CH 11.1

Litty Takes 5th Rank Advancement Exam

Now that all the training was over, the only thing left to do was to take the exam for advancement to 5th Rank. The test was divided into two parts: written and practical.

The written exam wasn’t much of an issue as the questions, including those in the etiquette class, were within the scope of general information, although the passing criteria stated the requirements of more than 90% of correct answers.

The problem was the practical skill assessment. The skills test was decided by the examiner and it could be of any sort.

“Well… I am today’s examiner, Rogai. Yes, all of you have passed the written exam. Now, everyone must be wondering what your practical skill assessment is going to be, right?”

The written exam was conducted quickly. There were only a few who failed. The rest of us 16 adventurers, who were present for the practical test, passed with flying colors.

However, it was not unusual if all the participants failed in the practical skill assessment. It was also not unusual to meet someone like, the heavy warrior, Dimos, who gave up on promotions, that Litty encountered at the Adventurers’ Guild.

This examiner, Rogai, was promoted to the 3rd Rank during his active days, having worked his way up as a solo adventurer. Needless to say, his rank spoke volume about his abilities.

He was now over 50 years old and scorned at the changes that occurred after his prime time. For example, for him, creating a party was a sign of weakness. As a solo adventurer, when he ran out of food, he would eat grass or demon puke.

Such were the experiences he had.

“Nowadays, adventurers are too easy-going. As adventurers, you are not supposed to work in groups. Moreover, if you have women as your companions, then you’re done for. Some of you even become an adventurer to court others. This is one of the biggest problems.”

The participants were already fed up with the examiner, who seemed to be a peculiar man. However, Litty was listening, regardless of the fact that his thoughts were filled with prejudice against females.

Rogai coldly glanced at Litty.

“Adventurers are men. A woman with little strength would not be able to get the task done.”

“With all due respect, examiner. That is discrimination!”

“Who are you to talk back to me?”

It was Roma who snapped. She, too, was taking the exam for advancement.

When did she earn the title of Swordsman? How did she succeed? How is she doing nowadays? There were many questions Litty wanted to ask her about, like what had transpired since the last incident.

However, Roma didn’t even glance at Litty, making her feel uneasy and wondering if she was being disliked.

“Nowadays, it is not unusual to find 1st and 2nd rank female adventurers. And even Yggdrasia has two women.”

“So what? There are far more men than women. They won’t last for long.”

“Are you envious?”

“…You took etiquette classes, right? You have no manners at all, you know.”

“Well, I’d like you to start the exam as soon as possible.”

Litty wanted to stop this pointless bickering. But of all people, to raise the gender issue in front of Roma?

The participants were already disappointed with the examiner, before the exam was about to begin.

“Ah, I’ve heard about you, a girl who got her swordsman title in just two months. Indeed, very admirable, but don’t be shocked when you find out what the practical assessment is about.”

“I will complete any assessment given to me!”

“Hmph, fine. Then I will announce it to you. You must survive on Mount Baruni for three days. That’s the condition for passing.”

“If that’s the case…”

“However…”

Rogai’s mouth curled up in a sickening manner, making some of the participants feel endless discomfort and think about quitting right there and then.

Besides, there was a twist in this test.

“You must survive alone, and not as a party. This is also a requirement.”

“Wait a minute. we haven’t trained for combat yet…”

“Moreover, we are not allowed to hunt demons as 6th rank adventurers!”

The flaws were pointed out by two of the participants. As in previous years, the practical exam for 5th rank never included combat.

This man was the second most senior instructor after Caddock. Unfortunately, Caddock was currently in a neighboring town, and the person in charge was not available, so there was no one who could do anything to stop him.

If the younger instructors, James and Toito, interfered, they would be punished severely for that. Even if those two were to use force, they would be no match for Rogai.

Rogai, known as the “Lonely Sword”, had absolute authority within the Swordsman’s Guild.

Anyway, the timing couldn’t have been any worse.

“Are you idiots? You learn things like combat, on the field and gain experience from it. Young people these days want to be taught everything one on one, and don’t want to exert any effort.”

“That’s absurd!”

“If you don’t agree, get out. Nothing is mandatory. However, the person in charge, who has the final say on the schedule, won’t be back for a while. In other words, if you miss it now, you’ll have to wait and see when you get another chance…”

“I can’t do this! I’m out!”

“I’m also out! When the branch manager returns, I’ll report everything!”

The angry participants left the Swordsman Guild one by one. Litty and Roma were the only ones left.

Litty remained the same, her enthusiasm for the assessment didn’t falter; Roma, on the other hand, was burning with a different kind of fire.

For her, a man like Rogai was unforgivable no matter what. It was her true desire to make a man like Rogai respect her.

“Humph, it doesn’t matter what you say to that idiotic branch manager.”

“Rogai-san, hurry up and let’s go to Mount Baruni.”

The experience with Yggdrasia made her not completely trust anybody. But the fact that the schedule of the assessment was not yet finalized was more important to Litty.

Her determination to reach 5th Rank as soon as possible outweighed her distrust.

“You’re not going to run away?”

“Why would I? I can be on an adventure, you know?”

“…I don’t like that attitude.”

In Rogai’s mind, a scenario was already forming. Mount Baruni was not far from the town, and it was full of low rank demons.

But these two rookies wouldn’t be able to handle it. He believed that if he gallantly helped them there, they would realize the reality of the situation.

He was rejected by all parties because of his bad character. He was a man who mistook this reaction to being isolated, and his fury knew no limits.