Year-End Assessment

The year-end assessment at Ernst Institute was an important occasion for evaluating the students' progress over the past year. The atmosphere was solemn and tense. The assessment had two parts, magic and warrior training, and students could choose to take either one or both.

Lin Qin naturally signed up for both.

The magic assessment was held on a large training ground, where several instructors judged the students together. It covered a written test on magical theory, reviews of elemental affinity and spiritual power, and, most importantly, the practical application of magic.

The practical test required students to attack moving targets or complete a defensive exercise within a designated area using a specified spell.

When it was Lin Qin's turn, he calmly walked to the center of the grounds.

"Assessment task: use Earth Spike Spear to hit as many moving targets as possible within thirty seconds. The targets will appear at random," the presiding instructor announced.

The whistle blew!

Targets of various sizes began popping up at random around the grounds and from the ground itself. They weren't very fast, but their positions were tricky.

Most students needed a brief incantation to cast Earth Spike Spear, and could usually hit only a few stationary or slow-moving targets.

But Lin Qin moved almost as soon as the targets appeared. He didn't chant. He simply swept his gaze across them, guiding his spiritual power in turn.

Pfft! Pfft! Pfft! Pfft! Pfft!

One solid, sharp Earth Spike Spear after another shot out from beneath his feet, from beside him, and from other impossible angles, striking target after target with pinpoint accuracy! Whether they sprang up from the ground or flashed through the air, almost none escaped once they entered a certain radius around him.

His casting speed was astonishing, and each spell flowed seamlessly into the next, as if they weren't separate spells at all but extensions of his will. Even more striking, the Earth Spike Spears remained intact noticeably longer after being cast, revealing an elemental control far beyond that of an ordinary first-level spell.

When the thirty seconds were up, the score displayed by the counting magic array left the grounds silent for a moment. He had hit nearly twice as many targets as the current leader—and every hit counted.

Instructor Matt, who was overseeing the assessment, could barely hide his surprise. He could tell that Lin Qin was still using the first-level spell Earth Spike Spear in essence, but his casting speed, accuracy, and control over how long the spell lasted were already far beyond what one would expect at that level. This wasn't just a matter of strong spiritual power; it showed a profound understanding of the nature of magic.

"Lin Qin, your practical magic assessment is excellent," Instructor Matt announced loudly, his voice full of approval.

The students around them stared at Lin Qin in shock and disbelief. This quiet fellow, who usually did nothing but devote himself to cultivation—he was this accomplished at magic, too?

The warrior assessment took place in the Warrior Division's courtyard. Its events were more straightforward: strength, speed, and reaction tests, followed by the most important event—sparring.

For the strength test, Lin Qin drove a fist into the measuring stone pillar. Earth-yellow Battle Qi erupted, and the pillar's glow settled at the level of an early-stage fifth-level warrior, causing a small commotion. It was quite rare for a first-year student in the Magic Department to possess the strength of a fifth-level warrior.

His results in the speed and reaction tests were also among the best. His movements were concise and efficient, without a single unnecessary motion.

The sparring matches were decided by drawing lots. Perhaps by coincidence, Lin Qin drew Barker, a familiar face from the Warrior Division.

Barker looked at the calm Lin Qin across from him and gave a wry smile. "I knew I couldn't avoid this. Lin Qin, go easy on me!"

The two climbed into the ring.

"Begin!"

Knowing how formidable Lin Qin was, Barker unleashed his full strength from the start. Battle Qi at the peak of the fourth level surged into his wooden sword as he launched a fierce assault, his blade howling through the air.

Lin Qin met every move without changing his approach. The broad training sword was as steady as a boulder in his hands. Each block neatly deflected Barker's force, and his steps were simple and efficient, always carrying him into the most advantageous position. He didn't rush to counterattack. Like a rock, he weathered Barker's blows.

After dozens of exchanges, Barker's assault began to slow, and his breathing grew ragged. Every sword strike felt like it had slammed into a massive wall of stone. The recoil numbed his arms, while Lin Qin's breathing remained even.

Then Lin Qin moved. He seized the instant when Barker's old force had just spent itself and his new force had yet to rise, and thrust his broad sword straight ahead. Battle Qi focused at its tip, and the strike was as fast as lightning!

Barker had no time to defend himself. He could only watch as the sword tip stopped a few inches from his chest.

"Lin Qin wins!" the referee announced at once.

Barker let out a breath of relief and lowered his wooden sword. "A fifth-level warrior really is something else! I admit defeat wholeheartedly."

Lin Qin lowered his sword and nodded. "Your assault was fierce, too."

In the following sparring matches, Lin Qin won with ease, relying on an almost frighteningly solid foundation, a steady fighting style, and the hard strength of a fifth-level warrior. His fighting wasn't flashy—in fact, it was a little dull—but his precise control of power and nearly instinctive combat sense left a deep impression on the instructors and upper-year students watching.

In the end, Lin Qin received an outstanding rating in the first-year warrior assessment, just as expected.

The year-end assessment concluded, and the results were announced.

Lin Qin, first-year Earth Element student in the Magic Department: practical magic assessment—excellent; warrior assessment—outstanding.

Among the many gifted students, these results weren't the very best. Linley's exceptional talent in two elements and his rate of progress, for instance, still stood out the most. But for the first time, Lin Qin's name had entered the notice of more people at the institute, associated with the image of a "dual magic-and-warrior cultivator," someone with a "solid foundation" and "steady progress."

After the assessment, Instructor Matt made a point of seeking Lin Qin out.

"Lin Qin, I've seen how hard you've worked and how much you've improved," Instructor Matt said warmly. "Your understanding and control of basic magic are far beyond those of your peers. Keep at it. This path can lead to the pinnacle, too. If you have any questions about magic, come see me anytime."

"Thank you, Instructor," Lin Qin replied respectfully. He knew this was the instructor's way of acknowledging and encouraging him.

Barker, Luo De, and the others also offered him their congratulations. Another small celebration took place in the dormitory.

Despite all the attention and congratulations, Lin Qin remained calm inside. Honors and attention were fleeting; only strength was fundamental.

He gazed out the window, his eyes seeming to pass beyond the institute and toward the distant Magic Beast Mountain Range, toward the vast and challenging Yulan Continent.

During the break, he planned to take a few simple mercenary assignments and experience real combat.