From the Gambler Kamel's perspective

Even at the age of 60, the life of a gambler is something I can't give up.

Especially when it comes to the Miravenia Cave Exploration Race.

I'm well aware that it's a deep-rooted line of work.

I spotted a familiar face, so I decided to strike up a conversation.

"How's it going?"

"Not too bad. How about you?"

"I made a big miss on the rookie (first-year) race."

"Ah, that was quite the upset. Uh, Eric, right?"

"No, no, Eric finished as expected in first place, at the 80th level underground. The problem was that the second place was from Kirin Class."

"What was the name, uh, Akira, Suzuki?"

"Yeah, that’s right, he went down to the 69th level. It's unbelievably exceptional."

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"Can't believe such a talent was buried in Kirin Class."

"The selection criteria for the class division tests are likely to change next year, aren’t they?"

"Indeed... Aren't the current criteria based on a battle with the tutorial dragon?"

"Yeah, that notorious sandbox fight. Computer graphics have long been criticized as not a true measure of ability."

"I see. I'm not too familiar with the details, but I've heard from Magic News that there are students complaining about it."

"Magic teachers seem to be under a lot of pressure, too. If they pass mediocre students as Dragon Class graduates, they get complaints from industries and the military. I heard a teacher vomited blood from stress."

"Unlike us, they're supposed to be the envied elite, but I wouldn't want to be one..."

"Absolutely..."

"That Akira guy, having such a fluke win, he’s likely to have a tough time ahead with jealousy and envy from around him. There was a student who got crushed under the pressure three years ago, remember?"

"Yeah, the Cave Exploration Race demands comprehensive abilities, so a student who got second place can’t be incompetent. I think he will continue to develop his skills."

"But where is he from? Uh, Amina Village? Never heard of it."

"I hear it's a southern farming village. Magic education there is supposed to be sparse."

"Huh. I think a distant relative might live there. Anyway, for someone from such a place to rise this far, he must be extraordinarily talented."

"Well, it’s common in this world for those whose talents bloom young to become average by adulthood."

"Haha, you’re not wrong."

"Well then, take care."

"Sure. Let’s meet again next year."

I bid farewell to an acquaintance I only see once a year at the racecourse.