Chapter 9: Gunmens Privilige (2/2)
”I am aware,” Nikolai placed one silver coin on the table. ”Please take care of me.” He took out his gun and placed it on the table.
Even though it was an old model, it was a proper gun. Nikolai also got two magazines from Ash, making it proper for a first hunt. For the exam, the Union would provide him with bullets.
”Very well, follow me.”
The man grabbed the coin and placed it in the girl's hand before leaving the hall with Nikolai. They went to the armory and got a magazine for Nikolai, with twelve bullets inside.
”These are the bullets that you'll use for your exam. It's a simple one, but an incomparably difficult one to pass.” The man said as he handed him the magazine. ”I wish you know what you're getting yourself into.”
”I know,” Nikolai smiled. The man shook his head and started walking toward the field. Following him, Nikolai tried looking around to spot anyone that he knew.
There was a rule that was specific to gunmen, decreasing the requirements over their stats. Nikolai had decided to use it since he set his mind to become an adventurer.
As the two reached the examination field, they found several people who were also taking their exam. They were mostly young, with a few seasoned examinees who never managed to make it.
They were being tested by someone else, an instructor that dueled against them in a one-against-one fashion. He would then assign them to their adventurer's rank, which corresponds to their strength.
”What are you doing here, Regan?” The examiner asked the man accompanying Nikolai. ”Slacking off your hunting duties?”
”Save it, Fred.” Regan waved his hand. ”I'm here to conduct a special examination.” He pointed at Nikolai with his thumb.
”How special?” Fred furrowed his brows.
”Gunmen special,” Regan then started walking again with Nikolai following after him.
When Nikolai passed by the examinee that stood in front of Fred, he paused. It was a girl wearing chainmail with a longsword strapped to her waist.
'She's younger than I remember, but that makes sense. I never met her until after my graduation.'
The person that was taking the exam was none other than one of the Lords that would establish her domain after the war. She was his senior at the academy, but their worlds couldn't be more different.
With blonde hair that reached down to her shoulders and deep eyes with an abnormal bright blue color, Valkyrie Helnes was everything that Nikolai was not. At least, his previous self.
As she stood there waiting for the instructor to begin the exam, she exuded a heroic aura around her. Her light-chain armor hugged her body tightly, a testimony of how serious she was about this duel.
”Sir Regan, can I spectate the traditional exam first?” Nikolai asked with expectation. Regan glanced at him before glancing at Valkyrie. With a grin, he nodded in understanding.
Nikolai knew that this instructor had formed the wrong idea about his interest, thinking he had had a crush on Valkyrie. Well, that wasn't weird as just by standing there, Valkyrie managed to bewitch all of the spectating men and a few women.
”As I said before, we can arrange a special exam for someone of your status, Miss Helnes,” Fred asked again but Valkyrie shook her head and assumed her stance.
”I'm no different.” Her words were short but concise. Her gaze was sharp and unwavering. This was exactly like Nikolai remembered her. She had a high sense of righteousness and fairness, refusing to use her status to make her life easier.
'You were blessed with talent, background, and even looks but you act as if they had nothing to do with you. Doesn't that mean that all of our efforts are a waste? That our circumstances were nothing more than an excuse?'
Nikolai thought to himself as Fred took his stance. That's exactly why he hated her in the past and now as well. Her longsword was unsheathed and ready to attack. She held it in one hand in front of her, a style she'll discard in the future.
With a step that Nikolai couldn't follow, the two people collided as sparks flew everywhere. Seeing the first three moves, Nikolai turned to Regan.
”Let's have our exam, sir.”
”Ah, okay.” Regan was stunned as if he was taken aback by Nikolai's withdrawal. ”You know,” He said as the two walked toward the shooting field. ”Girls like those who fight for their heart.” He said with a wink.
”...” Nikolai looked at him silently before nodding. It wasn't a good idea to embarrass your examiner, so he'll pretend like he took the advice.
The shooting range had many targets, both humanoid and posters. Once they were there, they found a middle-aged man cleaning his rifle.
”Regan, are you finally here to admit your defeat?”
”In your dream, old man.” Regan patted Nikolai's shoulder. ”You have a new gunman to be tested.”
The man looked at Regan and then at Nikolai in disbelief. His lips trembled as his face flushed in anger.
”Are you mocking me, Regan?” He said as he pointed at Regan. ”Do you think that anyone can become a gunman these days? Let me show you what a gunman can do.”
Without hesitation, the man aimed his rifle and fired at Regan. With a sigh, Regan's giant arm bulged and he punched the bullet, deflecting it.
”You...”
”My skill has evolved, old man. The new age has no place for gunmen.” Regan seemed apologetic. ”It's best if you try to...”
”Rubbish!” The man snarled. ”Get out of my sight immediately.” He said with a grim face. It seems his inability to hurt Regan made him unreasonable.
”This kid wants to test out his...”
”There's no such thing as a kid gunman!” The man roared. ”He's trying to use the gunmen's privilege to pass the test! Get him out of here!”
His roar was powerful enough to attract the attention of the examinee and Fred as well. Regan sighed as he turned to Nikolai.
”I'm sorry, kid...”
”How about a bet, old man?” Nikolai took a step forward.