Chapter 20: Preliminary ranking
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Chapter 20: Preliminary ranking
He raised a hand and strode away, leaving them staring at his back. Yeo harrumphed once the proctor was out of range.
I thought wed somehow managed to fail.
So did I, Chance said with an anxious chuckle. He really had me going for a moment. Thank god we passed.
Which one? Yeo asked.
Huh?
You said thank god.
Oh not the ones from here, Chance said. Its just a saying from Ear wait. You know that.
Yeo snickered. Had you for a moment, though. More importantly, do we even want to bother going somewhere while we wait for the individual rankings? Id rather just stick around.
Same, Chance said. Im too anxious to do anything else to be honest.
The individual rankings dont matter, Bella said, her face pensive. All that mattered was the exam we just passed. Were all a Shikari team now. The numbers are just ego.
Theyre more than ego. Theyre proof that we put in hard work and trained to get where we are. Yeo crossed his arms. And Ive heard people say that the best Shikari in every rank division are given access to special jobs.
Bella shrugged. I havent heard anything about that. Does it matter? Well have access to all the jobs we need.
Of course it matters. Besides, how many people did you even talk to before us? I dont think anything youve failed to hear is going to count for much.
Bella pursed her lips, then inclined her head slightly. Okay, I cant argue with that too much.
In the end, Im sure well all do our best, Chance said. And, like Bella said, we got the most important thing already. Why dont we just go over to the next testing arena and wait?
The others agreed, and so they went. The field was fairly uniform, and all the training areas were roughly the same a large patch of dirt enclosed by walls to ensure that fights didnt spill over into each other.
Several of the fields were being used by older Shikari, but it only took them a short while to find out where the next ranking exam was taking place. A large section of the training arenas had been sectioned off, and several armored men sat on the benches near it, talking amongst themselves.
Chance and the others approached them, slowing to a stop as a few gazes turned in their direction.
Were here for the ranking exams, Chance said. Is this the right place?
It is, a black haired man with a salt and pepper colored beard said, not bothering to rise from his seat on the bench. You Foundlings?
As of a few minutes ago, Yeo said. They all flinched as a loud explosion echoed through the field and a Shikari staggered out of one of the arenas, smoking. Several men ran over to him.
Congratulations, the man said, not perturbed in the slightest. Youre early. Good quality to have, that. Im Drake. Ill be one of the proctors for the localized exam.
Wait, localized? Bella asked, turning away from the scene behind them and tilting her head to the side. Whats that mean?
Its not realistic to bring in every single Foundling Shikari whenever we have a ranking exam, Drake explained, leaning his chin on a palm. Can you imagine that? Every few weeks, dragging all of you little buggers into a stadium. It would be chaos not to mention a huge waste of time.
Fantastic. Drake pulled a roll of paper out of a pocket and unfurled it. The other proctors all did the same. In my arena, well be starting with Bella and Anton.
The other proctors all started calling names out as well, but Chance didnt hear his or Yeos called. He went to wish Bella good luck, but shed already walked up to stand before Drake.
The wiry boy who had asked about magical weapons joined her, and Drake gestured for them to walk out onto the dirt. Chance sat down in front of the arena to watch Bellas fight and Anton handed Drake a sword. The proctor looked over it, then nodded and returned it to the boy. He and Bella both took up positions on either end of the dirt circle.
Begin, Drake said without an ounce of fanfare.
Flames erupted along the blade in Antons hand. Chance winced in sympathy. Of all the weapons he could have chosen to fight her, a fire based one was probably the worst. His prediction was proven right when not even a second later a powerful wall of water slammed into Anton, soaking the boy and causing his weapon to sputter like a candle in the wind.
Bellas foot dug into the ground and she launched forward, water gathering around her hand. Anton raised his weapon defensively, his eyes going wide, but he wasnt fast enough to stop her fist from driving straight into his stomach.
Anton flew back and skidded across the edge of the arena, rolling to a bewildered stop at another boys feet.
Thats got to be a record, Drake said. Bella wins.
What! But she didnt
Antons words froze in his throat as Drakes eyes narrowed. His flaming blade snuffed out and he slunk away without another word. The head proctor called up two more students and dismissed Bella from the field.
That was awesome! Chance exclaimed.
Bellas cheeks reddened slightly. It really wasnt. I just surprised him.
Have you done this before? Yeo asked. I mean, if youve been a Shikari for a while
No. I never participated in any ranking battles, Bella said uncomfortably. Im not used to this kind of thing. I liked to stay out of sight, you know? This is I dont know. I just feels wrong.
No need to get stage fright, Yeo said. Ill show you up, so fear not. The spotlight will be on yours truly.
Bella rolled her eyes. Every time you open your mouth, part of me wishes Id stayed a shut-in.
Impossible. Everyone loves my charming wit and beautiful face. I mean, look at me. I should be a model.
Do they have those here? Chance asked.
What, models? Yeo thrust a thumb against his chest. Youre looking at one. Of course they do.
They dont, Bella said through a sigh. Not in the purposes I think Yeo is implying, at least.
Yeo, Timothy. Youre up, a proctor whose name Chance didnt know called.
Watch this, Chance. Im gonna show you another one of my special moves. Yeo leapt to his feet and sauntered over to the arena, along with a tall, thin boy carrying a bow.
I hope he wins, Chance said under his breath. Hed be crushed if he doesnt.
Would be kind of funny if he got last place, Bella muttered. She caught Chances look and cleared her throat. Im sure hell be fine.
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Chapter 20: Preliminary ranking
He raised a hand and strode away, leaving them staring at his back. Yeo harrumphed once the proctor was out of range.
I thought wed somehow managed to fail.
So did I, Chance said with an anxious chuckle. He really had me going for a moment. Thank god we passed.
Which one? Yeo asked.
Huh?
You said thank god.
Oh not the ones from here, Chance said. Its just a saying from Ear wait. You know that.
Yeo snickered. Had you for a moment, though. More importantly, do we even want to bother going somewhere while we wait for the individual rankings? Id rather just stick around.
Same, Chance said. Im too anxious to do anything else to be honest.
The individual rankings dont matter, Bella said, her face pensive. All that mattered was the exam we just passed. Were all a Shikari team now. The numbers are just ego.
Theyre more than ego. Theyre proof that we put in hard work and trained to get where we are. Yeo crossed his arms. And Ive heard people say that the best Shikari in every rank division are given access to special jobs.
Bella shrugged. I havent heard anything about that. Does it matter? Well have access to all the jobs we need.
Of course it matters. Besides, how many people did you even talk to before us? I dont think anything youve failed to hear is going to count for much.
Bella pursed her lips, then inclined her head slightly. Okay, I cant argue with that too much.
In the end, Im sure well all do our best, Chance said. And, like Bella said, we got the most important thing already. Why dont we just go over to the next testing arena and wait?
The others agreed, and so they went. The field was fairly uniform, and all the training areas were roughly the same a large patch of dirt enclosed by walls to ensure that fights didnt spill over into each other.
Several of the fields were being used by older Shikari, but it only took them a short while to find out where the next ranking exam was taking place. A large section of the training arenas had been sectioned off, and several armored men sat on the benches near it, talking amongst themselves.
Chance and the others approached them, slowing to a stop as a few gazes turned in their direction.
Were here for the ranking exams, Chance said. Is this the right place?
It is, a black haired man with a salt and pepper colored beard said, not bothering to rise from his seat on the bench. You Foundlings?
As of a few minutes ago, Yeo said. They all flinched as a loud explosion echoed through the field and a Shikari staggered out of one of the arenas, smoking. Several men ran over to him.
Congratulations, the man said, not perturbed in the slightest. Youre early. Good quality to have, that. Im Drake. Ill be one of the proctors for the localized exam.
Wait, localized? Bella asked, turning away from the scene behind them and tilting her head to the side. Whats that mean?
Its not realistic to bring in every single Foundling Shikari whenever we have a ranking exam, Drake explained, leaning his chin on a palm. Can you imagine that? Every few weeks, dragging all of you little buggers into a stadium. It would be chaos not to mention a huge waste of time.
Fantastic. Drake pulled a roll of paper out of a pocket and unfurled it. The other proctors all did the same. In my arena, well be starting with Bella and Anton.
The other proctors all started calling names out as well, but Chance didnt hear his or Yeos called. He went to wish Bella good luck, but shed already walked up to stand before Drake.
The wiry boy who had asked about magical weapons joined her, and Drake gestured for them to walk out onto the dirt. Chance sat down in front of the arena to watch Bellas fight and Anton handed Drake a sword. The proctor looked over it, then nodded and returned it to the boy. He and Bella both took up positions on either end of the dirt circle.
Begin, Drake said without an ounce of fanfare.
Flames erupted along the blade in Antons hand. Chance winced in sympathy. Of all the weapons he could have chosen to fight her, a fire based one was probably the worst. His prediction was proven right when not even a second later a powerful wall of water slammed into Anton, soaking the boy and causing his weapon to sputter like a candle in the wind.
Bellas foot dug into the ground and she launched forward, water gathering around her hand. Anton raised his weapon defensively, his eyes going wide, but he wasnt fast enough to stop her fist from driving straight into his stomach.
Anton flew back and skidded across the edge of the arena, rolling to a bewildered stop at another boys feet.
Thats got to be a record, Drake said. Bella wins.
What! But she didnt
Antons words froze in his throat as Drakes eyes narrowed. His flaming blade snuffed out and he slunk away without another word. The head proctor called up two more students and dismissed Bella from the field.
That was awesome! Chance exclaimed.
Bellas cheeks reddened slightly. It really wasnt. I just surprised him.
Have you done this before? Yeo asked. I mean, if youve been a Shikari for a while
No. I never participated in any ranking battles, Bella said uncomfortably. Im not used to this kind of thing. I liked to stay out of sight, you know? This is I dont know. I just feels wrong.
No need to get stage fright, Yeo said. Ill show you up, so fear not. The spotlight will be on yours truly.
Bella rolled her eyes. Every time you open your mouth, part of me wishes Id stayed a shut-in.
Impossible. Everyone loves my charming wit and beautiful face. I mean, look at me. I should be a model.
Do they have those here? Chance asked.
What, models? Yeo thrust a thumb against his chest. Youre looking at one. Of course they do.
They dont, Bella said through a sigh. Not in the purposes I think Yeo is implying, at least.
Yeo, Timothy. Youre up, a proctor whose name Chance didnt know called.
Watch this, Chance. Im gonna show you another one of my special moves. Yeo leapt to his feet and sauntered over to the arena, along with a tall, thin boy carrying a bow.
I hope he wins, Chance said under his breath. Hed be crushed if he doesnt.
Would be kind of funny if he got last place, Bella muttered. She caught Chances look and cleared her throat. Im sure hell be fine.
Chapter 20: Preliminary rankingHe raised a hand and strode away, leaving them staring at his back. Yeo harrumphed once the proctor was out of range.I thought wed somehow managed to fail.So did I, Chance said with an anxious chuckle. He really had me going for a moment. Thank god we passed.Which one? Yeo asked.Huh?You said thank god.Oh not the ones from here, Chance said. Its just a saying from Ear wait. You know that.Yeo snickered. Had you for a moment, though. More importantly, do we even want to bother going somewhere while we wait for the individual rankings? Id rather just stick around.Same, Chance said. Im too anxious to do anything else to be honest.The individual rankings dont matter, Bella said, her face pensive. All that mattered was the exam we just passed. Were all a Shikari team now. The numbers are just ego.Theyre more than ego. Theyre proof that we put in hard work and trained to get where we are. Yeo crossed his arms. And Ive heard people say that the best Shikari in every rank division are given access to special jobs.Bella shrugged. I havent heard anything about that. Does it matter? Well have access to all the jobs we need.Of course it matters. Besides, how many people did you even talk to before us? I dont think anything youve failed to hear is going to count for much.Bella pursed her lips, then inclined her head slightly. Okay, I cant argue with that too much.In the end, Im sure well all do our best, Chance said. And, like Bella said, we got the most important thing already. Why dont we just go over to the next testing arena and wait?The others agreed, and so they went. The field was fairly uniform, and all the training areas were roughly the same a large patch of dirt enclosed by walls to ensure that fights didnt spill over into each other.Several of the fields were being used by older Shikari, but it only took them a short while to find out where the next ranking exam was taking place. A large section of the training arenas had been sectioned off, and several armored men sat on the benches near it, talking amongst themselves.Chance and the others approached them, slowing to a stop as a few gazes turned in their direction.Were here for the ranking exams, Chance said. Is this the right place?It is, a black haired man with a salt and pepper colored beard said, not bothering to rise from his seat on the bench. You Foundlings?As of a few minutes ago, Yeo said. They all flinched as a loud explosion echoed through the field and a Shikari staggered out of one of the arenas, smoking. Several men ran over to him.Congratulations, the man said, not perturbed in the slightest. Youre early. Good quality to have, that. Im Drake. Ill be one of the proctors for the localized exam.Wait, localized? Bella asked, turning away from the scene behind them and tilting her head to the side. Whats that mean?Its not realistic to bring in every single Foundling Shikari whenever we have a ranking exam, Drake explained, leaning his chin on a palm. Can you imagine that? Every few weeks, dragging all of you little buggers into a stadium. It would be chaos not to mention a huge waste of time.Fantastic. Drake pulled a roll of paper out of a pocket and unfurled it. The other proctors all did the same. In my arena, well be starting with Bella and Anton.The other proctors all started calling names out as well, but Chance didnt hear his or Yeos called. He went to wish Bella good luck, but shed already walked up to stand before Drake.The wiry boy who had asked about magical weapons joined her, and Drake gestured for them to walk out onto the dirt. Chance sat down in front of the arena to watch Bellas fight and Anton handed Drake a sword. The proctor looked over it, then nodded and returned it to the boy. He and Bella both took up positions on either end of the dirt circle.Begin, Drake said without an ounce of fanfare.Flames erupted along the blade in Antons hand. Chance winced in sympathy. Of all the weapons he could have chosen to fight her, a fire based one was probably the worst. His prediction was proven right when not even a second later a powerful wall of water slammed into Anton, soaking the boy and causing his weapon to sputter like a candle in the wind.Bellas foot dug into the ground and she launched forward, water gathering around her hand. Anton raised his weapon defensively, his eyes going wide, but he wasnt fast enough to stop her fist from driving straight into his stomach.Anton flew back and skidded across the edge of the arena, rolling to a bewildered stop at another boys feet.Thats got to be a record, Drake said. Bella wins.What! But she didntAntons words froze in his throat as Drakes eyes narrowed. His flaming blade snuffed out and he slunk away without another word. The head proctor called up two more students and dismissed Bella from the field.That was awesome! Chance exclaimed.Bellas cheeks reddened slightly. It really wasnt. I just surprised him.Have you done this before? Yeo asked. I mean, if youve been a Shikari for a whileNo. I never participated in any ranking battles, Bella said uncomfortably. Im not used to this kind of thing. I liked to stay out of sight, you know? This is I dont know. I just feels wrong.No need to get stage fright, Yeo said. Ill show you up, so fear not. The spotlight will be on yours truly.Bella rolled her eyes. Every time you open your mouth, part of me wishes Id stayed a shut-in.Impossible. Everyone loves my charming wit and beautiful face. I mean, look at me. I should be a model.Do they have those here? Chance asked.What, models? Yeo thrust a thumb against his chest. Youre looking at one. Of course they do.They dont, Bella said through a sigh. Not in the purposes I think Yeo is implying, at least.Yeo, Timothy. Youre up, a proctor whose name Chance didnt know called.Watch this, Chance. Im gonna show you another one of my special moves. Yeo leapt to his feet and sauntered over to the arena, along with a tall, thin boy carrying a bow.I hope he wins, Chance said under his breath. Hed be crushed if he doesnt.Would be kind of funny if he got last place, Bella muttered. She caught Chances look and cleared her throat. Im sure hell be fine.
