The next day morning the figures of Alex and Gracier could be seen walking down the main street to the main gate before the 9 o'clock bell.
Seeing Alex and Gracier walk down the main street, adventurers and residents who recognized the two and knew that today was the day group of Adventurers were about to depart for the final part of the rank-up test wished the siblings good luck.
Waving their hands the two continued walking towards the main gate where they will be using a carriage to depart toward their destination, Gato's village.
A few minutes later they were at the meeting place, they saw a carriage.
As Alex and Gracier neared the carriage, a voice called out, it was Sebastian, the Swordsman who fought against Gracier.
''Morning leader, morning Miss Gracier.''
''Oh! Morning Sebastian.''
''Morning Sebastian.''
After Gracier greeted Sebastian, Alex asked, the Swordsman.
''You're early, huh.''
''Ah, yeah. Training with the sword every morning has become a daily routine for me. It's become natural for me to get up early.''
While saying so, Sebastian tapped the long sword that was equipped at his waist.
''I see. Morning Conrad. Is this the carriage that the guild has prepared for us?''
While asking Conrad, he directed his eyes to the horse-drawn carriage. Its size was smaller than the one that brings him to this town from the Temple of Gods.
Though it might be a little cramped for 8 people, Alex's party of 7 plus Conrad.
Normally, they should be a driver but Alex hadn't seen one, he judged that they will drive the carriage themselves.
''They're small, why not use Warhorse instead?"
Looking at Alex's line of sight, he was looking at the horses pulling the carriage. But rather than the warhorses used to pull the merchant carriage he took back then, the current horses were ordinary horses. They were small compared to Alex's strong impression from the warhorses, they didn't feel as reliable as the Warhorses.
However, maybe as a substitute, instead of 2 horses, the number of horses pulling the carriage in front of Alex's eyes was 3.
Conrad, who guessed his thoughts, stroked the horses who were attached to the carriage while smiling wryly.
''I know what you're comparing them with, warhorses are precious, even to the guild. Whatever the circumstances, any requests to borrow them for the rank up a test to D rank would be denied, reason why we end up with these horses, they may look like this but they are reliable.''
As they were conversing like that, two more people, Lucien and Eleonora appeared from the main gate of the city.
''Good morning leader. Take care of us from now on.'' Lucien greeted Alex with a light bow before greeting the other people.
Meanwhile, Eleonora was looking at Alex with a grin on her face, ''Morning Leader. Take care of me on this mission.''
''Likewise,'' Alex responded with a smile in turn.
''Ah, everyone is early. I wonder if I'm a little late? morning everyone.''
A new voice in high spirits called out.
The owner of the voice, was the elf, Meera Leaf, the Ranger, and also Spirit Magic-user. She carried a bow in her hand and a quiver on her back.
Everyone returned a greeting and started to talk about what they had brought and about the upcoming test and before long, the 9 o'clock bell rang into the surroundings.
'Where is that Attention Seeker, Golfak?'
Though the sound of the bell was heard and he looked around, other than Alex, Gracier, there were only 4 people, Conrad, Sebastian, Lucien, Eleonora, and Meera.
Aside from Alex, the others also seemed to have noticed and were looking around.
However, understanding that Golfak had not appeared, the five people aside from Conrad, looked to Alex. As the temporary party leader, it was his turn to intervene, hence Alex decided to inquire.
''Conrad does tell though the 9 o'clock bell has rung, Golfak hasn't come, what happens in this situation?''
''Ahh, that's right. Such a development was not expected indeed. However, an adventurer being late for the appointed request start time is a fairly large demerit. Moreover, to be late on the important day of the rank up test is-"
As Conrad said so and was about to declare Golfak's disqualification, he saw Golfak casually walking from the main gate.
''Sorry, am I late?'' He called out in a light tone.
''Oi! That's all you have to say after making us for you?"
Lucien couldn't help but snap at Golfak's attitude.
''Ah? What. You haven't even left yet so it's fine.'' Golfak replied lightly, he even snorted at Lucien, it seemed that he was not planning to apologize for his lateness.
''Maybe you don't care about the rank-up test but this is serious for others. You are late, however, instead of apologizing, you're playing the important. What with that attitude? Who do you take yourself for?"
Not being able to put up with Golfak's attitude anymore, Gracier snapped out. Golfak almost shouted back but he quickly stopped himself after noticing who was the one that just spoken.
Eleonora let out a small chuckle, Golfak's body involuntary trembled, but he quickly composed himself and looked elsewhere, not planning to apologize for being late.
Alex's temple twitched as he felt somehow insulted and he decided to teach the man a lesson. He started walking toward Golfak, slowly, each step he took could be heard, all eyes were on the two, Golfak gulped audibly as he locked eyes with Alex, Alex's green eyes were sending a chill down his spine so he involuntary took a step back.
[Intimidation]
Alex mumbled and immediately Golfak felt a suffocating feeling assaulting him, he felt like he was in the presence of a dangerous monster, a monster he had no chance of winning against.
With each step taken by Alex, the pressure he was feeling increased until he was unable to endure any longer and he grunted in pain as he felt his bones cracking under the pressure,
''Gah!"
Suddenly, Golfak's knee gave up forcing him into a kneeling posture, his body was constantly shaking due to the pressure, the other people except Gracier and Eleonora were watching astonished at the scene happening in front of them, even when it was not directed at them they still feel the pressure. Conrad smiled in appreciation seeing Alex's way of handling the situation.
Finally arriving in front of the kneeling Golfak, Alex muttered in a cold tone,
''Do you have anything to say?"
Gritting his teeth, Golfak replied.
''…I'm sorry I was late. I'll be more careful next time.''
''That good to hear. In any case, this is an exam for a party, not for individuals. If you drag your feet, understand that it will affect others. So, be careful understand?''
''Ah, yes.''
Seeing Golfak nod, Alex canceled his skill and turned his eyes in Conrad's direction.
''I want to get going soon.''
''You decide from here. I will only guide you to the Gato village, other than that, I won't be helping you.''
Listening to Conrad's words, Alex looked around.
''First of all, is there anyone here who can drive a carriage?''
To that question, three people, Eleonora, Lucien, and Sebastian raised their hands.
''I see, then you three will take turns to drive the carriage. Gracier, Meera, Golfak, and I will sit next to the driver in case of monster attacks. However, Golfak, as a penalty for before, you'll be on the watch more often. If you cut corners and receive a surprise attack from monsters, what may go flying through the air may not be your magic sword but your head, do you understand?''
Maybe understanding the seriousness of Alex's words, Golfak nodded with a serious look on his face.
''Great. Then we'll depart. The first driver is Lucien. The person on the lookout will be Golfak. Put the baggage that you've brought to the back of the carriage.'' Alex ordered.
Golfak did as he was instructed, soon everyone climbed into the carriage and departed.
