The trial went on with an even more intense competition. The students had regained motivation to push to their limits after seeing Ardiel's performance on the first test.
They came to this academy to pursue a life following the battlefield, if not, they could've just gone to the other two institutions that are just as big as the Far West. Seeing a ten year old completely obliterating their results won't make them feel down or demotivated, rather, it would ignite more passion in them.
After the Speed Test, the trial moved on to the Agility and Evasion Tests. These three challenges would determine who had the potential to join the elite Reconnaissance Corps.
Speed was vital for a reconnaissance member, especially when every second counted in dangerous terrains like the White Forest. Covering ground quickly could mean the difference between life and death. But speed alone wasn't enough.
Agility and evasiveness were equally crucial. The ability to climb trees swiftly, dodge attacks, and move with lightning reflexes could save lives in moments of danger. For Instructor Elson, the Corps' seasoned leader, passing the First Stage was a strong indicator of a student's potential for the team.
For the Agility test, they had set-up a huge obstacle course covering the center of the oval that included hurdles, narrow pathways, tunnels, balance beams and a high wall that students must scale, with various holds, ledges, and ropes. The wall has sections that require flipping, swinging, or leaping to continue upward.
The Evasion Test was trickier, with traps, tripwires, and patrolling magical devices that detected movement or sound. This test demanded quick reflexes and adaptability.
The evaluation criteria were rigorous: students had to complete the obstacle course swiftly, maneuver accurately with minimal mistakes, adapt to unexpected changes, and maintain their performance throughout the entire trial.
"The majority of the Top 10 are second-years, but no one would believe me if I told them the top two students are both first-years."
"You're right—those two are unstoppable at this point. Not even Anton could surpass Kiera."
"And Anton was ranked 5th among the second-years last year. It seems strange that he's only in third place, especially since the students who ranked higher than him last year didn't even participate."
"The First Stage is over now. We'll tally the scores and announce the results shortly," said Elson.
Elson, along with two of his fellow associate leaders, gathered to review the students' performances. They used the standings as a baseline but also weighed their own observations.
"The students this year were surely promising, should we follow our original quota for the first and second years?"
"7 out of the top 10 are second-years," another pointed out. "But from tenth to twentieth, it's all first-years. If we stick to the quota, we'd take 15 first-years and 30 second-years. That wouldn't match up with the standings."
"We didn't expect the first-years to do this well," the third instructor admitted.
The instructors debated their options. They had planned to select a fixed number of students from each year, but the skill gap made it challenging. If they went by the standings, they'd need to pick the Top 45 out of 90 applicants—but 65% of those were first-years.
"Let's go with the standings. It's unfortunate for the second-years, but in the end, we value skill over age and seniority," Elson decided.
Standing on the trackside platform, Elson addressed the students.
"First of all, you all did an outstanding job. Your brave efforts and determination to join the Reconnaissance Corps are commendable. However, we've decided to advance only the Top 45 to the second stage," he announced. The crowd responded with mixed reactions.
"I was hoping to make the cut, but being 46th is really disappointing," sighed a second-year student, his shoulders slumping.
"At least we got to see some amazing performances," another said, trying to stay positive.
"Instructor Elson, can we still watch the trial even if we're eliminated?" asked a student, eager to witness the top performers, especially Ardiel, Kiera, and Anton.
"I don't see any problem with that, as long as you don't disrupt the process," Elson smiled, pleased with how the students were handling their results better than he had expected.
The overall standings now followed a combined scoring system:
1st: Ardiel - 50
2nd: Kiera - 43.56
3rd: Anton - 40.43
4th: Keero - 38.82
9th: Reno - 34.61
11th: Kristan - 33.98
"Seeing two Dragonhearts reminds me of Erick and Eileen," Rodan, who was spectating from one of the seats, said with a hint of nostalgia.
"Those two are your favorite students in your Combat and Strategy class, so much so to the point that It almost seems like you're not part of the Northern Faction," Albert noted, aware of Rodan's obsession with power and domination.
"I don't care about factions; I only recognize strength," Rodan said dismissively, savoring his snack.
"Oh really? Want to experience real strength?" a voice interrupted, sending a chill down his spine.
"Miss Monika, what a surprise to see you here," Albert stood up and greeted the Auror Department Head.
"Good morning, Miss Monika," Rodan choked out. "Why are you here now of all times?"
"I came for some entertainment. I heard something interesting about STRENGTH," Monika said with a playful grin, clearly enjoying teasing Rodan, "I see you think less of my family now," she added.
"I didn't say that. Don't put words in my mouth," Rodan retorted defensively.
"Yeah, if you say so."
The second stage of the trial soon took place at the venue. Dozens of dummy targets were set up at different locations in the center, some moving and floating to simulate real beasts.
The second stage will be evaluating the weapon mastery of the students or for some, their spell casting. In actual setting, the corps member will have to be properly equipped with weapons to protect themselves or whenever they are in hunting operations. Their accuracy matters as each passing second in an encounter is important, if the hunting was delayed, it may attract other beasts and that would mean bad news for them.
Students have the freedom to choose their weapons for the second stage, but since the set-up was specially modified for mid to long range attacks, their options were limited.
Close range weapons weren't part of the test since first and second years are not expected to engage in melee encounters, that would be the senior's role.
"Standard weapons are provided on the rack to prevent variables, please move forward as I call your name and pick your weapon of choice," announced the third year assigned to the second stage.
Ardiel naturally went for shortbow and arrows since it's a weapon he's been using for many years and had developed mastery over.
"You must be wondering by now, there are 30 targets in total so why are there only 25 arrows and 25 throwing daggers provided in your quivers and pouches, but that is also part of the trial, this will test your mastery of your chosen weapons."
"Well, this wouldn't be a test if it's not hard and challenging," Ardiel muttered as he praised the arrangements for the second stage.
He was confident with his aiming and naturally, his goal was to hit all 30 targets, but doing so would be quite challenging even for him.
The positions of the 30 targets were carefully planned out, and from the short moment that he had observed, he realized that the five extra targets were placed on angles that you could do a double hit with enough penetrating power.
"Now, now, let's proceed with the second stage."
"Ardiel Dragonheart, please come to the center," his name was called first.
"Damn, we're starting off with that boy?" said one of the students who got eliminated and was now spectating the trial.
Ardiel moved forward towards the center, where a small platform was planted. From his position, the targets were scattered in all angles, varying in distance, with some moving agilely around.
"Time starts soon as the signal goes off."
Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, He anchored himself firmly on the ground, the bow cradled in his left hand. He picked an arrow and drew the string back to his cheek, feeling the taut line brush against his skin as he aligned the arrow with the target.
With a steely focus, He surveyed the 30 targets, knowing he only had 25 arrows to make his mark. After conditioning himself, his right eye narrowed, locking onto one of the nearer targets, while his breathing slowed to a measured rhythm.
BANG!
The second the signal shot went off, with a steady exhale, He released the string, sending the arrow streaking towards its mark its flight a whisper of sound. The arrows seemed to blur in a rhythmic symphony of motion as he quickly alternated between targets, barely pausing to adjust his aim.
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he adjusted his stance, shifting his weight to maintain balance. The sun glinted off the arrows as they flew, each trajectory a calculated dance of motion and intent. He made sure to keep track of his dwindling supply of arrows.
The remaining targets seemed to mock him, especially the last seven that eluded his aim. Desperation gripped him, and he tightened his grip, focusing on precision over speed.
In a final burst of determination, He managed to achieve a crucial breakthrough: two arrows struck with such force and precision that they penetrated two targets each, a feat that allowed him to hit those elusive extra points. His last two arrows flew with an almost desperate grace, and as they embedded into the targets.
The sight of all targets pierced and the double-penetrated ones confirmed the grueling challenge had been met.
"27 targets, 68 seconds," His result was soon announced.
"Too bad I couldn't hit the other three," he pouted as he exited the ground with slightly droopy shoulders.
"Hey, you did well there!" Reno praised as soon as his brother exited, giving him a tight hug.
"I could've done better, but I couldn't exert the force that I wanted," Although they could use mana when using the weapons, it didn't help much with his aim so it only boosted his arm steadiness.
"It's alright, I'll make sure to do better in your stead. Now, go take a rest," Reno said, leading Ardiel to the trackside platform.
The air crackled with tension as they watched Kiera step up to the throwing line, her stance unwavering and her eyes locked on the first target. She adjusted her grip on the sleek, silver dagger, feeling the weight settle perfectly into her hand.
BANG!
With a practiced flick of her wrist, she sent the dagger slicing through the air. She moved with a fluid grace, each dagger following a seamless rhythm as she struck the targets with calculated precision. Her body twisted and turned in a choreographed dance, every throw a testament to her honed skills. The thud of metal meeting thin wood punctuated the silence, and her sharp eyes tracked each dagger's flight path, anticipating its impact.
Kiera soon reached her final dagger, her breath steady and her movements measured. With a determined exhale, she launched the last blade, aiming to double penetrate the final two targets. The dagger flew true, but in a cruel twist of fate, it struck just shy of its mark, leaving one target unscathed.
As the echoes of her last throw faded, Kiera surveyed the range with a mixture of relief and frustration. Twenty-nine targets were hit.
"29 targets, 72 seconds." the announcer said.
Everyone clapped as she exited the grounds, hitting 29 while keeping graceful movements was certainly impressive. Both Archery and Daggers may have fallen on different categories, but her 29 successful shots pummeled her back to first place, pushing down Ardiel on the overall scoring board.
"I hate to say this, but she really nailed it." Kristan commended as he clapped in admiration as well.
More students were called, until it was Reno's turn.
Reno settled into his stance with the precision of a seasoned archer, each movement deliberate and measured. He drew his bowstring back, his body aligned with the target as he focused on the tiny bullseye in the distance. His feet were firmly planted, shoulders squared, and his gaze unwavering, ensuring every muscle was tuned for the perfect shot.
With the shot, He released the string and the arrow was released, it flew with a sharp, slicing sound, cutting through the air with incredible speed. Reno's accuracy was unwavering, but the stakes felt higher with each shot. He kept his eyes sharp and his movements precise, each arrow finding its mark with calculated precision. As the final arrow sailed through the air, Reno's heart raced, knowing that he had only a fraction of a second to see if he had hit the target correctly.
The last arrow struck, and he exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He surveyed the targets, his keen eyes picking out the double-penetrated targets and the marks that remained unblemished. The tally was almost complete; he had struck 29 targets with a mix of precision and strategy. Reno allowed himself a moment of satisfaction as he saw the results.
"29 targets, 65 seconds," his result echoed like a siren warning for the beast tide, he had garnered the shocked faces of everyone. They had been ignoring Reno because Ardiel was shining too brightly that he overshadowed his peers, and now, they had realized that he was also freak like his younger brother.
Ardiel was the first to react and made clapping sounds, which was soon followed by the others.
Now, Reno has tied with Kiera at first place on the overall scoring board.