Chapter 15

Its appearance resembled a round mirror hanging on the wall at first glance. However, unlike an ordinary mirror, it didn’t reflect anything—just a thick, sky-blue surface that seemed alien. When I cautiously approached and touched it, ripples spread out in perfect circles as if something had dropped onto still water.

It was already clear this wasn’t any ordinary object. As I marveled at this incredible sight for the first time, the one who spoke up first was none other than the Guild Master who introduced himself as Rohaim.

“This device has caught your interest, I see. It’s a special apparatus created through magical engineering. Designed to absorb external impacts and measure their intensity visually.”

“Our guild evaluates combat levels starting here, considering various factors related to real battle scenarios before assigning a final grade. Depending on the results, you can achieve one of three basic ranks: Bronze, Silver, or Gold. And with numerous missions completed and achievements stacked, you may eventually ascend further into Diamond, Adamantium, or Orichalcon tiers step by step.”

“Of course, higher-ranked members naturally receive broader access to more lucrative missions.”

“Uh… Master, wasn’t that my line to explain?”

“Hmm? Oh yes, it was. Old memories just slipped out without me realizing.”

Recalling his days as a regular staff member guiding new recruits, the Guild Master wore a wistful expression, while the receptionist beside him sighed softly. Judging from this interaction, Mr. Rohaim appeared quite approachable among his employees—if he were authoritarian, she wouldn’t dare react like that.

For some reason, looking at him made me think of what Mark might become when older. But since automatons don’t age, we’ll never know.

Since all designated supervisors had gone home due to the late hour, both the receptionist and the Guild Master decided to oversee the test together.

Before officially beginning, after warming up briefly, I stared thoughtfully at the mirror-like device ahead.

“The first trial involves punching this apparatus with full force,” explained the receptionist nearby. “Don’t worry about hurting your hand—it completely absorbs impact. Think of it like hitting soft jelly!”

Though her words reassured me not to hurt myself, they also subtly implied she underestimated my strength. Despite intending to hold back initially, their dismissive attitude began irritating me. Having never unleashed my true power yet, I resolved to demonstrate ‘a little bit’ of it now.

Without hesitation, I stepped forward and delivered a punch infused with ‘just a hint’ of sincerity…

“Eeek!”

!!!

KWAANG-!!!!!

“!!! KYAAH!!…”

“Hooh…”

The moment my fist connected, an immense shockwave reverberated throughout the testing area accompanied by deafening roars and dazzling flashes of light. The device itself violently trembled as though struck by something colossal.

When everything calmed down shortly afterward, both observers were left utterly astonished.

“Impossible… Maximum capacity! How could this happen…”

“I must admit, even I’m genuinely surprised. The last person to hit max in our branch was years ago—I never expected Karin-san to break that record again.”

While the receptionist doubted her own eyes, the Guild Master couldn’t hide his intrigue despite maintaining composure. Yet, I couldn’t simply celebrate such reactions because I hadn’t anticipated achieving this level either. Even holding back somewhat, the outcome shocked me.

Moreover, had there been many visitors tonight instead of just a few, the massive vibrations would’ve caused quite a commotion across the entire guild hall.

This bizarre evaluation continued similarly thereafter, each challenge resulting in perfect scores showcasing astonishing physical abilities. By the end, the poor receptionist looked half-dead compared to the relatively calm Guild Master.

Admittedly, watching her flustered state gave me slight satisfaction, but part of me wondered if I’d overdone it. Adjusting my efforts now seemed too conspicuous, so I decided to finish all tests flawlessly. Thus prepared, I awaited the final assessment—”Practical Combat Evaluation.”

“For the final test, you’ll face a C-Rank monster, the Stone Golem, in the practice arena! Don’t worry; it’s not a real monster but a magically simulated lifeform replicating its traits and combat style…”

“Excuse me, Kalune-san. May we pause the test for a moment? There’s a proposal I’d like to make to Karin-san.”

“Huh? What kind of…”

“You look exhausted. Why don’t you freshen up a bit? Watching you like this makes me uneasy.”

Approaching slowly, the elderly demon gentleman added, “Let me offer something different for the practical evaluation.”

Instead of probing questions about my past or identity, he suggested changing the opponent for the combat evaluation—to a B-Rank Basilisk rather than the usual Stone Golem.

Seeing my confusion, the Guild Master elaborated, “After reviewing Karin-san’s overall performance, fighting a Stone Golem would merely serve as a boring warm-up exercise. In mere seconds, the match would conclude instantly.”

“Therefore, challenging the more aggressive and demanding Basilisk will provide far greater meaning. Furthermore, appropriate compensation awaits. While standard regulations limit initial evaluations to Gold rank, accepting this alternative grants immediate elevation to Diamond status.”

He emphasized that the choice remained entirely mine, patiently awaiting my response.

Naturally, refusing such an attractive offer made no sense. With the Guild Master bending rules to grant higher rewards, completing quality quests sooner became possible. Plus, this was still only a simulation—not actual combat—and switching back to the Stone Golem anytime remained an option.

Having confirmed these details, I accepted the revised terms. Once everyone returned, including the receptionist, I selected a decent-sized longsword (regretting the absence of a scythe) and entered the practice arena.

Taking a deep breath amidst the chilly air, I steadied myself facing the vast empty space. Suddenly, a brilliant blue magic circle emerged at the far end, filling the room with radiant light.

As the glow faded gradually, revealing the silhouette within, my eyes widened in surprise.

There stood an enormous creature I’d never seen before—its long tongue flickering menacingly as it glared directly at me.