With confidence, some students have completed the test and await its conclusion. "Less than 15 minutes left. Correct your answers before the test ends," Edele says.
Upon hearing this, Rozer carelessly fills in answers to unanswered questions, feeling utterly frustrated.
"The test time has ended. Please place your writing tools on the desk; no one should work on the test anymore. Leave the question sheets on the desk," Edele instructs.
All students follow Edele's command, some expressing frustration as they slam their writing tools on the desk. Some immediately grab notebooks to self-correct their answers.
"Ah... I made a mistake!"
"Darn it!"
"Maybe I won't move to the next grade!"
"Thank goodness, my answers are correct."
Rozer remains silent, holding his head as if it's about to explode.
"This class will proceed to the martial arts remedial test, and those taking the magic remedial test should also follow. Rozer, please continue until it's finished," says Edele.
Edele exits the classroom, followed by Rozer and eight other students, along with Zerenia and Tania. They head towards the Academy field located beside the Intermediate academy building.
Currently, there is no teaching activity due to the academy entrance exams. Some students today assist the parents of the new student or teachers for the smooth conduct of the exams. Most of them spend their time studying independently or just observing new faces entering the academy.
Beside the field, Rozer sees many students from the first and second floors of the classroom building waving or cheering for their group.
In the field, two student representatives stand around eighteen years old, a young man from the knight class and a woman from the wizard class, both wearing academy student identity uniforms.
"So who's up for the martial arts remedial test?" says the young man with brown eyes and short red hair, holding a wooden sword.
Four students feeling called approach him and line up.
"Rozer, join them," says Edele, and Rozer joins the line.
"Which class are you from?" the young man asks the student at the front.
"Class 5!" the student replies.
"Remedial test for both offense and defense. Alright," he says, stepping back, "Take that wooden sword and attack me with all your strength." He points to the prepared wooden sword in the box next to the student.
The student grips the sword with both hands, while the young man uses only one hand to swing the sword. The clash lasts for a few moments, showcasing the clear difference in their abilities. Rozer is amazed by the scene.
"It's almost time," thinks the young man. Within ten minutes, he declares, "Okay, that's it. You pass."
The student pats his chest, bows respectfully, says, "Thank you very much," and leaves the field.
"Next," shouts the red-haired young man.
The next student passes, and the one after. However, the last student fails, throws the wooden sword forcefully, and runs away while shedding tears.
Finally, it's Rozer's turn to face the red-haired young man. He takes the wooden sword and steps into the middle of the field.
Other students watching wonder why a new student is participating in the remedial test.
"So, are you a special student applying to this academy?" asks the red-haired young man.
Rozer bows respectfully.
"What's your name?"
"Rozer."
"Rozer, huh... I'll remember that. Show me all your skills!" the young man says with a sharp gaze, placing his other hand on the hilt of the wooden sword. He gets serious.
Feeling challenged, Rozer takes a deep breath, grips the wooden sword tightly, strengthens his footing, and observes the young man's entire body to find an opening in his defense. He infuses wind magic into the sword and swiftly launches an attack with a kick when the enemy is careless.
"Too fast!!" thinks the young man, successfully parrying Rozer's attack aimed at his left abdomen.
As the keen edges of their swords met in a resounding clash, a sudden explosion of wind erupted, unfurling its force across the vast expanse of the field. Symphony of their duel resonated through the air, sending ripples of energy that manifested in the form of a tempestuous current, sweeping with unrestrained vigor over the entire battleground. The clash not only echoed in the physical collision but reverberated as an elemental display, a testament to the intensity of their martial exchange.
The young man counters by flowing wind magic into his own sword, managing to keep Rozer's sword away for a moment. However, consecutive attacks from Rozer force the young man to slowly retreat, only able to defend.
Other students watching are stunned, wondering who Rozer really is.
"Who is that kid?"
"He's amazing."
"He's not from the academy, right?"
"Isn't the red-haired guy the top-ranked in the Knight Academy?"
The battle intensifies. Spectators cheer both for the red-haired young man and Rozer.
Rozer grows bored of attacking; he just wanted to test the young man's abilities. Disappointed, he gives his opponent a chance by locking their swords in the middle of the fight.
"How about it? Want to continue?" Rozer says.
"I admit you're quite skilled, but a knight won't give up," says the young man, breathing heavily.
A similar phrase crosses Rozer's mind from when Uncle Staal taught him swordplay at the age of six. Rozer smiles and swiftly delivers six attacks to the young man's body, elbow, and knee in the blink of an eye. Creates a cloud of dust due to the speed of his hands.
The young man's wooden sword falls due to pain in his hand, and he kneels as his legs tremble. He groans in pain.
Rozer points his wooden sword at the young man's neck, signifying the end of their battle. The audience erupts in cheers. Zerenia and Tania, not surprised anymore, watch the outcome. Everyone claps,
"Amazing!"
"I didn't blink the entire time!"
"Whoever you are, I like you!"
"An impressive fight."
Zerenia shakes her head, "I told him to hold back earlier."
"That kid always manages to surprise," says Tania, smiling proudly.