''Now then, you should have a rough understanding of each other's abilities.''
Conrad told the rank-up test participants who were standing in the training field in front of him. As for the people who heard it, some gave a small nod, others smiled and some listened to Conrad's words in frustration.
''Though I've said it many times, these mock battles are simply for you to know each other's strengths for the recapturing of the village occupied by the monsters. You shouldn't be too concerned about it. So, the next decision is who will be the leader of this temporary party''
Muttering, Conrad looked at the 7 faces one after the other. Some showed interest in wanting to be the leader, they held their breaths waiting to see who would be nominated, while some showed no interest, people like Meera, Gracier, and Sebastian.
Meanwhile, Conrad's fixed his eyes on a certain person. He observed that person for a moment.
''Alex you'll be the leader.''
Alex put on a surprised face at Conrad's words. Truth be told he was not against the idea of becoming a leader. He could use this chance to gauge his capability to lead because he will have a party in the future, a party with whom he would dive into dungeons.
Conrad on the other hand nodded his head without hesitation.
''You are strong more than a normal D Rank Adventurer. However, you lack experience when interacting in a group. You may think it's fine to take a quest together with your sister, however, when one's D Rank Adventurer, sometimes every now in then you will take a quest together with another group. It would be bad you don't have experience.
Use this chance to learn how to interact with others and how to lead, how to be a good leader.''
As Conrad pointed out his reasoning with his words, Alex could only keep his silence. He was aware that he wasn't that good at dealing with other people, no it should be more accurate to say normally he doesn't like to interact too much. If it was the old him, he would think about completing this quest and be done with it.
''I understand, I'll assume the role of the temporary leader.'' Alex declared.
''Good. I hope you all are ready. Alex will be the leader of the temporary party until the monster's subjugation for the rank-up test is completed.''
At Conrad's words, everybody nodded.
However, each of them had a different facial expression, Golfak humphed to show his dissatisfaction, while Eleonora was pouting, it seemed that she also wants this position, alas it was Alex who got chosen, Lucien was also dissatisfied because he was expecting to be selected, only Gracier, Sebastian and Meera seemed okay with Conrad's decision.
Conrad continued by adding,
''Right, well then, I'll give you the details of the monster's subjugation immediately. First of all, I've explained that the monsters are occupying a village they have destroyed, Gato's village. This village is about 3 days distance from this city, monsters you will be fighting against are goblins and orcs lead by Orc King probably. I will guide you there.
I mean, as I'm the examiner, so, I have to follow you anyway. We will depart tomorrow morning. We will meet at the front gate at the 9 o'clock bell. The guild will provide carriage, any questions?''
At Conrad's words, Sebastian, the Swordsman spoke up.
''Though the guild will supply a carriage for us, what about other supplies? In particular, food and potions.''
Hearing Sebastian's question, Conrad smiled with a grin.
''Only the carriage is provided by the guild. Other necessary supplies are to be provided for yourselves. Naturally, the supplies which each person prepares will be assessed, so be careful.''
Next to raise a question was Alex.
''If it is possible I want to know how many monsters we are going to face?"
Grinning Conrad responded ''I've heard that there will be at least 30 monsters.''
''I see. The minimum is it.''
Alex mumbled as if understood something.
''Are there any problems with the words 'at least'?'' Golfak didn't understand the reply and asked Sebastian who did not seem surprised. He turned his eyes to Lucien and Gracier who were next to him, equally puzzled.
Sighing Alex decided that he should explain, it was one of his duties as a leader anyway.
''The fact that there is a minimum of 30 monsters means that there is likely to be more. That means there is a possibility there could be 40 or even 100 monsters occupying the village.''
To Alex's explanation, Conrad gave an appreciating look. He was pleased with his answer.
'I guess, he will do a decent leader.' he thought.
Gracier seemed to finally understand while Golfak and Lucien were frightened at those words.
However, surprisingly it was Meera who spoke next, trying to reassure the two.
''That said, as this mission has been selected for the guild rank-up test, there probably won't be an unreasonable number.''
To those words, the two people gave a big sigh of relief. However, Conrad again spoke up with a nasty smile.
''Though this certainly is a guild test, however, safety isn't guaranteed. You'll die if you let your guard down. Now then, any other questions?''
To Conrad's question, there was a silence before Alex suddenly asked.
''Conrad I want to know about the reward for completing this request.''
Conrad was surprised, he looked at Alex with praising eyes, Eleonora also nodded, she appreciated Alex's inquiry, same thing with Meera. Only Golfak and Lucien seemed a little lost.
''It is good that you asked this question. I thought you won't ask. In the case you didn't, it would have been a demerit to you as the leader, even it's temporarily.'' Conrad said before adding,
''Though it seems like a small matter (Alex's question), there is a possibility of getting into a dispute with the client if the rewards aren't agreed on first. Well, though you don't need to worry about it if you take a request from the request board in the guild, above D rank, you may occasionally be asked for a request without going through the guild.
In cases such as that, you should inquire about the reward beforehand, don't forget what I said. By the way, the reward for up test this time is 5 silver coins per person. We will buy the monster materials with a discount of 4%, so in the case, you killed a lot of monsters, apart from the 5 silver coins for the completion you'll earn a lot of money.''
Everybody nodded, pleased with Conrad's words, meanwhile, Alex was thinking if it was , then it means that the quest won't be easy, they may have as well to clean up a village occupied by 100 monsters.
Observing Alex lost in thought, Conrad knew what he was thinking about, he couldn't help but smile, others got ensnared after hearing the reward, forgetting to analyze his words, what that kind of reward entails.
Shaking his head, Conrad announced,
''Now then, we will leave it at that for today. Although I said this earlier, because we will be departing at the 9 o'clock bell, I want everyone to be there with their belongings prepared.''
With his words as a signal, everyone left respectively.
Tomorrow was going to be the day they will depart toward Gracier former village, her birthplace, Gato's village.