Volume 1 Chapter 18 The Night Before The Graduation Exam
Time passed since then.
The three of us continued our party and engaged in various training sessions.
In addition to dungeons, we hunted bandits with all the other Sword adventurers during the field training, and we ventured into the forest with all the other bow adventurers during their practical training.
The time trainees spend as trainees is short.
This adventurer training facility is a public, free institution, and we graduate in just half a year. Meals and education are all managed by them, so it seems this system is necessary for it to work.
So, during our free time, we gathered in the cafeteria and talked.
"...Tomorrow's exam will determine whether we graduate, crying or laughing."
"That's right. But it's not really goodbye..."
"But still, there's a bit of loneliness, isn't there? Half a year... It felt both long and short."
In order, I, Ice, and Clay each think back on the past half year.
As the story goes, it was the night before the graduation exam.
We had been selected for the top party, our coordination was stable, and we had become stronger. Unfortunately, I hadn't learned any new magic, but I felt like I had gained more strength.
However, there was one concern that remained.
"So, Wade-kun, have you decided on your future path after all?"
"Um...!"
Yes, I still haven't decide my future path.
In the end, I had experienced swords, bows, and torches, and I had enjoyed them all. I honestly couldn't decide which one was best. They're all the same, aren't they? That's how I felt.
"Haha! I don't think it's really something to worry about. Just because the exam content is different for each doesn't mean you have to stop being a sword adventurer to become a torch adventurer."
"Yeah, that's right... Wade-kun worries too much. But maybe, if it's Wade-kun, he could get the copper adventurer's license for swords, bows, and torches!"
"It's amazing. The conditions for the copper adventurer's license for swords are 'defeat ten or more bandits,' for bows it's 'learn three or more spells and submit a copper-ranked monster,' and for torches it's 'reach the fifth floor or deeper in a dungeon.' You're close to clearing all of them."
That's right. In my practical training so far, I have already completed 'defeat ten or more bandits.' So, I'm definitely getting the copper adventurer's license for swords.
I'm also already submitted a 'copper-ranked monster.' Now, I just needs to learn some spells, but I'll have to wait for the right opportunity. I'm still continuing my weight training with [Weight Increase] all the time, except when I'm sleeping.
And finally, 'reach the 6th floor or deeper in a dungeon.' Our party currently at the 4th floor, so I'm getting close.
Tomorrow, we're going to challenge reaching '5th floors or more in the dungeon.' Other parties are either going into the forest or taking requests to deal with bandits. It's a selectable test.
"I wish I could awaken to new magic conveniently on the 5th floor..."
"Wade-kun wouldn't feel that out of place if you did wake it up, huh?"
"Good luck, Wade-kun...!"
"Yeah, thanks for cheering me on."
At that moment, the cafetaria ladies started cleaning up with a clatter. Making a loud noise is their way of saying, "It's time to go home."
"...Shall we disband?"
"Yeah, I guess..."
"Then, see you all tomorrow."
We all got up from our chairs and went our separate ways. Ice headed to the girls' dorm, Clay to the boys' dorm, and I'm... feeling a bit reluctant to leave, went to the playground.
When I got to the playground, it was already quite dark. I walked up to the training dummy, which stood out even in the darkness, and gently touched it, smiling.
It had only been half a year, but it was still a life-changing half year.
I am the son of a low-life from the slums, and I used to think I had no future. But when I got angry and took action, now I have the best grades in this small school building.
And from now on, I will go out into a bigger world. Not long ago, I was planning to go out alone. But thankfully, Ice said she would come with me, and Clay is also being friendly.
"Wade, hey!"
As I was thinking about that, I was called from behind. When I turned around, Ice was standing there.
"Ice... What, did you come to say goodbye too?"
"Ehe. I can see the playground from my room, so I was wondering what Wade-kun was doing."
Ice approached shyly. Since we were just standing there, we sat down on the nearby stairs.
"Have you packed your things?"
"Yeah... Wade-kun, have you?"
"I'm all set too. Well, just a weapon and a change of clothes. I originally came to school as I was."
"Oh, I see... I thought maybe I should help out if you're not done yet, but..."
"Haha. Girls can't get into the boys' dormitory, right?"
"Hehe... That's right."
Ice shrugged her shoulders and laughed. Then she started, "It's a bit sad to say goodbye."
"Even so, you know. I'm looking forward to it. From now on, I'll be a true adventurer."
"...That's true."
"...Wade-kun, are you worried...?"
I was leaned in on as if she was worried, so I relaxed my shoulders and pat Ice on the head.
"I am worried, but I believe it will work out somehow. So, don't worry too much."
"W-W-Wade-kun, patted me...!"
"Ah, sorry, did you not like it?"
"N-No, it's fine...! I-If you want to pat me, you can do it as much as you want, okay?"
Ice leans in, offering her head. Maybe she wants to be petted. Even though I've never had a sister in this life or the last, I wonder if this is what it would feel like if I did.
While gently stroking Ice's head, I continued speaking.
"Ice, are you really going to follow me? I mean, I was just training and forming a party as a recruit, so I don't intend to restrict you in any way."
"S-So, I want to...! I-I'm not trying to be considerate or anything!"
"Is that so? Well, if that's the case."
It's strange for someone to follow me without any specific purpose in mind. As I thought about that, I continued to stroke Ice for a while and murmured.
"Clay said he wanted to become a hero, didn't he?"
"Uh, yeah."
"Ice, do you have something you want to become?"
"Uh...!? W-Well, um, that's... a secret."
"A secret, huh?"
"It's a secret..."
I laughed at Ice, who was shaking her hands in a huff.
But then, Ice said something.
"Um, if the graduation test goes well, can I, like, tell you about it...?"
In the dim light, I noticed Ice's cheeks turning red. She looked up at me with slightly moist eyes.
While I thought it might just be my imagination, I felt a little nervous.
"―――Haha. Then, let's do our best together."
"Yeah..."
We exchanged smiles. Then, I spoke up.
"But, it's amazing, you know. Ice and Clay both have something they want to become. I still don't know what I want. Even what's fun is still kind of unclear to me."
"...But Wade-kun, you said you all like hands-on training, right?"
"Huh... Oh yeah, I guess I did."
"Then, you'll surely figure it out soon... It's okay. You don't have to rush, okay?"
"...Thanks. I always feel encouraged by you, Ice."
I'll treat her to something next time. Saying that as I gave her one more pat, I stood up.
"Anyway, the exam is tomorrow. I don't think we'll be too worried, but let's make sure to get enough sleep for tomorrow."
"Yeah, you're right. Well then, goodnight, Wade-kun..."
Waving her hand earnestly, Ice headed back to her room. After seeing her off, I pumped myself up, thinking, "Alright, tomorrow's the day."
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