NOVEL NEXT Chapter 36
I’ve been studying for the test at home, a test that will officially make me an A-rank adventurer.
If I don’t do well, I’ll be demoted to B-rank. So, I’m temporarily an A-rank right now.
I borrowed past exam questions from the guild to study.
“Adventurers can apply to the guild for voluntary demotion… When would anyone use this exception rule?”
This all reminds me of studying for tests in high school.
“Here’s some tea.”
Misha kindly makes tea for me. She’s come a long way from her former attitude.
“Need help with anything? I can explain.”
Misha had already skimmed through the past questions. When she’s motivated, she’s incredibly thorough. I don’t know her blood type, but I bet it’s B.
“I’m still in the memorization stage, but there’s quite a bit of material.”
I thought an hour of studying would be enough, but that’s not the case. This will take at least three days.
“It’s a measure to prevent weirdos from reaching A-rank. If someone incapable of anything but brute force became an A-rank, it would tarnish the image.”
“I see. They’re making sure that only those with a minimum level of intelligence can reach the top.”
It’s not that this knowledge is directly necessary for A-rank jobs. They just want someone who’s capable of this level of study.
“I’ll keep an eye on you.”
Misha sits next to me without being asked.
“Alright, I could use the help.”
It’s refreshing, like dating a classmate in school.
But Misha’s teaching style is quite Spartan.
“Ah, you made a mistake there.”
“Your interpretation is off.”
“Don’t you remember this part?”
She points out errors left and right. There’s no room for complacency.
After finishing a large section, Misha makes more tea.
“You’re relentless when it comes to teaching, huh?”
“If you fail to become an A-rank adventurer because I went easy on you, you’d be the one embarrassed. I don’t want you to go through that.”
“Fair point. Can’t slack off when you’re helping me out.”
Feeling reinvigorated, I flip to the next page.
“It seems you’re doing reasonably well.”
Misha pauses, seemingly deep in thought.
“Shall we speed up the pace?”
“Do you have some kind of magic for that?”
Misha whispers in my ear.
“If you score well on the past questions, I’ll do something naughty for you.”
I swallow hard.
“I’ll go help Lena with some cleaning.”
She leaves the room.
Just one line of temptation has tripled my focus and retention.
I’m amazed at how simple men can be.
I tackle the past questions. I write down what I’ve memorized so far.
It’s not complicated. I’ve done this many times before.
I use the test-taking techniques I learned in high school. Skip what you don’t know; go back to it later. Trust your gut when in doubt.
Misha returns just as I finish.
“How did you do?”
“Feeling pretty good about it.”
“I’ll grade it to keep it fair.”
The result? Over 80% correct.
A comfortable pass.
“Wow, you’ve improved so much.”
“I feel the same way. This is a dramatic improvement.”
“It’s because I promised you something naughty, isn’t it?”
Misha looks incredulous.
“I think so, yes. Men are simple creatures. The promise of a reward can motivate us a lot.”
“Hmm, more animalistic than a cat, but I can’t complain.”
Misha suddenly kisses me, a long one.
“Hehe, that was unexpected.”
I forget all about my study fatigue.
“Shall we continue this in our bedroom?”
We make passionate love afterward.
Misha really is adorable. They say passionate romances cool quickly, but we had a long runway, so it’s not an issue.
At dinner time—
“Master, you look unusually tired. Is it from studying?”
Lena looks concerned.
“Maybe it’s from something else…”
“You, on the other hand, look radiant.”
“Why, I wonder…”
Misha fumbles for words.
“Anyway, I’m glad you’ll pass the written test.”
“Thanks, Misha.”
“Now, let’s get you to a status befitting an A-rank adventurer.”
Misha is already thinking ahead.
“Time to level up again.”