"Take your seats."
Clapping his hand, Robbin, overlooked the crowd of students, who were fidgeting in their seats, their panicked expressions competing with their excitement.
"Make sure you have a pen and a notebook..."
Robbin continued, his deep voice resonating through the room.
"If any of you are caught cheating or copying from each other, I'll personally make sure you join a choir and sing the alphabet backward in front of the entire school!"
He giggled as the students exchanged nervous glances, wondering if he was serious or just trying to lighten the mood.
I, on the other hand, rolled my eyes, knowing that his threats were 100% real.
However, Robbin forgot to mention one crucial detail...
Currently, we were about to write our Mid-term writing exam, which would be 50% of our grade and would have a lot of significance in our Rankings.
The Mage Academy has a hierarchy system. Based on your Rank you will be given certain rewards and privileges within the academy.
We, first years, are yet to receive our Ranks and the Mid-term exams are the determining factor for where we will stand in the hierarchy.
The exam is split into two parts, knowledge and combat, each one equally important in shaping our future at Mage Academy.
While I was confident in passing the writing exam with high grades, the combat part was really questionable.
I was aware that placing in the Top 50 was crucial if I wanted to have a chance at earning a higher Rank.
However, would that be possible?
I had no clue...
Anyways, as I mentioned, Robbin forgot one crucial detail about cheating.
If one is caught cheating he is immediately thrown to the last rank of the hierarchy, having close to no rewards, which would in turn make their time at the academy incredibly difficult.
Click...
Robbin clicked his fingers and papers appeared in thin air, floating down onto the desks with a soft fluttering sound.
It was the start of the exam...
As the exam began, the room fell into a silence filled with the scratching of pencils and the occasional throat-clearing.
'Let's see...'
Glancing at my paper and the questions in front of me, I quickly read through all the instructions and prompts.
Question 1: Explain the term 'Mana'.
...
Question 4: What is an Artifact?
...
Question 43: Our universe is made out of ... [ Insert correct type of Energy ]
...
Reading through all the questions, I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples.
It wasn't because the questions were hard or confusing, it was because I'd spent an entire week studying and preparing for this exam and I was hoping for my efforts to pay out.
However...
This Test was the same as in the game!
I knew all the answers already!
'Ughhh... Give me back my week."
The Demon attack happened two weeks ago and the Academy has pushed back the mid-term exams due to the chaos.
However, this also meant that the Shadow Dungeon raid I planned to do this week had to be pushed back a little bit...
'I have no time...'
Cursing under my breath, I clenched my fists.
If I don't get my hands on the Shadow Mana Art...
"..."
Looking at my paper and the questions in front of me, I realized that time was ticking and I needed to start answering.
Although I knew all the answers already, it would still take some time, so I'd rather start writing.
***
'Done...'
Looking at the clock on the wall, I breathed a sigh of relief.
I managed to finish the exam within half of the allotted time.
'How are the others doing?'
Lifting my eyes to scan the room, I noticed that all the students were busy writing and focusing on their exams.
My eyes were drawn toward the four protagonist characters from the game, who were also working diligently on their exams.
Drake was scratching his head deep in thought, I swear, I could even see sweat forming on his brow.
Kai was leaning forward in his chair, his eyes closed and drool threatening to escape the corner of his mouth...
He was sleeping!
Tess, on the other hand, was intently scribbling answers on her paper, her brow furrowed in concentration.
It didn't seem like she was too stressed about the exam, unlike Drake.
And finally Rose...
Her hand was moving diligently across the paper, her expression focused and determined.
I could see that she was calm and collected as if she had complete control over the situation.
"..."
Looking at her, I breathed a small sigh.
Since 'that' event we hadn't spoken even once, which made the atmosphere between us somewhat awkward.
Of course, I didn't mind it.
In fact, it seemed better, since now there was no possibility of her bothering me.
How could she?
I was responsible for a lot of deaths of people that could possibly be saved.
'It's for the best...'
Rubbing my nose bridge, I stood up from the desk, drawing the attention of most of the students in the room.
Tap... Tap...
Making my way toward the front, I handed my completed exam to Robbin, who raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"..."
Pushing my papers to him, I gave a small nod and made my way toward the classroom door.
At the last moment, I felt a gaze piercing through my back and turned to see Rose looking at me, her eyes cold and unreadable.
"..."
Turning around, I didn't bother to acknowledge her gaze and simply walked out of the classroom, breathing a sigh of relief as soon as the door closed.
Tomorrow will be the combat exam, and I need to make sure I am well-prepared for it.
Walking through the campus grounds, I went straight toward the city, leaving the Academy behind me.
Tap... Tap...
Walking through the city streets, I glanced up at the tall buildings, the signs of bustling activity all around me.
All the damage done by the Attack was restored within a week.
Although now the city seemed to have returned to its normal state, the amount of people within the city seemed lesser than before.
Even the faces of those that remained seemed weary and wary, reflecting the lingering effects of the Attack.
"..."
As I walked through the city, the bustling streets gradually gave way to quieter alleys. The atmosphere seemed to shift, and a sense of unease settled in. The buildings loomed overhead, casting long shadows that danced along the narrow path. It was here, in this dark and somewhat eerie alley, that I found myself slipping between two structures.
The gap between the buildings was tighter than I anticipated, and I had to carefully navigate my way through. As I moved forward, I couldn't help but notice the occasional scuttling of my legs and the glint of many tiny eyes reflecting the faint light. Spiders, cockroaches, and various other critters seemed to have claimed this passage as their own.
Despite the creeping sensation down my spine, I pressed on.
"Fucking bugs..."
I muttered, swatting at the tiny creatures that had found their way into my clothing while I squeezed through the narrow pathway.
Once I had brushed off the bugs from my clothes, I surveyed my surroundings. Ahead of me stood a darkened street, The path was deserted, and the few people I did see were all wearing something to cover their faces.
I quickly unrolled my black scarf and wrapped it around my face, leaving only my piercing golden eyes visible.
"..."
Like the last time, I also suppressed my Mana, making sure not to attract too much attention or draw any unwanted confrontations.
Looking forward, I saw a street of dimly lit shops and closed storefronts.
It seems that some of the Dark businesses hadn't recovered from the aftermath of the Attack.
"I wonder if 'Nothing' has survived..."
Muttering under my breath, I walked through the street, glancing at the shops.
Tomorrow, we will be sent to an Ice Dungeon and I needed to buy some items to prepare.
'Let the shopping trip begin...'
***
Click...
Closing the door behind her, Rose stepped out of the classroom and into the hallway.
Placing her hand on her forehead, she breathed a sigh of relief.
"That was hard..."
Rose muttered under her breath, leaning against the wall and taking a moment to collect herself.
"I wonder if Tess will be alright..."
Looking at the ceiling, Rose recalled how Tess looked during the exam and bit her lip.
Her friend was smart and determined, so Rose had faith that Tess would do well.
"..."
Closing her eyes, she recalled the lone student that had finished the exam before everyone else.
He even handed it to the teacher without any hesitation.
ραΠdαsΝοvεl ƈοm "Aiden."
Her icy blue eyes grew cold as she thought of him.
Just two weeks ago Rose could have called him a friend, but now she saw him in a different light.
Was he always that cruel?
Pressing her lips together, Rose straightened her posture before walking away.
'We'll need to talk...'
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