Using Gacha to Increase My Companions and to Create the Strongest Girls' Army Corps

"Escort request...?"

"Yes, I'd really like to ask you, Ookura-san, to take this on."

Several days after delivering the magic stones to Christian.

As usual, after proving the extermination of Matango, we were asked by the Queres guild to take on an escort request. The client is Lystaria Academy. The duration is four days, and the reward is 500,000G. The requested rank is two C-rank parties or one B-rank party. The escort targets are about 30 students, and the request is to escort them for fieldwork outside the town as part of their classes.

"To be honest, I'm not sure we can handle such a large number of people."

My level has increased to 73, and the number of magic stones has exceeded 500. Since then, we've been alternating between Alde Forest and Remry Mountain to increase the pace a bit. With this, I can afford to take on the request. But escorting over 30 people is daunting...

Also, with Lystaria Academy involved, that girl, Myra, might be there. Given her reaction to Estel, I don't want them to meet directly. But with a group this large, it’s unlikely she'll be among them.

"You're B-rank adventurers, Ookura-san. You’re among the top adventurers in this guild. Please, don't say you're unsure and take the request!"

The receptionist implores me to accept the request. Since the report of Grandis, they’ve been monitoring for any abnormal Trent occurrences, but so far, there have been no signs. Still, they want strong adventurers to escort the students just in case.

Hmm, we weren't specifically chosen by the client, so we could refuse, but with this level of reliance, I feel compelled to accept. Despite the uncertainty, with the extra magic stones, we can handle this.

"Well then, we have an escort request. Estel, you're coming along, but try not to use too much magic."

"Of course, I know. But you're as easily persuaded as ever, aren't you?"

"Well, we are B-rank, so it's natural to be relied upon."

Returning home, I inform the others about the escort request. This time, since it's Lystaria Academy students, I tell Estel not to use flashy magic. Using magic like during Anneli's escort might cause a commotion.

We’ve been getting a lot of requests lately. This must be what it means to be B-rank. I haven’t even seen an A-rank adventurer, but if B-rank is this busy, they must be too swamped to stay in town. Staying B-rank might be more comfortable.

"Ookura-san, Noru-san, Estel-san, good luck."

"Hey, don’t talk like you’re staying behind."

"But I'm E-rank, and I need to stay with Runa."

"Runa wants you here, right?"

"Yes. But you must go with Heiha."

"But..."

"Of course. Don't abandon your role."

"Ugh..."

Before I can say anything, Runa scolds Sisya. It's a relief that Runa, despite her laziness, keeps Sisya in line.

"I'll keep an eye on the house. Finally, a chance to sleep."

"You're leaking your true feelings..."

If only she didn't have that trait...

The day of the escort request arrives.

"I don't want to go. It feels like the day after a holiday."

"Not something a priest should say."

"Priests are human too. Sometimes we want to stay in bed all day."

"You're hopeless..."

"That's Sisya for you."

As Sisya laments, we arrive at Lystaria Academy's gate.

"Excuse me, are you from Lystaria Academy?"

The middle-aged man with very short hair, dressed similarly to the students, turns to us.

"Yes. And you are... adventurers?"

"Yes, we received a request from Lystaria Academy."

"Oh, splendid! Thank you for coming!"

Adjusting his glasses with a finger, the man replies. Is he a teacher?

"I didn't expect B-rank adventurers. This makes me feel more secure."

"We'll ensure no harm comes to the students."

"That's very reassuring!"

After a brief greeting, he asks us to wait as the students gather. I thought it best to arrive early, but I didn't expect the teacher to be here already. Glad we came early.

"Is the young lady behind you a mage?"

"Yes, she is. Is something bothering you?"

"No, just that it's rare to see a mage as an adventurer."

"Well, now you have."

A bit later, students begin to gather at the gate. They range from Estel's age to a few years older. I learn from the teacher that Lystaria Academy has no age restrictions beyond a minimum, meaning even I could enroll, not that I would.

I start feeling a gaze from the students as they gather. When I look, I see... Myra.

"Oh no... it's Myra."

"Oh? Which one?"

"The one looking this way. Don't stare."

"Why should I hide?"

Estel ignores my warning and tries to see Myra. I forgot how bold she is.

"The one staring at us? Should I wave?"

"Don't provoke her!"

"She's Anneli's friend, right? It's more suspicious to avoid her."

Estel smiles and waves at Myra, who glares back. Myra's gaze sharpens, but Estel keeps smiling. I can't let her provoke Myra without knowing the situation.

"Estel, you're fearless."

"Estel being scared is like... Ah! Sorry, I went too far..."

Sisya tries to joke, but Estel's silent glare makes her apologize deeply. Sisya always manages to annoy someone.

With Sisya’s apology easing the tension, the teacher confirms everyone's presence.

"All are here! We shall depart! And remember, these adventurers are here to protect us, so be respectful!"

"Uh, hello."

With the teacher's introduction, all eyes turn to us. Being the center of attention is nerve-wracking.

"There are no significant threats where we’re going, but please assist if needed."

"Understood."

We're heading to a relatively safe area. The teacher will also handle any monsters, demonstrating to the students.

Showing students this might seem odd, but in a world with monsters, it makes sense. Some students might join the military, so this might be routine.

Half a day after leaving Queres, we continue on foot, led by the teacher with us at the rear. I monitor the map for monsters.

"Being a mage seems tough."

"They’re resilient. They might have more stamina than Ookura when he first arrived."

"Sorry for being pathetic."

"Estel also seems to be drawing attention. Many students are glancing at her."

"And at Sisya too."

"I feel unnoticed... It’s disheartening."

"You're masked. It's expected."

Walking at the rear, I notice many students glancing at us, especially the boys at Estel and Sisya. Estel is undoubtedly cute, and Sisya, though her personality is lacking, is a beauty.

"Would you like to attend school, Estel?"

"Not uninterested, but I’ll pass."

"Why?"

"Because being in school means less time with you all. I enjoy our time together more."

"Not just Ookura but us too? Estel, you're wonderful!"

"I can't breathe, Noru..."

Hearing Estel, Noru hugs her tightly. It's touching to hear Estel values our time together.

"Estel's words really hit home. I might fall for you."

"Being liked by you would be troublesome."

"That's harsh..."

"Just kidding. Sorry."

Seeing Sisya's reaction, Estel laughs and apologizes. Even during an escort mission, our group stays relaxed, showing our strong bonds.