“Eh? How did you do that?”
The function processed by Saito was sucked into the cell, causing the cell to glow a faint yellow. What seemed to be the calculation result was displayed in the cell.
“Force, use the Force.”
“No, I don’t want to joke about right now.”
Saito clicked his tongue before explaining.
“Basically, you just touch it and say its name, but you have to visualise how the result is calculated in your mind as you say it.”
“Visualise?”
“In this current SUM, cells B2 to E5 have to be added together, so I have to say SUM while thinking of that. You don’t have to know the actual function result.”
“That’s easy.”
“However, in order to execute it, you need to understand and master the function. It’s not easy to do and can’t be done by someone who just writes functions while looking up a textbook or guide.”
So that’s how it works. It that why Excel experts are gathered here? However, the functions I usually use are just aggregation, reference and string processing functions.
“How many functions are there?”
“Around 400 or so.”
I was a little shocked. I thought I had done a lot of work with Excel before. But, how many functions had I actually used. I didn’t think I had used 100, or even 50. Functions that I had mastered…… I started to lose confidence.
“Are you worried? Don’t worry too much. Special forces are assigned to advanced mathematical and financial functions. Quests are basically assigned based on the aptitude and abilities of the workers. Well, don’t rush and just gain experience.”
“Do you mean that if I process functions, I will collect experience and level up?”
“Hah?”
“N-No, it’s nothing.”
As we talked, a new function emerged from a nearby cell. Saito told me to try by gesturing with his chin. I approached the function and gave a shout.
「AVERAAAAAAGE-!」
The function was sucked into the cell and the result of the operation was displayed. Looking back at Saito in satisfaction, I touched another function and softly said ‘SUM’. The same as when Saito had shouted previously, the function was sucked into the cell.
“Eh? You don’t have to shout?”
“Well, that was just a performance for the rookies.”
Damn you.
After that, Saito and I processed all the functions that appeared.
To be honest, this training site was easy. SUM, AVERAGE and IF were the only ones to appear. The shape of the function seemed to change depending on the function, but IF was an easy to understand question mark.
Just as I thought nothing had been moving for a while, the lights went out and Saito spoke up.
“That’s the last sheet. Time to go back and grab a beer.”
After we got back into the car, a phone started to ring. Saito took out a smartphone and started to talk. The smartphone looked like an iPhone.
“Yes, this is Saito. Eh? What? Why did you go there alone? Okay, I’ll be right there.”
Saito spoke with a sigh.
“I’ve got to go to one last site to help someone out. The beer will have to be delayed.”
※Functions
AVERAGE https://support.google.com/docs/answer/3093615
IF https://support.google.com/docs/answer/3093364