Otaku Translation: The villain only wants to live a Buddhist life Chapter 442

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Chapter 442: Dark Demon’s Final Assessment

The outcome of a single moment might keep someone awake all night, but when morning comes, they must face an even broader—and more painful—tomorrow.

By the end of May, over twenty days had slipped away, and the first-year students of Saint Marian Academy finally found themselves in their first exam week. After enduring the final review sessions from Monday to Wednesday, practical assessments began on Thursday and continued through Friday. Each morning or afternoon was dedicated to one of four practical exams.

For the freshmen, this marked the culmination of a year's worth of hard work, as well as the deciding factor for how enjoyable their long holiday would be. Some were eager and ready, some crammed at the last minute, some just wanted to scrape by, while others aimed for perfection. With a keen eye, one could discern each student's personality based on their approach.

Dark emerged from the library at ten o'clock in the evening. The reading room was nearly deserted, with only a few stragglers left behind. Cradling his books, he walked silently down the quiet corridor, feeling an unexpected sense of anticipation for the upcoming experimental assessment the next day. This was a feeling he had never experienced in his past life. He never imagined that he would come to enjoy studying or look forward to exams. Perhaps it was because he truly needed an evaluation to formally summarize a year of diligent effort.

"Anyway, my goal is to be the top of the year!"

---

This year’s freshman class was brimming with talent, making it no easy feat to stand out in the written exams. Whether it was Sara Swati or Emma Mortis, both were formidable opponents. However, Dark’s strength lay in practical skills. These four practical assessments were key to securing high scores.

Upon returning to his dormitory, he spread out the copied examination schedule on his desk, a confident smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Tomorrow morning at eight o'clock begins the first practical assessment for Summoning Techniques."

"The practical assessment for Summoning Techniques is quite simple, testing only two types of summoning spells: Normal Summoning Spell and Tribute Summoning."

"The requirement for the Normal Summoning Spell is to consecutively summon three magic cards within one minute, effectively compressing the casting time to under twelve seconds per summon."

"The requirement for Tribute Summoning is even simpler; successfully performing it once will suffice to pass."

"Hmm, surely no one will fail, right?"

After spending some time cuddling with his magical spirits, Dark washed up and went to bed.

---

May 24th, Thursday.

A drizzle fell from the sky, saturating the air with moisture. Dark didn’t leave the dorm until seven in the morning. His uniform was impeccably neat, his hair perfectly combed, and his flawless complexion bore no blemishes—he looked like a figure stepped straight out of a painting.

Most freshmen tended to head out around this time. Not long after stepping out, Dark encountered Dianna and Rose, and thereafter, they walked together. Dianna remained her usual carefree self, showing no signs of nervousness about the exams. Naturally, she had no reason to be anxious—the practical assessment for Summoning Techniques posed little challenge for her.

Rose, however, was visibly tense. Though her magical energy aptitude was above average, she lacked substantial practical experience. The test for the Normal Summoning Spell was indeed challenging for her. Performing three consecutive summons within twelve seconds each was far different from merely compressing a single summon into twelve seconds. To prepare, she had undergone intensive training throughout the month, yet still felt uncertain. After all, examples of on-the-spot failures were plentiful.

If Rose was this apprehensive, it was clear that other students wouldn’t fare much better either. Upon arriving at the classroom, they found the atmosphere unexpectedly somber. After settling into his usual seat, Dark glanced around and noticed many classmates muttering nervously, clearly cramming at the last minute. He couldn’t help but fall silent.

---

Although the exam was scheduled to start after eight o’clock, the classroom was already full by seven-thirty. Shortly thereafter, Professor Silver, who was overseeing the Summoning Techniques assessment, entered the room. She greeted the students and wrote today’s assessment items on the blackboard. Turning to face the class, she raised her hands slightly to signal for silence. Within seconds, the room fell completely quiet.

Professor Silver nodded in satisfaction. "There are fifteen minutes before the Summoning Techniques test begins. The assessment itself isn’t difficult. As long as you remain calm during the test, everyone should pass. Passing the standard line means you’re qualified, but achieving higher scores requires demonstrating greater skill and proficiency. I will grade your performance on the spot."

"On the spot?" Students who weren’t adept at Summoning Techniques turned pale. Being graded publicly in front of their peers meant public humiliation if they failed. Instead of comforting them, Professor Silver’s words only heightened their anxiety. Even those confident about passing grew more concerned. However, some were invigorated by the challenge.

White Gawd, for instance, was highly confident in his Summoning Techniques, forming a stark contrast with Robert Brogheim beside him.

---

"Ding ding ding!"

At exactly eight o’clock, the bell rang, and Professor Silver stood up. "Let’s begin the exam. Those whose names are called, please come to the front of the classroom to collect your [Summon Cards]. Each person has five minutes to perform. First up: Noble House Teddy Doron, Knight House Susan Pield, Magister House..."

"Am I the first?" Doron sprang to his feet upon hearing his name, brimming with confidence. Meanwhile, Susan, seated next to Emma, couldn’t hide her panic.

Four students from the four houses took the stage first. Professor Silver then called out another four names, instructing them to prepare.

The first four students collected their [Summon Cards] and began casting under Professor Silver’s supervision. Doron glanced at the other three on stage, smirked, and selected three 1-star [Summon Cards], summoning them on the spot. His mastery of the Normal Summoning Spell was evident, honed through numerous duels, leaving no room for nerves in such a setting. He smoothly summoned three large orbs of light in quick succession.

Without pause, he picked two 2-star cards from the remaining [Summon Cards], first using the Normal Summoning Spell, then performing the Tribute Summoning for the final 4-star card. A massive 4-star orb of light emerged, completing all tests within two minutes. As the final summon concluded, Doron immediately turned to Professor Silver, anticipation gleaming in his eyes.

Professor Silver nodded approvingly. "Not bad. Although your Tribute Summoning is somewhat rusty, your Normal Summoning Spell is very proficient. You maintained stable magical energy output during consecutive summons, which is commendable for a freshman."

"So, Professor, what’s my score?" Doron asked eagerly.

"Normal Summoning Spell: forty-two points, Tribute Summoning: thirty-eight points, total: eighty points," Professor Silver replied.

Doron: "Eh?"

Expecting at least ninety points, Doron’s mouth dropped open in shock.

Professor Silver moved on without further acknowledgment. "Susan Pield, your Normal Summoning Spell needs improvement—thirty-two points. Tribute Summoning barely passes—thirty points, totaling sixty-two."

Susan held her chest, exhaling in relief, then turned to Emma with gratitude. Emma instinctively shook her head but quickly forced a faint smile. She had worked hard to help her friends improve their summoning techniques, but Susan’s nervousness on stage led to subpar performance. Otherwise, she might have scored seventy points or more.

Thinking of this, Emma glanced at another friend—Lucy. This glance only added to Lucy’s mounting pressure, causing her to avert her gaze.

---

The Summoning Techniques assessment proceeded swiftly, with groups of four taking turns every four to five minutes. About half an hour later, Sara Swati of the Magister House confidently took the stage and earned the first score above ninety. Shortly after, Emma Mortis ascended under the watchful eyes of all students, securing the second score above ninety.

Professor Silver’s grading standards were strict; even Sara and Emma couldn’t reach ninety-five. Few could surpass their summoning abilities. The freshmen couldn’t help but glance back at Dark Demon and White Gawd seated in the last row.

Given Dark’s demonstrated summoning speed in duels, scoring above ninety-five—or even a perfect score—seemed inevitable. They struggled to imagine anyone else achieving a perfect score if Dark couldn’t.

As for White, his summoning speed rivaled Emma and Sara’s in previous duels, making a ninety-five plausible.

"Noble House Rose Rothrock, Knight House... Prepare in advance," Professor Silver’s voice interrupted the students' thoughts.

Encouraged by Dianna, Rose stepped onto the stage, her face etched with anxiety. Minutes later, her tension melted away, replaced by visible joy as she descended. Just moments ago, Professor Silver awarded her seventy-two points!

Watching her return, Dark rested his chin on his hand, utterly bored. He had harbored slight concern initially, but Rose’s opening performance revealed her true capabilities. Seventy-two points, despite not being her best, confirmed his worries were unfounded.

What an unnecessary concern!

Soon after, Dianna confidently took the stage, delivering a stellar performance that earned her ninety-three points, drawing admiration from the entire room.

Approaching ten o’clock, Dark finally heard his name. "Noble House Dark Demon, Knight House Robert Brogheim, Magister House..."

As Dark rose, he exchanged a smile with Robert, who was looking over, then headed to the front of the classroom. After waiting for a round near the wall, he retrieved a set of [Summon Cards] from the box beside Professor Silver and moved to the center of the stage.

Once all four students were in position, Professor Silver gave the command, and they began summoning simultaneously. Three seconds later, Dark summoned the first 1-star orb of light. By the ninth second, the second 1-star orb appeared. At fifteen seconds, the third 1-star orb emerged. By twenty-one seconds, the first 2-star orb materialized. At twenty-seven seconds, the second 2-star orb followed. Finally, at thirty-three seconds, the colossal 4-star orb manifested.

As the massive 4-star orb emerged from the Tribute Summoning array, the other three students were still struggling to summon their first 1-star orbs!

"Snap!"

Startled by the sudden appearance of the enormous orb, Robert accidentally bit his tongue, causing his already shaky Normal Summoning Spell to falter further.

---

"There’s nothing to say. Dark Demon, full marks."

Professor Silver’s tone was matter-of-fact. The students in the classroom showed little surprise. It seemed entirely expected. Anything less than full marks would have been strange.

After returning the set of [Summon Cards] to Professor Silver, Dark calmly returned to his seat. Not long after sitting down, the other three students also finished and descended from the stage. The last to leave, Robert, was ashen-faced, prompting White to console him. "It’s alright, Robert. Plenty of people didn’t pass. Misery loves company."

Robert: "???"

White then took the stage, earning ninety-two points.

---

The practical assessment for Summoning Techniques concluded smoothly before eleven o’clock. Whether they passed or failed, everyone headed directly to the cafeteria, ate quickly, and returned to their dorms to prepare for the upcoming Potions practical assessment.

Compared to Summoning Techniques, which had clear objectives, the Potions assessment was notably more challenging. Professor Thompson hadn’t disclosed the assessment details, leaving students unskilled in potion-making perpetually uneasy.

Take Dianna, for example. Confident in the morning, she became deflated by the afternoon, like a wilted eggplant.

"Don’t be nervous. The key to potion-making is steady hands and a calm mind. You possess both; there’s no way you can fail."

To ease Dianna’s anxiety, Dark offered these reassuring words, albeit insincerely. However, Dianna’s renewed vigor met a devastating setback during the Potions practical assessment that afternoon. Staring at the black foam furiously bubbling from her cauldron, Dianna pursed her lips tightly.

Yet, she wasn’t alone in her misfortune. The entire lab filled with the stench of decay. Professor Thompson crossed his arms, smirking coldly at the panicked students. He firmly believed that "the distractions during class become tears during exams." For this practical assessment, he deliberately chose a difficult potion experiment to teach the students a lesson.

Of course, not all students disappointed him. Even excluding the top students, several girls from the Magister House showed remarkable talent in potion-making.

---

The Potions practical assessment ran from two o’clock to four o’clock in the afternoon, lasting two hours. When Professor Thompson announced the end of the assessment, more than half the students were still struggling with their cauldrons. Even those who managed to complete their potions mostly produced low-quality results.

Professor Thompson selected only five relatively perfect potions, awarding their creators scores above ninety. However, he didn’t grade on the spot. After ordering the students to clean up the remnants of their experiments, he strode out of the classroom, leaving behind a chorus of lamentations.

Dark, who had completed his experiment an hour earlier, glanced at the black liquid in White and Robert’s cauldrons and couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity. Dianna at least managed a semi-finished product on her third attempt, but these two were truly pitiful.

"I never expected so many to fail these two assessments today..."

Dark shook his head, helped Dianna and Rose tidy up their workstations, and left the classroom. He couldn’t fathom why so many failed these two subjects, but reality often proved frustrating.

Similarly, during Friday morning’s Magic Theory practical assessment, quite a few students failed to produce a complete magic card as required. The difficulty of the magic card creation chosen by Professor Cazer was only average, yet some students performed worse than anticipated. Or perhaps, accustomed to Dark’s standards, his perception of the freshmen’s abilities had shifted slightly.

---

Amidst the groans of nearly half the students, the Dueling Class practical assessment finally began. The students had no choice but to rally their spirits and face the duel evaluation.

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