Exam Results

It was now the 8th of December.

The exams were finally over and the scores had come in. They were placed in front of a large board that was located at the gate.

The scores were calculated by how many people we've taken out, how many monsters we've killed, and how many days we survived.

And with that, it wasn't hard to find my name in first place. Of course, I was followed by Marth. I want to question how they were able to calculate my score even though I didn't have the bracelet for them to track. Unless they were tracking my progress before I took it off.

Yeah, that would make sense.

Classes were normal as usual… except that lately everyone was talking about me.

I've hidden in dark corners and eavesdropped on my peers. Seems they were talking about me and Marth killing the Lulator, the S-rank monster that was hanging out in the large lake. Looks like we both share the title of Lulator killer. I heard it took them a while to remove it from the lake.

Aside from the gossips about my relationship with Aurelia, everything was pretty much normal.

Though classes were a bit tougher now.

Seems that wasn't the only test we had to focus on. We had a written exam that focused on the history of how Priden came to be. Of course, I flunked the test and surprisingly Ordos had a perfect score.

"Heh, should've focused more Seiya."

"Shut up, Ordos."

I didn't even try to concentrate in theoretical class. Just remembering stuff that won't get me anywhere is just stupid.

For my second class… well I basically just passed it after achieving full-spirito.

The teacher wanted me to demonstrate to everyone how some of us would look if we achieved the form.

I tried to retort but he told me to do it anyway, so I did.

After that, everyone from the upper grade wanted to ask me how I did it. I told them the story, but I switched up the elements a little. It would be a little embarrassing to say that Aurelia had a part in it and they would definitely not believe me if I said I came back alive even though I was left with only a head and a spine.

Still not a comfortable topic I like to talk about.

Lately, during my break, I'd hang around in the library. Reason why is I want to search more about the centipede that entered me.

But even after checking through every single section and shelf, I couldn't find one that would give me the intel I need. The only thing I found was some stupid fable about a dragon and a bug. I question this world's storytelling.

I even asked the librarian if she could find anything about a centipede but no help there.

When I left the library, I looked over at the three towers at the palace.

The library… If I recall, the king had a library that is only accessible by those he deems able to enter.

Maybe I should go and check it out after classes end.

After magic practice, it was now combat class. And the teacher… well, the look on her face gave me the chills…

"I wonder who's gonna be called next."

Ordos rubbed his chin as he slowly began to back away.

"Relax, she's not gonna call you. I doubt she'll call you out of everyone here. She's only gonna pick one person today."

"That's the problem! If she picks me, she'll just end up embarrassing me! I don't wanna get beat up by some hot lady!"

He didn't even try to hold back his tongue. Sure she may be enchanting to some guys, but I doubt she's married. With a stern attitude like that, she'd bound to be single.

Though I wish good luck to anyone going after her.

"Hey, have you heard Seiya?"

"What is it, Ordos?"

"There's been sighting of weird, large bugs lately. I heard they attacked a village not far from here, though they were easily taken care of."

"Bugs? And why should I be worried about this?"

"Oh yeah, since you are kind of new to this world and oblivious to everything around you, I should tell you this. If you see a large bug, it's a sign of the demon lord Ogthonis."

"Ogthonis?"

"He's the demon king that rules the Insetti realm. Otherwise known as the insect realm."

"And… I should be afraid of him?"

"Well, maybe a little right now, but I doubt he is able to launch a full-on invasion right now. He's been weakened centuries ago and it takes a long time for demon lords to regain their strength. But each year he'd send his minions up to the earth to absorb their blood and give it to him. Demon lords can only gain energy faster with the use of mortal blood. I heard that his power is terrifying."

He was looking uneasy and wiped the sweat off the side of his head.

"I heard he was able to cut through the fabric of space itself."

Cut through the fabric of space? That sounds a little intriguing.

"Seiya Gekiryu!"

Suddenly I heard my name being called and I turned. That's when Ordos began to back away and patted my shoulder while saying-

"Good luck."

That's when I realized I was picked. Christ, it just had to happen, huh? Well, it was inevitable.

I'd walk up and place my hand on my weapons.

"For today, I want you to fight at full strength."

"'scuse me?"

Did I hear that correctly? I have to fight her at full strength?

"Fight me in full-spirito. I've heard you achieved the form during your exam. I just want to see how well you can do against me. I won't use my spirito against you."

She really wants me to fight her without holding anything back? And to make it even more shocking, she's not gonna use her spirito? There is a limit to bluffing, you know?

But I guess it wouldn't hurt, this is only just a lesson after all. She'd probably win, but I doubt she'll win unscathed against me.

Everybody backed away, giving us space. I'd immediately transform and the floor around me began to heat up. Everyone was a little shocked or scared looking at my appearance. Well, it would be normal since I don't look human at all.

"Now, come."

The teacher said and I immediately flew forward. I instantly drew my Katana and slashed horizontally.

Somehow, even though I swung my blade with the speed I had, she was able to evade it.

She stepped back and beckoned me to go after her again and I charged forward.

I unleashed a countless number of slashes onto her but she managed to dodge every single one. I noticed that she had her eyes closed but she was somehow dodging my every move without even looking.

I took this chance to use my other blade and even performed Piercing Vortex.

She quickly jumped away and I chased after her. Even when I managed to catch up, she'd somehow manage to jump away unscathed.

When we landed on the ground, I quickly performed Sable Chains but even she was able to evade that. When the chains erupted from the floor, she'd step away and avoid the chains just like that. Even when they were closing in, she'd slip through even the narrowest of gaps.

However, I managed to catch her off guard and appeared behind her while having a Tyrannical Fist prepared in my right arm. I'd strike the ground as she couldn't step away in time. But my fist was unable to connect with the floor because the teacher had caught my wrist before I could do it.

It was then her turn to fight back. She quickly swung me around despite my height and weight and tossed me into the air.

I attempted to catch myself with my wings but she had already appeared in front of me before I could even realize it. She'd barrage me with heavy punches. Even when I blocked them with my arms, I could still feel the force of her strikes.

Suddenly, she appeared behind me and kicked me into the air again before elbowing me, hurtling us towards the ground.

I knew from the impact, we'd probably destroy the whole building or something but she managed to catch me before that could happen.

I was dropped onto the ground and deactivated from my spirito form.

"You did alright, Seiya."

The teacher complimented me as she lent a hand. I took it and was brought onto my feet.

"Now then, I just showed you the first technique you will be learning for the quarter."

Technique?

"Does anyone want to tell me what name the technique is called?"

A question? Well, I can already tell who is going to answer that.

I'd turn towards Ordos but even he was clueless. Huh, something Ordos doesn't know, that's new.

"Well then, this technique is called-"

The teacher paused and it was silent. I noticed that the teacher had a senile look on her face. Then when I looked up, I understood why.

There was a large glowing bug in the sky. It looked mutated and it drooled this yellow substance from its mouth. Some of it dropped onto the ground and I heard sizzling emitting from the spot it landed on.

Then suddenly, the bug shrieked, followed by a deep shattering noise.

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