Chapter 75

98 points.

The students were in an uproar at the score achieved by the top student of the year.

"This is bad!"

"Sure enough, it's the top student!"

However, the person himself remained silent, looking at the score with a somewhat unsatisfied expression. Filbus came out from the next room.

"98 points... Did you think you'd get 100? There were a few subtle misses in some of the spells. In a real battle, they'd be within the margin of error. Don't worry about it."

Then he called out to Sares, the third student with the Iron School Badge, who was on par with me and Brain.

"Next is you."

"Eh, really!?"

Sares waved his hands frantically.

"I get nervous after Brain, so I'd like to pass! I'll be embarrassed!"

"Everyone feels the same. If you're the one who can bear the embarrassment as a friend of Brain and an Iron School Badge holder, then you should go first."

"Whaaat... This is such a loss for me!"

Sares was forcibly taken into the room. Despite his reluctance, once the exam started, he showed a confident performance, using offensive magic to destroy the shadows one after another.

"...Sares, you're joking, but you're really amazing."

"Yeah, he is an Iron School Badge holder after all..."

The students sighed, saying such things.

91 points.

That was Sares' score. Sares looked at the score with a somewhat satisfied expression.

"Phew. I managed to get over 90... I can't beat Mr. Brain, of course."

He laughed lightly and left the room. Then the other students took turns to take the exam. Watching the other students, it was clear how far ahead Brain and Sares were.

78 points!

64 points!

72 points!

56 points!

The scores were harsh. No one even reached 80 points, let alone 90. Brain and Sares had performed with such precision that it was hard to imagine they had made any mistakes, while the other students panicked and missed the shadows as a matter of course.

"...This is tough..."

Kylia muttered as she returned to my side. Kylia's score was 74 points. While it was quite excellent, it couldn't compare to Brain's and the others' scores. As a member of the highest-ranking duke family in the kingdom, Kylia was proud and competitive. I had heard her say several times that she wanted to beat Brain. However, Brain's barrier was indeed thick.

Something caught my attention. I had never seen Kylia and the other nobles talking to Brain. It was strange. Brain was from the same rank as me, the Milhis Duke family.

I lowered my voice and spoke to Kylia.

"...You don't talk to Brain much, do you?"

"...Huh? Ah... He doesn't have time for the riffraff."

Kylia muttered unhappily.

"He's busy perfecting his magic. So, he only hangs out with Sares, who is also a top student. It's probably because Sares' personality is also a factor... He seems to want to be friends with talented commoners more than with us nobles."

...He has a clear-minded way of thinking.

The kind of free spirit I used to have.

To me, who struggled to fit in as a noble, his strength was both nostalgic and enviable.

"You don't think about your family, even though you're a noble?"

"...I'm a survivor of the tragic Milhis family... Maybe he's not interested in such things..."

Kylia fell silent after saying this.

...The tragic Milhis family?

I knew the Milhis Duke family, but I had never heard such a term. Since Kylia said it as if it were common knowledge, it must be a well-known story. It was an intriguing phrase, but it didn't seem appropriate to discuss it here, so I decided not to bring it up.

While we were talking, Filbus came out of the next room.

"Albert, it's your turn."

As soon as he said this, the students erupted.

"Oooh!"

"Iron School Badge vs. Iron School Badge!"

"Who do you think will win!?"

"Well, Brain, of course. 98 points is strong."

Such comments were flying around. I entered the next room with Filbus.

"Albert."

As soon as I sat in the chair in the corner of the room, Filbus spoke to me.

"Yes?"

"Go easy."

"Eh?"

I looked at Filbus in surprise.

"Do you mean to lose on purpose?"

"No, no. I didn't explain it well. You can go all out in the match, but don't use your full-strength Magic Arrow."

He tapped the wall lightly.

"The room is made of high-magic-resistance material, but your Magic Arrow is still dangerous. It affects my salary, so please don't use it."

"I see."

"The Magic Arrow should be enough to destroy the shadows at 20% power. I'd appreciate it if you could do that."

"Understood."

I wondered if it was really okay, but if Filbus said so, it must be correct.

"Wait, Albert."

"...What is it?"

"Actually, 10% would be better."

"Understood."

Filbus is such a worrier...

I turned to face the direction where the shadows would appear—

Filbus spoke again.

"Wait, Albert."

"...What is it?"

"Have you had any troubles lately? You can talk about anything here; it's soundproof."

Troubles...

I never expected a counseling session with Mr. Filbus in this place. I did have a heavy heart. Interacting with the noble students as Albert Luminas, not just Albert, was indeed tiring.

"...Yeah—"

But I couldn't immediately express the emotions swirling inside me. They were too complex and needed more time to sort out.

Filbus glanced at the students outside the room, who were eagerly waiting for my exam.

"...We don't have much time. Come to me whenever you want to talk. I'll be here for you."

"Understood."

It was a kind offer. Knowing that someone cared made my heart a little lighter. However, I didn't have much time to dwell on it. I needed to focus on the exam in front of me. Filbus placed his hand on the switch on the wall.

"Let's start."

A wall appeared in front of me, and shadows appeared. I raised my right hand and spoke the usual words.

"Magic Arrow"

"Magic Arrow"

"Magic Arrow"

"Magic Arrow"

"Magic Arrow"

I destroyed the shadows one after another. Indeed, as Filbus said, they shattered with a single hit, regardless of the type of shadow. Filbus gave accurate advice; my opinion of him improved even more.

By the way, using one hand instead of both is not because I'm holding back. The unconventional two-handed shooting I achieved in the battle against the nine-headed dragon—

It was only possible because I was in a heightened state. I couldn't do it now.

Would I be able to do it again in a similar situation?

"Magic Arrow"

My white arrows destroyed the last shadow. The exam was over. Filbus nodded.

"Great job, Albert. Go see your score."

I went outside. The students were speechless, as if they had seen something terrifying. I looked at the panel on the wall. The moment the score appeared, the students were in an uproar. It read:

100 points.

Weekly updates (Wed, Sun).

Even though I wrote that, today is Tuesday. Instead, I'll take a break on Wednesday this week, so I'm thinking of updating (Tue, ?, Sun). It's an irregular schedule due to the holiday.

Regarding Albert's two-handed shooting, I actually revised the description of the nine-headed dragon battle a few weeks ago (rewriting it).

[Before]

I tried it and could shoot with both hands (as expected of my Magic Arrow!)

[After]

After shooting Magic Arrows for a long time, Albert's magical circuit warmed up, allowing him to shoot with both hands (the ability to shoot for such a long time is unique to Albert, making it a world-first!)

I added a logical explanation for why he could do it. There's no need to reread it.

Therefore, he can't shoot with both hands right now.

It's interesting!

I want to read more!

Keep it up!

If you feel that way, I'd be happy if you could rate it with "★★★★★" at the bottom of the screen!

Thank you for your support!