The second round of theory exams ended, leaving a wave of despair in their wake. Even Rachel's usual confidence seemed tempered, though it was likely out of consideration for her friends rather than a reflection of her own performance.

"These theory exams were brutal," Lucifer admitted, scratching his head in frustration. His usual composure was replaced with a furrowed brow and a rare hint of vulnerability.

We had all felt it. The questions were designed to push us to our limits, living up to the reputation of the world's best academy. The bar had been raised, and it was clear that no one was being coddled.

As we gathered in the lounge to recover, the atmosphere was a mix of relief and lingering tension. The exhaustion was palpable, but so was the sense of accomplishment. We had survived the intellectual gauntlet.

"The questions were on another level this time," Ren said, his voice tinged with awe and frustration. "I thought I was prepared, but they really threw everything at us."

"Yeah," Ian agreed, slumping into a chair. "I've never had to think so hard in my life. It felt like my brain was going to melt."

Rachel, always the optimist, tried to lighten the mood. "At least it's over now. We did our best, and that's what matters."

Seraphina nodded in agreement. "True. Now we just have to wait for the results."

Lucifer, his frustration still evident, added, "The practical exams will be different. We need to be ready for anything."

The anticipation of the upcoming physical exams hung in the air. These would be a completely different challenge from the grueling theory tests.

The upcoming exams won't test a multitude of skills like before. Instead, they're focused solely on assessing each student's combat ability, aiming to rank us accurately and objectively.

Strategy and tactics are set aside for these exams. Unlike the end-of-year tournament, which features a variety of challenges culminating in a round-robin competition to determine ranks subjectively, these tests strip it down to pure combat prowess.

This approach to ranking gives me a sense of clarity. I know my strengths and weaknesses, and I have a clear objective in mind. My goal isn't just to perform well; it's to surpass my current standing.

From Rank 8, will I be able to reach Rank 2 as I aimed? This question lingered in my mind as we prepared for the physical exams.

All the first-years gathered on the ground floor for the physical testing. Unlike the theory exams, everyone would be tested simultaneously. We followed Professor Nero downstairs, passing by students from other classes who looked at us with a mix of awe and envy. It wasn't just our status as Class A students that drew their attention, but also the prestigious lineages many of my classmates came from.

These were the heirs to the most powerful families, each boasting a -rank member. For most people, such power and influence were almost unimaginable. Although I had become somewhat desensitized to it after meeting several -rankers during the winter break, seeing the awe in other students' eyes reminded me just how high a -ranker stands and how much sway they hold.

We reached the vast training arena, its size and facilities a testament to the Academy's commitment to nurturing top-tier talent. The air was thick with anticipation and tension, each student ready to prove their worth.

Professor Nero addressed us, his voice cutting through the murmurs of anticipation. "Today, you will be tested on your combat abilities. This is a straightforward assessment of your skills, strength, and potential, akin to the entrance exam for this academy. First, your current mana rank will be assessed. Then, you will demonstrate your abilities, including your Gift, in a duel with one of the three professors while I judge you. Afterwards, new ranks will be bestowed upon you."

As an -ranker, Nero could effortlessly keep up with three simultaneous duels, assess the students, and rank all one hundred of us. With the school's advanced AI assisting, the process was both efficient and thorough, though having a single professor perform this task introduced the potential for bias. However, the speed and precision of this method were undeniable.

Stolen novel; please report.

The practical exams began, starting with the weakest students from Class D.

"Rank 100, Mire Kopel, please step up," announced one of the three professors.

squared her shoulders and faced the professor with a resolve that garnered quiet respect from her peers. The professor, a stern-looking woman with a commanding presence, stood ready to evaluate her.

Mire's assessment began with a quick check of her mana rank, which was revealed to be -rank. She then duelled with the professor as she didn't have a Gift.

One by one, students stepped up for their evaluations. The atmosphere grew more charged with each duel, as everyone realized the stakes. This was not just about ranks; it was a measure of our progress and a glimpse into our future potential.

As the duels progressed, the skills on display varied widely. Some students exhibited raw, untamed power, while others showcased refined techniques and strategic thinking. The professors, experienced and formidable, tested each student's limits, pushing them to reveal their true capabilities.

The line slowly dwindled as students from Class C and then Class B took their turns. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. Everyone knew that the higher-ranked students would bring even more impressive displays of power and skill.

Finally, it was time for Class A to be tested.

"Rank 8, Arthur Nightingale, please step up."

I was the first student from Class A to be called, being the lowest in rank. Stepping up to the podium on the right, I glanced to the left, where Rank 10 and Rank 9 were being tested simultaneously.

Approaching the professor, she handed me the familiar orb device used to measure mana rank. As I injected my mana into it, the orb's black surface gradually transformed into a bright shade of silver.

"-rank," the professor noted, her brows furrowing slightly. It was expected; I had jumped another mana rank since the mid-terms.

After recording my rank, she took the orb away and put some distance between us. "Please demonstrate your combat prowess, student Arthur."

I took a deep breath and retrieved my sword from my ring, feeling its weight and familiarity in my hand.

'Any tips?' I asked Luna mentally.

'You can't beat an opponent like that in the first place, just do your best,' she responded.

Of course, I knew that. The professor, like many others at Mythos Academy, was at -rank. There was no way I could defeat her when I wasn't even at -rank yet.

I settled into my stance, focusing on my breathing. The air around us seemed to still as I channeled my mana, letting it flow through my body and into my sword. I needed to show everything I had learned, every bit of progress I had made.

I initiated the attack, launching myself forward with lightning aura. My sword came crashing down, but the professor merely raised her hand, condensing ambient mana to form astral energy. My blade bounced off effortlessly. Astral energy was the reason -rankers seemed like demigods compared to everyone else.

As my foot touched the ground, I instantly activated a 4-circle spell before attacking again.

I circled around her, utilizing Illusion Sword. My Grade 3 art caught her off guard, but she still managed to block my attacks with ease. My 4-circle spell, Flame Lance, was also stopped without trouble.

The level I had shown her so far would comfortably place me above Ian at Rank 5, maybe even above Jin at Rank 4.

But now, it was time to truly begin.

I activated Lucent Harmony.

The shift was immediate. My mana flow intensified, and my movements became more fluid and precise. The professor's eyes widened slightly, recognizing the change in my aura. I launched forward again, my sword blurring as I attacked from multiple angles simultaneously. The Illusion Sword technique was amplified by Lucent Harmony, creating afterimages that made it difficult to discern the real attack.

The professor's astral energy shield flickered as she adjusted to my enhanced speed and power. She blocked my strikes, but it was no longer effortless. Each clash of our blades sent shockwaves through the air, the sheer force of our combat resonating around the training ground.

'It's time to end this,' I thought, steeling myself for the final move. I began preparing my 5-circle spell, God Flash. First, I conjured a 5-circle spell, Fiery Thunder Spear, aiming it at the professor's shield.

The spell collided with her astral shield, producing a dazzling explosion of light and sparks. As expected, it didn't penetrate, but that wasn't the goal. It served as the perfect distraction.

While the professor's attention was momentarily diverted, I circled behind her, my heart pounding in anticipation.

God Flash.

My body blurred as I reached an extreme speed, lightning aura crackling around me. I saw the professor's eyes widen in absolute shock as she detected my presence and swiftly turned to block my attack. Her reflexes were incredible, forming a shield of astral energy just in time.

BOOM!

The collision of my lightning-infused sword and her astral shield sent a shockwave rippling through the training ground. The force of the impact pushed us both back, creating a small crater beneath our feet. The intense clash of energies lit up the area, the sheer power of our duel evident to all onlookers.