278 Chapter 278 (1/2)
The old examiner pointed to the weight-lifting machine. – «It's time for the muscle strength test. There's a wide range of loaded weight plates. The gray plates weigh 50 kg, the white plates weigh 100 kg, the light blue plates weigh 250 kg, the dark blue plates weigh 500 kg, the red plates weigh 1000 kg, and the black plates weigh 2500 kg. Your task is to choose any number of plates of any color, put them on the barbell and raise it over your head. You will be given three attempts.»
The test-takers started wondering what dirty trick the cheater had up his sleeve this time.
The strength test had begun. After a while, it was Alex's turn.
He rolled two red plates to the machine and put them on the bar... Putting forth a great effort, he managed to pull 2000 kg off the ground. After about a minute of grunting and gritting his teeth, he lifted his inhumanly heavy burden over his head.
«Passed.» – The examiner said stiffly.
~bam~
The ground vibrated when he dropped the loaded barbell with a loud crash. Alex went up to the examiner, pleased with himself.
«Not bad, young man. I give you seven points out of ten.»
«How come seven? I've lifted 2 tons! No one here can lift more than 500 kg!»
«The endurance and muscle strength tests are adjusted for the level of soul cultivation. You don't have to be a tough guy to get more points. As for the girls, they are expected to do even less. You are just a little stronger than average and should be grateful that I didn't give you five points that you deserve.»
Alex's heart sank when he heard these words. He heaved a sad sigh and stepped aside.
The cheater was next in line. Everyone was already expecting another trick, but it turned out to be ridiculously simple... And even more impudent. So impudent that everyone finally understood what the matter was. Almost everyone.
The burly bodyguard approached the examiner and showed him his formation.
«Oh, Dick Baker! I am sure you will make me proud! You can start.»
The tough guy rolled ten black plates and put them on the barbell. With a jerk, not without effort, he raised it over his head. The test-takers stared, stunned. Twenty-five tons of weight overhead like it was no big deal!
The barbell arched from the weight and broke in two with a loud crunch.
~CRASH~
The ten black plates hit the protective coating on the platform with a deafening bang. The ground cracked and shook so hard that the test-takers standing nearby almost fell off their feet.
The old examiner cheered. – «Congratulations! Well done, Dick Baker! You are the first applicant in my lifetime to raise twenty-five tons! You are three times more powerful than any noble phaser! Your muscle strength deserves twenty points, but I can't give more than ten... Bravo!»
The test-takers who watched this farce were nearly knocked off their feet by this ridiculous, unwarranted self-confidence.
Alex couldn't hold back his anger:
«It wasn't Dick Baker, sir. It was his hunky bodyguard!»
Many in the crowd threw him sympathetic glances. Was he really too obtuse to pick up what was going on?
«I might be as blind as a bat, but I will know the right formation out of a thousand! As well as your voice, Alex Grand! If you distract me one more time, you will lose another point! It applies to everyone.» – The examiner warned the test-takers.
«Come on! Tell him!» – Alex turned to those around him, seeking support. The farce happening before his eyes was killing him.
The test-takers of his group kept silent, some turned away, feeling uncomfortable and awkward. Sam was trying to give his friend a sign to shut up and lay low.
«To hell with you, I'll take care of it myself!» – Alex looked at the balcony, where the principal and the senior examiner were watching the exam. He bowed respectfully and addressed them with exaggerated politeness and respect. – «Distinguished principal Nulan has recently mentioned that Cernos is famous for its impeccable reputation and that no cheaters can get an undeserved result. However, this arrogant jerk received ten points at the strength test with the help of his bodyguard! In broad daylight! Before that, he got ten points with a forged bracelet. And his bodyguard passed the talent test instead of him, getting the maximum twenty points! Being Arcadius Grand's son, I demand to take immediate action and punish the cheater! Let justice prevail!» – He mentioned his father's name on purpose, hoping it would add weight to his words.
The examiners stopped the tests, which caused another Kara's fit of rage. She was seething with anger and urge to kill the bastard taking her precious time. However, the majority of the test-takers were on Alex's side.