Chapter 13

Chapter 13

The entrance exam of Annwood Academy changes every year.

However, the changes aren't made thoughtlessly.

Each part of the exam has its purpose.

First Stage: 'Maze Test'.

It assesses basic reasoning, decision-making, and endurance.

Average kids, or rather, the mediocre ones, all fail here.

Second Stage: 'Illusion Test'.

It tests whether one can overcome past pains and stand against harsh realities.

It judges if they possess an unbreakable spirit.

Even talented children, if weak in heart and mind, fail here.

Third Stage: 'Duel Test'.

It evaluates minimal combat ability and potential for growth.

Administrative skills, calculations, knowledge – many smart kids excel here.

In the current peaceful times of the Annwood Empire, the ruler of the continent, more bureaucrats are needed.

But they too must have a certain level of physical fitness.

At least not to hinder the knights protecting them.

This stage checks minimal combat skills and whether one can keep fighting without giving up in adverse situations.

The yet unseen Fourth Stage: 'Written Test'.

It assesses the knowledge one currently possesses. Hardly anyone fails.

It's merely a process for placing students in appropriate classes.

'Most wouldn't know. That there's a secret test.'

Yes, a system known only to a few within the empire.

The 'Secret Test' is exactly that.

'No matter how tight security is, there will always be rats.'

Not everyone at Annwood Academy is the best.

Honor, money, status, or something else.

There are things even the academy officials lack or desire.

That's why there are rats selling exam information to large noble families.

The secret test system was devised to prevent that.

'Since the headmaster changed... I've felt it more.'

The same was true in the maze and the illusion test.

Not only passing too easily but also possessing artifacts to counter illusion magic.

Elester had to use stronger magic than usual.

'Huh... Frustrating.'

If this continues, Annwood Academy will gradually decline.

The graduates will all be mediocre.

There are several culprits, but the main one is clearly the headmaster.

'He badgered me about the secret test. Even resorted to threats.'

Will he be here next year?

Caron sighed in frustration.

"All the injured are fine now."

"Is that so."

"It seems we can start now."

"...Wait. I'm watching for the right timing."

"Ah, understood. My apologies!"

He looked down the forest path, but nothing was visible.

It's not for Luna. It's just waiting for all children to have a fair chance at the test.

If asked why the exam has been relentless and non-stop until now.Geett the latest novels at novelhall.com

'...A misunderstanding.'

Yes, a simple misunderstanding.

He tried to be fair, and it's the same now.

"Ah... What's the next test? This is crazy."

"When are we going to the fourth exam site?"

"Yeah. We need orders to move or do anything..."

The students' gazes were sharp.

A phenomenon due to their raised morale.

Caron consciously ignored their stares.

"Hey! I really didn't cry, okay? Something just got in my eye!"

"Keke, I see. Something quite big, it seems."

"It's true!"

Thump!

Luna's fist dug into Zero's side.

Zero's body bent into an 'L' shape.

Yet, the corners of his mouth remained raised.

'...They seem close.'

For some reason, it's displeasing. A part of him feels uncomfortably unsettled.

Probably because they were making noise at the exam site.

"Attention, candidates. Line up quickly. We'll count the heads and then move to the fourth exam site."

Luna and Zero hastily ran over.

Caron's gaze shifted to Zero. The boy's eyes were so narrow it was doubtful he could see.

'Come to think of it... that kid was there too.'

It wasn't just Zero's eyes that were suspicious.

His 'skill' was suspiciously good.

'Psychological warfare, huh? An insolent kid.'

He recalled the thirteenth group's duel, where Zero, Luna, and Raymon fought.

In fact, when Zero imitated One Flash, not only Luna and Raymon's eyes widened.

I just answered the ones I had a hunch about and confidently pushed through the rest in a straight line.

Better than getting a zero for guessing wrong.

But then.

"Huh?"

There was a subject I could answer effortlessly.

Why is this happening?

Q1. What is the following magic circle?

1. 5th Order Demon Summoning Circle

2. Forbidden Pact with a Goat

3. Oath of Deadly Poison

4. Path of Glory

'The magic circle clearly says it's a 5th Order Demon Summoning Circle. What's going on...?'

But flicking through, the other questions were the same.

Too easy. The answers were all in the questions.

I turned to the first page to check the exam's subject.

At the very top of the first page, it was written:

「Demonology」.

...What?

Why can I read this?

* * *

"The exam is over! Everyone, please stay still!"

The written test was finished.

All the children who had taken the exam just collapsed on the spot.

Maze, illusion, duel, and finally the written test.

The effects of the exams held continuously since morning.

"Quickly, to the staff room!"

But the teachers' work started now.

From marking exams to announcing results and class divisions, and even the entrance ceremony.

It was a long-standing tradition of Annwood Academy to finish all this in one day.

241 children who survived after the third test.

The teachers assigned to marking had no choice but to be busy, with so many tests to grade.

"History, come this way!"

"Magic studies, over here!"

There were a whopping 10 subjects.

Twenty teachers teamed up in pairs, each taking a subject.

Shhh- Shhh-.

Scritch- Scritch-.

The staff room was filled with the soft sounds of grading.

But as time passed, voices gradually started to emerge.

After all, it was repetitive work.

The objective test had only 20 questions.

Just memorizing the 20 correct answers was enough.

Eventually, the busy work became more about the hands and mouth, leading to chatter.

"Who do you think will be the top student this time?"

"Surely it must be Teron from the Vyuern Ducal family?"

"What about Yuridia from the Rownter Count family? I've heard she's a genius."

"I don't know. But surely not as much as Rodelin from last year?"

"Ah, Rodelin is out of the equation. She's in a league of her own."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Rodelin, who had been appointed as the vice president of the student council this year.

Her talent had been evident from the entrance ceremony.

Her beautiful appearance that captured everyone's attention.

Swordsmanship skills that even the instructors admired.

When a noble harassed a commoner, she coolly slapped the noble, saying, 'The real insult to nobility is you!'

Despite the tight schedule, she managed to pass the last exam while taking care of the injured.

And the written test? Needless to say, she got perfect scores in all subjects.

"Good lineage, skills, looks, and personality - truly, the world is unfair."

"That's what makes her more impressive. If I were Rodelin, I'd have used my family's influence and looks for all sorts of things."

"All sorts of things? I'm curious what you mean."

"Hohoho...! Well, just this and that."

No one contested Rodelin's position as the top student last year.

But this year was different. There were many notable talents.

In swordsmanship, magic, physical strength, and even cuteness (?).

With talents shining in various areas, predicting who would take the top spot was challenging.

"Ah, what about that kid?"

"Which one?"

"The one who we can't see his eyes. He looks like... the portrait of a dark sorcerer..."

"Ah, I think I know who you mean. His name was... Zero, right?"

It wasn't just dark sorcerers.

Those notorious for committing significant crimes in continental history often bore a resemblance to him.

Therefore, Zero was quite a hot topic among the teachers.

Some here had seen Zero's face in person.

The common opinion among those who had encountered him was...

--TL Notes--

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you want to support me or give me feedback, you can do it at /MattReading