476 Chapter 476: Practical Examination (1/2)

The practical examination consisted of a duel. While it might sound harsh, we weren't actually required to win in order to pass it. After all, that would mean only half of the student population would pass, not unless everyone miraculously scraped a draw with each other.

Rather, the assessment was based on how well we performed in the duel. Saint Teresa Academy tried to be fair by pitting students of similar ability against each other, so that both parties would get the chance to showcase their skills. Otherwise it wouldn't be ideal if one side got knocked out instantly by a far superior opponent. In the instances where it did happen, they would call for a retest for the unfortunate victim, scheduled on another day while everyone else had a holiday. As you could expect, nobody would be enthusiastic about spending the first couple days of their summer vacation on a retest.

”All right…so this is the venue for the exam?”

Consulting my holographic window, I stopped by the arena that I was assigned to take the exam in. Stepping through the door, I greeted the invigilator, who happened to be none other than Teacher Einsberg.

”Oh, Richard.” He stood up and smiled warmly. ”How is your progress in ice magic? I remember you had to take a couple of days off for a mission.”

”Oh, right. Yeah, I had to go exterminate some vermin.” I shuddered when I remembered hunting Cyclops Rats in the sewers. I personally hoped that I would never have to perform such a duty again, but hey, I couldn't pick and choose what sort of emergencies I had to face. Well, I could, but if I was too choosy, other people would suffer.

Like the poor townsfolk in the Shrewsbury neighborhood.

”I've been practicing my ice magic, though,” I told Teacher Einsberg brightly. ”I hope I will be able to show you later in the practical exam.”

”Excellent!” Einsberg chuckled and patted my shoulder somewhat affectionately. ”I look forward to your performance. Try to go easy on your opponent, all right?”

”Uh…shouldn't the opponent go easy on me instead?”

Teacher Einsberg gave me a look, as if to say that he felt sorry for my opponent. I didn't know why. It wasn't as if I was the strongest mage in Saint Teresa Academy or something. I had been through too many life-and-death fights to know that I should never be complacent. I had vowed never to underestimate my enemy.

The next thing I knew, someone knocked on the door before stepping in.

”I'm here for the practical examination.” A girl with twin tails stepped in and bowed her head slightly. My jaw dropped when I realized I recognized her.

”Nan Gong Ji Yan? You're my opponent?”

”Huh? Who are you? Do I know you?”

Ji Yan scrunched her face up in puzzlement when she saw me. For a moment, I felt disappointed. What the hell, her sister recognized me – in fact, Nan Gong Zhao Yan had approached me and even offered to treat me to a homecooked meal for saving her sister. Yet this very sister didn't even know who I was.

To be fair, it was dark, and she probably did not get a good look of my face. She wasn't equipped with the same hi-tech glasses that I had. On the other hand, neither did her sister, and yet Zhao Yan was able to seek me out. Rather than Ji Yan – the one who I saved – it was her sister who took the initiative to find out who I was and thanked me, while the rescued peson remained oblivious to my identity. Not that I cared, otherwise I wouldn't bother to conceal my identity in the first place, but it just struck me how self-centered Ji Yan was.

It was always about her, wasn't it?

Well, whatever. I couldn't care less, so I shook my head.

”Oh, no. Sorry. Uh, I'm a friend of your sister.”

”Zhao Yan again.” Ji Yan seemed to flare up, but she managed to bring her temper under control. ”Well, I shouldn't be surprised. We're quite famous in Saint Teresa Academy, if I may say so myself.”

Wow…what arrogance. I honestly didn't know what to say, so I stayed silent and instead glanced at Teacher Einsberg. The balding teacher cleared his throat and smiled.

”As the both of you know, the practical examination will be conducted as a duel. I will assess each of your abilities, so please do your best, the both of you!”

”Yes, sir!”

I saluted, but Ji Yan merely rolled her eyes.

”Okay. Let's hurry. I want to get this done and over with.”

Teacher Einsberg frowned, but he didn't reprimand her. Instead, he gestured for the both of us to go to opposite sides of the arena.

”Both participants, please take up your positions. When I give the signal, you may begin.”

We obliged, taking up our spots at the opposite ends of the arena. Teacher Einsberg watched us for a moment, and once he was satisfied, he swung his hand down.

”Start!”

Ji Yan immediately drew her chain and hooks, throwing them at me without any hesitation. I dodged them easily, though I probably shouldn't have bothered. Just like the other night, her aim was horrible. Worse than Yi Shen with his dual pistols stunt, if I recalled. I lazily ducked under the scythe and spun away from her chains.

”Ugh! Stop moving around!”

…was she serious? Did she really think I would stop evading because she asked me to? What was she expecting, for me to stand still and let her hit me with those wicked blades of hers?