Chapter 6 - The Examination

Eleven figures cut through the morning sun, slowly taking their seats on raised platforms overlooking the grounds. These individuals were sent from the country to ensure fair, standardized testing for all candidates. Unlike in previous years, when attention was focused on the examinees, this time the crowd’s gaze was drawn to a beguiling beauty among the judges.

To enter the country headquarters at such a young age, her talent had to be extraordinary. Although this was just one of many small cities, and the quality of judges wasn’t usually high, it was clear that all the other judges—older than 30 and lacking confidence—were on their first assignment.

But the most surprising thing was that this woman sat in the center seat. If this wasn’t a mistake, it meant she was the head judge—the strongest among them all!

The judges took their seats impatiently, eager to begin. The examination itself was straightforward: each examinee, called up by their identification number, would demonstrate their skills.

“Number 1, Hill!”

A teenager from a nearby farm stepped forward, his energy covering his arms up to his waist.

*6th-grade novice!*

His talent was notable, having received private lessons in the city with his savings. Hill withdrew a simple sword and demonstrated a practical, no-nonsense style, his movements direct and effective. As his swordplay slowed, the judges began to rate him.

Other examinees followed, most ranking between 3rd and 5th grade novice, with occasional outliers reaching the 6th or 7th grade.

But even after half the candidates had been tested, no one had reached the 8th grade. Advancing to higher levels required exponentially more energy.

That is, until a certain name was called.

“Number 103, Vincent!”

Vincent stepped onto the field, a burst of energy enveloping his entire body.

*8th-grade novice!*

The crowd instantly fell silent. He was the first to reach this level during the exam.

But it didn’t stop there—the energy continued to spread, covering his head and eyes.

*9th-grade novice!*

This was the highest level a novice could achieve.

The crowd erupted in cheers, whispers of admiration and envy spreading like wildfire.

“This is incredible, reaching that stage of power at his age.”

“Yeah, 8th-grade novice is already impressive, but 9th grade? He’s definitely going to top the exam.”

“Looks like Vincent’s going to surpass even his father with talent like this.”

“Well, he comes from a real martial arts family, unlike that useless Fang. What did you expect?”

In the crowd, a middle-aged man smiled proudly. No parent could resist feeling proud when their child excelled. He couldn’t help but think of Fang, smirking as he remembered the bitter rivalry between their families. In past generations, Fang’s parents had outshone everyone in the city, while Vincent’s family struggled to compete. But now, Fang’s parents were dead, and Fang himself was the city’s laughingstock. The taste of victory was sweet.

Although Vincent had completed his exam, he decided to stay and watch Fang make a fool of himself. He bowed to the judges and confidently left the field, knowing he had demonstrated a clear gap in strength between him and Fang.

Vincent scanned the line of candidates, looking for Fang. But to his irritation, Fang’s calm demeanor hadn’t changed at all. He wasn’t in awe or shock—he didn’t seem to care.

*Pathetic,* Vincent thought. *Putting on a brave face won’t save you. You’ll be humiliated when it’s your turn to test!*

The testing continued, but no one else came close to Vincent’s level. It was now certain he would top the scores.

“Number 189, Fang!”

All eyes turned to the lone figure. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, waiting for the spectacle they were sure was coming. Jeers rang out from all sides.

“Come on, Fang, are you really here to embarrass yourself?”

“There hasn’t been anyone who took this exam without being at least a novice. What a joke!”

“I bet the examiners will be speechless after this disaster.”

Ignoring the mockery, Fang stepped calmly into the center of the testing grounds, now fully in the spotlight. He took a deep breath, and a faint glow began to spread around his fist.

The jeering stopped.

Fluidly, the energy spread from his wrists, covering half his arms.

*1st-grade novice!*

Then it moved up, covering both arms.

*3rd-grade novice!*

The energy flowed toward his neck.

*4th-grade novice!*

His entire chest was soon enveloped.

*5th-grade novice!*

The crowd couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Half a year ago, Fang had been stuck at the apprentice level, and now he had reached the 5th-grade novice stage?

But it wasn’t over.

The energy spread to his waist.

*6th-grade novice!*

Yato had said Fang was only a 5th-grade novice. Had he concealed his strength or broken through recently?

The judges exchanged glances, mildly surprised. This level of energy was respectable.

Even Mii was taken aback. She thought Fang’s strength was at the 5th grade, but he had already reached the 6th.

*No wonder Master was so confident!*

But she still underestimated him.

The energy flowed down to his legs and feet. Vincent swore under his breath.

*How is this possible? How can this waste be a 7th-grade novice?*

But it wasn’t the end. Fang’s head began to emit light.

*8th-grade novice!*