The teacher took out a stack of papers, she placed it down on the top surface of the table. I silently closed my book, and gulped fully knowing what this was about.

“You’ll all be taking a written assessment. Before anyone complains—yes, although it’s barely been a week, this academy would like to test your capabilities,” she said, holding a finger up.

“Also, this is tied to the next group selections. But that’s a topic for when the testing is done,” she smiled, holding another finger up, a peace sign.

She proceeded to pass a stack of eight to one person, and they grabbed one, passed it to the next person, and so on. When it came to me, I also did the same, but it took a bit longer to pass it to the person next to me. I gazed at the contents of the paper, questioning my whole existence.

I don’t understand a single thing on this paper.

With this being my thought process, I barely paid attention to the teacher giving us the green light to begin the test. To add insult to injury, the moment she said that, I instantly heard the scribbles of pencils. Especially from my neighbor, Mitsugi answered the questions carefully.

“Oh, once you finish it and turn it in, I’ll be giving you the next test for the other subjects,” she added, sipping some coffee.

Yeah, this academy is a meritocracy…

Haah, can’t do anything about it. I might as well begin before I waste the precious time. Hm, okay. Let’s skip the ones, I don’t understand. Then I’ll be able to at least get a passing grade. I scanned the paper, reading each question.

However, before I knew it…I had gone through all twenty five questions, and not a single one was answered. It didn’t help the fact that not a single question was multiple choice. I had to write down the answer.

This would be fine and all, if only I actually knew the answer. Now that I don’t know, what am I supposed to do? I can’t scribble a random answer, it has to be somewhat logical.

Should I cheat? Heh, no way. I will definitely be caught. Who knows what the punishment might be, I won’t be taking any risks. As such, all that is left is my ultimate technique.

One used whenever I’m in trouble.

Random shit go!

I placed down my pencil on my test paper, letting my hand write the answers. This went on as I finished my test. I wasn’t the first nor the last, I was above average.

Surprisingly.

Anyways, the other subjects were easier compared to the previous one. I breezed through them, confidently sure of my success.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Soon, students finished all the tests given by the teacher. Many complained about the length while others stopped paying attention to the complaints, in their own little worlds.

My neighbor glanced at me as if wondering about my actions.

Not paying attention to them, I continued tapping my pencil on a piece of paper.

“Hm? What are you doing?” Mitsugi asked, not to be confused with the one glancing at me.

“Waiting for the results. It’s going to be intriguing how they integrate the results to the selection which our teacher talked about. I guess it will be of great importance,” I said, stopping my pencil.

“I’m not too sure about it. I don’t know how test scores correlate to combat ability. Sure magic theory is one of the subjects I mildly accepted as a factor, but what about history? What does learning about the history of this country help with the ability to fight?” With a whole paragraph, he began complaining about the system.

“It sounds like you didn’t get a good grade on history,” I joked.

“…”

“Really?” I deadpanned.

“T-that’s besides the point!” he exclaimed.

“Sure…”

“Anyways! Like I was saying this seems like an ineffective way to judge our performance. Don’t you think I didn’t see you fidgeting around while taking the test,” he commented, definitely angry for me pointing out his possible low score on history.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I felt like I did pretty good on my part,” I replied, shaking my head.

“So? What did you get for question one? For magic theory,” he inquired, clearly not believing me in the slightest.

I don’t know what’s up with him, but I can easily answer his current question.

“Obviously, it was six,” I answered confidently.

“Oh.”

“Told you.”

He sighed. “Fine, you are indeed smarter than me. Then why were you fidgeting?”

“Who knows, maybe my body moves uncontrollably. I was too concentrated on the test.”

“Is that so…?” Mitsugi muttered, unsure.

Now, that I think about it. Since this is a meritocracy, they’ll be posting the results for everyone to see. Not that I mind, but I guess the nature of the academy is unfolding. The more time we spend the more the differences begin to show. I assume the importance of the system is just showing itself.

“Do you think we’ll be paired with our classmates or with the second or third years?” Mitsugi said, excited.

“Hmmm. I also wonder about that. What is this whole selection thing about?”

Perhaps if I ask some second or third years, they’ll be willing to answer the question. I guess the more social ones get a head start. That’s if they were smart enough to ask those questions.

Unfortunately, all those answers will be waiting because the results are bound to take some time. They need to grade, and do all of that stuff schools normally do.

Now…

Why am I feeling a gaze while talking to Mitsugi?

No. I won’t try to figure out their identity. It may be a simple curious stare. For what reason? Who knows, but there’s no reason to worry. I’ll just act as if I didn’t notice it, and go on with my day. Things will be easier that way. I continued talking with Mitsugi for a bit more.