68 Skip Test B

The next morning Lucas woke up, showered, ate breakfast then he walked to the classroom he was asked to.

" Good you are here. Just wait a bit. We will begin shortly" An official said.

Lucas nodded his head, ' I wonder what the practical will be about. I hope that it will be faster than before. Because yesterday was torturous.'

" We are ready. Please follow me." An official said and then walked out of the classroom. Lucas followed shortly. They walked to almost the same room that Lucas goes to for combat training and projectile accuracy. It's a spacious almost empty room with only a target machine and a simulation booth at the end of the room. Once they got there, an official said, " Wait here a couple of minutes. The invigilators and lecturers will be here shortly."

Lucas nodded his head. A few minutes later, the classroom had multiple lecturers and individuators. Once everybody had arrived an official announced to Lucas and the lecturers alike, " Mr Lightningstorm is attempting the skip test. So please test him on the work. We are starting with Fire A and Fire B. Who teaches Fire A and Fire B?"

" That would be me." A scruffy looking lecturer replied.

" Good. Then you may proceed."

Lucas and the lecturer walked into the simulation booth. It was set on view all. So others could see what was happening. This would prevent any cheating. The lecturer played with the settings. And then he clicked confirm. Suddenly it started raining and they were on a wooden ship in the middle of a storm.

" As a Mage, you should be able to cast magic anywhere. So to test your ability. I need to see your fireball reach the size of at least 16cm in these conditions. You have 5 seconds... GO!"

Lucas nodded his head, ' This is child's play. I thought it would be harder. I'm glad I'm skipping this grade. I would learn nothing."

Lucas began prepping his mana and then he said: " Fireball." From the red magic circle, a 25cm fireball shot out. Lucas conjured this spell in 2 seconds.

Once Lucas was done. The lecturer nodded his head and nonchalantly said, " Well done. You have passed."

'What is this monster! Two seconds! Just two seconds! No wonder he wants to skip a grade.'

"Thank you, sir," Lucas said.

" I'll be taking my leave. But you stay inside, your next lecturer will be in shortly."

Lucas nodded his head. And then after disabling the location, the lecturer left and another one came in. She then changed the location. This time they were standing in the middle of a volcano.

" Please conjure 1 litre of water in these circumstances. You have 5 seconds. Good luck."

Again Lucas nodded his head. And then 2 seconds later he conjured 2 litres of water. Unfortunately, that was as close to his minimum as he could go. If he went any less, he was afraid he would conjure less than a litre and fail."

The lecturer saw Lucas's speed and had the same reaction as her colleague before her. Lucas smiled awkwardly at his lecturer's facial expression. Then asked, " Will that be all?"

" Yes... That will be all. Good luck with the rest."

And then another teacher came in. He tested Lucas on Earth. But Lucas was able to pass that test with ease too. The same for wind. Then his lecturer for mana control came in. Because of Lucas's blessings, this was a breeze too. After that Lucas had to take a test for combat class. He was tasked with being able to beat an F rank Alpha creature. Which Lucas did with a single spell. So far none of the tests was a challenge. But he had one more left. This was projectile accuracy. So Lucas exited the booth and then he walked to the target simulator. Once he stood in front of the booth it started. He was tasked with reaching level 50 but Lucas wanted to beat the thing. That's why he trained his mana-eyes to a higher level than needed. He wanted to test the difference between mana-eyes and combat mode. And then maybe combine the two. To see how strong that would be. If it made it stronger...

Lucas prepped his mana as the target was moving. He pumped some mana into his eyes. And then suddenly he could see much better. Then he let the rest go into his hands. He conjured a red magic circle and shot out multiple small fireballs. He got 100 points for each target he was hitting. As he kept hitting the target. They began moving from side to side, faster and faster. But because of Lucas's mana-eyes, it was easy to hit the target. So far, he had yet to miss the centre. Until the movement of the targets started moving erratically. This caught him off guard. So he got 80 points for that one target.

' The targets are moving differently. This doesn't happen on the ones in the training area. These movements are more unpredictable.'

But Lucas kept going on. He was now at level 65. The previous booths end at 70. But once he got to 70 it kept going on. Which took him by surprise. He had never attempted any level higher than 70. And not because he lost by then. On the training area simulator, Lucas could clear it with a perfect score. But this one was clearly different. As he kept advancing in levels it got harder and harder. Until he lost. Lucas reached level 82 before it ended.

When he turned around. All the teachers were lost in their thoughts. Some looked white snow. As if all the colour had been absorbed from them.

" Uhm... Well done. Seems like the first year is way to easy for you. Please go to the reception. There you will find out if you had passed the written tests."

Lucas nodded his head and then said, " Thank you." Then he left for the reception.

" What a frightening kid. No, the worst part is he doesn't seem to know how good he is. He just takes it as if it's normal. IT'S NOT!"

Lucas arrived at the reception with a signed document from all his lecturers. Stating that he had passed all the practicals. He handed the paper to the receptionist.

" I'm Lucas Lightningstorm. I just took the skip test practical. I was told to come here to see if I had passed the written exams."

" Yes, I was notified. Just one moment while I check." She stood up from her table and entered another room. When she did she returned with a familiar face. It was Ivys Vinnay.

When Lucas saw Ivys Vinnay he greeted her, " Good afternoon, Miss Vinnay."

" Good afternoon. Mr Lightningstorm. Are you ready for your results?"

" I was but now I know I passed. So I'm less excited."

" Oh, and how so? I never said anything."

" Your presence is answer enough. If I failed you wouldn't come all the way. She would have just told me I failed." Lucas pointed to the receptionist.

Laughing in a slow and refined way, " Haha. Of course. I am far too busy to waste my time on a failure. Well done, you have passed the skip test. Because of that, you can skip to the second year if you like."

" I would like to. I am not gaining any satisfaction in my current classes."

" I can imagine. I saw your performance at the tournament. As well as the footage of you in the training booth and the target practice. Spectacular work. I really look forward to the heights you can achieve... But on a more serious note. Currently, you are the King of The First Years. But since you want to skip the grade. You will no longer have that title. When you enter the second grade you will be ranked dead last. As you entered the grade by skipping. But don't fret. You can challenge students and take their place in the ranking. As you know the higher your ranking the better you will be treated. Another issue is, I am sure you heard that some man from the military had sponsored your dorm. But now that you are a second year, you will be living in the second year dorm. Hence you will not be able to benefit from the new and improved dorm room. In fact, you will be going from luxury to poverty. We will also be taking your Mage coat from you, in return, we will give you the standard 2nd year one. Are you okay with that?"

Lucas nodded his head and answered immediately, " I am okay with that."

" Good! She will sort you out with all the logistics. I will see you on Saturday, yes?"

" Of course. I wouldn't miss your lecture for the world." Lucas said sucking up.

Flattered by Lucas's enthusiasm Ivys Vinnay reveals a faint smile. Faint, yet it was enough to light up the room, " Good." Then Ivys Vinnay left.

Lucas returned his attention to the receptionist as if she had just reappeared out of thin air. Even though she had been standing there since the beginning. Revealing an awkward smile Lucas asked, " What now?"

Not happy that Lucas had completely forgotten she existed. She never returned the smile. She wore a straight face but her eyes showed annoyance, " Let me sort out the logistics and then I'll bring you your coat. And you can be on your way."

Lucas smiled awkwardly again. As he knew he had pissed her off. He also knew that the so-called logistics had nothing to do with him. She could go fetch his coat first and then he could leave. But instead, she wanted to make him wait. As payback.

' Serves you right. Next time you will notice my presence. I mean when it comes to looks. I'm not that far off from Ivys Vinnay. It's just because she forces you to notice her. Maybe I should do that too...?"

' Wow! I'm getting punished for such a minor thing. I just momentarily forget you existed. It doesn't make you any less attractive.'

After 15 minutes she was done inputting all the logistics. Then she stood up and entered the storeroom behind her. When she came out she had a purple Mage coat in her hand. She handed Lucas this coat. Lucas thanked her with a forced smile.

After seeing Lucas forcing a smile. She felt relieved. As if she had claimed back her honour. She felt powerful again knowing she held Lucas's time in her hands. Once Lucas received his coat, he left immediately putting his coat in Thea's storage. He had spent enough time in this place.

His next order of business was to get his new books. Lucas checked his student card to see if his classes had been updated. When he did he saw that his classes had been updated. And by his profile. It changed from first year to second year. He also saw his rank had been altered from 1 to 1481. ' That's okay I'll just rank up and return to rank 1. Don't know if it will be easy but I'll try...' Lucas also checked if there was a friend request from Tamara Everly but there wasn't. ' I guess she is still busy...'

After much thought, Lucas reached the Library. He saw the same librarian who helped him last time. When she saw him she said, " Oh. You are back. You are going to stay longer in the library right? Last time you left so quick. You need to put the hours in if you want to pass the skip test."

" Actually. I already passed the skip test. I am now looking for my second-year books."

" Haha. Nice joke. But seriously you need to study hard. Do you still remember where your books are?"

It was at this moment Lucas realised she wouldn't listen without proof. So he took his student card out and showed her his profile.

When she looked at the student card. She saw Lucas wasn't lying. With a flabbergasted facial expression, she stared at Lucas. When Lucas saw she believed him. He showed her his subjects and asked, " So can I please have my books?"

Coming out her daze, " Yes of course!"

The librarian led Lucas across the entire Library collecting his books. Once he had them all, they went to the Library's reception, where Lucas had to sign his books out. He also had to sign a paper, that stated, that he had to pay for any damages, that happened to the books while in his position. Once that was done, he put the books in Thea's storage, then he left the Library.

For Lucas classes only started tomorrow. So Lucas had time to do what he wanted. He didn't want to do any more training. At least not now. Then he thought if he had free time he should go and explore the city. Maybe even get a quote on how much money the repair of his ring would cost. But before that, he needed his money. Lucas had quite a sum of money already. Due to raiding the Goblins and the money he got from the tournament. He had 860 gold in total. Plus the money he would get from Silvya Rouge would amount to 1060. That was enough to turn his life around.

But there was one thing that was bugging him. Lucas wanted to check something before he went to fix his ring. If this ring was what the goblins had in their lair. Then it had to be valuable. As this ring was stored with a lot of valuable items. Based on that. What if the ring is really valuable and then he gets it taken from him. When the Blacksmith claims he is going to fix it... This wouldn't sit well with him. Lucas could attribute check it but he already did that. And it seemed ordinary. But he wouldn't know that fully until the rest of the runes are shown. It was a really worrisome dilemma. But then a solution came to him. The ring was made by some person called R.F. If he searched this person in the Library. He could see if this person was Grandmaster in his days. This way he could tell the value of the ring. Because of the attribute check, he knew it wasn't a fake R.F ring but a real one.

After coming to that conclusion. Lucas went back into the library. Then he asked the librarian if she could show him where the books on R.F is. Once she led him there, she left. Lucas looked at all the books. There amounted to about 30 books. 'Seems this guy was famous' Lucas thought. Trying to save as much time as possible Lucas brushed his hand across all the books. When he did a copy appeared in his mind. After that, he assimilated all the knowledge. Due to his increased intelligence, this much was easy. The information ranged from Alchemy, Blacksmithing, Rune inscribing and crafting. R.F had his hands in all the pies.

After assimilating the knowledge Lucas was certain about one thing. This ring is not to be worked on by anyone but him. If he ever wanted to fix the ring. He would have to do it himself. R.F wasn't just any ordinary guy. He is hailed as the God of crafts. Back in the day, there were Ranks beyond A. This was S, SS, SSS. But as time progressed the might of humans got weaker. So the S rank standard was removed from the nomenclature. As it only serves as a reminder of how humans are receding...

R.F was a SSS Grandmaster in Alchemy, Blacksmithing and Rune inscribing. Whatever he created was seen as a national treasure. Many Kingdoms wanted him for that specific reason. But he remained neutral. He just wanted to live in peace and create. When he created he felt alive. But once he was hailed as the God of crafts. His crafting time was none existent. He couldn't craft anymore. Because what he created could topple Kingdoms. Even if that wasn't its intention. Humans always find a way to weaponise inventions. Not being able to craft left him depressed. And in the end, he took his own life. This was all written in his books. There were documents that had his personal diary where he spoke about how he was feeling. How lonely being on the top is. But as a final act of rebellion, he left a treasure somewhere in the world. Because of this knowledge coupled with his skills. Anything with an R.F inscribed was exorbitantly expensive. Some even faked an R.F hoping to swindle people into buying fake items.

Because of R.F, people wanted to be adventurers to find his treasure. Others opted to go along the crafter route. As who better could understand a crafter than a crafter.

When Lucas learnt this he took a deep breath. By just doing a bit of research, he had saved himself from a massive blunder. Lucas wondered if wearing the ring would be an issue. But it looked really plain so that was good. In fact, not wearing one would be more of a problem as Lucas was using Thea's storage in public. Although spacial magic is a thing. Students shouldn't be able to cast it at that level where you could create a whole new dimension. That's why people used spacial rings. They were expensive themselves because they were expensive to make. But also because of supply and demand. And it was in demand!

Now that Lucas knew he couldn't go a blacksmith. He didn't want to go to the city anymore. Lucas began thinking about what he wanted to do next, ' I guess I'll go do some training. Training is the only way I am going to get stronger after all.'

But he knew now that he was a second year he could no longer train at the training area he used to go to. Plus now that he was ranked last. He had to stand in those ridiculous lines to train. Thinking about that, Lucas decided against it. Lucas had another plan, ' Thea, can I still teleport to a place where I can level up.'

[Sure what difficulty do you want?]

' Mmm, medium. Let's begin slowly.'

[ Okay then I have a perfect place for you. It will cost you 30 gold.]

' Ouch! That's a lot. Like what do you even need the gold for?'

[ I can't tell you that yet. Do you want to go or not?]

' Yeah, it's still worth it. Take me please but first let me find a place where I can go secretly.'

[ Okay.]

Lucas couldn't teleport inside the Kingdom. As the Kingdom had teleportation jammers. The only way in and out the Kingdom via teleportation was via the teleportation channels. So for Lucas to go train he needed to leave the Kingdom momentarily. Lucas didn't waste any more time and prepped his mana. He dashed all the way to the walls of the city. On his way, he had accidentally toppled a few stalls with the wind he created while running. Once he got to the gate he stopped, showed the guard his student card. Then he left the Kingdom. He activated his dash skill again and off he went. Until he was far enough. Thea activated the spell and poof he was gone.