episode_0019

In the end, the receptionist did the signing for me. The receptionist organized the documents and put them in the desk.

“Then it’s time to take the registration test.”

“You mean the registration test?”

“Yes. Would you please follow me?”

Sister Cerise and I followed the receptionist. The receptionist guided us and explained the registration test.

“The registration test is a test to determine the grade to which new adventurers will be assigned. It’s not that difficult, so there’s no need to be nervous. We just lightly evaluate personality, background knowledge, and combat performance.”

It didn’t seem light at all. I started to get a little worried about the test, which seemed more difficult than I thought.

“What happens if I don’t do well in the evaluation?”

“Then, let’s start from the rock level, which is the lowest level. Oh, you don’t have to be disappointed even if you end up at rock level. Most adventurers start from the rock level.”

Fortunately, they don’t seem to be kicked out even if they are substandard.

Although it seems inevitable to start with a rock level.

“Then I’ll take a personality test first.”

We were each assigned to different rooms. A male employee came into my room, and he asked me dozens of questions.

The question content was similar to a survey I did in elementary school when I was young.

When I wondered if this would have any discriminatory power, the background knowledge evaluation began.

The background knowledge they evaluated was literally all kinds of magazines. I answered questions asked by the receptionist or shared what I knew directly.

“You know more than you think.”

When I first came to this world, I collected all sorts of information to survive.

Therefore, I knew as much as other people knew.

After the background knowledge test, Sister Cerise and I gathered again. We followed the receptionist to the training hall within the guild to receive an evaluation of our combat performance.

“Or, is that the end for them today?”

There was a woman standing in the middle of the training ground. She was a woman with short red hair and sharp eyes like a burning flame.

“Well. It’s not time to get off work yet… Maybe a few more people could come.”

“Sigh… It’s a plague. It’s so annoying I’m dying.”

“Belita, please tell me that by yourself when these people are not around!”

“Ah, why. Can’t I even speak with my mouth?”

“Ha… That’s it.”

The receptionist named Orr sighed and turned towards us. Unlike when I saw Belita, she was smiling.

“That person may be foul-mouthed, but contrary to appearances, he has a nice personality and good skills. So please don’t hate me too much.”

“Yes…”

“Oh, stop talking nonsense and bring them in. Finish it quickly and rest.”

“Okay. I heard you have a really impatient personality.”

We went to Belita. Belita glanced at us and pointed to the right with her thumb.

“There is a practice weapon prepared over there. Bring what you are most confident in.”

There were various types of weapons on the weapons display case she pointed to.

Kara confidently took out a long sword-type false sword. It had a similar shape to her wooden sword, so it would be the best fit for Kara.

I roughly picked them up one by one and swung them around. I’ve tried swinging everything from short swords to arming swords, long swords, etc., but I’m not very good at it.

“Is this really me…”

I grabbed the dagger-shaped false sword in the corner and moved it a few times. It was much better than the previous ones. I had no choice but to use a dagger.

“What should I do…”

I looked to the side and saw Seris thinking seriously. I’ve never held a weapon in my life, so it’s natural for me to do that.

“How about a sword and a shield?”

“Sword and shield?”

“It’s good and reassuring to have a shield.”

There was a reason why I recommended sword and shield.

Seris did not become an adventurer because she wanted to, but because of Kara.

Of course, he probably never fought properly.

I thought that a shield and a sword would be best for Seris, rather than a two-handed sword that requires a lot of skill.

Actually, for simplicity’s sake, blunt weapons are the best, but I’ve never heard of blunt weapons being used during martial arts…

“It’s definitely reassuring…”

Seris took a close look at the circular shield. I gave it a try and nodded.

“Then I will do as Yoosung says.”

She also carried a one-handed sword.

After taking our weapons for practice, we returned to Belita.

“Then the sparring begins. Come from you first.”

Belita pointed at Kara. Kara faced Belita looking a little excited.

“The sparring rules are simple. If one side loses, it’s over. The time limit is until this hourglass runs out.”

Belita placed an hourglass smaller than her palm on the floor.

The sand begins to flow.

“I’ll handle it for you, so don’t worry, just go for it.”

Belita pulled out a one-handed sword. As soon as she pulled out her false sword, Kara moved.

Kara ran with courage and slashed diagonally with her sword.

Belita ducked to avoid it.

When the diagonal cut failed, Kara’s side was exposed. But Belita did not attack.

‘Is this what it means to do a favor?’

I continued to watch the sparring. It was one-sided. Kara swung her sword hard, but Belita easily dodged or let go.

While Kara was exhausted, Belita was not out of breath.

When the sand in the hourglass ran out, Belita lightly moved her sword. The sword moved slowly and stopped near Kara’s neck.

“It’s over.”

“Ugh…”

Kara lowered her arms with an exasperated look on her face. Belita also put away her sword.

“I guess I swung it around a lot. There is a lot of power in the sword.”

“Ah, yes!”

Kara’s face brightened at Belita’s unexpected compliment. But that was only for a moment.

“But the movements are too big and simple. If you apply your strength well, cutting will be enjoyable. But if you fail, your loopholes will be greatly exposed. Even just in Dalian, I could have killed you several times.”

“…Yes.”

“Mix it well with a moderately relaxed attack. Then it will get better. Then, next is you covered in cloth.”

“Yes!”

A sullen Kara came back and it was Cerise’s turn to leave. I caught Cerys, who was nervously trying to leave, and whispered in her ear.

“Seris.”

“Why, why..?”

“If you make a mistake… Just pick up the shield and push away.”

“What are you doing? Won’t you come quickly?”

“Ah, yes. Go quickly.”

I patted the confused Seris on the back. Seris looked at me for a moment and then took a step forward.

The hourglass was overturned and the sparring began again.

Unlike Kara, who rushed in as soon as it started, Seris watched Belita.

It wasn’t a bad decision.

There is nothing good about rushing in against a superior.

The sand flowed.

The stalemate still remained.

“Not moving? Should I go?”

Belita took a step. In response, Seris took a step back.

‘…I was just scared.’

Belita frowned when she saw Seris’ scared appearance. His already sharp eyes and frown made his face look a little scary.

“What are we going to do now? Didn’t you come here because you wanted to become an adventurer?”

“Ah… that…”

“If you’re going to act like that, hit me. Come out next.”

“Uh…?”

After hearing the shouting, Seris looked at me and Kara in turn. Then, as if he had made up his mind, he shouted.

“Just give me one more chance! I can do it!”

“That’s it. The opportunity is already over. Next.”

“Please!”

Seris bowed her waist. Belita sighed as she looked at that.

“Good. This is the last time. You better do it right.”

“Yes, thank you!”

Belita turned the hourglass over again. Seris took a deep breath and took a stance. He was in a leaning position with the shield in his left hand extended forward.

It moved forward little by little.

The distance between the two became closer and closer. Seris cut horizontally with her sword first. Belita blocked with her sword.

“Ugh?!”

Belita’s body was shaken by Seris’ unexpected strength.

Seris suddenly struck with her shield.

Belita fell backwards and rolled several times on the ground. No matter how strong Seris was, she wasn’t that strong, so it seemed like Belita’s failure.

Seris ran towards Belita. It seemed like he was planning on hitting me with the shield again. Belita ducked to the side to avoid the shield and crossed her legs.

“Ugh?!”

Seris was unable to overcome her inertia and rolled around on the floor.

“Ugh…”

Due to the impact of hitting her head on the floor, Seris was unable to stand up immediately. Belita’s fake sword was aimed at her head.

It was Seris’ defeat.

“Good job.”

Belita offered her hand. Seris stared at the hand blankly for a moment, then faced it and stood up.

“The power was much stronger than I expected. However, compared to its strength, it lacks many other aspects. Especially the one that scared me at first. If you don’t fix that, it won’t be long before you’re out of date.”

“Hi…”

“Then go in. Next!”

Cerise came back trudging. Next it was my turn.

The sparring began and I slowly walked towards Belita.

The range of her sword is almost out of reach.

He quickly threw the dagger in his right hand. Belita struck down the flying dagger. Immediately, he changed the dagger from his left hand to his right hand and thrust it out.

Belita turned her body slightly to avoid it, so she turned around and cast a backspin elbow. Belita lowered her head.

When the dagger was struck again, she jumped back and dodged it.

I picked up the dagger lying on the floor and ran straight away.

Belita’s sword has a longer range than my dagger. You have to dig in. With that thought in mind, it was time to swing the dagger with both hands.

Belita’s kick landed in my abdomen.

‘I didn’t attack the first two…?’

I was a little embarrassed, but I didn’t stop. I jumped back to take the hit even a little bit. Even so, the shock that shook my body was significant.

I gritted my teeth, endured it, and tried to swing the dagger again. But before I knew it, Belita’s sword was aimed at my neck.

“…lost.”

I raised my hands, and Belita’s sword was withdrawn.

“It’s the best.”

“Yes?”

“You are the best.”

With those words, Belita left the training ground.