Chapter 72: Scenario III

The assessment hall was located in the central examination building, a large structure with several floors and a wide entrance. Students from different first-year classes were gathering outside, and several instructors stood near the entrance, checking names and directing students toward their assigned examination rooms.

Ryan followed Daniel and Elara inside.

The first floor contained several examination halls, each separated by thick walls covered in protective formations. Small signs displayed the names of different subjects, and students were entering their assigned rooms in groups.

Daniel checked the notice board.

"Room 107. That’s ours."

Elara looked at the board.

"You’re reading it upside down."

Daniel turned his head.

"...Oh."

Ryan glanced at the notice board and found their classroom number.

First-Year Assessment — Soul Studies

Room: 107

Examination Time: 15:00–17:00

"Let’s go," Elara said.

The three entered the examination room.

Unlike the ordinary classrooms, this one had individual desks arranged with considerable distance between them. A large formation was engraved into the floor, and several instructors were standing near the walls.

Ryan noticed a few students looking nervous.

Some were quietly reviewing their notes, while others were discussing the topics they expected to appear in the examination.

Daniel took a seat beside Ryan.

"I hope today’s assessment isn’t too difficult."

Elara placed her books on the desk.

"You should have thought about that before spending the entire morning playing with your spirit bird."

Daniel ignored her and looked toward Ryan.

"What about you, Mika? Have you prepared?"

Ryan glanced at the examination room.

"More or less."

Daniel sighed.

"At least one of us is confident."

Ryan didn’t respond.

He wasn’t particularly worried about the examination. The knowledge he had gained throughout the day was still fresh in his mind, and he had already completed most of Professor Elric’s additional exercises.

However, he was curious about how the academy evaluated its students.

A few minutes later, an elderly woman entered the room.

She wore a dark academic robe with a silver badge attached to her collar. Her presence immediately silenced the students.

"Everyone, take your seats. The examination will begin shortly."

She placed a stack of papers on the front desk.

"My name is Professor Helena. I will be supervising today’s first-year assessment."

She looked around the room.

"This assessment will evaluate your understanding of basic soul theory, spiritual thread identification, and the fundamentals of spiritual constructs."

A few students exchanged glances.

Professor Helena continued.

"You will have two hours to complete the examination. The first section consists of theoretical questions. The second section will test your ability to identify spiritual structures. The final section will evaluate your understanding of basic spiritual constructs."

She raised her hand.

A faint formation spread across the room.

"All external communication and assistance are prohibited. Your answers must be your own. You may begin when the examination papers are distributed."

Several assistants began placing papers on the desks.

Ryan looked down at his examination sheet.

[First-Year Soul Studies Assessment]

[Section One: Basic Soul Theory]

[Total Marks: 40]

[Section Two: Spiritual Thread Identification]

[Total Marks: 30]

[Section Three: Spiritual Construct Theory]

[Total Marks: 30]

[Total: 100]

Ryan read through the first question.

It asked students to explain the basic structure of a soul and identify the functions of its primary spiritual threads.

He picked up his pen and began writing.

The first few questions were relatively straightforward.

He explained the functions of structural threads, energy threads, and sensory threads. He also answered questions about the relationship between spiritual energy and soul stability.

However, some questions required more careful consideration.

One asked students to explain why incompatible spiritual threads should never be forcibly connected.

Ryan thought about Professor Elric’s explanation before writing his answer.

Another asked about the possible consequences of damaging a central spiritual connection.

He answered that such damage could destabilize the entire soul structure and interfere with the connections maintained by the surrounding threads.

After completing the first section, he moved on to the second.

A diagram appeared on the examination paper.

It depicted a small spiritual creature surrounded by several interconnected threads.

Students were required to identify each connection and explain its function.

Ryan studied the diagram.

Unlike the specimen from the morning practical lesson, this one contained several additional connections.

He carefully examined their arrangement.

’This should be a structural thread. These two are responsible for distributing energy, and this one appears to be connected to its sensory perception.’

He wrote down his observations.

The third section was slightly different.

It contained several questions about spiritual constructs, including the basic requirements for creating a functional puppet.

Ryan remembered Professor Valen’s lesson.

A spiritual puppet required a stable physical structure, a properly arranged spiritual core, and a network of spiritual threads connecting its components.

He explained each part and described how an improperly arranged connection could prevent the puppet from functioning.

He also answered a question about the difference between a natural soul structure and an artificial spiritual construct.

By the time he finished, nearly an hour had passed.

Ryan reviewed his answers.

He wasn’t completely certain about a few questions in the second section, but he had answered everything to the best of his understanding.

He placed his pen on the desk and waited.

Around him, several students were still writing.

Daniel was staring at one of the questions with a troubled expression. He occasionally looked at his notes, only to remember that he wasn’t allowed to use them.

Elara, on the other hand, appeared focused.

Ryan leaned back slightly.

’Looks like Daniel is having a difficult time.’

He returned his attention to the examination paper and checked his answers once more.

A few minutes later, he noticed something unusual.

A small notification appeared in the corner of his vision.

[Inheritance Trial Progress Updated.]

[Basic Soul Theory: Understanding Acquired.]

[Spiritual Thread Identification: Basic Understanding Acquired.]

[Spiritual Construct Theory: Basic Understanding Acquired.]

Ryan paused.

’So the system is evaluating my progress as well.’

He read the notification again.

There was no indication of how much progress he had made toward completing the inheritance, but at least his lessons were being recognized.

He returned to his examination.

The remaining time passed quietly.

Eventually, Professor Helena stood up.

"Time is up. Put down your pens and remain seated until the assistants collect your papers."

The students stopped writing.

Several assistants moved between the desks, collecting the examination sheets.

Daniel leaned back in his chair as soon as his paper was taken.

"Finally!"

Elara looked at him.

"Did you finish everything?"

"Of course."

"Did you understand everything?"

Daniel hesitated.

"...That’s a different question."

Ryan quietly packed his belongings.

The examination hadn’t been particularly difficult, but he couldn’t say the same about Daniel.

Once the assistants had collected all the papers, Professor Helena addressed the students.

"The results will be announced tomorrow afternoon. Your performance will be recorded in your academic profiles."

She paused.

"Those who perform poorly will be required to attend additional lessons. I suggest you take the results seriously."

Several students immediately looked concerned.

Daniel leaned toward Ryan and whispered.

"I really hope I don’t end up in additional classes."

Elara heard him.

"Then perhaps you should study instead of complaining."

Daniel sighed.

"Why are you always against me?"

"Because you make it very easy."

Ryan listened to their conversation as they left the examination room.

The academy corridors were still crowded. Students from other examination rooms were also leaving, discussing their answers and arguing about which questions had been the most difficult.

Outside, the afternoon sunlight was beginning to fade.

Ryan checked his schedule.

There were no more classes for the day.

He looked toward Daniel.

"So, what happens now?"

Daniel stretched his arms.

"Nothing much. We usually return to our dormitories after the assessment. Some students go to the training grounds, while others head to the library."

Elara nodded.

"We should review today’s lessons before tomorrow. Professor Seraphine mentioned that our next practical class would involve more complicated spiritual structures."

Daniel looked at her.

"Can we talk about something other than studying for once?"

"You can. Nobody is stopping you."

Daniel turned toward Ryan.

"Mika, do you want to come with us? There’s a small street outside the academy where students usually spend their free time."

Ryan considered the offer.

He still had several questions about this world, and spending more time with the students could help him understand the academy better.

"Sure."

Daniel smiled.

"Great. Let’s go."

The three left the academy grounds through the eastern gate.

Beyond the walls was a lively street lined with small shops, restaurants, and stores selling various spiritual materials.

There were also several students walking around in groups.

Ryan noticed a shop displaying small spiritual creatures inside glass containers. Another sold books and magical instruments, while a nearby store appeared to specialize in crafting materials.

He looked around with interest.

’This place is practically a town of its own.’

Daniel pointed toward a small restaurant.

"That place has pretty good food. We sometimes come here after classes."

Elara glanced at the shop beside it.

"I need to buy a few materials first. I’m running out of spiritual ink."

"Again?" Daniel asked.

"Unlike someone, I actually use it for studying."

Daniel ignored the remark.

Ryan followed them into the shop.

It was filled with shelves containing bottles of ink, sheets of special paper, small spiritual crystals, and various tools used by students.

A middle-aged shopkeeper stood behind the counter.

"Welcome. What do you need?"

Elara approached the counter.

"Two bottles of ordinary spiritual ink and a pack of silver-thread paper, please."

The shopkeeper nodded and began preparing her order.

While waiting, Ryan examined the shelves.

[Basic Spiritual Ink]

[Rank: Common]

[Type: Crafting Material]

[Use: Used for drawing basic spiritual formations and recording spiritual patterns.]

[Silver-Thread Paper]

[Rank: Common]

[Type: Special Material]

[Use: Suitable for recording spiritual structures and practicing basic thread manipulation.]

Ryan picked up a small package of silver-thread paper.

’These materials might be useful for practicing Soul Weaving.’

He checked the price and decided to buy a package.

The shopkeeper looked at him.

"Are you studying spiritual constructs?"

"Something like that."

"Then you might want to consider buying a beginner’s thread manipulation kit. We have a few available."

He pointed toward a shelf.

The kit contained several thin spiritual threads, a small wooden frame, and a basic instrument used for manipulating spiritual connections.

Ryan examined it.

[Beginner Thread Manipulation Kit]

[Rank: Common]

[Type: Practice Equipment]

[Description: A basic training kit designed to help students practice the arrangement and manipulation of spiritual threads.]

Ryan considered it for a moment before purchasing one.

He didn’t know whether the inheritance trial would allow him to keep these items after completing it, but they could still be useful during the scenario.

After everyone finished shopping, Daniel led them toward the restaurant.

They ordered their meals and found a table near the window.

For a while, they talked about ordinary academy matters.

Daniel complained about the examination, Elara discussed the upcoming lessons, and Ryan mostly listened.

Eventually, Daniel brought up something else.

"By the way, have you decided which specialization you want to pursue?"

Ryan looked at him.

"Specialization?"

Daniel nodded.

"Yes. We have to choose one after completing the basic curriculum. There are several options, such as spiritual construct creation, soul medicine, spirit summoning, and advanced soul research."

Elara added, "The academy doesn’t force students to choose immediately, but most people begin preparing for their preferred specialization during the first year."

Ryan considered the information.

’So the students eventually specialize in different fields.’

"What about you two?" he asked.

Daniel immediately answered.

"I want to become a Spirit Summoner."

He looked rather enthusiastic.

"I’ve always wanted to form contracts with powerful spiritual creatures. If I become a proper summoner, I’ll be able to travel around and explore different regions."

Elara shook her head.

"You haven’t even mastered the basic summoning techniques."

"That’s why I’m studying!"

She turned toward Ryan.

"I want to specialize in spiritual medicine. There are many techniques for treating damaged souls and restoring spiritual energy. I think it’s an interesting field."

Ryan nodded.

Both choices were reasonable.

However, his own goal was already decided.

He wanted to learn Soul Weaving.

Still, he didn’t reveal that immediately.

"I haven’t decided yet."

Daniel shrugged.

"You still have plenty of time."

The conversation continued for a while before the three eventually left the restaurant.

By then, the sky had grown darker.

Daniel and Elara had different dormitories, so they parted ways near the academy entrance.

"See you tomorrow, Mika," Daniel said.

"Don’t forget to finish your exercises," Elara added.

Daniel sighed.

"Can we at least say goodbye without mentioning homework?"

Ryan nodded.

"See you tomorrow."

He watched them leave before turning toward his own residence.

According to the memories integrated into the scenario, Mika lived in a small student residence near the northern side of the academy.

Ryan followed the familiar route.

After several minutes, he arrived at a two-story building shared by several students. He entered, climbed the stairs, and found his room.

It was a simple place with a bed, a desk, a wardrobe, and a small bookshelf.

Ryan placed his bag on the desk.

He then took out the beginner thread manipulation kit he had purchased earlier.

’Since I have some free time, I might as well practice.’

He opened the package and arranged the materials on the desk.

The first exercise in the accompanying booklet involved connecting two spiritual threads without disturbing their energy flow.

It sounded simple enough.

However, when Ryan attempted it, the threads repeatedly slipped apart.

He tried again.

This time, he managed to connect them, but the energy flow became unstable.

Ryan carefully examined the connection.

’I’m probably applying too much force.’

He adjusted his technique and tried once more.

After several attempts, he finally managed to maintain a stable connection.

[Basic Thread Manipulation Practice Completed.]

[Understanding of Spiritual Threads has improved.]

Ryan looked at the notification.

’Not bad.’

He continued practicing for another hour before putting the equipment away.

After changing into more comfortable clothes, he sat on the bed and opened the system interface.

There was no change in his status.

His attributes, skills, equipment, and summons were still sealed.

Only Perfect Loot remained available.

Ryan sighed.

"At least the system hasn’t taken that away."

He closed the interface and looked toward the window.

The academy town was still active, with several lights visible in the nearby buildings.

He had spent an entire day attending classes, completing an examination, shopping with classmates, and practicing a new technique.

It was a strange experience.

In his original life, he had never imagined spending his time like this.

However, the more he experienced this place, the more difficult it became to think of it as a simple illusion.

The people here had their own routines, friendships, responsibilities, and ambitions.

Even Mika’s classmates seemed to have lives that extended beyond their interactions with him.

Ryan leaned back against the wall.

’How long am I supposed to stay here?’

The system hadn’t provided any specific duration for the trial.

It had only given him one condition.

Learn the techniques of the ancient Soul Weavers and complete the assigned challenges.

Failure to demonstrate sufficient understanding would result in inheritance rejection.

And he had no intention of failing.

Ryan closed his eyes and prepared to rest.

He would have another full day of classes tomorrow.

[Inheritance Trial Progress]

[Identity: Mika]

[Academy: Ancient Soul Binding Academy]

[Current Year: First Year]

[Basic Soul Theory: Basic Understanding]

[Spiritual Thread Identification: Basic Understanding]

[Spiritual Construct Creation: Basic Understanding]

[Practical Assessment: Completed]

[Overall Inheritance Progress: 3%]

[Next Objective: Continue attending classes and learn the fundamentals of Soul Weaving.]

Ryan glanced at the final notification before closing the interface.

"Only three percent?"

He shook his head.

"Looks like this is going to take a while."

With that thought, he went to sleep.