Chapter 34

Layer upon layer, there's no work during winter.

When I say "no work," it's mainly about the guild members. Places that do indoor work remain as busy as ever. For guild members, it's truly a time of idleness.

When it snows in winter, the traffic of carriages almost comes to a halt. This means there's no work as a guard for logistics. And as was the case in the Baroa Forest, there are no monsters. Naturally, extermination quests disappear as well.

This leaves guild members with jobs like carrying loads or patrolling within the city. Even these patrols are mostly handled by the "Regol Security Force," so it must be tough for those without savings.

Still, with the economy being good, there are plenty of temporary jobs available, so it's not like you can't find work. The shacks that used to clutter the slums have been demolished, and the streets are now clean with new houses being built. The population of Regol has increased, and they are also in need of more hands.

So, there are various things you can do.

However, it's also a fact that many guild members are lazy and don't work during winter.

Why?

Because it's cold and troublesome. It's pretty straightforward, right?

I'm one of those lazy ones too.

"Mongrel-san, there's a promotion test for the new Iron Class members today."

On that day, while I was making warm milk by the fireplace in the guild's tavern, Mileine-san called out to me.

"Ah, it's that time already. Is it today at noon?"

"Yes, and I was wondering if you could be the examiner for the test."

Because there's no work during winter, the guild is also idle.

But it would be a waste to just be idle like me, so they hold these promotion tests during this idle period.

After a few months, even the chicks that were once timid and shell-bound can break free.

The rough and unrefined personalities of those who were once farmers become somewhat more disciplined, and they start to take on the air of mercenaries. The guild encourages these new members to participate in the winter promotion tests to re-evaluate them.

After all, there are too many jobs that Iron Class members can't take on, so this is a much-anticipated time for the new members.

"Sure, I'm free. What about the fee? The usual?"

"Thank you. Since there are more people this time, I'll add about 100 gil."

"Generous. That's fine. Taking care of new members is a duty of a senior."

I've been involved in these promotion tests as an examiner a few times.

Even if I'm a bit rusty, I'm still a Bronze 3. I can tell the difference between a male and female Iron Class rookie.

Most importantly, it's a good opportunity to build a rapport with the younger members.

"Hey, Mongrel, are you going to bully the newbies?"

"You can beat up all the cheeky ones, hahaha."

"Idiot, I'm the kindest guild member in Halperia. I'll just stand there with my arms crossed."

"How humble."

Well, how have this year's new members grown?

I've heard about them and know a bit, but there are things you can't tell until you see them in action. Let's see.

"Welcome, Iron Class rookies. I'm Mongrel, your examiner for this promotion test. I'm a Bronze 3 senior. If you talk back, I'll deduct points at my discretion, so show some respect."

In the training ground attached to the guild, covered with dirt, this year's new members were lined up, ... or rather, they were gathered in one spot, albeit haphazardly.

There were 20 of them. Of course, not all of them were present. This was a test of close-combat skills, and some had other commitments. Those who couldn't make it today would take the test on another day.

The new members, who were once noisy and rowdy, have grown to the point where they can behave themselves on such a day.

Now, it's just a matter of confirming their developed skills.

"You who have gathered here are those who aspire to be guild members as close-combat fighters. You can't use bows or magic, but you can deliver powerful blows in close combat. Conversely, it's tough for those who can't do this. I'll be evaluating your strength today."

Close-combat fighters are those who fight with swords, spears, shields, and armor, the typical fantasy equipment.

It's a mundane and ordinary role, but without them, the archers and mages in the backline would be in danger, and the party would collapse. Moreover, close-combat fighters are the ones who can most easily claim monster heads.

For this test, you must at least show that you can fight monsters.

Becoming a guild member is possible with self-reporting, but today, I need to see that you can do more than just wield a weapon.

"Here, think of it as a goblin and attack!"

"Yahh!"

The test is simple.

Each person equips their preferred weapon and attacks in their preferred manner.

I receive their attacks and evaluate them. It's very straightforward.

We use wooden swords, so there's no danger. I wear practice armor and use a kite shield.

If you leave too many openings while attacking, I'll counter with my sword. Naturally, being hit by a counterattack will result in a deduction. A close-combat fighter who dies easily is unacceptable.

"Okay, next, a spear. Good, come at me."

"Alright!"

Most of those who have worked diligently until winter have cleared the minimum requirements.

Having done heavy labor on farms, they can deliver powerful blows.

Many have experience with goblin extermination even before becoming guild members.

Only those with particularly poor sense will fail this time. Well, there are always a certain number of such people every year...

"Ugh, your defense is solid..."

"Good muscles. Did you practice swordsmanship?"

"I did, but..."

"Don't underestimate a veteran Bronze. Here."

"Whoa!?"

I'll use a shield bash to knock back the lively ones.

This is also a counterattack, but it's not a deduction. I'd rather praise them for doing well.

Phew. I'd say about 90% will pass this time.

Most of them could calmly receive my goblin-like wild attacks and had some good offensive moves.

Those who failed probably aren't suited for this. They lack the fundamental sense...

They should practice more or aim for a regular job from a temporary one. It's a harsh reality, but it's too late if you die, and many jobs put more than just your own life at risk.

"Alright, those who pass can take a higher-level human combat test. If you clear it, I'll give you extra points."

"Higher level?"

"I'll do it!"

"Will you do it!?"

"If you're doing it, I will too!"

From here, it's an additional test for those who pass.

It's a kind of aptitude test commissioned by the country. Those who pass are recognized by the country for skill points.

"Morningstar. ... It's made of wood and the spikes are rounded, but it's the strongest long weapon adopted by the Sangreal army."

When I showed them the long, spear-like weapon, the young guild members couldn't help but gasp.

The morningstar. It's the main weapon of the Sangreal Holy Kingdom's army and a symbol of terror in this country, having massacred tens of thousands of Halperians.

In my previous life, a morningstar was a mace-like weapon, a club with a spiked iron ball.

But in this world, the morningstar is extremely long with uneven spikes. The sight of soldiers wielding these weapons is terrifying.

Even the strongest armor is useless against a reinforced man swinging a morningstar.

If you get hit by the iron ball, it's over. So, what do you do?

"You have to either dodge the morningstar and get close to land a hit, or cut the handle of the morningstar with your wooden sword without hitting the iron ball. If you can do either, you pass."

It's not a weapon they're used to, but they swing it with all their might.

Gripping the end and swinging it widely, or sometimes gripping the middle for faster swings and close combat.

Seeing my practice swings slicing through the air, the young men were a bit intimidated.

"But this time, I won't move slowly like in the previous test. That was at the speed of goblins or hobgoblins. This time, I'll move at the normal speed of a Sangreal soldier. Only those who aren't afraid should participate."

"...I'll do it!"

The young man who was knocked back by the shield bash was the first to speak up.

Good spirit. Honestly, I'd like to give him extra points just for that, but it's a directive from the country. The reward is only if you clear it.

"I'll do it too! I'm not afraid of that weapon!"

"I thought the previous test was too easy. This is fun."

"Me too, me too!"

Well, given that they chose to be close-combat fighters, they are indeed full of fighting spirit. No one is shrinking back.

...The country probably wants them to get used to fighting the Sangreal army early on. It's a harsh system, but that's the reality.

"Alright, let's start the additional test! Be careful not to get hurt!"

In the morningstar test, about 10% of the participants passed.

Those who cleared it can be proud. Those who didn't should use their frustration as motivation.

And please don't hate me like you would a Sangreal person just because you lost. I'm a Halperian. Don't get too into character.

I made sure to drive this point home after the test.

I don't want to be the target of discrimination over something trivial.