#920 Those Who Responded to the Exam Part 4

My name’s Tamarim.

I’m a guardian from the whirlwind of distant times, keeping a watchful eye on adventurers from afar.

Most of my life has been dedicated to observing the exploits of adventurers, celebrating their achievements, and etching their history.

You could say my life is practically synonymous with the history of adventurers.

At this point, it's safe to say that I've transcended the mere realm of fandom to become something of a storyteller.

Please, don’t lump me in with those bandwagon fans.

The Adventurers’ Guild has seen one big event after another these past few years, leaving someone like me, who watches over adventurers, overwhelmingly moved.

First off, the war’s end brought us Pink Tonton, a new S-class adventurer.

The future of the Adventurers’ Guild was uncertain with the demons’ invasion, but thankfully, all was well in the end.

Moreover, the concept of adventurers has been adopted even in the Demon Kingdom, leading to a massive expansion of the Adventurers’ Guild branches there.

Talk about a major expansion!

This is truly a historic event, and I’m overjoyed to have witnessed this moment.

The Adventurers’ Guild is making great strides today, no doubt about it.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Silver Wolf’s appointment as the guild master was a real shocker.

Known for his wisdom and ability to work well with others, S-class adventurer Silver Wolf has always been popular for his balanced blend of intelligence and bravery.

When the news broke that he was to become the Guild Master, the adventurer fanatics were all abuzz.

The idea of someone holding the title of an S-class adventurer and Guild Master simultaneously was unheard of in the Adventurers’ Guild.

Such an unparalleled feat by Silver Wolf! No wonder he’s my top favorite among all S-class adventurers!

Even casual fans know that his wolf traits have been a boon to his adventuring.

His keen senses and formidable bite are well-known... But these are just surface-level attributes.

From my perspective as a seasoned observer, I’d say Silver Wolf’s greatest asset as a wolf therianthrope is his cooperativeness.

Wolves thrive in packs.

Among their ranks, a strict hierarchy reigns supreme, where the mightiest take the lead. They orchestrate their hunts with a blend of skill and teamwork to secure their prey.

The ability to form and effectively utilize a pack is perhaps a wolf’s greatest strength.

Silver Wolf has mastered this, demonstrating exceptional leadership when teaming up with other adventurers and maintaining a zero death rate within his parties. It’s an incredible talent, indeed.

Should he retire, his record of never losing a comrade would be etched into history, earning him the title of “the adventurer who never let a comrade die.”

Some might wonder, ‘Adventurers are known for going solo, so what’s this about teamwork?’ But I’ll let those fools hold their tongues for half a year.

Really, those who can only nitpick should take a moment to reflect before speaking, but perhaps that’s asking too much of fools.

Sure, adventurers typically operate solo, even if they’re part of a guild, and are responsible for their own decisions and consequences.

But why, then, do guilds exist, and why form parties for dungeon explorations?

Because there’s only so much one can achieve alone.

By forming teams, facing challenges that would be insurmountable alone becomes possible through cooperation.

It’s in these moments that Silver Wolf’s leadership shines, forming strong packs akin to his wolfish nature.

While some may argue that Golden Bat is the superior S-class adventurer, that’s a narrow view held by fools.

Golden Bat’s merely a showoff, if you ask me!

Having observed countless adventurers, I firmly believe Silver Wolf stands above the rest!

...And now, with Silver Wolf assuming the role of guild master, his knack for leading packs will undoubtedly come to the fore even more.

The Adventurers' Guild is bound to flourish more and more from here on out.

Such is my prediction, akin to a prophecy, that comes just before the announcement of Silver Wolf's retirement.

This was the latest scoop that had all the adventure aficionados in an uproar.

Silver Wolf?! Retiring?!

What’s to become of the adventuring world, now missing its most foundational giant?!

With our forays into the Demon Kingdom bringing growth amidst chaos, the absence of a steadfast anchor could mean our world teeters on the brink of collapse at the slightest nudge.

In times like these, we need Silver Wolf more than ever...!

...Just when I thought he was hanging up his hat for good, turns out the reason he’s retiring is to “focus on his duties as Guild Master.”

He had me worried he was quitting adventuring for a second there.

But now that I think about it, Silver Wolf dedicating himself to guild management might actually be a brilliant move, given the current state of affairs.

Smart play, my friend. Looks like you’ve got your eyes on the prize.

However, this does raise an interesting question about the vacant spot among the S-class adventurers.

Since the dawn of the Adventurers’ Guild, there’s been an unwritten rule that the ranks of S-class adventurers are capped at five.

This is to avoid any dip in the quality of heroism. However, history recalls a time when Silver Wolf, Golden Bat, and Black Cat roamed the lands as a trio.

Then along came Pink Tonton and Brown Katou, filling up the S-class slots. But with the Adventurers’ Guild expanding into the Demon Kingdom, having one less S-class adventurer doesn’t exactly paint a rosy picture.

The guild’s higher-ups must be on the same page as me...

If they’re not fools, they’ve got to have a plan.

...

Would you look at that? Just as I suspected!

With Silver Wolf’s retirement, they’re holding exams to fill the newly vacant S-class spot.

Looks like the guild’s top brass isn’t as clueless as the rumor-mongers make them out to be!

Well, if rumors are to be believed, Silver Wolf himself is calling the shots in the guild’s upper echelons.

No cause for alarm, then.

But selecting an S-class through exams... That’s quite a novel idea.

Traditionally, promotion to S-class has been a matter of meeting one of two criteria, with exams only being for promotions up to A-rank.

One criterion is conquering five to ten five-star dungeons as set by the guild.

The other is discovering and registering at least three undiscovered dungeons.

Both feats require more than mere talent, showcasing the true mettle of an adventurer.

Then there are the exceptional cases, like defending a human settlement from dragons or Lifeless Kings or being granted an audience with Alexander at the Mountain of the Sacred White Maiden, which could also prompt a discussion for S-class promotion.

Either way, earning the S-class through sheer adventuring prowess and not an exam is unprecedented.

This break from tradition must be the guild leadership’s doing—Silver Wolf’s forward-thinking decision.

From this point forward, the Adventurers’ Guild shall embark on a grand expansion, setting its sights on the Demon Kingdom.

Well, we’ve already gone and set up new guild branches, where hordes of fresh-faced demon adventurers are popping up like daisies.

It seems like a move to foster harmony between human and demon adventurers within the guild.

Or perhaps... they’re looking to quickly usher in a demon S-class adventurer.

Heh-heh-heh...Naive. Very naive.

I’ve seen right through the guild leadership’s grand plans!

Your schemes are as clear as day to me!

All thanks to my unmatched cunning and wisdom!

Hmm... When you look at it that way, this call for S-class adventurers could be seen as an opportunity.

It’s like bypassing years of hard-earned achievements for a shot at S-class in just a day or so.

Up until now, yours truly has been a behind-the-scenes sort of fellow, always keeping a watchful eye on the exploits of adventurers.

But with my current ability to see through every thought and strategy of the Adventurer’s Guild, calling upon these skills, couldn’t I easily become an S-class adventurer myself?

Hmm... Have I finally become indispensable in these changing times...?

Yeah, I’ve grown tired of playing the unseen helper. Maybe it’s time to shine in the spotlight.

Even the family business is telling me, “It’s about time you got to work.”

Very well, then, there’s no stage more fitting for unveiling my hidden talents than that of an S-class adventurer!

Watch closely, adventurers!

Witness the moment I, once a mere observer, step onto the center stage of history!

Adventurer history will now be written by yours truly!!!