Chapter 11: Sneaking behind the scenes
{TL: By Creed}
Despite an unexpected intruder called Wyvern, the subjugation of the Liger Boar was successfully completed.
On returning to the Adventurer's Guild and reporting this...
"...Is this a joke?"
"No, Guild Master... These fangs and claws undoubtedly belong to the Wyvern. What Stuart-san said is true..."
''Come on, seriously... Defeating a Wyvern alone, and moreover, a rookie who isn't even an adventurer... What kind of magic did you use?''
Aizen was left speechless. He seemed to want to know how it was done.
But even if he asked, it was hard to answer.
''What? Well, there wasn't anything particularly special...''
''There must be something, come on.''
''Even if you say that... Oh, right. Actually, it might have been a Wyvern hatchling? So, maybe that's why I was able to defeat it.''
Aizen looked at the receptionist.
The receptionist shook her head.
''This is undeniably from an adult.''
''I see...''
''Um... Can you tell me why I was able to defeat it?''
''I want to know too!!!''
With a somewhat exhausted look, Aizen shouted loudly.
''Sigh... Well, whatever. As a result, there's nothing to complain about. You pass the first test.''
''Alright!''
''Congratulations, Fate.''
Sofia, who had disappeared somewhere, returned just now. She seemed as happy about my success as if it were her own.
''Thanks to you, Sofia.''
''I didn't do anything...''
''You gave me advice, didn't you? And you taught me how to use a sword. Without that, I might not have made it back alive. I'm really thankful to Sofia.''
''Hehe, if I could be of help to Fate, I'm very happy. I'll do my best to be even more helpful in the future.''
''Even now, you're more than enough, so you don't need to do more than that...''
''I'll do my best as long as it's for Fate.''
''Ugh... Can you two save the lovey-dovey stuff for later? Can we continue the conversation?''
Aizen said somewhat exasperatedly.
''Oh, sorry.''
''Alright, moving on to the next test, it's a written examination.''
It was a test of knowledge about adventurers.
Challenging written questions and obtaining a certain number of correct answers within the time limit were the conditions for passing.
''We have already made the preperations. Can we do it right away, or you need some time to rela-''
''Let me do it.''
''Alright, then come over here.''
With determination, I moved to the back room.
――――――――――
"Hehehe, it seems to be my turn now," Lector says with a sly grin while secretly observing Fate and the others.
He had used magic to grasp the contents of the test that Aizen had prepared in advance. Just like Mira, he had made various preparations for harassment.
To confirm the results, he also used magic to quietly observe the situation in the back room.
"Now, let's explain the written test."
"Yes."
"You have a two-hour time limit. As I mentioned earlier, you will pass by obtaining a certain number of correct answers."
"And these are the test questions... What about this reference book?"
"Stuart is an amateur, after all. As a safety measure, I provided a reference book. However, it doesn't contain the answers. The reference book only covers the basics, so to solve the test questions, you will need to apply your knowledge and think flexibly. In other words, it will assess whether you have the knowledge and creativity required for adventurers."
"I see."
Lector, who had eavesdropped on the contents of the written test, chuckled quietly.
It was something that the former slave Fate could never achieve.
He imagined the moment when Fate would fail and sneered.
As an added precaution, he had implemented a certain device.
It was a spell on the reference book that prevented the pages from being opened. It was a subtle touch, but it would have a significant effect.
There was no way an amateur like Fate could pass the written test without the reference book.
Failure was virtually guaranteed.
"Now... I'll enjoy watching you panic and make a fool of yourself from the shadows."
Lector smirked behind the scenes.
"Now, we'll proceed to the second test, the written examination. I will be the proctor. There's a two-hour time limit, but do your best until the end."
"Understood."
"Let's begin!"
At Aizen's signal, Fate reached out for the reference book.
However...
"Huh?"
Due to the magic, he couldn't open the reference book. He tried several times, but it was still impossible. If he forced it open, he would probably damage the reference book.
Unable to open the reference book, Fate tilted his head.
"Hehehe, let's see you struggle as much as you can," Lector says, watching Fate's awkward attempts and struggles with a malicious smile.
Lector was relishing the spectacle.
――――――――――
I'm in trouble.
I need to use the reference book, but I can't seem to open it.
"Excuse me."
I call out to Aizen, who is overseeing the test.
"Yeah, what's wrong?"
"I can't open the reference book."
"Which one? Show it to me."
Aizen takes the reference book and tries to open it. However, no matter how hard he tries, he can't open it.
"What's going on here? Did someone play a prank?"
"Is there a replacement reference book?"
"All the reference books are currently checked out. This is the last one. What should we do?"
"If there's no other choice... shall I take a look at the questions?"
I give up on the reference book and face the exam paper.
"Wh-what is this?"
Selecting the ideal campsite, dealing with nocturnal beasts and monsters, methods of securing water...
Negotiating with clients, the best way to approach a request, handling trouble when it arises...
Exploring dungeons, dealing with formidable enemies, and identifying their weaknesses...
These were the kinds of questions lined up, but...
"Huh? Are these questions so simple?"
Back when I was a slave...
Combat was Sigurd and the others' responsibility.
I handled all the other chores, so I already knew the answers to these questions without looking at the reference book.
After all, if I didn't practice the proper handling methods, I would be mercilessly beaten. So I naturally learned a variety of things and, just in case, acquired knowledge that wouldn't be needed in everyday life...
And now, here I am.
These questions are a piece of cake.
I don't even need to open the reference book.
"Hmm hmm."
I hum a tune while answering the questions.
It's that easy.
"Huh? I still haven't figured out what to do with the reference book..."
"Oh, don't worry. I know all these questions, so I don't need the reference book for these."
"What? You know them all?"
"Yes, it's basic knowledge."
"Calling these questions basic... So you don't even need to open the reference book. I see... You seem to possess not only strength but also deep knowledge. I'm impressed."
"Thank you. But, I haven't passed yet, so I need to do my best."
"Oh, right, my apologies. Don't mind me and do your best. Also, there were reference book questions, so I'll be a bit lenient in grading."
"Thank you."
I hear a voice from somewhere saying, 'I never thought I'd end up helping raise his score... What have I done?' or something like that, but I probably imagined it.
I continue working on the written test for the entire duration of the time limit...
And I manage to score a perfect score, successfully passing the second test.
TL Note: Now in last test, Fate will face the last of 3 clowns.
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