Lightning Overworld
The piercing sound of the school bell rang out, echoing down the cafeteria walls. Two students jolted in place.
"The bell?! Already?!"
Donald dropped his tray onto the table and sprang to his feet. Lunin Edevane stayed calm for a second longer, tightening his grip on the table. His thoughts raced.
"Are we late again?"
"Run, Lunin! Class E's being summoned to the field! Physical test time!" Donald shouted, already halfway through the cafeteria.
Lunin sighed, standing up. He chased after Donald, weaving through the crowd with a single thought in mind:
"This time... I'll prove myself."
Academy Field – Test Grounds
By the time they arrived at the outdoor training area, most of Class E was already lined up. Lunin and Donald burst through the trees and skidded to a halt.
The instructor spotted them instantly.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, with short hair and a long scar across his face. His glare could shatter steel.
"You think this is a game?! Do your families teach you nothing?! What kind of responsibility is this?!"
Donald shrank behind Lunin, sweat pouring down his forehead. Lunin stood firm, heart pounding.
Then, an idea flashed in his mind — a way out.
"I am... Lunin Edevane," he said clearly, lifting his chin.
The instructor narrowed his eyes. That name carried weight. Nobility had its burdens — and its shields.
"...Get in line," the man barked.
The Test Begins
The instructor stepped in front of the class, his voice sharp and steady.
"I won't teach you anything today. Not yet. Before I instruct, I need to know who you really are. Your first evaluation... is physical."
Murmurs spread through the line. Some students looked anxious. Others chuckled nervously. For magic-focused students, physical exams were a nightmare.
"First test: Endurance. A one-hour run. I will adjust the pace at my discretion. Fall behind, and you fail."
And with that, the test began.
The Weak Fall Early
Within minutes, several students began to falter. Sweat poured, legs trembled. Some tried using magic to support their breathing or muscles — but it didn't help for long.
Lunin's rhythm was steady. Years of farm work left his muscles conditioned and his breathing controlled. He didn't need shortcuts.
Donald, surprisingly, kept up right beside him, almost matching his steps.
But not everyone played fair.
Devin Kurogane vs. Sora Valenhard
Halfway into the run, Devin Kurogane veered off slightly, moving under the shade of a tree. His pace slowed, arms limp. He looked around and feigned exhaustion.
"No big deal," he muttered. "This is a magic school, not a boot camp."
But a sharp gaze had locked onto him.
Sora Valenhard.
Her crimson hair flowed in the wind, eyes narrowed with precision. She sprinted closer, her voice cold.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Devin flinched. "Cooling off in the shade. We're not soldiers, you know."
"Rules are rules, Kurogane. You're either part of the class, or you're in the way."
Devin laughed mockingly. "You just want to suck up to the instructor, don't you? Look perfect. Get ahead."
Sora stepped forward again, her eyes like blades.
"You're a coward hiding behind arrogance. I'm reporting you."
She turned and began sprinting toward the instructor.
"Wait, you're seriously snitching? Over this? You're unbelievable!"
Sora didn't look back. Moments later, the instructor's cold voice rang out.
"Kurogane. Since when was that spot part of the test route?"
Devin tried to play innocent. "I—I just needed a breather, sir. My mana reserves—"
"Enough. You're disqualified."
"But—!"
"Out."
Devin stared at Sora, stunned and red-faced. She didn't even glance at him.
Results
As the test wrapped up, the instructor gathered the students.
Most were bent over, wheezing. Others had collapsed. Only a few still stood straight.
"Only a handful performed adequately. The rest of you... I'll be working with you individually. Your physical condition is abysmal."
"Ranking time. Based on performance, here are the current standings:"
1st – Lunin Edevane & Donald Merrick
2nd – Rakan Thorne(the muscle-head red-haired guy)
3rd – Sora Valenhard
4th – Elara Myles(the silent, sharp-eyed girl with glasses)
5th – Kai Juno
6th – Devin Kurogane
The rest? Too weak to even make the list.
Ending Scene – A Quiet Confrontation
As the students dispersed, Lunin wiped sweat from his brow. Donald leaned back, still panting, trying to joke between breaths.
Suddenly, Sora approached. No smile, no words of praise — just a calm gaze.
"Are you really a noble?"
Lunin froze. His heart skipped.
"Did I slip? Did I say something wrong?"
But Sora only shrugged.
"Maybe I misunderstood. Never mind."
And with that, she turned and walked away.
Lunin watched her go, deep in thought.
"Did I already get too involved with the upper ranks...?"
End of Chapter 9