Combat Exam Finished

Unedited

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The combat exam was quite short. For those who finished their magic exam, they could either wait for their friends or head to the training grounds where they would meet the combat instructors.

Once there, they would battle a random instructor to see where their combat abilities were. Almost all of the students could not last a minute with the instructors.

When the combat instructors looked at their written and magic assessment, they could either agree with the magic instructors or they could contest it by explaining the student’s capabilities.

Ultimately, their class was determined by these combat instructors.

When Atlas, Cyrus, Ronan, and Sophie arrived at the training grounds, many students were sulking around the training grounds. A few were sent flying, but they were not hurt, just stunned.

“Wow, no wonder they said this would be the shortest exam.” Atlas looked around and saw that the students could not hold their own against the instructors. Not even the nobles.

Well, it was not surprising. If they didn’t have superhuman strength like Atlas, Cyrus, or Ronan they could not fight against adults who had years of combat experience.

Plus, these three were taught by the best of the best, so they were leagues better than the other students.

As for Sophie, though she could hold her own in a magic fight, she was a true mage so she probably wasn’t better than a lot of the other kids. Still, she would have a better time than the majority of the other students.

In this combat exam, students were not allowed to use any elemental magic. They could only use buffs that could increase their strength, speed, and defensive abilities.

Well, that was if they could use them.

Since Sophie was number 23, she was told to go first out of their group of four. That was fine because she wanted to watch everyone else fight!

Sophie was assigned to an instructor who was also transgender but he had already medically transitioned.

His name was Claus Kelliher. He had ash-gray hair with green eyes, indicating that wind was his strongest attribute. Claus was a commoner who worked hard to become a combat instructor in the Imperial Academy to support his parents and siblings.

With his strength, he could have joined the Imperial Knights, but he felt he was better at teaching, so he decided to work for the Imperial Academy to train future generations.

“You must be Miss Norrs, it is a pleasure to meet you. How would you rank your close combat skills? We all know how your magic capabilities are, so there’s no need to describe that.” Claus talked a bit informally, but it wasn’t unappealing. Actually, he was a handsome man, making him quite popular even amongst nobles.

Sophie knew a bit about Claus because he was a prominent figure in the transgender community. He set up an organization that helped poor transgender citizens with not only their transitions but finding their careers and passions. She also donated to this organization because she, as a transgender girl, knew she was privileged and wealthy enough to fund many people’s lives for decades to come.

She responded with a polite bow. “It is an honor to meet you, Instructor Kelliher. As for my combat abilities, I do have basic knowledge in close combat using a dagger, but that is all. My main focus has been using magic so I would not have to be in a situation where I must draw my blade.”

“That is a very valid answer, Miss Norrs. One I would expect from a talented magician.” He nodded. “I hope after the academy, you will not only be able to defend yourself with a blade but can fight back when there is a situation when you cannot use magic at all. I hope you will make that your goal when you are learning from us combat instructors.”

Claus pointed his wooden sword toward Sophie. “Now, pick up your blade and try to defend yourself from my attacks. I hope you will last longer than the other students here today.”

Sophie, who was holding two wooden daggers, went into position. “I understand, Instructor Kelliher. Please, instruct me well!”

Atlas, Cyrus, and Ronan, who were watching Sophie from the benches, could see her fighting spirit even though she was at a disadvantage.

When the battle started, a lot of people expected Instructor Kelliher to knock Sophie out of the battle ring immediately, but she surprisingly held her ground and was able to narrowly dodge him.

Atlas was a bit worried, but Cyrus was not. He knew Sophie well enough to know that she buffed her physical body to be able to withstand the instructor's onslaught. Even if she couldn’t win, she should last more than a few minutes against Instructor Kelliher.

And Cyrus was right.

Sophie lasted three minutes, which was much longer than the other students who were taking the combat exam. Even though she defended and dodged the entire time, it was a testament to her training.

In a real combat situation, if she used magic, she could turn the tables and finish the enemy.

With her successful combat exam, her position as a Class A student was solidified.

*****

After Sophie finished her combat exam, she went back to the benches where Atlas, Cyrus, and Ronan were.

She was a little sweaty, but she still had some adrenaline in her. She looked like she had a lot of energy to go another round.

“You did a good job, Sophie!” Atlas complimented her. It was the first time he had seen her fight without elemental magic so he was a little worried, but overall, he was amazed that she was so strong.

Ronan just gave her a nod and didn’t say much.

Cyrus, on the other hand, complimented her and commented on her growth. She was a lot stronger than the last time they fought and it really showed. “If you need a training partner, let me know.”

“Thanks Cyrus. Maybe I can train hard enough to beat you up.” She chuckled even though she knew that wasn’t possible.

She sat down next to Cyrus and watched the other students get tossed around by the instructors.

When it was finally Atlas’ turn, Cyrus, Sophie, and Ronan said similar things they said when he was about to take his magic exam.

Cyrus spoke first, “Try not to hurt the instructors.”

“Maybe you should hold back a little.” Sophie, who had seen him knock around Knight Commander Wallace with ease, thought what she said was justified.

Ronan felt like the other two said all that needed to be said, so he said casually, “Try to end things as quickly as possible without hurting someone. You got this!”

“I won’t hurt anyone… Hopefully.” Atlas was starting to doubt his ability to hold back. Well, all he needed to do was do his best! That’s what he kept telling himself.

The instructor who was assigned to Atlas felt a chill go down his back. Why did he feel like he would get his ass handed to him when Atlas was done with him…

…To spare the instructor so that only those who were there could see what happened to him…

The poor instructor did not last a minute with Atlas in the battle ring. It was the first time a student had beaten an instructor and so quickly.

The instructor who laid on the ground… He was not injured but his pride was squashed so he didn’t want to get up yet.

Atlas felt a little bad but was happy that he passed the combat exam!

Cyrus thought Atlas did a good job this time. The instructor wasn’t hurt (except for his ego), and he was quick. Cyrus thought that Atlas deserved an ice cream treat when they got back.

Atlas was also officially assigned to Class A, which wasn’t surprising.

As for Cyrus’ and Ronan’s combat exam, it was like Atlas’ battle. Quick and almost uneventful. It was shocking to have students beat instructors but after knowing their identities, it wasn’t surprising at all. Actually, it was expected.

Cyrus and Ronan were assigned to Class A, which wasn’t a shock to anyone.

When they were all done, they didn’t stick around at the training grounds, but they decided to eat out before going home. It was to celebrate that they all, especially Atlas, made it to Class A.

They would be seeing each other almost every day for the next few years. Even so, this wasn’t anything new. Cyrus, Atlas, Sophie, and Ronan liked to celebrate achievements they got together whether they were big or small. It had been their tradition since they were young.

They had known each other since they were all 8 years old.

For Atlas, who had a lot of friends in his past life, thought this was how it should be. To him, it was normal to have a group of friends you grow up and celebrate with.

Well, he did drift apart from a lot of his friends because of how long it took for him to complete college… He wondered if they mourned his death or not… Well, that was an unpleasant thought, so he pushed that to the back of his head.

Atlas was happy now! That’s what mattered the most even if he thought about his previous life’s parents and friends from time to time.

As for Cyrus… He was a loner, so it was strange for him to grow up with childhood friends, but it was a new experience that he cherished. He didn’t want to think about the loneliness of his part life anymore.

Cyrus wanted his life to continue just like this, surrounded by people he loved and enjoyed being around.

They were about to start their academy life where they could make new friends and grow as people… This was just another chapter in their lives where they would be growing up together.

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Grandpa Marky: Hello everyone! I'm sorry for not updating earlier (and not updating last week). I was so busy these past two weeks but I have amazing news :D I got accepted for a full-time remote customer service job! I start training December 16th but I should be able to post at least once a week (hopefully). Last week I was going through the interview, onboarding, and the drug and background tests so it took a lot of my time. Then this week with the holidays, it was just too chaotic. xD Now, I am waiting for the equipment to come in. I will finally not be so broke T_T I've been rationing my food these past few months...

Anyway, that's it from me! I will see you all next week. Thanks for being patient with me. Have a lovely day/night my beautiful grandchildren.