Entrance Exam
Chapter 28 - Entrance Exam
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I entered the building designated for the exam as instructed by the receptionist—and well, how do I say this...
"Heh... It's just like in the game." I mused, eyes swimming around.
The structure resembled an arena, surrounded by numerous seats for students to watch and participate in the entrance exam. I could already see participants and their ongoing battles in the center.
It was a clash between a male elf and a male human. Both wielded Platinum Swords, engaging in a duel of equal strength. Since both participants held the same armament, their victory will be depended within their skills.
"Here he comes..." I muttered.
The human craftily baited the elf into an apparent opening. The elf, fallen to his tactics, slashed vertically as he took the bait. Successful, the make human parried the elf's attack, delivering a swift kick to his abdomen as the finisher.
Wheeze! The whistle blew, signaling the end of the match.
"Not bad," I muttered.
Arms crossed, I pondered. Although the strategy was great, their movements were rigid. There's still ample room for improvement, however.
Various matches unfolded, featuring students of different races engaging in 1v1 combat while the Adjudicators observed, assigning points for overall performance. Moreover, based to what I notice, it seems that students were permitted to use their preferred weapons.
To prevent accidental fatalities, the Imperial Academy employed an item, creating a simulation-like experience within matches. If a participant was killed in the simulation, no harm will befall to their actual body. They can let loose however they wanted.
Such technology didn't exist in the game. Nevertheless, it was a commendable safety measure than to risk lives for the sake of entering the Academy.
While analyzing each student's strengths, a loud microphone finally called my name.
"Sai Crimsonheart, this round's first participant. Your opponent will be—"
I promptly stepped onto the stage upon hearing my name. On stage, opposite me stood a Wolf Demi-human.
"Sai Crimsonheart, huh? I can't wait for everyone to see your pathetic face get beaten by me," the Wolf Demi-human taunted with a confident grin.
Yikes! That's a huge flag, though.
Ignoring the insult, I unsheathed Kusanagi from my Magic Pouch and strengthened my stance. The audience marveled at the weapon I was equipped with. Although not long after...
Loud boos and insults rained down from students watching our match, particularly me. Almost the entire students evidently favoring the Demi-human, though?! Just what the hell did you do, Sai?!
"Match Begin—"
As soon as the utterance of "Begin," I dashed, closing in on the Wolf Demi-human before he could ever react.
⟨⟨Quick Thrust⟩⟩
"Wha—?!" I executed a powerful thrust with my sword, sending the Wolf Demi-human flying due to the force of my strengthened attack, losing his consciousness in an instant.
Ah, I'm most likely sure I was about to pierce him completely. I see. So, he managed to block it with his sword before he flew away, huh...
"M-match Ended...!" the commentator stuttered in surprise.
All the students who had been jeering fell silent. Even the adjudicators had their jaws dropped. I, still on stage, sheathed my sword and quietly left the arena. Surprise? I'm just getting started.
* * *
The final matches concluded, and the entrance exam came to an end. As I walked toward the exit, heading where Lily, Luna, and I were to meet-up, countless gaze pierced my whole existence.
"That guy—Sai Crimsonheart, was it? I heard he took down his opponent in just half a second."
"That guy... acting mighty all of a sudden..."
"Sai Crimsonheart... wasn't he very weak and pathetic before?"
Hey! I can hear you! Opinions buzzed among the students—jealousy, hate, doubt, admiration, and various emotions, emanating to their piercing gaze that I can't help but quivered in response. How awkward...
Near the exit gate, I spotted the two familiar women waiting. And...? Aren't they getting a lot of attention from students...?
"Ah, Master!" Finally noticed, Luna raised and waved her hands at me.
Lily, having noticed likewise, gave an elegant wave. People, especially the boys, directed their attention toward Lily and Luna, then glared at me with anger. I can only frown at the awkwardness and malice emanating from those envious onlookers.
"Yo! Luna, Lily, how's your exam?" I asked, ignoring the boys surrounding us.
"Pretty good, Master. I thought it would be hard, but I managed," Luna said.
"Me too. Fighting my opponent with a bow was tough, but thanks to the Mobility Boots you gave me, I could distance myself and defeat them," Lily added.
"Hmm... Good work, everyone," I acknowledged, and we started walking toward the carriage.
As the carriage departed, students near us turned their heads like magnets, watching as we left the academy. Hehe, I want to raise them a finger it'll just make my reputation worst. I'll stop.
* * *
Inside the carriage, Luna and Lily, likely exhausted from the entrance exam, had fallen asleep, their heads resting on my shoulders.
"..."
My shoulder started to ache, so I gently placed my hands on their shoulders, supporting their heads.
"Better..." I mumbled.
This position continued until we reached the Villa. I woke the two exhausted girls, helped them inside, down to the table for the dinner. You guys wouldn't be able to grow if you didn't replenish your body with foods.
Everyone gathered for the dinner, and naturally, the topic shifted to the entrance exam.
"How was the entrance exam, everyone?" Rina-san inquired.
"It went well for me. Luna and Lily defeated their opponents," I replied.
The two girls ate silently, eyes slowly drooping from exhaustion. I see. They must've really exhausted themselves...
"...Hey girls, its disrespectful you know?" Rina-san scolded them for their lack of manners.
"It's okay, Rina-san. The entrance exam drained their stamina. After this, I'll guide them to their rooms, so please give them a break," I requested.
"If you say so..." Rina-san conceded.
Lily and Luna managed to finish their food, and as promised, I escorted them to their respective rooms. Lastly, after a cold shower, I retired to my own room.
"It's time for tomorrow, huh..." I mused and closed my eyes until my tired consciousness faded away.
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[Someone Else's POV]
My heart pounded with urgency. "This is bad! It's my first day at the academy, and I'm already late."
I sprinted at full speed towards the academy I was supposed to attend. Before arriving, I found myself entangled in various troublesome incidents—intervening when someone was bullied by a group of guys, assisting a girl who almost got run over by a carriage, and other events that contributed to my tardiness.
I can't help it. I just can't take my eyes of someone in need of assistance.
With every ounce of my energy, I managed to slip through the entrance gate just as it was about to close, my chest heaving as I gasped for breath.
"Huff... huff... safe..." I muttered between deep breaths, reassured by my last-second arrival.
After catching my breath, I embarked on the straight path toward the academy, but...
(10 minutes later)
"Huff... huff... this is bad, I'm lost!"
Isn't this Academy too large...? Despite systematically checking each building, I couldn't locate my designated classroom. The fear of asking instructors for help gripped me, fearing their potential anger and possible spread that I was late on my first day to the other instructors and students. If that happens...
"If that happens... I might get expelled!" I grimaced, pressing my cheeks with my palms as I succumbed to overthinking.
Shaking my head vigorously, I forced the negative thoughts away and ventured towards the last two buildings. While searching for my classroom, a cry of pain pierced the air, prompting me to hurry towards its origin. Looks like fate of being entangled with trouble won't ceased even here, huh...
Finally reaching the scene, I encountered a human guy pulling the hair of a distressed dryad girl.
"Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?!" I shouted in anger.
"Huh?"
"Let that girl go, you bastard!"
"And if I don't want to?" the man replied with a mocking grin.
"If that's the case..." I closed the distance between us, swiftly delivering a flying kick to his left cheek.
As my foot about to approached him, a third party appeared out of nowhere, executing a kick opposite to where I kicked him.
"Guho—?!" The man spun in rotation from our double assault, losing consciousness in the process.
"Hey girl, it's okay now," the intervening guy reassured the distressed girl. "The class already started, so go to your respective classroom. Be careful, okay?"
I turned my head and looked at the guy who was helping the girl on the ground. He stood tall, his crimson-like hair complementing the fine build beneath the academy's uniform.
But what captivated me the most were his cool, confident crimson eyes. No Homo.
"Um... thanks for also saving the girl from that guy, and you are?" I timidly inquired.
"Sai," he responded. "Sai Crimsonheart."