Chapter 81.1 - The First Year at the Academy - Final Exams (1)
Winter is approaching in earnest in Selene.
Although not as cold as in Reedwald, the mornings and evenings are getting colder, and people wear heavy clothing.
Even so, I felt a strange sense of liveliness.
It seems that everywhere in the world when the end of the year approaches, there is a sense of restlessness.
Lola and I headed for home along this unusual boulevard.
I wondered how it would be at this time of the year.
I was somewhat worried, but my fears were unfounded.
"Oh, Alter!"
"Welcome home!"
As I peeked out of the alley, Ted and the others noticed and called out to me.
The three were the usual suspects, wooden cups in their hands.
They were taking a break from working out.
They were drinking Nails' [Pure Water]. He has improved even more since then and somehow could activate it for the three of us.
"I need to talk to you guys. When you're free, come inside."
"Now is good?"
"Okay. Come on in."
I invited everyone into my home and lit the fireplace.
I rarely use the fireplace because of my [Freezing Resistance 2], but Lola looks cold, and Ted and the others who had been working out get cold quickly.
As I headed to the kitchen to boil water, I heard chatter coming from the living room.
They're talking about names, so they're presenting the results of their learning to Lola.
Ted and Gemma sip the tea offered to them, "It's warm," Ted and Gemma sip it deliciously.
They're sipping the tea.
Nails also loosened his cheeks.
Lola, with Ted and Gemma by her side, looked anxious.
She knows what I'm thinking.
I almost opened my mouth a few times, but I couldn't say anything in front of Ted and the others.
I'm sorry, but I'll have to ask you to stay where you are for a little while longer.
I cut right to the chase.
"Are you guys interested in becoming adventurers?
The three of them looked doubtful at my question.
"Of course we do. That's why we're training, right?"
"No, Right now."
"Ha?"
This time, I open my mouth.
After a pause, Ted asks fearfully back.
"Is that …… Adventurer Registration? Now?"
"Yes."
I nodded, and Ted and the others looked at each other – and suddenly jumped up.
"We finally got permission!"
"We did it, Ted!"
"Let's go for it!"
The three rejoiced in three different ways.
It's very funny, but I can't help but wonder.
"Wait a minute. What's forgiveness?"
"I told you we were weak and that you had to be able to read and write! That's why you didn't sign up!"
"I did say that. I thought you didn't have enough money to buy the equipment."
"Oh, ……."
You don't have enough saved up.
Ted and Gemma freeze. Nails next to them anxiously opens his mouth.
"How much money do you need for the equipment?"
"Cheap is as cheap as it gets. The reverse is also true. Let's put that aside for the moment."
I cut him off and looked around at Ted and the others.
"Now, we will conduct a final test to see if you're worthy of being adventurers."
"I thought you forgave me!"
"No, not at all. It's been 6 months since I met you guys. Let's see how much you have grown.
At my declaration, the three stood up, their faces tightening.
"I'll do it!"
Without a word, Ted and the others ran out into the backyard.
They're so energetic. I'm sure that's all it takes to be an adventurer.
I was about to go to the backyard when I looked at Lola.
"You look worried."
"No, I'm just."
"Well, you'll see. They're like that, but they do pretty well."
Lola smiles, but her expression is awkward.
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