Chapter 3
The ability called Spatial Movement is one of those powers that always comes up when people talk about superpowers, and it’s probably something everyone has dreamed of at least once.
What could be more convenient than closing your eyes in the middle of a crowded street and opening them to find yourself back in your room?
Also known as teleportation, this ability has far more applications than one might think.
Used simply as a means to move from one space to another, it offers great convenience, fulfilling its role as a “transportation ability.” However, it can be applied in ways other than just travel.
The most straightforward use of this power is to integrate it into combat.
Whether it’s swordsmanship or magic, it’s incredibly versatile.
“The final exam will test the combat skills of our examinees, and this year’s challenge is called ‘Golem Hit.’”
Murmur, murmur—
‘Already the last exam?’
Perhaps everyone was thinking the same thing as me; the moment the examiner said “final exam,” the hall filled with murmurs.
It was like showing up for a national exam only to find there were just ten questions on it.
It was perfect for me.
“The exam is simple. You’ll be evaluated on how many hit points you can score against an automatic golem developed by the academy. The golem is not programmed for offensive attacks but does have very basic counterattack programming, so please keep that in mind.”
‘Hmm.’
From the examiner’s description, it didn’t seem like this test would be particularly challenging, just like the previous ones.
In short, we just had to fight a golem that only counterattacks occasionally and doesn’t initiate attacks.
“To prevent any cheating or unfair methods, the exam will take place in a special area we’ve prepared. Each examinee will fight their golem one-on-one in an isolated space designed so that no other examinee can observe them. Our proctors will monitor all events in real-time, so please refrain from any dishonest conduct.”
After the examiner mentioned it was the final test, the hall grew noisy for a moment, but as he continued, the atmosphere gradually quieted down.
‘The setup isn’t bad.’
After hearing that the final exam was a test of combat skills against a golem, I understood the setup of the previous two tests.
The first test took less than five seconds and barely qualified as a real exam.
It involved placing a hand on one of the academy’s self-developed magical crystals, which would glow blue for a pass or remain unlit for a fail.
This was a test that appeared to measure basic mana levels or potential, used to weed out examinees who didn’t meet the academy’s standards.
Since anyone who showed up for the exam likely met the minimum standards, I expected most would pass the first test, but surprisingly, many failed to make the crystal glow blue and were eliminated.
If the first test was a “basic qualification” test, the second test was more intensive.
The second test was designed to gauge each examinee’s “specialty” by having them hit a barrier with their best skill.
Some swung swords, others shot arrows, and some used magic to attack the barrier in their own way.
Breaking or cracking the barrier resulted in an automatic pass, but examinees who failed to damage it could still pass at the discretion of the proctor.
“This time, your score in the golem hit test will determine your final exam grade, so please give it your all. Now, we’ll begin.”
‘Ah.’
Both the first and second tests were simple pass-fail exams, so I’d been wondering how they would determine the top scorer. The examiner’s explanation cleared that up.
The first two exams were just the minimum requirements to proceed to the final test, which was the real deal.
‘I need to do well here to take the top spot.’
The thought of competing for a higher score after so long reignited my competitive spirit.
I didn’t know the exact skill level of the other examinees, so I resolved to give it my all if I wanted to come out on top. Soon enough, my turn arrived.
“Alright, the next group of ten. We’ll transport you to the exam location.”
As the examiner spoke, light appeared beneath my feet, and a stone golem suddenly materialized in front of me.
‘It’s been a while since I experienced a warp spell.’
Alongside random thoughts, I quickly surveyed my surroundings.
I was in a circular arena with a diameter of around 15 meters, and the ceiling, which was enclosed, seemed to be about 5 meters high.
Since Spatial Movement is my specialty, thoroughly understanding my current space was essential.
That way, I could be prepared for any unexpected situation.
Buzz—
Once I’d completed my spatial scan, the automatic golem seemed to sense it and began moving slowly, eyes glowing.
I watched it for a moment, waiting to see what it would do, then realized—
‘Oh, right, it can’t attack.’
With a swift kick off the ground, I charged toward the golem.
If this were a real fight, I wouldn’t need to move so aggressively, but I knew that a large number of proctors were watching me in real-time.
I had to look as much like a typical student as possible, keeping things simple.
‘I can’t let them know I can use Spatial Movement without mana…’
Arkaria may be a world filled with various abilities, but mana is the root of all those powers.
However, my ability, Spatial Movement, doesn’t require any mana at all.
It was simply a power I could use whenever I wanted.
That’s why a bit of acting was necessary.
In a world where it’s common knowledge that even the simplest spell or skill requires “mana,” getting caught using Spatial Movement without any mana would be very troublesome.
For this exam, I’d chosen the role of a “martial artist.”
Thud— Ding— Thwack— Ding—
‘Something like this?’
I focused a bit of mana around my fist and landed quick hits on the golem’s stomach and chest.
Each punch came with a satisfying impact, and the golem made a pleasant “ding” sound with each hit.
Whoom—
After taking a couple of hits from me, the golem swung a fist toward me in a counterattack.
When I dodged its punch, the golem quickly jumped back to put some distance between us.
After just one exchange, I got a pretty clear idea of how this test would go.
The golem would keep reacting like this to my attacks, and I’d have to hit it as much as possible to rack up points.
Buzz—
As I looked at the golem, glowing green from its head and staring back at me, a thought struck me.
‘I chose the wrong strategy.’
Since I’d chosen the role of a hand-to-hand fighter, I had to keep closing the distance to attack.
If I were one of the examinees who could attack from a distance, I could get points faster and more efficiently.
During the second test, there were quite a few magic users, including one who shattered the barrier in a single strike with fire.
‘Tsk.’
The more I thought about it, the more uneasy I felt.
This was seriously a disadvantage. I needed to be the top scorer here.
Kicking off the ground—
As I launched myself toward the golem again, my mind raced.
I needed a way to land as many hits as possible on the golem within the time limit.
“Ah-ha.”
The solution came quicker than I expected.
If the problem was that the golem kept retreating after getting hit, then all I had to do was prevent it from dodging.
‘Let’s keep this subtle, don’t let them see through it.’
As the golem came into range, watching me quietly, I began my act.
I channeled mana around my body, giving the impression I was casting a spell, and locked my gaze on the golem’s rear.
I timed my movement precisely, sensing the distance between me and the golem, and scattered the mana around me as if preparing to teleport.
Although I wasn’t actually using mana, to anyone watching, it would look like I’d cast a “movement spell.”
In that instant, my body penetrated the empty space, passing through the void.
This teleportation process was something I could perceive after extensive practice.
Though the movement felt leisurely to me, in reality, only a fraction of a second had passed.
Thwack— Ding—
With my speed intact, I emerged behind the golem, delivering an upward kick.
Whoosh—
The golem, which looked heavy at first glance, was launched toward the ceiling with a powerful strike.
Looks can be deceiving; it was lighter than it seemed.
Kicking off again—
As the golem floated high above, I quickly leaped after it.
To prevent the golem from dodging or counterattacking, I’d keep it in the air and land repeated hits.
Ding— Ding— Ding—
‘Oh, this impact is just perfect.’
The golem couldn’t avoid my attacks in midair, limbs flailing and failing to counter, taking each blow from me.
With every hit, that satisfying “ding” echoed, and I found myself unconsciously keeping rhythm with each strike.
Ding— Ding— Thud—
After a good number of hits, the golem finally came crashing down to the ground.
Like the automaton it was, showing no pain despite the beating it had taken midair, it rose immediately upon landing and took a formal swing in my direction before leaping back and fixing its green gaze on me from afar.
Though it might’ve been my imagination, I thought I saw a flicker of fear in its eyes.
“Alright. Ready for another round?”
Kicking off—
Though I knew it couldn’t understand me, I tossed a remark at the golem as I lunged forward.
“Feels good to be back in action.”
I’d keep repeating this until the exam ended.
—
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