BXBX NOVEL Chapter 78 - Rank Advancement Exam
Anyways, why would I even mention it? It's not relevant to this, as Ellena is potential for promotion.
"This is it..." I couldn't help but mumble from excitement. It feels like the action is about to happen. Why do I feel this way?
Ellena didn't mind my mumbling and bombarded the receptionist with questions. Though she can just ask me about it since I know a little, it's still appropriate to ask an expert, right?
Others who were watching Ellena are astonished by her feats. They started talking, especially people who are present earlier. It's a similar scenario in Gustav City where there are doubting Ellena's capabilities.
However, when they heard the receptionist's announcement to Ellena that she's potential for it, they just retracted their complaints.
"No way. That lady in a mask is a monster. Forget about being a bronze-ranker, she must be comparable to silver rank in the beginning."
"Hell no! Even I who's a silver-ranker can't do 5 hours with 3 quests. Just what a monstrous stamina she has!"
"Sighs... we can only watch those who have talents arise. While we who are suffering on the cliff are laughable."
Everyone expressed their despair and ignored Ellena slowly until only those who are left are those dazing from the start.
"Okay. I get it. The advancement exam will be happening next week right? But it doesn't mean that I can't take quests?" Ellena asked.
"Yes, you are right. However, it won't be recorded in your achievements and contributions since you are capable of the promotion." The receptionist responded with a smile.
So I guess it won't hurt if we increase her reputation for that short time.
After settling in the guild, Ellena returned to the inn to eat her lunch. We discussed the materials that she still has in her Inventory. Hell, if we forget about that massive amount of money. It could help us at least for a month straight since we used some of her allowance for her armor.
"What do you think about this gimmick?" I asked.
'I guess I can see now what you mean. They are starting to be wary of my background since my aura is slightly terrifying.' She remarked.
"See... it's not bad right. We can earn some points from them and it won't bother your conscience... or I'm wrong?..."
This is what's the problem in Ellena. She is still displaying some immaturity. Thinking of the world that needs to be fair at all times.
I can't blame her but she needs to change. It already happened in the original timeline and what's the result? Nothing good. She just carried the world's problem in her shoulder that resulted in her death.
She has impressive comprehension skills, practically and emotionally. But this one seems to be a stain that can't be removed from her.
Sighs... Forget about it. She'll just learn it eventually.
'I know... but the after taste? It's still bad.'
Sighs... this is making me breathless from sighing. Her book is somewhat thick with those watery substances.
***
For the whole week, Ellena put an effort into being the topic of gossips. Every time she visits the guild, she'll become the topic in an instance.
From what I observe, there are at least 30% of people are wary of Ellena's uncertain identity. There's even a little nickname that's going all around the guild, "The Masked Monster."
Wow... that's another cringing recognition. But at least, it would help her. I can bear with it since I pretty experience the same situation. And as for Ellena, it will be the second time since her first was "Shadow Hero".
And the second one? I can just guess that it is about Ellena's massive quest completion. A day she can complete 4 -5 quests without an effort. But they don't know that Ellena can do 7 in one go.
Well, it's not important anyway. What's more important is the upcoming test.
The week had passed and finally, we are now at the advancement exam.
There are two sections for the exam, one is a written exam where your knowledge about adventuring and monsters is needed. And the second is the practical test where they just need to show some skills in adventuring.
Gathering at the front wide plain of the city walls, everyone who was hoping to advance is standing.
From what I estimated, there are at least 20 participants in this test.
One who was managing them is a middle-aged man who is obviously showing some boredom in this job. He was squinting his eyes and rubbing them from time to time.
I can barely feel the excitement because of his vibes. It's bothering me.
"Ehem!" He suddenly cleared his throat. "All participants here?" He asked.
But no one could answer it in the first place. Why would he bother asking it?
"Never mind. The due is on the line so we will start the test. You already know the two sections of this test, right? The practical and written, so the first that you need to do is practical. So if you fail this, better luck in the written despite it having 30% effect in your final grade."
"So! We will go to the owned forest by the landlord. It is called the Forest of Deviation. We will be doing the practical test there for three days straight."
"Don't worry, you won't die. Just remember that before you face the death door, the forest will kick you out and immediately disqualify you since it is useless for you to take the written exam."
"Okay! Let's go!"
And after few moments, the group moved just 3 kilometers before arriving at the personal property of the landlord, the head of the Murphey Family. And this entire forest is borrowed by the guild to do their exams.
But from seeing it from afar, I can tell that this is not really a forest, but an artifact...
I can't feel any authenticity in these woods despite the real imagery it creates. It is solid, of course, but this is not created naturally.. So, I guess there goes in the measure that if a participant is near the death's door, they will immediately be kicked out.