Chapter 89.1 - The First Year at the Academy - End of the Year (1)
The final event of the first year, the end-of-year exams, had arrived.
That was already my third attempt at the exams. I was completely used to it, and I gracefully failed.
By the way, the alchemy exam was rather vague, asking for the ‘best potion at the moment'. Surprisingly, it was a challenging task, and not assessed on par with previous exams.
I pretended I hadn't seen the Sisras grass nectar on my desk and opted to add detoxification and blood augmentation to a standard-quality healing potion.
It would heal wounds, boost immunity, and replenish lost blood.
This should fetch a good score.
Maybe I'll sell it to Samini.
With this, the final alchemy exam of the year came to an end, marking the conclusion of my first year at the academy.
As students cleaned up their equipment, they shared the joy of being relieved from tension.
Now, it's time for me to clean up and head home.
We have a half-month break ahead, and there's plenty to do.
As I rinsed off equipment at the water station, it seemed Elphemia and Lola had finished cleaning up early and were approaching.
With the face of an alchemist, Lola asked.
"Alter-sama, what did you concoct?"
"I added detoxification and blood augmentation to a standard-quality healing potion."
"Two types!?"
"You're making a big deal out of it. The teacher won't dance for me."
The teacher danced in front of the podium. In his hand was my potion.
Cody, with sparkling eyes, followed it like a cat.
They were still teacher and student, no matter how you looked at it.
While watching them from a distance, Lora murmured.
"I'm struggling just to make a potion… Adding extras is difficult."
"You'll have to keep experimenting with simple ingredients. You'll get the hang of it eventually."
I wiped the equipment dry and placed it in its designated spot.
"How long did it take you to add extras?"
"It varies from person to person. I don't think I'm a good reference. It's all about repetition. If you don't feel any progress, try changing the ingredients."
"Understood. I'll ask everyone to try different materials."
Saying that, Lola made a fist.
After answering more questions from Lora and exiting the hallway, Lambert, Felix, and Elliot were waiting for me.
"You finally showed up."
The two of them had struggled with written exams, but by focusing on their studies, they had regained their true abilities.
Promotion shouldn't be a problem.
Lambert patted my shoulder and made a provocative gesture.
"It's the end of the first year. Let's have a drink."
"Who are you calling an old man? Don't drink during the day."
"I don't drink during the day. It dulls my sword."
He said it with his chest puffed out, but it was quite suspicious.
Well, I had no room to talk.
"By the way, how about Elliot? Is he okay?"
"He's training today, in the backyard."
"Then maybe we should buy some souvenirs."
"Yes."
Elliot nodded with a smile.
The location was the usual cafeteria, and we headed there right away.
With a sense of relief, everyone's spirits lightened, and they became animated, discussing how to spend their time until the second year started. Of course, the topic was where to train and what materials were recommended for this season. There was no trace of childishness in their conversation. Some things never change.
However, that precarious peace was short-lived.
As I walked down the hallway, I soon sensed an unusual presence and stopped in my tracks.
Everyone else also paused, taken aback by the person who appeared from around the corner.
It was Harvis.
He noticed us and approached with a smile.
For some reason, it seemed like he was looking at me.
Lambert and the others stepped back from me, and it appeared that it wasn't just my imagination.
"Is the exam over?"
"Yes, just a little while ago."
"If you have some free time, would you spar with me?"
I was taken aback by his sudden proposal.
The surprise on Lambert and the others' faces mirrored my feelings.
"That's quite sudden. Why me?"
"In the final match of the martial arts tournament—If the current students could participate, the ones on the stage would have been you and me."
I was about to argue but held my tongue.
Oh, right, I had completely forgotten.
He had watched my battle with Goblin Leader.
Leader and Radikel—there was no comparison.
Their skills and experiences were vastly different.
But now, I was in a bind.
To be honest, I was interested.
There weren't many opponents of his caliber, and Harvis would graduate in a few days, disappearing from Selene.
It was a perfect opportunity… but how much of my strength should I show?
While I was wrestling with my thoughts, Elphemia spoke up.
"Why not? The final match of the academy didn't seem like it determined the strongest student."
"That's true. Lose, and you can come back to challenge again."
Irresponsible outsiders were quite eager.
They all seemed to think it was someone else's problem.
Moreover, Elphemia knew the reason for my dilemma. She glanced at me lightly and nodded as if to say, "Go for it.".
What's with you? Aren't you supposed to be my master?
Well, whatever. Let's see how it goes. If I sense any danger, I'll surrender.
"Let's do it, a mock battle."
"Great! Then, shall we go to the training grounds? Strangely, it's empty today."
Harvis smiled warmly.
He must be all prepared.
He had no intention of letting me off the hook.
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