#933 Those Who Are Truly Powerful

I’m Shabe, an adventurer.

We’re resurrecting that title just for today.

Seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I clumsily patched up my dream and took a leap for revival.

The S-rank adventurer promotion exam.

The venue: The Saint’s Farm.

It’s a battleground I ventured into, even at the cost of burdening my pregnant wife.

For her, who sent me off with belief in her heart, I must settle this lingering regret of mine.

After all, it’s been years since I left the adventuring life, and I hardly believe I can move decently anymore with my rusty skills.

The chances of passing and becoming an S-rank adventurer are one in ten thousand... No, probably even less than that.

If not for the exceptionally lenient requirement of “no qualifications needed,” I wouldn’t have been able to even attempt this.

Yet, with a do-or-die spirit, I broke through the preliminary exams and finally earned my spot in the main test.

The main exam venue is the Saint’s Farm.

The same farm I’ve been chasing since my younger days.

A utopia rumored to be somewhere in the world, a treasure trove of all wealth and wisdom.

There was a time when many dreamers, spurred by these romantic tales, scoured the world in search of this hidden paradise.

Explorers, pioneers... and, of course, adventurers.

For adventurers who live on dreams and romance as if they were air, the Saint’s Farm was the ultimate dream.

And now, here I am, stepping into the Saint’s Farm in reality.

The farm of my adventurer dreams...!

“...It’s more ordinary than I thought.”

That was my first impression.

True to its name, fields stretch as far as the eye can see.

They are meticulously tended, and the lush greenery is a vivid feast for the eyes. Yet, in my mind, I imagined golden-hued plants bearing fruits that shimmered like gems in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Nevertheless, there are many crops I’ve never seen before.

If only I could get a closer look...

“Hey, hey, hey, that area’s not part of the exam, so please don’t go near it.”

...I was stopped in my tracks.

By an orc.

I knew of the humanoid monster orcs, but since when could they speak so fluently?

And the aura they emitted was not to be taken lightly...

Of course, I backed off, intimidated by their presence.

As expected of the farm, even the monster guarding it isn’t just any ordinary creature.

Even just looking around like so, there are countless wonders that catch the eye.

The Saint’s Farm truly is a place worthy of an adventurer’s dreams.

In my youth, I chased mainly two dreams.

One was to reach the Saint’s Farm.

The other was to climb to the pinnacle of all adventurers and become S-rank.

Though in an unexpected way, one of those dreams—reaching the Saint’s Farm—has come true.

Now, my ambitions have grown.

Onto the other dream: to become an S-rank adventurer and prove my worth to the world.

With the motive of settling my abandoned past, I passed the preliminary examinations and made it to the main venue, Saint’s Farm.

Now that I’m here, glory seems just within reach.

Dreams once thought unreachable, covered in dust, might just become reality today.

Why not run through without concern for appearances?

After all, wouldn’t my child be prouder to have a dazzling S-rank adventurer for a father rather than a humble weapons dealer?!

Let’s go, I can fly!

Catch the rainbow!

***

But reality wasn’t so forgiving.

Three dungeons at the Saint’s Farm.

And I met my demise in each.

If even active A-class adventurers retire without recourse, what chance did I, a dropout, stand?

I was blown away like chaff in the wind.

The dream to regain my youthful luster was extinguished as quickly as it was lit.

As I thought, reality isn’t so kind as to indulge the fantasies of a mere mortal.

Despite being let down time and again, one would think I’d have learned my lesson by now.

But...!

To us underdogs, the esteemed Silver Wolf not only bestowed a lesson but graced us with another shot.

What a generous soul!!!

All right, this time, I’ll inject some zest into this wilted frame, dust off those dreams, and turn them into reality…

...No, wait.

Upon reflection, I cooled down.

This second chance was likely intended for young, spirited, active adventurers.

What difference would it make if an old-timer like me got all fired up now?

Besides, the dungeon test is brutally unforgiving.

I survived the first time by the skin of my teeth, but to dive back into that peril… I might not just risk my life but could end up grievously injured.

Injuries that could hinder my job at the forge.

That would mean bringing hardship to my wife and unborn child.

With that realization, I find myself unable to take the next step.

If I can’t face the risks… my days as an adventurer are over.

“I’ve become weak.”

“No, you’re strong.”

?!

Who’s speaking to me?

Turning around, I’m met with an unmistakable visage of a wolf... Lord Silver Wolf?!

“Shabe. What do you think makes a truly strong person?”

Lord Silver Wolf, you remember my name?

“Is it someone who can split monsters’ skulls with sheer strength? Outrun birds with their speed? Someone born into royalty or nobility, inheriting power from their parents? Perhaps someone who’s amassed a fortune in gold coins?”

“Um, well... That’s...”

Might it be one of those?

“The answer is... none of the above. True strength lies in those who have overcome setbacks.”

“Setbacks?”

“To have dreams shattered, to be denied by oneself, to be so heartbroken that standing seems impossible... yet, over time, to stand up again, mend that broken heart, choose a different path, and move forward. Like you are today.”

But...

I’m not all that great.

I couldn’t achieve my dream of becoming an adventurer.

I settled for an ordinary happiness, a dropout among losers...

“Is one not a person if not an adventurer? I don’t think so. Being an adventurer is just a job, like many others, including being a blacksmith that supports our endeavors.”

“H-How did you know...?!”

“Even if you couldn’t become the person you dreamed of as a child, facing that frustration and dedicating yourself to a righteous job while loving your family makes you a winner in life. I praise you for forging a new path after overcoming your setbacks.”

“Lord Silver Wolf...!”

“Won’t you call me ‘Big Bro anymore?”

Wh-What a kind-hearted soul...!

To remember and speak to someone like me, a lowly adventurer who dropped out early on...!

Incredible. This person is the real winner.

He’s brightening not just his own life but the lives of those around us...!!!

“Let’s leave the enthusiasm to the younger ones and, as part of the retirement squad, sneak off for a drink. The farm owner has promised us some alcohol.”

“Huh? Is that okay?”

“Wasn’t visiting the Saint’s Farm a dream since you started out? If you don’t sample the wine, you’ll be missing out on a great story to tell.”

You’re acquainted with the owner of the Saint’s Farm?!

Big Bro Silver Wolf is incredible!!!

...Even though my dream of becoming an S-rank adventurer didn’t come true, I feel like I can live on with my head held high from tomorrow.

This test, it seems, had a deeper meaning.

It’s not just offering a chance to promising youths but also giving us older folks a moment to confront our present...

Truly, Big Bro Silver Wolf is incredible!!!