Just then, a door opened, and the adventurer walked into the room. His confident stride and battle-worn armor immediately commanded attention.
"Is this everyone?" He yawn. "OK, let's get started. Today, you'll refer to me as Mr. Stone. I'll be your administrator. You all wanted to come here for only one reason, and that is to become adventurers."
As Mr. Stone began to explain the evaluation process and the different aspects of becoming an adventurer, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. The encounter with the mysterious boy had left me feeling self-conscious, but Mr. Stone's words helped rekindle my determination. I needed to focus on the task at hand and prove my worth.
"Alright, let's begin our first test." Mr. Stone said as he sighed for us to flower him. "Usually, we are supposed to be running into multiple tests, but since our current situation is volatile, we will only be doing three tests for the determination of whether you are capable of becoming an adventurer."
We were led to a field of sand where small iron balls were placed. For this test, each individual has to throw the iron ball as far as they can; if the ball lands beyond a certain distance, they pass the test. The goal of this test is to show how strong a person's strength is for a physical challenge.
"Alright, whoever wants to go first, step right up. We have not got all day." Mr. Stone said
The guy I talked to early walked up from the crowds, his face unreadable.
"State your name." Mr. Stone.
"Call me Kael," the guy replied with a hint of determination in his voice.
"Very well, Kael. Whenever you're ready, go ahead and give the iron ball your best throw," Mr. Stone instructed, gesturing towards the iron ball on the ground.
Kael nodded, his focus intensifying. He bent his knees slightly, gripping the iron ball firmly. With a swift motion, he swung his arm back and then launched the ball forward with all his might. The iron ball soared through the air, kicking up a small cloud of sand behind it as it traveled.
My mouth dropped and my eyes wide as the iron ball threw itself across the sky high enough to touch the clouds.
"HUH?! WHAT?! HOW?! How is that possible?" I was too shocked.
That throw is beyond human comprehension. How could this person have possibly achieved such a feat? I was speechless and in awe.
We watched as the ball arced through the sky, and it landed with a heavy thud in the sand, well beyond the designated distance marker.
"Good throw, Kael. Amezing, your ball landed over 50 miles, which is a new record. You've passed the first test," Mr. Stone announced, a hint of approval in his tone. Kael's face remained impassive, but I could sense a subtle hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
GOOD THROW? That throw was abnormal; how is he not freaking out? In fact, why is everyone not overreacting? Why are they acting like that was nothing to them?
Mr. Stone then turned to the rest of us. "Who's next?" he asked, his gaze sweeping across the assembled group of hopeful adventurers. The tension in the air was palpable as each person contemplated their own abilities and readiness to take on the challenge.
Shockingly, nearly everyone in the crowd has literally the same results but not as high as Kael's. They managed to throw as high as possible—more than any human I know can throw.
"Alright, this leads to the last one. You come over." Mr. Stone pointed at me with his pen. "State your name."
"Right." I agreed, then walked over to the field. "My name is Aimi Sasuki."
Mr. Stone wrote down my name on his clipbroad. "Alright, let us see what you got."
As I stepped onto the field, I could feel the weight of everyone's expectations on my shoulders. The previous contestants had set the bar high, and I knew I had to give it my all. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for the challenge ahead, determined to prove my worth to Mr. Stone and the rest of the hopeful adventurers.
I kneel down to grab the small iron ball, and—wait, what the hell?
I feel the iron ball in my hand. Why is it so hard to carry? I saw how those people have no issues holding them, so why is this happening to me?
"Excuse me," I muttered. "What is the weight of this iron ball? And are there different weights in each iron that people throw?"
Mr. Stone looked confused. "What are you talking about, Miss? They are all equally weighted. Each iron holds 60 kg/tonne."
My heart skips a beat. What? 60 kg/tonne? How? That's impossible! How would a normal person manage to throw that much weight at a higher distance?
When I realized it, it hit me. I come from a distant planet with a distinct reality. I have no idea how things operate on this planet because I was summoned here. But I'm aware that in addition to the magic existing here, the population is also stronger physically.
"What's wrong with her?"
"Can she lift the thing?"
I heard whispers and small talks from the cowrd judging me, giving me sore eyes. Kael did not say anything but stare at me with awe.
Taking a deep breath, I knew I had to push through this challenge, even if the circumstances felt unfamiliar and unfair. My determination kicked in, and I focused on the task at hand.
Ignoring the weight as best I could, I tightened my grip on the iron ball and tried to channel the strength I felt was hidden within me. With all my might, I swung my arm back and then launched the ball forward, putting every ounce of energy I could muster into the throw.
The iron ball left my hand and soared through the air, albeit at a slower pace compared to the others. It was a struggle, but I managed to get it to a distance that, while not as impressive as the others, still surpassed the required mark.
As the iron ball landed with a thud in the sand, I felt a mix of relief and exhaustion. I had done it against the odds.
"Only 5 miles?"
"That's the lowest range I have ever seen!"
"For real? Is this girl that weak?"
I can feel their eyes on me like I'm some alien. Well, I am. I looked towards Mr. Stone, awaiting his judgment.
Mr. Stone observed the landing of the iron ball and then nodded. "Impressive effort, considering the circumstances," he remarked, a hint of acknowledgment in his voice. "While your throw didn't reach the same distance as some of the others, your determination and adaptability are qualities we value in adventurers."
"Thank you," I replied, a mixture of gratitude and pride in my voice.
Mr. Stone turned to address the entire group. "Congratulations on completing the first test. Remember, becoming an adventurer is not just about raw strength but also about resilience, adaptability, and the ability to overcome obstacles. We have two more tests ahead, so stay focused and give it your all."
As the group dispersed to prepare for the next challenge, Kael came up to me.
"What was that?" He asked coldly.
"What was what?" I respond.
"You know what I mean. How could you not be able to throw a simple iron ball?"
I thought for a moment: Should I really tell him I'm physically weak because I'm from another reality? No, I can't waste time. He won't believe me, and he'll ask too many questions.
"That's not your business; now leave me alone." I answer.
I moved more quickly so he couldn't follow. We eventually made it to the second field, which is marked by its concentric rings and a table covered in wands.