Zimmy says "Okay, assuming it is a human what will happen next?"

*DING*

Core Upgrade Process Complete!

Congratulations! You are now Rank 7!

Rank 7: All Stats +10, HP +200, SP +100!

'Huh?! What? Why? Oh, I forgot I put a bunch of energy into my core while I was in prison!'

When I open my eyes both Zimmy and Raindrop are staring at me with their jaws hanging open. From their expressions I am guessing I do in fact glow when I rank up. I am glad they are the only ones here, if some of the humans had seen it I would have a hard time explaining.

"You can close your mouths now."

Zimmy says "Just what the hell was that?!"

"Um, I sort of ranked up."

Raindrop says "Ranked up? Wait, do you mean as a sacred creature?"

"Yes. To be honest this is the first time I've had witnesses. What did you see?"

Zimmy says "You glowed! It was a gold color and as bright as the sun!"

Raindrop says "It was more than that. It was like wings of gold grew from your back and wrapped around you."

"Wings? Huh! I wasn't expecting that!"

Zimmy says "So, what does this even mean?"

Raindrop says "It means Ash has gotten stronger!"

Zimmy says "Why did this happen all of a sudden?"

"I started the process while I was in prison and it only now completed."

Zimmy says "I don't really get it, but if you are stronger then that is a good thing."

Raindrop says "What rank are you now, Ash?"

"Rank 7."

Raindrop says "What?!"

Zimmy says "Is that important?"

Raindrop says "My unicorn is only rank 3..."

Zimmy says "He did defeat a rank 5 demon. Is it really so surprising?"

Raindrop says "I guess not."

"How about we get back to the topic at hand?"

Zimmy says "Right, what do you think will happen next?"

"Once we defeat the flanking forces I expect an all out attack against Roland."

Zimmy says "Should we send more troops to support him?"

"No. Keep them here just in case I am wrong. I will go help them after dealing with the undead on my side."

Raindrop says "Should I tell Nived to join us as well?"

"No, he will probably be exhausted by the time he is done with the goblins. You and I should be enough backup."

Zimmy says "So, you two will help Roland retreat to the town. Then what?"

"Then we wait for the enemy to come to us and finish this!"

Zimmy says "What should I do while you are gone?"

"Just keep doing what you can to prepare for the siege. That reminds me, what did Rockskull say?"

Zimmy says "He has already started working. He isn't sure how many he will be able to make by the time the enemy arrives."

"Anything will help! If you don't mind, tell him I suggest oil filled ammo."

Zimmy says "Alright, I will. Are you leaving right away?"

"No, I don't want to attack too early. If I wipe out one side then the other might stop advancing. I will wait until the goblins fall into the trap before I attack my side."

Zimmy says "What are you going to do while you wait?"

"Um, I'm not entirely sure yet."

Zimmy says "Well, if you don't mind a suggestion?"

"Sure, what is it?"

Zimmy says "Take some time to tour the defenses and chat with the mercenaries."

"I can do that I guess."

Zimmy says "Good. I know they are getting paid but their morale is still important."

"Why would me visiting them boost their morale? Do they even know who I am?"

Raindrop says "You are kidding right?"

Zimmy says "Yes, Ash, they know who you are."

Raindrop says "I doubt there is anyone in the kingdom who doesn't!"

"Aren't you exaggerating a little?"

Raindrop says "No. Everyone knows the future king by now."

"Now don't start that again! Don't you have animals to save?"

Raindrop leaves while laughing at me and shortly Zimmy excuses herself to go see to the town's affairs. Left alone I remind myself again that this is just a test, but they make it hard. They act like real people, even going so far as to tease me, so it is hard to think of this as just a test.

Since I can't think of anything else to do I end up doing as Zimmy suggested. As I am walking around checking on the fortifications a lot of the mercs talk to me. Mostly they want to confirm rumors they have heard, some of which are way wrong.

After a few hours of talking with the mercenaries I head back to the castle for some lunch. When I walk into the mess hall I find it practically deserted, which makes sense since all the troops are with Roland. There is still plenty of food available so I load up a tray and sit down at a table to start eating.

Warden says "Shouldn't you be eating in the inner court?"

"Why? Technically I am still just the captain of the tenth troop."

Warden says "Just like technically I am only the warden and the captain of the guard. Yet here I am running half of the kingdom!"

"I am better at dodging responsibility than you are!"

Warden says "You say that, but you are responsible for the war no matter how you deny it."

"Only until Roland gets back. Then the strategies will be his responsibility. I will just fight."

Warden says "Be honest, what do you think our chances are?"

"As long as I can handle whatever surprises the enemy comes up with, pretty good."

Warden says "That is reassuring!"

"Is there anything you need help with?"

Warden says "Nope, everything in town is running smoothly! Do you need anything?"

"No. I will be heading back out to fight soon. Just take care of the town while I am gone."

Warden says "Don't worry. Zimmy and I have everything under control."

"Good, then I can focus on my task."

We chat for a few more minutes before the warden excuses himself and leaves me to finish my meal. I remember Yui said that the mages had a god's help in setting up these tests. It makes me wonder if this is really a simulation, the people feel real to me.

Either way, I just need to defeat the enemy and the test will end, then I can ask Yui. With that in mind I finish my food and get ready to head back out. By now Nived should be at the woods and getting the trap ready, so I should get into position.