by Funa
“H-how unusual…”
“What did you do, Mile?”
The three other girls gave Mile a look.
“Wh-what are you saying? I didn’t do anything. We simply practiced, just like any tutor and student!”
As Mile dodged Mavis’s question, Laylia handed her something that looked like a sealed envelope.
“This is a letter from the client. It came along with the completion report.”
Reina snatched it.
“Ah…”
Ignoring Mile’s protests, Reina hurriedly opened the envelope and read the contents aloud.
“Blah blah, thanks to you, our daughter placed number one in not only the written exam, but the magic test as well, and was accepted as a scholarship student. Though she has not yet begun school, she is already being called ‘Mariette the Goddess,’ and ‘H-Bomb Princess’… Mile, what did you dooooo?!”
“I’m s-so sorrryyy!!!”
Mile had recruited the nanomachines into her scheme, asking them to stick by Mariette and support her in her magic.
Please, nanos, make Mari’s thought pulses and magical affinity strong. Stay by her side and listen to her thoughts always.
In the nanomachines’ long lives, even several decades was really only an instant. Perhaps they felt that sticking with a single human for the entirety of that being’s life would be an amusing way to pass the time, or perhaps it was simply because it was a request from Mile, with her authorization level five. Perhaps it was a kindness on the part of the nanomachines. Or perhaps they had an interest in the girl. No one could say for sure what caused them to stand by Mariette, increasing her magical ability from that day forward.
For safety’s sake, Mile had issued one more instruction to the nanos who’d enlisted in this exclusive contract.
“If Mariette ever attempts to use her magic for evil, please don’t allow her to use any more than her original abilities. Of course, being a little naughty or pulling pranks is fine. But if she ever attempts anything clearly wicked—criminal actions—then please void our agreement and leave her immediately.”
Normally, the nanomachines would react to requests no matter the type or use of magic. However, they had accepted this agreement at Mile’s request, and she had authorization level five, so naturally they agreed to the parameters provided.
The nanomachines weren’t allowed to favor anyone of their own accord, not without the instructions of someone with the appropriate authorization. Mile had intended the request as something of a “wish,” thinking that the nanomachines could choose whether or not to grant it, but in reality, she had just created their first contract. The nanomachines flung themselves at this chance for a new experience, and the nanomachines who hadn’t been nearby at the time of the contract were disappointed to miss out.
Then Mile pressed Mariette, over and over again.
“Okay. I prayed for the blessing of the goddess to aid with your magic, so you must never use your powers for evil, do you understand? If you try to use magic for some horrible crime, that blessing will go away! It’s all right to use it for a little mischief, so don’t worry too much about that. And it’s okay to use it in the defense of justice. However, if you try to commit any serious crime, like the kind that would get you arrested and land you in prison, then we have a problem.”
And she could not forget to cover her own behind.
“You must keep this a secret. Please just tell people, ‘My powers suddenly awakened with practice!’ You don’t want anyone to ask how you got better so quickly, after all. It’s not as though you can teach them. The blessings of the gods, when it comes to magical power, can be a tricky thing.”
Mariette nodded emphatically. She was clever and seemed to understand perfectly.
“If anyone asks about me, tell them I’m just a normal, ordinary, average, C-rank hunter. Now then, I’m sure that you’re going to pass the scholarship entrance exam for August Academy… which is to say, if you don’t pass, then I’ll have worked these ten days for free! I’m begging you, truly!”
Mariette, who had looked very meek up until now, giggled.
Though Mile had told Mariette her magic should be fine, she still worried. If Mariette used her magic the wrong way, the god’s agents might abandon her.
She must absolutely never do evil.
But Mariette was a smart and beautiful girl, who helped the weak and the needy with her great magic. There was no way that she could avoid becoming famous. In fact, it wasn’t long before a myriad of nicknames began to spread. “Mariette the Goddess,” “H-Bomb Princess,” “Defender of the School,” “Number One Most Eligible Bachelorette”…
Perhaps, one day, we shall hear the tale of Mariette, a lovely and misunderstood young girl…
Afterword
Long time no see, everyone. FUNA here.
I’m pleased to present Didn’t I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?! Volume 2, the second novel to be published since my commercial debut.
…I’m pretty sure there isn’t anyone who’s purchased the second volume without buying the first, is there?
Thanks to everyone who purchased Volume 1, the publication of Volume 2 went off without a hitch. Thanks so much to all of you! And perhaps the sales of this volume will even make the publication of Volume 3 a reality! I’m sure of it! …I’m pretty sure it’ll happen… it’d be nice if it did… (*shrinks back*)
So, a-anyway! Somehow, it’s been decided that this story will be made into a manga! Starting in August, a manga version by Neko Mint will begin serialization on Earth Star Comics
(http://comic-earthstar.jp/)!
This is all thanks to you as well. Thank you so very much!
Next will be the drama CD, and the animated version, and the stage play, and the video game, and the live-action Hollywood movie…
Huh? Give up on that last one? It has a troubled history? It’s better to leave it alone? Hmm…
In Volume 1, Mile left school and made a new life and new friends as a hunter. Volume 2 is the story of Mile and her precious friends, and her life as a completely normal, typical average C-rank hunter with no eccentricities whatsoever.
An adventure?
No, no, they just have to make money to get by.
Without standing out, without standing out…
Plus, there’s an interlude with Marcella, the other girls, and the royals back in Mile’s home country.
As for me, I’ve been struggling with some health difficulties, but I’m in good spirits.
Volume 3, our next one (assuming it comes out), is one that makes me wonder, “Is it pointless to even try and make a book like this?” It has the problematic combination (as far as the pros and cons of including them) of “Pauline’s Home Life” and “Mavis’s Home Life,” followed by an all-out battle with a wyvern. I’m sure the readers are going to start thinking, “This seems all over the place. Was there some mistake?” It’s going to be a very unpopular development!
And if it ever gets released overseas, there’s no mistake that whoever has to translate it will be tearing their hair out! I’m so sorry.
Will it be published just as it was online? Or will lots be omitted? Or even tons added?!
Mysteries abound!
For now, just look forward to the next one!
And finally to the chief editor; to Itsuki Akata, the illustrator; to Yoichi Yamakami, the cover designer; to everyone involved in the proofreading, editing, printing, binding, distribution, and selling of this book; to all the reviewers on Shousetsuka ni Narou who gave me their impressions, guidance, suggestions, and advice; and most of all, to everyone who’s read my stories, both in print and online, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you so very much.
Please continue to look out for these novels, and now the manga, from here on out.
— FUNA
August 2016
Abilities Average In The Next Life?! Volume. 2