The Strongest Clan’s Master Is the Weakest and Most Evil Support Class

Chapter 37: The Knowledge of The Rearguard And The Evil Plot of The Snake

Okay, I got it. Listen, Alma, you're not suited to be a rearguard

Alma sighed at the result of Leishas unreserved analysis. Leisha was a beautiful, blonde-haired elven Archer. Despite being Almas friend, she didnt show the least bit of mercy.

Youre putting it bluntly, arent you?

Theres no point in flattering you, am I right?

Thats true, but

After parting with Noel and Kouga, Alma met up with Leisha and exchanged techniques and knowledge with her in a forest near the imperial capital. It was the place where Noel had previously ordered her to capture Killer Rabbits. They showed each other their Skills, did mock battles, and spent the time very meaningfully.

Leisha was still at C Rank, but she was a very good Archer. In addition to having a high level of proficiency with her Skills, her judgment and mobility in battle were close to that of a B Rank.

In the five rounds of mock battles that they held, she lost twice. Alma won more rounds, but in truth, the two rounds that she lost were the last two rounds. In other words, her movements had been completely seen through and countered strategically.

However, it didnt mean that Leisha was stronger just because of that. If they were in a real battle with their lives on the line, it would have been over in the first round when Alma slit Leishas throat. Besides, Alma had also just seen through Leishas movements. If they held a sixth round, Alma would definitely win. The same would also be true for the subsequent rounds.

Nevertheless, in terms of the speed in which they saw through each others movements, Leisha was definitely faster. And that was the very thing that was an important part of being a rearguard, according to Leisha.

The roles of a rearguard can be broadly divided into the following: a control tower like Noel, a disrupter of enemy lines who uses widespread attacks, and a supporter of the vanguards. What do you think those three have in common?

Control of the battle based on their grasp of the battle situation

Thats right, control of the battle. Because there are very few people who can become a command tower with unmatched accuracy like Noel, the main roles of a rearguard are essentially disrupter and supporter. Of course, rearguards are expected to make things easier for the party when they're on the offensive, but the most important thing is the ability to create a situation where the party can rally when it looks like theyre about to lose. Whether you fight back or retreat, it's pointless if everyone can't move properly, isnt it? And the only one who can do that is the rearguard. It's impossible for the vanguard, who is crossing swords with the enemy directly

Leisha's explanation was easy to understand, and that was why Alma's weakness was brought to the fore.

Well, since Noel is there, I think that its fine to leave all the minute details to him. But what will you do if Noel is defeated? Can Alma properly fulfill the role of rearguard?

Easily

Why did you lie!? Its definitely impossible, right!? After all, Alma gets fired up easily, dont you!? If you can't even control yourself, theres no way you can fulfill the role of a rearguard!

Urgh

As Leisha said, Alma's weakness was that she got fired up very easily. When she was shackled by Alcor, she was dispassionate to the point of being mechanical, but since casting off her shackles, maybe as a consequence of what she had experienced till now, she got emotional very easily.

Certainly, if she stayed like this, she wasn't suitable to be a rearguard.

Ill yield 60 million steps and consider what Leisha said as being correct*(see below)

No no, it's correct even if you dont yield a single step. Besides, 60 million steps sounds like a lot but its really neither here nor there. In the first place, if you go all the way around, youll end up in the same spot, wont you?

If I don't become a rearguard--a Chaser, theres a possibility that well have too many vanguards. Thats undesirable

There were many kinds of Jobs that could be discovered in people, but the combat type Jobs that were most likely to be discovered were vanguards like Swordsman or Warrior. For that reason, there would be more freedom in the party composition if Alma converted to a rearguard.

As you said, its not good to have too many vanguards. However, what I want you to consider carefully, is what happens when you forcibly convert to a rearguard, which you aren't suited to, and end up holding everyone back instead. Because once you've ranked up, you can't start over, you know?

I know. As expected, its better to become an Assassin, isnt it?

I think so. Besides, even if youre an Assassin, you should still be able to avoid the problem of having too many vanguards. Umm--

Alma clapped her hands, impressed at the tactic that Leisha had just suggested.

Amazing! Its revolutionary!

Right? Sounds good, doesnt it?

Yeah, Ill have a discussion about that tactic with Noel. Thank you, Leisha. Contrary to your appearance of someone who plays around, youre surprisingly intellectual. Youre a great help

Ehhh, that's the impression I give off!? Im extremely lady-like! I mean, I don't want to be told that by someone with her boobs half out!?

Leisha, it's not good to judge people by their appearance. You should be ashamed

Even though it was Alma who did it first!?

Suddenly, both of them tensed up. It was because they had sensed the presence of several armed people. The sharp senses of the Scout and Archer probed the identity of those people, who were still far away.

There are four of them. Two vanguards. Two rearguards. One is an Archer and the other is a Mage

The vanguards are a Swordsman and a Spearman, arent they? All four are quite capable. Theyre B Rank

It doesnt look like we can win even if we fought them seriously. But I don't feel any hostility

Arent they most likely Seekers who are returning from an expedition?

It's troublesome if we clash with them, so lets leave

Seekers were basically rough people. Even if they weren't hostile at first, if they realized that there were two women here, there was a possibility that they might suddenly change their mind and attack. In places that were out of sight of the military police, even in the city, contact with other Seekers should be avoided.

Also, their Archer had already noticed them. If they were attacked suddenly, it would be disadvantageous for the two of them. The sooner they left, the better.

But Leisha stopped her feet and tilted her head.

Oh? It might possibly be someone I know

Is that so?

Yeah, let me try a little something

When Leisha whistled a rhythm through her fingers loudly, the same tone was returned from afar.

That sound is... I was right after all. Hey, Ophelia! Senior!

Leisha raised her voice and waved her hand. Eventually, an elf woman appeared from deep inside the forest. Just like Leisha, she was dressed in a light outfit with a skirt and a leather chest protector, and was running with her braided, strawberry blonde hair fluttering.

Oh, as expected, it's Leisha! Long time no see, what are you doing here?

The elf, whom Leisha called Ophelia, stopped in front of Alma and Leisha and laughed cheerfully with one hand raised.

Basically, everyone in the elven race was beautiful-looking, but Ophelia had particularly pretty features. Leishas features did not lose in beauty, but Ophelia's eyes were different. Their beauty felt just like that of a crystal clear lake.

Were doing combat training. Is Ophelia returning from an expedition?

Yeah, weve just returned. It's faster to cut through this forest compared to staying on the road. Your friend over there is an unfamiliar face. Is she a new party member?

With Ophelias gaze directed at her, Alma shook her head.

No. Im--

Oh, this girl is a member of another party! Her name is Alma, and she became a Seeker only recently

For some reason, Leisha was answering for her. Alma thought that it was suspicious, but Leisha seemed to have a reason for it, so it seemed like it would be better to leave it to her.

I see, a rookie, huh? Since Leisha is the senior, you must look after her properly because it's really difficult for a rookie to grow

I know that

The two of you seem close. Are both of you from the same hometown?

When Alma asked, they laughed and nodded.

Yup, Ophelia and I are from the same village

Were close in age too, arent we? But Im the one who became a Seeker first

Was that the reason the two of them felt similar? Seeing them standing side-by-side, they looked just like sisters. While Alma was agreeing with her own reasoning, men who seemed to be Ophelias allies appeared.

Ophelia, don't run off on your own. You gave me a shock, you know?

A Swordsman, who seemed to be the leader, showed a troubled smile. The reason it was immediately clear that he was the leader, was because he emitted the presence of being the strongest person.

However, he didnt look very strong based on his appearance. He wore a silver-colored rough-looking armor, but he had a gentle and harmless-looking face. His unkempt, bed-hair-like gray hair strengthened the impression all the more that he was a good person.

In contrast to how mild-mannered the leader looked, the other two men had a fierce air to them. The Spearmen, who wore leather armor and carried a large spear, had piercing eyes; and the Mage, who was wrapped in white cloth, was a fierce-looking wolf beast-man.

Regardless of their actual personality, at the very least, their appearance didn't look as gentle as their leader. They were Seekers that looked like typical Seekers.

Sorry, Leon. It's my friend so I couldnt help myself, you see?

Leon smiled as Ophelia stuck out her tongue and apologized.

Then, I guess it cant be helped. Umm, your name was Leisha, right?

That's right. And this is my friend, Alma

Oh, a rookie? I'm Leon Frederik. The party leader ofSky Winged Knights. However, because everyone else is excellent, I'm just a leader in name only

As Leon scratched his head while chuckling, Alma clicked her tongue inwardly. Leon was being neither sarcastic nor humble, but had spoken from the heart. However, there was no doubt that Leon's strength was head and shoulders above the others. In other words, he was blind to his own strength. Natural airheads like him were the type of men that Alma hated.

Since were all here, I might as well introduce you to everyone else

Ophelia pointed out the Spearmen first.

This Spearman with the scary face is Kaim

Hey, the part about the scary face is uncalled for

Kaim smiled while touching his spiky black hair. The sternness that Alma had felt from him softened because of his mannerisms. Although his face was fierce-looking, he didn't seem to be a bad person.

Ophelia pointed to the wolf beast-man next.

This hairy one is Vlaclav

hmp

Vlaclav didnt say anything in particular, and simply gave a greeting with a nod. Alma didnt think that he was unable to speak, it seemed like it was just his nature to not speak needlessly.

And I'm Ophelia. Nice to meet you, Alma

Ophelia grinned and pointed at herself last.

Ophelia, nice to meet you

Yeah, if you have anything that's troubling you, I'll listen and offer you advice anytime. Because, despite how we look, we're pretty strong. Leisha knows how to contact us

You're really kind

Because we're all Seekers, we have to help one another. Especially since there seems to be a weird person acting as she pleases recently

Who's this weird person?

The woman called Noel Stollen

Alma understood the purpose of Leisha's inexplicable attitude the moment she heard that name.

She's the party leader of Blue Beyond, but she cast out all those who didn't follow her wishes and made the party her own. And she didn't simply cast them out, but it seems like she sold them into slavery. That's unbelievable, isn't it?

That's horrible

Rumor has it that she has connections with the Yakuza, and I've heard that the people that she's displeased with got attacked one after another by the Yakuza. She's a pretty dangerous woman, so Alma should be careful of her

Got it, I'll bear that in mind

Rumors were scary things. Noel would be definitely be displeased after hearing about this. Of course, the part that Noel would be displeased at was the part where he was said to be a woman instead of a man. Alma could get angry in his stead, but because more than half of the rumors were true, she couldn't get angry even if she wanted to.

Ophelia, it's not good to judge people by rumors only. It's not like you've actually confirmed it, right? It's not good to teach rookies things that aren't certain to be true

When Leon chided her, Ophelia shrugged her shoulders.

There's no smoke without fire, is how the saying goes, right? Certainly, I'm not sure whether it's true or not, but it's better for Seekers to be too cautious about danger than not enough. Especially rookies, right?

Even so, Ophelia, I dislike speaking ill of strangers

At his adamant tone, Ophelia's long ears drooped.

I, I understand. Sorry

Alma reaffirmed Leon's leadership after seeing Ophelia become meek instantly. Not only was he strong, but it seems like he also had the ability to control his party members.

Well then, were leaving. Sorry about being so boisterous

Leon smiled softly and walked towards the imperial capital. Kaim and Vlaclav followed him, and Ophelia waved to Alma and Leisha as she left.

Both of you, see you again!

Once the members of Sky Winged Knights could no longer be seen, Alma looked at Leisha.

They were an interesting bunch of people

Right? And I think Alma knows as well, but theyre really strong

I guess so. In particular, that guy called Leon is bad news

Thats because Leon is the strongest among all B Ranks

Just as I thought

Sky Winged Knights is also the strongest party among the B Ranks

Party? Even though they're so strong, they arent a clan?

When Alma tilted her head, Leisha let out a troubled laugh.

Its because its those peoples motto to be humble and down-to-earth. Even though they had the strength to create a clan long ago, their policy is to do things prudently and deliberately. But still, its about time for them to create a clan, isnt it?

Hmm, so theyre prudent. What a big difference from us

Just what would Noel think if he heard this story? In all likelihood, he would snort in laughter and probably make fun of them. Because, for those who aimed for the top, being too prudent was as good as being dead.

Really, what a big difference from us

At the end of my night run, a man approached me from the darkness.

Hey, Noel. I've finished the job you requested

That man was Loki, an information broker. I controlled my hurried breathing and led him somewhere inconspicuous. It was late enough that the stars had come out, but there were still a lot of people around the city walls as it was still too early to close the city doors.

A bundle of pieces of paper was in the envelope he handed me. I looked through them one by one. As always, he did a wonderful job. I had all the information I needed.

Ive certainly confirmed the contents. Heres your reward

Loki shook his head when I tried to get my purse out.

I cant accept that from you, boss

If its about that affair, you should have already repaid what you owed though?

I know, but I did something wrong after all

Ive accepted your apology. You've repaid what you owed. So accept the reward

Loki pulled a long face when I forcibly gave him the money.

Youre surprisingly stubborn, arent you, boss?

Its because I know that there's nothing scarier than something that's free

Whats with that!? Are you thinking that I'll betray you again!?

I didn't say that. However, when one side takes advantage of the goodwill of the other, the relationship quickly becomes toxic. Its nothing more than that. Youre also a professional, so you know that as well, right?

Th, thats, right, but

Disregarding the stammering Loki, I quickened the speed that I was flipping through the pieces of paper.

What kind of evil plot are you scheming this time, boss?

Im not scheming any evil plots

Liar. Is a request like gathering information on all the B Rank Seekers in the imperial capital something that someone who isnt scheming an evil plot gives?

I smiled wryly at Loki's confident words.

Hey, Loki

What?

Are Sky Winged Knights the strongest among the B Ranks after all?

That's right. Theyre not a clan yet, but their individual abilities are the best. In particular, the leader, Leon, stands out

Is that so? Its just as the rumors say then

I just happened to be on the piece of paper for the Sky Winged Knights.

Kaim, Spearman series B Rank Job, Rampage.

Ophelia, Archer series B Rank Job, Hawkeye.

Vlaclav, Mage series B Rank Job, Summoner.

And finally, the leader, Leon, Swordsman series B Rank Job, Knight.

Despite their small numbers, their abilities and achievements were certainly at a level that surpassed that of a party. They were comparable to mid-ranked clans.

Wonderful. Truly wonderful.

Boss, you're denying it with your mouth, but youre making an incredibly evil face

When Loki pointed it out, I tried touching my face. I hadnt noticed at all, but my mouth was certainly twisted into the form of a cruel smile.

to yield a step is the Japanese idiomatic equivalent of conceding a point. But the joke wont translate if I used that.

Yup, threw you a fake in the previous chapter, though I didn't lie at all. Evil Noel is back and fun times are starting!
(^ ^)

What's Noel's evil plot and what is she *ahem he going to do to the Sky Winged Knights!? Stay tuned!

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