The training grounds of the academy weren’t as grand as the other buildings. Of course it was expected, but Eric was not expecting the stands to be completely empty, especially when he knew there were lots of swordmen-in-training in the academy, and it was really time for classes.
He waited beside a middle-aged man with tied blond hair and a goatee, standing in the middle of the training ground. All about there were training equipment such as wooden figures, dummy targets, prop weapons and so on. But what caught his attention was a big, black round boulder positioned at a corner of the open ground.
"Is that what I think it is?"
The man glanced sideways at him and dryly laughed as if he’d heard near Eric talks.
"You must learn to show respect to the higher-ups here, boy. Don’t you dare speak to a master swordsman like that," the man said afterwards, in the thickest voice Eric has ever heard.
"Respect," he said, absentmindedly. It sounded like nothing he’d never heard.
"Yes. And yes, that’s a boulder. It’s commonly used for tests of strength. I’d have loved to start today’s test with that, but seeing how scrawny you are, I don’t think you’ll be able to lift a sand bag talk more of pushing a boulder."
’Did this man just call me weak?’
"But I think I can push it, at least halfway across the field," Eric said firmly. "You can try me."
A slight smirk escaped from the man "You seem to have forgotten that you took a Stat assessment test at the Archon’s before you were enrolled. I have the results of your last tests with me.
"If I was S-ranked, I’d use my system to inspect yours and get the accurate results but I don’t think it will be that different from the data got from the crystal-powered device. So, let’s begin."
’Everyone I’ve met in this world has dealt me one blow or the other.’
The man, dressed in blue shining armor walked to the center of the ground. His sword swinging from his hip, beating against his lap.
"As you can see from the structure of this training ground, it’s supposed to be a scene where everyone gathers on the stands and watch the freshmen take the tests that determine the ranks as a recruit. But it’s empty today because you joined at the middle of the school year. You are the weird freshman. And nobody is willing to ditch classes to watch a weak boy take the tests. That is too great a risk to take, considering the punishment for such act."
"I get the message," replied Eric, frowning.
’Do you have any idea what rank this rusty man carries, system?’
[I can only give a guess, since he hasn’t used an ability or effect on you yet, and neither has he displayed how strong he truly is.]
[But he should be between B- and A-rank. He already admitted he’s not S-ranked. He also called himself a master swordsman, so he could be strong anywhere to be between B- and A-rank.]
’Thanks for the info. I wonder what kind of outcome the mama of an A-rank swordsman would give when consumed.’
[I wonder too. You’d probably get a reward or something. But who knows?]
"Hey, boy! Are you staring of your system while I’m talking? What’s so interesting about those weak stats that you have to keep checking?" The man’s voice boomed, echoing down the empty stores of the training ground.
"Umm... I wasn’t staring at my system," Eric replied. "I was just thinking of how awesome it might be to become a powerful swordsman like you," Eric said, lying and hoping that calms the teacher’s temper.
And it did. The man flashed a beautiful smile at Eric.
’Hey, isn’t it easy to deal with humans when all they want is praise of their name?’
[You are one to talk]
"Alright boy. If you want to be a swordsman like me, then I can be your mentor if you want. But first we must conclude the test and see your areas of improvemen. Get on here.
"The first part of the test is, of course, the test of strength. But I’m not making you push that boulder. There are a few other weights to pull and asides the boulder."
They get into a certain corner of the training ground where heavy equipment was placed in a circle on the floor. It was dusty and obvious that no one had been here for a while now.
"Umm... master swordsman, which of the weights am I pulling?" Eric asked.
"You can call me Max, Master Max!" the teacher said, "and right here is the weight you’re going to pull?"
Max concluded as he went to stand in front of a hanging machine that stood just at his eye level. It was hung against the wall with a thick metal bar jutting out from a hanger - with the metal bar having a handle attached, loaded with leather for a comfortable grip.
Master Max simply raised his hand and yanked the weight down with a simple, swift movement of his arm. The handle lowered as it was forcefully drawn down by Max. The chain rattled as the metal bar was being pulled down till the chain reached its full length and there was no further space to draw.
At this point Max had held his hand in place, positioned at the lower level of his body, as he breathed. As soon as he released the handle, the weight machine made a lot of noise as the chain was pulled back in, followed by the leather handle.
’Wow! That thing must be heavy as hell, but look how easily he drew it, like he was simply taking a dress out of the wardrobe.’
[His strength test should be well over 80 pts]
"Your test begins, Eric. Let’s see how many points you can acquire for the test of strength!" Max bellowed, grinning despite himself.