Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken (WN) 2018

c60 - A bit sudden, but let's have a test

The inside of the cla.s.sroom was silent.
So silent, in fact, that you can hear the students swallow saliva.
Ranga ran up to me while waiving his tail.

「Alright, kids, have you been working hard?」

Though I faced them with a bright smile, they did not return it.
Of course, if I consider things from their perspective, it makes more sense–they just might think of me as just some b.a.s.t.a.r.d to kill.
However, this world follows the survival of the fittest principle.
There's only one thing you can hate–your own weakness.

「Okay! Kids, you seem to have things to say, so let's have a test!」

I so declared.

「Wha-! How did it turn into that!」
「A t-test?」
「Ueee!!!」

They responded with loud criticism.
Yep. Tests are hated in just about every world.

「Hey, don't worry! It's not like I don't get what you're saying.
But listen,
What will happen from now on is absolutely necessary for you!」
「Why?! We'll just kick the bucket sooner or later!
There's no point to studying, is there?!」
「R-right... all the teachers until now have been bringing us toys or picture books telling us to have fun...」
「We haven't studied from the moment we have come here...」
「I... want to read... more picture books...」
「.....」

All they do is complain.
However, they lack yesterday's "vigor". Did they tire themselves out picking on Ranga?
Well, I guess the fact that they even responded to my words is admirable enough.
But, this is necessary to them. Unfortunately, I cannot compromise on this.

「Alright. I understand your point.
But, the test (game) that we'll play from now one will help you kids... you brats get to vent some anger. It should be fun.
In a second, you will have a mock battle with me.
The rules are simple. You can go all out and use anything you want. Should you bring me down, you win.
If I am still on the run after twenty minutes, I win. Simple?」
「Just that?」
「Yeah. We'll have the test inside this room. I'll erect a barrier, so no one can get out.
Those observing also cannot help.
Do you understand the rules? If you do, then decide who goes first!」

A simple mock battle.
I am not planning on attacking at all. I just want to verify their abilities.
If they are incapable of acquiring a unique skill, I wouldn't know of another method to consume the terrible power in their bodies.
According to my a.n.a.lysis, their magical energy, as compared to monsters, would have them A ranked at least.
Though adventurers rely on fighting strength to decide their ranks, monsters tend to judge by power alone.
I was at first surprised to see B rank adventurers whose magical energy is hardly C ranked.
I only learned of this after having become an adventurer myself.
Normal monsters do not concern themselves with skill proficiency, so they were usually evaluated based only on raw abilities. Of course, there are plenty of monsters that do hone their skills...
So generally speaking, these kids are A ranked.
If they can properly use their abilities, they should be formidable opponents...

They finally decided the order.
With an eager face, Misaki Kenya is coming at me.
He's just an eight year old troublemaker. Is he the leader of these brats?

「Hey! I can use the sword, right?」

Impudent little...!

「Go ahead. And brat, when you lose, I'll have you address me politely from then on!」
「Hmph! I won't lose to a lousy adult. I've only lost against Shizu-san!」
「Heeeeh. How about you leave the self praise for after you win?」

Thus we were ready for the match.
I'll have the children keep time. I acquired a sand watch the other day, and showed the kids how to use it.
Now then, shall we start?