We proceeded to the test class, where we were met by a member of the Bullman species—a tall figure with big horns, a powerful body, and legs like those of a bull, while his arms were more human-like. His presence was powerful, oozing both raw strength and calm authority, so we all stood a bit straighter as he approached.
"Good day, my new learners. I am your external PE teacher, Serak," he announced in a loud voice.
"You will all use each weapon one by one. If you have a specific weapon that is not accessible here, let me know after you've tested all of the others."
The area was lined with a wide variety of weapons, including spears, swords, axes, arrows, wands, and even more unusual battle gear. Following his directions, we took turns trying the different weapons. Some students quickly took up weapons, as if they had been waiting for this moment all their lives, while others paused, wondering what to do. The sound of steel striking steel and the odd blast of magic filled the room.
The twin Naga girls then took their turn.
"Maris, it's your turn!" It was the turn for the dark blue-haired girl of the two twin girls; she appeared calm and ready for the trial.
Maris did not even peek at the other weapons. Her gaze fixed on a wand neatly set on a stand, and she strolled directly over to it, as if she were destined to wield it. Her motions were graceful, and she exuded a serene confidence that was uncommon for someone so young.
She used a fluid motion to cast an enchantment, creating luminous symbols in the air as she pointed the wand at a human-shaped metal dummy. She cast a Water Pistol magic, which was particularly strong given her age of eight. The water explosion struck the dummy with such intensity that it left a visible dent in the thick, 20-mm metal surface.
"Haha! Nice! " What power!" He looked obviously pleased. "To create a dent in a 20mm thick metal dummy with a single strike—very well done!"
"Tha—thank you, instructor," her voice calm and composed, reflecting the tranquillity of her water-based magic. She exuded a gentle pride that was everything from pompous. It was evident that her elemental affinity was water, a relationship as natural as the ocean waves.
"Haha! " Now, let's see what your twin sister, Marina, can do," the teacher remarked, still smiling.
Marina, the twin girl with light blue hair, like her sister, ignored the other weapons and headed right for the wand. Maris cast a water pistol, but Marina picked an ice pistol instead. This time, the ice blast penetrated right through the dummy, leaving a hole where water had damaged the metal. The room fell into awestruck quiet. Despite their tender age, the twin girls had shown exceptional strength.
"Well done, Marina."
"You're as skilled as Maris, but targeting the dent she made is like claiming credit for her work. However, it still took a strong attack to break through the dummy, for which you should be pleased."
"Thank you, instructor, for the praise." Like her sister, she had a placid demeanour, and her elemental affinity was plainly water, with a unique ability for ice magic.
The instructor's gaze swept the room, searching for the next pupil. After a few more performances, it was time for the beastfolk wolf kid to take centre stage. The mood in the room changed somewhat as his presence created new tension.
"Now it's your turn, Gaius," the instructor said, breaking over the whispers of the other students.
Finally, the one I'd been waiting for—the kid with black hair and wolf-like features.
Gaius was a commoner, but he exuded confidence and a sense of destiny. He didn't even look at the other weapons, instead rushing for the spear. With swaggering confidence, he marched towards the dummy, halting only a meter away.
He performed a charm by plunging the spear into the earth with vigour. The ground rocked briefly before spikes of soil protruded from the floor, impaling the mannequin and creating a huge hole in its centre.
"Haha! Impressive strength, but I believe you're using the wrong weapon; the energy wasted by the manoeuvre was significantly greater than required for spikes. I recommend using a shield for better energy control."
The room was hushed, with anxiety hanging in the air as everyone waited for Gaius' reply.
"I'm not going to listen to your yapping and leave a warrior's spear to pick up that damn shield." Gaius started, his voice full of arrogance, but before he could continue, the teacher moved quicker than we could see. He fired a rapid, stinging punch to Gaius' gut, putting him out instantly. The suddenness of the deed startled us all into stillness.
"You can choose what weapon to use when no one stronger than you can tell you otherwise," the teacher said, his voice colder now.
"For now, you'll do as I say, and you don't have a choice until you grow stronger." As he spoke, he unleashed a chunk of his aura, a palpable wave of power that descended on us, reminding everyone who was in command.
That was an unexpected shift of personality, and I couldn't help but feel terrible for Gaius. Even if he was strong, he was unlikely to earn the recognition he deserved. His beastfolk lineage made matters more difficult; being a member of the beastfolk species and unable to utilise beastbound was regarded as a dishonour. His type faced unjust discrimination and were frequently treated unequally as a result.
"You there, kid in the corner, come here and take this boy to the infirmary," the instructor said, referring to a student who had completed his exam early. "If you move out of here and turn left, it's Class 012."
The frightened child rushed to aid, taking Gaius' lifeless body and dragging him to the infirmary, labouring under the weight of the much larger lad.
"Now, who is next? "Oh yes, Erebus, it's your turn," the instructor said.
"Ye—yes, sir," Erebus said, his voice wavering. It was understandable that Gaius felt frightened after what had transpired.
Despite his dread, Erebus approached the weapon rack, selecting two wooden chakrams from the sword area. He took intentional efforts to position himself a few meters from the dummy. He stayed motionless for a minute, his eyes closed as if he were gathering his thoughts.
Then, with a full-body turn, he threw both chakrams sequentially. They slashed through the air, crackling with power, and I knew they were charmed with wind magic. The first chakram penetrated the dummy, but the second lodged itself deeply inside the target, demonstrating Erebus' elemental affinity for wind.
"Haha! I believe this year's kids will be more intriguing than any previous," the instructor stated with a cheeky grin, his eyes glittering with anticipation. "I'm going to enjoy teaching you all."
His passion was intoxicating, yet his comments carried a sense of challenge. It was evident that he was already planning the trials he would put us through, testing our limitations and pushing us to develop in ways we couldn't anticipate. The pupils shuffled uncomfortably in their chairs, anticipating the problems that were ahead.
"Now, who's left? Oh yes, Dajit, it's your turn."
Because I had already decided on my weapon, I strode straight to the katana without hesitation. The smooth wooden hilt felt natural in my palm, and I took a deep breath before approaching the dummy. I prepared by focussing my energies before launching my katana with a forceful thrust.
"KABOOM!" "CRACK!"
The room echoed with the sound of splintering wood as my katana broke on impact. My strike did not pierce through the dummy or even dent the front armour, but my sheer power was enough to destroy the weapon.