Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

Chapter 42 Learning About the Exams

Two days before the exam. It wasn't a decent time to train for anything. No one would be training during this period. But it was important for William to understand how the exam worked and what he should expect. Gorn and William were sitting on the bed, talking about it.

"Before anything, I've never participated in these exams," Gorn said.

William was expecting to hear something similar to that, but what he heard next shook him to his core.

"But I have participated in the examination boards, so I know how the process works and the best things to do to get a good score," Gorn said.

The whole thing about Gorn's identity was just too much for William to handle. It seemed like every time, Gorn became even more mysterious.

A 'normal' person could never participate in the examination board of such a great magic academy. Hell, a 'normal' person would never participate in any board.

So how was Gorn there? A simple hunter with some good skills? William didn't believe any of that.

"I won't even ask you how you are on this board," William said, rolling his eyes at the statement.

Gorn, on the other hand, said, "I was once a teacher in that school. To become one, you don't have to go through the same exam the students go through. It was another one."

That, at least, was some explanation. William didn't push him for more answers. It was good enough for him.

"So the first part of the exam is in fact the talent thing you did. They admit people with various talents, as this is something that can be improved, and it doesn't mean you are smart or will become someone powerful. After that, those who passed the talent test will go to the second test, which is basically a field thing. They change the area every time so I don't know for certain, but expect to use your body to endure harsh conditions."

The first two tests weren't concerning to William. He knew he had a good talent, so the first test was already a win. And his body was his strongest asset, so the second test was in the bag too. But the rest of the exam was another story.

"The third exam is comprised of fights between those who have passed the other tests. Remember this clearly," Gorn said, calling for William's attention. "This test is not looking for the one who wins the fight. You get points based on your usage of the runes, the spells, how many spells you show during combat, and how well you fight. Don't go there trying to just win without showing what you are capable of."

Well, that certainly was a good piece of information; some people taking the exams would know it, and some wouldn't.

"The last part of the exam is the hardest. You'll be staying in the magic academy as if you were already a student, but you won't be before passing this test," Gorn said.

William paid close attention to what Gorn was saying. He didn't want to mess up his chance of becoming a student in that prestigious school! He wanted access to the books, the resources, the teachers that could guide him! William wanted to become stronger.

"You'll be staying for one month in the school. Not taking classes or anything, but you can use the library. Anyway, the test is essentially this: the more spells you learn during this time, the more points you get," Gorn explained.

This part worked with a points system. The lower-ranked spells earned fewer points, but they were easier to learn, so you could learn more than one during the one-month period. The higher the spell rank, the higher the points acquired.

But Gorn warned William, "You need to learn at least one spell during this time. I have seen so many students trying to learn high-ranking spells to get the highest points, and in the end, they learn nothing and lose their chances. Play it smart during this part."

"Understood."

William now knew how all the parts of the exam worked, which was huge for him.

"This won't give you a major advantage, though. The nobles already know all of this, maybe even more. But at least you are on equal terms with them," Gorn explained.

The people trying to enter the magic academy ranged from poor to rich, influential to not influential. Everyone knew the nobles had access to information the commoners couldn't get, but that didn't mean the commoners couldn't enter the magic academy. In fact, there were more commoners than nobles, and the number was steadily increasing.

Anyway, William spent the remainder of the time after that conversation resting. He rested for the entirety of the two days, only going out to eat and explore some parts of the city. He didn't train a single day. He wanted to keep his mind fresh and sharp for the upcoming tests, so it wasn't a good idea to overexert himself.

It had been a while since the last time he used his SSS skill, but he didn't have the chance during the journey—Gorn would see him use it, and that couldn't happen. But William sensed that he would be using it soon.

The morning of the first day of exams arrived, and they set off, heading all the way toward the highest part of the mountain where the magic academy was located. Could they use their griffins to get there faster? In theory, yes, but there was a barrier close to the magic academy that made flying impossible.

William noticed other students who were also heading toward the academy, just like them. In fact, he even spotted Altair, who came to talk with him. The blond lad looked as happy as ever.

"Hey, William. Excited for the tests?" Altair said; then he leaned closer to William, whispering, "Want to know how the tests work?"

That was pretty nice of Altair, being willing to share how the tests worked with William.

"Thank you, but I already know," William said, smiling. "But thank you. Not everyone seems to be willing to help."

Altair looked at the other students around them with scorn. "Yeah, you can expect these students to be mostly pricks, especially the nobles." He then added, "I know the nobles can be jerks because I am a noble myself, but I am not a jerk, obviously."

The two decided to chat during their journey to the academy. It took them around an hour of walking to get there. Altair looked somewhat exhausted.

'He certainly is not a mage who focuses on the body, like me,' thought William.

They all stopped in front of an imposing gate. The walls surrounding the school were massive, entirely made of stone. Towers stood at each corner of the school with guards stationed above, staffs in hand, ready to protect the school if anything happened.

But even before that, the school had a magical barrier protecting it. It was one of the safest places in the entire kingdom.

All the students were gathered in front of the gate, waiting for the exam supervisor to show up. They couldn't just enter; there were rules for them to follow.

William waited there, his heart beating fast and his fingers fidgeting without a break.

"Relax," Gorn said.

That wasn't enough to relax him. But he wasn't nervous because he believed he wouldn't pass the test. He was just excited to start it as soon as possible!