Finally noticing that the tense atmosphere inside the meeting room had finally calmed down, Conrad started to speak.
''Now then, it seems that everyone is ready to listen. Then I'll begin the explanation of the rank up test to rank D immediately. First of all, I'll have you fight each other.''
The moment Conrad said that Golfak secretly glanced at Alex, he was startled when his eyes met Alex's green eyes, he quickly glanced away.
It had only been 3 days since he had been reminded of the difference in fighting strength, he lost so miserably that it was ashaming.
The color slowly drained from his face, if he had to fight Alex, he had no chance of winning. He was panicking inside.
However, Conrad's next words reassured him.
''That said, you won't be disqualified immediately just because you lose the fight. Well, I won't deny that it will be referred to during the assessment. However, the main purpose of fighting each other is to learn each other's abilities. So, for the compulsory part of the rank up test, you will have to clear a village occupied by monsters in Zilya's mountain, the Gato village.
You all heard the tragedy that befalls the villages around the mountain don't you?"
Everybody nodded their heads, meanwhile, Gracier's body turned tense at the mention of that tragedy and especially the village they will be clearing, the Gato's village, her former hometown. However, she calmed down when she felt a sudden warmness, her brother had taken her hand in his own as though to tell her to not worry he will always be there.
Their exchange did not go unnoticed by Eleonora, who wondered what was Gracier's story.
Conrad continued after confirming that everyone knew about the tragedy, about the monster's rampage.
''You don't have to worry, nobody is asking to kill all the monsters, especially their leader because that one is beyond your current level. You just need to clean up one occupied village, occupied by goblins and orcs. As for subjugating the main force, it will be done by Expert Adventurers. Do note that you must complete this subjugation to have the right to rank up, so work hard.
Being a D Rank Adventurer is not a joke, so naturally completing this task will not be easy, one should note that D Rank is entirely different than E Rank, the gap between the two is not small, a D Rank Adventurer is already a full-fledged Adventurer, not a novice anymore.''
Indeed what Conrad said was not wrong, there is a big difference between an E Rank Adventurer and a D Rank, D Rank quests are harder to complete.
Everyone present here was aware of this fact, they had more or less only received requests up to E rank. Though tentatively speaking, it was possible to receive a request one rank higher, hearing about the barrier between rank's E and D from senior adventurers, there were very few adventurers who would take rank D requests at rank E. Well, there was an exception like Alex, however, those are rare.
Also from D Rank, it became possible to take bandits subjugation request. One should know that fighting against humans was harder than fighting against monsters, humans are cunning creature after all.
''Now then, that's all the information. Then I'll have you fight each other at once. Since you have come to take the rank up test, I assume you've naturally brought your weapons you use with you? Follow me then.''
Saying that Conrad left the meeting room going toward the training ground located on the first floor. The others followed next.
Once on the first floor, Alex's eyes met Leena's eyes, she smiled and waved at him and Gracier. A wry smile floated on to Alex's face at the scene of Karen and Nyora bickering, they both stopped when they noticed Alex looking in their way.
Continuing walking for a few minutes, they arrived at the training.
This place brought back some memories. Alex thought as he remembered when he would come here to train after he just became Adventurer.
The training ground had considerable size, it was at the size where a simulation battle between knights could be carried out.
And currently, there were about 10 people scattered around, training.
''Huh? Hey, what's that group over there?'' One of the Adventurers training asked wiping his sweat away.
''Ah! you know. With Conrad leading the rookies, it's probably the rank up test which is about to begin.'' Another Adventurer nearby responded.
''So, it's like that.'
The voices of the adventurers who were exchanging blows with sword and spear could be heard by Alex and the others. Maybe the other people were also interested in the training, all their eyes were focused on the group.
Whether or not Conrad noticed those looks he ignored them as he moved to the center of the training ground.
However, there was no wonder. This happens every rank up test. After all, if they could add a promising rookie to their parties, the possibility of surviving a dangerous request would increase. The number of parties who wanted rookies, who were like uncut gems, were endless.
Conrad observed the group before suddenly clapping his hands as he announced.
''Hey now, you lot. Don't get distracted by all the looks around you, you are not here for that purpose. Even though I said the results of the mock battle won't be directly linked to the results of the test, it doesn't change the fact that they will be referred to, so focus and do your best. First of all, introduce yourselves.
First, your name, then your occupation, then all the skills you have that you want to make known. First, starting from you.''
The person who Conrad pointed out, or should it be said arranged beforehand, was naturally Alex.
To Conrad's grin, Alex could only give a wry smile and started to speak.
''I'm Alexander Touch. My class is Magic Gunman.''
It became all noisy all of sudden because none of the people present knew was this class mean. Well, except for Gracier, the others were curiously looking at Alex in hope of him telling them what his class means.
''It's related to my Gift. You'll understand when you will see me using it. At the moment I won't be using it because it's only a mock battle to learn a bit about our skills.'' Alex explained as he was not planning to use his Gift today in the first place.
Immediately another commotion started.
''So, the Rookie does really possess a Gift? No wonder he became so powerful.''
''That's true. However, nobody has seen his Gift. I wonder how does it look like?"
Other Adventurers were also wondering this. However, Alex did not summon Silveria to their utter disappointment, especially Conrad and Eleonora, they were expecting to see Alex's mysterious Gift, but it won't be today.
Unfazed by the looks of disappointment directed at him, Alex continued.
''I'm proficient with Knife and throwing knives.''
After finishing he turned in his sister's direction, the latter immediately understood her brother's intention, so she started introducing herself.
''I'm Gracier Alexandra Touch. I don't wield any weapon at the moment, however, I'm proficient with Fire magic.''
''Another noble! Alex's sister to boot. Isn't she a half-elf?" Someone asked.
Hearing Gracier full brought some questions and curious as they were, they wanted some answers, Eleonora included, even the Elf girl showed an interest upon hearing Gracier introduction, she knew Gracier was half-elf the moment she saw her.
''Hey!! quiet down, the rest of the self-introductions still haven't finished. Next, you.''
Clapping his hands Conrad caught everyone's attention before pointing to the next person. It was Golfak.
''I'm Golfak, my class is Swordman. I have a Magic sword as a weapon and I'm confident in my skill concerning direct attack power.''
Next, after Golfak was the second Swordman.
''Sebastian, I'm also a Swordsman. My weapon had no particular background, unlike the one Golfak showed. It's a long sword. I have no particular skills aside from my ability as a swordsman.''
''Good introduction. Don't worry you will be able to have one soon. Next,'' Conrad consoled Sebastian.
The next to introduce himself was the Mage.
''I'm Lucien Colton. My Class is a mage, there are no weapons I'm particularly proficient at. As for magic, I can use Water, Wind, and a bit of Healing magic.''
'A noble huh?' Alex thought.
Lucien finished the self-introduction somewhat tensely because of the observation from not only the rank up test participants but also from the other adventurers.
Conrad turned his eyes to Lucien with admiration after his self-introduction.
''You are pretty interesting. To think you can use Healing magic. Your future is quite promising.''
Lucien was extremely happy after hearing Conrad's words, he couldn't fight against the grin forming on his face.
Looking around him, he added, ''Well, a simple self-introduction is good enough. The next step is to get to know each other's respective abilities in a mock battle.''
It was normal, though. Considering that it was extremely rare for a Mage to be able to use three magics, and even extremely rare magic like Healing magic. Lucien must descend from a big family of powerful Mage.
''Our party has been keeping an eye on him.'' One of the Adventurers that was previously training there announced.
''Ohe? Are you trying to steal a march?'' Another Adventurer asked not wanting to lose this chance of obtaining a promising party member.
''As they say, first come, first serve.'' The previous Adventurer responded with a shrug.
Hearing such voices, Lucien was glad to hear himself being evaluated as such, he became happier and he looked down with a smile.
''Next,'' Conrad ordered not paying any attention to the bickering adventurers.
Finally, it was Eleonora's turn to introduce herself. Alex was interested in knowing her class because he couldn't Appraise the girl, he had tried several times and failed miserably.
''I'm Eleonora. My Class is Thief. My main weapons, as you can see, are daggers. As for my skills. Well, I'm good at scouting and placing traps. I can use Wind magic and Water magic to some extent.''
''Great. A thief with dual elements. Your help will be needed during this test.''
Conrad said before moving his eyes on the last member yet to be introduced.
The Elf girl finally opened her mouth to speak, she had a nice voice.
''I'm Meera Leaf. My main weapon is a bow as you have seen. My Class is Range or Spirit mage. As for skills, I can use spirit magic to some extent.''
Another commotion started, Spirit Magic is magic only Elves can use, even among the Elves, users of this magic are few. So, it was normal for the crowd to react like that.
With a smile on his face, Conrad said,
''It's pretty rare to see an Elf with Spirit Magic. Well, this batch of Adventurers for the rank up test sure contains some interesting seeds.''
He then added, ''Well, enough with the self-introduction. Time to move toward the interesting part.''