《The Novel's Sidekick》Chapter 09: Second Round
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Q: What was Yeriel’s mistake?
A: The dream of knowledge and a broader world.
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"Congratulations to the fifty of you," Rosalyn told the youths before her. After eliminating everyone else but these fifty, the hall turned far more vacant than before. "Sadly, the test is not over yet. There is no elimination in the next two rounds. Afterwards, we will select the pupils. Do not worry about anything else and just focus on achieving your best."
I controlled myself far better than I had expected, though I knew it was nothing but a delay for later. Elinor, the thin girl—the person who made me suspicious about many things—came back before me. She had not spoken a word to me, nor did she appear to be in a bright mood.
I was wondering if my appearance changed the timeline in any way. Surely, there was the butterfly effect, but I have done almost nothing to change the world.
In the book, Edward had no twin brother or sister, but Elinor appeared to have one, or had one, however, they all were dead now.
Other than the intervention of our Friend, The Almighty Author, nothing makes sense. I only hope this kid has the same two abilities as Edward or else the world may already be doomed.
I sighed inwardly and tried to ignore the striking oddity before me. Well, ignoring things was one of my specialities, so it was not that difficult. At least, not now. I had to prepare for the examination. Though I have some clues about how the next two rounds will go, I have no clear notion of how well I will do. I had prepared nothing, nor had I studied, as I knew a couple of days would not be enough.
My memory was not the problem here. As I said before, I have an almost photographic memory. It was just that I did not have the books to prepare for it. I can only borrow books or read books from the Knight division of the archive. There were still other ways, but I figured there was no need, so I have been inclusive with myself for a broader perspective, only training my spirit energy, and noting down all the important stuff that will happen in the future as well as the 1000 questions.
The admission mostly depends on the innate talent that I have and my ability to learn new things. I am almost the best at the former, but for the latter, I should have some talent—unsure how much, though. The next two tests were just a formality for me and the other two with the highest grade of Spirit Force and Affinity. I guess I will do fine, but I will need to take the test to find out how fine it will be.
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The second round was the least important to my knowledge. It was a written test to see how much the candidates knew about the order of the Magi and other things such as history, science, geography, math, etc.
The few instructions brought me, along with the forty-nine others, to another room. They announced the rules for the written test and mentioned another time that there was no elimination.
I took a seat in a corner and saw the thin girl sitting on the desk across from it. The prince took one in the other direction as the instructors brought in the question sheet.
For some reason, I felt a little nervous. It has been quite a while since I last took any tests, not to mention that the fate of this world and mine somewhat depends on it.
I skimmed through the entire question sheet, trying to find any questions I could answer. My lips twitched at once. It was a good thing there was no elimination in this round. It looks like I have to give my best in the next round.
Well, it was not like I could not answer any of the questions. I could answer a couple of questions about the general herbs that could be used for healing. I answered a few more questions on the subject ‘The History of the Realm’ and as for the question about general sorcery, I answered a few, though I have no idea if any of it was entirely true. Getting a passing grade will be tough, but I could possibly get close to it.
That reminded me that there was no passing grade. It was just to check if the students had previously had any introduction to sorcery or magic so that they could prepare the curriculum and allocate resources accordingly.
Though only three or four out of all will get to the authentic magic department, a few might get the chance to learn in the 'lesser-talent' classes.
Within half an hour, I had finished my exam. I looked around and saw others with deep frowns or beads of sweat on their faces. As if they were having life and death battles with the test paper.
The prince, as it was expected of him, seemed to be doing well, whereas Elinor was wholeheartedly focused on the test she was taking.
I did not wait for the exam to end, but stood up and delivered my answer sheets to the instructor before leaving to get fresh air.
The sun was brimming with splendour in the wintery atmosphere. A slow gust of wind blew from the mountain in the south, carrying the dry leaves. Rows of large naked trees stood at the embarkment of the academy, their branches swaying a little along with the wind.
I strolled along the path before taking a seat on a bench. Warders had already sent away the eliminated candidates, and the place was now empty. I had not had my breakfast yet, so I took the container I had brought out of my bag.
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Among a few of my redeeming abilities, cooking is one. A man needs to have some hobby. An interest to waste time. I would not consider myself a top chef, but I am confident enough to open a diner, though I have no intention of doing that.
I just made my food to keep my mind busy, or I would have been worrying about the things that I have no way of affecting. I kept my mind busy almost all the time and with that came tiredness, so I got a good night's sleep most of the time.
The container could not keep the food warm. I had the idea of warming it up with the flames of purgatory, but chose not to. I would probably burn it with my poor control over the ability. It was still as dominating as ever.
Even if the food was cold, somehow it still tasted good. Only the egg felt a little repulsion, but the vegetables were far better than in my old world. I had never been good with most of the vegetables, but some of them can be changed now.
"How did your exam go?" the thin girl said, strolling silently on the green lush grass.
Seeing her face, the questions came to me again, and I could not help but stare at her blankly.
"You look really foolish, you know." Elinor said, taking a seat next to me."I reckon your test did not go well."
"I can say the same to you," I replied, and I did not forget to stuff my mouth with the food. "Not even half the time has passed, yet you are here."
The thin girl snorted. "There was not a single question I could not answer," she said proudly.
The way she said it showed she was not proud of it. As if it was natural for her to do that. 'Dear lord,' I thought, 'Even their personalities are the same.'
"Why do you look pensive, then?" I asked, fidgeting with my food. "Do you think it is unfair? That you cannot see your family anymore?"
I did not know why I asked that. Perhaps the worrisome thoughts I was bottling up leaked their way out. Her and my situations are different, but neither of us can see our families again.
"Can I have some water?" She did not answer the question, instead asked for water while looking down at her feet.
My palm stopped as I recalled that the girl before me probably had eaten nothing. There was not much food left for me to share with her. I swallowed the last bit of it heavily and cursed my insensibility inwardly.
I gave her the flask of water and found an apple and a couple of bananas inside my bag. That would not be enough for her, but that was the best I could offer at the moment. She did not take it at first, but after insisting a couple of times, she finally took it, though she did not eat them outright.
I wondered what I would do with her. What will I do she is the protagonist? I had no answer.
"Do you know how much the tuition costs here?" she asked.
That was what she worried about. It appeared she was quite confident about getting in. Well, if both her and Edward's origins were the same, then there was no need for her to worry.
"The bare minimum should be a couple of thousand dynes for a month," I said and could not help but sigh. "To have a proper education without worrying, it would be about ten thousand dynes." The numbers sounded heavy to even me. "But you can get by with less in the first few months."
Even though the girl appeared to be expecting it, she flinched at hearing it out of my mouth. She appeared far more depressed than Edward was—though that was probably one of the effects of being a girl. To be fair, Edward was just as depressive, but he could hide it well.
I stood up, carrying my stuff. I can do nothing to soothe her now, nor will I like to do. 'If she really is the protagonist, she needs to solve her problem on her own.'
"With the scholarship and doing some errands for the academy, you could get the bare minimum for the tutelage," I said and looked at the broken white clouds in the sky. "And you can get a sponsor if you like. There should be plenty to take someone of your talent. Although it comes with a price."
I saw her nod, even though she did not say a word or eat the fruits I gave her. There was half an hour left before the next round. I could not worry about someone else, even if that person turned out to be the protagonist.
"I am really glad to learn you did not turn into what the rumours say."
I turned at her words and stare at her for a while. She said nothing, not even glance at me. Shaking my head, I left her with those words and went inside the academic building to prepare for the next round.
__________________________
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Armored
600 years have passed since the fall of civilization. The earth went through massive changes and core beasts now reign supreme. All that still exists of mankind are ruins and a scattering of walled cities. Festering pits of the worst humanity has to offer, protected by "knights" clad in a mech-like technology called armor. Nobles rule over everyone, little more than warlords. The middle class wants to make a buck and become nobles. And the rats want to survive. But everyone wants a piece of the ancient technology lost to mankind hundreds of years ago. Find one piece and it could change your life forever. For better or worse. This is my second attempt at a story. I haven't been writing for more than 3 or 4 months all combined. I hope to improve as I go. This is first and foremost a learning experience for me.
8 167Azeal Neralum
***WILL BE CONTINUED BY TheJuggernaut***WILL BE REMOVED FROM HERE TO THERE*** What are we but a collection of memories? Each, defining who we are and what we think. But, what if we lost that mental capability, it being shattered almost beyond repair? Would we be the same people although we haven't 'experienced' anything? What would happen when an ordinary man dies, his memories of everything he cared about and loved taken away from him. Where only great pain and suffering could help him remember? This is the story of a man who is named Azeal. Losing everything he was, he reverts to being a child. Yet, the world he lives in is not kind. It a dark world filled with death and destruction. Follow Azeal as he walks a path of mental and emotional instability as he finds who he was and accomplishes his greatest goal; to protect his family from evil and darkness. Amazing cover was done by Wizard-Hunter on Wattpad! Simply Amazing!
8 113The Divine Works
The world was prophesied to end at 2012, on December 12th. It did, in a way, just not the way people thought. On December 12th, when the clocks read 12 all the way across, a new God appeared and demanded the world submit to him. Many years later, the world has changed into what he designed it, with people who are loyal to him and live in the peace he has created. His children and grandchildren create the pantheon.However, none is more feared that his Grandson Aleksandor, the God of Madness. Who's task given to him upon reaching adulthood was to punish the sinners in hopes they may repent and one day be reborn so they may try again for a better life. All his divine life, Aleksandor has known the bitter cold of hate and fear. No mortal prays to him, the evil God. They all, no matter the person, completely shun him. Until Alyson is born. Her life has not been an easy one. Not many know that her birthday coincides on that of the ""Evil"" Gods. Not may know that he has blessed her with a gift. Her parents have done everything they can to make her forsake this God, but nothing has worked. As her marriage day draws near, and the insanity that is her family gets worse, she turns to the one God she knows can hear her prayers, and will answer. But her wish comes with a price. Will it be able to save not only her, but the ""Evil"" God as well, or will they all down spiral into madness?
8 171Marked Soul
The story of a mere commoner the Gods and Goddesses have chosen. That person then went through many trials. The struggle was difficult and life-threatening. In the end, the journey brought change to the world, for better or worse. The legend of a person with unknown origin summoned as a cry of help in time of despair. A sacred mission then given to that person. Attacked and tempted along the way, the person finally completed the mission and the disaster that threatened the world was avoided.The myth that a soul called again after finally finished its worth of life. Blessed with precious memory and skill, they are inspired to bring a better living to the person they hold dear. Through long and dangerous ordeal, they finally managed to not only rescue their loved ones, but also make a legacy in the world.Different stories. Different times. Different people. Different souls. But each and every one of them has at least one thing similar. And that is the fact that their souls are different. Their souls are marked, one way or another.So let's follow one of them. A man that has seen more than his 'eyes' should ever see. Walk his story as he fulfills his duty as the the 'Watcher', the one who will deal with the trouble the other Marked Soul made.*Note: This is a slow pace story. I just want to say that first.
8 182Surviving Babel
Welcome to Babel, Player! Congratulations on being chosen. Prepare for a realm of endless adventure, excitment, riches, and glory! Babel is committed to seeing you succeed in all your pursuits no matter what they will be. Your friendly, one-of-a-kind Moderator will always be waiting and watching, ready to assist whenever you need it! Gain levels, earn fortunes, master godlike powers, and traverse an endless expanse of realms ranging from the age of dinasours to domains of galactic empires! Not even the stars are the limit! Once again, welcome! Now that's enough talking. Jump on in and begin exploring Babel! *Please note that BABEL Inc. is not liable for any psychological, emotional, or physical trauma incurred during your service inside or outside Babel. You hereby accept Babel's authority in the decision and execution of appropriate punishment toward Players failing to meet their agreed agendas and contracts. Continued failure to meet agreed standards will result in termination.
8 187E.C.H.O.
Working for E.C.H.O, an organization which does literally anything for high paying clients, Lucas has done more than...well the average teenager his age. From hacking into government databases, infiltrating guerilla groups overseas, and jumping out of planes while being shot at, he would rate his life as somewhat exciting. However, despite all the successful jobs he's completed, Lucas is about to face his biggest challenge yet...to infiltrate Ellison Boy's High. Will he succeed in his mission or will things end up a complete disaster? His journey and the final outcome, my dear reader, depends on you.
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