As the second exam, the Speed Test, unfolded, a sense of anticipation permeated the air. The military man's demonstration had set the bar, revealing his own speed while underlining that, despite not being his forte, he achieved a respectable 60 points.
"Did you see how fast the military man was? I didn't think someone so buff could move like that."
"Well, I guess it's not just about being strong. Speed matters too. Wonder how fast we need to be to score high."
The students, now gathered on the designated running track, exchanged glances, contemplating their own speed and endurance capabilities. The track seemed to stretch endlessly, a visual representation of the challenges ahead.
The military man, standing near the starting line, addressed the gathered students, offering words of encouragement and practical advice.
"Remember, it's not just about sprinting. Endurance matters. Pace yourselves, and push through. Each lap you complete adds to your score. Don't underestimate the importance of stamina in this test."
As the students prepared to start, diverse strategies emerged. Some opted for a full sprint from the beginning, aiming to cover as much ground as possible in a short burst. Others adopted a steadier pace, focusing on conserving energy for the long run.
"I'm going to go all out from the start. No point holding back. What about you?"
"I'm thinking of pacing myself. It's a marathon, not a sprint, right?"
Elysia, with her enigmatic aura, stood poised to commence the test. The Death's Scythe, an unconventional companion for a speed test, was at her side.
A few intrigued whispers circulated among the students, questioning the rationale behind her choice.
"Is she really going to run with that Scythe? That can't be efficient."
"Maybe it's part of her talent. Who knows what surprises she has up her sleeve?"
With the signal from the military man, the students embarked on their journey around the track. The rhythm of footsteps and the hushed whispers of strategies filled the air as the test of speed and endurance unfolded.
Elysia, in her unique fashion, began to move gracefully, the Death's Scythe almost an extension of her form. Elysia was basically riding her Scythe like a cultivator would do with their flying sword.
The initial skepticism among the students transformed into curiosity as they observed her unconventional approach.
"She's actually keeping up. That Scythe doesn't seem to be slowing her down at all."
"I thought she was going to struggle, but look at her go. Maybe there's a method to her madness."
The military man, positioned strategically to monitor the students' progress, observed Elysia's run with a raised eyebrow. He seemed to be evaluating not just speed but the efficiency and sustainability of each participant's chosen approach.
"Impressive. Speed isn't just about raw velocity. It's about how effectively you can maintain it. Let's see who can endure until the end."
As the laps accumulated, rankings began to shift dynamically. Some who had sprinted initially found themselves slowing down, while those with a more conservative strategy steadily gained Grounds over the others.
"I should have listened to the military man. My legs are burning already."
"I told you, it's not a sprint! Pace yourself, and you'll make it through."
Elysia's presence on the track continued to be a subject of intrigue. Her unique performance with the Death's Scythe defied conventional expectations, adding an element of mystery to the unfolding Speed Test.
"How is she doing that? It's like the Scythe is an extension of her body."
"I don't get it, but she's not falling behind. Maybe there's something we don't know about her talent."
As the test reached its conclusion, the students pushed their limits, driven by the desire to achieve the coveted 40 points. The air buzzed with a mixture of exhaustion and determination as the athletes neared the finish line, eager to discover the outcome of their efforts.
The military man, appreciating the students' resilience, awaited their return, ready to provide insights into their individual performances.
The Speed Test had not only measured physical swiftness but had unraveled the strategic and enduring facets of each participant's approach, setting the stage for the subsequent evaluations.
"Endurance matters just as much as speed. That's the lesson here."
"Let's see who's got the stamina for the next tests. The competition is only heating up."
In the realm of speed, where each step carried the weight of strategy and talent, Elysia and Dracon emerged as unexpected contenders. Their unique approaches, a stark contrast yet equally mesmerizing, captured the attention of both peers and onlookers.
"Did you see Elysia? It's like she's gliding over the track."
"And Dracon, covering his legs in those Dragon Scales... He's like a speeding armored force."
Elysia, her movements seemingly defying gravity, garnered whispers of awe and admiration. Her speed transcended the conventional understanding of swift strides, leaving observers puzzled yet captivated.
"Is she even touching the ground? It's like she's dancing more than running."
"Elysia always has this otherworldly quality. It's no surprise she's turning heads in a speed test."
On the opposite spectrum, Dracon's approach invoked a different kind of fascination. The Dragon Scales, shimmering with an otherworldly glow, became a protective layer as he propelled forward with determined speed.
"Dracon's not holding back either. Those Dragon Scales are giving him some serious speed."
"I guess when you're blessed by dragons, even running becomes a spectacle."
As the laps unfolded, Elysia's ethereal glide and Dracon's dragon-enhanced speed led to a thrilling neck-to-neck competition. Their presence created a dynamic spectacle on the track, each step echoing a tale of unique talents.
"How is Elysia doing that? It's like she's bending reality."
"Dracon's Dragon Scales are impressive, but will it be enough to outpace Elysia's mysterious speed?"
Surprisingly, the two contenders remained in close proximity, their respective styles creating an intriguing juxtaposition. Elysia's effortless grace met Dracon's draconic velocity, showcasing that in the diverse landscape of talents, no singular approach guaranteed dominance.
"I thought Dracon would leave everyone in the dust, but Elysia is keeping up just fine."
"Maybe it's not just about being fast. It's about how you use your talent."
As they circled the track, the essence of speed became a topic of discussion among the students. The nature of their talents, seemingly disparate yet harmonizing in the pursuit of swiftness, offered a unique insight into the diversity within their cohort.
"Dracon, you're fast, but Elysia is like a phantom. How do you even compete with that?"
"Don't underestimate Dragon Scales. They're not just for show. Plus, I can maintain this speed longer."
With each passing lap, the anticipation heightened. The finish line loomed ahead, a symbolic threshold that would not only mark the end of the Speed Test but also reveal the outcome of this unexpected duel between ethereal grace and draconic prowess.
The military man, a stern yet observant figure, closely monitored the unfolding spectacle. His expression betrayed a hint of surprise, acknowledging that the Speed Test had become a canvas for talents to paint their unique expressions of swiftness.
"In speed, it's not just about who's fastest. It's about understanding and mastering the essence of your own talent. Let's see who grasps that concept."
As the final lap approached, Elysia and Dracon, like fleeting shadows and driven spirits, surged forward. The air crackled with the culmination of their respective speeds, leaving an indelible impression on both the track and the minds of those fortunate enough to witness their unorthodox race.
"Elysia and Dracon really pushed each other. This speed test turned into a showcase of talents."
"It's not always about raw speed. The way they used their talents made all the difference."
With the conclusion of the Speed Test, the students, panting yet invigorated, awaited the evaluation. The military man's insights into their performances promised to unravel the nuances of their unique approaches, setting the stage for the subsequent tests that would further unravel the tapestry of their talents.
As the scores were revealed, the atmosphere buzzed with a mix of astonishment and admiration. Elysia, who had seemingly danced across the track with an otherworldly grace, emerged as the victor of the Speed Test. The subtle whispers among the students echoed a shared sentiment of surprise.
"Elysia won? I thought Dracon's Dragon Scales would give him the edge."
"Did you see how she moved? It's like she's in her element, even in a speed test."
Dracon, his demeanor a mix of acceptance and determination, acknowledged the outcome. The Dragon Scales had showcased impressive speed, yet the ethereal quality of Elysia's talent proved to be the defining factor.
Dragon smiled and approached Elysia before saying, "Elysia, you're something else. I thought Dragon Scales would secure this for me."
Elysia, her expression an enigmatic blend of satisfaction and indifference, responded with a subtle acknowledgment. Her victory, achieved without fully exerting herself, hinted at a reservoir of untapped potential yet to be revealed.
Elysia smiled and hid her disgust as she said, "Speed is more than a race. It's an expression. Dracon, you're fast, but the art lies in how you wield your talent."
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