Awakening to a Special-Grade Explorer

――At the headquarters of the Japan Exploration Association, in sports facility 1- Alpha.

"From here, we will begin the selection test for the right to study abroad in Mallorca Escuela. One new seat has been added, and the screening will be conducted in detail by 50 judges with discerning eyes from the top 20 guilds in Japan, as well as 30 top professional explorers affiliated with the association."

Over 500 aspiring explorers gathered in a huge arena space dominated by white. The recruitment age range is from 14 to 18 years old.

Despite the fact that this recruitment was announced just a month ago, the number of applications exceeded 50,000.

About 500 people who passed the document screening have gathered here.

This is a selection test organized by the top 10 guilds in Japan, especially the elite and powerful guild called "CLASS," which is also known as number one in Japan, in cooperation with the association.

The leader of the CLASS guild, Renji Ukai, is a monster who always boasts a single-digit ranking in the world explorer rankings which is announced every year by America's World Explorer Telegram.

This year's ranking is ninth, and his skills are among the top in the world.

It is Ukai who obtained the first Mallorca Escuela slot this year.

"The content of the exam will be conducted in stages, but first we will start with a general physical ability test. The first test alone will take about three days, so please don't overdo it and collapse."

And so――.

Without Tenji’s knowledge, a new battle for the "slot" has begun in Japan.

—-----------------------------------

The exam had intervals shortened day by day, and the sorting of participants began with tremendous force.

In the first test, over 500 participants were narrowed down to about 300.

In the second test, a survival combat skills test was conducted in groups of 10, and only one person who survived was allowed to advance to the next test. At this point, the number of participants had been reduced to 30.

"Well, as expected, it turned out like this."

"Yeah, exactly."

There were two shadows overlooking the 30 remaining warriors through the glass on the third floor, as if looking down on the sports facility 1- Alpha.

One of them was a member of the association, Yujirou Mizuhashi, whom Tenji knows well.

Next to him was ――.

“Was there anyone who could compete with Mr. Ukai’s abilities?”

"Well... that guy and that guy, and maybe that person."

Renji Ukai pointed to three participants without much hesitation.

Mizuhashi immediately compared the data with their faces and began to describe their characteristics and backgrounds.

"The first one I pointed to is Kurenai Tani, a general high school sophomore. No sports experience, but his academic background is quite high. He is from a prestigious private school, but seems to have transferred to a school with lower tuition fees. His family situation seems complicated. And... "

"Ah, he exudes a killing intent."

"Yes, like a high school baseball player who has nothing to lose."

"I want him on our team."

"This looks like the seventh member of CLASS. Let's compete with the association and scout him. We won't lose, will we?"

"Don't be ridiculous."

Ukai seemed to be amused by his conversation with Mizuhashi and smiled slightly.

Watching his reaction, Mizuhashi moved on to the next data.

"Next is..."

"I know him, Rui Inagaki. He’s the child of Flame Inagaki."

"Oh my, if Ukai-san knows him, does that mean you were aiming for him?"

"No, I never thought about it... but he’s caught my eye."

"He’s been through a lot, so I'm proud of his growth that rivals your discerning eyes."

"Is there something else?"

"Well, I have a little connection with him. I can't say much about it though."

"I see."

Ukai showed a slightly bored expression.

He was sulking about something that was going on in a place he didn't know about.

"Next is..."

Mizuhashi was about to say, but Ukai interrupted and picked up his tablet to carefully check its contents.

"Ashuka Damon, huh?"

"Are you interested in him?"

"Oh, the right to have an offer is held by Chariot, Hakusouki, POP, 777, Goldman... almost all major guilds have their hands on him."

"Yes, he has participated in almost all major guild entrance exams and has achieved brilliant results in all of them."

"Why didn't he come to us?"

"Perhaps because we didn't hold an entrance exam?"

"That might be it."

Mizuhashi, who never thought that Ukai would make a joke, opened his eyes in surprise.

Still, Ukai didn't seem to pay attention to Mizuhashi, and was staring at the selection exam venue intently.

"Did any of the other participants catch your discerning eye? I think we've gathered quite a few good talents here."

"...I don't need trash."

"You still have a strong stance, I see. What about that kid? Katsunari Mizue, a promising talent who has already acquired the right to join Chariot."

"Trash."

"Well, what about that one? A student from Japan Explorer High School who has acquired the right to join three major guilds, such as POP and Hakusouki, and wears a white uniform?"

"Even if you pick nice things from trash, they're still trash."

"By the way, do you know a young man named Tenji Amagi?"

Suddenly, Mizuhashi brought up the name of a young man who was not present here.

"Who's that?"

"Oh, he's not here right now. He's quietly studying abroad in Mallorca Escuela."

"Why? What path did he take?"

"I'm not sure. There's someone involved who is a bit of a recluse or socially isolated, like a 'hikikomori,' so even the Association hasn't been able to investigate the situation. Remember when something similar happened before, when you fell in love with Shiroushi Chigo?"

[TLN: “Hikikomori" is a Japanese term that refers to a phenomenon where individuals, typically teenagers or young adults, withdraw from social life and become reclusive, often confining themselves to their homes or bedrooms for extended periods.]

"I still haven't given up on her. Chigo will always be my best partner."

"As always. Anyway, I think that young man is studying abroad in Mallorca Escuela with Chigo."

"...Something smells fishy."

"Yes, it's very fishy. Oh, it looks like it's about to start soon."

"I want to see it up close."

"Shall we go down to the arena then? I'll guide you."

"Please do."

“Yes, I am under the wing of Mr. Ukai, so feel free to ask me anything," said the assistant.

The two of them descended slowly into the arena. The participants who saw Mr. Ukai's presence with their own eyes showed a slightly surprised expression, but quickly shifted their focus to the exam at hand.

The third and final exam was very simple: a survival tournament battle of five participants each.

Two first-grade healers, one male and one female, from the top guild in Japan, [CLASS], were on standby, ready to instantly heal any non-lethal injuries.

In other words, it was a survival game with no rules.

To pass the exam, it was not necessary to win the tournament and become the champion. What was needed was to be suitable in the eyes of Mr. Ukai’s.

The organizer was Mr. Ukai himself.

If he recognized someone talented, the result of the tournament did not matter.

Thus, the final selection exam for a single study abroad opportunity was held among 30 teenagers aged 14 to 18 who had been chosen from among approximately 50,000 applicants.

—----------------------------------------------------------

The survival battles between groups of 5 began, and the 30 participants were reduced to just 6.

Among them were Inagaki Rui, 17 years old; Mizue Katsunari, 18 years old; Kurenai Tani, 17 years old; Damon Ashuka, 16 years old Hosokane Mei, 18 years old; and Kurogou Satoru, 17 years old.

Inagaki Rui was only a first-year high school student, but already a child prodigy who possessed a rare and powerful unique ability. This ability is rarely seen in the world, and he inherited it from his father, who is a first-grade explorer

"Mizue Katsunari used to be a regular student and has a temporary explorer's license. He already received an offer to join Chariot, but decided to take part in this selection test because of the encouragement from Kujo."

Kurenai Tani was a unique presence among them, truly just an ordinary person.

His father had disappeared, and he was raising her five younger siblings with his mother. He was prepared to do anything if it meant that his siblings would grow up well.

Damon Ashuka was a quarter Japanese and French, attending a French explorer high school.

Hosokane Mei and Kurogou Satoru were second-year students at Japan Explorer High School and were considered true prodigies in their field. They were even granted the privilege to wear white uniforms, and had high expectations placed on them for their future success.

They had acquired many internal rights, which is a sign of their accomplishments. That's why they couldn't afford to lose to the unknown competitors they were facing.

This final survival selection test was about to begin with these six people.

"Begin!"

—--------------------------------

"The final outcome was decided in an instant.

"The winner is Damon Ashuka!"

The referee's declaration of victory rang out loudly.

Damon Ashuka sat on top of the body of Kurogou Satoru, a second-year student wearing a white uniform who seemed bored. The other participants were crawling on the ground, bruised and cut from being mercilessly attacked by Ashuka. Rui, Mizue, Kurenai, Hosokane, and Kurogou were unable to do anything against Ashuka's overwhelming power.

It was truly a one-sided, overpowering victory.

Then, the sound of footsteps approached. It was the footsteps of Ukai, who stopped in front of Ashuka and spoke with a sharp gaze and a calm voice.

"Well done. Will you come to our guild?"

"I'm going to Mallorca Escuela."

"I see... I understand. I'll make use of your talent."

"I'll think about it."

The conversation was short, but it seemed to be enough.

Ukai had a smile on his face, the most genuine one he had all day. It was a fierce smile that could kill a tiger with just a glance.

"Such talent, rivaling even Chigo. I want it!"

Ever since watching Asuka's fight, Ukai couldn't stop thinking about those words. He looked down at the young man lying on the ground and said the same thing.

"Kurenai Tani, come to our guild too."

"Me?"

"Just come."

"Of course, I accept your invitation, Mr. Ukai."

"You have good eyes. I'll use your talent. Struggle all you want."

With those words, Ukai turns around and leaves without saying a word to the other participants. His expression looks bored.

And so, the ticket to study abroad at Mallorca Escuela in Japan was handed over to the genius, Damon Ashuka.

After signing the contract, he flew to Mallorca on the same day.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Volume 3 - Afterword]

This concludes Volume 3. Volume 4 will begin in the next installment, which will be divided into two parts.

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