In the evening, after finishing their meal and returning to the room, Reina suddenly declared this.
The three others, confused, looked at her blankly.
"Don't you guys understand? Things have gotten bad, so we need to discuss it!"
"Bad things?"
"It's about you!"
Reina barked at Mile, who asked in a carefree voice.
"You didn't notice! The way the other students look at you!"
"Wait, am I that popular?"
"No! Well, I wouldn't say you're unpopular, but it's your 'storage' they're after!
They're trying to get close to you one after another, hoping to join your party when you graduate!
We need to do something before things get out of hand. Originally, you are—"
"Eh?"
"Never mind! Anyway, you need to know that a bunch of guys are after you, not because they like you, but because they want your storage magic! We need to do something, right?"
"Whaaat!"
Mile was shocked, while Mavis and Pauline looked like they had just realized something.
"Got it? Most of the people here are over fifteen years old.
Those who became hunters right after turning ten usually start at F rank and can reach D rank within a few years. Once you reach D rank, you can take on any job, so there's no need to come here. So, talented ones who joined the guild at ten don't need to come here. They wouldn't make young children fight high-level monsters, no matter how talented they are.
So, the ones who come here are those who became hunters a bit later and were deemed talented enough to quickly rank up, like us.
Mile, you're an exception, but that's probably because of your storage magic, so I can understand."
Reina continued.
"Most of the people here are adults. Some are looking for party members before graduation, while others are looking for both party members and romantic partners.
Mile, you can use storage magic, you seem easy to manipulate, and you're quite cute. You're too good a catch. Got it?
Any questions?"
"......No."
Mile hung her head in dejection.
"So, when you get invitations to join parties after graduation, just say, 'I already have a roommate.'
If someone asks you out, say, 'I'm not interested in that right now. I want to focus on training.' Got it?"
"Yes!"
Mavis and Pauline understood when they saw Mile's reflexive response and Reina's satisfied smile.
(Ah, I see......)
That's how it was.
"Oh, right, we need to decide on a leader!"
At Mavis's suggestion, the other three pointed at her.
...Mavis.
The oldest, tallest, and most impressive-looking, Mavis seemed the most suitable.
The others were a short and impulsive one, a short and absent-minded one, and a timid and scheming one.
There was no other choice.
The next day.
In the morning, they had lectures, and in the afternoon, practical training on the field.
"Alright, everyone's here.
Before we start the regular training, we'll assess your levels today. We'll observe your combat abilities one by one. Form groups by class."
Following Elbert's instructions, the students regrouped by class.
The three other instructors, besides Elbert, were also present.
Huey, who taught daggers, throwing knives, and archery.
Neville, the magic instructor, who specialized in offensive spells.
Jilda, another magic instructor, who specialized in support and healing spells.
All of them were former hunters.
While they had their main specialties, they could assist each other when needed.
Among the students, there were more males in the swordsman and archer classes, and no females in the spearman class. Conversely, there were more females in the mage class.
Considering physical abilities, it was natural for more males to qualify for frontline roles, and many males preferred sword skills even if they could use some offensive magic. The main reason was the higher number of male applicants.
On the other hand, despite the smaller number of female students, there were more female mages, which was also understandable.
All the students wore their own armor, but weapons were provided, so they didn't bring their own.
Using real swords in mock battles would result in injuries, so it was natural.
Fortunately, Mile, who usually dressed like a swordsman despite being a mage, didn't stand out among the mages.
Mages didn't necessarily wear robes; most wore light leather armor or thick cloth, so Mile's leather chest plate and boots didn't make her stand out.
However, if she equipped her personal weapon, she would stand out.
While other mages used staves or rods, Mile used a slightly shorter short sword.
Mages relied on spellcasting, so they preferred weapons that didn't require much attention or concentration, such as staves or rods.
Mile, however, found swords and spears more effective for combat.
She was even considering getting a slingshot.
While a slingshot didn't fully utilize her strength, it was better because it was less likely to cause accidents due to her physical build.
It was also easier to hide and convenient for various situations.
Bows required carrying arrows, which was a hassle, while slingshots used small stones and were more versatile.
Her accuracy would be enhanced by the Nanochans' trajectory correction, so it should be as good as a bow.
"Begin!"
While Mile was lost in thought, the mock battles among the swordsmen had already started.
They used wooden swords, of course.
The instructors weren't that cruel to start with real swords.
Impressive, these elite hunter candidates, all over fifteen years old, performed much better than the mock battles at Exland Academy.
The first pair fought a good match, and one of them won with a hit to the torso.
The subsequent matches were also close.
With similar ages and top-tier skills from various regions, the skill levels were not drastically different.
Mile watched the matches carefully, memorizing everyone's levels.
She was a good learner. With enough practice, she could improve.
There were thirteen male swordsmen, so the last one was paired with a female, Mavis.
The last male seemed strong, but Mavis, being older and taller, overcame the physical disadvantage and won impressively.
The defeated male was initially stunned but soon smiled and bowed to Mavis.
(Ah, she's mature......)
Mile, recalling her childish attitude at eleven, looked distant but soon clapped for Mavis.
After the last female match, Mile thought the next would be the spearmen.
"Hey, Mile. You said you can use a sword. Show us."
"Eh?"
Elbert's unexpected words made Mile exclaim.
(Refusing......is impossible. I have to do it.
But I've been observing everyone's levels carefully. It'll be fine, it'll be fine......)
While Mile was steeling herself, Elbert chose her opponent. Most of the students volunteered, so a slightly weaker one was chosen.
(Why does everyone want to fight me so much! Is it bullying? Is it bullying?)
Of course, they would later apologize, ask if it hurt, and invite her to a debriefing with tea and snacks.
"Begin!"
The mock battle started with Elbert's command. Mile, using a wooden sword, defended against the male's continuous attacks, and the male defended against Mile's attacks. It was a close match. Eventually, the male's hit to Mile's torso decided the match.
Mile was a good learner.
"......"
After the match, Elbert, who had been silent and deep in thought, called the male who fought Mavis and moved away from the others.
They talked, and the male student suddenly seemed angry and confronted Elbert.
After more discussion, the male reluctantly nodded, and they returned.
"Alright, Mile's second match."
"Eh?!"
Not just Mile, but the other students were also buzzing.
"Alright, begin!"
The forced second match began.
The male seemed reluctant.
Fighting a younger, smaller girl, a mage, after losing to a female swordsman, was not honorable or satisfying.
However, it was part of the class and training, so he had no choice.
The intense battle continued, and Mile was getting anxious.
(Why do you keep aiming for the unarmored spots!)
He attacked her sword arm, neck, and the gaps in her armor with all his might. If she took those hits, she might end up with bruises. Mile kept blocking with her sword, pretending to be desperate.
Finally, an opportunity came.
(Good, an attack on the armor!)
Smack!
Another hit to the torso, just like the first match.
(Good, it's over!)
Mile, relieved, saw her opponent looking at Elbert, not her, with a stunned expression.