The entrance exam was divided into three sections:
Stamina Test:Candidates must complete four laps around the training ground. Each lap is approximately 1 km.
Aptitude Test:Candidates are instructed to place their hands on an orb-like object, which generates a number between 1 and 100, corresponding to their mana affinity.A score below 30 is considered a failure.
Duel Against the Instructor:Qualified participants from the first and second tests are eligible to compete in this tournament.The rankings for first-year students are determined based on their performance in this event.
Candidates who pass the first two tests are welcomed as trainees at the Rein Sword Academy. The third test is solely for ranking purposes.They have to duel against an instructor, and the instructor will give them a grade corresponding to their performance.
Even though Jack knew all the rules, he still listened carefully in case any changes had been made.
"The rules are the same as usual. I can handle that," he thought to himself as he warmed up.
More than 100 teenagers, aged 15 to 18, had come to participate. Rein was a small town—if this exam were held in a city like Berns, the number of participants would have exceeded 300.
The first test was conducted four times, with 40 participants in each round.
Jack was number 55 in the lineup, meaning he would participate after the first race ended.
He sat in the shade of a tree, enjoying a piece of bread stuffed with beef.
"Heiloo, are you also participating?" a voice came from behind.
Looking back, he saw a boy with green eyes and blond hair.
"Heiloo? Who starts a conversation like that?" Jack thought, slightly taken aback.
"Yes, I'm participating. My name is Jack Marrow, and I'm from this town. What about you?"
"Me? I'm Julian Rosbelt from the Rosbelt Barony," he said with a smile.
"You're a noble? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be training with your family's techniques?" Jack asked, his confusion evident.
"Heh, not all nobles have their special techniques, especially considering we're just a baronet family. So I guess I should aim for the Bern family's knight technique, hehe." Julian acted nonchalant.
"Bern family knight technique? I heard they only give that to the top three in the ranking," Jack said, visibly confused.
"Well, of course, I'll get it," Julian said with a proud expression.
A loud bell sounded, indicating the start of the entrance exam.
"Bye, Jack! I have to go now. See you later!" Julian waved as he made his way to the training ground.
After a while, the first phase of the exam was over. Only 60 out of 120 managed to qualify.
Naturally, due to his sturdy body, Jack was selected without much difficulty.
The second phase of the exam, Aptitude Testing, was about to begin.
As their names were called, students made their way to the orb. Some got 55, some 51—the average was around 50. A few talented candidates even scored 70 or 80.
"Jack Marrow, participant number 55, make your way to the orb," a voice resounded.
Without delay, Jack stepped forward. As he placed his hands on the orb, it glowed faintly, and a number became visible.
45.
"45? You barely passed. Well, a pass is a pass. Go make your way to the arena," a man with black hair and strong features said.
As Jack made his way to the arena, he heard mocking laughter from others.
"Laugh while you can," Jack clenched his teeth, suppressing his frustration.