Despite a minor bit of trouble, I received a report from Katase that the written exam had concluded safely. Even though I thought such cases were decreasing lately, it was bold of someone to cheat on the Armed Exploration Permit for Special Underground Structures Issuance Exam. You would think they’d realize that the proctors for exams hosted by the Dungeon Association are almost always experienced explorers.
The media has been saturated with advertisements about the benefits of leveling up in a dungeon, after all.
"I see. That must have been a headache," I said.
"No, no. It was a common occurrence until quite recently," Katase replied. "I've become accustomed to handling candidates when they mess up, whether I like it or not."
"True. During the summer vacation period, there were bad days where multiple incidents occurred in a single afternoon."
"I can understand the anxiety, but if they had purchased the commercial textbooks and studied in advance, the introductory lecture before the written exam would have been nothing more than a final review. That candidate likely heard the test was easy, took it too lightly, and didn't bother to study. The result was a desperate attempt at cheating."
As I watched Katase sigh, I couldn't help but think that cheating on a test about explorer-related laws was utterly pointless. Since these were formal laws, any holder of an Armed Exploration Permit for Special Underground Structures who failed to uphold them would be subject to immediate arrest. Because we provided a full explanation during the introductory lecture, the excuse of "I didn't know" wouldn't hold up in court.
Furthermore, passing the test meant the Association officially certified the individual as having a correct understanding of the law. Since a misunderstanding could lead to a prison cell, passing through cheating was essentially self-sabotage.
"That's true. Oh, right—changing the subject, Katase, did any of the candidates today strike you as subjects for observation? Any noteworthy candidates?"
"Subjects for observation... I wonder. Even that cheater didn't look like the type at first. They had a panicked look, but in a way, it was a face I see often."
"I see... I just hope no one does anything reckless."
"I truly agree. Also, I’m not sure if 'noteworthy candidates' is a strong enough term, but there were two incredible girls. The moment I shifted into stealth to catch the cheater, two female candidates reacted immediately by scanning the area."
"Wait, what? Candidates saw through your stealth? During the middle of an exam?"
I was floored. To detect Katase's stealth—which she performs from a blind spot while the targets are focused on a written exam—would be difficult even for a mid-level explorer who had just graduated from the rookie ranks.
"Is that true? Is this some joke about mid-level explorers retaking the exam for fun?"
"Unfortunately, I'm quite serious. From what I could see, those two female candidates looked like girls who had just started high school this year."
"Freshmen high schoolers... So they really haven't set foot in a dungeon yet?"
"I believe so. They might be receiving specialized training from someone with dungeon experience."
Even so, to receive training capable of piercing Katase's stealth... had they participated in drills for the Self-Defense Forces or a police special forces unit? To learn practical Presence Detection through training alone required drills that were practically indistinguishable from real combat. Considering the two noteworthy candidates were students, the logical assumption was that a Senior who was a student explorer was training them.
But even for a student explorer, would they impose special forces-level training on their juniors? It seemed impossible, both in terms of pedagogical know-how and raw experience.
"Could they be from some kind of special lineage?" I asked.
"Well, the possibility isn't zero," Katase mused. "I've heard that families from martial artist lineages have been entering the industry in search of practical application ever since the dungeons appeared."
"I know those types are around, but it’s quite rare for someone as young as a high schooler. Usually, it's adults looking for a test of skill."
"Looking at the future of the explorer industry, it seems those families are desperately trying to survive. Even if they are explorers, if they lose easily to someone from a normal background, it affects their very identity as martial artists. For those running a dojo, a bad reputation means no students and financial ruin... I'm sure that's a factor."
That certainly seemed plausible. Thanks to the recent dungeon boom, those kinds of dojos and culture schools were thriving, attracting a massive number of students. Apparently, demand was more than double or triple what it used to be.
However, many explorers who dived into dungeons and reached a certain level found the content intended for non-explorers insufficient and eventually quit. In other words, there was currently only demand from non-explorers; as the population of explorers grew, the demand for traditional dojos and culture schools would inevitably shrink.
"So dojos and culture schools have no choice but to adapt to dungeons to survive."
"Exactly. They might be sending the next generation out to gain experience for that very reason."
"So, out of necessity, young and talented individuals who were kept hidden are finally coming into the light."
"Essentially 'hidden gems,' I suppose."
I could understand the logic, but I hated the idea of kids being pushed into this at the minimum age limit against their will. I at least wanted them to be pursuing the path of an explorer by choice.
Then again, given current social trends, most students were surrounded by explorers anyway, so it was likely they were taking the exam of their own volition.
"I see. They certainly sound like noteworthy candidates. I'll make sure to watch them closely during the practical exam."
"Given that reaction, they’ll probably be even more impressive during the physical tests," Katase said.
"Oh, my. I look forward to it."
Since they came with Katase’s personal recommendation, I intended to properly assess their abilities. And since I wanted to avoid any paperwork, I sincerely hoped they wouldn't do anything reckless.
The break between exams ended, and the candidates, now changed into training wear, gathered at the practical exam venue. Perhaps because they were all aiming to be explorers, everyone—regardless of age or gender—seemed to exercise regularly. I didn't see any obvious "couch potato" types.
Of course, being able to move and being able to fight were two very different things.
"It is time. Everyone, please gather here."
I raised my right hand to stand out and called for them to assemble. The candidates scattered around the venue converged on my position.
Once they were settled, I explained the flow of the practical exam.
"We will now begin the practical exam. You will all be required to take two tests. The first is a ball-dodging test to observe your instantaneous reflexes, specifically your ability to evade or intercept. The second is a mock trap house breakthrough test to observe your situational judgment and response capabilities."
The details of the exam were common knowledge for anyone who had done a basic internet search, so the candidates showed no surprise. These tests hadn't changed since the early days because they were designed to check for the bare minimum physical requirements to survive as an explorer.
Besides, once you entered a dungeon and leveled up, you would quickly gain the physical capacity to clear tests of this level with ease.
"In this practical exam, we will confirm whether you possess the minimum capability to survive combat in a dungeon."
The essence of this test was to ensure they had the physical foundation to begin leveling up safely. Neither the government nor the Association wanted to increase the death toll by throwing people with zero physical aptitude into a dungeon; that would be a massive liability.
Note that we did not concern ourselves with mental aptitude—such as the inability to strike a monster due to a lack of combat will. We were strictly evaluating physical mechanics.
"Since there are two tests, we will split into two groups and conduct them simultaneously. Examinee numbers up to 50 will be Group A, and those from 51 onwards will be Group B."
The candidates checked the numbers on their bibs. It was vital they knew where to go. Once I confirmed their attention was back on me, I continued.
"Group A will start with the ball-dodging, and Group B will start with the mock trap house. Your respective group leaders will guide you, so please follow their instructions."
I introduced the staff members in charge of each group. As the overall supervisor for this practical exam, I really, truly hoped no one would cause a scene.
"Now, before we begin, we will perform warm-up exercises. Everyone, please spread out so you don't bump into your neighbors."
At my signal, the candidates fanned out across the venue.
At one point, there had been a debate about whether to stop these mandatory group warm-ups and leave it to the candidates' discretion. However, when we tried that as a pilot program, disaster struck. Candidates who were out of shape didn't know how to warm up properly, and many attempted the tests cold, resulting in a rash of torn muscles and ruptured Achilles tendons. Naturally, the liability issues were a nightmare, and the proposal was scrapped.
"First, stretching upwards..."
As the familiar radio calisthenics music began to play, the staff and I led the candidates through the movements. When it came to loosening up the entire body, nothing beat the classics.
Once the warm-up was over, the candidates were led away by their respective instructors for their specific briefings. As for me, I moved between the stations to ensure everything was running smoothly.
"So far, no one looks like a troublemaker."
Glancing over the groups, I didn't see anyone looking overly impatient, hyper-aggressive, or suspicious. Then again, the person who had famously destroyed the equipment previously hadn't shown any signs until the moment it happened. The fact that someone could snap or show off without warning was what gave me a headache.
I had mentioned the consequences of that previous equipment destruction incident during the orientation, so I didn't think anyone would be stupid enough to repeat it. But there was always someone looking for a shortcut or a way to show off.
"Hm?"
While watching Group A's ball-dodging test, one candidate caught my eye.
"Hoh... That’s impressive. She has a complete grasp of her own reach."
To an amateur, it probably looked like a high school girl was just dodging balls with somewhat robotic, exaggerated movements. However, to someone with combat experience, it was an evasion technique that could only be described as masterful.
While dodging at the absolute limit of her reach, her core remained perfectly stable. She moved with a fluidity that allowed her to transition into her next action without a hint of wasted energy. There were few newly-minted mid-level explorers who could pull that off; it usually took a rookie months, if not years, to achieve that level of body control.
"Because the 'opponent's' reach is unknown, she’s dodging based on her own perimeter. If she knew the balls' exact range, I’m certain she’d be using even more minimal movements."
Other candidates were dodging by a hair's breadth too, but they were doing it through sheer luck or raw reflexes. Their cores wavered, and their follow-up movements were clumsy. They weren't like this girl—dodging based on a calculated understanding of distance while already planning her next move.
"I see. So she's one of the 'incredible examinees' Katase mentioned..."
I realized she was indeed one of the noteworthy candidates. I had heard they were good, but this felt almost like a mistake. She was in a different league entirely. If she were dropped into a dungeon right now, she could probably handle monsters and secure victories without breaking a sweat.
"Whoa... and there's the other one."
A moment later, the second noteworthy candidate appeared and displayed evasion skills of the exact same caliber.
What kind of training does a high schooler have to go through to gain that level of technical skill? It had to be the "hidden gem" theory—children of a martial arts family who had been training since they could walk.
"To have that much skill before they've even become explorers... once they level up, they'll probably rocket straight to mid-level explorer status. Good grief, some truly incredible candidates have come to my exam."
Watching the two girls celebrate each other's success with bright smiles, I looked off into the distance, marveling at the arrival of these high-potential explorer candidates. I wondered just how far they would climb.