The results ceremony concluded with cheers and applause as students learned of their acceptance into the academy. Hiroshi felt a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbling inside him. He had passed, but the next step involved a series of tests to determine their rank and class.
As the students filed out of the auditorium, Aria turned to Hiroshi with a bright smile. "I'm really proud of you for making it in! You'll do great in the rank tests."
"Thanks! I hope I don't embarrass myself," he replied, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
"Don't worry," Aria reassured him. "Just give it your best. I'll be cheering for you."
After exchanging a few more encouraging words, Aria walked off to meet her fellow second-year students. Hiroshi felt a twinge of sadness at the thought of being separated from her, but he quickly shook it off. There were tests to focus on, and he had to give it his all.
The students gathered in the courtyard, where instructors announced the format for the rank tests. There would be three main evaluations: a physical abilities test, a theoretical knowledge exam, and a magical aptitude test.
The first test was the physical abilities assessment, where students had to complete a challenging obstacle course. Hiroshi observed as students climbed walls, leaped over hurdles, and dashed through agility drills. When it was his turn, he sprinted through the course, surprising himself with his speed and coordination. He cleared each obstacle with relative ease, earning impressed nods from the instructors.
Next came the theoretical knowledge exam, where students were quizzed on various subjects, including history, magic theory, and elemental knowledge. Hiroshi felt confident here; he recalled the basic principles he'd learned in his world and used them to navigate the questions. He finished with time to spare, feeling optimistic about his performance.
Finally, it was time for the magical aptitude test. Students were instructed to create as many magic circles as possible in a set time frame. Hiroshi watched as others performed, amazed by their skill. He noticed Serene nearby, her brows furrowed in concentration as she created her own circles.
"Here goes nothing," he muttered under his breath as he took his place at the front.
The instructor counted down, and as soon as he shouted "Go!" students immediately began to conjure their magic. Hiroshi focused intently, recalling the demonstration Aiko had shown him in his dream. He felt a surge of energy as he conjured the first magic circle, then the second, third, fourth, and finally the fifth. His heart sank; he had hoped for more.
"Ugh! This is embarrassing," he thought, feeling defeated as he watched others create six or seven circles effortlessly.
After the time was called, the students gathered around, and the instructor began announcing the results. "For those who created four or more circles, please step forward!"
Serene stepped up confidently, her expression focused. "I managed to create four!" she announced, her face beaming with pride.
The instructor nodded, pleased with her results, before moving on. "Now, who else?"
One by one, students were called forward, revealing their circle counts. The tension in the air grew thicker as Hiroshi watched the numbers climb higher. Seven circles—there were only a few who achieved that.
When it came time for the results to be announced, Hiroshi hesitated, anxiety gripping him. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had failed miserably.
Finally, the instructor called out, "Hiroshi Matsumoto!"
Hiroshi stepped forward, unsure of what to expect. "I... I created five circles," he stammered, unsure if he should be proud or ashamed.
The courtyard fell silent for a moment before erupting in surprised murmurs. "Five circles?!" someone exclaimed. "That's impressive for a first-year!"
Hiroshi blinked, taken aback by their reaction.
"Most students only manage to create four," the instructor continued, his brows raised. "Only a handful have ever achieved six. You should be proud of yourself!"
Hiroshi's mind raced, disbelief washing over him. "Really? I thought I failed," he muttered.
"Not at all! You have a natural aptitude for magic," the instructor assured him. "We'll see how you do in the final class rankings, but this is a strong start."
As the other students congratulated him, Hiroshi felt a wave of relief wash over him. Maybe he wasn't doing as poorly as he thought.
Once all the results were announced, the instructors prepared to sort the students into their respective classes. Hiroshi felt a mix of anticipation and curiosity. He had worked hard, and this was his moment to see where he would fit within the academy.
Looking around, he caught sight of Aria again. She had just finished her own tests and was making her way back toward him, her smile wide and genuine. "Hiroshi! You did amazing! I heard about your magic circles!"
"Thanks, Aria! I didn't think I'd done that well," he admitted, still in disbelief.
As the students gathered for the final announcement, Hiroshi felt a sense of excitement mingled with nervousness.
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After the rank and class tests concluded, Hiroshi and Aria began their walk back toward the inn. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over the academy grounds, and Hiroshi felt a sense of accomplishment settle in. They chatted animatedly, discussing their tests and what they were looking forward to in their new classes.
"Did you see how Serene handled the obstacle course?" Aria asked, laughing lightly. "She really impressed everyone with her agility."
Hiroshi chuckled. "Yeah, she's definitely strong. I just hope I can keep up with everyone."
"You'll be just fine! You've got a lot of potential, and you surprised everyone today. Just keep practicing, and you'll get even better," Aria encouraged.
As they strolled along the path, the excitement of the day lingered in the air. However, as they approached a narrow alley, Aria suddenly halted. "Hiroshi, wait a second," she said, her tone shifting to something more serious.
Before he could process her words, she pushed him into the alleyway. He stumbled, caught off guard, and fell to the ground with a surprised yelp. "What was that for?" he exclaimed, trying to regain his composure.
But as he looked up to question her, he froze. Aria stood before him, her expression a mix of urgency and something else he couldn't quite place. It was then he noticed the sudden change about her.
From her back emerged two elegant, feathered wings, shimmering in the fading light. A long, serpentine tail flicked behind her, contrasting sharply with her usual appearance. Hiroshi's mouth dropped open, speech escaping him as he processed the sight before him.
"Aria? Is that you?" he stammered, disbelief coloring his voice.
"Yes, it's me," she said, her tone firm yet slightly anxious. "But I need you to keep this a secret. I... I didn't want anyone to know."
"Why are you... like this?" he asked, his heart racing. The wings and tail looked almost identical to the succubus he had encountered in the forest, and he couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and confusion.
"I'm a succubus," she admitted, glancing around as if to ensure no one else was listening. "I have my reasons for hiding this part of myself. The world isn't always kind to those who are different, and I've learned to keep this side of me hidden."