Chapter 36 - The dark clouds in the examinations (1/2)

The dark clouds in the examinations

(Now then… I have to find some monsters.)

I stood up from where I’m sitting at and started walking around.

What I’m wearing is not my school uniform.

I now look like a woman who lives in a fantasy world seen in movies and novels.

It seems that I’ve been a little conscious that I’m a “woman” because of it’s gaudy design.

[It is said that clothing that is effective towards the “opposite sex” will have the ability to enrich the magic energy within you. That’s the reason why the design for this clothing have this kind of appearance. Especially for the S-Rank Heroes, you must have an equipment such as this!]

Or so, that’s what the goddess had said.

I wonder if she’s telling the truth.

I had reduced the exposure that this clothing gives since I’ve wore this yesterday.

(I’m still feeling a bit embarrassed wearing this though…)

I have never liked the idea of exposing my body.

That’s why I was still wearing black tights even when I was in uniform.

Though I say that, it is also a fact that the protection that the school uniforms we used to wear just offers a minimal protection for our body.

There must have been something magical (?) within this garment like the goddess’ blessing.

My top priority now should be the preservation of my life.

It’s uncomfortable, but I have no choice but to endure.

Resigning myself to my fate of walking this woods almost exposed, I continued walking around this woods.

(… a hero, huh.)

I don’t like being called by something like that.

It’s like the title is forcing us to hold onto our courage.

Raising up our courage so that we could fight against evil.

A magical title given to us that blocks our way of escape.

The expectations and desires of the multiple people who forced us to be courageous.

Hero.

I can’t help but think that this word is a curse bestowed on us.

[—-hmm!?]

I felt someone’s presence.

I quickly prepared my spear.

[Haaa… Haaa…. uwaaahh! So- Sogou-san!]

[…Kashima-san?]

If I remember correctly, she must have been part of Ikusaba Asagi’s group.

Currently, the heroes has been spontaneously divided into groups.

Factions.

It hasn’t changed even back when it was in our classroom.

[What’s wrong?]

[I- I just wanted to tell you that…]

[You should adjust your breathing first. It’s not like I’ll run away or anything.]

[I’m sorry… t- thanks…]

Kashima Kobato.

Back when I saw her in the class, she’s quite a relatively quiet young girl.

But, the fact that she’s here means…

(She has passed the qualification rite that the goddess has conducted, huh…)

I was asleep at the time that the rite had been conducted so I wasn’t able to see how the trial went.

However, I thought she was a young girl who wouldn’t even hurt a fly, much less kill them.

Or it could be that,

(Ikusaba-san may have done something…)

Ikusaba Asagi looks like someone who would do cunning things so that she could achieve her goals.

She must have done something that made Kobato pass her test.

Kobato’s breathing finally stabilized.

[Umm… A very strong monster called Kogyuuki was mixed in with the monsters that the people of the castle had brought in by mistake… This monster looks like a little cow-human… that’s why… I think you should head immediately towards the meeting point, or so that’s what I think…]

[Did you have to run to this place just to tell me that?]

Kobato had the image of someone who was not good at exercising.

She doesn’t look like someone who’s strong.

[Y- Yes… I think Sogou-san is someone who must survive…]

I was momentarily taken aback by her words.

I feel like I have been the worst human there is… the thought of killing myself for having such a though towards her is—

[Kashima-san?]

I’ve noticed that Kobato’s voice sounds like something’s off.

I looked at Kobato’s face and noticed that her facial expression seems to be frozen.

Kobato then points out at me, no, something from behind me.

[T- That’s…]

I’ve also turned my head towards where she pointed.

[Bummmoooorurururururururuuuu! Bugguuuuooooohh!!!]

A humanoid being with the head of a cow.

It’s body is categorized as someone with a smaller builds.

But— the sense of fear it induces is overpowering.

A golden-eyed monster.

[Buunnnuuuoooohhh!]

It started charging towards us.

[Kashima-san, please go behind me! But stay as far as you can! I’m the one it’s currently targeting!]

[B- But—]

[It’s fine! Leave this to me!]

[Y- Yesh!]

I started taking up my stance.

(Can I even do this?)

Suuuuuuuuu~

I slowly regulated my breathing.

The trembling in my heart has also stopped.

But, I make sure that my opponent were caught in my view.

I remembered the teachings of my grandmother.

“This technique is all about timing and keeping a calm state of mind in every way of your life.”

The Kogyuuki is drawing near.

And when it’s about to get close—

Passhiii!

[———-]

Doggaaaaaaaannn!

The Kogyuuki has vehemently fallen down on the ground on its back.