I still couldn’t believe it—Instructor Morgan had just exempted from the practical exam. I’d known he might give special consideration, but I never expected him to go this far.
So now, I was sitting idly, watching the other students take their practical tests.
For Lyra and Freya, as magic knights, Professor Aldin and the other magic instructors had asked them to demonstrate their most powerful spells.
Lyra began by casting [Sanctuary], a powerful support and defense spell. Then, for her offensive display, she used [Water Magic: Water Prison], ensnaring her target flawlessly. The professors were visibly impressed with her growth—especially her newfound ability to shift from defense to offense.
Next, it was Freya’s turn. She unleashed her strongest move, [Magic Sword Release: Hellfire Maximum Output]. A towering pillar of fire erupted forward, obliterating the massive stone target in front of her.
The professors praised her for the significant improvent in both her mana capacity and control.
By the end of their tests, both Lyra and Freya had passed with flying colors, and I couldn’t help but feel relieved to see their success.
The focus then shifted to the swordsmanship tests.
Marius stepped up first, showcasing his skills against a magic training dummy. Before the exams, I had suggested he streamline his attacks, avoiding unnecessary movents to conserve energy. His strikes had always been strong, but his inefficiency drained him too quickly.
In the end, he managed to scrape by with just 5 points above the passing threshold. The look of sheer relief on his face was almost comical.
Then ca Luna’s turn. She had also asked for my advice the day before, worried about her weaknesses. I had pointed out that while her sword style was exceptionally fast, her accuracy left much to be desired. She often missed her mark or overextended herself, making her attacks chaotic.
Luna had taken my feedback seriously, and it showed. Her performance in the exam was a marked improvent. She easily dismantled the training dummy with precision, earning high marks.
Afterward, Luna turned to with a bright smile and gave a playful thumbs-up. I couldn’t help but laugh.
...
As the day’s practical exams ca to a close, I noticed a large number of students had scored below the passing mark. Out of curiosity, I scanned the results for Kael’s na—and to my surprise, he had sohow made it through. Maybe I had underestimated him after all.
The day ended with the announcent of the final test: the sparring exam.
The professors explained the rules. It would be a team-versus-examiner format, with each team consisting of five mbers. Students were free to choose their teammates, but the identities of the examiners were being kept secret.
"I’ve got a bad feeling about tomorrow’s sparring test, Nao. It feels like a trap," Envi muttered in my mind.
"You’re probably right, Envi. I have a hunch our opponents will be incredibly strong. We’ll need to form a balanced team," I replied.
As I started ntally piecing together a potential lineup, Lyra suddenly approached . Her expression was bashful, but she gathered her courage and asked, "Umm, Naoki-sama... would you team up with ?"
Before I could answer, Freya chid in energetically from behind Lyra, "It’s perfect timing! I wanted to be on your team too, Naoki-dono!"
"HAHAHA! You’re not leaving your roommate out, are you, Naoki?" Marius bood with his usual hearty laugh.
"And... I’d like to join as well," Luna said softly. Though her expression remained neutral, the faint blush on her cheeks hinted at her shyness.
I smiled. Why bother overthinking team composition when the perfect group was already standing in front of ? Lyra would be our supporter, Freya would handle mid-range attacks, Marius could act as our tank with his defensive swordsmanship, and Luna and I could take on the role of primary attackers.
"All right. I think this is the best team in the class. Let’s give it our all!" I declared enthusiastically. Everyone’s faces lit up with smiles.
Before heading ho, we gathered to discuss strategy. I outlined our roles and the tactics I had in mind. As the team leader, I would call the shots during battle. While Lyra and Freya were already accustod to fighting alongside , I was unsure how well Marius and Luna would sync with us. I could only hope our teamwork would hold up.
To my relief, everyone agreed with my strategy, and we headed ho feeling optimistic.
...
The next morning, Marius and I woke early. As we got ready, I shared so advice with him about refining his defensive swordsmanship. I asked him to focus on protecting Lyra and Freya while looking for opportunities to launch counterattacks with his strongest skills. He nodded in understanding, determined to play his part.
We arrived at the academy’s arena, where the sparring exam was set to take place. Lyra, Freya, and Luna were already waiting for us. Once our group was complete, we made our way to the center of the arena, where all the other teams had gathered. The professors were also assembled, ready to begin.
They explained the purpose of the exam: to develop coordination and teamwork in group combat. This was a critical skill for knights, especially when facing powerful adversaries.
I scanned the crowd of students. Most seed anxious, clearly uncertain about their team dynamics. I even spotted Kael with his group from Class C—he looked as serious as ever.
The atmosphere in the arena was intense, the gap in ability between the classes palpable. Students in Class A, like us, were clearly more skilled and prepared, embodying the strength expected of Knight Rank A candidates.
Class B appeared confident, but only partially so—so students clearly wavered. Class C, on the other hand, was filled with apprehension, except for two teams: mine and Kael’s.
As we awaited the start of the exam, Professor Aldin began introducing the examiners for each class.
"For Class A, your examiner will be Garron the Iron Wall, Commander of the Kingdom of Braveheart’s 7th Battalion. A top-tier Knight Rank A."
A massive bald man with a powerful build entered the arena, wielding a colossal axe slung over his shoulder. His eager expression made it clear he lived for the thrill of battle.
"For Class B, your examiner will be Tanya the Storm Witch, Commander of the 8th Battalion. A high-tier magic knight of Rank A."
Suddenly, a small tornado swirled in the center of the arena. From its eye erged a tall woman with flowing green hair, dressed in a blend of armor and a witch’s outfit, riding a broomstick.
The students gasped, entranced by her graceful yet imposing entrance. Tanya was not only known for her strength but also for her striking beauty.
"And finally, the examiner for Class C—" Professor Aldin’s words were abruptly cut off as frost spread across the arena, chilling the air.
A woman entered with an air of elegance, ice blooming under each step she took.
"...!! What are you doing here?!" I couldn’t help but shout, my voice echoing through the now-silent arena. My team was frozen, eyes wide with fear. The sa was true for nearly all the Class C students—resignation written all over their faces before the battle had even begun.
I knew her all too well. That pristine white hair, those sapphire eyes that seed to pierce through you, and that serene smile that left you both enchanted and uneasy.
There was no mistaking it. She was the very woman who had countered my hidden skill and left unconscious.
"Why is an S-Rank Hero like you the examiner for Class C?! What’s the aning of this... Serena von Winterfell?!"
"This can’t be happening! That’s the Frostblade Empress, Hero Serena von Winterfell!" the students shouted, their voices echoing her infamous title across the arena.
Serena simply smiled mischievously. "Hehe, did I surprise you all?" she said, her tone playful.
"I was bored. No patrol duties on the border, so I volunteered for this. Fun, right?" she added, striking a deliberately cutesy pose.
Her carefree deanor was anything but comforting.
The students erupted in protest.
Class C’s collective outcry was expected, but even Classes A and B began voicing their dissatisfaction. To them, this seed like a slight against their abilities.
Garron and Tanya, however, weren’t having it.
"So, you think Tanya and I aren’t qualified to test you, huh?!" Garron roared, veins bulging as his intimidating presence silenced the Class A students.
"I won’t go easy on you now! Stop whining, Class B!" Tanya snapped, releasing a killing intent that left her assigned students trembling.
"We have no say in this. The lineup has been approved by the academy head, Arsene von Braveheart," Professor Aldin sighed, sounding as though he, too, was tired of the chaos.
Looking toward the judges’ seats, I spotted Arsene sitting alongside Alia. The two seed thoroughly entertained, laughing quietly to themselves.
Alia, who wasn’t participating in the exams as she was only observing, appeared far too relaxed for my liking.
Inwardly, I cursed. They’re targeting , aren’t they? This isn’t just a test—it’s a trap.
Envi’s voice echoed mockingly in my mind.
"See? I told you this would happen. Of all the possible examiners, you get Serena. Your Earthly misfortune has followed you here, Nao. HAHAHA!"
"Shut it, Envi. Your laugh is grating," I retorted, trying to steady my nerves.
Suddenly, a system notification popped up in my vision.
---
[!!!NOTIFICATION!!!]
Quest: Convince Serena von Winterfell to pass your team.
Reward: 30 Goddess Points.
Failure Penalty: Your team will be eliminated, disqualifying you from the final exam.
---
"A quest, huh? I figured this would happen," I muttered to myself, determination hardening my resolve.
Three separate sparring arenas had been set up, each designated for one of the classes. The examiners were already waiting at their respective arenas, ready to face the students in their assigned teams.
Serena, as expected, was standing in the Class C arena, looking far too eager for my comfort.
Class C’s students hesitated, their fear palpable. No one dared to step forward.
"Co on, Class C! Any team will do! If no one steps up, I’ll consider all of you failures," Serena called out, her voice light yet dripping with challenge.
Raising her hand, she chanted a spell. Two swords of glistening ice materialized in a swirl of magic, their jagged edges radiating a deadly chill.
"She’s a dual wielder? And with ice magic that strong..." I muttered, feeling the weight of her presence grow heavier.
Serena’s gaze locked onto . Her smile widened as she taunted, "I’ve been looking forward to this, Naoki von Blackmore!"
A shiver ran down my spine. Her aura wasn’t just cold—it was suffocating, pressing down on and my team like an avalanche.
My teammates stood frozen, overwheld by the sheer pressure emanating from her. I clenched my fists.
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