Vol. 9 - Ch. 433 - ‹Rhombus Field› — Let us begin the promotion test!

The time hath come! The exhilarating, adrenaline driven guild battle! And behold, it was a clash between ‹Arc-Arcadia› and ‹Eden›!Ahem, that said, It was just an E-rank exam for ‹Arc-Arcadia›, so we don't really have to be so serious—oh wait, it was serious business for ‹Arc-Arcadia›. Right. For ‹Eden›, however, it was a trial to hold ourselves back.

I haven't gave them training about guild battles after all, and this was something ‹Arc-Arcadia› must have if they want to step into ‹Eden›. I would thoroughly give my special guild-battle course, but for now, they have to tackle the unexpected.

I wonder what type of strategy ‹Arc-Arcadia› might be cooking back at the waiting room.

"Wipe that grin off your face, Zephyr."

"I know you're looking forward to their performance, but how about acting stern for now?"

"Hrrg!?"

First Sierra, then Rika, pointed at my face and advised me.

My hand instinctively moves to check my expression. A-Ahaha, I guess I had lost my seriousness somewhere, as Rika pointed out. Right, this was the time for me to show my dignity as guildmaster. Serious-Mode!

"......—rg!? H-Hey, can you please not make a serious face suddenly!"

I had just switched on my serious-face Brave face when Sierra objected. What happened?

"Hmm. Now it's more of a manly face than before."

Though, Rika praised me. Phew, safe then.

We were engaged in such chitter-chatting when another of our members called out to us from behind.

"Zephyr-san, what's our strategy for today-desu?"

"I guess we're going to start in the next 15 minutes. We have done our preparation."

The newcomers were Pamela and Misato. They were in their usual equipment, all-ready to move at any moment.

Alright, it's time to show I am a 'dignified' guildmaster. No cap! I distributed the papers I had arranged before.

"Here, take it first. This is the overview of rules for this E-rank exam—mentioning ‹Capture the Castle›, ‹8v5›, ‹Rhombus Field› etc etc. The game will last for 30 minutes and we're going to start from Southeast Base as Team Red this time. Keep in mind we're just examiners in this match so don't accidentally drop your full power, all right?"

It was an important matter so I made sure to drive the final nail.

"Fumu, fumu. No PvP battle-desu?"

"In fact, there would be red marks if we do that. We're the one higher-ranked guild here after all. We must not start it no matter what.This is one of the roles of an E-rank guild examiner. Of course, we are to raise our weapons only when our opponent lost some screw in their head and decided it is good idea to fight us."

"Same as before huh. Gotcha."

Sierra nodded just as I was answering Pamela's question. She was in the team when we took our E-rank exam as well after all.

Well, the only time that decision would make sense would be when there was any prospect of winning, but in otherwise case, it was just a simple dumb-dumb move. They would definitely lose a lot of points. Though there was hardly any level difference in D-rank exam so they in fact encouraged challengers to take the PvP route.

"I understand we have to play with handicap, but how exactly do you want us to move? Are we going to target two Big Castles?"

"Yeah, we will proceed with that, just like we have before. However no ‹Precise Time Attack›."

"Ookie."

It was soon the time to start the guild battle while I was answering Misato's question.

"Alright, let's set off to the ground." (Zephyr)

"Umu, I'm looking forward to our new challenge." (Rika)

Following my command, everyone nodded.

It took us a while to move, and by the time we made it to the field, members of ‹Arc-Arcadia› and Mukai-sensei, Ladvena-sensei were already present there. Uh-huh, we're unexpectedly late it seems.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"........."

We greeted Mukai-sensei there, who raised his hand, seemingly saying 'Nice to see youn' one on time.' A man of fewer words as always huh.

Ladvena-sensei next to him moved to the referee spot and announced the beginning of the E-rank exam.

"Since all parties are present, let us begin the E-rank exam of ‹Arc-Arcadia›. Fight bravely, and carefully! Sportsmanship vow!"

" " " "Let's have a fair and square match!" " " "

Both teams bowed to each other and made ways to their respective bases. In the meanwhile, Mukai-sensei dexterously operated the tablet and started a countdown on the huge screen floating above. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ NʘvᴇlFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

The tension was visible on the faces of ‹Arc-Arcadia› members in contrast to ‹Eden› who all had an easygoing expression. The experience speaks indeed. Anyway, they would soon get the experience.

Ohh, Aegis-senpai and Reglam have taken the center seat to calm down the sub-members. Just what I expected from Aegis-senpai. She must have good enough experience with guild battles as second-year student. And Reglam always had that ‘A perfect princely guy’ vibe around him. He, too, showed a similar level of judgment; true to his character huh.

"They have good leaders."

"It seems so. And? What about our leader?"

Oops, that was a 'take you dignified stand as a guildmaster as well' signal from Sierra. Right, she's right.

"Everyone, it's time for ‹Arc-Arcadia› to take their E-rank exam. And it's also our job as guild battle's examiner, though it doesn't change what we have to do. It's at best toning down on our performance and avoiding starting a PvP battle. Take it easy, but not too much that you lose sight of what to do. That's all."

This was also a form of quest from the academy. Gotta show them we can handle anything!

"We're to follow the strategy I briefed all of you earlier. Any questions? Alright, sounds like none. Well then, enjoy the match, and good luck! Let's do itttt!"

"Let's gooo!" (Misato)

"Goooo-desu!" (Pamela)

Misato and Pamela both raised their voices in response to my words. Oh, and Sierra and Rika too. Great, all looks pepped up enough.

With preparations ready, a loud 'Buzzzz' echoed from the screen. Guild battle—start!

From, ‹Arc-Arcadia› side, everyone jumped out of white base immediately following the buzzer sound. And their goal was—central Big castle.

Ho-ho, targeting strategic locations right off the bat huh. Nice decision.

We all, too, bolted out from our base, and aimed for the same.