[Author's Note:]
Hello everyone, the author here. I know many readers might think that now the academy arc begins and the story will follow the usual clichés seen in countless other novels. However, I want to assure you that things will be different. The MC is not overpowered like in many stories. He will grow stronger as the story progresses, but he will not receive every cheat ability from the very beginning. He will have to work hard and earn the power he desires. Thank you for reading.
---
The entrance test was fairly simple in structure.
It was divided into three main categories:
1. Strength Test
2. Mana Sensitivity Test
3. Mana Control Test
These were the three tests required to enter the academy as a knight trainee.
Although they sounded simple on paper, they were far from easy in reality.
In the strength test, the instructors examined the physical capabilities of the candidate's body. They measured the body's raw strength and its ability to withstand the pressure of intense training.
More importantly, the strength being measured had to be natural strength, meaning the candidate could not rely on any external assistance such as elixirs or magical stimulants.
It was pure, unassisted physical power.
The second stage was the Mana Sensitivity Test.
In this test, they examined how well a person could sense the mana within their own body.
Although mana was mainly gathered from the environment during cultivation, the human body also produced a small amount of mana naturally. That internal mana was considered a sign of life itself.
Therefore, the test measured how clearly a candidate could sense the mana within themselves.
The final stage was the most important.
The Mana Control Test.
The human body alone could not endure the brutal training required to become a knight. To survive that training, a person had to learn how to control the mana within their body and use it to strengthen themselves.
Without that ability, becoming a proper knight would be impossible.
Even though the three tests appeared straightforward, they formed the foundation for anyone who wished to begin the path of knighthood.
"Difficult, but simple in principle," Aron thought as he nodded to himself.
---
While he was thinking about the tests, a voice suddenly called out.
"Aron Valton! Proceed to the martial training grounds. Your test will take place there."
Aron nodded and stood up from the bench where he had been sitting.
The training grounds were not far away. After walking about a kilometer, he finally arrived at the designated area.
When he reached the grounds, he saw a single instructor waiting there.
Aron stepped forward and introduced himself.
"Hello, I am Aron Valton. I am here for the entrance test."
The instructor glanced at him briefly before speaking.
"Listen, kid. You know the rules, right? There are three tests, and you must pass all of them if you want to enter this academy. If you fail even one of them, you won't be allowed to enroll."
He spoke in a casual but firm tone.
"Give it your best. By the way, I'm Instructor Devon."
Aron observed him carefully.
The instructor had a rectangular, rugged face and a muscular build. A long scar ran across his right eye, giving him the appearance of someone who had experienced many battles.
Aron decided not to question anything and simply nodded.
"Alright."
---
"For the first test," Devon continued, "you need to punch this machine as hard as you can."
He pointed toward a large punching machine.
"After that, you'll run laps around this arena while we measure your time. Run as fast as you can and keep going as long as you can."
He then added coldly,
"If we see that you are not putting in full effort during either part of this test, we will disqualify you immediately."
Aron nodded again.
"I was planning to go all out anyway," he thought.
He wasn't going to use any techniques. His body could only be considered average at the moment.
However, he still possessed the Valton bloodline. His body couldn't possibly be that weak… right?
At least, that was what he hoped.
Aron walked toward the machine.
Taking a deep breath, he pulled his fist back and then launched it forward with all his strength.
Boom!
His punch struck the machine with a loud impact.
A meter attached to the device began rising rapidly, similar to a thermometer gauge.
Numbers were written along the side of the meter.
The indicator climbed upward… and then finally stopped.
213.
Instructor Devon glanced at the number and nodded slightly.
"Hmm… not bad," he said. "But I expected more from someone with Valton blood."
Aron looked at the result.
From what he could tell, the score was average for someone taking the test.
He would probably pass, but it wasn't the impressive result he had imagined.
"What the hell…"
He cursed silently in his mind.
"I thought at least my noble bloodline would give me an advantage."
Apparently not.
"Seriously… can I get at least one cheat ability in this world?"
Aron sighed internally, but he didn't let the disappointment overwhelm him.
The test wasn't over yet.
Next came the running test.
"Let's see what I can do here."
This was the part where he felt somewhat confident.
Back on Earth, he had developed a habit of running regularly. Because of that, he had built decent mental endurance and stamina.
Maybe that would help him now.
He stretched slightly and stepped toward the track.
"Alright…"
"Let's begin."