Chapter 96

Joining
"Um, is academic performance at the academy important for joining the Mage Corps?"

Brother Noel raised a question.

"Hmm? Young master Noel, are you interested in the Mage Corps?"

"Yes. I want to join the Mage Corps in the future."

"I see~ Well, academic performance at the academy is necessary for joining the Mage Corps, but there is also mana and casting speed."

"And the ability to adapt flexibly, too.”

"Besides, you also need to be able to handle close combat to some extent. When the enemy closes the distance, physical attacks can be more effective than magic.”

"Power and casting speed... I see. Understood."

"I want to join the Monster Subjugation Unit!"

"Oh, me too, me too.”

Exclaimed Brother Gene and Vee.

"Oh, that's great~ Then you two need to train your combat ability and endurance.”

"Without endurance, you won’t be suited for monster subjugation, more so than magic.”

"... What about academic performance?"

Brother Gene inquired anxiously.

"Haha, don’t worry. It's not that important. As long as you have common sense, you'll manage. Well, the more academic knowledge you have, the better, though.”

"More than academic ability, knowledge about monsters is crucial. The ability to respond accordingly is also more important. You never know how monsters will move.”

"Umm, is it okay to join the Monster Subjugation Unit without magic?" I asked.

"Well, it’s better to have it, but it's fine without. In fact, I’m a commoner with a Null attribute. But I still became the Vice-Commander. The Monster Subjugation Unit is all about merit, regardless of social standing or magic attributes.” Jacob explained.

Even if it's a merit-based system, for a commoner with a Null attribute to become the Vice-Commander means he must have considerable ability.

If I can gain enough strength, does that mean I can find my place too?

"Can I join the Monster Subjugation Unit as well?"

[Eh!?]

"Uh… well, it's not like women can't join, but… right?"

Brian turned to Hector for help.

"Yeah. But it's mostly a male-dominated environment, and even if women join, they usually quit quickly. They can't keep up with the training."

"There are no female members at all right now.” Added Luke.

"So, it’s not that I can’t join, right? I’ll aim for the Monster Subjugation Unit then."

"J-Joan? What are you saying…?"

"But it’s a merit-based system, right? And magic isn’t necessary—"

"No! My cute Joan in a place full of men starving like monsters is way too dangerous!!"

[......]

Ah, so that's the issue.

Not that monsters are dangerous, but that my chastity is.

Father, because you said that, now everyone is looking at you with deadpan eyes…

"Anyway, all of this is for after you guys graduate from the academy. That includes you too, Stanley.”

[Yes.]

"But still…"

Father, just agree already.

"Before graduating from the academy, testing yourself at the Adventurers' Guild is also useful. Whether it’s the Monster Subjugation Unit or the Mage Corps, having a high adventurer rank also helps with recruitment. Gahahaha!" Dominic laughed.

[Adventurers' Guild rank?]

Our eyes sparkled.

"Then first, we need to raise our Adventurers' Guild rank.” Said Brother ARan.

[Yeah!!!]

As the five of us got excited, the adults contemplated.

"Hah… We intentionally avoided mentioning that, but why did you have to bring it up, Commander Dominic?" Stanley held his head.

"It’s fine. Our Joan is still only five. Noel and the others will register at the guild first, so we can still relax for now. We’ll also get to see what the current guild is like.”

"That’s right, Brother. Aran and Vee will register first, so it's fine. Besides… sometimes, you just have to give up.”

"Julie, that’s not reassuring at all…"

"Just give up already. You can’t protect her forever. Sooner or later, she’ll leave this estate."

"Indeed. You don’t mean to lock her up in the estate without ever letting her marry, do you? As parents, supporting what our children want to do is also our duty. We were the same way.”

"Sigh… I know that, but I can’t help but worry. If it were just Gene, I could understand, but even Joan wants to join the Monster Subjugation Unit?"

[Ahh~]

"There were a few female members in Nancy’s time, right?"

"Yes, including myself, there were about five."

"Can you get in touch with them?"

"I think I can, but…"

"Then let’s have a tea party with Joan. If she hears about their experiences, she might change her mind."

"Mother, what if hearing their stories only makes Joan more determined?"

"… Then we’ll deal with it when the time comes. Besides, there are still eight years before she enters the academy."

"But it’s Joan we're talking about…"

"Father, please don’t say things that make it worse!"

With the alcohol affecting him, Stanley was on the verge of tears.

Though everyone felt bad for him, they all knew Joan’s resolve wouldn’t waver.

If Joan really did join the Monster Subjugation Unit, what would Stanley do?

Looking at Joan, she was happily chatting with Noel and the others.

Her cheeks puffed out from time to time because Gene and Vince were teasing her.

Five years left until she enters the academy. A Null attribute with an extraordinary skill, plus memories from a past life.

There were worries and concerns about what path she would take, but at the same time, there was also anticipation and excitement.

Because surely, Joan would do something incredible.