Infinite Mage

Chapter 112: End-of-Term Report Card (3)

Chapter 112: End-of-Term Report Card (3)

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'My already strong mental resilience has greatly improved. Now, I can even control the Immortal Function to some extent.'

Shirone's specialty was the Defense Form of the Four Way Formation. Like most who specialized in defense, teachers had expected Shirone to become a defensive mage.

However, the Immortal Function reversed that tendency. Now, his strength in resilience became an essential element supporting his offensive power.

Around 20 seconds later, Shirone gritted his teeth and attempted the final acceleration. The score broke through 340 points as a fearsome speed caused a sonic boom.

Beep-!

The measuring time ended, and the buzzer sounded. Shirone closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Despite dozens of children gathered, silence filled the hall. Everyone was staring intently at the scoreboard.

410 points.

On average, it meant enduring 30 seconds at a rate of 13.6 pulses per second. Notably, the last 5 seconds were rapid strikes exceeding 15 pulses per second.

"It's incredible. What's with these kids lately? Are they really going to become our seniors next semester?"

"No matter what, promotion will be tough. His theoretical grades are average. Raising the score in such a short time isn't easy."

Shirone looked back at Canis. It was an unspoken declaration could he become a senior too?

"He's truly amazing, that boy."

Arin admired him with pure amazement. Infinite mental strength through the Immortal Function, and the resilience to control it. Adding to that his unique magical affinity to imbue mass into light.

He could only be described as a mage specially favored by the gods.

"Hmph, only now can he be called a worthy rival."

Canis's fighting spirit flared like never before. Initially, he thought it was just a difference in attributes. But Shirone's demonstration shattered that illusion, surpassing even in a contest of physical strength.

After glaring at Shirone for a long while, Canis turned away abruptly.

"Let's go, Arin. It seems our tour here is over."

As Canis and Arin walked away, the students felt a sense of relief. Although Shirone wasn't representative of Class Five's level, the satisfaction of outperforming a disciple of an Archmage was universal.

"Shirone, that was epic. Bombed the test, but I feel great. So what if he's an ArchMage's disciple? How dare he underestimate Class Five of the magic academy?"

"Shirone, and also Yiruki and Nade. Are you guys really planning to promote this time?"

"Well, we're just doing our best."

Shirone evaded a direct answer. However, Nade, having secured third place, was overjoyed at having passed the practical exam.

"Hahaha! Of course! Get ready to treat us seniors properly! Come on, let's practice from now. Call me 'Senior'!"

A chorus of complaints erupted from the students.

"Such arrogance! Fall flat on your face!"

"If he's a senior, I'd rather not attend school!"

"How can you be so confident about promotion when you might fail the theory? I'll pray every night you don't get promoted!"

Nade, unfazed, stood tall and laughed amidst the jeers. His amicable nature with all students made it bearable.

Shirone and Yiruki quietly slipped away.

'Ah, so embarrassing.'

The final practical exam had ended.

Summer was fading.

Cold winds blew in the mornings and evenings, and the plants prepared to don their colorful autumn attire. Yet, the days remained warm, and the children were busy burning through the last of the semester.

Only a week remained. Classes had ended the previous week, leaving only the final exams.

The exams were scheduled to start with Class Ten, proceeding daily in sequence. On the sixth day, Class Five students, with hearts about to burst, made their way to the examination hall.

Shirone's group nibbled at breakfast and arrived early at the exam venue.

The exam lasted a grueling 12 hours with only a 5-minute break. Compared to regular schools, it was almost like hard labor, but maintaining concentration was as crucial as knowledge for the students of the magic academy.

The exam questions were categorized into Types A, B, and C. The questions were the same, but the answer arrangements differed, to prevent cheating and lucky guesses.

Shirone had Type A, Yiruki had Type B, and Nade had Type C. Assigned to different examination halls, they came out to the hallway to ease their tension before the start. With half a year's worth of effort on the line, even the most mischievous couldn't help but feel stiff.

Nade shivered continuously, despite the warm weather.

"Ugh. I'm dying. How about you, Shirone?"

Realization struck Yiruki mid-sentence. "Dont tell me"

"I can't remember. What proof I thought was correct. I tried solving it again, and it's the same. But I distinctly remember agonizing over two options with just 10 seconds left."

"How many points is it worth? If you got it wrong?"

"78 points"

Yiruki and Nade grasped the gravity of the situation. The last objective question was worth two points. So, the result of this one question determined promotion or repetition.

"How can you not remember? What option number did you write?"

"Number 3. But I had Type A, so I cant verify."

Nade frantically pulled out his exam paper. The cruelly long proofs filled the page. Frankly, Nade had also gotten this question wrong. Probably, only Yiruki in Class Five could solve it easily.

Shirone, clutching his head in agony, said, "It was either 2 or 3. I remember suddenly thinking of the answer with 10 seconds left. But... I can't remember what it was."

Such a situation could occur under intense time pressure. Nade and Yiruki, long-time magic academy students, understood well enough.

But this was a matter of promotion. Failing meant another half year in Class Five.

Nade was beside himself with impatience.

"Damn! I can't wait!"

"What are you going to do?"

"We have to check it ourselves. Lets ask Teacher Siena. Shes our class advisor."

Feeling equally restless, the trio left the research group and headed for the exam hall.

As they had spent a full day grading, Class Four exams were currently underway. Sneaking into the building during lunch break, Shirone and the others waited anxiously for the teachers to return. After about 30 minutes, Siena appeared in the hallway. They rushed towards her.

"Teacher! Teacher!"

"Huh? Why are you here? Class Five's exam ended yesterday, didnt it?"

"The last objective question in the math proofs of Type A! What's the answer?"

Siena looked puzzled. Although her specialty was chemistry, she participated in grading as all teachers reviewed the papers at least three times. Even if it wasn't her field, her expertise made student-level math trivial.

"Why suddenly ask that?"

"Quickly! This is really important."

Reading the urgency in Nade's eyes, Siena recalled the last objective question, a notably challenging one that had stuck in her memory.

"Oh, that one? For Type A, it's number 2, right?"

"Number 2..."

Shirone froze as if struck by a hammer. The answer he had chosen was number 3. He had gotten it wrong. His score was 78 points. Just 2 points shy of promotion, the thought made him feel suffocated.

"Number 2... Number 2..."

Muttering the same words, Shirone suddenly grabbed the back of his neck and then collapsed. Right before hitting the floor in the corridor, Nade quickly supported him.

"Shirone! Are you okay? Snap out of it! Aren't you supposed to be invincible?"

"Number 2? Why... how could it be number 2..."

"Teacher, we have to go now! Thanks for your help!"

As Shirone was dragged away, he kept mumbling the same thing. Watching silently, Siena chuckled and returned to the teachers' lounge.

"Those kids, do they ever get tired? Always so energetic."

The teachers' lounge was bustling with grading activities. Siena, too, settled down to continue her work. Then, on a whim, she opened a drawer and pulled out the Type A math proofs paper.

"The last objective question, right?"

She reviewed the problem, mentally solving it, and then smiled brightly.

"Ah, it's number 3."

Shirone Arian. Promotion confirmed.

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