Chapter 42: The Exam

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"Morning!" Eula greeted Lin Feng with a mild salutation.

"Good morning!" Lin Feng smiled back at her briefly before hastily finishing two pieces of bread and leaving.

It was now time for the Cyber Knights' assessment within the Knights of Favonius - a one-hour administrative competency test had officially begun.

Observing over a hundred participants seated, Lin Feng nodded with satisfaction. A larger pool meant more potential choices.

As he watched everyone diligently racing against the clock to answer questions, Lin Feng began strolling around. Eventually, he stopped behind Noelle.

Glancing at the exam paper, Lin Feng felt somewhat bewildered by the questions:

"In which year was the Knights of Favonius established?"

"How should you handle a Hilichurl attack?"

"What is the appropriate course of action when encountering a Pyro Shield-wielding Abyss Mage during combat?"

Lin Feng shook his head, grateful that Jean had exceptionally promoted him instead. If he had to attempt these questions, he'd likely only manage the last one - suggesting to lure the Pyro Abyss Mage towards a river.

Noelle approached each question with great seriousness and provided thoughtful answers. It seemed she stood a good chance of being accepted, giving Lin Feng a promising subordinate. Heh heh!

Later on, he definitely had to take her along to clear out monsters near the path leading to the snow-capped mountains; it was always nerve-wracking for him alone.

Afterward, as the first section concluded, many participants began comparing their answers.

"Oh no, oh no! What did you write for that Abyss Mage question?"

"Cough, cough, I wrote 'spit to break its shield.' Didn't elemental studies teach us that Hydro negates Pyro shields?"

"Ahem, that's too little volume. I put 'urinate,' hehe..."

"Woah, bro, you're a genius! Why didn't I think of that?"

The second part consisted of Lin Feng's self-designed questions, focusing on smartphone usage and content moderation skills. After all, these candidates would essentially be video moderators within the Knights of Favonius' duties.

Lin Feng paused again beside Ellin, who, being a future knight, seemed to grasp everything with just a glance.

"How should one handle a locked phone without knowing the password, specifically clearing the screen lock?"

"If during review, you discover someone posting vulgar or obscene videos, how should they be handled?"

"While moderating, if you come across content containing harmful statements about Mondstadt, what is the appropriate course of action?"

***

After the exam concluded, Lin Feng eagerly listened to the candidates' discussions, hoping to identify any hidden talents akin to Zhuge Liang or Pang Tong.

"Dude, how did you handle reviewing those vulgar videos?"

"Ah, I obviously passed them through, letting him post more. Why should I hog all the fun and deprive my bros!"

"Wow, impressive! I also marked 'pass,' considering most people enjoy watching such content—it aligns with public opinion, right? Who knew they'd tie it back to the first subject's principles; these test creators are sneaky as hell!"

Upon hearing their responses, Lin Feng's lips twitched slightly. If these guys got hired, MiHoYo Live would swiftly turn into a platform for adult videos, and Jean might just kill herself from embarrassment!

As the candidates left after completing their exams, Lin Feng was left to grade the remaining papers. Naturally, grading the first subject fell under the responsibility of Lisa, the librarian.

Lin Feng carefully sealed the first subject's answer sheets and delivered them to the library.

"Hi, little cutie, you must be the new Cyber Knight Captain?" Lisa greeted Lin Feng with a warm smile.

"Mm-hmm," Lin Feng nodded and placed the answer sheets on the table.

"Haha, no need to be nervous! Relax, I won't eat you, little one!" Lisa chuckled teasingly as she looked at Lin Feng.

"Uh, Captain Jean asked me to deliver these exams for urgent grading," Lin Feng replied, feeling slightly overwhelmed - no wonder she's known as Mondstadt's speed queen!

"There's always more work than time, so why not spend some with your big sis... Well, just chatting, of course. What were you thinking?" Seeing Lin Feng's anxious expression, Lisa couldn't help but laugh.

With that, Lisa opened the sealed exam papers. Lin Feng took a seat nearby and began grading as well.

He glanced over at Lisa, watching her swiftly correct the exams at a rate of one every three seconds. Stunned, he immediately walked closer to check. After all, these candidates would become his subordinates; he couldn't let Lisa ruin them.

Lin Feng picked up a graded paper and compared it against the answer key, finding not a single mistake.

"How about it, kiddo? Curious yet?" Lisa teased with a light laugh, without slowing her pace even slightly.

"Not curious at all!" Lin Feng shook his head, knowing that even if he showed curiosity, Lisa likely wouldn't explain and might tease him further.

"Aww, how timid you are, such a boring little guy." Lisa chuckled and shook her head, picking up her pace even more. After all, she wouldn't stay overtime.

Lin Feng also started grading, but at a significantly slower rate.

In no time, while Lin Feng had only graded five papers, Lisa had already finished her work. Smiling lightly, she approached him, placed the completed exams on his desk, and asked playfully:

"Little guy, would you like some help from your big sister? We could finish much quicker!"

Lin Feng shook his head, "No thanks, I'm fine!"

"That distant attitude of yours really makes me feel uncomfortable, dear! Alright then, take your time; I'll go enjoy my coffee!"

Lisa smiled and left the library, pausing to remind Lin Feng, "Oh, if anyone comes to borrow or return books, make sure to assist them!"

Lin Feng silently cursed under his breath - You're off for coffee while making me do your work! However, there was nothing he could do; she had already left, unable to see his refusal.

Shortly after, a girl dressed in purple approached. With one eye covered by an eyepatch, she burst out laughing and exclaimed:

"I am Prinzessin der Verurteilung, my true name is Fischl. Answering fate's call, I have come here to return the lost item!"

Lin Feng looked at Fischl, bewildered by her grand introduction. Suddenly, a purple crow appeared and explained to Lin Feng:

"Miss means she's here to return a book!"

"Oh!" Nodding, Lin Feng accepted the book from Fischl.

After processing the return, Fischl promptly acknowledged him, "This Empress has observed your diligence, unlike the slothful witch. The night shall bestow its divine grace upon you, in response to your loyalty!"

Oz gave an awkward smile and clarified, "What Miss meant is that good deeds will be rewarded; you're far more diligent than that witch!"

Lin Feng nodded, thinking about this quirky young girl.

Some time later, Lin Feng finally finished grading all the papers. He still needed to tally scores for two subjects, but thankfully, with his phone, he could easily sort and rank them.

Eventually, the top ten results were compiled, and Lin Feng prepared an announcement. He posted the rankings on both the Knights of Favonius' bulletin board and their official account.

"What?! I didn't even make the list? Aaargh!" lamented one disappointed student in the comments.