The alarm ringing woke James up as it was the D-day to the mock examination which most students had prepare for. Hearing that it was a special exam for first years spike the interest of both students and the people as well. Even the media were not left out as they were seen around the academy outer premises trying to find out information on the mock exam.
James cleaned himself up and got ready to leave his dorm room . Checking himself so as not to forget anything,he left the toom and headed outside to wait for Steve
"Everything you keep me waiting",James said shaking his head.
"And a good morning to you too", Steve replied as they had a special shake.
"Prepared?"
"Yeah", Steve answered. "It's only theory so let's crush this already".
"I like your energy", James smiled as he took the lead. "Let's meet up with the girls".
They left and went to the girls dorm only to find the girls waiting for them.
"You are late", Matilda said scowling at the two boys.
"Don't ask me", James replied pointing at Steve. "You do know why".
"Humph", Matilda frowned facing the other way
"Hey Mary",James greeted with a smile. Hello Enid
"Hello", the Two both greeted James. Enid had charming appearance with a slender white skin and dark long braids on her hair.She is the tallest out of the three girls. Mary on the other hand had a cute glasses on her pretty face. With an adorable white skinned body and dazzling spirit,she was the most captivating out of the three.
"You seemed a bit nervous", James said facing Mary.
"Yeah", Mary answered shaking her body slightly. "I have preexam chills".
"C.. chill?", James asked not quite getting what she meant.
"It's a thing that happened to her whenever she's writing exams,Enid said with a graceful voice. "It's not problem,she will get over it".
"Ah", James said nodding his head
"James", Matilda declared with both her hands on her hips. " You had a perfect score on entering this academy. I will be taking the top position from you".
"We will see about that",James shrugged with his eyes closed. "Loser gets to do any of the winner's wishes".
"Deal".
"Let's go",Steve said tired of seeing the two bickering over the top position. "We will be late".
They finally left, heading towards A class. Getting to the class, they met their classmates also quite ready for the exams. Taking their usual seat at the front,they sat discussing and waiting for the Professor entrance.
"Good morning",The Professor greeted as he entered with exams papers in his hand. He had a tall appearance with a more matured face. His white face had small scar by the cheek and a pair of glasses.
"Good morning Professor Lewis", the whole students greeted.
"So as you already know", Professor Lewis began placing the papers on the table. "This exam is indeed a special one and an opportunity for you to shine. It's also called the booster exams since it covers 30 percent of your promotional mark. So take it serious and do your best. Also, I will just leave you with a warning, if you are caught cheating, that's the end. You lose all marks. Now Start."
As he snapped his fingers,the papers moved from the table and landed on each student table instantly.
"Hm", James wondered as he was completely fascinated what he saw. "Teleportation?"
"So that's what it's",James said after realizing. "Well then,let's see the questions".
"No", James answered writing some words down. "Since I'm on a bet, I want to win with my own power".
"These questions are a bit standard", James continued. "I understand now why it's called a special exams. They want to know our talents and abilities at an early stage".
The sounds of pens and sighs were the sound only heard as the students were faced with their work. Soon enough the exam ended. The papers returned back to Professor lewis arranged and stacked up together. The Professor nodded before leaving the class.
"Ah first exam completed",Enid said with so much excitement.
"How did it go?", Enid asked her trying to hide her shaky voice.
"Easy for me", Matilda replied with a confidence voice. "I can't wait for first place".
"The list will tell", James smiled at her.
"It's interesting you guys didn't cheat", a girl said walking towards them. She had two ponytails with freckles on her whte face. Her body was graced with exquisite features making her distinct around the other three girls.
"Penny", Enid giggled hugging her. "It's so nice to see you".
"Why did you say that", Steve said after being quiet for a while. "It was clearly stated that we would be ripped of our marks if we did".
"You still don't get it", Penny sneered at him. "He only said we shouldn't get caught, so you can cheat as much as you like but just don't get caught besides only geniuses alone can do this exam alone. It's too tough"
"It was pretty easy", Matilda said nodding her head.
"Like I said geniuses", Penny replied rolling her eyes. Anyways, I'm off. I'm not like you guys so I have to find a partner to pair with".
"Partner??", James asked confused.
"You didn't hear?", Penny continued. "First years all over are looking for partners to either read with or cheat from. "I guess they didn't ask you because of your pride".
"Humph", Steve folded his hands. "Then, they shouldn't be here at all. I strongly adhere to writing these exams by yourself. It was how I was brought up".
"Yeah yeah", Penny rolled her eyes again before leaving their midst. "I'm off. See you later".
"Well since none of us want to cheat", James suggested after Penny left. " I'd say we read and discuss together".
"That's a good point",Mary replied. "The essence of us cheating is to know how to share information even when one is in a tight position. This is more like the military or organization idea. Oh, I still feel shaky".
"Time wait for no man then",Enid said raising her fist ." Let's move".
They all headed to a flower field and discussed the next paper. This they did till the end of written exams. The next day came and it was time for the practical examination. All students had gathered at the selected exam hall. Information about their practicals were passed across and the students left to their chosen location.
"Oi James", Steve called after seeing him not in his usual mode. "What's going on?.
"The air feels different today, James replied taking a deep breath.
"Different?"
"Yeah", James continued walking to his exam location with Steve. "Also, I received a weird message".
"What did it say?"
"Go right", James answered as he glanced to his right.
"A prank?"
"I don't know".
" This exam is already on",Steve said placing a hand on his shoulder. "You shouldn't feel anything but excited. We get to show our skills and power without restrictions. I just can't wait to fight those robots. I'd clear them easily".
"You are right", James replied slapping his cheeks. "I need to be at my best. Loser with a low level get to pay for one week meal".
"Too cheap"
"A new gadget"
"I'm in then", Steve said shaking James's hand.
Leaving Steve, James moving to his exam location. He met up with other fellow students waiting. The screen came up and relayed information to them. Quickly,everyone moved to the weapon area to pick up his or her individual weapons before heading to the next room. James picked up a sharp longsword and went to the next room. As he entered, suddenly he found himself In a strange forest.
"It looks real, James said looking around.
Welcome candidate 7",A robotic voice echoed out of nowhere. "As required,you are completely equipped to clear some dangerous obstacles set in front of you. Beware of your health bar displayed above you. Should it reduced to zero, you will be disqualified. Clear as much level as you can and free this forest from monsters plaguing it".
James stopped his movement and readied his sword. A rabbit came out with a fast kick to towards his head. James ducked, creating a distance.
"Paper weapons?"
< It was in a miscellaneous area. Those paper-like weapons also called Reto would deactivate these robots. Sort of like a remote control>
"Why didn't you..", James asked completely feeling betrayed the system didn't tell him about that information.
"But that was..... ", James sighed before continuing. "Never mind" I guess I'd just treat it like a monster and defeat it completely.
James unsheathed his sword. His mana hovered in the air before coming to rest on his sword, coating it. Rushing with speed, he sliced the head of rabbit, decapitating it instantly.
"Huh was it that weak", James asked in surprise.
"You have defeated a F- rank red bunny", The robotic voice said. "Get ready for round two. You will be fighting the white fox".
"That explain it", James said preparing his stance. "I should prepare for the next attack".
Three foxes came over,each in a coordinated pattern. They encircled him with their fangs drawn at him.
"Three", James counted with his eyes, "I will end this quickly as well".
[Lightning Art: Triple Strike]
Three lightning strike came out of his hand and struck the foxes, killing it instantly.
You have defeated three E+ rank white foxes",The robotic voice said again. "You will be fighting black wolves in the next level".
"I hope the next one is....", James suddenly felt danger as he talk and flipped. In the same moment,a sharp claw passed the same area, slashing the air.
"That was dangerous", James said as he landed. "What was that".
[Mana eyes]
His vision change and he saw the wolves moving with speed.
"They are fast", James commended as he saw their blury signature. "I'm getting excited".
[Flashy Steps Second Form: Blinding Speed]
Using this form, James killed one wolf, slashing it in the throat.
"One down", James said pointing his sword towards the remaining wolves. "Four to go".
The wolves moved in a coordinated pattern. Attacking and retreating almost immediately. Their aim was to cause multiple infliction of injuries leading to James weakened before putting him down to death.
James fended them off slashing and dodging each wolves. Moving with speed again, he killed two more.
"Two down", He counted again. "Remaining two".
The two wolves kept their distance, watching his every move. They keep growling fiercely at him.
[Fire Art: Fire wall]
Bammmmmm
"If I didn't put up the fire wall", James said clenching his sword. "I would have been injury gravely. Thanks system. I let down my guard".
[Enhanced Sense]
"What was that attack?", James asked placing his sword sideways.
"It seems I'm fighting the leaders of the park", James concluded taking his stance. "Let's end this as well".
[Flashy Steps First Form: Afterimages]
Using the afterimages, James confused the wolves, breaking their coordination. He slashed one down before shooting a fire ball from his hand, burning the other one.
"You have defeated 5 C rank black wolves",The voice announced. "You will be fighting Magmus in the next level".
James suddenly jumped and in an instant a beam met his former position and exploded.
"Magmus?"
"What do you mean?", James asked completely surprised at the statement.
James placed his sword in a vertical position, placing his senses on heightened alart. Suddenly he felt himself flying.
"This is just like the time when I fought frank", James thought. "I didn't improve?".
He landed on his feet before kneeling down using his sword as support.
[Fire Art: Fire Wall]
"I can use this to..."
He suddenly blocked an attack throwing him away. The fire wall he set up diminished.
"Heavy", James said while landing on the ground, rolling a bit before stopping. "Too heavy. I can't use my left hand".
< You managed to block its mini beam using your [Mana eyes]. It's said the beam is so thin that it's practically invisible. You won't be able to use your left hand for a while. Even though you blocked it, the beam manage to hit you somehow. I can sense it still trying to destroy your body cell. I will increase the speed of your regeneration and help to stop the damage>
"Ok", James said panting. "I'm counting on you".
[Flashy Steps Second Form: Blinding Speed]
James was able to get a glimpse of magmus using this form. It had a human form but an irregular head and limbs. Its eyes were glowing wildly.
"No wonder I couldn't see it", James said discovering the mystery. "It was moving around me with speed. I wonder why".
A beam was shot again which grazed James shoulder as he tried to evade it.
"That was close", James said panting. "My body just moved in on own. I need a strategy".
[Water Art: Blinding Mist]
A mist dispersed from his hand and filed the area around him. Soon enough,it spread making the surroundings viewless. Nothing could be seen.
"I can still use my [Mana Eyes] to see and my senses are enhanced, James said tracing the magmus with his eyes. "I found it".
[ Wind Art: Air Arrow]
An arrow made of air materialized with a bow in his hand. He drew the bow following the speed of the magmus. He then shot the arrow at the figure of the creature. The arrow moved with incredible speed and struck the moster on one of it's eye causing it to scream loudly.
"I did", James said in excitement. "One eye down,one more....huh"
He couldn't finish his words as a beam stuck his body in his lower waist, depleting the health bar completely.
"You have been defeated by a B+ rank Magmus. "Please head out of the hall".
"I could have done better", James said moving towards the exit using the line which appeared on the floor
"You did well James", The instructor said as James walked out. " I have high hopes for you".
"Thanks instructor", James said dropping his weapon before heading out to met the other students.
"Oi James", Steve called waving his hand. James, seeing his hand from the crowd made way towards him. "You took long".
"Yeah", James answered nodding. " I just got out".
"I lost a fight against a mantis", Steve said clenching his fist. "It was strong".
"Which level", James asked
"4th level"
"Same, I lost at the fourth level".
"Then that means we are at an equal footing",James smiled looking around
"Yeah I guess so".
"Oh", James said on sighting the girls."That's the girls".The two boys waved bring the girls attention towards them
"The practical was indeed a special one",Matilda said on reaching the boys side after wading through the crowd. "Those monster were strong. I now understand what the organization and other people face when battling monsters".
"Exactly".
"Strange", James said after looking around for a bit.
"What do you mean", Enid asked wondering what he meant by that"
" I'd understand if you were waiting for a friend but not everyone is like you",James began pointing out what he meant by that statement. We are still the same number as before when we started. If students were through with the exam, we would have gone anywhere as there's would a free week starting from today but we are still the same number we started. What's going on?"
"Now that you mentioned it", Steve said looking around. "You are right".
Suddenly they heard a loud bang and the whole wall was shaken. A scream was then heard from the back and different monsters were seen from the crack in the wall moving towards the direction of the students in the room.
"T.hi.s i.s...", James stammered horrified at the sight that befell them.
***********
In a room full of computers right,left and center,five people were seen in the room monitoring all that was going on on the academy ground.
"Most of the students are almost done with their practical exam. Also we have no troubles whatsoever, A male guard reported.
"What in the world is that?",the leader of the guards as he saw a large barrier enclosing them and a gate appearing out of nowhere. "It's an attack. Call the reinforcement. Inform the Principal and all Personnel. Tell them we have code black. Also,defend the students. Go now".
"What about those still in their practical exams",A female guard asked after some guards were occupied delivering the message
"Since most of them are almost done", The leader answered. "They should all be moved to the bunker. The instructors knows how to handle the students in this situation. Send a message to the Hero organization. Tell them....
He couldn't complete his words as all the screens went off and the light went off.
"All communication are down sir"
"Power is also down too sir"
The leader went silent and after a while he had a deep breath.
"God help us all"
..........
..........
" Hello Femi, we meet again ".
"Such a pain".
" What's your aim? Sending that message to James could alter the whole plot".
" Since James is the MC,I just made it a little bit easier for him. I don't think that's a crime is it".
" That we shall see".