There were many choices.
So, which skill should he copy?
"I have a powerful offensive skill, should I copy a defensive or maybe a life-saving one? The examination is a live field test, dealing with Dreadbeasts always comes with risk."
He wasn't worried about failing the test.
He was worried about dying during it.
His eyes drifted toward Tyler- his ability shimmered in Simon's memory a balanced mixture of offense, defence and adaptability. Not the flashiest, not the strongest, but the kind of power that kept you alive when situations turned unpredictable.
And the Simon's attention sharpened.
A skill unlike the others—subtle, almost overlooked.
Aerial.
A special type Astral skill that didn't reply on brute strength or destructive force, but control.
The ability to solidify air into any shape.
To change its density at will.
From soft, pliable rubber that launched the user like a slingshot, to metal-hard constructs capable of stopping blades or forming weapons sharper than steel.
To create platforms midair for instant repositioning.
To build invisible walls, spears, anchors, foothold.
All with a thought.
Air that become a shield and a weapon.
He remembered how Tyler demonstrated his skill.
Tyler jumped and stepped on nothing then suddenly reached and touched the ceiling of the training room.
The more he thought, the more the possibilities multiplied.
And he finally made his decision.
Simon quietly moved to Tyler's side and replicated his skill.
As he was walking across the washroom, Simon hand deliberately touched his stomach.
"Boys, nature call. Wait for me at the canteen."
"All right! Just come over quickly!"
Ivan and Tyler not suspecting anything as they left him alone.
Simon entered into the washroom and locked the door. After he confirmed that there were no cameras, he issued installation command.
Vooosh!
Pain was even more severe than before assaulted him, the kind where your brain was sliced and rearranged into place, and for confirming if it works, current is passed through it, frying it inside-out.
Agony was too real.
Simon covered his mouth and forced himself not to scream, enduring it.
1-minute later.
The installation stopped as it was complete.
He wiped the cold sweat off his forehead with pained expression. He wished, he did not go through the process again. But he never had any choice.
After taking a short rest, Simon tried out his newly-copied skill, with a thought, a hard spherical block of air formed Infront of him which was floating.
Touching it, it felt like a soft but strong material which was also elastic.
After trying out different shapes for few seconds, Simon left the washroom, meet up with his friend as if nothing had happened.
"Let's go eat!"
Simon bumped into someone while he ordered his meal.
Indeed, he found that his skill was on cooldown.
"two more month. Before I can use it again!"
…
Training Area.
"In these two months of studies and practices, I believe all of you have made some progress.
Today, lets test it out!"
Instructor Ethan said as everyone was practicing on their own as usual, as he announced the surprises test.
"The test is very simple. Just hit that target over there" he said as he pointed at dummy 5 meters away.
"Let's see what level you all have reached and how well your control over your skill is"
"Yes, Sir!"
"Now, who among you all would like to go first?"
When his voice stopped, a hand raised as tall teenager walked out of the group.
His name was Adam Swiftwelll, one of the three that have Fire manipulation, whom true to his skill liked to show off.
"All right, you can go first!" instructor Ethan nodded.
Adam moved to the centre of the ground, raising his right hand, with a roar, crimson flames surged out of his hand.
The flame danced on his palm, clearly not burning him.
"GO!"
Adam performed a hard throw, as the flaming ball shot forward.
However, just before three meters, the flames lost all its power, it weakened and dissipated before it reached the target.
"The attack range is just three meters!"
Instructor Ethan looked at Adam with disappointment and continued.
"A proper 1-Star Lord has a range of 5-meters, you fell short by half.
Which is a great disappointment, you need to work more harder!"
"Yes, Sir!" Adam replied as he returns back to the group with embarrassment.
"Next!"
One by one, others showed their skill. Which was more or same result as Adam's try.
Instructor Ethan commented on their control and pointed out their problems, giving advise every now and then.
He even compared some of them to magic show on streets.
When Instructor Ethan turned to Simon and Ivan.
Ivan became nervous as his turn closed in, he could not help but turn to look at Simon.
"Okay, let me do it."
Simon walked to the centre of the ground.
Under everyone's gaze, he summoned flames on each of his palms.
Then pressed his palms together concealing them in a grip, from there he outstretched his right hand back as he pulled on a string of flames. from his left-hand flames burst out forming a bow and string.
Flames on his right hand turned into an arrow.
Piercing!
The arrow shot through the air, directed at the dummy.
Within a second the arrow pierced the dummy but it was not over, the moment the arrow pierced through the target, it blows up creating a massive explosion.
Sending shockwaves, destroying the target.
Looking at the flame that was burning the dummy, Simon waved his hand.
Flame dispersed.
CLAP!
CLAP!
CLAP!
Instructor Ethan led the applause and everyone else joined in after a moment of shock.
"Your control over your skill is quite proficient, to create a bow and an arrow, and also accurately hitting the target within five-meter radius.
That to being that lethal! You showed the best performance so far, and I hope you will continue to work hard!"
"Thank you"
Simon said with polite smile, but he was laughing inside his heart, because who would not like to be complimented.
"Simon, you're too amazing"
When he returned to the group, Ivan eyes were full of admiration.
"Ivan, you can also do it"
Simon patted Ivan on the shoulder.
"I will try my best."
Ivan took a deep breath and walked to the centre of the ground.
Compared with Simon's skilful and precise control, Ivan was clumsy as the rest…
After a short rest, Instructor Ethan commented, "is this it? Are you guys not taking the class seriously?
I promise you, if you all continue like this. In four month, you all will definitely be eliminated"
Eliminated!
One word was enough for them to have their head straight.
Because once eliminated, they would lose everything that they got after they became an Astral lord, from the Villa, to their salary, everything will be taken away from them.
What was even scarier was that the examination was broadcasted to every agency in the city.
Everyone will be watching them and if they fail, no other organization would take them.
The consequences were terrible!
"I have said everything that need to be said, so everything moving forward all will depend on you people"
"That's all. You should know what to do!"