Chapter 250 - The Boot Camp Tour - Part Two
"The second group is currently challenging the test of climbing a cliff that faces the lake. Not only do they have to climb the cliff, but they must also swim around the lake first."
That lake must be nearly a kilometer around. After swimming it, they have to haul themselves out of the water and aim for the top of the cliff, which is probably about twenty meters high.
Incidentally, if they fall, they have to start over from swimming around the lake.
Naturally, the monsters won’t let them climb easily. There are bird-type monster nests on the cliff, attacking anything that gets too close. The monsters are weak, but being attacked while climbing should be quite a threat.
The cliff has plenty of protrusions, making it relatively easy to climb, but the monsters' interference and the weight of their equipment will slow them down. The cold from swimming and the wind blowing against them will also be challenging.
"Do you see the point of this test? What's its purpose?"
It’s natural to question the purpose. Those taking the test probably asked the same thing when they first went through it.
"This test, like the first group's, aims to measure physical and mental toughness. They have to swim and climb while wearing their equipment, and if they fail, they have to start over. This puts a lot of stress on them, both mentally and physically. Additionally, climbing a high cliff and the fear of falling are major elements. Overcoming that fear is a crucial part of the test."
So, this test is mainly about overcoming fear.
Everyone has some kind of fear. No matter how strong you become, it’s unlikely to disappear completely. Fear of heights is straightforward and relatable; most people are afraid of them. Being on a high place is scary enough, but climbing a cliff while being attacked by monsters and risking a fall is terrifying. Anyone would be scared.
That’s why fear shouldn’t be denied. It should be accepted and overcome. This test evaluates that.
When faced with difficulties, fear shouldn’t cloud your judgment. In such moments, the ability to think clearly and move your body freely is crucial.
"The point is to overcome fear. I suppose that’s true..."
"Ah, someone has reached the top. They seem to be helping each other, but is that allowed?"
"The final test is not only about individual abilities but also about overcoming challenges as a team. As long as it’s not prohibited, such assistance is actually encouraged."
As we speak, more apprentices are reaching the top. A few have fallen, but they managed to succeed on their next attempt.
These are people who have earned the right to take the final test. But this is just the beginning. The real test is yet to come.
Once the drenched group is lined up, the examiner gives them a new challenge.
"They are now forbidden to use magic. Using magic means revealing their position, which could be detected by sensitive monsters, people with good perception, or magical devices. Advanced magic concealment techniques aside, no magic is allowed from now on. This test simulates stealth operations in real combat."
Moreover, magic isn’t always available. Relying too much on magic can leave you weak when it’s unavailable. The Kikyo Society can’t afford to have weak members.
"What will they do now?"
"Not much changes. They will engage in continuous physical activity and combat without Physical Enhancement Magic."
As we watch, the apprentices start running while still soaked.
Wearing heavy equipment without Physical Enhancement Magic makes even running quite strenuous. Incidentally, using Physical Enhancement Magic here would be considered cheating. However, the examiners’ magic detection isn’t easily fooled. Any use will result in a secret penalty.
While they jog, Margaret provides commentary.
"The backpacks they carry are waterproof and shock-resistant. They contain a change of clothes, rain gear, a blanket, a sleeping bag, a survival kit, a water bottle, seasoning, and tent poles. Besides their main weapon, they also carry emergency kits in their pockets, including throwing knives and healing potions."
The survival kit is a versatile set of tools that comes in handy.
It includes a knife, fishing gear, a compass, a mirror, matches, candles, a wire saw, wire, a sewing kit, a tiny magic lamp, and a pen.
By the way, these are standard equipment in our vehicles, but we don’t usually carry them personally.
"Whoa, monsters are already appearing! They’re quickly dealing with them and moving forward."
Typically, these are insect-type monsters. This one looks like a giant centipede, the size of a cow. It’s disgusting, but it’s just a weak monster.
Many spectators are squeamish about centipedes, so some avert their eyes.
"Ah! That’s terrible..."
"Indeed, it’s enough to make you want to quit..."
The battle itself is going well without magic, but the process is brutal.
The centipede squirts bodily fluids and entrails while thrashing wildly. They’re fighting while covered in the disgusting fluids and organs. It’s the worst.
Monsters have unnecessarily strong vitality. Even with fatal wounds, they take time to stop moving.
Without magic, long-range attacks are limited, and without Physical Enhancement Magic, powerful strikes to crush the head are impossible.
The battle ends soon, but they don’t have time to clean up before jogging again.
"Why don’t they use Purification Magic? Oh, magic..."
"Exactly. In this situation, they’re required not to use magic or reveal their magic power. They also have a strict time limit, so they can’t change clothes. Even when they defeat a monster, they don’t use magic."
Wet and covered in centipede fluids and organs, they must be under intense stress.
But we demand that they maintain their mental focus and concentration in such conditions. This is a test.
For example, in a close fight, if they focus on cleaning up, it’s a problem. They must learn to ignore it.
A moment of distraction can lead to death. No matter how well-trained, death can come suddenly. We can’t afford to lose members of the Kikyo Society like that.
During the test, mental, endurance, and concentration are heavily tested. We deliberately put them through the worst possible scenarios to see how they handle them.
"Let’s switch to the third group now!"
The scene changes to an intense battle with magic.
"Wow, what kind of test is this?"
"This is a scene where they’re hunting monsters for food. During the test period, they must gather their own food. For the third group, this is their time to hunt. However, they can’t hunt every day or every meal due to the test schedule. Hunting larger monsters is advantageous for securing more food."
Besides monster meat, they also need to gather fish, edible plants, and fruits. They divide the tasks among themselves. Water can be produced by magic, so that’s easier.
"…It looks like they’re struggling."
"Oh, someone just got injured!"
"Did they challenge a powerful monster?"
The spectators pointed out the obvious. They’re struggling against a tough monster.
"Exactly! They’ve taken on a monster beyond their capabilities! Another injury! While the meat would be plentiful and tasty, they’ve bitten off more than they can chew! This is a dire situation!"
If necessary, the examiners will step in to prevent deaths.
"But they have healing potions, so minor injuries should be manageable, right?"
"Yes, they have healing potions, which can heal non-critical injuries. However, they’re not unlimited, so they need to be careful."
Each apprentice has five healing potions. One is a mid-tier potion, and the other four are low-tier. While not overly powerful, they can handle injuries, poisons, and magic depletion.
The test period is long, so they need to use them wisely. Using them unnecessarily can lead to problems later, but ignoring injuries can also be dangerous.
Using a low-tier potion early might save the need for a mid-tier one later. Using the mid-tier potion, of which they only have one, is a difficult decision but a significant penalty if misused. Assessing the injury and future needs is part of the test.
Since the test is primarily a group activity, the total number of potions can change the strategy. This is a challenging aspect.
"Whoa, more monsters are attacking!"
They’re already struggling with injuries when new monsters appear from all sides. This is tough.
"Their quick decision-making and actions are impressive. They’re using debuff magic to immobilize the powerful monster while protecting the injured in a circle, keeping the new monsters at bay!"
"Yes, the girl giving orders is very capable. I thought they would collapse, but she’s done a great job of regrouping."
"The injured seem to be recovering."
Despite the initial mistake of taking on a tough monster, their response is commendable.
They protect their comrades and follow calm instructions, even in a difficult situation. Listening to and following orders while under stress is a significant achievement.
The quick recovery of the injured is also important. In a crisis, staying out of the fight for too long isn’t an option. Rapid recovery is crucial, and hoarding healing potions isn’t always wise. Dropping a potion in a hurry can be disastrous.
They must remain calm in any situation.
Margaret continued her commentary and live updates, switching between the first, second, and third groups.
After the spectators’ lunch and break, the tour resumed, showing various tests.
One test involves dissolving the team and having each member navigate a thirty-kilometer difficult course alone. This tests not only physical strength but also navigation skills. Being lost and unable to complete the task is a problem, so this also applies mental pressure.
Another test involves battling powerful monsters repeatedly. They fight one after another in a seemingly endless series of long battles, emphasizing mental toughness.
There are also team-based challenges, such as races, setting up camps, and mock battles. Only a portion of the final test is shown during the tour.
As the afternoon approached, the tour came to an end.
"---We’re approaching the end of our time! Thank you all for participating in today’s lengthy tour!"
The apprentices have no rest during the test period. Challenges can come at any time, even during meals or sleep.
The test period lasts about ninety days. Today is only the ninth day. The real challenges are yet to come, and just the beginning is already grueling.
Frankly, it’s impossible for ordinary people to endure such a period. Even one day might be too much.
But we are the Kikyo Society. Ordinary people can’t join.
To achieve the extraordinary, you must go beyond the ordinary.
The apprentices, pushed to their limits, gradually enter an abnormal realm.
Surrounded by others in the same state, they don’t realize how extreme the requirements are.
Those who qualify for the final test are already close to this abnormal level. That’s why it’s entertaining to watch.
"Any final questions?"
The spectators have seen a glimpse of the abnormal world.
They’re impressed but also visibly disturbed by the intensity.
"Can I ask something? I’m wondering if my daughter could become like them. It seems impossible."
"Don’t worry. The apprentices also started as ordinary people. While not everyone can do it, they have great potential."
"I have another question… Why go to such lengths?"
"Why such lengths, you ask. For us, this is the minimum standard..."
Thinking in ordinary terms leads to questions. We shouldn’t think in ordinary terms.
What is required of our profession? That’s the question.
To put it simply, what we need is determination and grit. At least, that’s what I believe.
No matter who the opponent is, if you’re underestimated, it’s over. You need the determination and grit to stand firm, and the strength to back it up.
Talking about it isn’t enough. You must train. Train to the extreme.
There are more nuanced reasons, but in simple terms, that’s it.
Determination and grit!
With it, you won’t be underestimated. You’ll survive and thrive.
Why? It’s simple.
Determination and grit!