Chapter 4: The Silver Exam
Another week passed. During this week, I challenged the Dungeons I’d cleared before to keep my body sharp in preparation for the Silver Exam.
As a side note, that religious group I saw at the Dungeon Association branch? They were also at the Dungeons I went to. It was just as bad as I heard—or actually, even worse in person.
First off, people who looked like believers were running a negative campaign against explorers. That alone was incredibly annoying.
Most of the people who heard them didn’t stop and just ignored them, but for explorers like us, it’s obviously not a pleasant feeling.
It didn't look like they were directly harassing explorers going into the Dungeon, but still, if they saw an explorer making a face of disgust, the group would just take advantage of it and cause an even bigger commotion.
Seriously, what the hell. It was the absolute worst kind of trouble.
And it feels like I’ve been seeing them more and more as the days go by...
“Well, at least I don’t gotta deal with that annoying shit today, so that’s good!”
About two weeks after I applied for the Silver Exam, the day finally came.
“Alright, everyone, thanks for waiting. We will now begin the Silver Rank Certification Exam!”
A staff member of the Association spoke loudly, and the people around us cheered at the announcement.
Yes. The Silver Exam had finally resumed.
...It felt both long and short.
I feel like I spent a pretty intense amount of time grinding, but did the people around me feel like it was long? Or short?
Our current location is the training facility at the Dungeon Association branch, the venue for the exam.
“The number of candidates this time is the highest on record, nearly double the previous number. We ask that everyone ensure there are no disturbances.”
The staff member read through the cautionary notes.
Everyone was listening intently, and the excitement from earlier had completely vanished; no one was making a sound.
“Now then, let us begin the first test right away. This will be the content.”
When the staff member moved aside, several men and women in armor stood there.
“Since we have a large number of candidates for the Silver Exam this time, the practical skills test will be simple. All of you will be asked to fight these Silver License Explorers, who have been commissioned by the Association.”
I see... I heard that in typical years, they would have candidates dive into a C-rank Dungeon and actually fight monsters to see how well they could handle themselves, but... I guess this many people makes that impossible.
Just looking around, there are a lot of candidates taking the Silver Exam. Even accounting for the suspension, there must have been a lot of explorers planning to take it to begin with.
With this many people, even if they were in a party, evaluating their combat one by one would be a pain in the ass, so this change might be unavoidable.
It would certainly be quicker to have them fight directly.
“We will call up the candidates for the practical skills test in order, so please step forward when your name is called. ...First up, the party ‘Guren’ (Crimson Lotus). Please come forward.”
“““Yes!”””
When the staff member said that, three people—two men and one woman—stepped out from the crowd of explorers.
“The rest of the candidates, excluding ‘Guren’, please leave the training facility and stand by outside.”
Following the staff member’s words, the others left the training facility, leaving only the members of ‘Guren’ inside.
‘Man... how long am I gonna have to wait now.’
The Silver Exam proceeded smoothly after that, with the practical skills test starting with the party ‘Guren’ and continuing through the other candidates.
Observation was allowed, so I decided to sit on a chair and watch the exam through the glass.
I mean, if I didn’t watch, I’d be bored out of my mind considering the number of candidates. Plus, I’m genuinely curious about Silver Explorers.
Well, it turned out watching was the right decision.
As I expected, the Silver License Explorers had serious skill. They have far more years of experience as explorers, so that’s natural, but still, there was a lot I could learn just by watching.
First, their combat was excellent. For example, the male leader of ‘Guren’ specialized in high-speed combat, rushing around using twin swords, but he was pinned down before he could even move for long.
Furthermore, all of the party’s attempts at coordination were countered, and in the end, they were unable to do anything before the match was over.
The other groups were similar, mostly getting completely shut down.
I think this was because the Silver License Explorers were simply better at maneuvering. But still, winning wasn't a requirement, apparently, since the Dungeon Association staff were still telling them they passed.
Well, that's natural, I suppose. If winning was the condition for passing, the number of successful candidates would be ridiculously low.
Also, some candidates were told they failed, but their reasons for failing were completely understandable.
I mean, even I could tell their bodies were being thrown off by their skills. It was clear that they had only power-leveled and hadn’t adapted their skills to their bodies.
Conversely, all the people who had clearly fought properly themselves were told they passed.
There’s no way I’m gonna fail this.
“Next up is... Amamiya-san! Please come forward!”
...I’ve been called. Considering they used my name instead of a party name, it must be me.
Looking around, everyone else seems to be with someone and talking, so I must be the only solo candidate.
...I-I’m not a loner, damn it! W-Well, I was called, so I guess I’ll head to the training facility.
I got up from the chair and walked to the training facility, where a staff member and a man were standing.
“Are you Amamiya-san?”
“Yes. I’m Kaede Amamiya.”
I showed the staff member my Explorer's License to confirm and replied.
“Yes. Confirmed. Then, we will begin the practical skills test immediately. For this practical skills test, Amamiya-san will be fighting one of the Association-affiliated Silver License Explorers. Losing does not mean you will fail, so please fight without being nervous.”
“Yes!”
This practical skills test is a mock battle. I knew that because it had been explained, and I saw the other candidates go before me, but... Is this really going to be okay?
My combat style, before I got the ‘Lock-On’ skill, was just unilaterally hitting things with long-range attacks using ‘Magic Arrow’.
Now, with the level-up of ‘Archery’ and ‘Dagger Arts’, I can fight to a certain extent even without using ‘Lock-On’.
That much is fine. That much.
The problem is ‘Magic Arrow’.
Since the skill level of ‘Magic Arrow’ has increased, its power has also risen.
This is a battle against a person. I have to shoot that ‘Magic Arrow’ at the male opponent in the mock battle.
Furthermore, the Silver License Explorer is fighting with a training weapon.
Can he even block my ‘Magic Arrow’? Or dodge it?
If he can’t... ‘Ugh. I don't even wanna think about it.’
Given the difference in our levels, even if it hits, it probably won’t be too bad, but I should still be careful.
“Both combatants, take your positions!”
At the staff member’s command, I put some distance between the man and me.
The person who will be my opponent this time is watching me, with a training great-axe resting on his shoulder.
“I look forward to our match.”
“Oh yeah! I’ll spot ya, so come at me with everything you got!”
The man laughed loudly as he said that.
Well. It looks like his attacks won’t hurt as long as they don’t hit me.
Alright. I’m gonna do my best.
“Begin!”
When the staff member gave the signal, the man gripped his great-axe—even if it was just a training weapon—and adopted a stance that said he’d block any attack.
Seeing the man’s stance, I couldn’t help but give a slight wry smile.
Well, normally, considering the level difference, I wouldn’t stand a chance. And since he needs to see my fighting style, it can't be helped that he's doing this.
But this time, I’m thankful.
“Then I won't hold back.”
I created a transparent arrow with ‘Magic Arrow’, nocked it onto my bow, and drew the string. Then, I aimed and fired.
My target is his great-axe. Hit!
“A bow is a pretty unusual thing to use!!”
The man didn’t dodge the ‘Magic Arrow’ I shot; he met it head-on with his great-axe.
The force of his counter-attack made me feel that if he were using his original weapon, my ‘Magic Arrow’ would have been easily shattered.
However, the great-axe the man is using right now is a training one. The blade is blunted, and it shouldn’t be that durable.
In that case—
“...Oh!”
—it easily shatters.
The power of my ‘Magic Arrow’, combined with the Dragonwood Bow, is ridiculous. There’s no way a mere training weapon could withstand it.
But even after shattering the great-axe, the arrow continued forward, and the man easily dodged it.
“I see. I thought you were using a rare weapon like a bow for a reason. So that’s what your Unique Skill is for, huh?”
“That’s right!”
The man looked like he understood and accepted the reason why I was using a bow.
“If you can put out that much power, I guess that’s better than a gun. Hey, get me another weapon!”
“Sure thing! Just a moment, please!”
When the man called out to the staff member, the staff member brought a second great-axe and handed it to him.
“That’s a damn good Unique Skill, though. Well, I’ve confirmed your Attack Power is sufficient now. Next up, let's see your combat technique!!”
—He’s coming!
The moment I felt that, the man held his second training great-axe and rushed forward.
The speed at which he approached was quite fast, but it felt like he was still holding back for the sake of the exam, moving at a speed I could handle.
Confirming that, I immediately predicted his attack trajectory and dodged. At the same time, I aimed at his great-axe and fired an arrow created by ‘Magic Arrow’.
“Too soft!”
However, the man met the arrow with his great-axe, spinning it to catch the node of the arrow and slam it to the ground.
...Seriously?
I suppose that’s an effective counter, considering I just broke his great-axe. But I didn't actually think he'd deal with it like that. I thought I just needed to keep aiming for the weapon.
Besides, since my Attack stat is related to the projectile range, the arrow's speed also increases to extend that range. And he actually knocked it down.
...Wait, can he even see it? It's supposed to be transparent.
“...I’m surprised. I didn’t think you’d block it using that method. And could you see it?”
“Hahahaha! I’ve been an explorer for a long time, you know! The arrow was just old man experience! I judged it by the wind whistling past! Still, I never thought you’d aim for the weapon so accurately from that dodging posture!”
“My pleasure!”
I don't mind the praise, but it’s not over yet.
‘Stay alert. He’s strong, even if this is a mock battle, so don't let your guard down.’
Besides, my absolute advantage of having a transparent arrow is gone now... This is tough.
For now, I guess I’ll aim for the weapon again.
He dealt with one arrow easily just now, so this time, I nocked two arrows created by ‘Magic Arrow’ onto my bow and fired—
“Not yet!”
—But he closed the distance before I could fire, and he was right in front of me as I was about to loose the two arrows.
No way!
I immediately canceled the shot, drew the Swiftstrike Dagger in a reverse grip from my hip, and blocked the great-axe the man swung down.
“Guh...!”
It's heavy...! I grit my teeth and somehow hold my ground.
“Take this!”
“Kuh...!”
The man pushed the great-axe into my block slightly, knocking me back and forcing me to retreat. Then, he launched a follow-up attack.
To defend myself, I immediately started running again, predicting and dodging the man’s attacks.
Man, I’m so glad I got the ‘Prediction’ and ‘Evasion’ skills. Without these two, I don’t know if I could’ve dodged all that.
“You’re pretty good! It’s impressive that you’ve dodged all my attacks!!”
“Thank you...!”
I thanked him while continuing to dodge his attacks.
But if this keeps up, I’ll just run out of steam... I can’t find any opening to counterattack. Plus, he's crushing the pre-motion of my attacks, so I can’t get a good counter in.
“Hah!”
“Kuh...!”
The man swung his great-axe high and brought it down hard.
I barely managed to jump sideways and dodge it, and the great-axe hit the ground with a loud thud.
‘Shit, he’s getting faster. Even if he’s holding back, he’s starting to let up on the restraint.’
“Now, now, now, now!”
“Guh...!”
The man swung the great-axe continuously.
I watched him closely, discerning each movement as I dodged.
What should I do? With the bow, he closes in before I can fire an arrow, and the Swiftstrike Dagger loses to sheer strength, so I can’t manage a clean cut.
I considered ‘Divine Bolt’, but it’s too powerful, and the range is too wide. I can't shoot it at him.
In that case...
“Hah!”
I created eight arrows with ‘Magic Arrow’ between the fingers of both hands and threw them at the man’s great-axe.
“What?!”
This must have been completely unexpected; the man’s eyes widened in surprise. But in a fluid motion, he used the great-axe to sweep the nodes of the arrows, slamming them to the ground.
The moment I saw that, I created eight more arrows and threw them at the man in the same way.
Surprisingly, I can hit him even without ‘Lock-On’. I guess it's because I allocated BP to Dexterity before I got the ‘Lock-On’ skill.
‘Now... how long can this last...?’ I kept creating arrows one after another and throwing them at the man.
“H-Hold on! How long are you gonna keep doing this?!”
The man called out to me while knocking down the arrows with his great-axe.
Hmm... Time to end it.
“Ah, sorry. This is the last of it!”
“Huh?!”
And saying that, I threw eight more arrows.
The man tried to deal with them in the same way, but—
“What?!”
—the great-axe shattered the moment he hit the seventh arrow to the ground.
‘Heheheheh. Just as planned.’
Even if he spins and catches the node, he’s still slamming the arrow to the ground. The arrow’s durability is equal to its power.
It’s pretty tough, and even though he was slamming it against the ground with the great-axe, damage must have been steadily accumulating on the great-axe.
And now, the result is in.
Now, I threw eight arrows. The man was able to deal with seven before the great-axe broke.
As for the last one...
“Gwoaaahhh!”
Yep. It hit the man directly.
The man who was hit directly by the ‘Magic Arrow’ screamed as he was blown away toward the wall.
He hit the wall, rubble was created, and he was buried under it.
I didn't know what would happen if the arrow created by ‘Magic Arrow’ hit the man directly, so I kept aiming for his weapon, but... well, he seemed like such a power fighter, and he was faster than me, so his level must be high enough. His Defense must be fine.
...Right?
‘Mock Combat over. The winner is—’
Immediately after the announcement, an arm suddenly emerged from the rubble. ...An arm?
While I was staring at the sight with a question mark floating in my mind, a ‘DOOOM!’ sound erupted, and the rubble was blown away as the man fully emerged. At the same time, dust billowed up, obscuring my vision.
“Cough! Gag! ...Haa... I thought I was gonna die...!”
When the dust cleared, the man emerged, coughing, but completely unharmed.
‘Whew... he’s okay. Seriously glad that didn’t turn into something R-18 that couldn't be shown on TV.’
“Man, I didn’t think you were still aiming for the weapon! I was gonna go all out if you slipped up, but I ended up getting creamed instead! I’m completely defeated!”
“No... I was barely holding on. If you had been serious from the start, I would have lost.”
“Haha, well, it’s an exam, after all! Besides, I usually play the Tank in a party. I think it’s damn impressive that you managed to pierce my defenses?!”
I’m being praised, but I’m not entirely convinced... I won only because he was holding back since it was an exam, and because his weapon was a training great-axe.
“Alright, let’s get to the evaluation. First, pure Attack Power. That’s a pass. In fact, a training great-axe should have enough durability, so there are no complaints since you broke it.
Next is combat technique. Your close-quarters combat was a little iffy, but still sufficient. Your evasion capability was high, and your final attack was a good call, too. Plus, you're skilled at using your skills!”
The man continued to evaluate me. I was honestly surprised inside by how high his evaluation was.
I won, but the victory was mostly a force of brute power.
“Finally, overall, your attack, defense, and technique are all good.
Therefore, the result is a Pass on the practical skills test! Congratulations!!”
The man said that with a smile.
‘Yes... I managed to pass the practical skills test somehow.’
I received a piece of paper from the staff member with my examination number, certifying that I passed the practical skills test.
The reason is that if they allocated the numbers from the start, it would be a disaster if they accidentally skipped a number after someone failed the practical skills test...
Couldn’t they just have someone with the ‘Magic Tool Creation’ skill create a magic tool that automatically filters out the numbers of those who failed? Why are they still doing this manually?
“In any case, you’re the first person to pass the practical skills test by defeating a Silver License Explorer examiner. Be proud!”
“Guh!!”
The man slapped me on the back right as he told me to be proud. He hit me quite hard, and I couldn't help but choke and cough.
I-It hurts...!
“Ah, sorry. I think I used too much force.”
“Cough, cough. I-I’m fine...”
Even so, it still hurts a little. And thinking that he hit me so lightly, yet still managed to break through my Defense stats, means this guy’s level must be seriously high.
Well, in any case, with this, I can take the interview.
I heard you rarely fail the interview if you act normally, so I guess I can relax for now. I’ll still try my best not to fail, just in case!
“...Is what I thought at the time!”
I muttered to myself while looking at the silver Explorer’s License glowing in my hand.
Let me just give you the result. I passed the Silver Exam.
The exam continued after I passed the practical skills test, and once everyone was finished, the interview was held after a lunch break.
The interview was a group interview with five candidates and three interviewers. I was grouped with two two-person parties, but...
“I seriously didn’t expect that many questions...!”
It was fine at first, where we gave a self-introduction and had some simple, light conversation, but after that, it was a bombardment of questions.
It was okay for the first part, but then the questions just kept going on about trivial things for about an hour. Well, the other groups had similar times... so, I guess it can’t be helped.
It just means they need to thoroughly vet the people who get the Silver License. Although they didn’t explicitly say it, I’m sure one of the three interviewers had a skill that could detect lies.
“Well, anyway, now I can dive into C-rank Dungeons!”
C-rank Dungeons are fewer in number compared to F-rank through D-rank Dungeons. Still, there are plenty of them, though.
B-rank Dungeons are also an option, but naturally, I’m not going to choose that.
The safety margin level for a B-rank Dungeon is 5,000. I might be able to cheese the boss with ‘Lock-On’ in some Dungeons, but I'd definitely be killed by the regular monsters before I even got there.
Besides, starting from C-rank Dungeons, the monsters use magic, which the monsters in F-rank through D-rank Dungeons didn’t use, and there are even monsters that use swords and spears instead of primitive weapons like clubs.
Even if I can cheese the boss solo, it won't matter if I get killed by the regular monsters in the preceding stages.
“Well, raising my level is the top priority now!”
My weapon is still effective enough for C-rank Dungeons, and I still have plenty of money. I can take my time leveling up.
“Alright! Now that that’s decided, I guess I’ll hit a Dungeon starting tomorrow!!”
Now then, I need to decide which Dungeon I’ll go to tomorrow.
...Oh. Since I finally got my Silver License and proved my strength, I gotta go sell all those High Kobolds that are just collecting dust in my ‘Item Box’. (Mission complete)
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