Ability Test

As I walked through the building guided by Millet, I found that some things in this building could be done here to a certain extent. On the lower floor, there was a large gym-like room where students were being taught swordsmanship and other skills by warriors of this world. I stopped and looked at the students through the open door.

 

"Kyohei, your strikes are fast and sharp. Your strikes are fast and sharp, but they can't cut through monsters. Do you understand? Don't strike it, but swing it as if you were going to cut something."

"Understood."

 

... Indeed, Kendo is not a martial art but a sport. Even a strike that can win a point is not the kind of strike that would cut an opponent in a serious fight. Domoto was taught by a proper teacher in this world, and he seems to have listened to the explanation honestly. Ignoring me may just be an opinion of sorts, I guess.

Still, I am a little relieved to see students practicing seriously.

 

Millet in front of me turned around when she noticed that I wasn't following her. She saw where I was looking and called out to me with a laugh.

 

"Today we're explaining how to use weapons. Some of the students wanted to use spears, but most of them chose to use swords."

“Oh, they practiced swordsmanship in Japan. It's just... it sure feels nice to learn how to use a sword properly."

 

Leaving the gym, I walked along with Millet again.

 

“I think all of you are quite good. Especially Kyohei-san, I hear that he is already in the five digits in the rankings even though he has not yet moved up the ranks. That's a gem of a talent, so much so that I'd say he's a one in a hundred years talent."

"Rankings? What is that?"

“The people who live in this world are ... strong. There are certain criteria, such as physical ability, magical ability, and so on, but they are all integrated and ranked according to these criteria."

"Wait... All the inhabitants of this world?"

“Yes, that's right. In fact, if two people of similar rank are fighting, the result may not always correspond to the rank, but if they are far apart in rank, the result will be nearly identical to the rank of the two people."

"What..."

"And the top 100 are always posted in temples around the world, so ... they are held in high esteem."

 

A ranking of strength ... Really?

I was surprised and Millet walked out of the building. I turned around and looked at the building out of curiosity. It was probably a four-story building, with only the first floor having a wide ceiling, but it also had large overhangs to the sides, and seemed to be a practice space like the gym we had just seen. Looking around, there were various floating islands, each of which was built in the same way. Perhaps these islands were built to allow people from different worlds to train on each one.

 

Millet walked straight to what looked like a suspension bridge leading from one end of the floating island to a different floating island.

 

……Seriously…….

 

Eh? No... it's impossible, right?

 

The wind was light for an island so high up in the sky. But it was hard to approach the suspension bridge with ... my feet straining. The fact that there were no fences around the perimeter of the floating island made me feel like I was going to throw up.

 

Millet noticed my state of mind and called out to me.

 

"Could it be Shigeto-san. High places..."

"Ah, yes... I'm not good with them."

“Is that so… um. Let's say, for example, on all fours..."

"Um. I'll try..."

 

My feelings were already broken, but if I didn't cross over here, nothing would start. My sense of responsibility to my students helped me reach the suspension bridge ..., but I still can't go any further.

 

"Are there any people who can't cross this ...?"

"Yes, there are people sometimes. So don't worry too much about it."

"I'm sorry, I can't ... get to the Head Priest."

"That's all right. Excuse me then."

"Huh? What?"

"Take it easy..."

 

Huh? What is it? I was kind of scared of Millet's smile... And the moment Millet's palm turned toward me. My consciousness blacked out.

 

……

 

……

 

……

 

"Shigeto-san. Please wake up. Shigeto-san."

"... Huh? Hah? Millet-san... where?"

 

Millet's voice brought me back to consciousness. Back?　When did I lose consciousness? Was it ... at that moment?

I was a little shaken up and checked my surroundings to find that I was lying on a finely embroidered sofa. Millet was kneeling on the floor, peering down at me with her face close to mine and calling out to me. She looked at me as I came back to my senses and gave me a relieved smile. I tried my best to hold back from being swallowed up by the incredibly precious atmosphere.

 

“This is the waiting room of the main temple. I'm going to take you to the Head Priest now. Is everything all right?"

"... Huh? Did we cross the suspension bridge? Huh, how?"

“In accordance with the rules, you slept. If you sleep on the way back, you will be able to return again."

"Rules? Sleep? … Was it magic?"

"Yes."

 

As Millet answered with an innocent smile, I somehow felt a sense of dread.

But if I could cross over like this, could I manage it? If you consider it to be like anesthesia for surgery... Is it good if there are no side effects? I'll try to look at it positively.

 

When she confirmed that I was able to move, Millet led me to the Head Priest's office. I've only been to church once, at a wedding, but it was very different from what I expected.

After walking for a while, I was taken to a large room with a huge round table. At the round table, which could accommodate dozens of people if seated properly, an elderly priest and three middle-aged priests were sitting and talking about something. On the table were several crystal-like objects, a compass, and various other things.

 

“Head Priest. I have brought the transferee to you."

 

Millet called out, and four of them stood up to face us.

 

“Welcome, Japanese. Congratulations on your safe awakening. My name is Gregory Bartolo, and I serve as Head Priest."

"Ah…, thank you very much. My name is Shigeto Kusunoki."

 

Safe awakening? Congratulations? ... Does that mean that if you don't adjust to this world, you may not wake up? I felt a chill run down my spine. But when someone greeted you with a smile, it was the Japanese way to reply with a smile. I bowed to him.

 

"As I'm sure you've heard, we're going to do a quick ability test."

"Is that still a reference for being scouted when going down there?"

“Yes. And also, we would like to know what you are capable of, so that we can give you advice on your own future life."

"Is that so... I understand. Thank you very much."

 

The Priest next to me pointed to a crystal-like ball on the desk.

 

“Then, please touch this crystal first."

 

Thus began the examination.

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