Curtis's POV
Today is the sorting exam, it's been two months and I've been studying and training like my life depends on it. And i have to say, it is kind of sick hiw I can understand everything so thoroughly. But if it was that easy to get the first place it would not be such a privilege place.
The school was very big and had that otherworldly-scholarly kind of atmosphere. It looked beautiful. All the examinee were directed in an indoor amphitheater and were given a number. Mine is 055 by the was. As expected, there were lots of people of diverse origins. I even saw a cute boy with fox ears. I hope we end up in the same class.
While I was in another one of my fantasies, a woman approached on the stage. She was tall. Like really tall. And her ears...an elf!!!
Her mere presence was enough for everyone to turn quiet.
" I offer a heartfelt welcome to all the future students of our academy. I am Isadora Thorne, Bollore's vice principal. I'm here to explain the test you will take now."
Okay....either she's very strict or she doesn't want to be here.
"The first test will be a theory test, as you may already know. After that, you will have a practical test. The last will be the magic test. It is the most important but, please, make sure to take each test seriously "
How come her facial expressions didn't change throughout the speech? Does che have facial paralysis?
" Without further ado, let's get into it. "
I was suddenly isolated in some sort of white barrier. Even my original seat.
" This is where you'll pass your tests"
'Did they just isolated 5 years old children? Are these people crazy? What if they are so scared they can't do anything?'
A small chair and table then appeared. On the table was a small booklet. I think it is the theory test.
" Answer all th questions you can. The theory test start now, you have two hours "
.....
Somewhere in Bollore
"There's a lot of smart children this year "
" Indeed. Some have already finished the first page."
" Let's see how they fare on the next part."
The two teachers were looking at the monitor showing the examinee. They had to choose the top twenty for the elite class.
" The first one is number 018. he's a beastkin."
" A foxkin a that, that's rare. But what's surprising is his mana capacity. I don't remember the last time we had such a high one"
" That is indeed surprising. I always had the impression that the children from the beast kingdom are more known for their physical prowess. We have to wait for the last test"
" Hum...How about number 106? The girl from the Theocracy of Tarnia"
" The future saintess?She is a good candidate but I'll rather not deal with those crazy fanatics."
" We can't mix in personal feelings. And who knows. She might turn out normal. "
After a few seconds, laughter filled the room. Neither of them actually believed in that possibility.
" We have the Sinclair boy this year too, number 055. It's almost like he knows the answer to every question. He is as scary as his father. "
" There's a rumor he take after king Ashborn personality wise."
Both of them shudder from the thought.
" I guess we will have to wait and see."
.....
Back with the test
'It's been a bit more than 1 hour and I'm already on the last page. Let's see.'
The questions are actually quite interesting. At this point, it just feels like I'm cheating. I wonder how the rest is doing.
"...and done"
That will be all for the theory test. I decided to take a nap during the remaining time.
" Time is up. Please, prepare for the practical test. "
Practical test? How is that going to work?
The chair and table dissappear with my test. After 10 minutes, the vice-principal voice resonated again.
" Here are the rules. The participants can have a weapon of their choice. You will be put into an illusion. You are given 30 minutes to show your abilities"
"The test start now"
An illusion?
'Show me what you've got'
I choose a short sword as my weapon as it was the only one I ever trained with. The never ending white around me slowly changed into an arena. The I saw and obstacles course. Walls climbing, rope climbing, balance beam.... it was never ending.
At the end of the parkour the was a white humanoid figure with a short sword. I guess he is my opponent now. He rushed at me pretty quickly but I somehow managed to block it
.
'How is this test for children? Are we even sure those people are not trying to raise soldiers?"
I was thinking that when the thing I was fighting attacked again.
'I should be careful'
I started running. My body was feeling heavy but I had to push myself. It felt like I was in a video game and my stamina was almost running out. I jumped over a wall and rolled to avoid another attack.
The test continued with my opponent attacking me while I tried to dodge and block its attacks. I couldn't even land one attack.
At the end of the time limit I was exhausted. The isolation bubble turned white again before disappearing. We were given a recovery potion and a 20 min break before the last test. Looking around, i saw that some other children were I worse state than mine. 'That's to be expected '.
__After the break __
"I want everyone attention"
Everyone was looking at the stage.
" The magic test will be performed in front of the teachers. Everyone please form a line. "
We were separated into groups and each group was led to a different room. In the room assigned to myy group, a few adults were waiting for us with some sort of giant crystal ball.
The test was rather simple. Way too simple. We only had too simple. The examinee will touch the ball, after five minute some writings I couldn't understand will appear on the ball and the teachers will write it down. That's it. Nothing else needed to be done. This test ended rather quickly.
The results will be displayed in a week, the day before the start of the school year. I guess that gives us enough time to recover from the exam.
I just want to go home and sleep until tomorrow.