Chapter 33 - The Test begins (1/2)

We walked through what seemed to be a mile-long tunnel until we had finally reached the school training grounds. There was only one entrance and exit. The hallway which we had arrived from.

The training ground led to the outside which was a large open field with many different props, such as training dolls, an archery range and so on. The field was surrounded by stands covering each side, for people to spectate. In fact, if I didn't know any better I would have thought it was a colosseum.

The stands were fairly full, many knights had come to watch the new students attempt the test. Opposite the entrance on the other end of the field was a table were the six elders sat accompanied by their black knights.

The field had been split into five different sections. Each section contained different equipment and had a Master knight stand by. Wilfred, Barbadoes and Delbert were there. I didn't recognize the other two.

We stood just in front of the entrance, all three hundred students waiting nervously. A worker came out with a strange machine that had a crystal inside. The servant pressed a few things on the machine and a hologram of the testing field was being shown. A similar machine was also put in front of the elders on the other side.

”All right, the first test is the Gem of strength you will be called up to the stage one by one.” Lancy went up to the stage to show the participants were to go and explain what to do. We could all see him clearly on the display of the machine.

In front of Lancy was a huge black boulder the same size as himself.

”Students must attempt to push the boulder from one side to the other, if you can't push the boulder you may use these gauntlets. You will get two attempts one without the gauntlets and one with. The gauntlets have been embedded with magic to increase your strength.”

Lancy then went on to give a demonstration, while using all his might and sweat running down his face he had managed to push the boulder from one side to the other. The students clapped with his demonstration.

”Now let's see, who to go first, ah you there what's your name?”

Lancy's finger was pointed towards me.

”Ray.”

I gave a one-word answer staring back at him knowing the reason why he picked me.

”What a rude Knight, you should answer those of a higher rank with respect.”

”I only respect those that deserve respect.”

Anger rose in Lancy face but suddenly he calmed down and spoke.

”Using my power as an administrator for this test I refuse Squier Ray to take this test. I hope this will be a lesson to all of you to respect your superiors.”

I wanted to jump and lash out at him there and then but it wasn't the time nor the place. I didn't care much about the test in the first place. If I was to become a red sash it would allow me more time to study and self-train. even hunt outside for some crystals.

Whereas if I was to become a white sash I would be forced to do extra classes, my free time would be gone giving me less time to hunt. Although the extra training would also be nice.

I didn't lash out with this goal in mind. But it helped me, this way there was no need to fake the results of my test. Being first it would have been hard to gauge how well the other students had done. I hadn't been able to test my strength out after absorbing the other crystals it would have been hard to control my power. If I completed the test to easily more eyes would be on me.