I Have been Reincarnated As a Lazy, Arrogant Noble, but When I Destroyed The Scenario Through Effort, I Became The Most Powerful With Extraordinary Magical Power - 156

Chapter 156: The Day of the Partner Exam

“Shari, let’s go.”

“Yes, uh, wait a moment.”

On the day of the exam, Shari, running a bit late, arrived at the front of the building where we had arranged to meet. Fumbling in her pocket, she pulled out something.

It was a bracelet made of special thread.

“A magical tool? Unauthorized items are prohibited, you know.”

“Just a little charm. I made it today to secure the top spot.”

“…If you have time for that, you should focus more on training.”

“Yes, yes, I apologize.”

Interrupting my words, Shari skillfully put on the bracelet.

She’s definitely the type to be a bit pushy.

Honestly.

“Don’t worry. Today, I will definitely win. Because I can’t afford to let you lose.”

“Hah, I get it.”

We’ve become stronger. Acquired new abilities, practiced our teamwork to death.

But it’s not just us.

There are unexpected combinations that weren’t in the original story.

Well, looking forward to it.

◇

The exam venue is an old forest owned by Nobles, with an abandoned village that’s no longer in use.

There are cliffs, caves, and plenty of hiding spots.

In the original, it’s unclear because time scenes skip, but I didn’t expect to travel by boat again.

We, gathered there, were waiting with our respective partners.

Alan and Cynthia seem to have become closer than before.

To say there’s no jealousy would be a lie, but it was more interesting that it was the same as the original.

“Why are you laughing? Is that your thing?”

“Shut up, Shari.”

“Yes, yes.”

Honestly, things are getting out of hand.

This time the exam is random.

I prefer a simple battle royale.

And as usual, Chloe takes the lead.

In her hands, she holds a box.

“Let the exam begin. Each representative of the partners, please come forward. There are name tags inside. Confirm them with each other. Never show them to anyone else.”

It’s a rule I don’t know, but it’s not unusual at Nobles. Because the exams are created by each instructor.

With Milk Sensei and Coco becoming instructors, things must have changed.

As a representative, I took the tag and approached Shari, showing it.

It said, “Alan, Cynthia.”

After it was distributed to everyone, the explanation began.

“The name tags you drew earlier are your targets. Look at your chest.”

Surprised by Chloe’s words, everyone looks at their chest.

It’s the usual training uniform, but there, their own names appear.

“When you defeat the target, the target’s name will be written below your name. For example, if my target is Milk Sensei and I manage to defeat him, the name will be added below my name. The target’s points are three. It’s a tag match, so if you defeat the other one too, it’s six points. In the exam, you need to gather a total of twelve points.”

“Isn’t that six points then?”

“Yes. Your own name tag also counts as three points, so with the tag, it adds up to twelve points. The rest will be one point each.”

I see. So, if we defeat Alan and Cynthia, we clear the points.

Or, if we defeat three unrelated guys, in other words, three pairs, it will be twelve points.

But that’s strange. I heard this exam lasts for three days.

“You must keep a total of twelve points until the final day. Additionally, this time, even if you’re defeated, you can return once. However, all your points will be transferred, so you return with zero points. If you aim for the same target or another person, as long as you can defeat at least twelve people, the exam will be cleared. However, it’s a tag match, so it’s calculated based on the total points of the two people.”

At that moment, a student raised their hand.

“For example, if that person has a lot of points and you defeat them?”

“All the points go to the one who defeated them. And, there will be announcements with magic birds this time, so everyone will know who has the highest points.”

In other words, if we defeat Alan and Cynthia, everyone will be aware of it. The more you win, the more likely you are to be targeted.

Furthermore, returning once is quite troublesome.

“Does this mean the targets can be different for each other?”

“Of course.”

“Weiss… this exam is quite troublesome, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

There are cases where Alan and Cynthia’s targets are not us. No, rather, that possibility is quite high. In other words, someone among us is in a position to be targeted.

Being the hunter and the hunted, we have to handle both at the same time.

Furthermore, the more you win, the higher your score, and you might be targeted even if you’re not a target.

This exam was better when the targets were weaker.

But I never thought it would be Alan and Cynthia.

“To clear the exam, you need 12 points. However, if you finish with more than that, you will receive additional points. However, it’s crucial to note that no matter how many points you hold, if both of you drop out due to magical energy leakage, even if it’s one second before the remaining time, it will be treated as 0 points. In that case, the points will decrease significantly.”

“What happens if you’re defeated once and become 0 points, and then get defeated again?”

“It becomes negative, leading to expulsion. However, since your chest name tag disappears, it’s possible to show the intention of not wanting to fight against the opponent. Even so, you can still be defeated, depending on the opponent.”

At those words, there was even more unrest.

Once you’re defeated, there’s no way forward. But if you end with 0 points, the points decrease significantly. Whether to take the risk and go for it or not.

Hah, interesting.

This is the most severe and enjoyable exam so far.

“Shari, understand? Even if those two are the targets—”

“No holding back. I’m also a student of Nobles.”

“That’s good then.”

Alan and Cynthia must be defeated. And, of course, whoever comes at us too.

“And the most important thing is that this time, we didn’t provide you with weapons.”

Yes, it was said that bringing in weapons is not allowed this time.

My magical tools, and of course, Liris, didn’t bring any knives.

“Inside this island, magical tools, food, water, bedding, and weapons are hidden. Magic can be used. Weapons and armor for bringing in are strictly prohibited.”

With these words, there was even more commotion.

In Nobles, it is considered that the weapon you are accustomed to is the strongest.

There are compatibilities when infusing magic, and that’s why having a beloved sword or staff is important.

With this, the discussions will change.

Carter also didn’t bring a staff.

But Cynthia’s ice sword is magic. Alan can use mimicry.

They are practically the only ones unconditionally equipped with weapons.

Honestly, Nobles, making things difficult as always.

But it won’t be all bad.

If things are hidden, it means exploration is necessary.

In that case, Shari’s traps will undoubtedly be useful.

This time too, I will take the top spot.