Level 1 Strongest Sage 1-Chapter 30Vol. 15 - - The Regular Combatants’ Ambition

Inside a room at the topmost floor of the Adventurer's Guild of a certain kingdom, nine people had gathered.

"Word is, this year's representative from Grendale is something else."

"That 'Familia' group, right? I've heard the rumors too."

"Apparently, their leader's mana pool is insane."

"I heard the rest of the members are total monsters as well."

"The scout we sent said their combat level was on another dimension."

"So, their representative is finally changing, huh?"

"The old rep was strong, sure, but way too bullheaded."

"Those guys were too serious. They had no sense of fun."

"They turned down every single one of our invitations..."

The top three clans who won in each country's qualifiers would advance to the second round as part of the rules of the Ultimate Clan Battle. For the past few years, a clan called 'Saint Glen' from Glendale had always been the one to break through the second round and compete in the main event.

"But then, that too has become last year's news."

'Familia', led by a man named Halt, had defeated Saint Glen—the S-rank clan known as Grendale's strongest.

"This year... we might finally get to do ‘it’ at the main tournament."

"OOOHHH!"

"W-we're really gonna do it!?"

"Hold on. First, we need to check out this new Familia clan."

"Grendale itself is a pretty straight-laced country, meow."

"It'd be a problem if this new rep is cut from the same cloth as Saint Glen."

"We need someone with a sense of fun, like us."

"Not just fun. They need the skills to make it to the main event, too."

"They beat Saint Glen. They've probably got the power."

"Any intel from our scouts?"

"Just seeing the qualifiers isn't enough. We need more details."

"Do we know the clan master's name? Age?"

Just then, a shadowy figure appeared in the room.

He was a spy belonging to one of the clans. The people gathered here were the leaders of the world's most powerful clans.

"Now reporting – I confirmed the presence of a [Transformation Mechanism] at the new representative clan 'Familia's' clan house.”

"OOOOOHHHHH!!!"

The clan reps erupted at the man's report.

"Finally! A clan that gets it is representing Grendale!"

"It's not just about having the dream, but also the money and tech to make it real!"

"And the ability to convince your teammates!"

"Or having the sheer trust where your teammates won't even complain!"

"Or the guts to just do it on your own!"

"That's the kind of spirit you need to achieve true greatness!"

"And that is—"

"THE TRANSFORMATION OF A CLAN HOUSE!"

Once the excitement died down, they looked up at the ceiling, sensing their long-held dream was finally within reach.

"Could this be the year? The year we finally get a 'Clan House Brawl' at the main tournament!?"

"It's been sixteen years since we secretly formed the 'Clan House Transformation Association'..."

"It's finally happening..."

"I'm the second generation, carrying on my predecessor's will."

"Same here. But the old-timers are still rooting for this dream."

"It's... it's been a long time coming."

"But, hold up a second."

"Hm? What's wrong?"

"This year's main tournament is in Grendale, right?"

"...Oh! Y-you don't think..."

"Is there a chance the Clan House Brawl won't even be allowed!?"

Despair washed over the clan leaders' faces.

"It's the country of that super-serious Saint Glen clan."

"The king's probably a real stickler for the rules, too."

"And it's a land blessed by the Water Spirit King, Undine."

"That spirit king doesn't seem like the type to appreciate a good joke either. This is tough."

"No way they'd approve it."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

"Curses! And I really thought this was our year."

"Are we stuck waiting another four years?"

"There's no need for such concern."

"—!!"

A man in opulent robes appeared from a different spot than the spy. The spy tried to move to protect his leader, but his body froze, leaving him able only to watch.

"W-who are you!?"

"I am the King of Grendale. Gil Grendale."

"The King of Grendale... Wait, for real?"

"Y-you fool! Bow and show some respect!"

One representative who recognized Gil urgently warned the others.

"Now, now, it's my fault for crashing your secret meeting. No need for such formality. However, if it's possible, I'd like to have a hand in your little plan."

"...What does your Majesty mean?"

"I want you to make this 'Clan House Brawl' a reality. By all means."

"......Eh?"

"It sounds positively thrilling. You must do it. I shall arrange the venue myself."

"U-um... Pardon me for asking, but would it truly be alright to proceed with it?"

"I am a man of my word. But it's not just me; you must also keep your promise to make it to the main tournament. That is the condition for holding this brawl in my kingdom. If even one of the qualifying clans doesn't have a Transformed Clan House, there simply won't be a fight."

Gil's figure began to grow faint.

"I look forward to your valiant efforts."

And with those words, he vanished.

"H-he disappeared!?"

"I didn't sense a thing until he showed up!"

"How is that even possible?"

"Is he... stronger than all of us?"

"It's possible, meow."

"He could have easily assassinated any of us."

"............"

"W-well, anyway! It looks like the venue isn't a problem anymore."

"Right."

"Now all we have to do is give it our all and advance to the main event!"

Every clan represented in that room was a regular at the main tournament. The matchups were always arranged so that these powerhouses wouldn't meet each other in the second round.

"Alright, everyone! Let's meet again in the arena for the main tournament!"

"YEAH!"