Introverted Archer 1

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1. Rational Archer!

I like the word 'rational'.

I believe that acting rationally, and efficiently, and taking the shortest path is the right way.

Conversely, I dislike the word 'irrational'. There's no good in irrational people. Talking behind others' backs, showing emotions—

"You're cheeky, aren't you?!"

—bullying those who displease them.

The one who pushed me in front of me was a student from the neighboring class. I don't know his name, but his disheveled uniform and sharp gaze definitely scream delinquent.

After school, behind the school building. I was confronted by this delinquent I just met.

"Kageyama. Seems like you talked to Hoshikake-san."

Kageyama is my name. I don't know why this delinquent knows my name, but let's put that aside for now.

"Hoshikake-san?"

"Don't play dumb! Word's out that you were being familiar with Hoshikake-san! "

I really have no recollection. It's not rational to memorize the names of people you're not close to, and I don't casually talk to people.

However, it seems this delinquent is venting his anger on me regarding Hoshikake-san.

"So, any problem if I talk to that person?"

"What if your gloominess rubs off on Hoshikake-san? Hoshikake-san isn't someone you can casually talk to!"

"...Why would my talking make gloominess rub off?"

"You're really an archer. That means you're an introvert."

Everyone has a 'blessing.'

It could be a 50% increase in physical strength or a faster leveling-up speed. It varies from person to person, but everyone has only one.

Mine is [Sure Hit].

The effect is that any attack always hits the enemy. So, with rational thinking, I chose the job of an archer.

However, contrary to my thoughts, while there are popular jobs like warriors and magicians, there are also jobs that negatively attract a lot of attention.

That's the archer.

Ranked 1st in the job likely to become an introvert, the archer.

'Talents possessed by people who can't communicate.'

'Not very useful even in a party.'

'Archers are all weirdos.'

I'm not saying this on my own. It's a fact revealed by an influencer who surveyed social media with quite a few respondents.

This result, when announced, quickly spread through word of mouth and eventually reached the world.

Those who play as archers are just creepy introverts, they said.

Just because I'm an archer, many people look down on and mock me.

And somehow, due to some fate, I was born with an aptitude for archery.

"You, the introvert, have no right to speak. Got it? Don't be familiar with Hoshikake-san again!"

In other words, what this delinquent wants to say is this.

Don't talk to Hoshikake-san because I'm an introvert, and talking will spread gloominess.

Not a shred of rationality.

Is this guy really the same age as me? Or is he just infatuated with this student named Hoshikake-san?

That's outrageous. Why do I have to get involved in such a story?

"That look in your eyes pisses me off!"

The next moment, along with the yelling, I got punched in the face.

...That hurts. This guy seems dumb, but he's strong. Is his level higher than mine?

"An archer being annoying! Acting all superior!"

An archer, huh?

This kind of language isn't new to me. In this world, just being an archer invites persecution like this.

It may or may not be the person's fault, but it's a path that every archer surely walks.

Being an archer is an unfortunate job. The reputation around is not good.

"...I'll tell you, don't go snitching, alright? You're the one at fault, you introverted bastard!"

The delinquent walked away with his back turned.

I stood up, holding my aching cheek, and went home without saying a word.

＊

I stopped by the dungeon on the way home.

Once you turn 15, you're allowed to dive into the dungeon without a companion.

It's been a month since I enrolled in the Leonis Adventure Academy. Earning experience points in this dungeon near my house on the way back from school has become a daily routine.

"Now, how many can I hunt today..."

After muttering that, I opened the status window.

――

Kageyama Hidetomo Level 2

Blessing: [Sure Hit]

Job: Archer

Skills:

<Observation Eye>

――

Since the dungeon was unlocked, I've been diligently immersed in monster hunting every day, but my level doesn't seem to go up easily.

I enjoy thinking about rational approaches. However, being an Archer is an unfortunate job, and my classmates who form parties are currently becoming stronger and more efficient.

There are two major reasons why Archers are underappreciated.

Reason 1: The skills that Archer can learn are too generic.

At first glance, it may seem good, but other professions can acquire specialized skills that leverage the strengths of their class even at the same level. Such skills are often useful in combat.

However, low-level Archers can only learn the basic skills of other jobs.

Basic skills are less likely to be decisive in battle. The need to learn such skills is a clear disadvantage.

Reason 2: Archer's improvement of stats is too well-balanced.

This can also be said for skills, but Archers grow to be able to do anything by themselves.

In terms of stats, they tend to grow in a well-balanced manner, making them versatile but not excelling in any specific aspect.

Archers can only become all-around types. So it's difficult to understand what merit they have as companions.

I can only adventure solo and have been labeled as a self-contained introvert.

"Well, being an Archer is tough in various ways... Anyway, I need to establish an efficient leveling method quickly. Huh?"

At that moment, I sensed the presence of a monster and hid behind a rock.

"Gugegegege!"

In a slightly distant place, there's a small green-skinned creature. The creature advances strangely, drooling from its large, gaping mouth.

That's a Goblin.