◆ In Front of Mist Village ◆
“Alright, alright, the search is over!”
“Good job, Kiki. There were 46 people, including the deceased and the missing.”
【Kiki Level: 74 Class: Sniper A-Rank 9th】
The girl named Kiki, an A-Rank Adventurer, had conducted the search from the sky atop a large-winged bird. She wore oversized glasses, her emerald hair tied in two pigtails, and her blue eyes sparkled with determination. Rather than pondering how she managed to search from above despite the Mist, I was more shocked by the number of dead. I had searched from the ground as well, but there were hardly any survivors. Those who had been misled by the Mist were rare; most were on the brink of death. The majority had been severely injured by the Mist Stalkers.
“Anyone who can’t handle even that level of Floor Monster doesn’t belong in A-Rank.”
Even though some were saved during the search, this was her attitude. I wanted to punch her, but if I did that and got disqualified, it would be a problem. All the injured had been loaded onto the carriage, but I wondered if those who could never fight again regretted their choices. For a test, forcing people to risk their lives like this made me want to voice my complaints.
“I’ll be blunt, but the missions assigned to A-Rank aren’t this simple. Testing whether you can endure it means exactly this.”
Mugen replied, his head shining with wisdom. I understood the reasoning, but was there really no other way? As I pondered this, we boarded the massive carriage once more.
Successful candidates: 108, Deceased (including missing): 46, Withdrawals: 31, Failures: 127
◆ Back to Avangarde Plains ◆
“Congratulations on passing the second exam. Let me explain the next test. Oh, I’m Laurel, the examiner for the third test.”
Laurel, if I recall correctly, was one of the Five Elites. With an androgynous face, one could easily mistake them for a woman. Their slender body was even more delicate than Yuyu’s, yet the sound of their harp was soothing, just as I had heard before. I wasn’t particularly interested in music, but I liked their melodies.
“The sun is setting. Let’s start the third test before it gets completely dark. This test is to showcase your skill play. Defeat enemies, save allies, provide support. I believe you’ve survived until now by utilizing various skills in your battles. I want you to direct that towards me. The condition for passing this test isn’t to defeat me. I want to see how powerful and beautiful your skill play is. I’ll score you, and the top 20 will pass.”
“T-top 20?! That means the rest are automatically disqualified, right?!”
“That’s right, Borbs. Is there a problem with that?”
“Uh… no, nothing at all.”
If I voiced my dissatisfaction to this person, I would probably end up disqualified. Yuyu also looked meek, and Laurel was no one to underestimate. However, compared to the previous test, this one seemed much gentler. Was I supposed to unleash my skills on them? But I only had Sonic Ripper and Sonic Spear. Would that be enough?
“You can choose to form a party or go solo. You only get one chance. So, who will go first?”
Laurel seemed lighter than when we first met. I felt like they had spoken formally before, but was this really their true nature?
“Hey, Josh. Want to team up with me?”
“Yeah, that sounds better. I’m not too confident on my own.”
“Alright, it’s settled. Laurel! We’re going to do it together!”
“Got it. Let’s begin.”
Borbs snapped his fingers, and Josh readied his knives in both hands. From what I could see, Laurel wasn’t particularly skilled in hand-to-hand combat. Still, even an A-Rank Adventurer should be able to handle it. Yet, I sensed that their true strength lay elsewhere. If I didn’t realize that, passing this test would be tough.
“Whenever you’re ready.”
“Alright! Here I go! Explosive PUNCH!”
“‘Discord Weakening Melody’!”
【Laurel played a sinister melody!】
【Borbs’ attack power significantly decreased!】
【Josh’s attack power significantly decreased!】
Borbs’ explosive punch aimed at the Mist Stalker, but it never reached Laurel. Suddenly, Borbs’ legs gave way, and he lost his balance, falling to the ground. The melody Laurel played was anything but ordinary. Each note was discordant, creating an unsettling atmosphere that affected not just us but also the other candidates watching. Many couldn’t bear it and covered their ears.
“Lua-chan, this melody feels really off…”
“Yeah, but I think this is Laurel’s skill.”
“My legs… I can’t… Laurel, this isn’t what we discussed… my skills…”
“I never said I wouldn’t intervene.”
Barely managing to stand, Josh rushed towards Laurel with surprising speed, catching them off guard for just a moment.
【Josh attempted to steal Laurel’s weapon! But failed!】
Just as Josh’s hand was about to touch the harp, Laurel stepped back a fist’s distance. With that, Josh lost his strength and fell again, gripping the grass in a futile attempt to rise.
“Ah, thieves are always unpredictable. But this level won’t get you a passing score… ‘Discord Frenzy’!”
【Laurel played a cacophonous melody!】
【Borbs was confused!】
【Josh was confused!】
Stumbling but managing to stand, Borbs swung at Josh. Josh retaliated with his knife, and it was clear that someone was going to get hurt if this continued. At this point, it was no longer about the test. Even I could tell the outcome.
【Yuyu cast All Recover! Borbs and Josh’s confusion was dispelled!】
“Thank you, Yuyu. Borbs, Josh, are you back with us?”
“I… what just happened…?”
“Let’s evaluate. Borbs and Josh pair: 10 points. While I appreciate your determination and creativity to attempt to steal my harp despite hearing my Discord Weakening Melody, you both need to coordinate better. Otherwise, what’s the point of being in a party?”
“Ugh…”
The two fell silent, unable to retort. While they weren’t officially disqualified, a score of 10 points was practically a failure. They slumped down, shoulders drooping. I never expected music alone could diminish combat effectiveness to such an extent. Baste, whom I fought in the Combat Tournament preliminaries, was a similar type, but this was on another level. With just that harp, the tide of battle could change. Despite their pale and slender appearance, I doubted anyone could land a blow on them, even if this were a real fight.
I was fine, but what about Roel? I glanced over, and she was desperately covering her ears. I wondered if that method would even work.
“Lua-chan, let’s go with this strategy!”
“How are we supposed to attack…?”
“Uh, um…”
When I pointed out the fundamental flaw, Roel looked utterly dejected. Perhaps she had been quite confident. Even I, who struggled with thinking, noticed it, so there was no way Roel wouldn’t have. Sometimes, she could be a bit oblivious. For a moment, I considered a kick, but quickly dismissed the idea.
“That title, Battlefield Poet, comes from the ability to control the battlefield with just a single melody… If we want to overcome that, it might be easier to charge into Wolfang’s den alone.”
I noticed Barm had been standing next to me, sighing as he muttered this.
◆ Avangarde Plains, Night ◆
“Let’s evaluate. Nissen, Vie, Exuppi: 25 points. A solid party with both offense and defense, but too predictable and straightforward, making it easy to read. You did manage to coordinate to some extent, though.”
It felt like the spirits of the candidates were being crushed one by one. The expressions of those who scored 25 points were completely exhausted. Since then, more than half of the candidates had attempted the test, but most had failed to satisfy Laurel. Even though it was possible to pass without high scores, those who received low points fell into silence. The girl who had attempted earlier was left in tears after being harshly critiqued, unable to do anything.
I had thought Laurel seemed kind, but they were quite strict. That cold smile was infuriating. It felt as if they were genuinely looking down on others and enjoying it. We had intended to give it a shot, but Roel suggested we observe the battles of others first to gauge Laurel’s approach. Surprisingly calm, or perhaps cunning, she was.
“I can’t watch these weaklings anymore. They have no money, status, honor, or power. They lack courage and intelligence. It’s pitiful for those who have nothing; doesn’t it feel empty to be alive? Laurel, we’re up next.”
“Well then, come at me!”
Laurel’s brow furrowed, clearly angered by being addressed so casually by an B-ranked Adventurer. The party in question was the one that had been bothering Roel. It consisted of a slick-haired man, a brown-haired guy, and a woman who looked almost naked. I glanced at Roel, but she seemed to have shaken off her fear of them and was now staring them down with determination.
“Alright, let’s pass this quickly and blaze through the night!”
“Oh, come on…”
“Okay, Brikna and Tatarka, let’s get this going!”
“Got it, Formas!”
The brown-haired one must be Brikna; he lightly slapped Formas on the back. Were they planning to unleash some fire magic to blaze through the night? Such trivial thoughts were quickly dismissed as the battle commenced. Tatarka danced like a butterfly, and instead of being drained by the sound of the harp, the two of them seemed to be invigorated. Their performance was so beautiful it could have been a painting. The spectators watching the exam were captivated, speechless.
This time, Brikna trapped Laurel with a wall of flames to prevent her from escaping. The circular barrier blazed brightly, casting a red glow in the darkness of the night. Laurel, however, wouldn’t stay silent for long. She began to play a melody I had never heard before, causing the flames to contract as if being absorbed into the ground.
For a brief moment, Laurel smiled triumphantly, but then Formas dashed forward, gripping his sword tightly. At that distance and speed, there was no way he could catch her. He had been doing well until now, but it seemed like it was all going to fall apart here.
“Too slow! At best, you’re looking at a score of 40…”
“Take this!”
While running, Formas threw his sword aside and pulled out a palm-sized iron tube from his pocket. What shot out was a small iron projectile that struck Laurel squarely in the chest at high speed.
“Ugh!”
“Hey! One hit, and it’s done! How about that, Laurel? Surprised?”
“Is that… from the Kingdom of Metallica…?”
“Yep, it’s called a gun. I had my dad get it for me. My dad is the president of the Matere Trading Company, you know.”
“Matere Trading Company, known for its impressive weapon trade and sales worldwide…”
So, it was a really impressive company. I had no idea about such things, but judging by the astonished expressions on almost everyone present, it must be famous. Roel, who had been in a party with them, seemed to already know and remained completely unfazed.
“I admit it was my fault for being completely off guard. Formas, Brikna, Tatarka. 80 points. Using a sword as a feint to catch your opponent off guard was brilliant. However, that same trick won’t work twice.”
As Laurel played, her wound began to close up rapidly. It seemed the iron projectile had penetrated her, and she picked up the small piece of metal that had rolled into the grass.
“A weapon that fires iron projectiles at high speed… If these become commonplace, archers will be out of business.”
“That’s ridiculous! Sure, the power is incredible, but the lethality and range of arrows are superior!”
Kiki flailed her arms, perhaps feeling threatened by the status of her class. It was true that the speed of the projectiles was significantly faster and more portable than arrows. An average opponent wouldn’t even notice the moment it was fired. I see, then we should go with that.
“Roel, about our strategy…”
“Let’s keep going. We should have already cleared more than half of them. It’s getting late, so let’s wrap this up and prepare for tomorrow’s final exam.”
“We’ll do it!”
“Hmm, you were quite active during the Demon Lord Army’s attack… I see.”
Even after being shot just moments ago, Laurel stood before us as if nothing had happened, readying her harp to play as soon as the battle began. We decided to execute our plan as discussed.
“Alright, come at me!”
Laurel played a haunting melody!
Roel cast Speed Force! Rua’s speed increased!
There was no time to leisurely fiddle with the harp. By the time her fingers began to move slowly, I had already set my actions in motion.
Rua unleashed Sonic Spear!
Rua unleashed Sonic Spear!
Rua unleashed Sonic Spear!
Rua unleashed Sonic Spear!
The four Sonic Spears I launched struck her arms and ankles. The finely sharpened Sonic Spears pierced through each limb and vanished. Blood erupted from four points simultaneously, and to an ordinary observer, it would have seemed like blood was gushing from Laurel’s limbs all at once. The spectators were so entranced that they didn’t even realize it was over, holding their breath in awe.
This was all possible thanks to Roel’s Speed Force, which allowed me to fire multiple times in quick succession. Unlike the Sonic Ripper, this one still had a cooldown. While it had a high single-shot power, it also had significant vulnerabilities, making Roel’s Speed Force invaluable.
“Ugh!”
“Oh no, did I go too far…?”
Laurel, having lost support from her legs, slammed her knees into the ground and fell face-first. The amount of blood loss was alarming, prompting Roel to rush over to cast Heal.
“Um, are you alright? It seems our Rua-chan went a bit overboard…”
“Our what? I’m not a dog!”
“W-wait…? W-what’s this wound…? Did you heal me?”
She seemed quite confused, sitting on the ground and repeatedly checking her limbs.
“Laurel, what about our score?”
“Score? Oh, right… I almost forgot… To be honest, I have no idea what just happened. The only thing I know is that you attacked me at a speed I couldn’t perceive because of the enhancement magic. That’s all.”
Even without the Enhancement Magic, she could attack at a speed that was hard to see. It wouldn’t make sense to point that out, so I kept quiet and listened.
“Strength is more necessary than beauty. Full marks, 100 points.”
“Yay! Roel, we did it perfectly!”
“Yeah! We totally nailed it!”
I felt so happy that I wanted to hold hands and spin around. With a perfect score, we would undoubtedly pass the third exam. While I was spinning, I caught a glimpse of Formas in my peripheral vision, grinding his teeth in frustration. His teeth were bared in a fierce grimace, and Brikna and Tatarka were trying to calm him down by putting their arms around him. Perhaps he was furious about being overtaken by Roel, whom he had mocked earlier.
“How did they pass? I didn’t see anything… Could it be that Laurel wasn’t that impressive?”
“He’s not a front-line class, after all. The fact that they made this an exam is nonsensical.”
“That blood gushing out looks suspicious… Was it fake?”
All I could hear were voices questioning Laurel’s strength and what had happened. I hadn’t done this to earn their praise, but it still felt unpleasant.
“Let’s get the rest of them to come at us quickly. How about we take them all on at once?”
Laurel’s words seemed like a provocation, as if she had given up. Yet, she truly faced the remaining dozens all at once. The result was dismal, with almost all of them scoring below 20 points. Laurel demonstrated that she could fight without relying on her harp, dodging all their weapons and magic with minimal movements. It was as if she showcased the dignity of a high-level Adventurer, thoroughly breaking the spirits of the other candidates.
Even a surprise attack like Formas’s could pass. Strength was the essence of being an Adventurer; perhaps this entire exam was Laurel’s silent message.
Pass: 20 | Fail: 88
◆ Avangarde Castle Town, Hotel Maison, Hallway ◆
In the end, there was no explanation about the final exam’s content. It seemed we just had to gather at the Adventurer’s Guild tomorrow, but what exactly would we be doing in the end? Would we be sent to a dungeon like Mist Village again?
“I’m completely exhausted; I feel like I’ll fall asleep as soon as I get back to the room. But I need to take a shower!”
“Ugh, that’s such a hassle. I’m going to sleep just like this.”
“No way! You’re a girl, so you should at least care about your appearance!”
“When I was in the Abyss Cave, I wouldn’t have bathed if there was no water source.”
“That’s disgusting!”
As we walked, engaging in such meaningless banter, I noticed someone leaning against the wall in front of our room. Dressed casually in just a black shirt, it was Formas waiting for us.
“Hey, you took your time.”
“I was eating… Why are you here?”
“I booked the royal suite on the top floor. An elite like me has to have such tastes. I’m not short on cash, you know.”
“I didn’t hear anything about that. How do you know where our room is?”
“With just a few gold coins in hand, there’s hardly any information you can’t obtain. Remember that.”
Formas wore a confident expression, as if he had everything figured out. Roel stood beside me, seemingly having overcome whatever it was that had troubled her about him. Perhaps someone had been tempted by his gold and spilled the beans about our room. What a terrible thought. To betray us for just a handful of coins—it’s not just rich; it’s downright absurd.
“I’ve never had to worry about material desires in my life. If I ask my father, I can get anything I want, including women. Right now, I have over thirty women, and not a single one of them feels neglected. If they want something, I buy it for them, so they do whatever I say. As long as they follow me, they’ll never have to worry about food for the rest of their lives. I don’t skimp on my possessions either. This shirt I’m wearing? A mere two hundred thousand gold, but still a bargain.”
Formas cast a snake-like gaze at us. I had no idea how to respond, so I decided to ignore him and walk past.
“Rua, was it? Become my woman.”
“Become my woman.” What was that supposed to mean? I wasn’t tired or anything, but those words felt strange to me. I would have to ask Roel about it later.