1378 Eschewing Magic
"Very well. When you are ready, step through the door. Your time begins the moment you enter."
Instructor Elda's words made the Adventurers perk up as they realised that they had to compete with and surpass their comrade.
Without realising it, they slowly edged away from each other as their sights were fixed on the dungeon and they flexed their muscles in anticipation ready to get into action.
Neron was only one person who appeared unbothered by what he heard.
He stood at the edge of the group and his eyes narrowed as he took in the details of the mock dungeon.
The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of excitement and tension, and he could feel the murmurs of the other hopefuls.
As they waited for their turn to enter, a young boy that appeared no older than Neron got close to him.
Neron was surprised by the boy's boldness as he wondered what quality in his person gave off the impression that he was approachable.
His bright eyes and eager smile contrasted sharply with Neron's grim demeanor.
"Hi, I'm Legris," the boy said, extending a hand. "I saw you come in and thought we could team up. Two heads are better than one, right?"
Neron glanced at the boy's hand but didn't take it. Instead, he turned his gaze back to the door of the dungeon.
"I'm better off alone," he replied curtly. "You will only slow me down."
Legris' smile faltered slightly, but he nodded. "Alright, good luck then."
Ignoring the boy's attempt at camaraderie, Neron focused on the task ahead.
He didn't come to the guild to make friends and the nature of the test wasn't a team targeted one either as they would be scored individually.
His eyes scanned the place for the weapons section and he went over to the man in charge of them as soon as he spotted it.
"I need a sword please," He said to the man who appeared to be dozing off.
"Ahem...Why do you need a sword? Aren't you a magic user?"
Neron repeated his request ignoring the man's question.
The man looked him over then finally shrugged as if to say it wasn't his business.
"Anyone here that catches your fancy?"
Neron went closer and then selected a plain looking sword in the corner.
The man shook his head in protest as he was surprised by Neron's inexperienced choice.
"If you'll allow me to recommend something..."
~SLICEEE!~
~SLICEEE!!~
~SLICEEE!!!~
GUARKK!
ARGH!!!
The goblins cries for help went unanswered as they were cut down swiftly.
Neron's swordsmanship was impeccable, each strike precise and lethal as he ran through them without receiving injuries himself.
He relied solely on his physical skills as he abandoned the use of magic entirely.
It was the reason he had chosen to bring a sword with him.
Time seemed to blur as he continued his relentless assault, his focus unbroken.
He lost count of the number of monsters he had slain, his only goal to eliminate as many as possible.
Eventually, he found himself back at the entrance, breathing heavily but otherwise unharmed.
"Well that was quick, this can't be the whole examination," He said not quite believing it.
He concluded that the standard was low if it was all he had to do.
He wiped the blood from his sword and sheathed it, his eyes cold and hard.
He wasn't sure he had spent up to thirty minutes in the dungeon.
He stepped out to the surprised faces of the examiners gathered.
He was the first to finish and he went over to a corner as he awaited the results.
Legris emerged shortly after, his face streaked with dirt and sweat.
Despite his disheveled appearance, there was a triumphant gleam in his eyes. He had fared well, it seemed.
His eyes went over the examiners until he spotted Neron and then he waved in surprise.
He thought that he had been the first to finish until he saw the cold boy he had tried to befriend earlier.
If Neron saw the gesture, he didn't return it so Legris turned back and waited for the others too.
Twenty minutes later, the rest of the candidates poured in and soon everyone was accounted for.
"That concludes the end of the examination," Instructor Elda said stepping forward.