Chapter 53

After all, the exam results would be calculated by combining the written and practical portions, so what I needed to do was prepare for the upcoming practical exam.

And to be honest, this practical exam was quite tricky.

‘…I’d heard bits and pieces, but I don’t know the exact details.’

In the original work, Cheong Joohwa did take the promotion exam at this point, but unfortunately, only her joining Yoo Haon’s group after passing was depicted; the specific contents of the exam were never mentioned.

Because of that, I couldn’t exactly relax either.

“Why do you look so grim? Did you write the answers wrong?”

“…….”

If the practical exam happened to be competitive, and by bad luck, a formidable opponent like Cheong Joohwa in front of me was chosen as the competition target, the possibility of failing the promotion wasn’t zero.

‘I heard the exchange students aren’t pushovers either.’

Harboring such worries, the day of the practical exam finally arrived.

At the examination ground, the exam proctors and numerous students had already taken their places.

However, the appearance of some students was a bit peculiar. Upon closer inspection, they were third-year graduating class students, not exam takers.

“That makes 47, everyone’s here.”

The exam content was simple. Start from a designated starting point, fend off the interference tactics of the graduating class students selected and brought by the proctors, and reach the finish line.

“Additionally, ten graduating class students were each given a token with additional points attached.”

It seemed that a badge attached somewhere on their body, if taken by others, would grant significant bonus points.

“Examinees can cooperate with each other, and it is also possible to take tokens from other examinees. However, scores will be assigned considering all circumstances, so do not assume that cooperating unconditionally will guarantee a good score.”

Thus, we headed to the starting point to begin the exam.

That place was inside a semi-permanent barrier that a Special-Rank Exorcist had reportedly put effort into creating on the Academy grounds in the past.

Whoosh.

“Wow, the space is….”

A small forest, an open plain, and an urban area close to ruins. On the path toward the finish line, there existed three distinct courses, separated as if in a painting.

Probably, it meant to choose the path where one could best demonstrate their abilities.

“No further explanation is needed, right? Then we will begin the exam shortly.”

Following the proctor’s instructions, the third-year students began moving to their respective assigned positions.

And while listening to the explanation, I had been continuously appraising their stats, and soon I could confirm the information of a completely unexpected person.

Ding!

【Arietta Morgan】

▶Level 45

▶Stats

【Stamina : C+】

【Spiritual Power : S-】

【Art Formula : S-】

【Mental Power : B】

▶Traits (6/10)

【■■■(-)】

【Crane Among Chickens (S)】

【Iron Heart (B+)】

【Rampage (B)】

【Growth Acceleration (B)】

【Output Enhancement (B-)】

‘…Arietta? Arietta Morgan? She was an Academy student?’

The distinctive name Arietta Morgan, the extraordinary stats, and even the three-character Unidentified Trait.

‘No doubt.’

It was definitely the Arietta I knew.

And she was the character who served as the boss of Chapter 4 in the first volume of Exorcism Academy.

‘This is quite disconcerting.’

In the original work, the appearance of third-year graduating class students was extremely rare, so I hadn’t expected this at all.

From the start, because Chapter 4 involved quite urgent situations, her personal past wasn’t even mentioned.

It seemed that after graduating from the Academy this year, she would be reborn as the boss of Chapter 4.

“Now, we will begin the practical portion of the exam. The time limit is 3 hours. Exceeding that will result in a failing grade. Naturally, arriving as quickly as possible will be more beneficial for your score, right?”

While I was stunned by the shocking fact, the proctor, who had finished all preparations, announced the start of the exam.

So, I too, for now, set aside matters related to her and shifted my thoughts.

‘Forest, plain, urban area. If it’s one of the three….’

After brief contemplation, I immediately turned without hesitation and began to sprint.

The path was the plain in the center.

Naturally, the examinees were divided into two main categories.

Those who sprinted toward the lead alone, and those who hurriedly sought collaborators to form teams.

I too, initially, after hearing the explanation, thought about cooperating with Cheong Joohwa or Seo Jian, but given that it might negatively affect the score, there seemed no need to go that far.

They also likely judged that they were sufficient alone, as both had already disappeared from my sight. If my guess is correct, Seo Jian probably chose the forest course, and Cheong Joohwa the urban area course.

‘No need to choose a complicated path.’

It’s a bit awkward to say this, but thanks to my originally low level, I achieved explosive growth during the incidents that occurred this vacation period.

Frankly, with my experience, now that I have average specs, even if they are higher-year graduating class students, I had no intention of being easily defeated.

Tap tap tap.

Plop!

Squelch!

My foot suddenly sank into a hidden swamp, but since this level of trap was within expected range, I summoned Black Bird and escaped leisurely.

Thud.

“Now, go back in.”

[Kkik! Kkiik!]

Swoosh.

If I wanted, I could summon multiple Black Birds and fly, but doing such a conspicuous thing on a plain with no cover would surely invite sniping.

After running on foot across about one-third of the plain, I saw two students ahead, with dazed faces, swinging their arms aimlessly in the air, seemingly unable to regain their senses.

‘They fell for an illusion.’

As expected of the graduating class, the range of Art application is quite broad.

Whoosh.

Swoosh.

“White Transformation Advancing Channel.”

An Art specialized in repelling negativity and awakening the mind.

I began calmly advancing forward, minimizing the illusion’s effects.

Although the level of the Art was considerable, thanks to the Phantom Body Trait’s mental defense effect, the damage wasn’t that severe.

After advancing for a while, suddenly, from beyond the illusion, someone’s Cursed Technique flew in at high speed.

“Fear Wave.”

Crash!

It was a simple Curse-Type basic Art, but its completion was quite high.

However, the opponent was unlucky.

I was a body that had somehow endured even Hectail’s Forbidden Art once; an Art like Fear Wave wouldn’t cause much damage even if it hit me directly in an unguarded state.

Crack!

Crash!

Breaking through the curse barrage and finally passing the edge of the illusion, I saw three graduating class students positioned at the exit as if lying in wait for prey.

“…No, what’s with this guy? Did you see that just now? He just barged in by brute force?”

“Ah, I heard from a professor. There’s a Shikigami Sorcerer in the second year who specializes in Forbidden Arts.”

“Huh. Even so. We were shooting gently, but this is kind of hurtful to our pride.”

A large-built man and a woman overflowing with healthy beauty. And a girl sitting peacefully on a pile of rocks behind them, reading a book.

That girl was none other than Arietta, whom I had seen earlier.

“Um, Miss Morgan. Guests are starting to arrive…”

“I haven’t finished reading yet. Handle it yourselves.”

An extreme my-pace attitude, an expressionless face, yet a radiant appearance. It was definitely the image of the Arietta Morgan I knew.

As the standoff continued briefly, this time, someone among the examinees broke through the illusion from behind me and revealed themselves.

“Aha, here you were. Just spreading useless illusion techniques. Someone should hand over their token to me.”

A blond man speaking in a cheerful tone. I think he’s one of the exchange students who came from abroad this time.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding.

【Noah Jackson】

▶Level 35

Upon checking, his stats and traits were decent, and his level was also high. I subtly stepped back to yield the opponent, intending to observe the situation first.

“…As expected every year, there are fools. I hope your skills match your big mouth?”

“Of course they do.”

The battle that began was quite fierce. However, the outcome itself was decided not long after it started.

“Three-Six Brilliant Sand Formation!”

Whoosh.

Fwoosh!

Crash!

Crash-rattle!

“Tsk, how can this be….”

“If you chose a plain that’s obviously a dead end, you should have brought some trump card. According to the rules, I’ll send you back in two hours. Of course, there will be point deductions!”

Noah’s skills themselves weren’t bad at all. At that level, it’s at least B-Rank skill.

However, the opponents were also those confident in their skills within the graduating class. Indeed, bridging the experience gap isn’t easy.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding!

【Cheong Dohyeon】

▶Level 39

【Lee Yoonjin】

▶Level 37

Both had levels in the late 30s, and the man was even from the Cheong Family. My judgment based on that was swift.

‘I should avoid a head-on fight.’

Just looking at the recent Three-Six Brilliant Sand Formation, it’s a fairly high-difficulty Art. Since arriving here, I’ve only seen Sophia use it besides myself.

‘No need to overthink it.’

Having made my decision, I immediately drew up Spiritual Power and began forming hand seals.

Whoosh.

Swoosh.

“Sorisoe.”

Fwoosh!

[What is it. Human.]

A tiny body, mottled yellow fur. And a tail swaying gently.

As a suddenly cute leopard cat was summoned, the opponent began to show noticeable panic. I took that opportunity to quickly convey my intent to Sorisoe.

“That thing from last time, transform again.”

[…It’s not difficult. Then, transfer the nutrients.]

In response, I began transferring Spiritual Power to Sorisoe through the link with the Shikigami as before, and soon Sorisoe’s body was enveloped in shadow, gradually increasing in size.

Swoosh.

Fwoosh!

“What is this? What kind of Shikigami is this?”

“Cheong Dohyeon, focus.”

With Sorisoe beginning to emit a somewhat murderous aura, a sense of tension momentarily swirled.

Mounting Sorisoe, which had transformed to the size of a cheetah, I began running toward the finish line, leaping spectacularly to evade the graduating class students.

“Huh? This guy?”

“Where do you think you’re going! Clear Chain Binding!”

Clatter!

Screech!

Cheong Dohyeon, who made a quick judgment, shot his family’s unique Binding Spell Formula, but I had already accurately predicted it based on his background and the current situation.

Clatter!

“Clear Chain Binding.”

Clang!*

As completely identical Cursed Techniques collided, the blue chains that sprang from the talismans lost their target and dissipated.

“Wait! Too fast!”

“This doesn’t seem like it’ll work. Who would have thought he’d have a Shikigami like that.”

Staring at me who had escaped the encirclement, the girl finally closed her book and lifted her heavy body.

“…I’ll give chase.”

It was the deployment of Arietta Morgan, the all-rounder Sorcerer called the small giant among the third-year graduating class.