Chapter 159: Three Years of Study, One Year of Simulation
Chapter 159: Three Years of Study, One Year of Simulation
"Are you sure you don't want to ask Natsu and Gray?"
Typically, when choosing a partner, it's best to pick someone who can complement your weaknesses. For example, someone lacking in intelligence might choose a partner with a sharp mind, or someone with little experience might opt for a seasoned veteran.
Kana and Warren, both experienced and strategic, would typically benefit from a partner like Natsu, who is incredibly powerful in combat.
Kana shook her head. "Strength is important, and Natsu and Gray are both very strong, but you're not bad either... I heard you were originally qualified to participate, right?"
Warren looked surprised. "Really? I didn't know that."
Kana was exasperated. "If you don't know anything, why are you even here, Rod?"
Warren sheepishly replied, "I just 'overheard' a bit of the conversation about partner choices. Your name came up a lot, and you were heading this way."
"You..." Kana wanted to punch him. Was this guy just here to mess with his opponents?
Warren avoided her gaze. "Anyway, both of us want you as our partner. What do you think?"
What could he think... It was flattering to be trusted, but he was also a bit worried about letting them down.
While he didn't want to take the exam, participating as a partner to get a feel for the test's difficulty and prepare for next year wasn't a bad idea.
His first choice was Warren, simply because he was a guy, and it would be more convenient to avoid any misunderstandings.
But choosing Kana wasn't a problem either; they were already close friends, and there was no risk of any misunderstandings.
Rod suggested, "How about we play rock-paper-scissors?"
Warren nodded. "Sure, no problem!"
"No way! No one can beat Warren at rock-paper-scissors," Kana immediately objected.
Warren was the type who could read his opponent's moves in battle, making rock-paper-scissors a losing game for anyone else.
"Then how about a draw?"
Kana agreed. "A draw is fine."
"Absolutely not!" This time, it was Warren who disagreed.
Kana was a master at cheating, especially with card magic. Her quick agreement was a clear sign she had a trick up her sleeve.
Rod sighed. "You mages are really complicated."
Mira laughed. "You're a mage too, you know."
Rod looked at her. "Mira, any advice?"
Mira thought for a moment. "Kana was here first, so how about you choose her?"
"Mira!" Kana lunged over the counter and hugged Mira.
Rod felt a pang of envy.
"Mira~" Warren whined pitifully.
"Don't do that," Mira said, unsure if she was addressing Kana or Warren. She pointed behind Warren. "Isn't someone looking for you?"
Warren turned around. "Marcus?"
Marcus waved at everyone and asked, "So, Warren, have you decided on a partner?"
"Just did," Warren smiled. "It's you, come help me!"
"Me?" Marcus was surprised; he thought Warren would choose Rod or Elfman.
Warren nodded firmly. This was the most common way to choose a partner in the guild—just pick someone you have a good relationship with.
"Alright! I'll do my best to help you pass the exam!" Marcus raised his hand.
Warren did the same, and they slapped hands with a resounding clap.
There was a sense of determination and confidence in their handshake, as if they were sure that with enough effort, they would win.
"Rod?" Kana looked at him.
"I'll give it my all too." Rod raised his hand and slapped hands with Kana, smiling. "Don't leave after school."
"Huh?"
...
Not leaving after school was, of course, to discuss the exam. They needed to prepare thoroughly, and they certainly couldn't have Kana drinking until the day of the exam.
That evening, in the guild's small courtyard, Rod, Mira, and Elfman were joined by Kana.
"You guys train here every day after work?" Kana was surprised, looking at the various training equipment and marks on the ground.
No wonder everyone said Rod was improving so quickly. It wasn't just about talent; he had put in a lot of hard work.
Rod said, "We've been doing this for a while now. The cold weather has been a bit of a nuisance, but it's also good for building up our resistance to the cold."
Gray mentioned that he wasn't naturally immune to the cold either; resistance could be trained.
"Even Mira..."
Mira, who was doing some warm-up exercises, smiled and said, "I occasionally like to get moving and can also act as a coach for them."
"Ah, I see." Kana nodded, no wonder they said that Rod and Mira's relationship was progressing as quickly as his skills.
"Don'tlook at me like that, as if I have some ulterior motive." Rod waved his hands.
"Let's get to the point. Since we've decided to form a team for the exam, teamwork and synergy are crucial. So from today, you also need to—"
Rod's voice trailed off as he grew more anxious. Talking about building synergy with another girl in front of Mira felt insane.
Fortunately, there was a special reason, and Mira supported his choice of Kana.
"Got it!" Kana immediately joined the warm-up exercises. "What's next?"
"Uh... don't rush. Although the master said the official start is in a week, I believe the exam has already begun.
"The first step is gathering information. I need to know the content of past S-class exams to try and predict this year's content, then do some targeted training."
Three years of S exams, one year of practice.
This should be the easiest information to get, whether from Kana or Mira.
"Each year's content is different, usually divided into three stages. The first stage is not too difficult, but the second stage involves S-class mages or competition with other participants. The third stage—"
Kana looked troubled; she hadn't made it to the third stage, so she looked at Mira.
Mira apologized, "Sorry, I can't reveal the content of the exam."
Past exam content must remain confidential... Rod thought for a moment and asked, "What if I cling to your leg?"
Elfman stepped forward, his fists clashing, "I'd throw you, man!"
Mira covered her mouth and chuckled.
"..." Fine, Rod gave up on trying to get information from Mira, "Kana, tell me more details."
"Sure." Though it was an unpleasant experience, seeing Rod's serious expression, Kana recounted the contents of the first three exams.
Rod listened and took notes; these were valuable experiences to infer the examiner's intentions.
He couldn't help but recall his high school teacher's advice: 'You need to understand the examiner's intent. What aspect of knowledge is he trying to test with this question?'
After finishing, Kana looked a bit downcast, "All these are failed experiences. Is this information even useful?"
"Of course." Rod closed his notebook, "From the exam content, the master already gave us the answer yesterday."
"Answer?" Kana thought for a moment, "You mean the criteria for selection eligibility?"
"Yes, ability, mindset, and character." Rod explained, "The first stage in past exams was a basic question, testing our ability to handle common challenges, whether by magic or teamwork.
"The second stage was an advanced question, testing our raw strength. Whether by brute force or cleverstrategy, you must pass the S-class mage test or overcome competitors.
"The third stage, without references, can only be speculated." Rod looked into Mira's eyes, "I guess it tests overall ability, perhaps a specific task or a simulated mission set by the master, with scoring based on task completion."
Mira's eyes showed a hint of surprise, and Rod felt he was at least partly right.
"Then comes the specific analysis. The exam takes place in the Croba Grand Canyon. I've studied it a bit; the terrain is complex, so possible questions could be—"
(End of Chapter)
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