Chapter 34: Combat Testing (2)

Chapter 34: Combat Testing (2)

The next phase will be behind closed doors, the teacher explained. It will involve a combat scenario with spellcasting. Any components used will be replaced. And dont worry, the school will also provide Concentrated Melam Pills to make up for lost energy.

There were four Seers before Xerxes. As he waited, he tried to time how long it took between each session, and came to the conclusion that each mage was assessed for only about four or five minutes. In the case of the second person in line, it seemed they were only inside for a minute.

He wasnt sure what it meant.

When it was his turn, he entered what seemed to be little more than a large rectangular room with stone floor, walls, and ceiling. At the end was a raised section with a table, behind which sat three teachers. One of them was Archon Shabadras, and another he recognized from lectures as Archon Pag. The third, he didnt know.

Seer Xerxes, said Archon Pag, from Mannemid. Welcome.

Good to be here.

The test is simple. Archon Shabadras will summon two Abhorrent spawn. The first one, you will fight using a mundane weapon of your choice. The second one youll fight using your magic. Its my understanding you study the Epitome, is that right?Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Xerxes still wasnt sure what the Epitome meant, but he knew it had to do with longswords.

Thats right, he said.

Theres a longsword on the weapon rack behind you. Feel free to use it, or any of the other weapons. In terms of spell components, do you have your pouch with you?

He nodded. Always.

Good. In that case, use your own spell components, and youll be compensated afterward. Remember, part of the test is spellcasting. Even if you feel you can dispatch the second Abhorrent without using magic, we still want to see what youre capable of.

Understood, Archon.

Take your weapon. The test will begin as soon as youre armed. Its impossible to accurately identify the spawn to be summoned, so be prepared for the unexpected. Well step in if necessary, and any injuries you sustain will be healed as soon as the assessment is over.

Yes, sir.

It tried to grab him, but its legs didnt bend in the right way to make it happen easily. It only took a second or two of him digging through its innards before it collapsed into death.

He flicked his arm, which freed it of a bit of the gore, but not much.

He stepped away from the two corpses, put his hands behind his back, and looked at the teachers.

They were all staring at him with open expressions of shock. One of them, the Archon Shabadras whod summoned the Abhorrent, even had his mouth open.

Xerxes took in a breath and exhaled slowly.

Shabadras spell ended, and the Abhorrent faded from existence, including the spilled blood and mangled bits of flesh.

Finally, the teacher in charge cleared his throat softly.

Well done, Seer Xerxes. He shuffled some of the papers in front of him, picked one in particular, and looked at it closely. This isnt the interview portion of the assessment, so we dont have your full file here. But my guess is that youve fought more than one or two Abhorrent in the past.

Thats right, Xerxes answered. The first was a juvenile. That fight ended poorly. The second I killed single-handedly.

Thats nothing short of astounding, Archon Shabadras said. But what do you mean when you say the first fight ended poorly?

Xerxes jaw tightened. One of my friends didnt make it out alive. A Balatu Seer named Bel.

Archon Shabadras expression softened. Im sorry to hear that.

Now I remember, Archon Pag said. You came here in the group with Seer Gandash. Very interesting.

The three teachers exchanged a glance.

Well, the assessment is over, Seer Xerxes, Archon Pag continued. The back door leads to a washroom where you can clean yourself up. Your interview is scheduled for Fourthday after the lunch hour. Well see you then.