That's how the story goes…
> I thought that answered your curiosity, Arla — about what happened, and why so many people are afraid to become fighters or other close-range types. Not only do they often end up at a loss, but their reputation also takes a hit…
As for me… I just love being an assassin. It's not because I'm scared of being a close-range type like a fighter, hehe…
Arla looked a bit confused.
> B-but based on your story, how could a Mage like Medi use so many spells??? Aren't they supposed to only be able to use one book to learn one kind of power???
Sara was shocked.
> Huh…??? How do you not know that? Where are you from, Arla??? Hasn't anyone in your family ever been an adventurer before???
Arla answered honestly.
> Well, actually, yes — my husband's family had some adventurers before. But they could only use one type of power, including my husband.
As for my family, we focused more on farming. The reason, if I remember right, my parents said that even though people — nobles, commoners, or anyone — can use various kinds of powers and even have unique ones, those powers can't create or produce things that naturally exist in the world.
For example: fruits, grains, minerals, and so on.
The first person who realized this was my great-grandfather — he's the one who made our lives peaceful and happy, even though we lived far out in the countryside. We made money from that.
Sara was still in shock (almost hysterical).
> So… if that's the case, why take this risk, Arla?! Especially since you're a close-range type — a Knight, right???
Do you even know your own power???
Don't tell me you came here relying only on your physical strength???
HOW ARE YOU GONNA FIGHT THAT WEIRD GOBLIN I TOLD YOU ABOUT??? IT CAN DO FUSION, YOU KNOW???
AND WHAT ABOUT YOU, YOU'RE NOT THAT YOUNG ANYMORE!!!
ARE YOU REALLY READY FOR ALL OF THIS????
Arla, with a calm face:
> Of course I'm ready… That's why I want to pass this exam — to move forward, to deepen my knowledge, and to learn about the power you're talking about.
Even though… I don't really know what you mean.
Besides, aren't there only a few people who can even get such powers?
Before Sara could explain, she was suddenly attacked from behind — not by an enemy or intruder, but by one of her own teammates who had finally found her. Sara reflexively countered and broke the attack.
Sara's teammate:
> Ah—ouch, sorry for startling you! But I'm so glad we finally found you!
Sara, your hiding skills are amazing! Please, teach me how to do that — you're awesome, hehe.
Sara, startled:
> Wait, wait—don't rush! I'm in the middle of something right now…
Teammate:
> Whatever it is, handle it later! If the supervisor finds out you're here, you'll get punished! This place is outside the training zone!
Arla, seeing Sara with her team, stayed silent and eventually left the room — since Sara was busy talking with her group.
With full determination (thinking to herself):
> Even if I'm not strong enough yet… I'm sure I can do it!
At least, I'll bring them back — back to being human again!!!
DAY BY DAY
Arla really trained her body hard — intense and consistent.
Sometimes she wondered if she had any powers and tried to activate them, but nothing worked.
She even asked Tina directly, but based on Tina's opinion, it seemed she really couldn't use any magic at all.
So Arla just kept training.
After training, she looked a little disappointed.
> I don't get it… Why can't I use it??? Sometimes I try swinging my sword with all my strength, and yeah, I make strong wind gusts, but that's not magic. That's just my muscles working hard…
While Arla was lost in thought, Tina suddenly made an announcement.
> ATTENTION TO ALL PARTICIPANTS THIS YEAR! THE EXAM WILL START 2 DAYS EARLIER THAN PLANNED!!! SO BE PREPARED AND COMPETE FAIRLY!!
Many participants panicked after hearing that. Some were happy, while others just smiled slyly — as if planning something.
As for Arla…
With shining eyes and a burning will, she was ready to give everything she had to pass the upcoming exam.
Arla, with full spirit:
> ALRIGHT!!! Looks like no rest today!!!
I HAVE TO GIVE IT MY ALL!!!
LET'S TRAINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Exam Day
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The Host, full of energy:
> ALRIGHT EVERYONE, GET YOURSELVES READY! THIS IS SOMETHING YOU MIGHT ONLY EXPERIENCE ONCE IN A LIFETIME!
And why's that? Because this event is a special one, made and planned personally by Tina herself!
And of course, like any other big event, you'll get special rewards!
Also, this whole thing is being directly watched by the leaders of each squad — so don't waste this chance!!!
Okay then, in 3... 2... 1... THE EXAM BEGINS!!!
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The First Test
The participants were full of excitement, and of course Tina was there too. They all ran toward the test area — but to their surprise, the first exam path made no sense at all.
Some participants (confused):
> What's this supposed to mean? How are we supposed to complete it???
Eh… but isn't this a maze??
Should we just destroy it?
Let me try— (BOOM!) Eh… it doesn't work…
Participant disqualified: "You're out!"
Meanwhile, another participant used a non-destructive ability — a kind of x-ray vision — to find the way through. Others who noticed tried to follow that person.
But Arla… (pretending not to know anything)
She quietly walked through the fastest route to the finish line. To avoid suspicion, she occasionally wandered around or turned in circles before heading to the goal.
Finally, Arla and a few others passed the exam.
Arla (happily):
> Finally done… Eh, wait—what about Sara???
Arla looked around, confused — but suddenly she noticed Sara carrying a large coin pouch filled to the brim.
Arla (puzzled):
> What's in your bag? Is that all money you brought here? But why???
Sara (grinning):
> Hehe, yeah, it's my money. But I didn't bring it for nothing.
You see, this money field I got came from offering "guidance services."
And look at the people behind me—
Oh, sorry, I mean my clients, hehe…
Arla looked a bit worried, but didn't really care much.
> Whatever… fine then, let's head back to your room.
There's a lot I want to ask you about…
Before Sara could reply, the sound of a raven siren echoed — signaling disqualification for participants who passed but left the test area. The host immediately reminded everyone of the rules.
---
The Host (firmly):
> HEY YOU GUYS, DID YOU EVEN READ THE RULES???
THIS EXAM IS TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN A SINGLE DAY!!!!!
Other participants (shocked):
> Huh?! Since when?! I swear yesterday it said once a week!!!
A panicking participant:
> Whaa—how are we supposed to prepare everything now?! What about my family!!!
Some rushed to check the official rules they'd been given, but they found something strange — there really was no mention of that detail before. Now it clearly said the exam would be held in one day.
Everyone was confused:
> How can this be… no way…
Sara and Arla, though surprised too, actually got fired up. Even without perfect preparation, their spirits burned.
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The Final Exam
The Host (sounding a bit disappointed):
> Well… looks like only this many made it through, huh? Let me count…
One… two… three… four… uh… nine… wait—only eight???
If I'm not mistaken, there were supposed to be ten slots chosen by the squad leaders!
What a shame… looks like they'll have to fight over who gets to pick first, hehe…
Alright then, without wasting more time, as your host I'll personally handle the drawing!
HERE WE GO — THE MATCHUPS!!!
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ASE vs GEKU
FERA vs SARA
KOTE vs ARLA
LEA vs ZAZA
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Host:
> PARTICIPANTS WHOSE NAMES WERE CALLED, STAND AT YOUR DESIGNATED ARENAS!
By the way, those of you who've taken an A-rank mission as an adventurer before should recognize this place — that's right, it's the training and sparring arena!
Alright, THE FINAL EXAM… BEGINS!!!
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The Host (grinning mischievously, thinking to himself):
> Hehe… judging by what I've seen, I already know who's gonna win.
They're strong — and I bet both of them are heading straight for the Golden Squad!