Chapter 52 Intelligence Assessment II
The questions lay before me, and I scanned through them one by one, solving each with ease. Calculations, historical knowledge, magical theory—none of it proved challenging.
Q:1) What is the primary factor that determines a mage's mana capacity?
A. Age
B. Mana core quality
C. Elemental affinity
D. Physical strength
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Q:13) Which of these elements is known for its destructive potential but difficult control?
A. Water
B. Earth
C. Fire
D. Air
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Q:29) Which empire is known for unifying the eastern kingdoms?
A. Solis Empire
B. Hestia Empire
C. Eryndor Confederacy
D. Fafnir Kingdom
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Q:45) Which goddess is often associated with healing and compassion in most religious texts?
A. Sekhmet
B. Thalassa
C. Amaterasu
D. Nyx
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Q:70)Which creature is known for its ability to blend into its surroundings, making it almost invisible?
A. Basilisk
B. Chameleon Serpent
C. Shade Panther
D. Thunderbird
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Q:85)The Hydra is a beast known for what unique trait?
A. Regeneration of lost limbs
B. Flight at night
C. Mind control over weaker creatures
D. Rapid movement through shadows
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Q:100)Which of the following creatures is considered a guardian of sacred places?
A. Griffon
B. Wyvern
C. Cerberus
D. Manticore
And so on. Time passed slowly, each minute dragging by as the exam hall sank into silence. Many of the examinees grew paler with every tick of the clock. Those who dared to cheat were dealt with immediately, their attempts nullified by sharp-eyed invigilators and a touch of magic to prevent any funny business.
Some students, overwhelmed by the difficulty, quietly resigned themselves to failure. I kept my head down, paying them no mind, my pen gliding across the parchment without pause. By the time Professor Lysandra's voice cut through the silence to announce, "Time's up! Pens down," I had already completed the entire test.
I read through each question one by one, solving them effortlessly. Even the calculation-heavy problems posed no challenge.
Minute by minute, the room grew quieter, with an intense silence settling over the hall. The faces of many examinees turned pale with worry.
Some dared to cheat, but those attempts were promptly met with swift elimination by the ever-watchful invigilator. After witnessing these swift consequences, no one else dared to risk it.
Some students were already in tears, defeated by the exam. But I paid no mind to any of it. My focus remained solely on the test paper in front of me. From the first question to the last, my expression stayed steady, confidence driving each answer.
With five minutes remaining, I had already completed every question. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Professor Lysandra's voice echoed through the hall, "Time's up! Pens down."
As Professor Lysandra's voice echoed through the hall, a collective sigh—some of relief, others of resignation—rippled through the room. Many students slumped in their chairs, their defeated expressions revealing just how taxing the test had been. For a few, it was the quiet, reluctant acceptance that they hadn't performed as well as they'd hoped.
With a snap of her fingers, Professor Lysandra lifted the papers from our desks, each one drifting into a neat pile in front of her. Her gaze swept the room, sharp and appraising, ensuring she missed nothing.
As the professor's attention shifted, Cedric strode over, flashing a confident grin. "Hey, buddy, how'd it go?"
As Professor Lysandra's voice echoed through the hall, a collective sigh—some of relief, others of resignation—rippled through the room. Many students slumped in their chairs, their defeated expressions revealing just how taxing the test had been. For a few, it was the quiet, reluctant acceptance that they hadn't performed as well as they'd hoped.
With a snap of her fingers, Professor Lysandra lifted the papers from our desks, each one drifting into a neat pile in front of her. Her gaze swept the room, sharp and appraising, ensuring she missed nothing.
As the professor's attention shifted, Cedric strode over, flashing a confident grin. "Hey, buddy, how'd it go?"
I returned his grin, feeling a bit of satisfaction. "Not too bad."
Cedric laughed, clearly pleased. "Knew you'd have it in the bag."
"And you?" I asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Fantastic," he replied, with a smirk that suggested he hadn't been as worried as the others.
Just then, Kaela joined us, crossing her arms with a raised brow, as if amused at our casual attitudes after such a grueling exam.
"Feeling good about it, I see," she remarked dryly, glancing at Cedric. "Meanwhile, some of us were actually struggling back there."
Cedric smirked smugly, crossing his arms. "Then maybe you should've cracked open a book once in a while, Kaela."
Kaela narrowed her eyes, an edge of sarcasm sharpening her voice. "Oh, don't worry, Cedric. Let's see that smug face of yours shine during the combat assessment."
The smile faltered on Cedric's face, his confidence wavering. He opened his mouth to respond but quickly closed it, clearly at a loss. I suppressed a grin, fully aware of the reason for his silence. Cedric might have aced the written part, but physical combat was a different story.
Why bother training when the Raven family could buy the best knights for protection? It was practically a motto of his house, and Cedric had taken it to heart.
As students buzzed in hushed conversations, Professor Lysandra's voice cut through, drawing everyone's focus. "The intelligence assessment is complete. Next, we move on to the combat assessment. Follow Assistant Professor Ann, who will guide you to the venue."
She gestured toward a young woman who had just entered—a poised, confident figure who looked to be around twenty, with a calm, collected gaze that surveyed the room.
"Hello, students," Assistant Professor Ann greeted, her tone clear and efficient. "Please follow me to the combat assessment venue."
With that, she turned on her heel, leading the way out. The students, row by row, began to rise, and soon the entire group was on their feet, trailing behind her in an orderly line. Cedric flashed me a quick, nervous look as we fell into step, and even Kaela looked intrigued, her eyes glinting with anticipation. The energy in the air had shifted—everyone knew that the real test was about to begin.
Many of the students who had worn expressions of despair earlier now looked excited, their eyes lighting up with renewed energy. For most of them, becoming warriors or mages was the ultimate goal, and the combat assessment was where they felt they could truly shine. Meanwhile, the students who had seemed confident just moments ago now wore uncertain, even gloomy expressions. It was clear that combat wasn't their strength, and they were anxious about this next test.
In this world, most young people dream of becoming mages or warriors, drawn to the allure of battle and the honor of defending their land. Those who lacked the necessary physical prowess, mana, or aura often took up the scholarly path. Few ever attempted both. But I was an exception—I excelled in both combat and intelligence and, unlike most, felt equally confident facing either challenge.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om