Chapter 18 - The Final Test

I was panting heavily; I actually was able to kill the fucker. He was strong, I'd like to think so at least.

I turned the orc over and got my dagger back. I wasn't going to put it back in its sheathe until I cleaned it though.

I picked up my sword that was on the ground and put it in the sheathe though, it wasn't dirty so it was fine.

Ella came stumbling over to me.

"You did it."

"Barely."

"But you didn't cut its head off? Was the eye the weak point?"

"I have no idea."

Suddenly Kendel appeared in front of us.

"Congratulations, you two successfully killed the orc."

He gave us the water bottles from before, and we were back at the room with the desks.

I chugged the water and started feeling better shortly after.

What kind of fancy water was this?

Nothing happened for about an hour, except for people slowly filling the desks.

Soon after everyone was at a desk Kendel appeared again.

"First of all, I'd like to say congratulations to those who killed the Orc."

"Out of the 15 groups, only 3 successfully were able to kill it."

He began to clap before stopping shortly after.

"We'll move straight onto the next test."

Suddenly papers and pencils appeared in front of us like before.

I put my name in the top left corner and looked at the questions.

[If you were met with a monster you couldn't beat and there were 3 civilians behind you, what would you do?]

What do you mean what would I do? If I couldn't beat it that meant it was faster and stronger than me, I'd just be fucked? And 3 civilians behind me? What kind of situation is this?

'Depends.'

[Would you sacrifice your life to protect 10 people?]

These questions are stupid. Everything depends on the situation you're in.

'Depends.'

[If your comrade told you to run away while they stay to hold off a monster, would you?]

'Depends.'

[If citizens spit at you, would you be able to ignore them?]

'Depends.'

[If you were met with people who had murdered a family in the past, but changed their ways and now runs an orphanage and does a lot for the community, would you kill them?]

Why are these so specific?

'Depends.'

There were a lot more similar questions asking if I would sacrifice myself, or run away, and stuff like that, I put 'Depends.' on almost every question, until I reached the final question.

[Would you stay behind to protect your family?]

'Yes.'

I promised her after all. I don't think the situation mattered on this one.

Looking around it seemed like most people were still answering questions. I could also hear they were writing a lot more than one-word answers unlike me.

It took about an hour for everyone to be finished, Kendel started to speak shortly after.

"Looks like everyone's finished."

"We'll move immediately onto the last test."

A lot of people suddenly gasped

"Finally!"

"This was taking so long!"

"Finally, I couldn't wait any longer."

"Why did we even take all these in one day..."

It seemed that they were very impatient, we hadn't even been testing for long. The sun was still out.

Soon after, in the blink of an eye, we were back at the open area.

Kendel began to speak.

"For your final test, you'll be sparring against me."

Audible gasp could be heard.

"What!?"

"What are you talking about!"

"We can't beat you!"

"You're way stronger than us!"

"You have more experience!"

Kendel spoke after everyone finished their sentences.

"Don't worry, I'll be severely handicapped."

"I won't move and I'll only use my left hand."

"If you could make me take a single step, then you'll win the spar."

I could hear people start sighing of relief.

Why? Even with all those handicaps he'd still be stronger than us. Did they think because he wouldn't move all his skill would be gone?

Soon after, Kendel picked up a wooden sword and planted his feet in the ground. He pointed the sword at someone and said-

"You're first."

The fight lasted no longer than 2 seconds, after he charged in, Kendel swiftly knocked the sword out of his hand and had his sword pointed at his neck.

"Wow."

"What?"

"Won't it be impossible to win?"

"Next." Kendel pointed his sword at another person.

---

Every fight went on similarly, there were a few people who were able to last for 2-3 strikes though.

He pointed at me and spoke.

"Next."

Welp, it was my turn, I was probably going to lose so I wasn't planning on trying too hard.

"Isn't he the gangster?"

"Do you think he'll win?"

I could hear as I walked to a couple feet in front of him.

I got into stance.

I started to charge toward him and once I was just about to head into his swords reach, I threw my sword.

I threw my sword towards the right side of his neck, his eyes jolted for a moment before easily blocking it.

But I was already close enough, I was on his left side and tried to punch his stomach with my right fist.

However, it didn't matter, the next moment I felt the handle of his sword hit the back of my head.

I stumbled forward a little bit before looking at him.

I lost.

I could see a slight smile on his face but he quickly went back to his bland expression, and pointed his sword at someone else.

"Next."