It's the final exam. It is done in a big hall where all the students of the same year gather. We take our seats according to the number assigned to us. There are already paper questions prepared for all of us. The big clock is ticking and the teacher looks stricter than usual. Except for the muscle guy who is obviously trying to impress Ms. Tiara. Even someone like me can tell, and yet Ms. Tiara, either oblivious or simply ignoring him, doesn't take any notice. Of course, there is another carefree teacher who makes us all nervous.
That carefree teacher who gave us all lots of homework. The laid-back teacher who dropped a big bomb on us without warning during our field trip. The happy-go-lucky teacher who loves to give us weird homework assignments. The always smiling and cheerful teacher who made me "fight" her during my test the other day. What is she planning? She's really unpredictable, so much so that we're all worried when we see her giggling. Something is up. Something is definitely up!
"Diana... What is Teacher Merlin planning to do?" [Stacy]
"You're the closest to her, you must know something" [Auger]
"Unfortunately I don't..." [Diana]
Stacy and Auger, a friend I made during our field trip the other day who happens to be sitting next to me, are also concerned. They knew that I was close to Master Merlin, hence the question they asked me, but unfortunately I am also in the dark. The other, hearing our conversation, becomes even more anxious. The once silent hall started to get noisy with whispers here and there, and the content is no doubt a surprise factor that will be added to our final exam.
"My goodness, I am happy that my students are all expecting a surprise from me. You know me too well. I am touched" [Merlin]
(Oh Goddess...) [Tio]
(Spare us all...) [Adnan]
(Whatever she throws at us, I am ready!) [Kara]
(I just hope there aren't too many surprises.) [Mara]
(This is stressing us all out...) [Marianne]
(Why am I not surprised...) [Neloufa]
That sly grin of hers. We all instinctively understand that it means trouble. What kind of permission did she get from the principal? With ten minutes left before the exam, Ms. Tiara begins to explain the format of the exam.
"Unlike your previous theory, this final exam will consist of only one set of question papers. Within this question paper, all of the subjects covered in your syllabus, from politics to the arts, from magic to math, are combined. Please note that a single question will undoubtedly cover many different subjects. Since there is only one set of question paper for theory, failing this means failing your grade and you will be asked to take remedial classes, but don't worry, the question itself is not hard and the various assignments you have submitted throughout the year will be included in your final grade. You will have a total of 4 hours. Refreshments will be provided. If there's no question, you may begin" [Tiara].
"I hope you like my surprise. Don't worry, if you fail, I'll be the one to teach you in remedial classes. Good luck, my lovely, sweet, awesome little lambs" [Merlin].
"SAY WHAT!" [Students]
Once again, we are all surprised by this test. How did Master Merlin manage to sweet-talk the principal into making this test a reality? No wonder the question paper seems awfully thick
Alright, let's try answering it
1. Queen Amleth, a queen of our country, used various tactics during her negotiations with the Emperor. One of the debates during the conversation is regarding the compensation for the war against Amlethian. The conversation, which lasts for many days, saw various deployment of underhanded trick
a) Name the emperor who attended the talk.
b) If each Amlethian theoretically gets a single gold coin, calculate the total reimbursement given by the Empire to our country in silver coins.
c) What infamous poison has the Emperor used throughout history?
d) If you are Queen Amleth, name two of the following
i/ Technique of debate
ii/ Magical barrier spell to protect yourself especially from drinkable poison
iii/ Etiquette to follow when two royals from different countries meet
Why did I feel that the first question was made by Ms. Tiara herself? Actually, looking through other questions, I can see that all the teachers combined their efforts and specialties to make a single long question. Still...
(Surprisingly, it's not as hard as we think. Sure, there are different subjects involved, but if we break it down one by one, it's not that hard. Besides, all the subjects are covered in class or during one of our various assignments) [Diana].
For example, this question, I am one hundred percent sure that I can answer it correctly. A specialty of the Blackcat tribe. Kat herself taught me. This question, which was covered indirectly during our field trip, is about a plant that can be used to make a simple potion, and what it's expected to cost.
Surprisingly, my hand didn't stop writing. This, this is fun! It's like all my efforts are finally coming to fruition!
When the time was up, we all handed our question papers to our teachers, and before we left the hall, Ms. Tiara made another announcement
"Since there is no more theory paper, you will be given a two-day break to prepare for the practical magic part. Study hard" [Tiara].
"Good luck with your practical, my sweet darling Cutie pie" [Merlin]
(She's planning something!) [Students]
I'm sure none of us wanted to discuss what will happen during our practical exam, so we all discuss our answer in the theoretical part before going home. As for me and Neloufa, we make a little detour to the opera house for a quick rehearsal. Of course, Miss Vita and Manager treat us with their best snack and encourage us both in our study and in our rehearsal.