Riba entered the forest once again that day, but instead of beginning more training, Mr. Toruga had him sit down. Apparently, he had something to say.
"Coming Friday, there will be an event." He told him.
"What kind of event?"
"It's known as the Warrior Tests. They take place every year. It starts with the first years competing against each other and ends with the third years doing the same."
"What exactly do we do?"
"You fight."
Riba had a lot of things to worry about so far, but this took the cake. He had to fight his fellow first years. Meaning Doron, the blue-haired girl, and maybe even Gareth.
"Tell me more." Riba insisted, "Like, the rules."
Mr. Toruga exhaled softly and closed his eyes.
"Basically everything is allowed." He said, "Small weapons like knives or shurikens, Techniques are allowed too. You do whatever you can to either make your opponent unable to continue fighting or make them say, 'I give up'."
This seemed alright, Riba's only issues was that he hadn't mastered his Technique and his greats were suffering because of it.
"The winner will get their grades boosted by 50%." Mr. Toruga finished.
The student's grades were rated in percentages. For example, Riba's "Technique" and "Technique Combat" grades were both 5%. If Riba were to win, they'd be boosted to 55%.
"What about the people who don't win?" Riba asked.
"Their marks will get a small boost, depending on their performance."
Mr. Toruga placed his hand on Riba's shoulder.
"If this goes as planned, you'll be greatly benefitted."
Riba looked at him, confused.
"Do you know why I focused your training into hand to hand combat and swordplay, and not Techniques?"
Riba shook his head.
"I figured that since you're struggling with your Technique, I'd train you in something that was easier and quicker to learn, that would be of use until you got the hang of your magic."
Suddenly it was all starting to make sense.
"Since you need time to master your Technique, you at least have experience in something else."
"So you're hoping I'll win without my technique, and get my Technique related classes boosted so I don't fail?" Riba blurted suddenly, hoping he was correct.
Mr. Toruga nodded.
"Smart kid."
Although he said this, Mr. Toruga's plan was genius.
"I feel like I'm cheating...I'm getting all this help..." Riba sighed.
"You aren't cheating. You worked hard to master Kung Fu and your sword fighting skills. You earned this." Mr. Toruga assured him.
Hearing this, Riba felt better.
~o~
Riba sat in his room, a couple hours after training. Kara sat by the window and sunbathed. Kara was beginning to grow on him. She'd bring him little dead things, or sit on his lap. Unfortunately, students weren't allowed to bring animals to the Warrior Tests unless it related to their Technique. Animal Class Technique users were in luck. Riba had chosen a basic flame Technique, of the Element Class, so Kara had to stay home. Friday seemed so far, but so close at the same time…