Needless to say, this bunch was a complete failure.
Instructor Hartman's expression was one of quiet disappointment.
Firstly, the one who had stepped forward with the most confidence had crumbled just as quickly.
The second had fared little better. Raw strength was evident, but it was unfocused, spilling out in reckless bursts that lacked any form of control. Power without direction was nothing more than wasted effort, and Hartman had seen far too much of that already
The third examinee had shown a degree of caution, perhaps even intelligence, but it came at the cost of initiative. Every step had been measured to the point of stagnation, as if they feared making the wrong move more than they desired making the right one.
The fourth had attempted to compensate with speed. But their attacks failed to connect in any meaningful way, dissolving into a flurry of near-misses and poorly timed advances.
The fifth had demonstrated a surprising level of technical knowledge. However, it was hollow, mechanical and devoid of intent. It was as if they had memorized technique without ever grasping its purpose, resulting in something that looked correct but achieved nothing.
The sixth examinee had potential. That much was clear. But not quite there, unfortunately.
The seventh had been the most cautious of all, barely committing to any action. Their performance bordered on passivity, contributing nothing of note.
During a brief break, Hartman discussed his analysis with other instructors with a bitter expression.
"I seriously don't understand. This generation lacks both wisdom and temperament. Beyond that, their overall talent is far lower than last year. It's disappointing, to be honest. At this rate, I'm concerned for our future."
This was no idle concern.
Blonde-haired and sharp-eyed, Hartman Weiss was a sorcerer-type Hunter who had attained the rank of Lancer, a man known for his discerning eye for talent. (Hunters are ranked in the order of ascending power: Novice, Vanguard, Slayer, Lancer and Saints.)
Mana was generally transmitted through the brain's electrical impulses, and the greater one's control over those impulses, the greater their potential. For that reason, he had been placed in charge of recruitment within the Guild Association.
By simply observing the flow of mana from an examinee's body, he could roughly determine their aptitude.
Beyond the flow itself, there was also the matter of quantity and quality. Taking all factors into account, he had already anticipated most of the results before they even unfolded.
"I don't know. There are a few exceptions, though."
From the corner of his eye, Hartman glanced at the woman standing beside him.
The woman was rather tall and dressed in what might have been a formal uniform, if not for the unmistakable personal touches. Her coat had been customized in white and red, while her shirt remained black, complemented by matching pants. An odachi hung from a leather holster at her side, worn like a pistol.
She was far from what could be called a natural beauty, projecting instead the air of a lawkeeper who had exchanged a firearm for a sword.
Anyone would have been ridiculed for dressing so uniquely, but for her, it was different.
No one would dare slander her honor unless they wanted their heads flying through the air like a bamboo chopper.
Ryūshi Kiryū (鬼龍).
One of the strongest Saints who found beauty in imperfection and possessed the rare ability to perceive the flaws of the world.
A being unreachable by most.
"Yes, indeed."
Hartman, accustomed to her singular nature, found himself agreeing this time.
The eighth examinee had proven particularly impressive.
Before him stood a young woman with auburn hair cut into a blunt bob, her bangs framing a silver mask that resembled a helm. Her attire was equally unusual: a crimson knee-length coat over a black halter vest layered on a long-sleeve white turtleneck, paired with dark tights and practical combat boots.
She carried a large fireman-like implement over her back, suggesting she was an auxiliary type, though its exact function remained unfamiliar. Perhaps a sniper, given that the weapon was taller than she was, her own height hovering around 164 centimeters or so.
What grabbed his attention, though, was her high mana capacity. Not only that, the quality of it as dense and her control was pretty decent too.
Even from a distance, Hartman could perceive the flow of her mana, like a tightly coiled spring ready to unleash at the exact right moment.
Checking his clipboard, he smiled with approval.
"You must be Mikoto Nirei, yes?"
"That's correct."
"Very good. Everything checks out. Rank: Slayer."
"Huh? Already? What about the physical examination?"
"No need. I've already reviewed the necessary parameters. Besides, your type is… somewhat difficult to test."
"I see. Thank you, then."
Mikoto gave a small, respectful bow before turning on her heel.
Good. At least one worth remembering.
Now only one examinee remained. A young man wearing a white hoodie and black pants stepped forward.
His appearance grabbed the attention of all present.
Oh, this one isn't half bad either. Though his mana capacity is lesser than the last examinee, his mana flow is extraordinary and the quality is solid. I can tell he's quite talented but what can he actually do, I wonder.
Hartman regarded Kevin with the same penetrating gaze he had used on the others.
"Kevin Pierce, correct?"
"Yeah."
"You're last. Let's see what you've got. Todd, you take him."
"Yes, sir," came the reply from the burly man stepping forward.
Todd was a mountain of muscle, his frame amplified further by an augmentation-type ability that enhanced his strength and defensive capabilities to extraordinary levels.
He was the perfect instrument for testing the limits of an examinee.
The two of them moved to the center of the hall, taking positions. Scratching his neck, Kevin asked:
"So what now? Do you want me to attack you?"
With a smile, Todd answered.
"That would be the case. Everything apart from physical examination has been checked out. So free free to attack me with everything you got."
"Everything I got? Uhh... are you sure?"
"What are you worrying about so needlessly? Kid, I would be surprised if you scratched me, much less hurt me seriously. Get on with it."
"If you say so."
Taking a deep breath, Kevin took a step step and completely disappeared from view.