Return of the Legendary Runesmith-Chapter 482 - 480- Give it her all

By ten o’clock, the stands were filled with students from all three years. Even the third-years were present, since only fifty students were being tested today. The rest had come to watch and mentally prepare themselves for what lay ahead

This was the final obstacle between them and their graduation scroll. The last challenge that would define all the hardship they went through in these three years.

Naturally, no one saw this assessment coming but thanks to the ambush, they got some extra time to prepare. Especially for those who were more into books than weapons.

Allen was seated with his usual group of friends, though Aries was noticeably absent. She was listed among the first to be tested that day.

Surprisingly, Allen spotted Elana in the crowd as well. She had mentioned earlier that this examination wasn’t being conducted based on a fixed sequence. After all, Aries and Elana were positioned very close to each other in the third year rankings.

She chose to not sit with them rather in a corner, all alone was quite like her.

Though Allen wanted to go and greet her, Sylvie told him to leave her alone unless he wanted to get a cold shoulder.

"What do you think?" Olivia asked, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "What are the chances of Senior Aries actually winning a round?"

Her question was met with a scoff from Sylvie.

"You’re forgetting that students aren’t allowed to use their armaments here. Even then, a student defeating an instructor sounds nearly impossible."

Allen nodded.

"You’re right about that. But I think Senior Aries would last the longest. Senior Elana once mentioned that, purely in terms of combat, Aries might actually be better than her."

Olivia gave a wry smile.

"Somehow... after her recent performances, I can barely believe there’s anyone stronger than Senior Elana among the students."

Sylvie smiled helplessly.

"The gap between her and us is just that wide."

Allen couldn’t disagree. Even though he had made significant progress over the past few weeks—especially after getting his new armament tuned by none other than Professor Adrian—he knew his limits.

He might not be frozen and defeated instantly against Elana, but no matter how many scenarios he ran through in his head, he couldn’t find a single path that led to victory against the silver-haired senior

"Oh, it’s starting," Olivia said as she noticed a familiar figure stepping onto the center stage.

The short-haired man, known to everyone in the academy, stood in the middle of the arena and addressed the students.

"I am pleased to see so many enthusiasts who have come to encourage their peers and seniors—and also to learn from them."

In truth, most were here to see what awaited them in a few weeks.

Keeping the tone positive, Rylie continued, "Remember, this assessment was added suddenly this year because our honorable Headmistress believes that students lack one of the most basic elements that separates a common man from a warrior."

He paused briefly before saying, "Physical abilities."

Locking his hands behind his back, he went on, "When you stand here, facing one of us, you must believe that this battle is not about points or results. It is about survival. Use every muscle, every fiber of your body to push us as far as you can. Because this is not only a test of your limits, but a measure of how far you are willing to go to prove yourself."

A surge of exhilaration rippled through the students. Eyes that had been darting around in anticipation steadied, and restless feet tapping against the floor finally stilled.

They all understood one thing after hearing Rylie.

This was their goal.

Give it everything.

Rylie nodded in quiet satisfaction as he saw determination ignite in the young faces before him. Then he spoke his final words,

"All right then, let’s begin."

As his voice faded, five students emerged from the preparation room.

Elana clenched her fist at her side when she spotted a familiar black-haired girl among them.

Each of the five students took a mat and stood in position, their expressions calm and composed.

While Aries maintained a calm exterior, she was anything but composed inside.

She didn’t doubt her abilities. Her father had given her a choice, and she had chosen to walk the same path as him.

She had never learned how to use a needle or a ladle. But her teacher had taught her how to swing an axe and bring down her enemies.

All that knowledge, all that pain, all that rage—she was going to pour everything into this battle.

One last time, she muttered when she sensed someone approaching. Her examiner.

She didn’t lift her head to see who it was. She simply kept her gaze lowered.

Moments later, the person stopped in front of her and dropped a wooden hammer at her feet.

Thud.

Aries frowned and lifted her head, only to freeze at the sight before her.

"Professor Adrian?"

Why was a rune instructor standing in front of her as a combat assessor?

Adrian didn’t bother satisfying her curiosity.

"Pick the weapon, if you want."

Aries blinked and looked down at the wooden hammer again.

"But... isn’t this supposed to be a hand-to-hand combat test?"

"It’s your choice, Aries," Adrian replied calmly.

The black-haired girl looked up.

"Will you be using a weapon too?"

Adrian shook his head.

Under normal circumstances, she would have pushed the weapon aside immediately if her opponent intended to fight bare-handed.

But then, a memory surfaced.

The contest from a few months ago.

The same contest that had spiraled into chaos—dragons, Acolytes, and far too much bloodshed.

Before it all went wrong, she and the others had faced Adrian as part of their training. That was when Aries learned something important.

This man was nothing like the stereotypical nerd he appeared to be.

He was fast. Sharp-minded.

Someone who had even outplayed Elana.

She had fought countless monsters and people over the past few months, but she couldn’t afford to underestimate the man standing before her.

In the end, Aries crouched and picked up the weapon.

She caught the faint smile forming on Adrian’s face as he muttered,

"Alright then, since you’ve made your decision..."

He took a battle stance before asking,

"Shall we begin?"

Aries drew in a deep breath and settled into her stance as well.

No matter how this battle ended, she was going to give it everything she had.

"Here I come."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have been enjoying the story so far, please drop a comment.