Extra's Descent-Chapter 340: Finals [1]

Brandon started scribbling his answers down.

This was the first test he had done after losing [Accelerated Cognition].

But he had another weapon in his arsenal.

By incorporating what he remembers from Raven's memories, he could more or less ascertain the correct answers.

At least, that's what he was counting on.

—What is the significance of mana cores in determining a mage's rank and progression?

Brandon paused for a second and mulled the question over. It was the first question, and he had about 48 minutes left to actually finish the first phase of the examinations.

If it was going to be this easy, then the entire test was a breeze.

Pressing the tip of his ballpen on the paper, Brandon started scribbling his answer down.

[ ∎ Mana cores are the catalyst for breaking through ranks, advancing to higher tiers, and serve as the basis for evaluating a mage's strength. Based on the development of one's mana core, mages are assigned appropriate ranks corresponding to their overall power.]

The answer should be appropriate enough.

That being said, Brandon faced no difficulty answering all the questions. By the time he was finished, he had about 18 minutes left on the clock.

Some cadets had already left the lecture hall as soon as they finished their test.

"Fuck."

"Hey, what's the answer to number 36?"

"....Shit, I should've reviewed."

However, there were still some who were still around. Their faces could only be described as akin to 'The Scream' painting.

That being said, Brandon left the classroom, and joined up with Amelia, Raven, and Belle.

The next phases of the theoretical examinations were to be held later.

***

"Anyway, where were you? No one could reach you for the past week."

After taking their lunch, Brandon went out on a stroll with Amelia.

"Cavern's Peak. I wasn't planning on staying that long."

"You should've told me…. I would've come with you…."

Amelia pouted and blurted to the side.

Brandon laughed and tucked his hands inside his white winter–cloak.

"I thought about it, but you wouldn't have the luxury to finish your backlogs."

"That's true. Did you have fun? You did stay for quite a while after all."

The two found an empty bench to sit on, watching the snowflakes fall gently.

Brandon shifted in his seat, pulling his cloak tighter around him, while Amelia stared at the snow-covered trees that lined the pavements.

"I did…. I guess? It was interesting."

Brandon massaged his shoulders unknowingly, feeling his bones ache slightly.

"Interesting?"

Amelia raised an eyebrow.

"I thought you'd say 'dangerous.'"

"I would say it was worth it."

Amelia pouted once more.

"Still…. I wouldn't have minded falling behind on some paperwork."

Brandon didn't respond right away. Instead, he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. Amelia's head naturally came to rest on his shoulder.

As her shoulders relaxed, smiling gleefully, Brandon sat in silence, feeling the warmth of Amelia next to him.

The time of December was always cold, but used to this kind of atmosphere already, the two didn't seem to mind it that much.

As they looked around, the academy's open area bustled with activity.

Cadets, carrying a bunch of books, walked around. Some, after finding an open gazebo, delved right into studying.

"Quick, before the second phase starts."

"I'm getting to it."

"Write faster!"

Frowns formed on their faces. Clearly, they had neglected studying and most probably put in most of their efforts into the practicals instead.

Now that Brandon listened more intently to their conversation, the group of cadets weren't even studying.

"Aren't they making…. cheat notes?"

Amelia seemed to have had the same thought as him as she blurted out her words.

"They are….."

But Brandon Amelia let them off. Truth be told, the fundamentals were detrimental to progressing in the later stages of their mana cores.

If they didn't cement the knowledge in their head, they would soon have trouble in the near future.

"Amelia."

Brandon whispered.

"There's something you should know about Aurelia."

***

The examinations continued from there. Each phase became progressively harder and harder, so much so, that Brandon wasn't confident anymore.

"Uh…. Amelia…."

Brandon whispered, calling out for Amelia, who's entire focus was fixed on her answer sheet.

She seemed completely absorbed in her work, scribbling notes quickly as her eyes darted over the page. Her lips moved silently, forming the words, but Brandon couldn't make out a sound.

For that reason, Brandon's head turned towards Raven. He too seemed absorbed in his work.

But in any case, it was Raven.

"Raven…."

"...."

But Raven had no luxury to respond. Just like Amelia, he too seemed to have not heard him.

Either that, or the two were blatantly ignoring him.

"Raven…."

"...."

Again, no response.

"Psst…. Raven."

"Ah?"

Raven's brows raised as well as his head, turning towards Brandon.

Brandon whispered barely audibly, just enough for Raven to hear, and Evelyn not to find out.

It had to be said, this was the fourth phase. Meaning, it was the last theoretical exam.

"What's the answer to question 86?"

"Uh…. You do know the questions are scrambled for each questionnaire, right?"

Raven informed him, looking at him with an awkward expression.

"Shit, really?"

"Yeah, goodluck."

He was on his own.

—Mana affinity is understood to influence both the efficiency and specialization of a mage, but the relationship between multiple affinities and a mage's mana core can lead to complex interactions. Analyze how the development of dual….

Brandon's skimming trailed off from there.

They had made the question way more complicated than it should be. For that reason, Brandon couldn't find a proper answer.

"...."

He started peering into his memories. Trying to assess if he had seen anything remotely related to the question.

His thoughts ran like never before, much to the point where he felt like he was having a headache.

Then, a sudden memory overlapped.

Unlike some of the others, who only had a single affinity, Brandon had first–hand experience having more than two.

"Hmm…."

Scritch. Scratch.

He started scribbling down his answer, correlating to what he had felt during his time as a Septa–Elemental mage.

Hopefully, it was the correct answer.

Experience new tales on m v|l e-NovelFire

***

Ririring– Ririring—

As the final bell rang, Evelyn stood at the front of the room, her posture straight and her voice firm.

The room, filled with tired but focused cadets, instantly quieted down into a hush silence.

"First and foremost, congratulations on successfully completing all phases of the theoretical exams. Your hard work and preparation have paid off, and I hope you recognize the significance of this milestone."

She paused for a moment, scanning the room, ensuring she had everyone's full attention.

"However, this is just one part of your assessment. Tomorrow, we begin the Practical Exams. The entire day will be dedicated to testing your skills, stamina, and ability to apply everything you've learned so far. The practical exam will be far more demanding—physically, mentally, and strategically."

The cadets exchanged glances, some whispering among themselves.

"I advise you all to rest well tonight. Ensure you come prepared, not just with your equipment but with the right mindset. This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you are not only capable in theory but also in practice."

Evelyn's gaze swept the room, her tone calm but authoritative.

"You've done well so far, but tomorrow will require everything you have. Be ready. Dismissed."

The cadets began to pack their belongings, their minds clearly shifting towards the next challenge as they murmured about the impending day.

"...."

Evelyn remained still, watching them leave with an air of quiet confidence. On her desk were stacks of answer sheets, ready to be marked.

She watched the room begin to empty out as cadets left the lecture hall one after another.

Raising her head and staring at the ceiling, Evelyn recalled her meeting with Reinhard a few days back, way before the examinations.

—Miss Evelyn, I have a favor to ask.

—I have a friend who wants to meet with you…..

The meeting had been pushed ahead since Evelyn couldn't find any free time on her schedule.

But tonight, she was finally free.

For that reason, a meeting with this 'friend' of Reinhard was scheduled later, over dinner.

Evelyn was quite skeptical at first, but apparently, it was a woman.

While Evelyn wasn't familiar with her, she was told the woman was one of the Imperial Army's sponsors.

"What was her name again?"

She mulled over her thoughts, trying to recall the name Reinhard had told her about.

Le….. Lea….

"Leonna?"

It was probably something like that.