Chapter 173.2
The objective hasn’t changed .
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After making them understand that, the slaves turned to Ryouma once again .
“Umm… The decision will be made according to the contents of the battle, but you’re likely to have a better result if you can secure the victory . If the gap between you and your opponent is too big, the battle will end too soon, and you won’t have much of an opportunity to show off your strength .
Please take that into consideration when you make your decision, and do be sure to show us thoroughly your abilities . Lastly, please note that the slimes you will be fighting aren’t normal slimes . They’re a higher variant, so please do be careful . ” [Ryouma]
“Now then, please return to the waiting room . You will be given 5 minutes to decide your opponent, then you will each fight your chosen opponents one at a time . ” [Orest]
When Moulton said that, the employee waiting by the wall took the 10 slaves away .
They immediately vanished into the other side of the door .
“I wonder what kind of answer will they arrive to . I’m really looking forward to it . ” [Orest]
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“Looks like you’re finally showing your true colors…” [Serge]
“Oh, please do excuse me . Takebayashi-sama proposed a very interesting exam, and I simply can’t help but let a dribble leak . ” [Orest]
In response to Moulton, who appeared to have stopped hiding his true nature, Ryouma wryly smiled to himself and remarked that it wasn’t his fault .
There would be no end to it if the four adults reacted to every single thing, so they didn’t react .
“Giving them multiple choices and then telling them that the ‘victor’ will be ‘highly appraised’ . With this the difference in skill will be clear as day . ” [Orest]
“That’s not really why I gave this exam, though . It’s more that there’s simply no way of knowing what kind of person will come to the store . It could be just some drunks, but it could also be hired thugs like last time… Personally, I think it’s more important to see ‘how they act after identifying the targets as hired thugs’ . The results are secondary . ” [Ryouma]
“Oh? To be more precise, exactly by what standards are you judging them?” [Orest]
“First, before the battle begins, I will ask each candidate their reason for choosing their respective opponents . I need to know how they think and how they value things . The grading will be based on whether their thinking and sense of values match the role I need them to fill . ” [Ryouma]
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“I see, I see… Of those 10, I wonder just how many will be able to discern that… Still, I have to say, Takebayashi-sama, you are rather mischievous yourself, aren’t you?” [Orest]
“It’s no lie that I’m a D Rank adventurer . ” [Ryouma]
“Are you really not aware that your actual abilities neither match your appearance nor your rank?” [Orest]
As Ryouma faithfully answered the jovial Moulton’s questions, eventually, it was time for the test .
“What did the candidates decide?” [Orest]
“Two chose to fight the three slimes . Five chose to fight Takebayashi-sama . Three chose to fight Fei-sama . ” [Employee]
“Very well . Let us proceed as planned and start from the least to the most popular . ” [Orest]
“Understood . ” [Employee]
As Moulton instructed his subordinate, Ryouma opened his Dimension Home and took out three of his slimes . He lined them up right where the spar was to take place . Before leaving them, he covered them with a cloth to prevent others from seeing how they looked .
The first candidate to appear was a man wielding a practice sword . The blade of the sword has been flattened prior . Without hesitation he walked straight up to Moulton and the others and greeted them .
“I’ll be in your care . ” [Candidate 1]
“Likewise . Before the match begins… Tell me . Why did you choose the slimes?” [Ryouma]
“It is simple . I chose the opponent where victory was surest! I will win! Without a doubt!” [Candidate 1]
“Thank you for giving a clear answer . Take your position . ” [Ryouma]
Young and energetic . A good man .
But despite thinking that, Ryouma didn’t rate his reply highly .
(Choosing the most certain of the paths is a good thing . I wouldn’t want a gambler among the guards of the store . They have to protect the employees, who can’t fight for themselves, so what we need are reliable people . Of course there are times when you have to risk your life, but now is not such a time .
There is one problem, though . He says that he’s certain of his victory, but on what basis is he saying that? I’m guessing it’s because he’s fighting slimes… I mentioned prior that they were higher variants, but it would appear that even then, he doesn’t think much of them . It’s good to be energetic, but his judgment is lacking .
As for his personality, he strikes me as a bright young man who gets along well with others . He can probably hit it off well with the other employees . He’ll probably be fine if it’s just looking after the customers, but… It’s a little disappointing . )
When the man arrived at an area some distance away from where Ryouma and the others were seated, Ryouma roused himself from his thoughts and gave the signal . When he did, the slimes crawled out from the cloth that had been put over them .
“Huh?” [Candidate 1]
When the man saw the slimes, his eyes swayed a little .
The body of the slimes were dazzling as the light of the sun easily fell upon them from the clear sky .
These slimes were none other than the metal slimes that often lived as Ryouma’s katana or sheathe .