Otoko Nara Ikkokuichijou no Aruji o Mezasa Nakya, ne?

Year 7445, Month 10, Day 15

After introducing father and the other squires from Bakuddo to everyone, in the afternoon father and the others started on their trip back to Bakuddo. All of the members of the {Slaughterers} are employees of Greed Company so putting aside the parents of the founder, it's necessary for them to get familiar with important business clients. In the worst case if something were to happen to me right now brother would end up inheriting Greed Company after all.

After that, when the members of the {Butchers}, {Exterminators}, and {Slaughterers} all moved together, I discussed the fact that I had established several gateway tests.

"..In regards to the threshold for the marathon, but I think rather than making it one of us it should be an average time."

Bel offered her opinion right away. I see now.

"What's average mean?"

"Like I would know."

"It has the meaning of in the middle."

"Is that so?"

"..The speed that Rokko-san and Kevin-san can run at is different right. The speed which is just in the middle of between Rokko-san and Kevin-san is average, and that's how it's used. If we increase the numbers then we add the speeds of everyone together then divide it by the number of people and we'll understand the middle speed for everyone."

Rodrick was explaining to the members of {Butchers} and {Exterminators}. Sorry for troubling you.

"Yeah, and, I intend to do the screening on our next break so with that intention. Just remember the standard is the current members. It's a test for only those who want to take it. There's three subjects. A stamina test, a skill test, and a cooperation test. After that, there's a couple members that absolutely can't be removed from the {Slaughterers} as well."

After I said that far I looked around at everyone. No one is saying anything while waiting for me to speak.

"First off, me. And then there's Gwine who helps out with producing the map. I won't let these two be moved. Although, I might end up going to both the {Butchers} and {Exterminators} from here on out. The only two who I have absolutely no intention of moving around is just these two. It doesn't matter who you challenge of the remaining members. However.."

I thought I could hear the sound of everyone gulping.

"The only ones who can designate a person as a challenger are just those who have passed the stamina test first. The time that will act as a standard we'll measure today after this right now so the members of the {Slaughterers} should remain here. Ah, it's fine for Zenom and Gwine to skip out. Anyone who passes the stamina test gains the right to designate someone to challenge. The person who's been challenged can't run from it. And, then. What I'll have you do there isn't a practice match."

Everyone made slightly confused expressions. Just a moment ago I said practice "battle" after all. But, a practice match is no good. In the end you can't get serious against another person and can't use magic at full power.

"I'm going to have you fight against ogres on the 7th floor. The next time we enter the dungeon we'll take the challengers along to the 7th floor. Listen well, it's still a part of the test on our way there. I'll be watching your cooperation and such. And then I'll have the challenger and the challenged fight three one on one matches against ogres on the 7th floor. Fundamentally the one who takes less total time wins. I think it'll take a reasonable amount of time to find just the right one to fight, but well, if we have two days that should be plenty."

Several people were already making expressions as if they had given up. No wait, isn't that only obvious? We're aiming for the 8th floor and beyond. How are you going to manage if you can't even deal with an ogre?

"If you can use magic then obviously it's fine if you use it and it's fine for you to use any weapons as well. However, poison is not allowed. If you need help I'll intervene right away so you can relax. Though you'll fail at that point. Well~ as long as you don't die instantly I'll save you."

There was just a bit of laughing.

"Also, one more thing. If you have a partner then it's fine for you to team up with them as well. For example if other than yourself, there's one more person you by all means want to join together with, if that person agrees as well then it's fine to challenge as a two person or three person group as well. In that case, the ones being challenged will be a two person group as well though. If you want to think it would be best to form a group of front line attacker and rear support, then feel free to do that.

Ah, and after that, for the time being I don't think there's much meaning to it, but {Sooner}, rather, if there's someone who wants to go from the {Exterminators} to the {Butchers} then that's fine as well. I'll change the assessment method a bit so if there's anyone who wants to do that just let me know."

After saying that I told everyone they could break up. However, no one was leaving and they were just talking with other members in the area.

If they have time then maybe I should get them to help out with observing the measurements?

It would help to prove that there was no unfairness as well.

"Zulu, Angela. Before you go to Boil Manor return to your inn and get some towels and a change of clothes."

..................

It was the right answer to remove Zenom and Gwine from the marathon.

In the first place dwarves are slow at running.

Even then I think Gwine who's continued with the running is considerably better but she's still no comparison to the Elf Toris and Rabbit-person Bel. Recently even Basutoral has been faster than her.

Also, I decided to avoid running as well.

I mean if I were to seriously run it would have quite a bit of influence on the average time after all.

Obviously there's no culturally convenient tool like a stopwatch that exists so it's just measuring the rough time with a clock magic tool.

The course is our usual running course.

We'll depart from Boil Manor, run up to the summit of the outer crater from the West, then descend from the Eastern road down the outer crater and return to the Boil Manor again like that.

The overall distance should be around 20 km I guess?

There's no way to accurately measure the distance.

I think it's roughly around a half-marathon?

On the days I can I'm always running this course.

Recently I think I can cover it in about 2 hours or so?

According to Miduchi, there's a steep incline ascending up the hills of about 12% or so along the way and the condition of the roads are bad as well.

Even our shoes are badly made rubber sandals.

I think it's plenty to think that far.

"It's fine to collapse when you return. Run as fast as you can to at least that extent. Since this time will end up being the barrier after all. Make sure you raise the hurdle higher."

We return to Boil Manor and in front of the members of the {Slaughterers} who are wearing sandals and light clothing when I arrogantly gave that lecture Rokko said, "Is Al not intending to run?" I have him and Kamu, the two of them checking the times. Though I say that it's a simple job of just patting Kamu on the shoulder whenever someone reaches the goal point to check the clock magic tool.

Everyone else has long since split up to various locations along the ascent, the summit, and in the middle of the town on the way back.

We should be able to start in another 10 minutes or so.

"..That's right. Al you should run as well."

Ralpha said with her arms crossed while stretching herself. She's grinning.

"No way! Ah, but it might be good to do that."

While stretching Bel said that with a smile of deeper meaning on her face...Mu, they aren't jiggling much. Come to think of it didn't Miduchi say they found a store that sells something like a sports bra.

"..It can't be helped~ But it's fine not to include my time in the calculation. It's a record just for reference."

Ralpha and Bel made slightly disappointed faces. I've already seen through you.

If you want to prevent being forced to switch parties then run like your lives depend on it.

Well, it might be interesting for me to try running at my full speed with none of my usual weights on in a light condition as well.