Chapter 66 - Mid-Years III

Nero observed the ongoing physical examinations with an apathetic expression, his keen eyes analyzing every movement. As he assessed their performance, he inputted the data and various intangibles into the school's AI system for ranking.

Over the past six months, many rankings had shifted, as was expected. Numerous students had advanced a minor mana rank and honed their combat skills. They were undeniably getting stronger.

Although Nero did not personally teach any of the 92 students outside of Class 1-A, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and warmth seeing these young individuals grow and improve so dramatically. Each successful maneuver, each display of newfound strength, filled him with a quiet satisfaction. It was a testament to their hard work and determination, a reflection of their potential and the bright future they were forging for themselves.

As the students continued their examinations, Nero's mind wandered briefly to his own time as a student, recalling the rigorous training and countless hours of practice. He saw a bit of his younger self in these students—the same drive, the same hunger for improvement.

Finally, it was time for Ranks 10, 9, and 8 to participate in the examination. Among them was Rank 8, Arthur Nightingale, Nero's fellow student. Nero's brows furrowed slightly as he watched Arthur's mana rank reveal: -rank.

At the beginning of the year, Arthur had been at -rank. By mid-terms, he had advanced to -rank, and now he stood at -rank. This rapid progression in mana rank was nothing short of astounding. As an -ranker, Nero could easily determine the mana ranks of all the students present, but the devices used ensured that this information was instantly stored in the Mythos Academy's database.

Arthur's jump in mana rank alone was enough to raise eyebrows. From to in less than a year was a feat few could match. His advancement was impressive, and in terms of raw mana rank, he already surpassed the usual expectations. Even without taking his combat skills into account, Arthur's mana rank alone would place him at Rank 5, a remarkable leap from Rank 8—a triple jump that underscored his extraordinary potential.

Nero watched intently as Arthur prepared for his practical examination. The young man's focus was palpable. He took a deep breath, his sword gleaming as he drew it from his ring. The professor opposite him, an -ranker, stood ready, her expression calm but attentive.

Arthur initiated the duel, his body blurring as he propelled himself forward with lightning aura. His sword clashed against the professor's astral shield, the impact reverberating through the arena. The professor's mastery of astral energy allowed her to block his initial strike with ease, but Arthur was far from done. He circled her, using the Illusion Sword technique to create multiple feints and misdirections. The professor's eyes flickered with a hint of surprise as she adeptly parried each attack.

'His sword skills have leveled up significantly!' Nero noted, his stoic face breaking for a moment as his eyes widened. Arthur's swordsmanship was already impressive, especially considering he hadn't learned any formal sword art. He wasn't using the Grade 5 art assigned by the Academy, probably due to low mastery, yet the fundamentals of his swordsmanship were exceptional.

Arthur's movements were precise and fluid, each strike measured and executed with exacting precision. His ability to parry and counter the professor's attacks showcased his advanced kinetic and dynamic vision, as well as his lightning-fast reflexes. He moved like a seasoned warrior, not a student still in his first year.

Nero observed how Arthur's footwork complemented his strikes, maintaining a perfect balance between offense and defense. His attacks were relentless yet controlled, each motion flowing seamlessly into the next. It was a display that almost distracted Nero from noting the performances of the other two students undergoing their examinations.

'By my estimate, he should be at the same level as Jin right now,' Nero thought. But before he could input those numbers into the system, a sudden flow of mana caught his attention.

He turned back to Arthur, surprised to see glowing sigils pulsating with mana adorning his neck and forearms. These sigils, etched in intricate patterns, pulsed with a rhythmic energy that seemed to amplify his power. Arthur's aura intensified, the air around him crackling with raw energy.

'Is that his Gift?' Nero thought.

Arthur's eyes glowed as he launched into a series of rapid strikes, each one faster and more powerful than the last. The professor, taken aback by this sudden surge in strength, raised her astral shield just in time to block the first few blows. However, Arthur's relentless assault began to wear down her defenses.

The sigils on Arthur's skin glowed brighter as he channeled more mana into his attacks. He executed a 5-circle Fiery Thunder Spear, the spell hurtling towards the professor with blinding speed. The professor managed to deflect it, the force of the explosion sending shockwaves through the arena.

But that was just a distraction. In the moment the professor was occupied with the Fiery Thunder Spear, Arthur activated God Flash. His body blurred with extreme speed as he closed the distance between himself and the professor in an instant. His sword, infused with lightning aura, struck the astral shield with a resounding boom.

The shockwave from the impact reverberated through the training hall, drawing the attention of everyone present.

As expected, the professor didn't struggle with mere 5-circle spells when she could wield astral energy. She deflected Arthur's attacks with practiced ease, her astral shield absorbing the brunt of his assault.

Nero stood stunned, 'His Gift allows him to cast 5-circle spells without reaching -rank>!' That was the truly astonishing part of the entire display. Arthur's ability to cast high-level spells without the requisite mana rank defied conventional understanding.

After the examination ended, Nero inputted the numbers into the system. His thoughts raced as he reviewed Arthur's performance. "He may even grab Rank 2 from Ren," he muttered, disbelief etched on his face. That was how much stronger Arthur had become.

Arthur stepped back, his breathing steady despite the intense exertion. The glowing sigils on his skin began to fade, their light dimming as his mana levels stabilized. The other students watched in awe, murmurs of astonishment rippling through the crowd. Arthur's display had set a new benchmark for their expectations.

Next up were the other Class 1-A students: Seraphina, Cecilia, and Ian. Each had grown stronger over the winter break, their performances showcasing their hard-earned progress. However, their displays couldn't quite compare to Arthur's.

'As expected, I inputted the correct numbers for Arthur,' Nero contemplated as he carefully recorded the data for Seraphina, Cecilia, and Ian.

Now it was time for the heavy hitters: Jin, Rachel, and Ren, all of whom were at -rank.

Jin's performance was exceptionally impressive. His precise control and powerful techniques made a strong impression. He moved with a blend of grace and ferocity, his attacks precise and devastating. His prowess was so notable that Nero considered placing him above Rachel in the rankings. However, he held back for now, aware that Rachel's high affinity for light magic made her a particularly troublesome opponent for anyone.

Rachel, despite Jin's strong showing, demonstrated her own exceptional capabilities. Her mastery over light magic was unparalleled among her peers, and her strategic use of it in combat set her apart. She moved with confidence, her spells weaving intricate patterns of light that dazzled and disoriented her opponent. Rachel's combat style was both elegant and deadly, reaffirming her position near the top.

Then came Ren Kagu, a demigod at his mana rank. His Gift, , granted him an extraordinary advantage, allowing him to perceive and react to threats with supernatural precision. Combined with his triple affinity for space, gravity, and time magic, Ren's performance was nothing short of spectacular. He manipulated the battlefield, bending space and time to his will, creating a surreal and disorienting combat environment for his opponent.

However, despite his many advantages, Ren's inability to cast a 5-circle spell was a significant setback. This limitation could potentially place him behind Arthur, who had demonstrated a remarkable ability to cast high-level spells despite his mana rank.

Nero slowly entered Ren's numbers into the system, his mind still pondering the implications. Ren's performance was extraordinary, but Arthur's unique capabilities and rapid growth posed a compelling case for a higher ranking.

Finally, it was time for the last student—the one who was undoubtedly Rank 1.

Lucifer Winward.

He stepped forward, the only one being examined in this round. His verdant eyes radiated confidence, and his regal walk spoke volumes about his self-assured nature.

'Let me see how much this monster has improved,' Nero mused.

Lucifer's mana rank was still -rank, a significant achievement in itself. By now, more of the mana core had likely fused into his body, though that couldn't be measured by the devices they were using.

The air in the room seemed to thicken with anticipation as Lucifer prepared for his demonstration. He stood tall, his posture impeccable, exuding an aura of effortless superiority.

"Begin," the professor instructed, stepping back to give Lucifer space.

Lucifer's first move was a display of sheer power and precision. He activated his Gift, a rare and potent ability that allowed him to manipulate multiple elements with unparalleled ease. The air around him shimmered as he drew in ambient mana from various elements, his control so refined it was almost as if the mana itself was eager to obey his commands.

He started with a 5-circle spell, something only an elite few could cast. The complexity of the spell formation was mesmerizing, the intricate patterns weaving together seamlessly. As he completed the incantation, a massive pillar of pure elemental energy erupted from his hands, targeting the professor.

The professor responded with astral energy, but even she was surprised by the sheer force of Lucifer's spell. The collision of energies sent shockwaves through the room, a testament to the power being displayed.

Next, Lucifer transitioned into close combat. His movements were fluid and precise, each strike calculated to exploit any opening. He wielded his sword with unmatched skill, the blade a blur as it cut through the air. The professor, despite her formidable defenses, found herself pushed back by the relentless assault.

Lucifer's Gift allowed him to seamlessly integrate multiple elements into his combat style. His sword glowed with an ethereal light as mana infused it, amplifying its power. Each strike now carried the weight of both his physical prowess and magical might, a combination that was almost overwhelming. Fire, ice, lightning, and wind all danced at his command, enhancing his attacks and keeping the professor on the defensive.

Nero watched intently, noting every detail. Lucifer's abilities had clearly advanced, his control and power at a level that seemed almost unreachable for his peers. His performance was a masterclass in combat, showcasing not just raw strength but also strategic brilliance.

As the demonstration came to an end, Lucifer stood tall, barely showing any signs of exertion. The professor nodded, acknowledging his exceptional display. It was clear to everyone that Lucifer was not just Rank 1; he was on a completely different level.