'Hmm?'
Just by reading the question, Hayden immediately realized that it was a bit tricky. After all, there was no mention of the number of boats that could be used.
Of course, his Lens also noticed this.
Hayden was unsure if it was deliberate but nonetheless, he decided to answer with several possibilities. In any case, the professor might also be testing him.
In the end, he answered that if there is only one boat, the total time is 24 hours and 45 minutes. If there are 10 boats, the total time is 2 hours and 30 minutes. If there are 2 boats, the total time is 12 hours and 30 minutes.
Of course, this calculation was already with the help of the Lens since it was a bit more complicated.
The other questions were already a lot easier and didn't require the Lens' help.
Soon, Hayden handed over the paper to the Professor.
Mistress Hannah reviewed his work as she felt satisfied with how Hayden answered. Soon, she noticed a mistake on her part and realized that one of the questions she made was flawed from her original intention.
Nonetheless, Hayden answered it without any issues at all. It was no doubt that Hayden's skills were the real deal.
She even felt that Hayden should study to become a scholar instead of a knight as he might be a genius that could be rarely seen in hundreds of years.
"Impressive," she murmured. She knew very well that she would not be capable of this when she was seven years old.
"Most students your age wouldn't even know where to start." She commented as she confirmed that all of Hayden's answers were correct.
After this matter was settled, Hayden proceeded to take the other exams.
The Reumish language section tested Hayden's grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. One question even required him to translate a passage from an ancient text…
'This… It's no longer just Reumish Language. If my Lens didn't record other languages, there's no way I can answer this.' Hayden thought as he paused at this question.
However, it seemed this was actually deliberately placed here to confirm his level of understanding in foreign languages. Perhaps, if he passed this, he would no longer need to attend any language class or if he failed he would still have to attend the fifth-grade class or something similar, he wasn't exactly sure.
He only knew that it would be better to answer this perfectly.
Then, if he was asked to speak the Ancient Language, he just had to deny his capability of speaking it as he only knew how to read or write it.
In the meantime, Professor Messer was actually watching Hayden's expression all this time.
As soon as he got to the last and difficult question that only graduating students should be capable of answering, he immediately felt relieved seeing how troubled he was.
'I see… He still has a limit. That's good.' Messer gently nodded as he watched Hayden showing some conflicted expression.
Nonetheless, he was still impressed considering how young Hayden was. After all, even if Hayden failed to awaken his Aura, he would definitely have a chance to pursue other paths with his intelligence.
However, as soon as Hayden picked up his pen and started writing, Professor Messer immediately felt shocked. He was unsure whether Hayden was just guessing or not.
He wanted to know what he was writing so he quickly stood up to read it. Mistress Hannah didn't mind the Professor's actions at all as she could understand what he was feeling right now.
Soon, Messer read the words Hayden had written.
"As I died, I rejoiced. I would see my family again. But then I woke up back on the battlefield. Back in Vermont. Back in hell."
Hayden's translation was flawless, capturing the nuances of the original text.
Of course, he also handed over the paper to Messer who immediately checked the rest of the questions.
After a few moments, Messer nodded approvingly. "Your grasp of Reumish is remarkable. You've clearly surpassed your current grade."
Hayden smiled as he also made a quick work with the last subject.
The history section included essay questions about key events in the Austere Kingdom's history. Some questions were quite broad, so although Hayden already knew everything, it took him more time because he had to write his answer like an essay.
Soon, Hayden read the last question.
"Discuss the significance of the Battle of Silver Plains and its impact on the Austere Kingdom's military strategy."
Once again, it was a question that was easy but he had to write a lot. In any case, once he passed this exam, he may no longer have to do this, so he made sure to answer the question to the best of his abilities.
Although it took some time as he was getting tired of too much writing, Hayden's essay was still detailed and insightful...
He wrote about the tactics, the importance of terrain, and the long-term effects on the kingdom's defense policies.
After he finished, Sir Schwarz read it with a faint smile.
"Well done, Hayden…"
There was no need for a long praise as he knew that Hayden was already aware that he was a genius.
After the exam, Mistress Hannah, Professor Messer, and Sir Schwarz confirmed that Hayden had the right to advance in his subjects. They couldn't hold him up and waste a year or two.
He had to immediately advance his grade while only one week had passed and barely missed the subjects of higher grades.
After the three agreed, they soon turned to Hayden.
"Hayden, we're going to recommend that you advance to higher-level classes in Mathematics, Reumish Language, and History. But first, we need to speak with the Headmaster."