought the principal was asking me for permission, several staff members who looked every bit like researchers in their white lab coats appeared, gathered in front of my Job list, and began taking notes with feverish intensity.
It was the kind of scene that would normally make you think, What on earth is this? But I’d been through it myself back in the day, so I simply nodded.
Jobs are difficult to identify in the first place.
You can’t even search for one unless you know its name. And once you know the name, you might be able to work backward and figure out its manifestation conditions.
It’s far more worthwhile to investigate the conditions for Jobs whose existence is confirmed than to search for Jobs when you don’t even know whether they exist.
I could hear the researchers’ excited voices. There must have been a lot of undiscovered Jobs.
A little while later, the researchers finished taking notes and tried to question me, but the principal stopped them.
Since it was time for Job assessments, he promised they could set aside time for it later. The researchers left, tears of frustration in their eyes.
Oh, nice. There are some good ones here.
I’d wondered if everyone was so caught up in 【Muscle Warrior】 that they weren’t actively searching for Job conditions, but seeing that there were people like these Job enthusiasts put me at ease.
I had no obligation to tell them everything for free, but I thought I’d at least give them a few hints about how to manifest powerful Jobs—enough to keep them from going for 【Muscle Warrior】, a gag Job.
While all that was going on, the gymnasium began to settle down.
No, everyone was just focusing on what Job I’d choose next. The strange atmosphere made me feel like they were watching my every move, determined not to miss a thing.
Even Sierra behind me was looking at me like she was sizing me up for some reason.
...Fine by me.
“Well, Zephyrus-kun. With this many Jobs, choosing one will take time. Why not take the list with you and carefully consider your options? There are many undiscovered Jobs, of course, and we’d be happy to help...”
Amid all this, the principal suggested I put off my decision. It was a reasonable suggestion.
When I first started playing 〈Dan-Katsu〉, I agonized over my Job choices, too. In the end, though, I went with my gut.
With this many options, it was only natural that choosing would take time. The academy probably wanted to resolve the situation quickly, since Job assessments were currently underway and they had a schedule to keep.
Well, it’s about time I chose.
“Please don’t worry. I’ve already decided on my Job.”
I made a point of speaking respectfully to the principal, then chose the Job I’d decided on the very first day I arrived in this world from among the huge list.
It had been a long wait.
In the game, it would have taken only about ten minutes to get this far. In real-life 〈Dan-Katsu〉, it had taken nearly two weeks.
At long last, the real 〈Dan-Katsu〉 was about to begin.
And the partner I chose for real-life 〈Dan-Katsu〉 was...
―――【Hero】.
'You acquired the Job 〈【Hero】〉.'
An announcement rang out.
Then the Job list closed, and the name 【Hero】 zoomed in.
That made me a 【Hero】.
Murmur...
The gymnasium trembled with murmurs.
Everyone there was focused on the Job I’d chosen.
“【Hero】...”
For some reason, one person’s quiet murmur carried clearly through the gymnasium, even amid the uproar.
That’s right. I chose 【Hero】.
Appearance conditions: 〈① Defeat 1,000 monsters. ② Have no Job. ③ Be equipped with a sword and shield. ④ Save someone’s life (completed via a quest). ⑤ Only the “Protagonist.”〉
Among the Jobs you can choose at the start of 〈Dan-Katsu〉, 【Hero】 has an incredibly high amount of SUP (Status Up Points)—not quite as much as 【Muscle Warrior】, but still extremely high. It also has several powerful Skills that let you fill all sorts of roles, from offense and magic to defense and healing. It even learns two Unique Skills. It’s one of the strongest Jobs there is.
The undisputed number one in the official Top of Job ranking: 【Hero】.
As if to say, This is what a truly outstanding Job looks like.
With everyone watching, I ignored the countless other Jobs and chose 【Hero】 without a moment’s hesitation.
“Thank you very much. I’ve successfully acquired my Job.”
“Ah, y-yes. Congratulations on awakening to your Job. I offer you my heartfelt congratulations.”
I thanked the female staff member, who stood frozen in bewilderment, and she hurriedly straightened up and offered her congratulations.
If anything, her words seemed more polite than they’d been with Hannah.
Heh. It seemed the glory of 【Hero】 was already shining through.
Strong Jobs really are wonderful!
These days, with the light novel boom, Heroes are often portrayed as villains instead.
But they’re still hugely popular in games.
〈Dan-Katsu〉 catered to the demand for popular games, of course, and placed 【Hero】 at the top of its enormous roster of 1,021 Jobs.
In fact, 【Hero】 is so powerful it practically asks, What could you possibly put above it?
If you don’t want to use it, you can always choose another Job.
After all, 〈Dan-Katsu〉 has 1,021 Jobs!
But if you want to aim for the strongest, there’s no better choice.
In the past and today alike, Heroes in games are popular, powerful, and number one!
That’s why I use 【Hero】.
I’m going to enjoy everything this real-life 〈Dan-Katsu〉 world has to offer with 【Hero】!
That was my resolve.
Then the principal spoke to me.
“Allow me to congratulate you as well. My sincere congratulations on awakening to your Job. I’ve worked at this academy for sixty years, and this is the first time I’ve seen the 【Hero】 Job. I’ve also had the pleasure of seeing some fine Jobs among the others. If you ever run into trouble at this academy, come talk to me. I’ll help however I can.”
Good heavens!
I never expected to receive congratulations from the principal himself, and it was incredibly reassuring to hear that I could come to him if I ran into trouble.
The female staff member and Sierra were surprised by the principal’s words, and the murmurs in the gymnasium grew louder again.
“Thank you for your kindness. I’ll be sure to ask for your help if the need arises.”
“Haha, good. Keep working hard.”
The principal said that with satisfaction, then moved away and climbed onto the stage, where he announced to the entire gymnasium that Job assessments would resume.
At last, the Job assessments, which had come to a halt, began again.