Midterm Exam (1)
"Senpai, good early morning~"
I sat up at the lively voice, facing Cloi with an expressionless look. She grinned at my face.
"…It would've been a good day without you."
"Eung, that's pretty grumpy talk."
"……."
"Got it. Don't get so mad. It just hurts my feelings for no reason."
"Hurts what. Hide that face first before you talk."
Her playful expression held zero persuasiveness. Cloi lightly sat on the edge of the bed. Then she placed her hand on top of mine.
"You done?"
"After failing, how could I push further? It wouldn't work anyway."
"Then leave."
"Aww, but it's my first try. Wouldn't it be too regrettable to go just like this?"
As she said, this was her first attempt to seduce me. Even though quite some time had passed since she threw down the gauntlet.
"What do you want."
"Just… a little chat? Oh, I wanna hear your thoughts too!"
"You think I'd tell you."
At that, Cloi pretended to wipe tears, rubbing her eyes with her hand.
"Saying that makes me sad… I tried so hard to match your tastes, senpai."
"…Fine. I'll praise you for not touching sis."
Don't touch those around me. Cloi had properly kept that condition. With Elraim, it wasn't direct control but magic shaping her form. If Cloi had used Elraim, I would've gone straight to kill her.
"Right? So, pretty please~"
She clearly wasn't in the mood to just leave. I had no choice but to give her what she wanted.
"…Your investigation was spot on, at least."
Elraim was the person I fell for easiest. In some ways, even more than Rana. Putting her forward was the best choice.
"Ahem, I did my homework diligently."
Cloi puffed out her chest, looking smug somewhere. Then, with a sly glint in her eyes, she said,
"More than that, I didn't know you two were that close. Childhood friends, huh? Should've targeted her if I knew."
I glared at Cloi for that.
"Kidding, kidding. But how'd you figure it out? I put so much work into nailing her personality."
"Then I'll say it was a waste. Sis isn't like that."
Elraim would step up directly if she had to—she's not the type to sneak around hidden. Of course, honestly, it was a bit disappointing. If it had been a dream reflecting my desires rather than illusion, I'd have tried to keep going somehow. Maybe even wished not to wake. Midway lust aside, Elraim was that attractive. Now it even feels regrettable.
"My mistake… Should've watched more closely."
Cloi sighed deeply but her eyes weren't giving up.
"Well, take it as experience for next time. Right, senpai?"
"Do whatever."
It was none of my business.
"Haha, senpai's so fun."
"Yeah?"
Cloi smiled and stood.
"I'll head out now. See you after the exam, senpai."
As she greeted me, I told her,
"If you're going, go. And wake me from this dream before you do."
"Haa…."
At that moment, Cloi let out a deeper sigh than ever. Her shoulders slumped, face sulky.
"How'd you know?"
"Just a hunch."
"You think that makes sense? Do you know how much power I poured into making this space?"
Cloi grumbled at me pointlessly, but her efforts were none of my concern. I ignored her reaction.
Snap!
Then Cloi silently snapped her fingers. My eyes opened on their own, and my familiar room came into view at once.
"Morning already."
The sun was just rising, sunlight streaming through the window. And before me, appreciating the morning, letters formed with mana.
[Senpai's mean.]
"Don't push your shortcomings onto others, Cloi."
[Tch.]
I ignored the message, got up, and looked out the window. Under a cloudless sky, Elraim was training.
"On a day like this, we should be out playing…."
Really, such perfect weather—too good to waste on exams.
Dozens of students gathered at the outdoor training ground. They held not training weapons, but their usual ones.
Soon, Professor Mailon appeared. He scanned the students and nodded.
"Hm, a few have good energy, but most are tense. That's why you can't show your true strength!"
Professor Mailon's booming—not quite a shout—voice rang out, shaking the ground.
"Now, follow me. I'll teach you the perfect tension-busters."
He started moving, and the students, aware of their states, followed. Of course, he didn't even glance at me, the princess, or a few others. We were utterly calm, no tension at all.
But standing idle felt awkward, so I stretched to loosen up.
About 30 minutes later, the exercises ended. With some sweat, the students' stiff bodies relaxed, moods improved.
"Now, we'll start the spars."
And the exam began.
In Professor Mailon's sparring class, opponents were set weekly from ±3 ranks around your position. Results shifted rankings organically, changing opponents each time.
But that eventually fixes rankings. So on exam day, the method changes: [Challenge].
Lower ranks can challenge higher ones freely. Rank doesn't matter—if higher than you, even the lowest can challenge 1st place. Challenged must accept. Up to 5 times, until loss.
Of course, few go that far. Higher rank means skill gap, massive stamina drain.
Some challenge barely winnable ranks, pouring all in. Others analyze thoroughly, challenging 3-4 times to climb.
Rarely, weirdos hide strength for exam points—but no 2nd years like that.
The low ranks are boring….
Compared to two months ago, overall skill rose, but not jaw-dropping. Mid-ranks were worth watching. Tons of rank drops and rises there. Facing 2-4 strong opponents tired some out.
And something fun happened.
Students 2nd to 10th challenged Ariel Tianis—Knight Department 2nd-year top, rank 1.
"Ho, unexpected."
Professor Mailon exclaimed in admiration. Top ranks know skills well, avoid score-risking moves. They'd only challenge viable 2nd/3rd.
This was score suicide. Intentional or coincidence, it was a spectacle. Princess faces 9 straight—tough for her, fun for watchers.
"Please go easy."
"Teach me a lesson."
Spars started. 10th lunged, swinging.
Princess's response: simple. Slammed her sword hard onto his.
Claaang…!
His sword visibly vibrated wildly, then shattered. Metal chunks hit the ground—some powder, hard to repair.
10th's face stiffened. His eyes held despair.
Princess said softly,
"Sorry. Too many opponents—can't drag it out."
"N-no…."
9th backed off sweating. First spar ended.
Next similar: deflect, parry, exploit gaps, disarm. Minimal moves and force.
Ariel normally drags spars for growth. Imperial growth boosts national power. But many opponents today—she held back.
Up to 5th ended quick. 4th took time, but princess won.
Last: 2nd place. He walked center slowly.
Sweat beaded princess's forehead. Breathing roughened slightly.
"You look tired. How about a break, Princess Ariel?"
"Unnecessary worry. Taylor Kaust."
Princess grimaced, readjusting stance.
Taylor Kaust. Hidden by me, but no pushover villain. Hence her cold reaction.
Thud!
They clashed instantly. Taylor had skill—not easy. If born years earlier, he'd claim top spot.
But his talent couldn't surpass Ariel's.
"Kuh!"
Exchanges, then 2nd retreated big. Princess pressed: rapid sword bursts. Afterimage speed. Her bloodline suited quicksword.
Taylor couldn't handle, pushed back. No gaps for counter.
Princess gave none.
Thud.
Fierce strikes cornered him against wall. No escape.
"Huff, huff!"
Breath ragged, sweat pouring. Taylor gritted, thrusting at gap—last stand.
But he didn't know: she baited it.
"It's over."
Clang!
His thrust blocked; her tip at his throat.
"Winner: Ariel Tianis!"
"I-I can still…."
Professor Mailon shook head.
"Look at yourself. Exhausted, barely holding sword. Result's clear. If you'd countered, I'd allow more—but…."
"No! At the end, I…!"
"Her trap. Couldn't read it—you lost already. Skill improved, though. Hone response, keep at it."
Mailon shut down Taylor's protest. Face red-purple, he stomped off.
"Next."
No call needed—I moved center. Only me left post-spars.
Eyes met Professor Mailon's opposite. His lips curled sky-high.
"Been waiting for this day."
Voice tinged excited.
"No chit-chat. State your desired grade."
"You give what I say?"
"Obviously not. Earn it with skill."
Why ask then. Still, answered.
"A or higher."
Mailon grinned satisfied, beckoned.
"Come at me. Kyle Arden."
"Here I go."
I kicked off the ground.