Chapter 41 (1/2)

Test for Adventurers

”Hmm, so you want to become adventurers to get money just because you need traveling expenses. Well, that's a common reason.” (Doris)

”I was wondering if it would be better to sell the material of the monsters without becoming an adventurer, but people refuse to buy it.” (Soma)

”Aah, that can't be helped. Regardless of the royal capital, even if you bring such things in this neighborhood store, you will not be able to sell them.” (Doris)

”I see. I was thinking that because you couldn’t completely trust us.” (Aina)

”Of course, that's also the thing, but if it is necessary, we will do the arrangement. Having said that, merchants rarely come here, so I can't afford buying things that I can't sell.” (Doris)

”In other words, even if someone who is not an adventurer takes it to the guild, they will not buy it?” (Lina)

”In the end of the day, the guild is an organization for adventurers. Under normal circ.u.mstances, we're not going to be responsible on then. Although it is easy to encounter troubles by not guaranteeing their ident.i.ties, we don't want to bear any more extra things.” (Doris)

”This is pretty tough world.” (Soma)

While exchanging such a conversation, when Doris and others headed out toward the training ground.

Even though it was small, this area was prepared at once.

However, there were hardly people who used it. Therefore, the training ground was in the name only. It was prepared well to the point that battles could be conducted here.

'Still, this was the most suitable place to do the test'… while murmuring that, Doris lead the three here.

”Anyway, we're going to conduct the test here…” (Doris)

While saying so, she looked at their faces in turn.

Nonetheless, it couldn't be helped to make a final confirmation, but…

”…Alright. You are Soma, right? Will you accept the test?” (Doris)

”Hmm? Everyone is supposed to take the test, right?” (Soma)

”Well. It's going to be tiresome if we do that. If you pa.s.s the test, the other two will also pa.s.s it, but if you fail, it will be the same with the rest. Is that easy to understand?” (Doris)

”I see. You mean everything will depend on me, huh? That is a huge responsibility.” (Soma)

”…You are so calm when you said that, you know?” (Aina)

”If it is Nii-sama, it will be fine! Fighting!” (Lina)

While looking at such interactions, Doris nodded.

As expected, or it should be say that among these three, the boy named Soma seemed to be an exception.

For those two girls, they were slightly corresponded to their age.

It was an occasional behavior such as getting stiffened if one was nervous.

But, Soma was the only one she didn't feel anything like that.

He was calm at everything.

Although Doris had said many things, he didn't perturbed.

Rather, she had doubt whether she could measure him from now on, and she had no other choice but asking him to take the test.

”Now, here's the crucial part. You will have a match with me and we will consider it as a test.” (Doris)

”Hmh… is it a simulated fight?” (Soma)

”Yes, However, since the outcome is not related to the result of the test, you don't have to worry about the fight and just do it comfortably.” (Doris)

That rules wasn't come from Doris. It was an unspoken agreement if the test was conducted by the subst.i.tute.

It was best to have a match once in order to know his disposition.

That was why it was reasonable to say that the result wouldn't be related to the victory or defeat.

If not, it was as good as saying that no one could become adventurers as they couldn't win against their opponent who was the subst.i.tute.

Well, given that they had defeated Mad Boar, there was also a possibility Doris would lose, but… in any case, this would give the answer to one question she had earlier.

And that was… Soma's true strength.

It was because she couldn't guess Soma's strength at all.

For the two girls, Doris vaguely knew that they were strong.

But only Soma she couldn't feel anything.

It was as if he was an ordinary person who didn't have any skills.

She nominated Soma because she judged that he was the leader among them and it was also to confirm it.

Of course, if he was rather weak, it had nothing to do with the evaluation, but… if that was the case, it would be that kind of expectation.

… that the two girls were following him not because of strength.

Well, it didn't have to be because he was strength.

Anyhow…

”That's how it is…” (Doris)

”…Doris, may I?” (Sheila)

Suddenly, Sheila interrupted her.

Certainly, Sheila also came here together, but… Doris was surprised because of this unexpected development.

Sheila was basically a person with few words, and she barely speak to people she didn't know.

Doris didn't think that she would open her mouth here just by knowing the situation, and she was watching Doris from the side.

Of course, Doris couldn't see her face hidden under the hood from that position.

”What's wrong? This is quite unusual, but…” (Doris)