Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

After the last students had finished their oral examination, Eleanor and the other instructors gathered in a small conference room adjacent to the examination hall.

The room was quiet, a stark contrast to the nervous energy that had filled the examination spaces earlier. Eleanor sat at the head of the table, her usual stern expression softened by the end of the rigorous session.

"Let's start with Lila Thornheart," Eleanor began, glancing at her notes. "Ranked fifth among the freshmen."

One of the instructors, Professor Whitaker, who was a slightly elderly man with a grown beard, nodded. "Lila's performance was impeccable. Her responses were pixel-perfect as if she had everything memorized down to the last detail. She navigated through the dungeon scenarios with confidence and precision."

"She even handled the theoretical aspects with ease," added Professor Moreau. "Her understanding of mana fluctuations in dungeons was particularly impressive. She's clearly put in a lot of effort to maintain her rank."

Eleanor nodded in agreement. "Yes, Lila's preparation and execution were flawless. It's no surprise given her ranking."

The discussion continued, moving through various students who had performed well and those who had struggled. The atmosphere was collegial but focused, with each instructor providing insights and observations.

Then, Professor Sterling leaned forward, a curious look on her face. "There was one student who caught me off-guard," she said, glancing at her notes. "Astron Natusalune, ranked 1729."

There was a brief silence as the other instructors took in the information.

Eleanor raised an eyebrow. "Student Astron Natusalune? His rank is quite low. What stood out about his performance?"

Though her question sounded like she didn't care, it was all an act. She was doing this because she wouldn't be perceived as showing a favor to the cadet of her homeroom classroom.

She also didn't want unnecessary entanglement since she was still in the process of testing him.

Sterling nodded. "His grades have shown significant improvement recently, as you must be already aware."

"I wouldn't consider it as a significant improvement, but you may continue," Eleanor interjected.

"Ah, yes." Knowing that this was how Eleanor was, Professor Sterling didn't mind. "During his oral exam, he provided a well-rounded answer to your question about handling a Mana Rift in an Anomalous dungeon. He stayed calm and articulated his strategy clearly, without any hesitation. Unlike many of the other cadets, he didn't flinch under pressure."

Professor Whitaker added, "I noticed the same. His understanding of the dungeon dynamics and team management was solid. It's clear he's put in a lot of effort. His response was not just a regurgitation of facts, but showed real analytical thinking."

Eleanor looked thoughtful. "It's good to hear that."

"Don't worry, instructor Eleanor. We won't think you are showing a favor."

"….Even if you think that this will never be the case. I never give special treatment to anyone."

"Ahaha….I guess that's right. Forgive this old man talking so impudently."

"I don't mind."

"Thank you." As Whitaker smiled warmly at Eleanor like a grandfather, he showed his rubric.

"For me, he gets full marks."

Inwardly, Eleanor smiled.

*******

<Tuesday Morning, Arcadia City>

In the bustling heart of Arcadia City, the Valerian Federation's capital, a young man with a white robe walked through the crowded streets with purpose.

The sun cast long shadows as it dipped toward the horizon, bathing the city in a warm, golden light.

He clutched the silver necklace tightly, its crescent moon pendant gleaming with a faint, mysterious glow.

Yet, he swiftly entered one of the back alleys, and from there, he entered the tavern.

In the dimly lit corner of a bustling tavern, Leonard sat with a hood drawn over his head, blending into the shadows.

The air was thick with the scent of ale and the murmur of hushed conversations. This was the kind of place where secrets were traded as freely as coin—an ideal location for gathering information.

Leonard's eyes scanned the room, settling on a woman seated across from him. She had a sharp, calculating gaze and an air of mystery about her. Her slanted eye showed that she was from the east.

Known among the informants as Shina, she was a well-respected broker of knowledge, adept at navigating the undercurrents of Arcadia City's darker side.

"Any progress from your side?" Leonard began, his voice low and steady.

Shina leaned back, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It was a curious matter indeed. Someone from your place is looking for a person with such uncertain criteria." Yet, seeing Leonard not revealing anything with his face and the tranquility remaining, she decided not to beat around the bush. "There isn't any progress yet. My men searched the whole city and back alleys, but we have yet to find anyone with the characteristics you mentioned."

"I see." Leonard was not expecting much from it in any case. After all, finding a single person in this whole city was like trying to find the needle in a haystack. "If that is the case, I will take my leave."

Just as Leonard was about to leave his place, Shina called out, her voice cutting through the murmur of the tavern. "Wait a moment. Will you be attending the Arcadia Hunter Academy's final exams?"

Leonard turned back, his expression curious but guarded. "What do you mean by that?"

Shina leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. "I've heard that you have a sister who attends the Arcadia Hunter Academy. They will have duels starting next week's Monday, and the relatives of the cadets will be allowed to enter."

For a brief moment, a genuine smile tugged at Leonard's lips, though his eyes remained sharp and unwavering. "How did you come by this information?"

Shina shrugged lightly, her demeanor nonchalant. "I have my ways. Information is my trade, after all."

Leonard's eyes remained cold, but he knew this was how their business worked.

"No need to thank me. Take this information as a token of my gratitude. And you don't need to be wary. Not everyone can learn such information."

"I see," Leonard mumbled, turned his back, and left.

"Hah…." Leaving Shina breathing heavily. "What an intent…" She could only mumble.

On the outside, Leonard talked to himself. "Maybe I should give her a little surprise."

After all, even if his duty was important, he still had a bit of free time.

******

<Thursday Morning, Arcadia Hunter Academy>

"Finally. It's the last day."

"Final boss is here."

The students, who had been continuously examined throughout the week, murmured amongst themselves in hushed tones. The exhaustion was palpable, yet there was a glimmer of relief in their eyes. The last exam of the week was upon them: Introduction to Mana 1.

"This one's supposed to be tough," one student whispered, nervously adjusting their glasses.

"Yeah, I heard from one of the assistants that this time the exam was going to be really hard." another replied, their voice tinged with apprehension.

"Great, just what we need," a third student muttered sarcastically, slumping in their chair.

The classroom fell silent as the door opened with a creak; in strode instructor, a bulky man with a stern face that looked as though it had been chiseled from stone.

His nameplate read Ethan.

His presence commanded immediate attention, and the students straightened in their seats. He had the air of someone who had come straight out of the military, his movements precise and mechanical.

Without a word, he began distributing the exam papers, his large hands moving methodically. Each paper was placed on the desks with a firm, almost rhythmic motion. The students watched in a mixture of awe and trepidation as he made his way down the rows.

As he reached the front of the room again, Instructor Ethan turned to face the class, his expression unyielding. "Good morning," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "This is your final exam for the week: Introduction to Mana 1. You will have two hours to complete the test. Ensure you answer every question to the best of your ability."

He paused, his sharp eyes scanning the room. "Exam duration will be three hours. Good luck."

With that, he took a step back and signaled for the students to begin. The sound of rustling papers and scribbling pens filled the room almost immediately.

Irina looked at the paper before her, feeling confident. She had studied hard for this moment, and her preparation had been thorough. Taking a deep breath, she began to read the questions.

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Introduction to Mana 1 - Final Exam

Question 1: Describe the primary methods of mana channeling and their applications in spellcasting.

Question 2: Explain the differences between elemental mana types and how they interact in a mana-rich environment.

Question 3: Discuss the historical significance of mana wells and their impact on modern magical theory.

Question 4:

Part a: Provide an overview of the various techniques used in mana reinforcement for physical combat.

Part b: Given the boundary conditions below, obtain the series form of the solution for the Mana Wavelength Equation.

Part c: Calculate the Mana Wavelength emitted by the Hunter, whose body is shown in Figure 1, using the series form you obtained in Part B. (Note: Any form of solution obtained by using another method won't be accepted.)

Question 5: Analyze the role of mana flow in healing spells, including the potential risks and benefits. Calculate the average unit mana consumption for four different forms of injuries.

Question 6: A mage finds themselves in a dungeon where mana density fluctuates rapidly due to an ancient artifact's influence. The artifact causes the ambient mana to alternate between extreme concentrations and near-depletion every ten minutes. Formulate a strategy for the mage to stabilize their mana flow and maintain spellcasting efficiency while navigating the dungeon and neutralizing the artifact. Include calculations for mana consumption and regeneration under these conditions.

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Irina's eyes lit up as she read through the first five questions. She knew these answers well and quickly began to write.

For Question 1, she detailed the primary methods of mana channeling, emphasizing their practical applications. Her pen moved swiftly as she explained the nuances of direct channeling, flow channeling, and ambient channeling, each with relevant examples from her studies.

Question 2 was straightforward for her. She elaborated on the differences between elemental mana types—fire, water, earth, and air—and their interactions in mana-rich environments, such as creating combined elemental effects and their potential volatility.

Of course, she needed to include diagrams, basic blocks, and many other examples in her answer, but for her, it was like a child's play.

Question 3 was easy, discussing the discovery of mana wells and their transformative effect on magical theory and practice.

'This question….I guess they don't want many students to fail the course.'

It was a classic move. Putting such an easy question in the exam so that students would at least get a passing grade.

She included key historical figures and events that highlighted the importance of these wells. And that was it.

For Question 4, she outlined various techniques used in mana reinforcement for physical combat, from basic mana infusion into weapons to advanced techniques like mana armoring and enhancing physical attributes through mana flow control.

This part was where things started getting a bit harder since she needed to be quick with her solution steps, but at the same time, she also needed to make sure she didn't make any mistakes.

But her mind was fast with the calculations as always.

Question 5 had her exploring the complexities of healing spells.

She discussed the delicate balance required to avoid overcharging or undercharging a healing spell, the dangers of mana feedback, and the critical role of controlled mana flow.

And then, she showed her calculations.

Then, she reached Question 6.

Irina paused, her brow furrowing as she read the problem. The scenario presented was challenging, requiring not only a deep understanding of mana mechanics but also the ability to apply that knowledge in a high-stress, dynamic environment.

She took a deep breath and started outlining her thoughts. The key would be to stabilize mana flow despite the fluctuating environment. She began by calculating the mage's average mana consumption per spell and their natural mana regeneration rate.

Irina wrote:

Mana Consumption per Spell: 50 mana units

Mana Regeneration Rate: 10 mana units per minute

With the mana density fluctuating every ten minutes, she had to consider both extremes: a high concentration where mana regeneration might temporarily increase and near-depletion where regeneration could halt entirely.

She continued:

High Concentration Phase: Mana regeneration might increase to 20 units per minute.

Near-Depletion Phase:

-Mana regeneration could drop to 0 units per minute.

-Irina sketched out a strategy:

1. During High Concentration Phases:

-Cast high-mana spells to utilize the surplus.

-Store excess mana in mana crystals for later use.

2. During Near-Depletion Phases:

-Conserve mana by casting only essential spells.

-Use stored mana from crystals to maintain necessary spellcasting.

She calculated the optimal use of mana during these cycles:

High Concentration:

-Regenerate 200 mana units in 10 minutes.

-Use 100 units for spellcasting and store 100 units.

Near-Depletion:

-Consume stored mana at a rate of 10 units per minute, maintaining minimal spellcasting activities.

Irina's pen moved more slowly as she worked through the details, ensuring her strategy was viable. She included diagrams to illustrate the mana flow and graphs to represent the fluctuations and her planned mana usage.

Finally, she concluded with a summary of how the mage could neutralize the artifact by synchronizing their actions with the mana fluctuations, using stored mana strategically to maintain stability.

Irina leaned back in her chair, reviewing her work. The last question had taken considerable effort, but she felt confident in her solution.

She glanced at the clock, noting she had used her time well.

Instructor Ethan's voice broke the silence. "Time's up. Pens down."

Irina set her pen aside, a sense of accomplishment washing over her. The week had been grueling, but she had faced the final boss and given it her best.