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After a brief break, we moved on to the final test: the practical exam. Etiquette assessment is included here, so it’s a fairly time-consuming portion.
For practical exams, we will be undertaking the mock battle and two required etiquette tests. Since we’ve already completed the prerequisites for learning about puppet sorcery and sorceric tools—the writtens exam and the magic power measurement—this is more of a way to pass time.

And, well, since Ailniege is already active as an E-rank hunter, and we took the entrance exam without any form of backing, it would look odd if we skipped this part of the examination.
I suppose it might be better to enroll in hunter courses as well.
While it might feel redundant since we’re already A-rank hunters, I’m aware that, aside from what Carol taught us, much of our knowledge is self-taught.

As such, going through the typical hunter experience could be interesting and may help us identify the possible gaps in our knowledge.

As Ailniege, we plan on only utilizing basic sorcery—simple spells that don’t rely on Job abilities or magic circles—and my barrier.
Other than the usual barrier that’s capable of blocking Tur’s attacks, I’ve deployed an outer layer barrier with around D to C-rank durability. This one is designed to endure long but eventually break against D-rank threats while being able to take several hits from a C-rank and perhaps a single powerful strike from a B-rank adversary.

An E-rank hunter being able to withstand even a few C-rank-level hits would be impressive, but we’re maintaining the impression that we have limited offensive capabilities. Ever since entering Ausente, this has been the image we’ve maintained.
This resulted from us aiming to have others assume we have a barrier-sorcerer-type Job and because I have no intention of compromising Ciel’s protection.

Now, for the mock battle. We were led to a large arena divided into several areas where the testing will be held.
Each area had hunters roughly C to B-rank assigned to test the examinees.
Following the others, we gathered in front of a particular hunter.
He was a friendly-looking swordsman. Appearance-wise, he vaguely reminds me of Chasse from the Fool’s Gathering. However, he didn’t exude the same exhausted aura as Chasse did. I’m sure he’s had a relatively fortunate life as a hunter.

Standing beside him was a spearman, also male. This one had spiky hair and a more rugged demeanor.

Once around ten examinees had gathered, the swordsman began to speak.

「Well then, let’s start with a brief explanation. Each of you will now face us in a mock battle.
The resulting victory or loss will not be the basis of whether you pass or fail, so I want everyone to relax and simply give it your all.
The mock battle will end when the referee intervenes or either party admits defeat. Also, we have a set boundary, so going out of bounds is considered a loss.
While we are going to use practice weapons during this test, feel free to use your usual weapon of choice.
I’ll say this just in case, but you will be disqualified if you kill your opponent. So while we’re completely fine if you come at us with bloodlust, please don’t kill us.」

The swordsman spoke with a joking tone, but none of the examinees laughed. In fact, some even flinched.
I suppose that’s the normal reaction for children who have never experienced life-and-death situations before. Ciel, however, looked completely disinterested.

「Well, it’d be faster to just show rather than tell.
If I recall, there should be someone among you who is already an active hunter. Now, who could it be?」
『Do we have to name ourselves here?』
『That’s likely the case. The academy is already informed about it after all, and even if we do step up and call attention to ourselves here, people will likely forget about it by the end of the exam.
Rather, I’ll be the one to fight, so would you mind if we switch?』
『I’m still not happy about it, you know?』

Hearing my words, Ciel sulked slightly.
Fighting is Ciel’s role, while protecting is mine. For me to fight would mean taking her role from her, and I completely understand her reaction.
However, Ciel is well-experienced in battle, so even with handicaps, there’s a chance that she’d win.
On the other hand, while I’ve experienced battles through Ciel, I can’t move as well as she can. That’s why there should be no chance of me drawing too much attention or accidentally winning.

Besides, even if it’s just a mock battle, I absolutely don’t want to ask Ciel to intentionally lose.

『Besides, if the opponent could be harmed by my weak attacks, you can’t really consider it a real fight, can you?』
『Mngh… Alright. It can’t be helped, after all.』

Ciel is very accommodating toward me, so despite her objections, she was quick to transfer control.
If this were back in Estoque, she would have likely stood her ground stubbornly, and I would have let her take the lead.
It feels as though nothing has changed, yet our relationship seems to have transformed bit by bit.

Still, one thing that hasn’t changed is how Ciel means everything to me.

Also, her little groan was kind of adorable.
If possible, I’d love to hear her make that sound while she’s in control. But perhaps that’s asking for too much.

「Huh? Maybe it wasn’t this group?」

The swordsman hunter… no, proctor glanced around looking confused, so I timidly raised my hand.

「I’m actually the hunter, but I’m not proficient in combat, you know?」
「Ah, so it’s you. Still, as a hunter, you’ve at least had some combat encounters, haven’t you?」
「As long as you’re fine with my fighting style, then…」
「… I see. Of course. I’m not asking you to win against me, and to be honest, I’m not here to find a good fight.」
「Understood.」

Satisfied with the current arrangement, I nodded and stepped forward.
Entering the square demarcated by what appeared to be tape, I met the proctor in the center.
It seems like the spearman is going to act as our referee.

「Well then, shall we begin?」

The swordsman proctor then raised his sword, pointing it my way.

And that ends chapter 139! A rare Ain battle is abound for the next chapter, it seems.

While there was some AinCiel cuteness to give mention, I really like how the proctor tried to diffuse the nervousness in the air and just ended up making the examinees flinch. It was funnily nonchalant though. “Oh, and we don’t mind if you at it like you want to kill us, but don’t kill us please.”

Now then, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please feel free to comment. Stay healthy, stay safe, and have a nice day~!

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