The weakest tamer, who was expelled because they could only tame the lowest-ranked trash monsters, awakens the "Breeder" ability. Eventually, they become a hero commanding extraordinary divine beasts and mythical creatures. - Chapter 60
**Episode 060: What About the Exam?**
I entrusted the egg to the breeding ranch’s stable where it wouldn’t attract attention, and instead called Prue out, placing her inside my backpack. Then, while exploring various things in the city, I eventually returned to the inn.
“Ah, welcome back. Care to join us?”
“Yeah. I’ll take you up on that.”
Inside, El and the others were eating in the dining hall slash tavern on the first floor. Upon seeing me, they immediately greeted me.
I took a seat at an empty table and ordered some food. Everyone was drinking, their faces slightly flushed. Even though the request wasn’t over yet, was it really okay?
“Thank you again for this time, just like last time.”
“For real. If Ilk wasn’t here, this request would’ve been seriously dangerous. We owe you big time.”
“Yes. If Ilk-san wasn’t here, we’d all be in the afterlife by now.”
Despite my worries, everyone bowed their heads to me. Their actions drew attention from those around us.
“Hey, cut that out. We took on the request together and survived. Isn’t that enough?”
Feeling embarrassed, I raised my head.
“Well then, we can’t leave it at that. Let us at least treat you to a meal.”
“Sigh… Fine.”
Feeling their strong determination not to yield, I gave in and let them treat me.
Chris treating us? Maybe pigs will fly tomorrow.
After enjoying a meal and a moderate amount of alcohol, we went to bed early in preparation for the next day.
“Thank you for everything. Take care on your way back.”
“Leave it to us.”
The next morning, we departed from the city.
As we approached the man-eating pass on the second day, tension ran through all of us.
…
Silently, we climbed the pass, keeping a wary eye on our surroundings. However, to cut to the chase, nothing happened. It seems the Harpies hadn’t returned since receiving such a painful retaliation. Considering the fierce counterattack they endured, it was only natural.
Afterward, aside from sporadic monster attacks, nothing eventful occurred as we returned to the frontier town.
“Well then, see you later.”
“Next time, let’s spar.”
“I’ll make sure to repay the favor next time.”
We reported the completion of the request at the Mercenary Guild and bid farewell to everyone before heading home.
“Oops, wrong way. I almost went back to the old house.”
For a moment, I almost headed back to the old house.
Even though I moved to a new house, I still haven’t quite gotten used to it.
“Mew!”
“Nyaa!”
As soon as I entered the house, Paula and Chloro jumped at me, rubbing their heads against mine and licking my cheeks.
Hahaha. It’s been six days since I’ve seen them. I’ve never been away for such a long time before. They must have missed me.
“Where did you two――Ah, big brother!!”
Following them, Airi noticed me and ran over, clinging to me. Just like Paula and Chloro, she rubbed her head against mine.
Finally, I felt like I was back.
“Alright, let go, everyone. I’ll give you souvenirs.”
I separated Airi and the others from me and gave them souvenirs I bought in Alvesta.
“This is for you two. And this one’s for Airi.”
For Paula and Chloro, I got some vegetables and fish I didn’t see around here. For Airi, I bought a hair accessory that seemed to suit her.
“Mew!”
“Nyaa!”
Excited, the two of them bounced around upon seeing the gifts.
“Big brother, put it on.”
“Sure, sure.”
Granting their request, I put the hair accessory on Airi.
“How’s that?”
Airi moved away from me and twirled around.
“Oh yeah. It looks good on you. Like an angel.”
“Yay!! Thank you, big brother!!”
Airi’s face brightened up as if a light had just been lit there. Ah… my little sister is so cute.
“I thought it was noisy, and it turns out you’re back. Welcome home, Ilk.”
As everyone was playing outside the breeding ranch, Mom also came over.
“I’m home, Mom.”
“Thank goodness you’re safe. Are you hungry?”
“I’m starving.”
“In that case, let’s eat first.”
“Roger that.”
While listening to my request, Airi and Mom happily laughed.
I felt truly at ease having a meal with my family after such a long time.
“Today, I’ll sleep with you!!”
“Alright, alright, I got it.”
Perhaps feeling lonely, Airi came to my room at night.
“Oh, I almost forgot.”
“Hm? What is it?”
“Just wait a moment.”
I laid a thick cushion on the table and placed the egg on top of it.
“An egg?”
“Yeah, it’s a monster egg.”
“Eh, you picked up another one!?”
Airi looked somewhat surprised and a bit exasperated.
“Don’t say ‘another one’ like that.”
There are only six of them. The house is bigger now, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
At least, that’s what I thought for a moment.
“At least think about it!! If you keep bringing home things, this house will burst at the seams!!”
“Alright, alright, I get it…”
I could only sheepishly apologize while being scolded by Airi.
The next day.
I went to the Mercenary Guild as usual.
“Hello. I’d like to request this.”
“Oh, hello, Ilk-san. We’ll accept this request, but before that, there’s an important announcement.”
“W-What is it…?”
As I handed over the request form to the receptionist, she suddenly had a serious expression and took a deep breath.
Then, how long did I wait? My heart was pounding loudly, not knowing what would be said.
And then, after a tremendous buildup, the receptionist said this:
“Ilk-san, you have been promoted to C-rank. Congratulations!!”
“Huh?”