Chapter 41: Academy Examination (4)

Chapter 41: Academy Examination (4)Six fighters now remained from Adrian’s track, each a step away from securing one of the three coveted spots. The examiner went around to distribute each of them a parchment once more, and shortly after he called: "First pair, step up!" The opening fight pitted a sword-wielding boy against a girl with a staff. It was a gritty, unremarkable clash, both fighters pushing their limits but lacking the flair of the round’s stars. The boy’s precise slashes met the girl’s agile dodges, her staff spinning to deflect and counter. They traded blows for minutes, sweat beading, until the boy landed a lucky strike to her side, forcing her to yield. The examiner called it, "Winner, sword!" Adrian watched the fight, but he had to admit that he had seen better fight. ’I guess luck is a factor too.’ He still had his mind focused on the next fight, as he knew it was bound to be something special. The examiner’s voice boomed again. "Second pair!" The blonde-haired spear boy walked into the arena, his ever-present grin lighting up the atmosphere. His opponent, another sword-wielder, was no slouch — a tall, lean kid whose earlier fights had showcased crisp footwork and deadly precision. Adrian was well aware of his skill, marking him as a contender. Against the spear boy, though, he doubted he would be allowed to shine. The fight began with a sharp "Go!" The sword boy lunged, his blade a silver streak aimed at the spear boy’s chest. The spear boy sidestepped with fluid ease, his grin unwavering, and parried with his spear’s shaft, the clang echoing. The sword boy was fast, chaining attacks with textbook form, but the spear boy was a like a phantom. Every thrust, every feint, hebanticipated. He used his spear’s reach to keep the sword boy at bay, jabbing at his legs and shoulders, forcing him to overextend. The crowd held its breath, stunned by the spear boy’s dominance. ’He’s toying with him,’ Adrian thought, his respect deepening. The sword boy grew desperate, his swings wilder, and the spear boy pounced. With a deft spin, he hooked the sword’s blade with his spear’s tip, yanking it from the boy’s grip. Before the sword boy could recover, the spear boy swept his legs, dropping him to the stone. The spear’s tip hovered at his throat with his grin still bright. "Gotcha," he said, voice light but final. The examiner stepped in. "Winner, spear!" The sword boy, red-faced, retrieved his weapon and limped off. His skill was undeniable, but could only try again next year. Adrian was next, and the examiner called, "Third pair, step up!" Adrian climbed the platform, the gun loose in his hand glowing. His opponent, a brown-haired girl with a bow, moved with quiet confidence, her bow already nocked. Adrian had watched her fights — she was a marvel, using arrows to outmaneuver melee fighters. She was formerly considered the second-best fighter, the only one who might challenge Adrian’s gun. ’She’s good,’ he thought. ’But good’s not enough.’ The girl’s calm demeanor matched Adrian’s own, her eyes locked on him, assessing. Adrian flicked the gun casually and the examiner raised his hand. "Ready? Begin!" The girl released her arrow the instant the word left the examiner’s mouth, its arc perfectly timed. Adrian fired simultaneously, the gun’s low-intensity ~ZAP~ streaking forward. In a stunning moment, the arrow and pulse collided mid-air, the arrow splintering as the blue energy surged through. The crowd gasped, Adrian’s eyes widening for a split second. ’She matched my shot,’ he thought, stunned by her precision. But he recovered instantly, firing again —~ZAP~ —before she could nock another arrow. This time the pulse struck her shoulder before she could react, the impact throwing her to the ground with a cry, her bow skittering away. Adrian stepped closer, the gun trained on her, but she didn’t rise, clutching her bruised shoulder. He felt a pang of regret — she’d been a worthy opponent, her skill almost forcing him to rethink his strategy. ’Tough break,’ he thought, lowering the gun. The examiner, his jaw tight, declared, "Winner!" Officials helped the girl up, her face pale but composed, and led her out. Sёarᴄh the novёlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The examiner faced the remaining three — Adrian, the spear boy, and the sword boy from the first fight. "You’ve advanced. Congratulations." He handed each of them a polished bronze token, etched with the academy’s crest — a crossed sword and staff under a radiant star. "These grant you access to the Year 1 section," he said. "Follow the officials to the main academy. You’ll be addressed there." Adrian pocketed the token while the spear boy twirled his, grinning. Officials led the trio through a side gate, away from the arena’s clamor. The Year 1 section was a sprawling complex of stone halls and manicured courtyards, its buildings adorned with runes that pulsed faintly. Dormitories lined one side, their windows glowing with mana lamps, while training fields and lecture halls stretched beyond. The air felt heavier here, charged with the academy’s prestige.. They were ushered into a grand hall, its vaulted ceiling carved with scenes of legendary battles. Long wooden benches filled the space, and the officials directed them to sit. "Wait here," one said. "The Year 1 coordinator will address you soon." Adrian glanced at his status screen: [3:47 PM]. ’An hour, maybe more,’ he thought, settling onto a bench. The hall was empty save for the three of them, the silence a stark contrast to the arena’s chaos. The spear boy, predictably, didn’t stay quiet. He plopped beside Adrian, his grin as bright as ever. "That’s one hell of a weapon you’ve got," he said, nodding at the gun tucked in Adrian’s belt. "What’s it called?" Adrian shook his head. "Don’t worry yourself." The spear boy leaned closer, undeterred. "Made it yourself, didn’t you? I can tell. Gotta say, it’s a game-changer. Wanna duel sometime? You know, for fun?" Adrian closed his eyes to meditate, shutting out further talk. The spear boy chuckled, unbothered, and wandered off to pace the hall.