5 months later...

The end of the year was right around the corner which meant final exams were coming up. The exams are separated into 3 categories.

-Written

-Zanjutsu, Kido, Hado, Hoho

-Fighting

To pass, you MUST get an acceptable score on the written test, succeed in 2/4 of the fighting styles, and demonstrate satisfaction on the field, but you don't necessarily have to win. However, that might not be the case for me...

Flashback

"I hope you didn't forget our bet at the beginning of the year Makoto Hayumi." I was startled by the voice behind me as I turned around and saw Haruki, The noble's name, looking down on me (quite literally). "I'm fully aware of the situation, Haruki. No need to worry about me." I retort smugly. I wouldn't have noticed a slight scowl on his face if I wasn't paying close attention. "Who's worried?! I'm simply reminding you so you won't have a reason to chicken out last second!" He gives me a subtle groan, walking past me along with his posse. For someone who hates me, he sure pays a little too much attention to what I'm doing...

Flashback over

I sigh in frustration at the thought of having to compete with someone. Throughout the year, I've gotten much better with my kido now being able to use Hado and Bakudo in the 30s without the use of an incantation, I managed to raise my Zanjutsu skills to an average level, and with the help of Rin, I've made substantial progress in Hoho. Now all that's left is to study for the written exam since I can't increase my combat skills when the finals are only a week away.

The day of the final (I don't think this is relevant enough to go into depth)

The courtyard was swamped with students from every year. You could hear the clashing of words, explosions from kido, and even a multitude of yells and grunts from combat. No one was stagnant as everyone was trying their best to succeed and pass to the next year and I'm no different.

"Class 2C, to the arena!" sensei yelled while everyone was making their way to the field. "We'll be starting with Hakuda followed by Zanjutsu, Kido, then Hoho!" "Hai!" everyone yelled as we were ordered to get organized. The Hakuda test was simple for first years, demonstrating mastery over the basic fighting style with little to no mistakes. With that being said, I failed miserably. The entire time I was stumbling over my feet and falling face-first into the ground. "This isn't my thing." I groan standing back up. Though I was happy for Rin, passing with flying colors.

Next was Zanjutsu which I had a bit more confidence in. The exam was similar to the previous one but it was sword forms. They were rather easy and I feel I did decently enough to pass.

Next was Kido, my forte. The entire class lined up and was told to shoot the highest level kido they could use with and without the incantation. Although I could go higher, I chose Shakkaho as it was simple to do. Naturally, I was well beyond average shocking everyone in the class. "You call that Kido?" I mentally sigh glaring at the flamboyant noble once again. "Allow me to show you what I can do." Stepping up to the plate, he got into position, extending his arm and raising his palm. "Hado #33 Sōkatsu!" A huge blue flame discharged from his hand annihilating the multiple targets at once. "After a year, the highest you can go is 31? And I thought this was a challenge!" I glare at him even more for his unsolicited remark. I could go higher if I wanted to! I yell to myself. But, it wouldn't be best to reveal all my cards right now. Nodding as I convince myself of why I held back. "MAKO! COME ON, WE'RE STARTING HOHO!" Rin declared causing me to sprint towards the group.

Thanks to Rin, I was quite proficient in my Hoho technique and did great in my exam. Tomorrow was practical combat and written exams. Me and my friends were planning on celebrating our first day but Naomi had to go to the world of the living for Konso training so me and Rin decided to postpone it and head back to our dorms. Since Naomi isn't here, I took this time to do some meditation. I get into a lotus position on the ground with my asauchi on my lap. After a long silence, I wake up in a dark place void of any light or substance.

Where am I? Where am I?
Who's there? Who's there?
Everything I said echoed but what I heard back wasn't my voice.
What are you doing here? What are YOU doing here?!
I jumped in fear at the mysterious voice running in a random direction until I came upon a large wooden door.
*gulp* I walk towards the door hesitantly placing my hand on the knob. "Please don't kill me," I say opening the door. As I opened the door I was blinded by the colorful rays of light that shot out from the door pushing me back into a black void.

*cough* *cough* I wake up in a coughing fit as I run to grab some water. After regaining my composure I looked at myself in the mirror. "Just what was that."

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE END OF THE CHAPTER BUT 1ST PERSON IS SO HARD AND I WILL BE SWITCHING TO MAINLY 3RD PERSON I DID WANT TO SWITCH IT MID-CHAPTER.