ep3: Practical Examination
793 Words
"The party gathers in a field where black soil and green grass intermingle. Including me, only a few characters remain.
"We will now conduct a practical defense test."
In the center of the field are Nishiki-san and several others. Apart from Nishiki-san, the rest seem to be taking notes. Chrono and the others have moved to a different location, where a different event seems to be taking place.
"The content will be Colombian Knock first, followed by American Knock."
Nishiki-san is holding a club. Could it be that the practical test involves combat?
"Now, everyone, put on your gloves and gather!"
Everyone disperses, taking leather mittens from large bags. They seem like armor with low defense.
"Wait, do you have a glove?"
Nishiki-san approaches me. I've been watching everyone without doing anything.
"A glove?"
"Don't tell me you forgot all your tools."
I received a piercing glare from Nishiki-san.
"Forgetting tools is something an elementary school student would do."
Then, a person in red-themed attire behind me teased me.
"Seriously, your outfit is too surreal. What kind of gag manga is this?"
The person, with a cap pulled low, is one of the members who stayed with me. He has a slightly droopy eye, taller than me, with a slender but seemingly strong body resembling bundled steel wires.
"Fine, I'll lend you my equipment."
"Are you sure?"
"I have spares."
The guy with the droopy eye looks at Nishiki-san and says, "Is that okay?"
"Yeah."
I end up borrowing his equipment.
"Thank you."
"It's fine."
Initially, I thought he was a rude guy, but it seems I misjudged him. I realize not to judge people based on trivial things.
☆★☆
—Clang!
"Ha, too slow..."
"What kind of hit was that?"
The Colombian Knock practical test has already started. According to the explanation, it involves running from Ichirui to Sanrui, dodging balls randomly thrown from the center. Nishiki-san delivers powerful hits, and most people can't catch the balls.
"Next! From Shakagatake University, Kawai!!"
"At last, it's the turn of Kawai Konojyoshi-sama."
The guy who lent me equipment is named Kawai.
"Hey, watch my moves closely, big brother."
For some reason, Kawai says this to me. It feels like he's conscious of me in some way.
"It's a nice breeze. Perfect weather for defense."
Kawai stands confidently, showing a convincing posture without unnecessary tension. From his aura, it's clear he's different from the others.
"Here we go!"
Nishiki-san takes a white ball from a basket and hits it forcefully with his club. Kawai elegantly maneuvers, skillfully catching the flying balls.
"Amazing."
"Do you know him?"
"No idea."
We are captivated by his splendid moves. Initially, I thought he was an unpleasant guy, but it seems I was mistaken. I learn not to judge people based on first impressions.
☆★☆
The test continues; this time on the grass field. It's the American Knock practical test. It involves running from right to left, then catching a ball in the middle.
"Ha!"
I run through, and halfway, I jump high, catching the ball mid-air. Not quite a dragon knight, but my range is sufficient for catching.
Landing with a somersault, I run to the field where others are waiting.
"Are you human?"
One examinee points at me. Their expressions suggest they've witnessed something beyond human capability. All party members react the same way. Can these abilities be gained just by fighting monsters during adventures?
☆★☆
Next is an event called "Dageki." White lines form squares on the ground, and a white pedestal is placed in the center. It seems everyone can stand on either side. The test involves hitting thrown balls with a club.
"There are a total of 10 balls... Let's begin."
According to Nishiki-san, balls will be thrown toward us ten times. I stand quietly on the left side.
"That stance is like something from a manga."
"You can't hit anything with such a stance."
Whispers from Kawai and other party members reach me, but I focus only on the opponent.
"Heh..."
The person throwing the balls locks eyes with me. He's an older man wearing the same design of clothes and hat as Nishiki-san.
"Let's see what you've got."
The man throws a ball from his right hand. The speed is decent, comparable to a wicked sorcerer's fireball. Timing it, I swing the club.
"Yah!"
I strike the ball from top to bottom. The ball, spinning with backspin, flies to the left.
"A baseball chop?"
"And the follow-through is crazy."
Kawai and others express disbelief as they watch me.
—Clang!
I successfully hit back all the remaining balls.
"Did someone teach you baseball properly?"
"You're disregarding all the theories."
Kawai looks at me in amazement. Is there something wrong with what I did?
- Writer
