ch41-ch60 · 042-ch42

Chapter 42: Toward the Exam

"Hagane-kun, the schedule for the Hunter Exam has come out."

Momose-san said, handing me a tablet. I looked down at it — the exam was set for exactly ten days from today.

"That's more sudden than I expected."

"Well, it seems this time it's being held as a special exception."

"Special exception?"

"With the increase in World Clocks, the Hunter Association needs more hands. But just because someone's an Awakener doesn't mean they count without a license. So they're apparently holding as many exams as possible before the next World Clock opens."

Probably because of the increase in World Clocks, but Awakeners have exploded in number, especially in Aoba Town. Among scholars, there's a theory — or maybe there isn't — that it's "human adaptation to the environment: evolution."

Shiki-kun looked up from the magazine he was reading.

"I hear that with the head of government's Hunter jurisdiction resigning, there's also going to be a review of Hunter rankings. I mean, all sorts of strange rumors have come out — like how Hunters under his influence were given disproportionately high ranks."

After the press conference that day, Minister Yanamoto of the Defense and Awakening Ministry resigned, and the government, which was held accountable for its explanation, apparently had a rough time too. Some individuals had received inappropriately high ranks through Minister Yanamoto's discretion, and the Association seems to be working hard to purge the corruption.

"So you're all taking the ranking review exams too?"

"Yeah, apparently it'll happen after the Hunter Exam."

Momose-san didn't look too happy about it.

Maybe reading my expression, he added with a wry smile.

"Starting this time around, the exam will include S-Rank mock battles."

"Those weren't held before?"

"S-Ranks going all out against each other is too dangerous. Nobody can stop them."

According to Momose-san, analysis of the items and materials brought back from the Clock World has progressed, and a sturdy building using those materials was recently completed on the site of former Aoba Town.

"So that's why everyone's been away."

"Exactly — durability testing. There's a chance I'll have to face everyone from Remnant in the exam too... depressing stuff."

Momose-san said, ruffling his hair.

Lumiel, who'd been slurping milk, suddenly looked up and stared at him.

"Momose, do you think you'll lose?"

Momose-san looked taken aback for a moment, but his expression quickly shifted to a challenging one.

"Not a chance. I'm just worried everyone will be too depressed after I beat them."

He's completely confident in his own strength... as expected of an S-Rank...

"Ultimately, 'strength' is the metric for rank. Strong people get ranked higher, weak people get ranked lower. It's just that simple."

Shiki-kun said, flipping through his magazine with disinterest. Even if there's a re-examination, he's S-Rank so it doesn't affect him — that confidence comes through loud and clear.

"You should go to the Aoba Town Association and register while you're at it. You've got patrol with Shiki-kun after this, right?"

When Momose-san asked, Shiki-kun looked up and nodded with a smile.

"Well then, let's head out—"

"Hold it."

The one who cut in was my sister — Maeda Akira.

She appeared in tight sportswear, a suspicious grin spreading across her face.

"With the exam coming up, we need to pick up the pace, don't we?"

"Huh!? But I've got patrol after this..."

"A light session before you go will be fine, right? Don't you agree, Shiki-kun?"

Shiki-kun nodded at my sister's question. "I agree." You traitor!

Before I knew it, she had me by the scruff of my neck and was dragging me underground. Beyond the door, I could see Momose-san and Shiki-kun smiling and waving. I'll remember this, you bastards...

◇◆◇◆◇

"—Next."

My sister — Maeda Akira's low, sharp voice rang out.

Inside Remnant Guild's training ground, I caught my breath and readied my fists.

My sister showed no openings, as usual. She had a completely different vibe from when she was lazing around at our parents' house.

"Come at me anytime!"

At least I'll put some spirit into it!

In the corner, Lumiel was watching us, looking bored.

The next moment — my sister vanished from my sight.

—Left!

I reflexively raised my left arm as a shield. A heavy zudon rang out, followed by a bone-grinding impact. I writhed in pain but managed to endure.

I stepped forward and lunged into her range. But my fist was casually deflected, and she used the momentum of grabbing my arm to drive a palm strike toward my solar plexus.

"Gh...!"

I twisted my body at the last second, dodging.

"Not bad. Your movements are getting better."

"Heh, guess that's talent for ya..."

"Not a chance. It's the instructor."

My sister said, flicking her hair back with a cool expression.

The reason I was sparring with my sister — special training for the Hunter Exam. The upcoming exam is expected to have higher competition rates due to the increased World Clocks and Awakeners.

My sister continued while launching sharp kicks.

"I don't think you even need to take the exam. Lumiel's power is SS-class. Nobody's gonna complain."

"No, I still want to get my license under the same conditions as everyone else. Plus, it's no good if only Lumiel is strong."

I managed to answer while evading her attacks.

The truth is, I'm way too ignorant about combat.

Sure, I came back alive from inside the Clock. But surviving in there was nothing but luck, and I was undeniably the weakest person there.

Absorption doesn't work outside my awareness — meaning if I get caught off guard, it's game over.

I can't protect Lumiel like this.

First, I need to train my dynamic vision and reflexes. If my body can keep up, I can make full use of Absorption... or so I think.

"In that case — I'll speed things up."

"!"

My sister's words snapped me back to reality.

A relentless barrage of attacks — I somehow blocked them with my arms and elbows. Each heavy, sharp strike numbed the feeling in my arms.

"(Sis isn't even using her skill yet and I'm already on the defensive. This is my combat ability without Lumiel. I talked big but can I really pass the Hunter Exam like this...?)"

"Oh, you've got room to be thinking?"

"!"

A split-second opening — my sister slipped into my guard and pressed her palm against my chest.

"—Hatsu."

The impact knocked all the air out of my lungs.

I was sent flying several meters back, rolling across the floor.

"Kha—! cough cough...!"

"Let's call it here for today. Your focus is gone."

My sister let out a small sigh. Naturally, she wasn't even sweating.

"Ughh... I can't win..."

"Win? You're ten years too early for that. Here, drink this."

I accepted the sports drink she offered and sprawled out on the floor in a starfish position.

Sweat rose like steam, blurring my vision. My heart was pounding like crazy.

"Sis... maybe I really don't have any talent..."

"You're saying the exact opposite of what you said earlier."

"That was just bravado, I'm sorry."

"Oh? Your reflexes aren't bad, though."

Everything else is hopeless, she continued.

"That's not very reassuring..."

"I'm the type who teaches by hitting, y'know. Oh, and if you want to learn how to move your body, I recommend this channel."

What my sister showed me was a fantastical video channel called Captain Sword's Dynamite⭐Exercise Channel.

The video uploader was a muscular guy wearing a sword-shaped helmet and a tank top — a truly bizarre visual.

『Then let's begin today's dynamite exercise!』

"Sis... is this—"

"...The outfit aside, the content is solid."

Seems my sister doesn't fully endorse the look either.

There hadn't been any uploads for a while, but all the videos showed viewing history, so it was clear my sister had been watching them diligently.

『One-two! Say it out loud! One-two! More!』

"See, what are you standing around for? Do it."

"Huh!? My body can't move anymore though..."

"Come on, stand up! Up!"

I followed her orders and started moving to the Dynamite Exercise. This is definitely not a cool-down after a workout... this is legitimately tough.

"Ow ow ow, I'm gonna be sore tomorrow too..."

Every time I moved even a little, electric jolts of pain shot through me, and I somehow forced my trembling legs to keep going.

『That's the spirit! One-two! More! One-two!』

"Ky—Captain... this is rough..."

『More!』

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Volume 1 is out today, thanks to all of you! Thank you so much.

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