581: A.R.X.A.'s Favor

A.R.X.A.'s Favor

- Outside the Virtual Space -2

The next test for the Supports after the mana capacity one was a short series of questions. Each one was timed, given only ten seconds to answer, so the examinees had to use their instincts to answer.

The purpose of this was, naturally, to test reaction times and adaptability. Some may argue it also tested reading speed, but that was most likely not the main point of this portion of the exam.

The questions were all quite simple, yet difficult. In other words, they were very straight forward and easy to understand, but it was tough to make an actual decision. They took famous dilemmas like the railroad problem—whether to sacrifice one person to save five or let the five die—and many more.

It was difficult because the examinees didn't know which answer the IMF wanted. From a moral standpoint, it was hard to say any of these answers were 'just'. It was just a matter of personality, of choice. 

Soon, everyone finished the 10-question quiz, and submitted them. With that, the Supports had finished their exam.

"The examination is now complete," Tian Lin said over the PA, voice broadcasted all over the different rooms. "Please remain in your seats, and wait patiently for the results. In half an hour, a security officer will come to remove anyone who did not make the cut. That is all."

"… Whew. That was a lot stressful than I expected, but still tiring nonetheless," Lan Xiao Su said, letting out a breath of relief.

"Yeah, no kidding," Yu An Yan muttered. "I'll never be able to recreate that feeling I got when they announced the first test was going to be cooking."

"I suppose it makes sense, in a way," Amane said. "After all, we're the 'Support' batch, right? We have to help the Elites."

"That's true, but is this really all the Supports get to do…?" Yu An Yan murmured, sighing. "It feels somewhat boring, is all."

"I doubt it," Qing Yue said. "Have you ever heard the saying, supports are the most valuable but underappreciated role at the same time?"

"Uh… no?" Yu An Yan arched an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"Probably some video game terminology," Amane said. "I see Qing Yue playing a lot."

"Bingo, catgirl," Qing Yue said with a wink. "But regardless of its source, the fact that it's right stays the same. Supports need to know many skills that the Elites don't, in addition to learning what the Elites are doing as well so that they can fill in on the off chance an Elite cannot perform the job for whatever reason. Our duty is heavy, An Yan."

"Hm… I suppose so."

But she still was not wholly convinced.

*****

- Inside the Virtual Space -

"Part 4, Magic."

Well, shit. The one I feared most has finally dawned upon me.

"In a moment, various drones will attack you with lasers. Either dodge them or destroy them. However, each of your movements must involve magic in some way, shape, or form. That can mean activating a movement enhancing spell, or using offensive magic to take down the drones. Getting hit by a laser will be painful, but it will not kill. As such, getting out of the way and healing is also a possible tactic. The test ends when you are completely out of energy and can no longer move. Please state you are ready, and-"

"-And the test will begin, right? Yeah, yeah, I get it."

That wasn't the problem here, though. I could probably easily breeze through this entire test, taking down the drones over and over again. I also had a shit ton of mana, so that wasn't a problem for me either. But my dilemma was… what was a good score to aim for?

I didn't know how well others would do on this test, since some people specialized in physical combat more so than magic. Should I try my hardest, or should I hold back? 

But then, as if reading through my thoughts, the female announcer spoke.

"… You may hold back. I will record a fake score and submit it."

The voice was distinctly… different, from before. I recognized this voice. It was cold, but familiar. I narrowed my eyes.

"… Don't tell me, you're…"

"Yes. ARXA, Founder of the Library of Infinite Beginnings, representing the X-Machina race."

"You're that gentle announcer voice?!" I cried. "What the fu-?!"

"I am capable of many things beyond your imagination, little human. But regardless, this will cost you the favor I owe you, from when you joined the Founders. Is this agreeable?"

"Uh…" I hesitated. This was a tough choice.

"… If you so choose not to accept my offer, I will have no choice but to report you as 'holding back', thus attracting tons of attention to you."

I narrowed my eyes. "Is that a threat?"

"It sure is."

At this, I laughed. "Not holding back at all, huh? Fine. I accept your offer."

"Very well. In that case, do try your hardest in this test. I wish to see what you are capable of."

"Oh?" I smirked. "Interested in me? You can just come out and say it, y'know."

"If you manage to impress me, then very well, I will join your harem."

Wow, she really doesn't hold back at all.

"Uh, no, I'm good," I chuckled. "But if it's my skills you want to see… fine. I'll give you a show."

Cocking my head to the left and to the right, I cracked my knuckles and pulled out my Chaos katanas.

"… No limits, right? I don't have to use magic if I don't need to?"

"Correct. No limits. This is no longer the aptitude test of the academy. This is a private session… just between you and me."

If any other girl said that, I would think they were trying to seduce me. But with ARXA's utterly cold and emotionless voice, truly like a machine, that was hard to imagine. I could believe some people were into that though.

"Start it up, ARXA," I said with a grin. "It's been a while since I've let loose, but this is the perfect opportunity. After all… I want to see just what I am capable of as well."

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