Chapter 36

The dark clouds in the examinations

(Now then… I have to find some monsters . )

I stood up from where I’m sitting at and started walking around .

What I’m wearing is not my school uniform .

I now look like a woman who lives in a fantasy world seen in movies and novels .

It seems that I’ve been a little conscious that I’m a “woman” because of it’s gaudy design .

[It is said that clothing that is effective towards the “opposite sex” will have the ability to enrich the magic energy within you . That’s the reason why the design for this clothing have this kind of appearance . Especially for the S-Rank Heroes, you must have an equipment such as this!]

Or so, that’s what the goddess had said .

I wonder if she’s telling the truth .

I had reduced the exposure that this clothing gives since I’ve wore this yesterday .

(I’m still feeling a bit embarrassed wearing this though…)

I have never liked the idea of exposing my body .

That’s why I was still wearing black tights even when I was in uniform .

Though I say that, it is also a fact that the protection that the school uniforms we used to wear just offers a minimal protection for our body .

There must have been something magical (?) within this garment like the goddess’ blessing .

My top priority now should be the preservation of my life .

It’s uncomfortable, but I have no choice but to endure .

Resigning myself to my fate of walking this woods almost exposed, I continued walking around this woods .

(… a hero, huh . )

I don’t like being called by something like that .

It’s like the title is forcing us to hold onto our courage .

Raising up our courage so that we could fight against evil .

A magical title given to us that blocks our way of escape .

The expectations and desires of the multiple people who forced us to be courageous .

Hero .

I can’t help but think that this word is a curse bestowed on us .

[—-hmm!?]

I felt someone’s presence .

I quickly prepared my spear .

[Haaa… Haaa… . uwaaahh! So- Sogou-san!]

[…Kashima-san?]

If I remember correctly, she must have been part of Ikusaba Asagi’s group .

Currently, the heroes has been spontaneously divided into groups .

Factions .

It hasn’t changed even back when it was in our classroom .

[What’s wrong?]

[You should adjust your breathing first . It’s not like I’ll run away or anything . ]

[I’m sorry… t- thanks…]

Kashima Kobato .

Back when I saw her in the class, she’s quite a relatively quiet young girl .

But, the fact that she’s here means…

(She has passed the qualification rite that the goddess has conducted, huh…)

I was asleep at the time that the rite had been conducted so I wasn’t able to see how the trial went .

However, I thought she was a young girl who wouldn’t even hurt a fly, much less kill them .

Or it could be that,

(Ikusaba-san may have done something…)

Ikusaba Asagi looks like someone who would do cunning things so that she could achieve her goals .

She must have done something that made Kobato pass her test .

Kobato’s breathing finally stabilized .

[Umm… A very strong monster called Kogyuuki was mixed in with the monsters that the people of the castle had brought in