Jero was first. He said he was C-rank. But even C-rank adventurers have varying levels of strength. Ranks are just arbitrary labels assigned by the guild, they don't indicate absolute strength.

In contrast, "levels," which can be identified with [Appraisal], are more closely correlated to strength.

General adventurer level and rank guidelines:

F: Beginner (Lv 3-15)E: Apprentice (Lv 10-25)D: Professional (Lv 20-40)C: Veteran/Expert (Lv 30-60)B: Master (Lv 50-80)A: Transcendent (Lv 60-100)S: God-like (Lv 100+)

(Of course, since ranks are arbitrarily assigned by the guild, there are always exceptions. There are many adventurers with low levels but unusually high ranks, or those with high levels but low ranks.)

This is just a general guideline, but even if true, there's a 30-level gap within C-rank.

A C-rank close to level 30 is completely different from one close to level 60...

By the way, converting Ryu's "Dragonkin Level" to human levels, it would be about Dragonkin Level 1 = Human Level 30-100. (Even a Dragonkin toddler has the strength of a D-rank human.)

Ryu has been growing stronger, so he doesn't know his human level equivalent right now.

But he predicts that he can probably win against someone up to C-rank with just his natural abilities. (Unless the opponent's rank and skill level are wildly mismatched.)

And the result was as expected.

Ryu faced Jero.

Jero was skilled enough to hold his own against Ryu. He was quite strong for an adventurer.

But as Ryu gradually started to get serious, Jero was on the defensive. And finally, Ryu's jab landed.

Jero dropped his sword and clutched his crushed thumb, a pained expression on his face. In that moment, Ryu's wooden sword was pressed against his throat.

"Ugh...I yield."

He couldn't reveal all his strength, but since his lack of effort was obvious, he couldn't afford to lose too obviously. He had no choice but to win against someone he could beat.

...

Next up was Salady, B-rank. B-rank is generally level 50-80. If Ryu's natural abilities were below 80, he might lose.

He was always wearing his dimensional barrier armor, so he could fight without worry, even if he lost.

Maybe that confidence gave him an edge, because he ended up winning fairly easily.

"Wait, I yield! You're strong...you..."

...

Finally, it was Vale, A-rank. A-ranks are level 60-100. Ryu's dragonkin level is 30-100, so they're technically at the same level on paper (just a general guideline), but...

The result was a close fight at first, but Ryu eventually won.

Ryu wasn't using any buffs like "Accelerate." He was still at Dragonkin Level 1. He'd won on sheer strength alone. In fact, Ryu's human level was far beyond 100.

...

Ryu enjoyed the fight, he'd been able to give it his all against an A-rank like Vale. But watching that, Iraira's irritation had reached its peak.

"Alright! I'm your next opponent!"

The "ore" woman was finally willing to fight.

...

Iraira had said she was a former S-rank. Even though she'd retired, the fact that she was willing to fight now meant she was still confident in her strength, even stronger than A-rank.

S-rank is actually a level where people have surpassed human limits and are monsters.

When the S-rank was first established, there were only three or four S-ranks in the entire world. They were considered almost divine beings.

Later, "adult circumstances" led to more people being awarded S-rank, so the level dropped, but they were still monstrously strong.

And the truth was, Iraira wasn't weakened or unable to fight due to injury. She'd retired, but she was still as strong as she was in her prime.

By the way, "Sword Saint" Reinarde was level 130 or so. Ryu had finally been able to beat him after raising his dragonkin level to 3, but he would've lost if he'd stayed at level 1.

That meant Ryu probably couldn't beat Iraira at level 1.

But Ryu was going to fight without using time magic, the Divine Eye, or level ups. He wanted to see how far he could go with just his natural abilities. (Although he was wearing his dimensional barrier armor, just in case.)

...

Ash suggested a break for Ryu, who had been fighting non-stop, but Iraira said,

"What, are you asking for a break because you're being attacked by monsters?"

So he was forced to continue.

...

Ryu stood facing Iraira in the center of the training ground.

"Dual wielding? Like Miyamoto Musashi."

In this world, there are quite a few "dual wielders" who use swords in both hands, but Iraira was different. She was holding two wooden swords, one small and one large. She held the smaller sword in front of her, and the larger sword was raised above her head, in a striking position. It was remarkably similar to the stance of a Japanese dual swordsman in kendo.

"You weren't giving it your all until the end, were you?"

"What? I was giving it my all at the end."

"The end, you say. You admit you were holding back until then."

"Oh..."

"Even so, I still feel like you have some room left. It's like you're still hiding a secret weapon."

Sharp. It seemed the title of former S-rank was well-deserved.

"I'll give it my all. Consider this a chance to learn from you."

Next Episode

VS Iraira

Stay tuned!