The battle commenced, and to be honest, my odds didn't appear promising. However, if she refrained from employing her mana armor, there remained a glimmer of hope that I could inflict some damage. Still, she claimed to be a Diamond rank, which meant she possessed the ability to heal herself. The only way to overcome such a formidable foe was to inflict injuries severe enough to prevent regeneration, such as severing the head.

"Oh, I forgot to mention," she chimed in, "the conditions for you to win are quite simple: either make me activate my mana armor, or if you somehow manage it, kill me. Although, you'll never achieve the latter, so I suggest focusing on the former. You may start whenever you're ready. I'll even allow you the first move."

With that settled, my strategy centered on a direct cut to her neck, forcing her to activate her mana armor to avert a fatal blow. Over the past two years, I had refined my swordsmanship. I continued to wield the same sword, which was better suited for disciplined styles. People often associated disciplined styles with quiet and monotonous techniques, but that was not entirely accurate. A disciplined style was marked by its efficiency, precision, and the absence of openings. Various sword styles could be distilled to a discipline percentage, and mine consisted of fast, precise movements combined with misdirection, all executed without exposing any vulnerabilities. My movements were efficient, deliberate, and purposeful, lending an element of discipline and, dare I say, artistry to my style. However, such details became secondary in the present context. Despite my confidence in my swordsmanship, I faced an opponent who was no ordinary combatant, she was a Diamond rank. "Rank isn't everything," they say, and that's indeed true. In certain circumstances, someone with a lower rank might prove stronger. However, that doesn't mean that the person with the rank above is weak, after all rank is a representation of ones talent with mana, so if you're a diamond rank there is no way you are weak. My opponent did not seem inclined toward close-range combat. While I could not discern her precise fighting style, it likely involved the use of spells. When confronted with a spellcaster, the initial step was observation.

I began sprinting at maximum speed around her, concealing my position from her sight. When I was confident that she had lost track of me, I made a dash toward her, my sword poised for a decisive head strike. However, at a distance of about four meters from her, my body abruptly shifted, and I leaped backward. I surveyed my surroundings and discovered stone spikes emerging from the ground.

"So, this is the capability of the 6th sense skill, as expected, it's remarkable. A mere one centimeter closer, and you would have been within its range."

The 6th sense skill had remained a hidden ability until now, functioning as an enhanced instinct. It explained the numerous times my body had instinctively moved to avoid danger without my conscious awareness. In the same way I could see a rock by merely looking at it with my eyes, the 6th sense allowed me to perceive imminent threats. However, the element of surprise had dissipated, and now that I was aware of the spikes, I could respond effectively.

Stolen story; please report.

The spikes retracted, and I resumed my dash. When I reached the danger zone, I leaped high into the air, successfully evading the spikes. This time, I aimed to land a blow to her neck, but a stone serpent interposed itself, blocking my attack. Subsequently, the woman propelled herself to a location some distance from my position.

"It appears the same trick won't work on you twice," She remarked.

"Well, it didn't work the first time either," I replied.

"True,"She conceded. "It seems it's time for me to take the initiative."

Two additional serpents manifested, constructed from stone and bearing violet gemstone eyes. They advanced toward me, launching themselves at me repeatedly. I attempted to dodge their attacks, but they relentlessly closed in. When I endeavored to slash them with my sword, I found that it had no effect.

"A person with a mana body can be damaged by something with mana armor if they don't employ theirs. However, spells are a different matter. They consist of two layers, making them impervious to destruction unless you possess a mana body of your own. Thus, you can only evade."

The serpents persisted in their assault, and in addition to them, random stone spikes began appearing all around, targeting me. I was being overwhelmed. She likely could have ended me already if she had wished, but her guard seemed lower than anticipated. This presented an opportunity. I drew the serpents closer to the center of the arena, I guessed she must be looking at the serpents to control them, or at least complicate their movements. When the serpents were in close proximity, I dashed in her direction. As I entered the range of the spikes, I leaped into the air, and the serpent guarding her followed suit. With no obstacles in my path, I hurled my sword, still enveloped in mana armor, toward the headmaster. She shielded herself with stone-covered hands, deflecting the blade. The sword soared above her, and I nimbly evaded the approaching serpent. I then employed the nearby spike as a launching point, darting in the direction of my airborne sword. I seized it, extended my mana armor to the blade once more, and slashed it toward her neck. She had insufficient time to react, except to activate her mana armor, which halted the blade from delivering a fatal blow. Wich means...

"Congratulations. I activated my mana armor, so you've won," she conceded. "You have clearly passed. As promised, I will grant you anything you desire. Do you have any requests at the moment?"

"For now, I cannot think of anything," I replied.

"Very well. When you do, please do not hesitate to approach me. I will fulfill your request. You must be tired. Most students share rooms, but the ones with scholarship enjoy single accommodations. Instructor Folden will guide you to your quarters."

I followed Instructor Folden, while the other instructor approached Headmaster Vanessa.

"I truly did not expect you to lose," he remarked.

"Well, not using my mana armorwasn't the only advantage I gave him," she replied. "I exerted less than a tenth of my power during that battle. But I must confess, I did not anticipate his victory. The most surprising aspect, however, was his use of the seventh technique."

"Wasn't he just a Silver rank?"

"Yes, perhaps he has not been able to use the sixth yet, so he had not attempted the seventh. But the fact remains—he successfully executed it. What a monster."

"He is indeed not your average student, though I don't think you can call him a 'monster.'"

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing of consequence, Madam."

"Very well. Now, let us proceed inside. I have reports to file and secrets to hide."