Surprise! I've Transmigrated Again

"Sorry, Anthony, I don't think I heard you clearly. Could you repeat that?"

"I want to become your disciple, please, Master!"

"I refuse." Adam looked at the sparkling light in Anthony's eyes and refused without hesitation.

What nonsense was this kid spouting? What kind of joke was he trying to pull?

Pinching his brow as a headache began to form, Adam couldn't follow this novice adventurer's logic.

What was going through his head?

Getting defeated in one move, then immediately asking to become someone's disciple — did he think this was some cliché light novel?

Anthony was clearly cut from the same cloth as the other party members — another problem child. How could Adam possibly take this seriously?

Then again, how could anyone understand the thought process of problem children? If they were easy to understand, they wouldn't be called problem children in the first place.

"Please reconsider!" Though Anthony bowed his head respectfully, his tone revealed an iron determination.

Tch, what a hassle.

As Adam's headache worsened, Darkness leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Adam, I think he's the third son of Duke Davenport."

Huh? Davenport? Duke?!

Only then did Adam recall Anthony's introduction — his surname was indeed Davenport. So the boy really was a noble's son.

And from a Duke's family, no less... wasn't that even more prestigious than Darkness's family?!

But that meant nothing to him. Noble or commoner, they were all the same in his eyes. He wouldn't bow and scrape just because Anthony was a Duke's third son.

That would be beneath him!

"Hmm, I understand." He replied stiffly, acknowledging Darkness without showing any particular reaction, "Sorry, but I won't take you as my disciple."

Adam's second refusal left Anthony bewildered and frustrated.

"Why not? I have the same advanced Class as you, and my initial Skill Points are double that of other novices! Even Lord Light, who taught me for a while, said I had talent and would definitely become one of the outstanding Sword Masters. And I also—"

"Wait, Anthony. Let me finish." Adam cut off the stream of words, speaking formally, "I'm not refusing you because you lack talent, but because my own level and strength aren't sufficient. Right now, I'm just a novice adventurer wandering around the starting village, do you understand?"

In truth, these words were meant to convey that Anthony was still too weak, and taking him as a disciple would only hinder his future progress.

He was also thinking, 'I'll do whatever I want, you brat. What are you going to do, call your daddy to convince me?' But he kept that thought to himself to maintain his reputation.

But Anthony clearly didn't see it that way.

"Please don't put yourself down like that, you're definitely not weak!" He said respectfully, "I've trained in swordsmanship with Lord Light, and while I couldn't win, I could at least defend against his attacks. You should know that Lord Light holds the title of Kingdom's Wall and is also the knight of the Six Flowers Queen — he's no weakling!"

"Uh..."

Foolish child. That Light must have been going easy on you, merely playing along.

How could a royal knight possibly fail to defeat a novice adventurer?

Now it made sense why Anthony had challenged him so boldly after becoming an adventurer — the poor kid wasn't arrogant, just naive and deceived.

Light probably couldn't use his full strength, given Anthony's status as the Duke's third son, and had to play along.

Sure, the man had taught him some basic swordsmanship — but nothing more!

He continued, "You defeated one of the Demon King Army's Eight Generals, the Dullahan, all by yourself. And under your leadership, you stopped that terrifying Moving Disaster Mobile Fortress Destroyer and saved the village. Doesn't all this prove that you're strong?"

"Uh..."

It was clear that no matter what Adam said now, Anthony wouldn't believe it. In his mind, he had already decided that his self-proclaimed Master was a powerful warrior worthy of being his teacher.

"What should I do..." Adam's headache was getting worse.

"Taking a disciple wouldn't be so bad, would it?" Kazuma looked Anthony up and down, his eyes darting around as if plotting something.

"Yeah, I think he's pretty good too. This kid's got good eyes, knowing how strong my Adam is and coming straight to ask for apprenticeship. Not bad at all! I approve!" Aqua leaned on the table, patting the boy's shoulder.

"Mm, if he's from the Davenport family, he certainly qualifies to be Adam's disciple." The noble lady Darkness nodded gently.

Meanwhile, Megumin looked at him with disdain, though her reason was rather peculiar.

"To choose Sword Master of all things — clearly he doesn't understand the appeal of being an Arch Wizard, doesn't comprehend the mysteries of Explosion Magic. Ah! When will I ever find a kindred spirit?"

Overall, the party members all wanted Adam to accept Anthony as a disciple.

Hey! You lot! Being troublesome is one reason not to accept him, but isn't the main issue that you're all problem children?!

Especially you, Kazuma! You managed to lead a princess astray — wouldn't a mere duke's third son be even easier?!

What if Anthony gets led astray? The Duke might come after us with his knight's sword!

"Carter-senpai, I have a suggestion." Just as Adam was thinking about how to refuse, Kazuma leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Aren't you troubled by all those self-important novice adventurers who keep coming to pick fights?"

"That's true, but what does that have to do with taking a disciple?" Having just shared his troubles with the party members, Adam couldn't very well deny it now.

"Well, if someone wants to challenge the master, shouldn't they defeat the disciple first? That's the rule, right?"

The scheming Kazuma's suggestion was indeed underhanded, treating Anthony as nothing more than a convenient shield.

As a 「Sword Master」 like Adam, with considerable strength, Anthony could certainly defeat ordinary novice adventurers and help screen challengers.

This boy was perfect for the task!

However, Adam couldn't bring himself to treat Anthony as merely a tool — if he took him as a disciple, he would have to take full responsibility.

An upright young man wouldn't lead others astray!

At least a payment would be needed — he was a good capitalist after all!

"Carter-senpai!"

"Adam!"

"Adam?"

"..."

"Master!"

Aqua and the others had been constantly disturbed lately, and they really hoped someone could come save them.

"Fine, fine, I'll take him! I'll teach him properly!" Under the entire party's persistent stares, Adam raised his hands in surrender.

Whether herding one sheep or a flock, what difference would one more make?

Besides... the third son of a Duke! This would certainly boost the party's reputation and prestige.

How sweet!

Adam 'The Master' Carter. Behold, for I have become the Master of Worlds!

'Damn, no Chinese sayings in this brain again!'

Adam turned to Anthony with sincerity and said, "There's an old saying I learned: 'I can point you to the door, but you must walk through it yourself.' In other words, I'll teach you the proper methods of training, but your progress and success depend entirely on your own effort. If you can accept these terms, I'll take you as my disciple. What do you say?"

"Yes! I wish to become your disciple, Master!" Anthony's determination was unwavering.

And so, Adam accepted his first disciple.

✧✧✧

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