Chapter 60

There is an important announcement in the postscript, so please kindly check it as well!

"Can I ask what someone with the [Void Emblem] should do?"

The moment she asked, the atmosphere in the venue froze into silence. After a few seconds of silence, whispers began to spread from the surroundings.

"Hey, is the [Void Emblem] actually here to take the exam?"

"What can they do in the academy if they can't even use skills?"

"No, they probably won't pass anyway. I heard the practical test has a higher weight in the scoring..."

(...This feels like a familiar situation.)

While maintaining a calm expression, I inwardly chuckled. Though not as intense as the [All Emblem] earlier, I realized how the [Void Emblem] is perceived by others. Perhaps because it hasn't happened much recently, I even found it somewhat refreshing.

The examiner, looking puzzled, read the paper in front of him and then turned to me.

"I apologize, I failed to confirm this. Those with the [Void Emblem] can also choose their preferred test, just like those with the [All Emblem]."

"Understood."

After the final confirmation, the examiner announced again.

"Then, please proceed to your respective examination venues."

◇◆◇

When I was told I could choose my test freely, I naturally headed to the examination venue for the [Sword Emblem]. There were dozens of examinees gathered, and among them,

"...Tch"

Dion, who was looking at me with a displeased expression, was spitting in annoyance. It seems he also chose the sword test.

(Well, both of us have been learning swords since we were young, so it makes sense to choose this.)

While thinking about this, the exam began. Basically, those called by the announcement would enter the training ground one by one, and after a few minutes, the next examinee would replace them. Since there were multiple training grounds, the process went smoother than expected.

Incidentally, it seems that the order for those without the [Sword Emblem], like me and Dion, was placed at the end. As a result, I had to wait for several hours.

"Continuing, Zeros Sylphid. Please enter the training ground."

"...Finally."

Following Dion, who was called first, it was finally my turn. I stood up and entered the examination venue according to the instructions. Inside the venue was a white square room.

"Such a barren space..."

As I was analyzing this, a scarecrow suddenly appeared in the center of the room. It looked very similar to the one Edgar prepared for us when we tested Schna's magic at the Sylphid household. It's a magic tool widely used as a target for swords and magic.

While thinking about this, the announcement continued to echo.

"Within the three-minute time limit, cut down as many scarecrows as possible. Each time a scarecrow is defeated, a new one with increased durability will appear at a random location in the room."

That's the gist of it. It doesn't seem too difficult; I just need to focus on cutting down the scarecrows.

I gripped the examination sword provided in advance and slowly regulated my breathing. Then, I organized my strategy for this session.

(The examiners are probably watching from outside using surveillance magic tools. I'll refrain from using skills this time... although the passive skill [Will of the Sword Emperor] will activate on its own, I'll consider it an exception.)

Due to certain circumstances, I plan to keep the fact that the [Void Emblem] can use skills hidden for a while. Therefore, I didn't intend to use the high-damage Slash skill this time.

"Then—begin!"

The announcement echoed, and the practical test finally began.

"Ha!"

I stepped forward forcefully and cut the scarecrow in front of me in two with one swing. As the scarecrow disappeared, the next one appeared at a random position.

"The next one is over there."

I ran around the room, cutting down the scarecrows that appeared one after another with a single swing. As the number of scarecrows increased, their durability seemed to rise slightly, but I didn't feel much difference at the moment. After a few dozen seconds—

"All scarecrows have been defeated, so the test is now over."

—The announcement rang out, declaring the end of the test when the number of defeated scarecrows reached ten. I looked surprised and muttered.

"Is it already over? I don't think it's even been a minute since it started..."

I thought the entrance exam for an academy known for its difficulty would have a higher level of challenge...

Or maybe, I've been leveling up a bit too much. If I think about it calmly, a level 45 examinee is almost unimaginable...

"Well, it's fine. At least this should be enough to pass."

In any case, the academy entrance exam ended like this. Next, from the examiner's perspective! What kind of reaction will they have after seeing Zeros' performance? Please look forward to it!