The pleasant feeling of tea didn’t last Nobina as long as she wanted, as the feeling of the new dawn was already long gone by the time they finally left the café. The dessert wasn’t as tasty as she wanted it either, with her mind thinking about the fact she would have to perform a test for Lord Kasanta to potentially become a noble.
With both walking back to the guild, Nobina could only bring herself to look optimistically at the situation.
“It can’t be that bad,” Nobina said, hoping for the best.
“Uh… yeah,” said Carina, showing a rare hesitance that Nobina instantly noticed.
Nobina wanted to say something, but she decided to hold off questioning her for now regarding it.
“So… do you know when I’ll take this test Carina?” asked Nobina.
Carina shook her head, a nervousness not leaving her as they continued to walk.
“It will be up to me to let Lord Kasanta know I’ve made the offer, but I have no doubt that Doriten will do everything in his power to have it accelerated. For now, we’ll need to speak with Aunai, who will hopefully co-sponsor.”
“Oh? Are there any notable benefits to that?” asked Nobina, her curiosity growing regarding the test and the whole process.
“Tons. The biggest is that a co-sponsor ensures that should the test fail, that the consequences aren’t as bad. Beyond that, it gives you a more favorable outlook immediately to Lord Kasanta, though due to this being a Test of Merit, it isn’t going to drastically change things if you have a poor showing.”
Nobina gave a nod. She wanted to note everything down but had to settle with memory for now.
The two eventually arrived at the guild, which seemed busier than usual. People were coming and going, yet the two overheard a certain conversation as they continued.
“Did you hear there was a dragon spotted?” asked one of the adventurers.
“Oh yeah,” responded another. “Apparently, it’s close to the north, so a lot of people are avoiding questing in that area.”
“Wow… That’s where a quality goblin hunting spot is. Man… I might have to withdraw this quest…”
Nobina’s mind began trying to piece together the situation as the two continued. Carina seemed to not hear what they were saying as she had her focus forward. However, Nobina couldn’t help but worry about the news of a dragon appearing spreading.
The two entered the guild, making their way past the adventurers to head towards Aunai’s office. At this point, Carina couldn’t ignore the clear discussions regarding the dragon both amongst adventurers and directed at guild staff.
“The news already spread this fast? I guess it was inevitable with people from the Town of Wistern likely arriving. We’ll have to work twice as hard to make sure we are ready for the crisis. It should be in a few days at this rate,” Carina said, seriousness replacing the nervousness that had overcome her before.
“Right,” said Nobina, giving a nod. She understood how serious a crisis was and would do her best to support it.
The two of them arrived in front of Aunai’s office, where another supervisor had just stepped out. They kindly greeted the two of them before going on their way.
“Huh… Jamina seemed shocked. I wonder what happened between her and Aunai,” asked Carina out loud.
Nobina, having no clue as to what could have happened, merely gave a shrug.
The two stepped into her office, where they could see a big grin on Aunai’s face. The moment her eyes locked on to Nobina, she couldn’t help but stand up.
“Amazing news Nobina,” said Aunai. “I have news that Fay is in the capital, and I have a good chance of making contact with her.”
Immediately, all worries and doubts Nobina vanished in an instant. One of her major goals was suddenly within reach, with her having the urge to complete it now at the forefront of her mind.
“Fay? Are you saying I can meet her?” asked Nobina, her eyes sparkling in a radiance that surprised Carina.
“Potentially,” nodded Aunai. “She’s apparently an S-rank adventurer, so I was planning to make a request to have her assist with the dragon hunt. Of course, I’d also mention you to hopefully convince her to rush over. You can never know if she’d leave the capital to go somewhere else. Especially since I heard her venture in the capital to “spread the way of cosplay” seemed to fail and she might be looking to do it elsewhere. I have no idea what cosplay is, but it must be something special for her to mention it to the interviewer.”
That last part of the news basically confirmed it. Only the Fay she knew would have an interest in cosplay. No other person in the world should know what that was either.
“Really… Fay was always pretty good at accomplishing goals, so I’m surprise she had such a hiccup. I guess something to ask her when we meet,” nodded Nobina.
As she said that, her Gaze bag glowed again. Both Carina and Aunai stared at her as if motioning her to answer it. However, Nobina merely shook her head.
“We have a bit more pressing matters to attend to,” said Nobina, her voice reflecting a new shift in mood. Things seemed to tense up as Nobina began talking.
“I want to make sure that this meeting with Fay happens Aunai. If there’s anything I can do, don’t hesitate to ask. I will do whatever is within my power to assist.”
The two of them were surprised at the sheer determination that they were seeing from Nobina. As the two had seen her in her more normal state, it was a clear sign that she was prioritizing meeting Fay at all costs.
“Wait,” said Carina, remembering the reason they came there. “Aunai. Something serious has happened. I have sponsored Nobina for Nobility by Merit and need a co-sponsorship.”
Both could see Aunai’s face drain as she sat back down.
“You can’t be serious…”
“What’s wrong?” asked Nobina, confusion showing all over her face. “It’s just a test I have to take, right? Even you wanted me to become a noble, so…”
Aunai looked at Nobina, shaking her head.
“I know. However, it’s no longer necessary to put yourself at such a risk to potentially meet Fay. My previous recommendation was assuming you’d do anything to meet her but…”
Nobina went silent immediately before instantly blowing up.
“What do you mean risk! What is this test!”
Both of them looked at each other, with neither wanting to break the news. However, Aunai finally spoke up, her voice now reflecting how serious the test was.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“The Test of Merit is a trial to determine whether or not someone is worthy to join nobility. Some nobles treat it as a joke and make it impossible. Others have requirements so low that they make people very undeserving nobles, drawing the ire of the other lords usually. However, Lord Kasanta’s Test of Merit is seen as the golden standard. One who takes the test is someone who would have his full support if they became a noble. However, if one wastes his time and has a poor showing, he has not hesitated to execute both the person testing and sponsored noble in the worst cases.”
All the joy and determination she was feeling was instantly shattered with a newfound dread. The idea of dying before meeting her dear friend or accomplishing her dream was horrible. Her eyes instantly fell to Carina, who looked away.
“He left me no choice,” said Carina. “Doriten would have likely done worse to you if he learned your secrets. Not to mention the fact you resisted his command is... well… unthinkable. I don’t recall stories of anyone resisting the command of nobility besides S-ranks or those of substantial power.”
“She’s right,” said Aunai, giving a nod. “Doriten would do everything in his power to compel you to his side if he learned about who you are and what you have. If you do become a noble, it would at least protect you from him, though I guess Lord Kasanta would try to use you…”
When she said that, something seemed to click in Aunai’s head.
“But don’t worry about any of this Nobina,” said Aunai, a clear nervousness overcoming her. “As long as your protected by an Alpha Death Hare, no harm shall befall you! Actually, you should probably convince it to come to your side. Wait! The city might be in danger if you did that… though if you were to be harmed...”
Aunai was beginning to ramble, with Corina now becoming confused.
“What are you talking about Aunai? What Alpha Death Hare? Aren’t those like… myths?”
“Very real,” she responded back, slamming her desk. “Lila herself has shown fear due to seeing one and her identification skills are top notch. Man, why does everything have to be so complicated…”
“That’s what I’m saying,” said Nobina, feeling as if someone was getting her. “My life is such a complicated mess. Even right now it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. Learning about Fay. Learning about a test that could kill me. On top of my ever-growing complicated life, it’s just… too much.”
Nobina didn’t notice she was breathing heavily as she had spoken her heart out. She was once again feeling overwhelmed, but instead of internalizing it, she had let it all out.
Carina, who was feeling confused as well, took a deep breath.
“Nobina… I find that in times like this, clear minds prevail. Sure, a lot of good and bad is happening and even Aunai is showing herself being affected, but panic helps no one. As you know, even my life is in danger should you do poorly, but I have full confidence in you. Me having doubts dominate my thoughts when we have so many lives on the line right now with the crisis would not be good. I need to be at my best to not only help others, but to represent nobility in the best light.”
As she said that, another flash of light appeared from her bag. Nobina had no intention of opening it, but it didn’t stop a hand from taking another water ballon and dropping it onto the floor.
“No wait,” said Nobina, trying desperately to stop the disaster. However, it was too late.
An explosion of water once again wet Nobina and Carina, as well as their immediate surroundings.
Carina merely stood there in silence, her speech ruined by the water now running down her clothing… again. Nobina, on the other hand, merely bowed and apologized as much as she could, saying her ring was still unavailable. At the very least, Aunai seemed to find the whole thing funny, laughing as she saw what was unfolding.
“Ah… that was good,” said Aunai, now calm herself. “I’m sorry you two. Showing a side that is unbecoming of a guild master is unacceptable and I hope you accept my apology.”
Both of them stopped what they were doing, their eyes on Aunai. Seeing her radiate calm and professionalism naturally reminded them that they were her employees at the end of the day. They both stood at attention and gave a bow.
“We apologize for such behavior unbecoming of guild officers,” they both said in unison.
There was a new aura of professionalism over the three. Despite everything that was happening, they were all members of the adventuring guild. While Nobina might have been a guest of the Navira guild, she also had an obligation to represent the Agora Adventuring Guild to the best of her capabilities.
“Now then,” said Aunai. “Let us start from the beginning and discuss matters without any unnecessary side-discussion. Your personal matters are important Nobina, so we shall include them as well.”
With that, the three of them spent the next hour discussing matters in order of importance. The first matter of discussion was regarding the dragon and financial crisis. Aunai updated the two on the status of the situation. They had already initiated the evacuation of Wistern before Aunai gave the official command, which was why there was already news of the dragon sighting in the city and amongst the adventurers. Luckily, there was no new report on the dragon itself, but they were still on the look out for it.
“I know you have this test to worry about, but I hope that you focus on helping with the crisis Carina. As for you Nobina, please do not worry. Both Carina and Mustan have dealt with crises like this before, so they will be able to do so without your assistance. Your focus understandably will be towards this test.”
“Alright,” nodded Nobina. “What about the test? What should we do regarding it, considering it should come up soon if Carina is right about Dorina likely triggering it himself.”
“It is problematic, but there are odds you won’t need to deal with the test immediately,” said Nobina. “Lord Kasanta understands the current crisis and is likely not in a position to host the test. For now, you should prepare but assume the test won’t be anytime soon.”
Nobina gave a nod. It was a relief that there was a chance that she’d have some time to prepare, but she knew the thought of it would continue to weigh on her.
“Now… Let’s see what else there is to discuss…”
“I have a few things to say,” responded Carina.
It was Carina’s turn to lead the discussion, with her basically explaining what she knew about the Test of Merit. From what she knew, the test consisted of testing one’s morals, strength, and mind, and lastly, a special test that only Lord Kasanta knows. From what she knew, only two people had passed all four and became Nobles by Merit under Lord Kasanta. The rest faced various punishments, from forced training to help them become noble-ready to the worst case, which was the death of the tester and their sponsors.
“By having Aunai sponsor you, the worst case should be impossible. At the very least, you should be prepared to face forced training. It might be a secret boon, but so far, the three who have been under the training have all become individuals that were unbecoming of nobility. Thus… well… all three are dead.”
“That’s good to hear,” said Nobina, keeping as calm as possible. “Do you know whether items can be used during the tests”
“They can, but it might reduce how favorable Lord Kasanta looks upon you. These tests are to test you, not your ability to get powerful items. Abilities would likely be fine thought.”
Nobina gave a nod. She had her sword ability at least, so it would likely help. She also had her recall ability, so she had some ways to get additional knowledge that would fall under ability usage rather than item usage. Deep down, she was regretting not practicing her abilities more, but there was no time to mope on it too long.
“Alright. So the Gaze bag will likely be out for usage,” said Nobina.
“Not necessarily,” said Aunai, drawing both of their attention. “The Gaze bag can, by all accounts, be considered an item bestowed upon you by a god. Thus, it wouldn’t be considered wrong to say that Lord Kasanta might approve of its usage. After all, you can’t deny how much it has become a part of you Nobina.”
Looking at the Gaze bag, Nobina’s eyes widen. Aunai had a point. The Gaze was something that had so much influence on her life at this point that she would be a completely different person without it. Of course, it might be considered an item at the end of the day, but the Gaze had entities behind it that were real. Individuals with their own tastes and preferences. She had no idea who or where they came from, but some had left their own marks. Those marks had given them faces in her mind to remember them by, at the very least.
“You might be right,” said Nobina, looking at her bag. “The Gaze is a part of me at this point. Both my pain and happiness are things that it understands and reacts to. Or in some cases, the Gaze itself causes those things. I cannot see how the Gaze and everything it has given me should be discounted in the test.”
Carina shook her head.
“We’ll have to see where Lord Kasanta stands with that. But for now, work under the assumption that you and you alone will be taking this test.”
With that, the three continued their discussion. Besides those two things, there wasn’t much left to discuss. Nobina gave an update on the progress of the potential accounting system swap, while Carina informed her of the progress of their work regarding the financial crisis. On Aunai’s end, she informed them that she was working on resolving the crisis herself and would try to get as many S-ranks to assist as possible, Fay included.
Once the talk was done, Aunai gave a nod.
“That should be sufficient for now. Get some rest Nobina. As for you Carina, you can also take a break, but if I know you…”
“I shall continue my work,” she bowed.
Aunai gave a chuckle, figuring that was the likely response. With that, both of them left the room, leaving Aunai to herself.
“Oh Nobina… I’m sorry that things have become so complicated for you. However, you are someone I feel is capable of handling everything. Please do your best… not only for your sake, but for the sake of us all. You surviving… is likely what holds back Pausers from the unfathomable destruction that would proceed should any serious harm befalls you…”