Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Adventurer's Guild Promotion Exam - Part 2!

Upon arriving at the training grounds, I saw Murasaki, brimming with enthusiasm, standing at the center.

For some reason, he looked delighted!

I walked up to him and asked about the contents of the exam.

It seemed that it was a binary choice: either one of us surrenders, or the examiner declares us qualified before surrendering.

Time limit: 20 minutes.

"It's been a while since I've had a chance to fight someone strong. It makes me happy! Though I don't have confidence in winning," Murasaki said with a smile.

Maybe he was in a good mood.

"Please refrain from flattery, examiner," said Irina, clearly displeased. But I think those were Murasaki's true feelings.

I remember what he said when we looked at our stats in the guild master's room.

Even though he knew he couldn't win, he still decided to take the exam. I'm grateful for that.

"Takuto, you can use weapons if you want," Murasaki asked.

"I prefer fighting bare-handed. I'll rely on that!" I replied.

As I answered Murasaki's question, Irina spoke.

"Whenever you're ready, please let us know."

"You're good to go as you are. Begin whenever you want!"

"Like this?" I asked.

"Yeah!"

To someone unfamiliar with us, we must have looked like fearless fools.

With Irina's signal, the practical exam began.

As expected from top-ranked adventurers, they not only relied on brute force but also attacked with precise timing and varying rhythms.

Their swordsmanship exploited every blind spot: above, below, left, and right.

I had never experienced this kind of attack before, so it felt refreshing.

I narrowly avoided their attacks and calculated the timing to get close enough to strike at their solar plexus.

Murasaki was blown away to the edge of the training grounds.

...Oops? I might have overdone it.

The gallery was shocked.

However, Murasaki's fighting spirit hadn't faded, so it would be dangerous to approach him carelessly.

I stayed on guard, and in an instant, he closed the distance and charged at me.

I dodged his swung greatsword with half my body and pressed his sword to the ground with my foot.

Then, I used my leg to hook around Murasaki's arm and pointed my finger at his throat.

"...I surrender!"

At that moment, cheers erupted from the training grounds.

"I still have a long way to go," he said with frustration.

"You're right. But if you're okay with me, I'll spar with you anytime!"

That was the only response I could think of.

"Hmph, sounds good. But I don't feel like I can win against a monster like you!"

We exchanged fists.

Irina came running over.

"Takuto-san, congratulations on passing Rank B! Please accept this."

It was the Rank G guild card!

Wait, didn't I just pass Rank B...?

"Due to the lack of precedent, we haven't been able to issue the guild card in time for your Rank B promotion. I sincerely apologize. Please wait until tomorrow for the Rank B guild card to be issued."

I see.

For a moment, I thought Irina was messing with me.

Her personality has become increasingly twisted.