Chapter 157: It Was a Party That Really Fueled My Fantasies

“I passed the written exam.”

“Really!? That’s amazing! As expected of you, Shifa-san!”

It seemed that Shifa-san had successfully cleared the A-rank written exam. I had heard that even the written test for A-rank was no joke, with a difficulty level that could shake even experienced adventurers—but she had passed on her first try.

“I-I managed to get through it too,” Sarassa said nervously.

“Sarassa-san too? Congratulations!”

“Don’t celebrate just yet. The real challenge is the practical test.”

I learned that while roughly half of the candidates pass the written portion, the practical test sees only about thirty percent succeeding. The A-rank exam was only open to those with a proven track record, and even then, the pass rate barely scraped ten to twenty percent. It was clear how steep the climb toward A-rank really was.

“But you can do it! I’m sure both of you will pass!”

“Hey, I passed the written exam too, you know?”

“Anii, you’re B-rank, right?”

“That’s true, but a little praise wouldn’t hurt.”

“Great, great!”

“That’s not heartfelt at all!”

As for the schedule of the practical exams, Anii’s was coming up first, just two days from now.

“Like a mock battle, like Sena’s test?”

“Unlike Sena, I’m a ranger type. Combat prowess isn’t emphasized much for me. I’ll probably be accompanying the examiner’s party, showing my skills in that context.”

Apparently, the test content varied depending on the individual. It could even differ based on which examiner was assigned, and for B-rank candidates, no information about the test was given in advance.

Sarassa-san’s exam was scheduled for five days later, and Shifa-san’s a week after that. Each schedule differed due to the nature of the test and the availability of the examiners.

“If the test allows, party members can usually observe,” she added.

I remembered that when Sena took her test, I hadn’t yet become an adventurer and couldn’t watch. I absolutely had to cheer Shifa-san on when her turn came!

As expected, Anii’s practical test involved temporarily joining the examiner’s party, taking on roles like scouting. We weren’t allowed to observe, but she received high marks and was officially promoted to B-rank.

Next was Sarassa-san’s turn. Her test also involved accompanying the examiner’s party, this time as a rear-line mage, providing magical support. Since this was an A-rank promotion test, her abilities were evaluated with exceptional rigor.

They didn’t just assess her mastery of magic; they also judged her timing and coordination with the party, how she supported allies, and her overall situational awareness.

Sarassa-san had always been shy and easily nervous, which made this a concern, but for some reason, she performed flawlessly that day.

“That’s wonderful, Sarassa-san,” I said.

“Y-yes… (I can’t say it… I was only so calm because the party was so… stimulating that my nerves completely vanished…)”

Still, being an A-rank adventurer… that was incredible. Considering that even Lyon-san, an A-rank mage, had been impressed by her magic, her promotion was well deserved.

“Next up is Shifa,” someone reminded.

“Yeah. I’ll do my best.”

The following day, Shifa-san’s practical test was scheduled at the Guild in the eastern part of the capital. Unlike Anii and Sarassa-san’s outdoor tests, this one would be indoors, so we could observe.

When we arrived at the guild, the underground training grounds had been reserved exclusively for the exam.

For practical tests at B-rank and above, candidates could limit who could watch. Shifa-san, in particular, didn’t want to reveal her rare gift, Empress’s Authority, to the public, so only our party and the examiner were allowed inside. Of course, the examiner was bound by confidentiality.

“Shifa-san, good luck!”

“Go, Shifa-chan!”

From the second-floor viewing seats, we cheered, and Shifa-san waved back, appearing calm and composed.

“Now, we will commence the A-rank promotion test,” announced the examiner.

Only one examiner was present, who, from appearances, was a mage. Could a single mage really go up against Shifa-san, who wielded a spear?

Yet the examiner remained in the viewing area alongside us. The training hall itself was empty except for Shifa-san.

Tilting her head in confusion, Shifa-san watched as the examiner began chanting a spell. Her expression suggested she was trying to figure out the next move.

“Summon—Hellbeast.”

A magic circle flared to life in a corner of the vast training hall, shimmering with purple light. By the time the lengthy incantation ended, a colossal creature had materialized.

“Grrrrraaaah!”

It let out a deafening roar, as if flaunting its very existence.

“Whoa… that’s huge!”

Its head resembled a goat, its torso was bear-like, its legs lizard-like, wings sprouted from its back, and a rat’s tail twitched behind it.

The creature was unlike anything I had ever seen, a chaotic mix of forms. It stretched over five meters long, radiating an intimidation that made it clear its threat level was at least A.

“Summoning magic…?”

“Yes. I’ve summoned a demonic beast from the netherworld,” the examiner finally revealed.

“If you can defeat this monster alone, you pass. If not, you fail.”