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Chapter 160: Little Fist
Chapter 160: Little Fist
"I’m guessing it could be a regular maze, or we might have to find some specific items, or perhaps we’ll be tested on our survival skills in a harsh environment."
"More complex scenarios could involve multiple challenges, with an added ‘last one standing’ rule, where only the surviving team advances. But with our small numbers, that’s probably unnecessary."
In reality, the first thing Rod thought of was the Death Forest Exam from the neighboring Naruto world. However, such brutal rules and conditions didn’t align with the guild’s style, so it was unlikely they would go that route.
Kana couldn’t understand how Rod came up with such a harsh rule. She was relieved that previous exams hadn’t used any of the methods he mentioned: "Um... the first exam shouldn’t be that complicated."
"Right, I agree that the latter is unlikely, but we still need to consider the possibility of facing our own teammates," Rod said. "Starting tomorrow, I’ll gather information on the others and their partners, especially Mest. I know nothing about him, and encountering him unprepared could be a disadvantage."
"Then we need to think about how to deal with each team, or even all of them at once. The terrain of the Croba Canyon is also crucial. I’ll give you the notes I compiled last time tomorrow, thankfully I didn’t lose them."
"Um... oh." Kana nodded absentmindedly. Was this level of preparation really necessary for the first round? "Since you said the first round won’t be too difficult, these preparations should be enough," Rod added. "We can think about the rest once we have more information."
"Just these preparations... just?"
Kana was dazed. Oh, Rod’s common language wasn’t great; he must have used the wrong word again. Definitely.
"The biggest challenge will be the second round. Even if there are special rules, we’ll still have to face S-Class mages in direct combat."
Rod felt uncertain about this round. He hadn’t seen Mystogan or Erza use their full power, but he vividly remembered how Laxus effortlessly toyed with Natsu. And when Natsu ate the lightning, Laxus had a moment of seriousness, which was hard to forget.
Mystogan and Erza, when serious, were likely on par with Laxus. Any of the three would be a formidable opponent.
"Can we bribe Mira to slip some laxatives into their food on the day of the exam?"
"Rod, I’m right here."
Rod looked at her: "Can you help us?"
Mira tilted her head: "Normally, I might try, but not for the exam."
What does she mean by ‘normally’? Elfman’s forehead broke out in a sweat. Was his sister saying something dangerous?
"Then we’ll have to come up with some other schemes. I need more information on them to devise a reliable strategy to get through."
Rod thought for a moment and added: "But we can’t rely solely on tricks. Combining our strengths and facing the challenge head-on is the best approach. So, over the next few days, we should focus on improving our skills as much as possible. Even a small boost can make a difference, and it would be great to have a big move ready."
"I understand." Kana didn’t care about the right or wrong way; she just wanted to pass the exam and gather the courage to speak to Gildarts.
She asked, "What about the third round? What do we need to prepare?"
"Nothing," Rod said. "The third round should be a ‘comprehensive application’ test. If we can get through the first two rounds, the third should be manageable. However, the more flexible our thinking and the more experience we have, the better off we’ll be."
"I don't think that will be a problem for you."
"Maybe we should consider if there will be any rest time before the third round, and whether we need to save our strength... But forget I said that."
Facing three S-Class Mages, they didn't really have the luxury to hold back. They could only hope to conserve their strength after they passed the rounds.
Worst-case scenario, he could try to chat with the Guild Master or ask her questions to buy some time.
Rod mentally went through all the possibilities and decided to fill in the details later.
Kana felt her thoughts become much clearer. At least now she knew what to prepare for during the seven days.
Having Rod as a partner was a huge advantage.
"Teacher Mira, do you have any advice?"
"It's hard to give more advice," Mira thought about how she had just charged through the exam, only slightly intensifying her training beforehand.
"But you're my teacher now."
Mira rubbed her wrist. "Then stand still and don't move. I'll demonstrate a neck lock and back throw."
"Mercy... Wait?" Rod thought about the move and suddenly hesitated.
While it would probably hurt, the risk seemed worth taking.
"Ouch." Rod's chest took a light punch, and he even chuckled.
Mira turned her head away, feeling like he was up to something.
Kana suddenly thought that having Rod as a partner wasn't all that great.
"Let's start training. Finish today's basic exercises, then we'll practice some regular combat."
A crescent moon cast its light over a thin layer of snow in the guild yard.
Four people, each with different goals, trained silently, their movements a dance in the courtyard.
It was a beautiful scene, but for Rod, it was a nightmare.
The temperature wasn't low enough, and there wasn't enough snow, so the ground was wet and slippery.
Every time he lifted his foot, mud splashed up, and falling would be even worse.
Rod tried to persuade Mira to use her authority. "Mira, can the guild allocate funds to build an indoor training ground?"
"Unfortunately, there's no budget for that right now, and the current layout isn't suitable for major renovations."
Mira thought about it; she also disliked getting mud on her shoes. "I'll ask Laki to lay down some flooring in the yard tomorrow."
The guild had done this before for Rod and everyone else to use as a sparring ground, but it didn't last long before it was destroyed.
After that, Rod didn't have the heart to ask for help again, and the wooden boards would make it harder for his Stone Beetles to burrow underground.
But given the current situation, it might be worth laying down some flooring again.
...
The next day, none of the candidates for the S-Class exam, except Kana, showed up.
It seemed everyone had their own special training plans.
Rod frowned. "This isn't good. Looks like we're not the only ones trying to guess the exam questions and cram before the test."
Kana sighed. "I think they're just doing regular training. They probably aren't thinking that far ahead."
And this was the first time she felt that her experience wasn't a disadvantage. Kana had more information than the others, who were all participating for the first time.
Rod didn't underestimate his competitors. Everyone in the guild had their strengths, and he couldn't afford to be complacent.
"Don't let your guard down. Find out who their partners are, and I'll check the guild's records for any information on Mest."
(End of Chapter)
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