***
The third test was a practical test. You fight against real monsters and were required to win. This is where most of the applicants failed.
The level of monster in the Philres Knights’ exam was quite high. Even if you were a master, without actual combat experience, it would be difficult to deal with monsters that would often behave unexpectedly, unlike humans. Elaine, who had experienced countless monsters during her training with Bella in the past, passed the third test without any problems. There was no one in the testing room, including the Philres Knight, who would have more practical experience with monsters than her.
She was now in the waiting room for the last exam. Of the many applicants, only 50 remained in the waiting room. She then saw a familiar blond man yawning in the corner of the room. He found Elaine first and approached.
“I was certain you would make it here, too.”
His name was Cezanne Weston. The two had introduced themselves after all the commotion at the canteen. They had parted ways after though, as their locations for the third test were different.
He had also applied to become a Philres Knight but, she wasn’t sure they would be able to meet again. It made her happy to see him.
“It looks like Sir Cezanne passed as well. What a relief.”
“Its nice to see you again as well.”
“Same. But how did you know I would pass?”
“During the second test, we were divided into two groups to compete, right? I saw it then. Someone said there was a talented person in the group next to us, it turned out to be you. I thought with your skills, the third test would be no problem.”
“Ah, so you saw me before we had met at the restaurant?”
“I still didn’t know your name then. Still it was really funny when the McGaff guy attacked you without even knowing your skill.”
Now that she thought about it, she didn’t see him in the waiting room. He had been so cocky, but had failed before he could make it to the end.
“Oh well, people with no talent are usually the loudest.”
Cezanne laughed for a while longer, then snapped his fingers as if he had remembered something.
“Speaking of the exams, did you hear about the final exam?”
“About the rules changing every year?”
“No, about how the Duke, I mean His Grace, is going to participate as an examiner this time.”
“Really?”
Only two days had passed since Elaine had arrived in Killiard. In that amount of time, she wasn’t able to get enough information about all of the exams. She knew the exam rules changed every year by reading the notice posted in front of the waiting room, but it was the first time ever that the duke himself was appearing as one of the examiners.
“Surely you already knew? Almost everyone here has already heard the news. It means that the applicants will all have to personally spar with the duke himself and that the duke will personally be selecting the successful candidates.”
“Why would he do such a dangerous thing? What if he got hurt?”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes? Of course I am.”
“To the Duke? Dangerous? Haha!”
Cezanne slammed his fist on the wall as he laughed hysterically, unable to even breathe properly. Looking at Elaine who was speechless, he took a couple of deep breaths before continuing.
“Elaine, where on earth have you been all this time? You really don’t know a thing.”
“…”
“Have you been living in the mountains somewhere?”
“Haha…”
Elaine avoided answering the sensitive question by giving an awkward laugh instead. Come to think of it, she recalled hearing somewhere that Ash was the best knight on the continent. If that were true, it was understandable why Cezanne was laughing at her words.
Cezanne spoke while rubbing his chin, as if organizing his thoughts.
“The story of the Duke reaching the level of a master at the age of 16 is famous. Usually you become a master once you become an adult, right? But at that young age, he became a master and turned the country upside down. Since he’s that kind of person, dealing with 50 masters in a row should be a piece of cake, right?”
“…”
“And since the fact was only revealed when he took part in a battle to subdue monsters at the age of 16, there are many who speculate that he may have become a master even earlier than that.”
Even when she was listening, nothing felt real. She had known that Ash was a genius at swordsmanship, but he might be even better than she had thought. Elaine’s face was blank for a moment because she couldn’t imagine Ash swinging a sword as he was now. Cezanne continued in a lowered voice.
“Maybe its because he has the blood of a witch, so he has no choice but to be special.”
“As he said those words, something cold passed over Cezanne’s face. She blinked, and when she opened her eyes again, his face was back to his normal, sly expression.
‘Did I see it wrong?’
As she tilted he head slightly, feeling a strange sense of déjà vu, the waiting room door burst open and the supervisor came in. He spoke in a business-like tone.
“The exam will begin soon so all applicants please come outside.”
The superior finished speaking and led the way out. The people in the waiting room all got up and rushed out after him. Cezanne tapped Elaine on the shoulder.
“Alright, lets follow as well.”
“Okay.”
When they got outside, there was a large circle drawn in the center of the dirt training grounds. It was large enough for two adult men to lay side by side. After confirming that the applicants had come out, the supervisor led them over to the circle.
“First, let me explain the rules of the test.”
The supervisor who stopped just outside of the circle, pointed toward the center and continued.
“The order is chosen at random, and the rule is that you have to stand in the circle over there against the examiner for at least one minute. However, please note that you will be disqualified if you leave the circle, step on the line, or become unable to spar. If you would like to hear the explanation again or have any questions, please let me know.”
One of the applicants raised his hand and asked a question.
“What happens if the examiner leaves the circle?”
“In that case, the applicant is deemed to have won and passes.”
After the supervisor had finished answering the question, another applicant raised his hand.
“Is the Duke really going to be the examiner?”
“The test… Ah, perfect timing.”
😊🇧🇷