My Glasses Will Be Able to Conquer the Whole World, I Suppose

Chapter 199 – Glasses Boy Scores Zero

“… Silence!”

Though there wasn’t much noise to begin with, the man clad in leather armor commanded attention with his raised voice.

“Now that all the assassin candidates are present! Pay close attention to the welcoming speech from Lady Evanesque!”

Ah, so even among this group, comprised of individuals coming from different places, we were the last to arrive.

A mature woman, impeccably dressed with her hair neatly tied back, stepped forward, her icy blue eyes scanning us without a hint of emotion. Meanwhile, Sorichika walked beside her, emitting a faint glow, and positioned herself behind the man and woman who appeared to be instructors.

“I will now reveal your scores for the mission ‘Discovery and Arrival at the Tower of Bryne.'”

1st place, Hydra. 100 points.

2nd place, Eorazel Blue. 98 points.

3rd place, Shuren Kasasagi. 95 points.

4th place, Chace. 89 points.

5th place, Hariatan. 84 points.

6th place, Trawllul Gaw. 71 points.

7th place, Karofen. 70 points.

8th place, Riodine Gugelhardt. 68 points.

9th place, Marion. 66 points.

10th place, Belgeuase. 66 points.

11th place, Cherry Levant. 59 points.

12th place, Don Florentine. 55 points.

13th place, Lissevaite Mira. 31 points.”

One by one, names familiar and unfamiliar were announced.

While I was hearing their full names, I was slightly surprised and started thinking about the scores.

It appeared that 100 points was the highest achievable score.

The emotionless woman, who had been announcing the scores, directed her gaze towards me.

“Lastly, Eil Albat. You have scored zero points.”

I see.

Regardless of the upper limit, having no points was the worst. It seems I’m at the bottom.

Hmm…

Though I didn’t grasp the scoring criteria, zero points seemed fitting for an assassin.

I didn’t anticipate this at all, nor did I think it would turn out like this, but I did become the culprit of the grand event, the Hunting Festival.

There’s no benefit in drawing attention, is there?

If that’s the reason for the scoring, then I suppose there’s nothing more to say.

“Wait a minute! Why does he have zero points!?”

Ah, Chace. It’s okay. He seems fine with it.

“Ho, what does he know about him!? Correct it and apologize!”

Ah, Florentine. Mr. Don. It’s fine. There’s no need for correction or apology.

The woman glanced briefly at the two protesting voices.

“Assassins who needlessly stand out are not subject to evaluation. They are simply disqualified.

Moreover, causing such a commotion with the festival, the dragon fish, and the like would only lead to deductions. If there were a system for negative points in these ranking regulations, undoubtedly, it would be negative points.”

That makes sense.

I guess I should be thankful it wasn’t negative points.

But that doesn’t really change anything, does it?

“The festival started because of me!”

Indeed, if we’re talking about the start, it was Chace.

“However, before causing any commotion, you had already arrived here. Your actions after the scoring won’t affect your score.”

So, it was only me, Chace’s rival, who hadn’t arrived at the tower, who was subject to deduction.

“Any objections?”

She asked, and I simply responded.

“No, not really.”

But it seemed like the person next to me wasn’t satisfied with my answer. They lightly nudged me in the side with their fist.

“Ah, but I do have a question.”

Taking a step back from Lisse, who had thrown a light punch, I spoke, and the woman pushed up her glasses, and responded.

“Go ahead.”

“Is there any change in treatment or rewards based on our ranking?”

“Not really. There might be some discrimination, but primarily, it’s just to fuel your competitive spirit.”

I understand.

“In that case, zero points is fine.”

If that’s all there is to it, it’s not much of a disadvantage.

Following that brief introduction, the man spoke up again.

“Now that everyone is present, let’s reintroduce ourselves! I am Yorgo Forest! I am the instructor for all practical skills! Next, we have Instructor Sorichika, who comes from Haidiga! She’ll be covering various information-related subjects.”

“Lastly, our representative at this tower, Head Instructor Evanesque! She’s a talented woman knowledgeable in all aspects of magic, from sorcery and spells to magic circles! Everything else aside, make sure to remember our faces and names!”

Sure, sure.

Um, the adventurer-like man is Yorgo, and the well-dressed woman is Evanesque. I already know Sorichika, so that’s okay.

“Starting tomorrow, we’ll begin rigorous training! Be fully prepared! That’s all, you’re dismissed!”

With that announcement, just like when they arrived, the three instructors disappeared… Well, only Sorichika disappeared. Yorgo and Evanesque walked out normally.

“I’m not happy about this!”

With the instructors gone, Chace shouted.

“Hey, Eil! Are you just going to accept this!?”

Huh? Oh, is he referring to me? Is he still upset from earlier?

“Is there a problem?”

It doesn’t look like having zero points changes much, so I guess it’s okay.

“I’m not satisfied either.”

Well, Lisse, you’re fine. You already punched me in the side. I protested physically, so it should be fine now.

“Enough with the fake camaraderie!”

The one who erupted with particularly strong anger was the boy with the stern look. Slamming the table vigorously, he stood up and approached us.

“Hey, zero points! I don’t think I lost to you! Let’s have another match!”

Huh?

“Sorry. I don’t quite understand what you’re saying.”

“Why, though?”

Well, that’s the thing. I’m the one wondering why.

I mean, I really don’t get it.

Even if you suddenly say, “I don’t think I lost,” I don’t remember ever winning against you.

If I don’t understand the meaning of the words, I don’t understand why you’re angry either.

What’s with the ‘let’s have another match’ anyway? Typically, you’d need to have had one match before you can suggest ‘another.’ It’s like asking for seconds after you’ve already eaten, right?

Did I even compete against this guy before?

I don’t remember it at all.

…Hold on, is this guy a bit creepy? Is he imagining things or something? Let’s not get too involved…

“You mean the hunting match.”

It seems Lisse noticed my genuine confusion, so she clarified.

Ah, I see. That makes sense then.

“In that case, you won. I was disqualified for cheating.”

“Lies! Everyone there knew what happened!”

Well, I did negotiate with Beckenberg in front of the participants. I said,

“Declare me disqualified for cheating.”

Naturally, they wouldn’t believe that.

“If I had known there were other assassin candidates, I would’ve taken it more seriously! And on top of that, you won against us alone but then withdrew from the competition, right?! I don’t feel happy about being given the victory!”

I don’t remember conceding anything. I just stepped down, that’s all.

“And you’re disrespecting us, aren’t you!?”

Hmm… That’s quite an accusation.

“I don’t know you well enough to show disrespect. If anything, it seems like Lisse is the one who’s being treated disrespectfully, not you.”

“Huh? Hold on, that’s unexpectedly harsh.”

It seems my words took Lisse by surprise. Well, she’s always like this.

“And I won’t tolerate you disrespecting our friend Lisse!!”

……

Oh, I understand now. He and Lisse have known each other for a long time. That’s why he’s upset.

Or perhaps…

Even someone as clueless about romance as me can figure this out.

“You like Lisse, don’t you?”

“Huh?”

“No way!! That’s not even remotely funny!!”

“Hey, Haria, that’s a serious denial. And it looks like your tension is rising.”

After a bit more back and forth, for some reason both he and I ended up getting slapped by Lisse, and that put an end to the conversation.