#### Chapter 37. Entrance Examination (2)
James, the head professor of combat at Hebrion Academy.
Having risen through the ranks as a commoner with exceptional martial prowess, he reached the position of deputy commander of the Royal Knights Order before retiring due to injury and subsequently becoming a professor at the academy—a well-known figure.
This man is infamous among students for his perpetually stoic expression and harsh criticism, making him an object of fear.
And now, this very person was currently…
“Are you so focused on attacking that you’ve forgotten all about defense? Do you want to be stabbed by a sword and still try to show off in front of me?”
“Just being super fast means nothing if there’s no substance. You’re worse than a rabbit that at least knows how to multiply. Every single one of your attacks is worse than a rabbit’s kick.”
“Closing your eyes? Your eyes? Seriously. Get out immediately. No, wait, I should leave. I need to wash my eyes after seeing such a disgusting display.”
James, who was in charge of the entrance examination for new students in the Department of Combat, caused the examinees to shed tears with his terrifying criticism that matched his notorious reputation.
‘Hmph. There’s not a single student here who impresses me. They’re all just arrogant show-offs.’
To James, who had experienced several battlefields, it felt like he was watching the childish antics of a bunch of amateurs with no discernable talent.
Though peace had come with the continent’s unification by the empire after decades of war, threats could appear at any moment. Yet despite the tense situation, with rumors of suspicious groups practicing dark magic emerging in various locations across the continent, James lamented deeply at the level of those who sought to attend the academy merely for money and social advancement.
“Professor James, perhaps it would be wise to select more moderately… Complaints have already been filed about your attitude as a judge during yesterday’s exams…”
“Tch. Ridiculous. If someone can’t handle straightforward advice like this, they shouldn’t have come to the academy in the first place. Nowadays, kids just…”
As James naturally slipped into a grumpy old man’s tone, his assistant sighed.
He was undoubtedly a qualified professor, but one couldn’t help but wish for a bit more flexibility… It was embarrassing having to assist him and then hearing complaints.
“Ah… next, the sparring match between Examination Number 709 and Examination Number 912.”
While quietly lamenting James’ stubborn rigidity, the assistant introduced the next candidates to the judges.
As the assistant announced the candidates, James redirected his gaze toward the crystal panel (a tablet PC) displaying the next examinees’ applications.
“Hmm?! This man…!”
“Do you know him?”
“Indeed. A notorious troublemaker from the Netoire family—a family of recent riches thanks to a mining discovery just a decade ago. They say his son is a real reckless one.”
“Ah… I’ve heard of him.”
Even James, who was not particularly well-versed in gossip, had heard of this individual.
“Hear this—apparently, he caused quite a scene at the Marquis Altero’s mansion about a year ago… I don’t know why he’s even come here to the academy instead of staying at home. Judging by his behavior, he’ll probably fail right away.”
“Hmm…”
‘Is this another case of the same kind of people?’
The Netoire family, having become fabulously wealthy through a fortuitous mining discovery in the last dozen years, was known for its nouveau riche status. James was already preparing to write off the candidate when another thought struck him.
‘Wait, if he’s looking to revive his family’s fortunes or connect with other nobles, wouldn’t it make more sense to apply to the Administrative Department, known for attracting powerful noble families? Why did he opt for the Department of Combat?’
Before James could finish pondering, the two candidates stepped onto the practice arena set up in front of the judges.
Number 709, Meitan Grace, second son of the Grace Viscount family, had been famed since childhood for his exceptional martial arts prowess. Having inherited his father’s gift for martial techniques, he had mastered aura manipulation at a young age and was known for his overwhelming strikes—a promising prodigy indeed.
On the other side stood Number 912, Rab Netoire.
‘His weapon… isn’t visible.’
Did Rab specialize in hand-to-hand combat? His sharp but somewhat delicate features suggested otherwise.
Still, judging by his healthy brown skin and the defined muscles visible even through his clothes, he definitely looked capable—not excessively bulky, but his musculature was impressively condensed, as evident from his rolled-up shirt sleeves alone.
“Both of you, please wait here. The match will begin on signal.”
As the assistant provided the examinees with instructions, the professors who served as judges began voicing their individual opinions and predictions on the outcome.
“Professor Bratten, what do you think?”
“Well, obviously it’ll be the victory of Grace Viscount’s second son. Though failure here won’t affect the general outcome, how much can this reckless one possibly show in such a quick match?”
“True… Meitan is one of the ten star candidates expected to excel in this year’s academy.”
Amidst everyone predicting Meitan Grace’s success, James stood alone with a different opinion.
“Hmm… We can’t be sure about that.”
“Professor James? It seems you’re unfamiliar with this. We can all tell just by looking. Can’t you feel the difference in their predestined talents?”
While other professors were already trying to curry favor with Meitan, James clicked his tongue in disapproval.
‘What nonsense. Predicting victory just by looks… Someone like that is unlikely to lose so easily.’
Through years of experience on the battlefield, having observed countless human behaviors, James was certain of one thing.
‘That gaze… It’s a look of determination.’
Whatever had brought this individual to the academy, James knew from years of experience that those with such determined eyes usually displayed startling miracles, leaving everyone in awe.
“—.”
“—.”
‘What are they saying…?’
Although the arena was close to the judges, the examinees’ conversation was shielded by a magical barrier that prevented any secret signals or favoritism between judges and candidates. The judges could only hear the sounds of collision during the match, not the examinees’ conversation.
While the dialogue between Meitan and Rab remained unheard, James could sense the atmosphere growing increasingly tense.
-The candidates, please remain in your positions. The match will begin shortly.
As the mechanical voice echoed within the arena, the two candidates assumed combat stances.
Every judge, aside from James, was completely relaxed and prepared to watch a straightforward match.
-3…2…1!
BEEP!
KAAAAAAAAAAAAANG!!!!
“WHAT THE–?!”
At the end of the countdown that echoed the referee’s whistle, the thunderous sound followed.
However, only Rab Netoire remained standing in the arena.
At the distant wall, Meitan Grace lay unconscious, having been slammed into it.
“Was that… magic…?”
James had seen it.
A fleeting surge of mana emanating from Rab’s body.
The flow of mana originating from his lower abdomen, rather than his heart, clearly indicated that Rab was a mage, not an aura user.
‘Even without aura reinforcement, how is that possible with just magic?!’
The stereotypical image of a mage involved using mana to unleash powerful long-range attacks, in stark contrast to swordsmen or martial artists who relied on aura to close the distance. And here was a candidate blending the characteristics of the two.
‘I’ll take this student under my wing directly—not just teach, but sculpt him!’
Upon discovering a legendary talent, James shot the newly earmarked Rab a sinister grin.
Finally, it was my turn after a long wait.
Perhaps because I had been sitting around awaiting my turn, my body felt stiff as I followed the assistant into the arena.
“Hopefully, I’ll still be in good condition for the Department of Magic exam later.”
The interior of the arena was surprisingly massive.
Constructed like a giant Colosseum, it housed six large practice grounds. I was assigned to one of them.
There were no other visible people around aside from the examinee and the assistant; apparently, the judges’ appearances were concealed by magical barriers to maintain fairness.
“The two of you, please stand here. The match will begin on the signal.”
Following the assistant’s instructions, I ascended to the arena.
Facing me stood the man I would soon face off against.
“Hello, Rab.”
Lost in thought about what Cecilia might be doing now, I absentmindedly stared at my opponent, who had started speaking.
“Didn’t expect to see you here, Rab.”
“Yes… nice to meet you.”
“I attended the Marquis Altero’s banquet last year. I saw you and your fiancée from afar.”
“Oh, yes.”
“Had no idea you’d show up here.”
Not many would have expected someone like me to willingly enroll in the academy, much less perform well.
“Still, at the banquet, I saw the two of you. Quite shocking, really. To see such a beautiful lady!”
“Ah… yes.”
Now that he mentioned it, it brought back memories of my past misdeeds. I had put on an act completely unsuited to me, playing the villainous role.
The first time I saw the Young Lady Boichi left an enormous impact indeed.
“The rumors claim you two are already residing together at the Count’s mansion… Am I correct?”
“Yes… well, sort of.”
“Incredible! Living together before marriage! You must be so lucky!”
“…?”
“You know, about the Young Lady…”
“…?”
“The Young Lady has such beauty that even eating the same food repeatedly might grow tiresome. I occasionally host intimate gatherings with trusted friends… Both drugs and women will be available. And if you could introduce me to her… perhaps in exchange for some membership fees, there could also be some delightful time with the Young Lady… Heh, what do you say?”
“The candidates, please remain in position. The match will commence shortly.”
“Seems like you’re quite the interesting fellow, Rab. Don’t you agree?”
“…”
-3…2…1!
BEEP!
KAAAAAAAAAAAANG!!!!
“AAHH!!”
With a flash of thought, I visualized my body as a bullet, propelled explosively with immense speed directly toward my opponent, unleashing a kick.
Despite my rudimentary control over speed and direction changes, my attack was a simple, yet brutally effective move relying on surprise.
Though this technique placed a significant strain on my body, it was enough to floor my opponent.
Broken ribs and at least partial internal ruptures should now be what Meitan was experiencing; the damage was lessened slightly because I’d eased off at the last moment.
“Damn, you.”
Spitting out a heartfelt curse, I turned and left the arena.
—
End of Chapter*
