Chapter 84 Mid-Term Exams

More than two months had passed since the intense duel between Ken and Ben. As daybreak arrived, the sun slowly rose from the east, casting a warm glow over the academy and signaling the start of a new day.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of students heading towards their classrooms, a handsome young man strolled leisurely, wearing a gentle smile on his face. At first glance, he may not have looked like a powerful swordsman, but any master swordsman who saw him would be taken aback by his hidden potential and skill. Despite his calm demeanor, the young man was actually brimming with anticipation for the day ahead, eager to continue honing his abilities and pushing himself to new heights.

After all, every moment this boy lived was smooth and effortless.

People looked at him with envy, jealousy, respect, admiration, and more.

Most of the girls saw him as prey, with his handsome face and friendly smile making him a lady killer.

His name was Ken, and like every other student, he was headed to class. However, a large guy with a bulky build blocked his path.

"Hey there, what's up, buddy?"

The big guy greeted him this way and tapped Ken on the shoulder. If it were anyone else in Ken's place, they might not have been able to bear it. But Ken just made a wary smile and shrugged.

"Are your wounds healed now?"

Upon hearing this question, a dark shadow momentarily passed over James' face. However, like always, a goofy smile returned to his face.

As James boasted about his strength, Ken interrupted him before he could continue.

"Why were you absent for a few days?" Ken asked, curious about James' absence after being beaten by Emy.

"I can endure 100 matches with that barbarian girl," James replied, bragging about his ability. "It was just like sparring with some little puppy. Her soft blows just tickled me. Hahahaha."

Ken's expression remained unchanged as he listened to James' boasting. He tilted his head, still curious about James' absence.

"Maybe it was a good chance to take a break," James replied nonchalantly. "You know how our class teacher can be cold-hearted. She didn't even give us a single holiday."

"Is that so?"

Suddenly, a cold voice interrupted their conversation, filled with a slight hint of murderous intent.

Ken and other people who were walking noticed this and stopped but James wasn't focused, he continued his bragging.

"Yes. Yes. Otherwise, do you think I, the James from Andre family got beaten up by some random girl? Nah, My defence is as solid as Mountain."

Confidence was flowing in his words.

"Hehe... then let me break me try to break that mountain."

A same voice was heard this time, but coldness in the voice was increased.

"Come on, I am rea--"

Hearing the challenge James turned around to see face of the challenger. However, just when he was going to complete his sentence and turned halfway, a fist touched his cheek.

Soon, James lost his balance and fell on his back.

"Ouch. It hurts."

James took a breather and stood up. A single punch wasn't enough to make him injured severely, still it hurt.

"Who was the bastard that sneaked attack on this me? I will crush you like ant. Fight like a true man. Don't be a coward. Answer me. Who was it?"

James was furious. He shouted angrily.

"It's me."

James turned his face towards owner of the voice. His confidence and anger started crumbling.

"You want a fight, right? Looks like you forgot our last spar."

The owner of that voice was Amy. As Amy was coming towards James, he took a step back. He tried to say something but words didn't come out from his mouth.

"Oh, I heard that you weren't injured in our last fight. I am just some barbarian girl and my blows just tickled you. Let me tickle you again then."

There was a gentle smile on Amy's face. But people can see clearly it was the smile of a devil.

"Nah, It was just a joke. Don't take it seriously. Right, Ken?"

James turned his face towards Ken, there was a pleading expression on James' face, signing him to help him. However, Amy was also staring at Ken at the same time.

Ken just made a wary smile.

He didn't want to lie to Amy but He can't see James getting beaten up like last time. At the moment, like an angel's voice a sound came.

"Hey, James and Amy drop this comedy. Everyone is watching us like some clown. And if you keep this act we will be late for the lecture of the Combat teacher."

Eva tapped Amy's shoulder and gestured for her to stop.

Kevin and James both were relieved.

"Although I don't care about what others think. after all, I can beat them any time. But we might get punished if we are late."

Saying this, Amy started walking with Eva.

But like she remembered something, she turned towards James and said.

"However, you gorilla. I will remember to spar with you in afternoon training."

After this, she again continued walking towards the classroom with Eva.

This was like a death sentence for James. He was trembling like he got an electric current.

"Don't worry, She won't beat you up severely this time."

As a friend, Ken tried to assure James.

"Really?" James asked Ken in return.

"Might be." Hearing this, James was dejected.

"Hey, don't be sad. Let's go to the Classroom now. We are getting late."

Ken tried to change the topic and started walking towards the classroom at a faster pace.

"okay..." James also answered in low voice, like his vitality was dried up.

After a few minutes, James and Ken reached the classroom. As they entered, they were able to see that Kevin wasn't in class. They were relieved to know that they weren't late.

"You are lucky that Class teacher is late today." A grumpy voice came from a distance.

It was Ben, even after losing to Ken he still didn't stop bothering Ken. There were still half a dozen minions around him.

"Oh, good to know."

Ken wasn't bothered by this. Instead, he was now used to this behaviour of Ben.

"As a top student of the year, you are role model for others. You shouldn't be late like this."

"Okay. I will try to remember it. Thanks for the advice." Ken said with a kind smile. Seeing his smile, many people were dazed including Ben and his group.

He didn't expect this type of response from Ken.

"Ohh-kay. Try to be better."

As Ben couldn't keep a conversation with Ken he returned to his seat.

Seeing Ben like this, James and Amy couldn't hold themselves and laughed.

"Pfft."

"Haha"

Eva's shoulders were also trembling slightly. She was trying to control herself.

"Seriously, after fighting with Ken that arrogant Ben has really changed. Although he is still annoying."

Amy grumbled. As she was from one of upper class family, She knew Ben beforehand from attending the academy. The Ben in past was very annoying and irritating guy who kept babbling like fly, but now he was just annoying.

While everyone was having lively conversation, Kevin entered in the classroom.

Everyone returned to their seats.

"Good Morning sir."

Everyone stood up and greeted Kevin.

"Oh, Good Morning. Sit down." Kevin gestured everyone to sit down.

"So like as always we will do combat training. But before that I have something to report you."

Everyone was quiet curious about this.

"Like everyone of you has guessed, it's about content of your mid-term exam."

Just when Kevin was continuing his sentence, a student interrupted him.

"But sir, isn't content of exam is fixed?"

"Yeah, it was same until this year."

Hearing this, everyone in class was surprised.

"This time, exam will be based on theoretical and practical knowledge."

Students felt, Kevin was playing prank with them now. As it felt same as exam of previous years.

"But the practical exam will be held in dungeon."