To avoid alerting the enemy prematurely, Amber did not mention the teacher’s investigation into the battle that had taken place in Crow Valley.
She decided that from now on, she would uncover Ashley’s true face through her own investigation and judgment.
On one hand, she sensed from her teacher’s attitude that this was her assignment, and she needed to submit a satisfactory report. On the other hand, she herself was eager to know what kind of person the little trickster Ashley really was.
“Is the Trial Judge agreeing to let me join?” Ashley asked in return to confirm.
She was not overly excited, as it was within her expectations. The value of “Revolver” was enough to make any organization in this world flock to it.
“It’s not immediate entry. You need to pass some assessments. Um… once you’re generally qualified, you can join the ranks.” Amber replied.
Ashley felt a slight relief in her heart. The conditions were not harsh; this was a clear path ahead. Next, she just needed to perform well, gain the trust of her colleagues, and establish a foothold.
She might not pass all the tests right now, after all. Her professional knowledge had to be learned from scratch, and she was a physically frail loli who had to lean on her knees gasping after just two steps.
“You should call me Senior Amber from now on.” Amber puffed out her chest, inexplicably feeling a sense of pride and poise as a senior.
Ashley glanced sideways and couldn’t help but say, “Senior… seems utterly useless. If even a weakling like this can join the Tribunal, I’m even more confident about passing the assessments.”
Damn it! How dare she talk to her senior like that!
Amber gritted her teeth and glared puffily at the sly-eyed Blue-Haired Loli.
Ashley laughed inwardly. Though the bratty girl was annoying, this way of speaking was really satisfying.
It was cheeky, but oh so refreshing.
“Ahem, sorry. I’ll definitely respect you from now on, Senior.” Ashley softened her tone.
“The two most basic tests are the cultural exam and the physical fitness test—illiterates and weaklings have no qualification to join the Tribunal.”
Amber brought Ashley to a comprehensive Training Base on the outskirts of the city, a vast complex of buildings shared by the Tribunal and the police bureau for training officers and investigators, including the kennels for police dogs.
In the distance, she heard the sound of target practice, pop pop, like someone slapping the air with a folded paper.
Ashley first went to the personnel department to get a temporary pass stamped on a piece of paper. Though crude, with it she could come and go freely. Now she was sort of part of the system.
Thinking of it that way, she immediately felt a sense of closeness to the scene before her.
The two lolis arrived at a row of long buildings by the sports field and entered the changing room.
Ashley carefully changed out of her expensive riding outfit, checking front and back for any damage or mud stains.
This outfit was equivalent to half a year’s income for a working-class family. It wasn’t vanity; everyone here spent a considerable sum on at least one decent set of clothes. Men usually went for top hats, formal suits, and leather shoes; women for empire-waist gowns, crinolines, or puffed-sleeve long skirts. If they didn’t own any, they’d rent for salons and banquets.
She hung the riding outfit in the locker and changed into sportswear, pinching the hem and shaking it out. Seeing her chest as flat as her belly, Ashley’s little face twisted in distress, but then she thought, maybe she just hadn’t developed yet. It had to be that!
“Is there a swimming event? We won’t have to wear school swimsuits, right?” Ashley suddenly thought.
“Of course there is.”
“Eh?”
Ashley was conservative; the length of the shorts already made her uncomfortable, even though her legs were slender and straight with beautiful lines. She didn’t want anyone looking.
Amber had only glanced a few times, and she couldn’t take it. She threw on a sports jacket to cover up, tying the sleeves around her waist.
“What’s the point of doing that?” Amber asked, puzzled.
“It’s cool.” Ashley said with a straight face.
…
…
Under the blazing sun, Ashley lay spread-eagled on the finish line, arms outstretched. Sweat soaked her clothes, pickling her skin and making her feel like thorns were pricking her back.
Her chest heaved with labored breaths that barely showed, her cheeks flushed with moist redness as she murmured:
“Did I pass?”
Amber averted her gaze, choosing her words carefully before saying cautiously:
“A bit of a shame.”
“How much of a shame?”
“Um… if an ordinary loli’s fitness is 10, passing the assessment requires 50, and joining the combat division needs at least 200. You… are 5.”
“What trash-tier stats…”
Ashley sighed. No wonder she couldn’t break free from Amber’s hold that day at the Tribunal; she was just too weak.
Amber helped her to the shaded pavilion to rest.
Ashley sat in the chair, exhaustion surging from her limbs like she’d wrestled a bear.
