Help! My Overprotective S-Rank Master Who Loves Me Too Much Won't Let Me Go on Quests! - Chapter 1: I Want to Go on a Quest!

Episode 1: I Want to Go on a Quest!

“Aria-san, please… Can you let me go on at least one quest already? Even something simple like defeating some slimes would be fine!”

──I, Adin Almarkus, fifteen years old, was earnestly trying to persuade my mentor, Aria Felste to let me go on a quest.

“No way! Adin-kun, I’ve taught you a lot over this past year, but you’re still not strong enough for any quests!”

My plea was simply to be allowed to take on quests ordered by the Adventurers Guild, regardless of any of the specific details. My encounter with Aria-san happened a year ago when I was so obsessed with becoming stronger that I trained until I was on the verge of starving myself to death. Aria-san happened to pass by me that day, and since then, she has been teaching me swordsmanship and magic with her virtuous kindness and patience, and eventually becoming my mentor. Aria-san was remarkably beautiful, with distinctively perfect features, blue eyes, and glossy white hair. She’s only about three years older than me, so she’s around eighteen years old. Yet, during our training sessions, she’s always been clear and patient, never once scolding me for any of my mistakes. It’s safe to say that Aria-san is an excellent mentor, and I’m fortunate enough to have been taken in by her. But things weren’t as perfect as they seemed.

“Aria-san, you always praise me for getting stronger with each training session! So why won’t you let me go on even a simple slime extermination quest?”

Despite her encouragement whenever I made progress in her training, when it came to actually go on any sort of quests…

“You’ve only been training for a year! Even if it’s a slime extermination, you need another six months, no, another year at the very least before you’re ready!”

Aria-san wouldn’t let me go on any quest at all. If, for example, I wanted to go defeat the strongest dragon in the realm, and then Aria-san would stop me with a fair assessment, I would understand. But… it’s not that I’m conceited, but I’m fairly confident I can handle some slimes. Slimes are said to require only average adult male strength to defeat physically, but even a five-year-old child could easily defeat them using magic. Yet, Aria-san is just too overprotective of me.

“Those slimes could be stronger than the Demon King you know! So I have to consider that as well. Adin-kun, wouldn’t you rather spend more time alone with me like this, instead?”

With a gentle smile, Aria-san suggested spending some more time together, which I do value, but more than that, I need to become stronger. Strong enough to fulfill a promise I made when I was young. So…

“Aria-san, please spar with me.”

“Huh?”

Aria-san’s eyes widened in surprise at my request. Understandably so, given my position as someone currently receiving instructions in swordsmanship and magic, indicating my proficiency. It would be difficult not to be surprised at such a request. With a puzzled expression, Aria-san cautiously asked,

“Is this part of your training?”

I shook my head in response.

“No… If I can land even one blow on you, I want you to allow me to go on a slime extermination quest. And if I can defeat the slime, I want you to permit me to take on quests one level higher.”

“A blow… to me?”

Aria-san responded as if it were impossible… but it was not because she was mocking me or had a bad personality. It’s due to her genuine strength. Aria-san is said to have defeated one of the commanders of the Demon Army, who sought to invade various peaceful nations, without sustaining any injuries. To her, I must be like a pebble on the roadside. That’s why…

“As a condition, though, let’s make it a sword fight, not magic.”

──Although Aria-san is strong in both swordsmanship and magic, her true strength lies in her unparalleled magical prowess, she’s rumored to be on the level of an S-rank adventurer. While she’s undoubtedly formidable in swordsmanship compared to me, landing a single blow shouldn’t be that difficult.

“Alright… but to make it fair, can I request something if I win?”

“Yes, I’ll agree to anything if I lose.”

“Anything…? Um, anything?”

“Anything.”

At my response, Aria-san’s eyes sharpened. Then, she spoke with a heavy tone.

“Alright… draw your sword and come at me, Adin-kun.”

“I won’t hold back.”

I slowly drew the practice sword and took a stance. Then, I charged towards Aria-san and swung my sword.

“…”

“Ah…”

Aria-san dodged effortlessly, saying, “Huh?” Then, while evading all of my subsequent attacks, she asked,

“Hey, hey, how exactly do I win this match? Do I have to make you faint? Is that what you’re expecting?”

“If I can’t land one blow on you, then yes.”

Aria-san muttered in disbelief, suggesting that she couldn’t possibly let that happen. But that’s not because she’s being mean or underestimating me; it’s a testament to her genuine strength. Aria-san is pretty strong after all. That’s why…

“In that case, can we make it so that I win if I manage to dodge all your attacks for five minutes instead?”

“Yes, if that’s what you want.”

“Even though… it won’t be that easy…”

Before I could say that she wouldn’t win so easily, my vision went black, and I lost consciousness. I had no idea what she did, and I didn’t feel any magic as she had promised. When I woke up next, I was lying on a soft, white bed──beside me was Aria-san. I had lost to Aria-san in our spar. I had said I would do anything if I lost, so what would Aria-san demand of me?