Just as he was thinking, the battle rages on. Joan saw that the proctor was forcing every bit of data out of him. Making him being tested from every angle. How he attacks, how fast his feet were, how good his defence, how far his stamina can go, how good he was at using his skills. It was all tested and was calculated.
Some were great in duels but worst in team fights. Others were brave when many but a coward when alone. The proctors were psychologists and they can see through each applicant's potential.
Just as all were happening, the applicant was panting and was on his feet. He was using his staff to give support in the process of regaining his stamina.
"Is that all? Well, you can't be reaching bronze or copper badges with that. Next!" He said to him..
The man then felt sad, his expectation of his potential was crushed by reality. He can only bite his lips in the process of swallowing the hard truth. He left the testing area after throwing his staff on the wrack.
Joan then felt excited as he stepped forward. There was no other one than him and so he felt that it was his time. He can't hide his smile as he stepped up.
"You are new right? That man there wanted to have a promotion on his rank. Or say, he wanted to raise his rank by one. He failed three times now. So, are you going to become like him or not?" He asked.
"I am Joan! I am jobless! Nice to meet you!" Joan said gleefully. It was maybe his excitement was getting ahead of him.
"Jobless? Well, jobless adventurers will be tasked to be cannon fodders. You know them right? They're just pawns in a chess piece," The Proctor said to him.
"There's chess here?" Joan blurted out.
"Yes?" The proctor asked.
"Well, pawns become queens! Or bishop! Or rook!" Joan shouted.
"You know how to play them?" He asked interestingly.
"Yes!" Joan said with bulging eyes.
"Well you see, I am a good cannon fodder! You will be impressed! Like the pawn in the chess piece," Joan said to him.
"Haha, sure! You know your thing, well let's proceed to the test," He said, holding his wooden sword.
Upon Joan's surprise, he was broader than his first time seeing him. Now that he was looking at him in a closer look, he felt that his stats will be over the top. Maybe more than him even his original stats combined.
Joan was hesitant to pick any weapon, but he has to match his opponent's weapon class. Like for example, a sword for a sword that was fair for him and also to his opponents. Well, swords were the classy thing to wield ever since his past world. They can cut through especially with lower types of armours or protections but can be useless against full plated armours. Now, these types of armour's weaknesses were blunts that can crush bones due to their weight even with full plated armours that were equipped.
He grabbed the wooden sword in the weapon wrack and he smiled. The weight distribution was fine and it can hurt you if were smashed with just your bare body. Swinging it left and right and tested its grip. To his surprise, it was crafted splendidly. It looked like more of a claymore than a katana or rapier. Every weapon has its unique touch to it and has its variety. Making it diverse in its looks, weights, and, handling style.
Now Joan grabbed the sword and it was two-handed. Surprisingly, he felt that the sword was heavier than usual. Not that he expects that he will be stronger but it felt off for a moment. It looks like he struggled with just lifting it.
"Claymore? Are you sure? With your body, then you should pick a lighter weapon for faster attack speed," He suggested.
Even more so, Joan knew that in the first place. But he likes to play a bit, knowing that his potential or growth has become more rapid, he couldn't help but test his limits. By doing so, he can reach the momentum where his growth will be triggered.
He grabbed the two-handed sword then faced him. Not even asking his name, he just stepped forward and get readied for the combat.
"Okay! Now let us begin the test!" He said while holding his sword tightly.
"Yeah!" Joan replied.
Joan dashed forwards with just his bare strength can afford. Running with speed uncomparable from before. However, it was slower just like what Joan expected. Running with full speed, he smashed his sword at his. Creating a sound the moment their swords clashed.
"Good! That's it! Show me more! What can you do with such puny strength?" He said to Joan.
Joan then dashed on his side while sliding his sword at him. Rotating on the process to create momentum and slashed.
'He bravely assaulted my flank? How bold!' He inwardly thought.
He stepped back sideways and evaded Joan's strike. It was an estimated shift of direction and was as close as hairs breathe. Joan can only smirk at him. Immediately, Joan slashed two and was immediately repelled. Although not so impressive as his past strength, he was able to do fast slashes.
Joan was a little bit adjusting to his current strength. Lower stats hugely affected his overall performance and it was expressed on his face.
He was gasping as stamina was slowly chipped off. He still felt lightheaded a bit due to him just recently used the skill. Making him slap his face with both hands. Mitigating his lightheadedness but still, his stamina was barely keeping up. All thanks to the ancient skill he got from his past world.
Still, his stats were slowly growing. Something no one but only him and Isaias knew off. Upon his grip on the sword, a grin was leaking on his cheeks. He can't hide the barely contained excitement inside his heart. While Joan was panting, he dashed forward to his enemy. More resolute than before and was happier. His burden was lifted and he knew that starting again to being weak will be much more enjoyable at this moment.
The bliss of the feelings he felt made him ran and pushed himself to go all out. Nothing has to be hidden from now on. His adventurer badge was at stake. Joan shouted with all he got as he approached him.