First-Ever End-of-Term Test
The summer vacation that was supposed to last two whole months ended in the blink of an eye...
At our Royal Academy, the school year is divided into two terms: the first from April to September, and the second from October to March.
The April exams are for class placement. The June ones are the equivalent of midterms from my previous life — and in the second term, those take place in December. Then, in September, we have the end-of-term exams. Anyone who gets a failing grade in a subject has to take remedial lessons at the end of the second term. During those remedials, there’s a test each month, and if you pass, you’re excused from further sessions.
Once you’re stuck in remedials, you can kiss your after-school café outings with friends goodbye — and forget about taking on Adventurers’ Guild requests. That’s why everyone is desperate to pass the end-of-term exams.
By the way, your performance on the March end-of-term exams determines your class placement for the following year.
For first-year students, the subjects are National History, Arithmetic, Biology, Magic Studies, and Practical Skills — the last one depending on whether you chose Martial Arts or Physical Education.
National History covers the history of the Exalia Kingdom. Noble sons and daughters would have learned this from their tutors before enrolling. I was also taught by Aunt Rose, so classes are basically review for me.
Arithmetic is the same as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division from my previous life — simple stuff. Since I used to help my grandkids with their homework, this should be a walk in the park… I think.
Biology, in short, is about magical beasts. Apparently, this one’s easy if you’re a student registered with the Adventurers’ Guild.
Magic Studies covers the basics of magic. The content differs depending on your attribute. For those with the Null attribute, the test is a practical one to see if you can fully control all your skills. Ever since everyone discovered their hidden skills, they’ve been working hard to master them. As for me, my test is to submit a report on all of my skills. What a pain...
And for my chosen Martial Arts exam, it’s a basic physical fitness test: a 3km run, a 50m dash, push-ups, and sit-ups. Honestly, since I’ve been training since I was five, this one’s a breeze. I’m aiming for first place, no question!
The exams are held over two days. On the first day, we have written tests for National History, Arithmetic, and Biology, finishing before noon. On the second day, Magic Studies is in the morning, and Martial Arts in the afternoon.
For the Null attribute class, each student performs their skills in front of Aunt Julie. My report was already submitted — it explains each skill and summarizes its effects. As I was writing it, I couldn’t help thinking, Isn’t this basically an instruction manual for me?
By the way, like me, Matt also had to submit a report. The others, though, had improved a lot in how they handled their skills compared to before summer break. Looks like everyone practiced hard over the vacation.
What surprised me most was Souya’s Transformation.
“Okay, here I go… Transformation.”
As he said that, he did a backflip like Taiki — and when he landed, his short brown hair had turned into long black hair tied in a ponytail, and his uniform had changed into casual clothes.
“Yesss!”
“““““Whoa—!””””” Clap clap clap clap.
“Souya, that’s amazing. You’ve really mastered your transformation.”
Even Aunt Julie praised him.
“Yes! I practiced during summer break with some help. I still can’t change my body shape, though…”
“For only five months of training, that’s quite impressive.”
“Thank you!”
“Next, Miura, your Aqua, please.”
“Yes, here I go.”
She produced three cups — one with cold water, one room temperature, and one warm.
“Good job. You did well. Starting next term, let’s work on making the temperature difference a bit wider.”
“Um, lastly… Kosshi, your Gravity Reduction. Ready?”
“Yes! Here goes… huh!”
He lifted what looked like a borrowed dumbbell.
“… All right, thank you. Looks like you’ve increased the weight since before summer break.”
“Yes! I did the strength training you told me to over the vacation.”
“Excellent. It shows. You worked hard. And Manuel, Joan — I’ve already read your reports. For your first ones, they were very well written.”
““Thank you very much.””
Matt and I grinned and high-fived.
Honestly, since it was my first report since being a student, I’d been a bit worried…
Three days later, the exam results were posted on the year’s bulletin board.
The rankings listed everyone’s total score. Since there are five subjects for first-years, a perfect total would be 500 points. Individual pass/fail results would be announced by each teacher during class.
“Let’s see… where’s my name? Ah, there it is.”
1st — Joan Lampail: 490 points
2nd — Catherine Cutter: 486 points
…
7th — Belle Burst: 463 points
…
15th — Zack: 359 points
16th — Manuel: 353 points
Phew, good thing. It’d be a little embarrassing to drop in rank after entering as the top student.
Though to be fair, I am mentally an adult… so I guess it’s kind of cheating.
“Morning, Joan. As expected of you.”
“Oh, morning, Belle. This means we can go to the Guild after school!”
“Yeah, really! I want to take my promotion test before the year’s over.”
While chatting with Belle, Souya and Riki walked into the classroom.
“Yo! That’s awesome, Joan.”
“Morning! Seriously, even though you sometimes nap during class.”
“Hey, Souya— you knew about that?”
“Of course I did. I sit right in front of you and can see your head bobbing.”
Hey, afternoon Arithmetic classes make me sleepy!
After lunch, with a full stomach, in a sunny window seat that’s all warm and cozy— there’s no way anyone could stay awake!
“I can focus when I need to, you know. I just don’t bother when I don’t have to— ouch!”
“That’s nothing to brag about!”
It’s been a while since I got one of Zack’s signature hand chops.
What do you think about this chapter?
