"Um, Takeru-san and Mio-san, is your strength also on par with Hachiman-san's?" After thinking through many things, Yusuke quickly sought confirmation from Takeru and Mio.
"Well, something like that." Hearing his words, Takeru said with a light laugh.
"Really?" Hearing Takeru's words, Yusuke immediately broke into a smile.
Hachiman, standing nearby, rolled his eyes upon hearing Takeru's answer. He was self-aware enough to know that while his strength might be considered mid-to-upper tier within the group, he wasn't sure if all of them together could withstand even a few of Takeru's attacks.
He wasn't foolish. Although he hadn't personally witnessed much of Takeru's true strength, based on descriptions from Yukino and the others, as well as Yui and Ritsu, the conclusion was always that Takeru's power was unfathomable.
Especially during the last mission, he had heard Tsumugi mention that Takeru had become a Demon Lord. While he wasn't entirely sure what that title entailed, judging from Takeru having hunted a Demon Lord in the previous world and recruited numerous powerful subordinates, Takeru's strength had clearly reached a world beyond their imagination.
"Eh, is that so? We haven't asked before, what do you all do in the main world?" After hearing Takeru's response, Iu inquired further.
"Us? We're students, just like you. Mio and I are first-years in high school, and Hachiman is a second-year." Hearing her words, Takeru said with a smile.
As for what she called the main world, Takeru naturally took it to mean his own original world.
"Students? But how are you all so strong?" Hearing Takeru and the others claim to be students, the group was somewhat speechless. If Takeru had said they were students earlier, they would have unhesitatingly believed it.
But after Hachiman demonstrated his power, they couldn't help but suspect whether Takeru and the others were heirs to some kendo clan, or apprentices at some dojo...
"By the way, that job you obtained, it doesn't affect your combat ability, right? Since we can't use weapons outside our own job." Then, Yusuke reacted again. Takeru, like himself initially, had obtained a job with no combat power boost.
"It doesn't." Hearing Yusuke's words, Takeru lightly shook his head but didn't elaborate further.
"That's great, Takeru! We're counting on you this time!" At this moment, Yuka exclaimed excitedly, then came to Takeru's side, looking at him with admiration.
Although Takeru hadn't demonstrated his own strength, he was handsome, and they weren't truly that oblivious. They had vaguely sensed from the beginning that among the three, Takeru was basically the leader.
"This is our mission too, so we're just helping each other." Hearing her words, Takeru let out a dry laugh. As for Yuka, Takeru had no interest in that direction.
Moreover, through brief interactions, Takeru found her personality not particularly suited to his preferences. Yuka herself, however, seemed unaware.
"Ah, my apologies, I haven't yet asked for your name!" Nearby, Cantil, having accepted his defeat and been helped to his feet by Hachiman, respectfully inquired of him.
"I am Hikigaya Hachiman." Hearing his inquiry, Hachiman stated directly.
"I see. Then, Hachiman-san, please take me on as my apprentice!" Subsequently, before everyone's shocked gazes, Cantil knelt directly before Hachiman.
"Well, this... you know I'm a Hero, right? The time I can stay here isn't long..." Looking at Cantil's actions, Hachiman panicked for the first time, somewhat at a loss.
"Phew, yes, I am aware. That is why I hope you can train me over the next ten days. Whether to increase our chances of victory against the Orcs, or for my own selfish desire, I beg of you!" Hearing Hachiman's words, Cantil spoke earnestly again.
"Eh, but I don't really have anything to teach you, and I never thought about taking an apprentice..." Hearing Cantil's words, Hachiman said with a bitter smile.
"It wouldn't be bad, Hachiman." At this moment, Takeru spoke up.
"Eh, but..." Hearing Takeru actually encourage him to take an apprentice, Hachiman was stunned.
"I can see that Cantil-san is genuinely eager to improve. Although he's a bit older, his foundation isn't bad. Simple guidance wouldn't hurt." Takeru continued.
"Well..." Hearing Takeru's words, Hachiman fell silent. He quickly pondered the intention behind Takeru's suggestion. Soon, he understood, immediately thinking of mission evaluation scores. He then took a deep look at Cantil.
"I understand. I can guide you before the battle with the Orcs. But you need to be mentally prepared, I may not necessarily be able to improve your strength." Having thought it through, Hachiman took a deep breath and spoke seriously to Cantil.
"Yes. If I don't improve, it will only be because of my own dullness. And please rest assured, Hero. My strength hasn't progressed in years. If you can help me improve during this time, I will be the one grateful to you!" Hearing Hachiman's words, Cantil said excitedly.
"Alright then. I agree to guide you." Hearing him say this, Hachiman fully accepted Cantil's request.
"Thank you, Hachiman-sama. And you, Hero, I have yet to learn your name!" After confirming Hachiman's agreement to guide him, Cantil knelt before standing. He then inquired of Takeru, since without Takeru, Hachiman wouldn't have agreed to his request.
"No need to be so formal. My name is Nara Takeru. Just call me Takeru." Hearing his words, Takeru casually waved his hand.
"I understand, Takeru-sama!" After hearing Takeru's name, Cantil said solemnly.
Takeru casually waved his hand upon hearing this, not taking it too seriously. Cantil's matter gave Takeru a direction… perhaps helping them grow stronger and change their life trajectories would be an excellent choice.
But as for how to implement it, or whether to actually implement it, Takeru decided to see how things developed.
"Well then, since everything's settled, I'll be leaving now." Thinking this, Takeru directly addressed the group.
"Eh, Takeru, where are you going?" Hearing Takeru's words, Yuka quickly pressed closer.
"As for where, I suppose to level up." Hearing her words, Takeru said calmly.
"Can you take me along?" Hearing Takeru's words, the usually least proactive Yuka quickly spoke up.
Hearing Yuka say this, Yusuke looked at her in astonishment. He knew Yuka's personality all too well. For her to voluntarily propose leveling up was truly unheard of.
"Are you sure you want to come along?" Hearing her words, Takeru looked at her calmly.
"Eh, is there a problem?" Hearing Takeru's words, Yuka said nervously.
"No, not really a big problem." Hearing her words, Takeru calmly shook his head.
"Takeru, I'll go too." At this moment, Mio came to Takeru's side and spoke.
"Okay. Let me inform Hachiman first." Hearing Mio's words, Takeru directly nodded.
"Hachiman, I plan to go level up. But there are no monsters on this island. I'll take Mio back to our starting point. While we're away, keep an eye on the island's situation. We'll return as soon as possible." Looking at Hachiman, Takeru spoke seriously.
"I understand. Leave it to me." Hearing Takeru's words, Hachiman paused, then directly nodded.
"Good. I'm counting on you." Nodding to him, Takeru prepared to leave with Mio and Yuka.
"Um, Takeru, can you count me in?" Seeing Takeru about to leave, Yusuke, who had earlier been deemed non-combat effective by Cantil and was also looking to level up, spoke seriously upon seeing Takeru's confident demeanor.
"Also, I want to become stronger. Please, take me with you." Seeing Yuka and Yusuke both approaching Takeru, Kusue took a deep breath and nervously inquired of Takeru.
Unlike Yuka, her lack of combat ability was purely due to her weak foundation, but she genuinely wanted to fight.
"One is the same as many. If you're interested, then let's go." Hearing her words, Takeru led the group to another side of the island.
As for Iu and Keita, they were currently arranged to undergo training, preparing for the upcoming Orc battle.
"Eh, there shouldn't be any monsters here, right?" Looking at the peaceful surroundings, Yusuke inquired doubtfully.
"Maybe we should ask Yana and Aoiu where we can find monsters to level up?" Hearing Yusuke's words, Kusue spoke weakly.