'The mental durability, which was strong from the start, has notably increased. Now, Shirone can control the Immortal Function to some extent.'
Shirone's specialty was the Four-Way type oriented toward defense. Like most defensive types, teachers predicted Shirone would also become a defensive magician.
However, the Immortal Function changed its characteristics. Now, his resistance, which was his strong point, has become an essential element supporting his offensive power.
About 20 seconds later, Shirone gritted his teeth and attempted a final acceleration. The score exceeded 340 as tremendous speed erupted.
*Bip-!*
The bell rang when the measurement time ended. Shirone closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. Dozens of kids had gathered, but the stadium was silent. Everyone stared at the scoreboard.
410 points.
On average, he sustained 30 seconds with 13.6 pulses per second. Additionally, the last 5 seconds were a rapid burst that exceeded 15 pulses per second.
"It's truly incredible. Why are they like this today? Won't they really become final-year students starting next semester?"
"However you look at it, promotion will be difficult. Their scores in theory are mediocre. Raising their score in a short time isn't easy."
Shirone turned to Kanis. It was a tacit declaration that he would still be capable of reaching the final course.
"That child is truly amazing."
Arin admired with a pure heart. An infinite mental strength through the Immortal Function and the endurance to control it, combined with a unique magical nature that could give mass to light.
There was no other way to describe it but as a magician especially beloved by the gods.
"Humph, at least he should be this good to be considered a rival."
Kanis' fighting spirit ignited like never before. At first, he thought it was due to attribute differences. But Shirone's demonstration shattered that mistaken idea. Now, he would even be pushed back in a duel with all his strength.
Kanis, who had been watching Shirone for a long time, abruptly turned around.
"Let's go, Arin. It seems observation has ended."
The students felt relieved to see Kanis and Arin walk away. Although Shirone didn't represent the level of Class Five, they felt the same satisfaction as if they had defeated an Archmage's apprentice.
"Shirone, you've been incredible. I failed the exam, but I feel fine. Are we nothing just because they're Archmage apprentices? Who dares to belittle Class Five of the Magic Academy?"
"Shirone, and even Eruki and Neid. Do you really think you'll advance this time?"
"Well, we do what we can."
Shirone evaded a direct response. However, Neid, who was in third place, was ecstatic for passing the practical exam.
"Hahaha! Of course! You better prepare to treat me like a senior! Hey, hey! Let's practice from now on. Call me senior!"
Protests rained down from the students.
"You're so conceited you pierced the sky! I hope you fall!"
"If you're a senior, I'd rather leave the academy!"
"Why boast when you might fail the theoretical exam and it'd be embarrassing? I'll pray every night that you can't advance!"
Regardless of what they said, Neid stood tall and laughed proudly. As a friend to all the students, he could endure their jeers.
Shirone and Eruki slipped away.
What a shame.
The final practical exam has ended.
***
The summer was bidding farewell. Fresh winds blew in the mornings and afternoons, and the plants were preparing to don colorful clothing. However, it remained warm during the day, and the children were busy burning through the end of the semester.
Only the last week remained. Classes had ended the previous week, leaving only the final exam.
The exams were conducted sequentially each day, starting with Class Ten. Finally, on the sixth day, the students of Class Five made their way to the exam room, hearts brimming with emotions.
Shirone's group had breakfast and arrived early at the exam venue.
The exam lasted exactly 12 hours with only 5 minutes of rest. Compared to regular academies, it was an almost laborious schedule. However, for the students of the Magic Academy, maintaining concentration was as crucial as knowledge.
The exam questions were categorized into Types A, B, and C. The questions were the same, but the arrangement of the answers was different to avoid traps and reduce the chance of randomly guessing the correct answer.
Shirone got Type A, Eruki got Type B, and Neid got Type C. Each was assigned a different exam room and relaxed in the hallway before the exam began. Even the most playful among them couldn't help but feel tense since the results of this exam would determine their achievements over the last six months.
Neid was constantly trembling even in the heat.
"Ugh, I'm going to die. Shirone, how about you?"
"I feel like vomiting. If I make just one mistake, it's over, especially in math subjects."
"Let's keep calm. We have enough time anyway. There's no need to get nervous before having the exam paper."
Eruki's words calmed the two of them. However, everyone couldn't help but turn pale when the bell signaling the start of the exam rang.
"Let's go in. See you later with smiling faces."
"Yes, let's do our best!"
The three entered their respective exam rooms, hoping the twelve hours of the exam would end soon.
Supernatural Psychic Sciences Research Group Laboratory.
Shirone and his friends were busy grading their papers. Although it was impossible to leak the exam paper, Eruki perfectly recreated the exam questions.
The memory of a sage cannot forget. It was as if he could store a file of documents in a drawer in his head and read it whenever needed.
As Eruki recited a question, Neid wrote it down, and Shirone found the correct answer. After working like this until dawn, they managed to retrieve the exams from all the subjects.
Although their bodies were exhausted, the three began to check their answers individually.
As Eruki had restored an exam from Type B, they had to compare it one by one with the answers Shirone had found.
"Phew, I'm nervous. I think I messed up in some topics," complained Neid. However, everyone had their weak subjects.
"I feel the same way. This is really harsh when you're doing it for real. Even if you get a perfect score in other subjects, it's over if you fail one subject, right?" Shirone was anxious as never before. He couldn't guarantee his promotion even with his perspicacity.
"Anyway, that's what the study group is for. Let's finish grading first and then evaluate," said Eruki.
A few more hours passed, and the grades began to take shape.
Neid was the first to rise with a clenched fist. "Yes! I did it! An average of 82 points! I got over 80 points in all subjects!" Although there was no high score, he scored consistently in all subjects and got 82 points. He used to ridicule Class Four, but once promoted, he couldn't feel better.
Eruki and Shirone didn't say anything. The real moment to celebrate would be when all three confirmed their promotions.
After grading, Eruki leaned back in his chair and wiped his sweat. "Phew, I did it. 87 points. I got an 80 in Language. If I had made one more mistake, it would've been over."
"Wow! Did you pass? Congratulations! Class Four!"
Neid and Eruki looked at Shirone without asking anyone first. If the last one passed, their initial desire for simultaneous promotion would come true.
But Shirone didn't respond. Eruki realized that his hand, which a moment ago was celebrating, wasn't moving.
"Shirone, what's wrong? Did you fail the exam?"
Shirone's face, seen up close, was as pale as the white paper. It was clear what had happened.
Neid nervously asked, "Why are you like this? How many points did you get?"
"86 points..."
"Wow, you did incredibly well, right?"
Neid was truly amazed. They had set a goal for all of them to advance, but it felt like a miracle when it actually happened. Shirone led a life far removed from studies as the son of a commoner. However, he achieved an average of 86 points with just half a year of effort. (If I said that, it might be possible to dispute magic with an Archmage's disciple with just a few years of effort. I'm not trying to diminish his effort, of course.)
Comparing him to Eruki, who got an average of 87 points and passed the math class with a perfect score using his Sage ability, showed how desperately Shirone had studied.
Eruki tilted his head, perhaps thinking the same thing.
"You did... well? Were there any subjects you got wrong?"
"That's the thing, I'm not sure."
"How can you not be sure? Be more precise."
Shirone bit his nails in agony. No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't remember.
"Eruki."
"Yes?"
"What's the answer to the last multiple-choice question in the math test section?"
"Oh, that? You have to prove something by combining two math formulas, right? The answer to that is quite lengthy."
Eruki, who had said that much, suddenly exclaimed in surprise.
"Don't tell me..."
"Yes, I don't remember. I don't recall what proof I thought was the correct answer. I've tried to solve it again, and it's the same. I clearly remember debating between two of them at that time."
"How many points is it worth? How many points would you get if you were wrong?"
"78 points..."
Eruki and Neid realized the seriousness of the situation. The last multiple-choice question was worth 2 points. Therefore, advancing or staying in the same class depended on the result of that single question.
"How is it possible that you don't remember? What number did you write as the answer?"
"3. But I'm Type A, so I can't check it."
Neid quickly pulled out the exam sheet. A hellish trial equation, extending to twenty lines for a single option, was densely written. To be honest, even he himself made a mistake on this question. Probably the only person in Class Five who could easily solve it was Eruki...
Shirone grabbed his head in agony.
"I thought it was option 2 or 3. I was conflicted when there were only 10 seconds left, and suddenly something came to me. But... I don't remember what it was."
It's something that happens once or twice when you're running out of time. Neid and Eruki, who had been in the magic academy since childhood, knew exactly how one felt.
However, this time, it was about advancing. If he failed here, he would have to stay in Class Five for another half-year.
Neid was about to die of impatience.
"Damn it! I can't wait any longer."
"What are you going to do?"
"I'll check directly. Let's ask Teacher Siena. She's our class teacher."
Shirone thought that at this rate, they wouldn't get anything. Once the decision was made, the three left the study group and headed to the exam room.
Since the grading had taken a whole day, the Class Four exam was underway. Taking advantage of the lunch hour, Shirone's group entered the building, eagerly awaiting the teachers' return. After about 30 minutes, Siena was walking down the hallway. The three ran towards her.
"Teacher! Teacher."
"Hm? What are you doing here? The Class Five exam ended yesterday, didn't it?"
"The last multiple-choice question in Math Type A! What is the correct answer?"
Siena tilted her head. Her specialty was chemistry, but since the exams were reviewed at least three times, all the teachers were involved in grading. Of course, her skills were good enough to handle mathematics at a student level, even if it wasn't her specialty.
"Why suddenly?"
"Hurry! It's a very important matter."
Siena, seeing the urgency in Neid's eyes, remembered the last multiple-choice question. It was quite a difficult question and remained in her memory.
"Oh, that one? If it's Type A, it's number 2, right?"
"Number 2..."
Shirone's body stiffened as if hit by a hammer. The answer he had written was number 3. In the end, he had made a mistake. The score was 78 points. Thinking that he had missed the promotion by just 2 points made him feel suffocated.
"Number 2... Number 2..."
Shirone, who had been murmuring the same thing, suddenly grabbed the back of his neck. Then, unable to hold on any longer, he fell backward. Just before collapsing in the hallway, Neid quickly caught him.
"Shirone! Are you okay? Pull yourself together! You're supposed to be indestructible."
"Number 2? Why... How can it be number 2..."
"Teacher, we're taking him! Take care!"
Shirone kept muttering the same words even as they dragged him away. Siena, who had been silently observing, blinked and headed towards the teachers' room with a small chuckle.
"Do they ever tire out? They're so full of energy every day."
The teachers' room was chaotic with teachers grading. Siena also sat down and started correcting. Suddenly, she opened a drawer and took out the Math Type A exam.
"They said it was the last multiple-choice question, right?"
Siena looked at the last problem. After momentarily solving it with a glance, she spoke with a bright smile.
"Ah, number three."
[Arian Shirone. Advancement confirmed.]