The Examiner and the Dreaded Sun
Repeatedly, during winter, there's no work.
Well, that's mainly the talk among guild members. Those involved in indoor work remain busy as usual. But for guild members, it's genuinely a slow period.
In winter, snow makes transportation by carriage almost non-existent, eliminating the guard jobs that protect logistics. Furthermore, like in Varga Forest, there are no monsters. Thus, extermination missions naturally disappear.
This leaves guild members with jobs like carrying loads around town and doing security work. Most of that security is handled by the "Regor Security Corps," so those without savings have it rough.
However, in this prosperous era, there are plenty of temporary jobs, so it's not that one can't find employment. The slums have been cleaned, and new homes are rising where ramshackle huts once stood. Even though the Regor population has increased, there's also a demand for manpower.
So, there are various things to do.
However, it's also a fact that many guild members are slackers, preferring not to work during the winter.
Why?
Because it's cold and bothersome. Simple as that.
I was one of them.
***
「Mongrel, there's a promotion test for the new Iron-rank recruits today.」
That day, as I warmed myself with hot milk by the inn's fireplace, Mylene approached me.
「Oh, is it that time of year already? Today at noon?」
「Yes, and I was wondering if you could act as an examiner for the test.」
In winter, because there's no work, the guild is also idle.
Not wanting to waste time doing nothing like me, the guild holds this promotion test during this downtime.
After a few months, newborn chicks break out of their shells.
Even those with rustic farmer personalities become a little more disciplined and start looking like real mercenaries. The guild encourages these newcomers to participate in the promotion tests in the winter to reevaluate them.
An Iron-rank status means there are too many jobs you can't take. For the newcomers, it's likely an eagerly anticipated time.
「Sure, I'll do it. I'm free anyway. Are the allowances as usual?」
「Thank you. Since we have a lot of participants this time, we'll add an extra 100 jelly.」
「You're stingy as always, but alright. It's the duty of veterans to look after the newbies.」
In fact, I have served as an examiner for these promotion tests several times.
Even as a Bronze 3, I can certainly distinguish between fledgling Iron-rank males and females.
And it's a good opportunity to get my face known among the young ones.
「Hey Mongrel, planning to bully some newbies?」
「Go ahead and thrash those impertinent ones, hahaha.」
「You idiot, I'm the kindest guild member in Halperia. I'll just sit back and look important.」
「So humble, huh?」
Well then, I wondered how this year's newcomers had turned out.
I had heard some stories, but there are things you don't know until you see them first-hand.
***
「Welcome, young Iron-rank hopefuls. I'm Mongrel, this promotion test's examiner. I'm a big-shot Bronze 3 senior. Speak imprudently, and I'll deduct points just because I can, so show some respect!」
In the training ground annexed to the guild, laid out with dirt, there stood this year's newcomers clustered in one spot, though not exactly lined up neatly.
There were 20 of them. But of course, not only those present mattered. This test was for close-combat roles, and some couldn't make it today. Those would have to take the test on another day.
Initially rowdy and noisy when they arrived, the newcomers knew enough to behave on a day like this.
Now it was time to verify the skills they had developed.
「You're all muscle heads aiming to be guild members through close combat. You can't shoot a bow, you can't use magic power, but you're proud of your ability to pound things up close. If you can't at least do that much, being a front-line fighter is harsh. Today, I'll assess whether you can back up your bravado.」
Front-line fighters wield swords, spears, shields, armor, and other fantasy-like equipment to battle.
A mundane yet indispensable role, without which archers and magic power users in the rear face peril, risking the party's collapse. Moreover, like it or not, they are often the best at taking monster heads.
This test requires, at a minimum, demonstrating the ability to fight monsters.
After all, anyone can claim to be a guild member, but today I needed these recruits to prove they were more than just weapon carriers.
「Come on, swing like you're hitting a goblin!」
「Yaaaah!」
The test was simple.
Each would wield their preferred weapon and attack using their favored methods.
I'd receive their attacks and evaluate them. It's quite straightforward.
Both sides used wooden swords, so there was no danger. I had donned practice armor and had a kite shield for defense. If their attack left too many openings, I might retaliate with my sword. Naturally, being hit by my counter would deduct points. Dying in close combat without a fight is unacceptable.
「Next, spear user? Alright, bring it on.」
「Got it!」
That said, most of the diligent ones had met the standards over winter.
Most had done hard labor on farms, giving them the strength to deliver heavy blows.
Some were already experienced goblin exterminators before joining the guild.
Anyone failing this time likely lacked aptitude. Still, there's always a certain number like that each year...
「Ugh, your defense is solid...!」
「You've got good form there. Studied swordplay?」
「I have, but...!」
「Don't underestimate a veteran Bronze, here you go.」
「Whoa!?」
Those with spirit I knocked over with a shield bash.
While technically a counter, I wouldn't deduct points for this. In fact, I found it praise-worthy.
Phew. This year about 90% seemed to pass.
Most handled themselves well against my goblin-like barrage and had respectable attacks.
Those who failed probably don't have what it takes. It's about fundamental talents... or maybe something is lacking fundamentally.
They should either work harder at training or shift focus to seeking stable employment. It's harsh but better than dying, and there are many jobs where one can't just risk their own life alone.
「Alright, those who passed can try a more advanced person-on-person test. Completing it successfully will earn extra points.」
「More advanced?」
「I'm doing it!」
「If there's something to do, I'm doing it too!」
「Well, if there's a challenge, I need to take it on.」
Now for the additional test for those who passed.
The guild is commissioned by the country to do this as a kind of aptitude test. Those who pass receive recognition of skill points from the nation.
「Mace... though it's made of wood and the spikes are rounded, this long stave weapon is the strongest standard-issue in the Sangreal army.」
As I showed them this weapon, similar to a long spear, the young guild members gasped.
The Mace is the primary armament of the Holy Kingdom of Sangreal's army, and it has been the instrument of death for countless Halperians... a fearsome symbol in this country.
In my previous life, a Mace usually referred to a club-sized weapon like a flail, with a round head bristling with spikes—a weapon straight out of a post-apocalyptic setting.
However, in this world, the Mace is extremely long, with uneven spikes. The sight of soldiers raising this weapon was absolutely terrifying, to say the least.
With a man strengthened with magic power swinging a Mace, any armor is futile.
If a direct hit from the iron ball concludes your battle, what do you do then?
「Your task is either to evade the swing of this Mace and get close enough to land a blow, or use your wooden swords to cut the shaft without getting hit by the ball. Either accomplishment will count as passing.」
Though I wasn't entirely used to the weapon, I swung it with force.
Gripping the end and making wide, sweeping strikes. Sometimes holding it near the middle for swift swings, adapting to close-quarters.
The sensation of the breeze from my swings seemed to unnerve the young ones a bit.
「However, I won't move slowly like in the previous duel. That was akin to the speed of a goblin or hobgoblin. I will mimic a soldier of Sangreal's normal speed this time. Those not afraid can step up and try.」
「I'll do it!」
The youth I had knocked over with a shield bash was the first to voice his determination.
Good grit. Honestly, I wanted to reward him for that alone, but it must wait for success due to national orders.
「I'm doing it too! That weapon isn't scary!」
「The last test felt too easy for me anyway. Let's see what's fun now.」
「Count me in too!」
However, everyone seemed fired up, perhaps indicative of their choice to pursue a front-line role. Not one faltered.
The government presumably wants them accustomed to fighting Sangreal soldiers as early as this, though it's a pragmatic yet harsh system.
「Alright, we'll begin the extra test now! Watch out for injuries!」
In this Mace trial, about 10% of them passed.
Those who succeeded should be thrilled. Those who didn't should use their frustration as a drive onward.
And don't harbor hatred towards me as if I were a Sangrelian because you lost. I'm Halperian. Don't immerse yourself too deeply in character.
After it ended, I ensured that point was firmly made.
Can't have any weird prejudices cropping up.