Day 15: Guild Card

Holy Era 6102, Month of the Moon Rabbit, 28th day.Weather: Cloudy

I felt horrible when waking up this morning.They had appeared in my dreams…the bandits.The sensation of cutting through flesh and bones came back to me. The faces that contorted with screams of pain. The swords that swung with rage…Ugh. Just the thought makes me want to vomit… I better go and wash my face for now.

When I left the room and went out into the hallway, I met Ms. Milly and Mr. Gants.Both of them had vacant eyes…like they were dead. Though, I likely looked the same.Realizing this, we all chuckled awkwardly, but no one said anything.

After that, we all had breakfast together…but there was hardly any talking.Everyone chewed their food without making a sound… It tasted so delicious last night, but now I can’t taste anything.But among us, only Ms. Marga seemed quite satisfied. In fact, she was still drinking…I tried to return to my room after eating, but Ms. Marga stopped me.She said that I should get ready, as we were all going to the guild.Ah, that’s right. I needed to collect my reward…

While Ms. Marga was a little drunk and walked cheerfully, the rest of us trudged heavily until we reached the guild.I just wanted to accept the reward and then rest at the inn.

…But then suddenly, a thunder of applause erupted around us.

What!? Why!?My eyes widened and I looked around the room. The warm smiles of many people were turned our way.

As we stood there in shock, the young man behind the desk handed me the reward and my card.The card that came back was different from before. It was black and had a metallic sheen. And there was a white crystal embedded in it.And the rank that was displayed on the card read ‘E’…

My rank has gone up!?

The others were surprised as well. But Ms. Marga was looking at us as she burst into laughter.Hey, wait! Why is she drinking again!?

When I asked for an explanation, it turned out that this whole mission had always been a promotional exam.The prime motive was to have us experience combat against humans. However, it was only normal for people to hesitate and fail on their first try.And so they decided to use an escort mission to drain our energy to the limit, chip away at our spirits, and then have us fight at a time when we’d forget our aversion to hurting people. What is this, Sparta!?

However, in consideration of our safety, they cooperated with the knight’s order, and had some imprisoned bandits go easy on us while attacking the wagons.Apparently, their sentence is shortened if they cooperate, so they do so willingly.Also, the person from the Merchants Guild was actually an Adventurer… The world of adults was certainly twisted…

And then I realized something.

…Ah. Okay. I don’t know anything. I’m a good girl!!

Today’s earnings and expenses:Silver: +70(Mission completion reward, remainder)————————–Balance: 4 silver, 49 bronze

( ´－｀) ﾝｰ　I’m glad that my rank went up, but I feel like I’ve been played in several ways… It is quite frustrating.