Vol 3 Chapter 5

The walk back to the inn was unusually quiet, unlike usual. This was because Kran, who was always chattering noisily, had closed his mouth and was lost in thought. Kapros grabbed Kran's arm to stop him from walking on, as he was about to continue without even noticing the mobile cart shop approaching them, absorbed in his thoughts.

"Kap? Why... Oh."

Kran's mouth fell open as he saw the cart passing right in front of his nose, seemingly finally grasping the situation.

"Watch where you're going."

"Yeah. Thanks. I was just thinking for a moment."

"Is it because of the elf?"

"Oh, yeah. There have never been other races appearing until now. I was really surprised because I'd only seen users debating whether they existed or not. Personally, I thought other races were just hiding in the game and we'd see them someday, but I never imagined we'd encounter one during a quest..."

Other races... Well, I was a bit surprised too, but that was all.

"Did you think that long just because it was surprising?"

"Well, among users, the majority speculation has been that the reason other races don't show themselves in MIST is because they haven't been implemented yet. But if it turns out they weren't unimplemented, but actually existed and were just in places invisible to users... that completely changes everything we've known so far."

Kran explained with a smile.

"It gave me goosebumps thinking that there might be more undiscovered elements in this game, not just other races. It made me think Saturn didn't declare it a perfect game from the start for nothing. I also became curious about how far the quest we're doing is connected. I guess I got lost in those speculations. Hahaha."

Though he seemed to speak lightly, the content was anything but light. This guy... Had he always been this smart?

"By the way, what are you going to do about that qualification test or whatever the elf mentioned, Kap?"

"You mean showing our strength?"

"Yeah. That."

While Kran had been silent, Kapros had already reached a conclusion about it without much deliberation.

"I was thinking of doing exactly as they said."

"Huh? How?"

"The elf said it themselves. Make them say they've lost. So we just need to do that, right?"

"But we don't know what kind of power they have? No one knows how many chances we'll get, Kap."

Kapros smiled at Kran's face, which spoke with concern, implying that they should think carefully.

"It doesn't matter. They didn't say we only have one chance, and they didn't set a condition that we must compete in terms of physical strength. It's basically the same as them leaving it up to us to decide the test. So..."

"So?"

"I'm going to choose a game that I can win and bring it. If they say anything later, just handle it with that talent of yours for confusing people with words."

"...I'm glad you seem to trust me, but something feels off? That is a compliment, right? Right, Kap!"

Kapros went ahead without saying anything. He could hear Kran making a fuss and following behind him.

"...I admit defeat."

The next day, they were able to obtain Siravi Ren's surrender more easily than expected. Siravi Ren wore an expression that seemed frustrated at being caught off guard but resigned, while Edenia's eyes were wide open as she shook with suppressed laughter.

The reason they were able to win was entirely due to Kran's good idea. As soon as they logged in today, Kran told Kapros about a game, saying it would fulfill the conditions while ensuring their victory. It was a game that anyone might have played as a child, but at the same time, it was perfectly suited for a ruthless competition.

"I honestly acknowledge your strength."

As Siravi Ren bowed their head after speaking bluntly, Kran let out a breath mixed with joy and relief beside them.

"Kap, are you okay? You're not bleeding, right?"

"Yeah."

"I thought your hand was going to be pierced earlier, my heart was pounding. But the fact that your expression didn't change at all was so like you."

What Kran had suggested was a game where one person spreads their fingers on the ground, and the other quickly stabs a twig between the fingers, making a complete circuit. The attacker would lose if they injured the opponent's hand, or if the person with their hand on the ground got scared and pulled back or moved their hand. It seemed to be a variation of a game children used to play, boasting how quickly they could stab around their own hand with a mechanical pencil or regular pencil.

When they proposed this game, Siravi Ren initially looked very incredulous but soon agreed, sitting down after hearing it was a fair competition with minimal bloodshed. It was fortunate, as Kapros had been thinking about just rushing in prepared to kill if they didn't agree.

And after the intense competition that ensued, it was Kapros who obtained the declaration of defeat, having stared at the tip of the striking twig without blinking once until the end.

"That's really impressive. To make Ren get bored first."

Edenia put down her drink cup on the table with a sigh.

"To be honest, from the beginning, we knew you were some of the people we were waiting for by the energy flowing from the gauntlet and brooch you possess. We just wanted to see your qualifications, so to speak. That amazing wit and courage... At this level, I'm sure the one waiting in the forest won't be too distrustful either."

Siravi Ren also spoke with softened eyes.

"I'd like to introduce myself properly once again. I am Siravi Ren, a wandering soul from the Elven Forest of El Prama beyond that desert. May I ask your names?"

"Kapros."

"I'm Kratos."

"I see. Kapros-nim, Kratos-nim. What you wanted to know was how to pass through the desert, right? The method is very simple. If you drink a special potion made by Edenia, even humans can escape the curse of the desert sun for a short time. You just need to take that with you."