Chapter 97: Final exam practical part

Group fight. That's basically what our final practical exam will be like. Supposedly there is no need for all the etiquette and other non-practical stuff, as that has been evaluated by our teachers throughout the course of the year, and so what remains is to see our power and magic.

Here I am, all alone with Master Merlin. Of course, I am excited when I hear that our practical exam will be something I would easily pass, but

"That's not fair!"

"She can easily subdue all of us by herself."

"She's too powerful!"

"Just let her pass!"

"I wanted to challenge her!"

"Me too"

'!" [Others]

And so those who wanted to challenge me meet their doom as I easily win against them all. It wasn't even a fair fight, it feels like I'm bullying a baby, which is why I'm on the sidelines, commenting on the test with Master Merlin.

For this test, they will fight in a group. They can form their own group of five to eight people, and their opponents will be randomly selected against another group. The fight ends when all group members are incapacitated. Easy. Of course, winning will give you a higher score, but that alone won't guarantee you a high score in the exam. There are many other criteria involved, such as teamwork, communication, strategy used, how well they master both physical and magical abilities, how they react to other group attacks, and (secretly) their behavior. I only know that their behavior was evaluated during the course of the test when I heard the Muscle Teacher telling the others why I was on my best behavior as well. I'm not sure how they score behavior, but I guess things like etiquette are taken into account, so another thing Master Merlin deliberately didn't mention... I don't know how much it will add up to the final grade, but let's just hope for the best.

As expected, Kara, Mara, Marianne, Adnan, Tio and Neloufa are in a group. I think we will win easily if I am there, but now that I see them strategizing without me, I feel lonely. I wanted to join them just for fun! It feels lonely. Why? Why...

"Don't be sad. Just comment with me, it will be fun" [Merlin]

"Right..." [Diana]

I scan the entire group. Of course, there is safety and strength in numbers, and the general number of people per group is eight. In fact, Kara's group is the odd one out with six people. Number alone wouldn't ensure victory, though, I can tell that Kara's leadership skills make the group communicate better than the others. In fact, I can sense some disagreement among the other groups, however small, a flaw that can prove fatal. I commented on this, and Master Merlin agreed, hence a reminder from Muscle Teacher and Ms. Tiara to avoid arguing among themselves

After their discussion is finished, it's time for them to be assigned a number for their group. There are 20 groups in all. To start the day, I draw the first number and...

"Number six!" [Diana]

"As for me, number fifteen. All right, both groups, prepare for battle!" [Merlin]

As the other groups take their places, the two groups involved take their battle positions. Group number six, led by Auger, seems to have a good formation, while another group seems a bit divided. Once the battle begins, it's obvious who will win, and indeed, Auger is able to win the group battle with his spearmanship. Alas, the key factor for his landslide victory here isn't his spear skills, but teamwork and formation.

"True. Take note of this for both teams. Others should take a lesson from this as well. Now then, for the next two group, how about Ms. Tiara and I myself" [Merlin].

"Alright" [Tiara]

(Why not me...) [Muscle Teacher]

One by one, group by group, the test continues at a steady pace. There are fights that I can comment on perfectly, some needed more explanation from Master Merlin, while others I couldn't even comment on, but Master Merlin did her job well. Not only did she comment on a team as a whole, but she is also able to give individual commentary. Color me impressed. I guess it all comes down to experience. She's a legendary witch after all, and a Master to Auntie Amleth as well, surely someone like her can do this perfectly.

The last group will be a fight between Kara's group and Stacy's group. Stacy is the only female among the males, so they all protect her. A contrast to Kara's group where Adnan is the only male. It feels strange to watch, but once the battle begins, Stacy actually starts shooting her bow and arrow.

The arrow is weak, so weak in fact that I don't think Kara should use the wind spell to nullify it, but I guess better safe than sorry. Adnan will be up front, together with Mara using her wooden sword. In the middle, Kara and Marianne for magic attack and support, and in the back, Tio and Neloufa for pure support and healing. A well balanced team compared to Stacy's team, which is a pure offensive group. Of course, Adnan and Mara will be overwhelmed at the front with barrage of attack, but slowly, with Kara's command, they are able to dominate the fight. The key here is that while Stacy's group is good at offense, they lack support.

Mara and Marianne are able to deflect attacks coming at them and each other. Tio and Neloufa can use magic to distract their enemies. Mara and Adnan have good coordination between them, which is why they're able to win. Of course, they're strong, that's one thing, but against a group of eight people who keep attacking you, good communication and teamwork is also essential, hence their victory.

"All right, this is for the exam. We will announce the result of the exam next week on the first day. Please come to the parent-child meeting with your guardian. Don't be so worried that you can't sleep. Of course, don't forget to tell your parents as well... Maybe I should send my puppet to all your houses and inform your parents as well. You know what, I will do just that" [Merlin].

"PLEASE DON'T!" [All]

"Your reaction tempted me, though" [Merlin]

"Don't worry, I will make sure that she doesn't do that, but if the guardian doesn't show up, I will go to your house myself" [Tiara]

This makes me nervous...

Well, let us not think too much

To celebrate the end of the exam, the six of us go to the cafeteria and eat as much sweet as we can. Liya, whose final exam is also today, joined our group after her friend left.

Chapter end