Chapter 55
Chapter 55
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 55
Chapter Title: Unexpected Opponent
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Two weeks after the festival ended, exam period began.
Aios Academy holds a total of four exams per year.
Each exam includes both practical and written components, and practical exams often come with additional tests, but this time there were none since vacation started right after the exams.
'Ugh.'
The written exam.
I groaned and clutched my head as I tackled questions on magic theory and formula calculations.
I could handle mana to a slight degree myself. But that was more like an instinctive sense born from experience, not something calculated and written out.
'Why is this so damn hard?'
Watching the other students at Aios Academy, I wondered if these kids were really the top talents from the kingdom's premier academy.
Scratch, scratch.
Scratch, scratch.
Seeing everyone diligently scribbling away made me feel like an idiot by comparison.
Maybe it was because I only ever focused on training.
'But I have a mission to save the world!'
With that utterly unconvincing excuse to myself, I racked my brain as best I could to solve the test.
"Argh, my head nearly exploded."
I let out a sigh of relief and slumped over as the exam ended.
Eve chuckled beside me, looking at my utterly drained state.
"You seemed fine with history and the second foreign language, but the mana stuff must've been tough."
"Yeah, I'm a total bust at this."
I only knew how to kill guys who used mana, not how magic worked through it. No real interest there.
"Hmm, want me to tutor you later?"
Eve asked with a slight smile, and I pondered for a moment before shaking my head.
"Nah, no point learning it, and I'll bomb practical anyway."
"Aw, come on! Learn it! Then I can counter every time you talk about workouts!"
So that was her game?
I crossed my arms and flatly said, "Absolutely not." Eve puffed her cheeks in a pout but I didn't budge.
Four subjects done in the morning, so afternoon was practicals.
Time for me to shine.
"Man, I'm itching to go."
After lunch, we headed to the arena for the 1-on-1 sparring practical. Sure enough, tons of students were grabbing quick bites and warming up.
"He's here."
"That's the guy for this round?"
"Didn't he beat Ares and Hayun 2-on-1 last exam?"
"Wasn't that just king's game though?"
"Dark horse either way."
And with that, countless gazes turned my way.
I wasn't fazed.
Not many saw me kill Abiel during the festival since everyone had fled by then, and I hadn't spread it around.
But I'd never hidden my strength before, so I was already a target for plenty of students.
"Look at everyone watching you."
"Like the villain just showed up."
"Why bother with the extras?"
I joked lightly, and the two of them giggled as they started warming up. After a short wait, Hayun approached us.
"How many spars you drawing? Avoid my number at least."
"Isn't it professor's draw?"
"Just saying."
Hayun, whose cold demeanor had softened into something merely cool.
Her faint smiles were still awkward but pretty charming.
The festival's back half tanked, but the first two days raked in solid cash. Her wallet was fat now, and it showed in her relaxed vibe.
Especially with steady orders and regulars from this festival—she was living large these days.
Which meant less time for her to teach me swordsmanship.
"Make some time soon. You promised to teach me, and I still haven't learned a thing."
She'd been hung up on it too, nodding firmly.
"Right. After exams and vacation starts, I'll have more free time. Oh, heading home?"
"Nah, no plans."
No one there anyway.
'Plus, gotta check out Yggdrasil.'
Vacation was two full months.
Plenty of time to visit Yggdrasil—like a road trip.
As we chatted, the professors entered.
Classes lined up in the arena center for the draws.
Exams were tournament-style.
Top two got top honors, then professors ranked the rest by placement.
Simple, brutal tradition to forge battle-ready students.
Draws started from Class E this time, after Class A last exam.
No gender separation.
Eve and Tana drew D-Class boys, then Professor Amanda called my name for the draw.
The arena fell unusually quiet.
Everyone fixed on her hand and lips.
She announced calmly.
"Class A, Arni Duratan."
The sword clan heiress who'd played my secretary in the play was my first opponent.
We locked eyes briefly, but she flashed an eager grin and nodded approvingly.
Worlds away from her teary begging for acting help during the festival—but that fire suited her better.
Thirty minutes later, spars erupted across the massive arena.
Five-minute limit.
All exams today, till evening, then straight to break.
That thrill cut through the boredom and nerves.
"Arni Duratan vs. Daniel McKlein. Begin."
All eyes on us.
Arni Duratan, who'd held 3rd-year practical top spot till Ares arrived, versus the so-called dark horse: me.
She slung her greatsword-shaped wooden blade over her shoulder and charged without a word.
The glorious red-haired swordmaster said to have slain a dragon and bathed in its blood.
But sorry.
Like Abiel, she specialized in close quarters, so our bout ended quicker than expected.
"Urk!"
Arni stared in disbelief, her sword sent flying. I shrugged and turned away as the professor declared my win.
No words needed.
We'd been play-pretend sweethearts, but it was pure business—no real friendship.
"One-shot kill."
"Kinda feel bad now."
Tana and Eve clicked their tongues as they greeted me.
Same-class folks sat together, so May and Rin were with theirs.
Rin cruised through hers, no surprise. Even magic-focused May toughed it out thanks to street life.
Then Eve and Tana's turns.
I cheered them on like a coach hyping athletes: "Don't forget your training!"
"Nuts! Nuts! Nuts!"
Tana nailed the 'Daniel-Style Groin Kick for Men' to secure victory.
"Huff! Huff!"
Eve drew a tough matchup for her level.
But...
"Hiyah!"
Her lucky punch landed true, stunning the guy for the win.
"Wooo! Eve! You did it!"
"I-I won! I crushed the enemy!"
"Not quite crushed..."
I corrected, but watching her bounce around excitedly brought out my dad smile.
My little one did it!
Practicals flowed smoothly.
Eve lost next round, but Tana won another for solid results.
Compared to last exam, both deserved applause.
"Training doesn't betray, even if effort does." They beamed and nodded vigorously, happier than ever.
Rin fell to Ares mid-tourney. Hayun and Sen clashed hard, but no ambush meant Hayun's straight win.
I figured finals would be me versus Ares.
But stepping into the final ring, an unexpected girl stood before me.
Like a delicate, high-end doll you wouldn't dare touch.
Jack-of-all-trades rep, but weaker in swordplay than Arni or Hayun, magic short of Adriana or Rin.
Elise, pegged as decent across the board but no standout.
She'd knocked out Ares in semis.
"Please go easy."
With a sinister cat-like smile hiding who-knows-what schemes.