United in Hatred Arc: Chapter 17.
Winter went through the door to his left, entering a wide courtyard. There was a small makeshift arena in the middle of the courtyard. Two people can be seen conversing inside the makeshift arena.
(That mini arena — it's like a big boxing ring...)
They were both wearing leather armor, but theirs was more rugged compared to Winter's. They instantly noticed Winter but kept quiet; they were silently assessing him.
Wooden mannequins showing various signs of use were on the left side of the courtyard, and on the right side were mock weapons: wooden swords, wooden polearms, wooden axes, and wooden spears. These four were the most common weapons used by adventurers.
"Are you here for an assessment?" The taller one said with a rough voice. He approached Winter with guarded steps. The man had a receding hairline and a scar on his left cheek. His eyes were dark and piercing.
(Must be some kind of veteran...) Winter thought while handing over the stamped form.
The man read the form for a moment, then put on his eyeglasses, took out a pencil, and finally signed the form. "After you're done with this aptitude test. You must present this completed form at counter seven and pay one hundred pisas. Then you'll receive a plate and your identification." The man then returned the form.
(Even in this medieval fantasy world. I just can't escape bureaucracy, huh?) Winter silently nodded, taking the form and then folding it.
"Please head to the right side and pick any weapon that you fancy. After that, meet me in the arena. I'm your assessor for today. My name is Ahe Leley Ahe Lelas."
"That man over there is a certified medical professional. Any injuries, pain, and discomfort experienced after the assessment will be managed by him." Instructor Ahe Leley Ahe Lelas said, pointing to the man he had a conversation with earlier.
"It's free too, so no need to pay me." The man waved with a smile. "My name is Lee Bellat."
"My name is Winter Icecream, and I understand," Winter said, approaching the neatly tidied wooden weapons and looking for the right fit.
A heavy sigh. (I don't like swords, but whatever...)
(I can't wait to cast magic...)
◆ [Analyzing Target: He walks with a slight limp, favoring his left leg, most likely a career-ending injury. A typical veteran with multiple combat experiences. He doesn't show any hostility. Verdict: Aim for the right leg if you prefer. ] ◆
"I am not going to treat this as a proper battle; this is merely an assessment," Winter whispered, rolling his eyes, entering the makeshift arena.
Instructor Ahe Leley Ahe Lelas entered the ring and unsheathed a wooden sword. "This isn't a proper fight, but I want you to treat it like one." With that, the man charged forward and thrusted his sword forward, but Winter subconsciously dodged it by stepping aside.
"Eh?" The instructor was fast, leaving Winter to only react with shock. *Wham!* Winter was kicked in the stomach, sending him backwards. The instructor charged and struck his sword again, but this time, it was parried by Winter.
"If you have any techniques. It's better to show me." The instructor then swiftly dodged Winter's kick and jumped away, creating some distance.
"Minor Strength, Minor Speed."
The instructor activated two techniques and charged forward again.
Minor strength provided a slight increase in one's strength and power. A common basic technique for most adventurers. Minor speed provided a slight increase to one's overall speed, including combat, by making the user lighter.
Winter parried the relentless barrage of sword strikes, always barely dodging. Winter aimed a kick towards the instructor's right leg, but the instructor managed to dodge it in time. However, that dodge created an opening that allowed Winter to deliver a punch straight to the abdomen. *Wham!*
The instructor winced and leaped backwards, creating some distance. "Shit, you hit hard, kid."
(That was very cheap. Aiming for this veteran's weak spot. I can't help it, though, I was getting overwhelmed.) Winter thought with a slight grimace.
(Alright, time to get serious.)
"Minor Strength, Minor Agility, Minor Speed, Fleet-foot."
Winter activated four techniques and charged, almost instantly appearing in front of the instructor. *Wham!* Winter delivered a straight punch to the instructor's abdomen.
The instructor groaned and collapsed. He was caught off guard by Winter activating four techniques at once. The sound of a loud horn resonated around the courtyard, signaling that the fight assessment was over.
"That was too much!" Lee Bellat shouted, hurrying to the collapsed Instructor Ahe Leley Ahe Lelas. His hands glowed while muttering an incomprehensible chant, causing both his hands to glow and slowly send out a wave of green energy.
"Faith-based healing..." Winter muttered and then kneeled beside the instructor. His face was full of regret; he wanted to show off a little, but he ended up seriously hurting his instructor.
"Thank you, Bellat. I can manage now." Instructor Ahe Leley Ahe Lelas said with a pained smile. He turned to Winter with a chuckle and a thumbs-up. "You passed."
"Good thing you used your fists. If you had used your sword, I would've been in a more dangerous situation." Instructor Ahe Leley Ahe Lelas said while breathing heavily. "With your ability to cast four techniques at once, you're going to be a star someday." He said, causing Lee Bellat to raise a brow.
"You seldom give a compliment," Lee Bellat added.
"I give one when it's deserved."
"So, you really are okay?" Winter said, genuinely worried.
"I'll be fine. In this line of work, getting hurt is a common thing. It's somewhat a good thing too, they'll add a hazard pay to my salary this week." The instructor joked while Lee Bellat helped him up and guided him towards a cot.
"Go on, kid."
Winter nodded and heavily exhaled. He silently exited the courtyard and presented the stamped form at the specified counter, counter seven.
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"When's the last time we've ever had that kind of talent?" Lee Bellat said while focusing a healing beam on the abdomen where a purple bruise was spread.
"There was that woman a few months ago. Then that arrogant pissant noble years ago."
"Yeah, he's the leader of that [Night Generals] party, right?"
"Yeah, that Winter kid is like that pissant without the attitude and nasty personality." Instructor Ahe Leley Ahe Lelas said as he winced. "Ah shit, it felt like my guts were twisted."