Year-End Assessment

The year-end assessment at the Ernst Institute was an important moment to test the students' learning progress over the past year, and the atmosphere was solemn and tense. The assessment was divided into two parts: magic and warrior, and students could choose to participate in one or both depending on their own circumstances.

Lin Qin naturally signed up for both.

The magic assessment was held in the large training grounds and was judged by several instructors. The content included a written exam on magic theory, a verification of elemental affinity and spiritual power, and the most important part—practical magic application.

Practical application involved using designated spells to attack moving targets or perform defensive tests within a restricted area.

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

"Assessment content: Use Earth Spike Spear to attack as many moving targets as possible within thirty seconds. The targets will appear at random locations," the presiding instructor announced the rules.

The whistle blew!

Circular targets of varying sizes began to pop up randomly around the field and on the ground. They were not fast, but their positions were tricky.

Most other students needed a brief incantation to cast Earth Spike Spear, often only managing to hit a few fixed or slow-moving targets.

Lin Qin, however, moved almost the instant the targets appeared. He did not chant; he merely swept his gaze across the field, his spiritual power guiding the magic.

"Puff! Puff! Puff! Puff! Puff!"

Solid, sharp Earth Spike Spears emerged as if they had a life of their own, instantly piercing out from under his feet, his sides, and other impossible angles, accurately striking one target after another! Whether they popped up from the ground or glided through the air, as long as they entered his range, almost none escaped.

His casting speed was astonishingly fast, and the transitions were incredibly smooth, as if these were not individual spells, but an extension of his own will. What was even more eye-catching was that after the Earth Spike Spears pierced out, they remained solid for significantly longer, demonstrating an elemental control far exceeding that of a standard first-level spell.

Thirty seconds passed, and the score displayed by the counting magic array caused the scene to fall silent for a moment. The number of targets he hit was nearly double that of the current first-place student! And all of them were valid hits.

Instructor Matt, who was presiding over the assessment, could not hide the surprise in his eyes. He could tell that what Lin Qin used was essentially still the first-level spell "Earth Spike Spear," but the casting speed, accuracy, and control over the spell's duration had far surpassed the scope of that level. This was not just a matter of powerful spiritual energy, but a reflection of a profound understanding of the essence of magic.

"Lin Qin, magic practical application, Excellent," Instructor Matt announced loudly, his tone filled with approval.

The surrounding students looked at Lin Qin with shock and disbelief. This guy who was usually reticent and only knew how to cultivate bitterly actually had such attainments in magic?

The warrior assessment was held in the plaza of the Warrior Division, and the content was relatively direct: strength test, speed test, reaction test, and the most important one—practical sparring.

In the strength test, Lin Qin punched the strength-testing monument, and his earth-yellow battle qi erupted. The light on the monument stabilized at the level of a rank five warrior, causing a small commotion. For a first-year student in the Magic Department to possess the strength of a rank five warrior was quite rare.

In the speed and reaction tests, his results were also among the best, with movements that were simple, efficient, and without a single wasted motion.

Practical sparring was conducted by drawing lots. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but the opponent Lin Qin drew was Buck, whom he was familiar with in the Warrior Division.

Buck looked at the calm-faced Lin Qin opposite him and gave a wry smile: "I knew I couldn't avoid this. Lin Qin, go easy on me!"

The two stepped onto the ring.

"Begin!"

Buck knew Lin Qin's strength well, so he erupted with full power from the start, pouring his peak rank four battle qi into his wooden sword and launching a fierce attack, the wind whistling with his strikes.

Lin Qin continued to meet all changes with the same stance. The broadsword (for training) was as steady as a rock in his hands. Every block perfectly neutralized Buck's force, and his footwork was simple and effective, always allowing him to occupy the most advantageous position. He was not in a hurry to counterattack, but instead stood like a boulder, enduring Buck's onslaught.

After dozens of moves, Buck's offensive slowed, and his breathing became heavy. He felt as if every sword strike was hitting a thick mountain rock, the recoil making his arms numb, while Lin Qin's breathing remained steady.

Just then, Lin Qin moved. He seized the moment when Buck's old force had just spent itself and the new force had not yet arisen. With a simple and direct thrust of his broadsword, his battle qi condensed at a single point, moving as fast as lightning!

Buck had no time to defend and could only watch helplessly as the tip of the sword stopped an inch from his chest.

"Lin Qin, wins!" the referee immediately announced.

Buck breathed a sigh of relief, put away his wooden sword, and said with genuine admiration: "A rank five warrior, truly different! I am convinced."

Lin Qin sheathed his sword and nodded: "Your offensive was also very fierce."

In the following sparring matches, Lin Qin relied on his terrifyingly solid foundation, steady fighting style, and the hard strength of a rank five warrior to win easily. His fighting was not flashy, even a bit dull, but that precise control of power and near-instinctive combat intuition left a deep impression on the instructors and senior students watching.

In the end, Lin Qin obtained an excellent rating in the first-year group of the warrior assessment without any suspense.

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

Lin Qin, Earth Department, first year, magic practical application: Excellent; warrior assessment: Excellent.

This report card was not the most top-tier among the crowd of genius students—for instance, Linley's dual-element super-grade talent and speed of progress remained the most dazzling. But the name Lin Qin, for the first time, entered the vision of more people in the institute with the image of "dual cultivation of magic and martial arts," "solid foundation," and "steady progress."

After the assessment, Instructor Matt specifically sought out Lin Qin.

"Lin Qin, I have seen your hard work and progress," Instructor Matt said in a gentle tone. "Your understanding and control of basic magic far exceed those of your peers. Keep it up; this path also leads to the peak. If you have any questions about magic, you can come to me at any time."

"Thank you, Instructor," Lin Qin responded respectfully. He knew this was the instructor's recognition and encouragement.

Buck, Luo De, and others also came to congratulate him. A small celebration took place in the dormitory once again.

Facing this attention and congratulations, Lin Qin remained calm inside. Honor and attention were fleeting; only strength was fundamental.

He looked out the window, his gaze seemingly passing through the institute, toward the more distant Magic Beast Mountain Range, and toward that vast and challenging Yulan Continent.

During the vacation, he planned to take on some simple mercenary missions to experience real combat.