"She was right in doing so, not only because of the rules but because many promising mercenaries ended up dying because they overestimated their abilities. That's why we enforced this rule. Do not take offense," the Examiner said.
"No offense taken," Erik replies. "Good, now let's wait five minutes to rest. Would you like something to drink? There is a vending machine outside," the Examiner said.
Erik politely declined, saying, "No, sir, thank you."
The Examiner, having observed the entire performance, finally spoke. "All right, then, let's start by saying that was an impressive performance, Erik. Let's go through the scoring, shall we?"
"You received 10 points in Offensive Techniques. Your use of the Flyssa was superb. Your attacks were launched with exceptional precision and control, and your blade control was excellent. You also displayed a level of creativity and adaptability that is uncommon at your level, less at your age. You could easily switch between attacking and defending, and your attacks were always decisive and effective."
"You scored 10 points in Defensive Maneuvers once more. Your attack anticipation and avoidance were exceptional. While limited in this context, your use of the spaces you had available demonstrated strategic thought. Your evasive maneuvers, blocks, and parries were precise and timely, and you recovered quickly."
"You also got 10 points in Combat Effectiveness. You managed your energy perfectly, and your combat effectiveness didn't drop at any point during the fight. Your decision-making was quick and effective, and you maintained control of the fight at all times."
"9 more points for strategy and adaptability. Your battle strategy was crystal clear from the start and extremely effective. You also modified it in response to the robots' actions, turning their attacks into opportunities for your strikes, but you lacked diversity."
"Finally, ten points for efficiency. You rendered your opponents immobile with minimal movement and maximum effect. Your timing and precision were flawless, and there was no wasted movement."
The man took a brief pause before continuing. "Overall, you've shown extraordinary skill and competence for a Novice. Keep up the excellent work, Erik. I'm excited to see how you progress in your future."
Having taken in all the feedback, Erik nodded at Shand in understanding. Shand then checked his wristwatch to see what time it was, and his expression became more solemn.
"Alright, we don't have any more time to lose, Erik," he said, urgency creeping into his voice. "Your next test, the Knowledge Assessment, is in room C3. There will be another examiner there, but the test is on the computer, so their main job will be to keep an eye on you simply."
Erik listened attentively, then offered a salute of respect to Shand. "Thank you for your guidance, Shand," he responded. His voice conveyed gratitude and determination, echoing slightly in the now-silent room.
He quickly exited through the designated door, descending the corridor towards his next challenge. Erik felt prepared despite the rigors of the tests.
He was determined to prove his abilities and advance to the next rank. His strides were purposeful and assured, propelling him forward to room C3.
Erik was only irritated because all these tests were a waste of his time for him. He was eager to demonstrate his worth and validate his training and development.
On the way, he passed several other rooms, each one hosting a different test, a different challenge for different people. He could see other participants through the glass doors, their faces etched with concentration and determination.
All around him, other mercenaries were striving for their own growth and progression, each on their own unique path.
As he approached room C3, he paused briefly at the door to collect himself. Then, with a firm nod to himself, he entered, prepared to face the Knowledge Assessment.
The room was vast, filled with the low hum of holographic computers. Only one other person was in the room—a woman sitting behind a desk, idly scrolling through data on her own holographic screen. As Erik approached, the woman lifted her gaze from her screen, her eyes sharp and discerning.
"I'm Erik Kay. I'm here to take the knowledge assessment test," Erik stated confidently. The woman nodded and motioned toward one of the holographic computers.
"Log into the system using your mercenary account credentials. The test should be ready for you to start immediately," she instructed.
Erik walked over to the computer, his posture relaxed but alert. The holographic screen materialized as he entered his login information, displaying the assessment's starting page. Erik began the test with a final preparation breath.
The topics covered in the questions ranged from Thaids and their characteristics to the various types of terrain that could be found on a mission.
He was questioned about the various types of ores found all over the world, as well as the applications and values of the ores, as well as the uses of the various types of plants.
Erik was able to respond without any difficulty to these questions. This was something that he had been adequately prepared for, thanks to his extensive training and the personal knowledge that he had gained from the brain information injector.
He typed his responses with precision and self-assurance despite the rapid movement of his fingers across the holographic keyboard.
His eyes darted all over the screen as he skimmed through the questions and quickly processed the information in order to respond. The only sounds that could be heard in the room were the computers' low hum and the holographic screens' flickering every so often.
Erik completed the exam in a time that was less than twenty minutes. His last keystroke produced a faint echo in the otherwise silent room. As he relaxed his shoulders and pulled his lips into a teasing smile of contentment, he leaned back.
-Thaid knowledge score: 10
-Plant knowledge score: 10
-Terrains knowledge score: 10
-Ores knowledge score: 10
He got perfect scores on everything. When she saw the test result on her screen, the woman behind the desk arched her brows in surprise. She had expected him to take a little longer.
Erik just shrugged. The exam had been easier than he had expected. After all, knowledge was his strong suit.
"It looks like you like to read, am I right?" the woman asked.
"Not particularly," Erik replied. "But everything that could make a difference between life and death, I learned it."
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