As he left we started to talk to each other by starting it off with an introduction.
"Before we start, let's first introduce ourselves."
"Yeah I think that would be better."
"Well then I'll start, my name is Kim and here is my brother Kurt."
"After Kim and his brother next was the supposed couple."
"My turn then the name's Talia. "
"Mine's Gibson."
After them were two brothers who seems to be twins and they talk in unison
""Us brothers are named dane and dale""
Then next was James.
"As you've heard my name James, just call me James."
After him was me.
"I'm Bolt."
We could have introduced ourselves earlier at the carriages but when there was a person holding on to his dear life it. Well, it was just very awkward that we had to stay silent throughout the ride.
"Alright then since we are needed to survive this test as a group I suggest we assign a leader. and I would gladly take on that role for you all."
"Out of the question."
"Eh, why?"
""The leader would likely receive more points, duh.""
"But who do you guys think, should it be then?"
Things take a turn after the introduction. Everyone doesn't want to be outperformed by the others they are now arguing especially the guy gibson who suggested to become the leader.
"Stop!"
James suddenly yelled, stopping them from arguing.
"This conversation won't end if you guys continue to argue. We don't have all day, it's already midday."
"Then what is it that you suggest we do?"
"First let's eat and then decide who the leader will be later."
Everyone agreed as they took a spot and ate what they had brought.
~~~~~~~~
After eating we then made a choice who amongst us is going to be the leader.
"We can't vote on this at the start since we don't know each other that well. So how about we show our guild cards and announce one of our great feats."
"That's still not gonna work. How will we know if the others are telling the truth?"
"We won't, this is just a waste of time."
"How about we make a plan for this test and see who comes up with a better idea and vote among those ideas."
"Yeah I guess that will be fine."
"Okay then first let's show our guild cards and then make a plan ourselves."
"Okay."
"I agree."
"As long as it doesn't limit my skills then it's good."
"Let's start then." After half an hour we all present our ideas.
After that we each made plans by ourselves to work in groups while others go solo like me.
Then after half an hour we then gathered back to showcase our ideas.
In the end I was chosen as the leader. Because of two things, my rank is the highest and my plan is quite sound.
I mean I just used common knowledge about camping from anime. And didn't expect it to be something they agreed on.
"Okay then now that is done. How are we gonna decide the group?"
"The group of gathers will be mostly men while the women will stay. But let me ask first, who knows how to build a tent and cook?"
"I can cook."
"Building a tent is easy."
"Well building a tent is a basic task we should know."
"I don't know how to fix a tent."
And then James raised his hands.
"Okay, you're in the gathering group."
"Oh me too. I'm good at hunting."
So Kim will go with the gathering group. How about Kurt?
"He's staying, he doesn't have any motivation right now. Plus he's a great cook."
"Okay then Kim, James, Gibson and I will be the gathering group. As for the rest, they will stay and build the tent."
""Sure thing.""
The twin brothers also agreed with the grouping
"Okay let's go."
~~~~~~~
We then went to our respective roles and as we did so we hunted till it was a few hours before night then returned.
We hunted monsters and collected dry woods along the way.
Then as we got back, the tent was ready and a fireplace was already built. Good thing we collected lots of dry wood along the way.
"Good job out there."
"Thanks."
"But really, I had this sudden thought that it would be normal if we just did our things separately. But here we are leaving some of our belongings and dividing our roles."
"Normally it would be as you say but what can we do? You do remember that this is a group work."
"I guess so."
"Anyway things will get easier this way right?"
"Yeah, let's just do our best."
We just talked throughout the night, and as that happened we agreed on a night watch role for each of us before taking a nap.
~~~~~~~~~
And the next day we agreed to go out and do our part in the morning and when it was the afternoon we were free to do what we wanted.
"Haaa."
"He is sighing again?"
"Yup, it's been going on for a while now."
"Why did you guys take the rank-up exam now?"
"Well we were just trying. We heard that the exam won't last long and we could take the academy's entrance exams after."
"I'm guessing you guys have been E-rank for a long time."
"Yeah. We also heard that the rank up test gets easier the second time I guess I now know why."
Not knowing the content is really hard now that we have an idea of the general concept. It will really be easier the next time we take the test.
"Oh what are you carving?"
"Oh I'm just carving runes. I'm practicing since my secondary path is a runesmith."
"Secondary path? Wow, you must have some connections with nobles."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well only those who are nobles get access to a secondary path, while commoners like us are not able to get our hands on that type of manual."
"I see. But since you're attending the sage academy you might get a secondary path."
"I hope you're right."
Technically she's not wrong. I think manuals for pathways are somehow restricted to those on the top. But since they are going to the academy I'm sure there will be a way for them to get a chance to receive resources that were beyond their reach.
I continued to carve on the metal plate I have in my hand. What I'm writing right now are runes to create circuit parts for my products.
These are parts that are needed to create the ordered products. I mean I have free time so why not just do this. Plus these are rank two runes so most if not all of them won't recognize this.
Also hoping the proctor will also not pry on my work.
~~~~~~~
Things go on for the next four days but there is an unexpected outcome. Something even the proctor wasn't able to notice happened until it was late.
"What happened to the monsters?"
"Yeah you're right there isn't any sign of them."
"Did we over hunt?"
"That's impossible."
"Kim, how is it up there?"
"No sign of birds."
"This is strange."
"Let's go back first and discuss this with all of us."
Not knowing what to do we agreed to return early and as we got back in thought of summoning Titan if he can tell me about what's happening.
I heard in my past life animals are sensitive to danger and are able to know if it's close.
Because right now, I have a bad feeling and it just won't go away.
"Excuse me guys for a sec."
"What is it, Bolt?"
"I'm gonna summon my familiar."
"Oh so you got a familiar?"
"What's the big deal? I also have one."
As James said that, I summoned Titan.
"Kuu?"
"Ohh! so cute."
The girls squealed as the saw titan.
He tilted his head as he looked around.
"Hey buddy can you tell if there are any dangers around this place?"
"Kru!"
As I said, he suddenly stretched his neck and made a sound. And as I heard that I made a complicated face.
"What is it?"
Noticing the look on my face they asked me.
"It seems like there is a strong presence over there."
I said as I pointed at the direction Titan looked.
"What kind of presence?"
"I don't know, only that it is ominous and numerous."
"I'm not convinced I'll summon my familiar just to make sure. Also get a hold of your weak beast; it might run after it seeing mine."
"Said James as he proceeds to chant to summon his familiar. "
[Heed my call mighty beast of the land "SUMMON".]
Oh, his incantation is quite different from mine. But this is normal as long as the intent is read, the mana shall answer it. There are also those who can command man without words but chanting can help express one's desire easily.
He then showed a beast which seems to be a sabertooth tiger. Wow this is the first time i saw a sabertooth other than pictures of course
"""Woah."""
We all had the same reaction. We were surprised and amazed by the creature.
"This here is Fang's, well color me surprised he isn't scared?"
He said that as he looked at titan. and seemingly curious the saber tooth tiger fangs took a look at Titans direction.
"Seeing each other eye to eye. Titan started to greet fangs."
"Kuu."
Fangs then jumped at the back of James hearing that.
"Hey what are you-. get down?"
Surprised by what happened, all of them looked at Titan who had a smug look. Me included, this turtle really is mysterious, making me go back to the question of what kind of beast is Titan.