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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Lord Fourth
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The rules of the exam were simple: hunt the strongest monster within the allotted time to earn the highest score.
Group activities were forbidden; only individual efforts were recognized.
However, the nature of this exam was far from simple. The challenge lay in the fact that everything took place in a real-world setting.
Instead of using the controlled environment within the academy, the exam was held in an untamed wilderness.
It was a deep forest, far removed from the academy, a place untouched by human hands, where wild beasts lurked in the shadows and unseen dangers lay in wait.
From a safety standpoint, this exam was a reckless gamble.
Although instructors were stationed throughout the forest, they couldn’t control every threat. It was a realm of unpredictable nature, where unforeseen disasters could strike at any moment.
But this very danger was the purpose of the exam.
Instead of growing like sheltered flowers in a greenhouse, they were to face danger head-on, gain real-world experience, learn vigilance through adversity, and develop true survival skills.
This was the academy’s method of fostering true growth in its students.
“Has everyone finished their preparations?”
Arnold stood at the assembly point, his gaze fixed on three distant figures. The sun cast long shadows, each radiating a different aura.
“Yes, I’m ready. I’ll prove myself today.”
The first to catch his eye was Elisha, with her slender figure and radiant blonde hair. As Arnold’s fiancée, she stood proudly, her determination to be second to none evident.
“Watch me closely. I’ll show you that I can be of use to you today.”
Elisha’s voice was filled with confidence. Her blue eyes shone brightly, but a subtle flicker of unease lingered within them, a hidden anxiety stemming from her desire for his approval.
“Then I shall hunt the strongest monster.”
“My feelings for Master are second to none!”
Next to Elisha stood Eilly, Arnold’s maid. Beneath her unassuming appearance and ordinary uniform lay a fierce determination and a burning passion.
“And just in case, I’ve prepared an emergency ration for you, Master!”
“This is what a woman worthy of you would do.”
Eilly proudly presented a lunchbox, carefully wrapped in a pristine handkerchief.
“If you get tired while you’re alone in the forest, please eat this and think of me.”
She smiled shyly, and Elisha scoffed, turning away.
“The exam results are more important than a lunchbox.”
Elisha retorted sharply, and Eilly stood her ground.
“The results are important, but what good are they if you have no energy? Or are you perhaps jealous that I’m better at taking care of Master?”
“What did you say?!”
The tension between the two escalated, and Melina, who had been observing from a distance, frowned slightly.
“It seems I can’t afford to let my guard down. Right, Lates?”
Melina possessed the natural grace and elegance of an elf. Her long hair shimmered in the sunlight, and the bow in her hand spoke of her unwavering resolve.
“I also want to impress Arnold with this opportunity. I wonder if he’ll see me differently if I prove myself capable.”
Melina was slightly nervous as she wasn’t used to the competition of the human world. But her feelings for Arnold were as strong as anyone’s.
“Meow~”
Lates, the white cat, purred softly, rubbing against her leg, its gentle meow seemingly comforting her.
“Huu -”
Melina gripped her bow tightly and took a deep breath. This exam held more significance for her than a simple evaluation. And she was determined not to back down.
“Yes. This terrain is advantageous for me. I won’t lose to them.”
She inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of the forest. The forest was the home of the elves, the perfect environment for her to showcase her true abilities. Her smile was filled with confidence and determination.
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“The time limit is until sunset.”
Professor Adria was in charge of the exam. Her sharp gaze and stern voice seemed to weigh down the atmosphere.
“Hunt the strongest monster you can and bring back proof. A magic stone or a body part, it doesn’t matter.”
She explained the rules in a detached tone. The forest’s tranquility transformed into a heavy silence under Adria’s presence.
“The current time is exactly 2 PM. Begin.”
Her final words echoed through the forest, a signal for the exam to begin.
“…….”
The students dispersed, each heading in a different direction, their steps measured and purposeful.
And –
“So, how about it?”
Some time later, three women gathered in a quiet part of the forest.
It was a peaceful afternoon, with warm sunlight filtering through the trees, but the atmosphere among them was anything but peaceful.
Eilly, adjusting her long black dress and white apron, glared at Elisha, Arnold’s fiancée, and Melina, the elf, with a determined look in her eyes.
“So, the one who hunts the strongest monster wins, is that it?”
Eilly nodded silently at Elisha’s question.
“Yes, it’s time to settle the score from last time. The one with the highest score wins. And the other two have to stay away from Master for a day.”
“That means… the winner gets Arnold all to themselves?”
Elisha scoffed, her nose held high.
“Then you better give up now.”
She wore an elegant dress with delicate lace, but her eyes were sharp, burning with competitive spirit and passionate feelings for him.
“I won’t back down from a competition with such a reward.”
But Melina simply smiled, tossing her long golden hair over her shoulder, her elven beauty seemingly radiating an aura of dominance.
“Interesting. I’m in. When it comes to monster hunting, my archery skills are unmatched.”
Melina’s smile was filled with confidence.
“This terrain, filled with tall trees, is the elves’ home turf. Unlike you two, who just talk big, I’ll prove it with my skills.”
Elisha stepped forward as Melina finished speaking.
“Hmph, I’m confident in my ability to hunt mere beasts. Much, much~ better than you two!”
Her blue eyes sparkled with a fiery determination and a cold hostility.
“Is that so? I have experience hunting strong monsters, even when I’m exhausted from my daily duties. Do you think you can surpass me now that I’m in top condition?”
Eilly placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes, her gaze a mixture of mockery and challenge.
This was a silent declaration of a challenge.
“Alright, it seems we’re in agreement.”
After a brief silence, Eilly broke the stillness.
“Let’s make a bet. The one who hunts the strongest monster in the forest and brings back proof is the winner.”
“The winner gets to spend an entire day alone with Master, without any interruptions. Any objections?”
Eilly looked at the other two, and Elisha stepped forward without hesitation.
“Fine, but don’t complain after you lose.”
Elisha declared confidently, as if defeat wasn’t even a possibility.
“I’m fine with it. I’ll be the one hunting the strongest monster anyway.”
Melina also smirked, the arrow nocked on her bow glowing faintly green, a display of her magic power.
“Alright. Then don’t regret it later.”
Eilly smiled, adjusting her apron.
The argument between the three intensified, their words sharp as daggers, their desire for Arnold fueling their competitive spirit.
“Then let’s begin!”
“Alright, let’s go!”
“Don’t come crying to me later~?”
And the three women disappeared into the forest, each heading in a different direction.
“Eilly, you can do it. This is your chance to be alone with Master…!”
“I’ll hunt a stronger monster than that maid and that elf… No, I’ll be the top scorer!”
“This terrain is familiar, but I’m still a bit nervous. But this feeling… it’s not fear!”
They were all prepared to do anything to win a day with Arnold.
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Hi Lord Fourth here!
Due to an error, chapter 49 and this chapter were released together the other day.
I have fixed it now.
