The Strongest Job Is Apparently Not a Hero or a Sage, but an Appraiser (Provisional)! Episode 4: Episode 4

Claude, the silent giant, shows off his armor and spear, explaining how his combat style prioritizes evasion over heavy protection. Hibiki and Lilian are momentarily distracted by his logic, but their attention quickly shifts to the astronomical cost of adventurer gear. The price of Lilian's magic robe, followed by a staff, sends Hibiki into a spiral of financial despair. Even Bene, the spirit cat, insists on a costly accessory, further cementing the financial burden of their new life.

Despite the mounting expenses, Hibiki kneels to Lilian's level, reassuring her that her safety is paramount. He insists she choose the best gear, solidifying his role as her protector and mentor, an 'older brother' figure. This moment builds a foundational trust between them, even as Hibiki internally frets about how they will earn enough gold. He understands that genuine care often comes with a tangible price.

The group moves to a grassy field, where Bene declares the start of a 'Magic Basics Training Course,' positioning himself as the wise, if demanding, instructor. He introduces the rare 'Magic Grimoire' skill, explaining its potential for Hibiki, but stresses the need for fundamental practice. To manage Lilian's overwhelming mana, Hibiki is designated as her manager through a magical ritual. This involves Bene unceremoniously biting Hibiki's finger to draw blood, establishing a magical link and setting Lilian's power to a manageable ten percent.

Bene then introduces 'Mana Circulation,' a technique for understanding energy flow, pairing the inexperienced Hibiki with the stable Claude. As their hands join and mana surges, Hibiki is overwhelmed, his consciousness pulled into a white void. There, he finds himself seeing through Claude's eyes, encountering a beautiful elf named Anastasia by a moonlit lake. A cascade of shared memories unfolds: their childhood, battles fought side-by-side, and moments of tender intimacy, all painted with a melancholic hue.

The idyllic memories shatter into a scene of carnage, with Claude kneeling amidst fallen soldiers under a blood-red sky. He finds Anastasia, her white dress stained crimson, her final, sad smile directed at him as she remarks on the moon's beauty. Claude reaches for her, a single tear falling, but he cannot save her. Hibiki snaps back to reality, gasping for air, disoriented and momentarily believing he is Claude.

Claude is contrite, apologizing for sending too much mana and accidentally sharing his painful memories. Bene scolds Claude for his carelessness, while Hibiki, though shaken, defends him. Hibiki tries to inquire about the elf woman, but Bene dismisses it as unimportant. Shifting focus, Hibiki begins his 'Living Magic' training, learning to use small amounts of mana for household chores like scrubbing floors, guided by the unseen voice of Sapo-chan.

A montage shows Hibiki mastering living magic, with tiny elemental spirits aiding his chores, impressing Alice, the mansion owner, with his sparkling clean results. Alice flirts playfully, promising Hibiki a 'special reward,' much to his blushing delight. However, the lighthearted mood is shattered when Claude, in a fit of clumsiness, trips and spills a bucket of water, undoing Hibiki's hard work. Claude's attempts to help only make the mess worse, highlighting his brute strength contrasting with his lack of finesse.

While Lilian demonstrates remarkable progress with her water magic, conjuring a perfect sphere, Hibiki struggles immensely with archery. His arrows fly wide, his body protests, and Claude's intense coaching pushes him to exhaustion. Hibiki collapses, lamenting his lack of talent, while Claude, with endless energy, urges him to continue. Witnessing Lilian's natural aptitude only makes Hibiki realize he must find his own unique path to strength.

Elsewhere, Maria and her maid, Steer, journey through a forest, Maria's thoughts consumed by Hibiki. Their path leads them to a ruined fortress, rumored to be haunted, unsettling Maria deeply. Despite Steer's adventurous spirit and the allure of hidden treasure, Maria's fear of ghosts outweighs her curiosity. They cautiously explore the perimeter, the eerie atmosphere and rumors of vanished adventurers amplifying her anxiety.

The training group enjoys a picnic, feasting on Hibiki's delicious soup and Lilian's proud contribution of meat skewers. The meal fosters a sense of camaraderie, with Claude enthusiastically praising the food. The conversation shifts to Claude's comical lack of culinary skill, particularly his inability to peel fruit without making a mess, which he playfully blames on a mysterious 'curse.' Hibiki and Lilian, intrigued, press Claude for details, only to be met with his vague assertion that he does not know its origin or purpose, deepening the enigma surrounding his past.

Just as Sapo-chan announces Hibiki's mastery of 'Bubble Wash,' a massive Rush Boar bursts into the clearing. Claude, demonstrating incredible speed and power, dispatches the beast instantly with a single, precise spear thrust. With the immediate danger averted, Claude insists Hibiki learn the gruesome but necessary skill of monster dismantling. Hibiki, visibly squeamish, reluctantly begins to skin the creature under Claude's guidance, accepting the less glamorous, bloody reality of adventuring.

Back at the ruined fortress, Maria and Steer cautiously explore, finding a collection of ancient artifacts and jewels that spark their excitement. Their joy is short-lived, however, as a ghostly figure materializes behind Maria. Her terrified scream echoes through the ruins as she and Steer flee in a comedic panic, leaving the treasure behind. They escape the haunted place, with Maria vowing never to return, her fear of ghosts definitively confirmed.

Covered in monster blood and grime from the dismantling, Hibiki decides to test his newly mastered 'Bubble Wash' on Claude. With a confident activation, dozens of glowing orbs envelop Claude, bursting into soapy foam that thoroughly cleans his fur and armor. Claude emerges refreshed, claiming the spell not only cleaned him but also rejuvenated him, dispelling his fatigue. The group ends their training day on a high note, celebrating Hibiki's successful application of living magic and the strengthening of their bonds.