In the expansive and well-equipped facility, Mr. Ronin guided Richard and his classmates into a massive room equipped with monster dummies of various sizes. The air was filled with anticipation, and the room was filled with a collection of equipment designed to measure both physical abilities and arcane powers.
The spacious hall accommodated all the first-year students, each grouped and engaged in tests, closely monitored by their respective teachers.
As they settled into their designated area, Richard and his classmates encountered a woman; her physical features were quite unique. Her pale complexion and black hair framed green, reptile-like eyes, and her pointed ears gave her a rather otherworldly touch. Dressed in a white turtleneck sweater, blue jeans, and a lab coat that bore the S.T.A.R.'s badge, she gave off an air of authority.
Mr. Ronin's voice cut through the ambient murmur with enthusiasm, "Class, meet Miss Mizu. She'll be assisting me in gauging the strength of your abilities. Treat her well."
Miss Mizu then spoke up, saying, just like Mr. Ronin had said, "I am Miss Mizu. I'll be assisting you all in measuring your current total combat power, which will play a major role in your overall cadet rank, which will be a major factor that will decide the kind of lifestyle led on campus."
Miss Mizu added her voice to the mix; her tone was firm, "I expect your best efforts, so hold nothing back."
Miss Mizu, an esteemed B-class esper, presented an unusual appearance that was actually a cause of her ability. Her presence commanded a sense of respect, and the cadets couldn't help but glance at her with curiosity.
Miss Mizu could notice the rather confused glances the cadets were giving her, making her feel there was something they were still yet to understand. She then pointed out, "In the halls of S.T.A.R., where talents varied widely, cadet ranks hold massive importance. This institution directs its resources towards nurturing the more gifted individuals, recognizing that not all cadets possess equal levels of talent. The cadet rank system, therefore, is a tool to favor those with higher potential. This ranking determines the size of dormitories, daily credits on cadet cards, which could be used in the academy's mall, and access to advanced training facilities."
Miss Mizu paused, then continued, "Although the system is not solely based on strength alone, it also takes into account a cadet's intellectual capacity. But it is important to note, a cadet's strength and abilities influence 70% of their rank. The rank isn't set in stone and can fluctuate. Challenges, in the form of duels, play a role. If a cadet loses a duel against someone with a lower rank, they would lose half of their total cadet rank. If the opponent had a higher rank, the loss will amount to a quarter of the cadet's rank. Challenges are limited to once a day to prevent excessive dueling and maintain a fair system."
The students finally seemed to calm down as they absorbed her words, understanding what the small test was for. The reason the test was held a day after the orientation was that the second years had to move the second-year dormitories, and once they were done moving, it would then be time to test the first years and determine their cadet rank and assign rooms for them.
"Alright, it's time to begin the testing. I want those of you who can wield arcane power to move to the left, and the ones with physical powers to the right," Miss Mizu pointed out.
Luna and Luella, already well aware of what these tests were for, approached Richard with rather curious faces. Luna decided to ask the question that was on both their minds, "Young master, if we take this test and we are given rooms, won't we be accommodated in the female dorms, a very far distance from you? What if something were to come for you at night? How would we fulfill our duties?"
Upon hearing what was on Luna's mind, Richard mused inwardly as he gestured inquisitively, placing his right hand under his jaw as he tilted his head forward, his black hair covering his eyes. "Now that I think about it, male and female dorms are indeed separated. So, Luna and Luella are worried they won't be able to fulfill their lifelong duties once curfew hits. Well it's not like they usually share the same room with me, they are usually plane in rooms that were usually besides mine. But it doesn't really matter now. After all, for the next phase of my plan I can't allow them to be by my side, considering all the things I'll be doing after nightfall. So, it's better this way."
Richard then redirected his gaze towards the twins, flashing his signature confident smile. "Well, it doesn't matter, girls. Besides, the school is super secure, especially the dorms, so I doubt I would be in any trouble once it's nighttime."
Luna and Luella seemed slightly disappointed with Richard's response. Both let out a sigh at the same time and then said, "If you think so, young master, then I guess there is nothing to worry about."
Miss Mizu's voice echoed as she said, "The tests will now begin, according to alphabetical order, on both the physical powers and arcane power fields. Alex and Ava will go first."
Miss Mizu then turned to the side slightly and began to explain to the students how they would begin testing with the facilities behind them.
"As you can see, there are two elevated platforms behind me. The dummies on the platform to the left are more suited to measure arcane powers, while the dummies on the right are obviously for those of you who can wield physical powers. So, with that out of the way, I don't think there is anything else to point out," she gestured inquisitively, trying to find out if she left any detail out. "Oh, almost forgot, there is a time limit. You all are expected to do as much damage as you can within the given time limit. Okay?"