Chapter 11 - The World was White

The World was White
“Hey, is it unusual to aim to get in this special bracket?”
I was surprised that they were surprised.
And so I wanted to ask them what the reason was…
“Unusual…yes. It is definitely unusual. I mean, I don’t think that I’ve ever seen anyone else try to get in.”
I would never have thought that I’d be the first.
But then again, maybe it just happened when there was a different instructor in charge.
“Is it an incredibly grueling test then?”
“No, the test itself is not different than ordinary tests. You just need to rack up significantly more points to pass.”
So you just needed more points.
Then I didn’t see any problem in trying.
Even if I didn’t get into the special bracket, it would be good to see what the rest of the test is like.
“I see. Then I will continue. It won’t cost any additional fees, will it?”
“Aye. But…it is quite taxing physically. You have perfect scores related to combat, but the next part is a lookout test. Are you fine with that?”
…So there was a limit in the combat test.
And this next test, the lookout test, was apparently quite hard physically.
But I had no intention of quitting.
I thought that it would be useful to experience such things anyway.
“Yes, I’ll do it.”
Instructor Regin nodded at this and then raised his voice.
“Alright! Now…you will all take the lookout test! I will now give you some tents!”
He said as he passed us…very small and rough-looking tents.
They were so ragged that I didn’t think anyone could sleep in them, so they were probably just props for this test.
But each of us got one.
“The test will take place in the forest! Follow me!”
And so we all followed after him.
The tent was quite heavy, but my skill had given my some energy, and I didn’t get very tired.
The place we eventually arrived in was a forest near the town.
“I want you all to scatter just far enough that you can no longer see each other. Then pitch your tents! You will be protecting your tent during the test, so choose terrain that is easy to guard!”
I see.
We were supposed to protect our tents.
But I didn’t know what kind of terrain was good for that, so I just chose a flat area.
And then I pitched the tent.
Soon after, the instructor’s voice called us.
“Good! Now, all of you will have to watch your tents until tomorrow morning! If someone tries to sneak up on you and touch your tent, stop them! …Any questions?”
I see. So that’s what he meant by ‘lookout test.’
But…there was something that bothered me.
“Can I ask more than one?”
“Aye. What is it?”
“Am I allowed to use my slimes?”
I asked as I pointed at the slime on my shoulder.
The slimes had been sleeping during the sword and magic tests…but they were awake now.
I could occasionally hear their voices talking to each other.
“Of course. You are a Tamer, so you can use them. You can use anything that you can, from weapons to traps. The only thing to keep in mind is that no one should touch your tent until the test is finished.”
So I could use the slimes.
In that case, I could station the slimes around the tent and use ‘Shared Senses’ to eliminate any blind spots.
“Alright. And my next question…what’s so hard about this test?”
Yes. That’s what I was most curious about.
There weren’t any monsters in the forest and the test itself was not that long.
There was no reason that I could see that this test would be considered brutal.
Unless there was something important that I was missing.
I had been wondering about this…but the instructor’s answer was very unexpected.
“…How is it not difficult? You have to guard a tent alone at night! You have to stay concentrated the entire time. Some people say that this test is the biggest dividing point for Adventurers.”
…An all-nighter? That’s brutal?
“But this is just one night, right?”
“Aye. Of course, it is only one night. People might get sick if they had to do this for several nights. …Well, some of the more advanced Adventurers may stay up for two nights.”
…What kind of white company!
Was being an Adventurer that much of a nice job?
Back on earth, pulling an all-nighter two or three nights in a row was normal. If anything, I felt lucky if I only had to stay up for one night!
“…I see. I understand now.”
“Good. Now, the test is about to begin, so return to your tents and get ready! The test will start in ten minutes from now!”
He said, and so we returned to our tents.
It seemed like the other Adventurers were making fires and preparing firewood, but as for me…I didn’t need to make a bonfire.
And the slimes could see in the dark.
“Alright, I’m counting on you guys.”
“Yes!”
They obeyed my order and began to split up and scatter around the tent.
After that, they adjusted their positions in relation to the trees until there were no blindspots.
And with that, the slime surveillance network was complete.
…And then several more minutes passed.
“The lookout test starts—Now!”
The instructor gave the signal and it began.
Now…come from any direction you want!