Chapter 94 Swamper

A few more weeks had passed since Suzuka had started attending classes at the Magic Box University, and while the lessons were going well, she couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right. The University wasn't what she expected. 

For one thing, she was short on money only 4 silver coins left, even with the quest rewards she had received, the cost of living in the city was higher than she had anticipated, it was a struggle to make ends meet, and she needed a big job. 

But despite her financial troubles, Suzuka remained determined to succeed. She spent every spare moment studying and practicing her magic. But she already knew most of the things the university had to offer, the final exams will be easy for her. 

Fortunately, she hadn't had any unpleasant run-ins with Sterling since their unpleasant encounter on the first day. Part of her was relieved that he seemed to have lost interest in her, but another part of her couldn't help but wonder if he was up to no good.

Suzuka was on her way to her class when she bumped into Professor Silva. She knew that Silva still held a grudge against her from the incident that happened on the first day of university. As soon as Silva saw Suzuka, she sneered at her and said, "Ah, the adventurer scum. I hope you are ready for today's field test. You better show up if you want to pass this exam."

Suzuka was unfazed by her insult. She knew that Silva was just looking for an excuse to belittle her, but Suzuka refused to back down. "I'll be there," she said curtly.

Silva walked away without waiting for a response from her. But as she walked off, Suzuka heard her whisper under her breath, "I wish you wouldn't show up, scum."

Suzuka gritted her teeth, seething with anger at Silva's spiteful remark. She promised herself that she would not let Silva's words bring her down. She would show up, and she would pass the exam with flying colors, just to spite Silva.

Suzuka joined the rest of her classmates and soon Professor Silva began to address the group. "Greetings esteemed students," she began in a formal tone. "Today marks the commencement of our first examination, which is one of three in total."

There was a brief pause before Silva continued, her voice steady and measured. "For this examination, we shall venture forth into the forest for field training. You shall engage in combat against real monsters but fear not, for I shall be present to oversee the proceedings. Rest assured that you shall not encounter any creatures beyond your capabilities."

Students started to chatter amongst themselves, and Suzuka couldn't help but overhear their whispers. They were all so nervous about the upcoming exam, but for her, it was nothing but a walk in the park. After all, she had survived alone in the forest for over a year, surrounded by all manner of monsters and beasts.

She had fought creatures of unimaginable disgust, battling her way through the most treacherous terrain time and time again. The mere thought of an exam in a controlled environment paled in comparison to the trials she had faced in the wild.

Suzuka allowed herself a small smile as she thought back to those days living in Bill's cave. She had learned so much about herself during her time with Bill in the forest, discovering strengths and abilities she never knew she possessed. And now, as she faced this exam with ease, she was reminded of just how far she had come.

But even as she reveled in her own abilities, Suzuka couldn't help but feel a sense of sympathy for her fellow students. She knew that not everyone had the same experiences she did and that for some, this exam would be a true challenge.

Professor Silva continued speaking with a stern voice, "Gather all of your gear and meet at the main gate in half an hour. Make sure you have everything you need for the field test and don't forget any necessary supplies." 

Suzuka noticed how the professor's eyes scanned the room, making sure that no one had any objections or questions. The room fell silent as everyone started to pack their belongings into bags and backpacks, eagerly anticipating the upcoming test. Suzuka finished packing, ensuring that she had all of her gear ready for any situation that may arise during the exam. 

Silva marched up to Suzuka and hissed, "Well, well, well, if it isn't the adventurer scum. I was hoping you wouldn't show up, but I suppose even a low-life like you need to pass this test." 

Suzuka's eyes narrowed, but she remained silent as Silva continued, "Don't even bother trying. I know this test will be a cakewalk for someone like you, but I don't want to see your face, let alone hear your voice. Just find a rock to crawl under and stay there like the spineless creature you are. And if you even think about causing trouble, I'll make sure you fail faster than you can say 'pathetic'. So stay in your place and don't make a sound, got it? I wouldn't want to be seen with the likes of you."

As the other students left the room, Suzuka stared at Silva with a cold expression, suppressing her urge to lash out at the condescending professor. She simply nodded and replied, "Yes, ma'am," before walking out of the room with her gear. 

Suzuka arrived at the main gate just in time, but her excitement for the field trip was dampened by the sight of Sterling sweet-talking his beloved professor Silva at the front of the group. Silva seemed to be completely taken by Sterling's charms, while Suzuka couldn't help but roll her eyes at the obvious ass-licking.

The group set off into the forest, accompanied by several royal knights for added protection. Silva led the way with Sterling at her side, while Suzuka hung back at the rear. She watched as the other students chatted and laughed, blissfully unaware of the dangers that lurked in the forest.

She knew from experience that this was not a place for the faint of heart. The monsters and beasts that dwelled within were fierce and deadly, and she couldn't help but wonder if the knights accompanying them would be enough to protect the group.

As they walked, Suzuka kept a careful eye on Sterling, watching as he continued to whisper in Silva's ear. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was up to something, and she made a mental note to keep a close eye on him throughout the trip.

As the group trekked through the dense and dangerous forest, they couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The path they were following was overgrown and hard to make out, and they stumbled over roots and rocks as they went. 

Just as they began to relax, thinking that they were safe from any danger, they heard a strange rustling noise coming from the nearby bushes. They froze, their hearts racing with fear, as the rustling got louder and closer.

 Suddenly, dozens of goblins and gobliman jumped out from the underbrush, brandishing their sharp weapons and snarling fiercely. The group had never seen so many grotesque creatures in one place, and they were completely caught off guard.

Silva's shrill voice pierced the air, "Listen up! Your target is in front of you, and the first one to bring it down will pass this exam." The students began to group up and prepare for the fight, but Suzuka remained calm and took a seat on a nearby rock, her eyes glinting with amusement.

Silva watched in frustration as Suzuka simply sat there, seemingly uninterested in the task at hand. The other students fought fiercely, but Suzuka just watched with a detached air, as if the fight was nothing but a mere show to her. 

The goblins stood no chance against the group of magic box power users. With every spell cast, the goblins were pushed back, their primitive weapons no match against the magic box power users.

The group moved through the goblin horde with ease, taking down any enemy that stood in their way. As they fought, their power only seemed to grow, fueled by the adrenaline of battle and the confidence that came with their superior abilities.

The goblins were left reeling, their numbers dwindling with every passing moment. They had never faced such a formidable foe, and their primitive minds struggled to comprehend the power that the magic box users wielded.

Sterling arrogantly hurled a few fireballs, reducing the goblins into a pile of ash. He stood there relishing his victory, basking in the warm glow of his own power. The rest of the group finished off the goblins quickly, not even breaking a sweat, and continued with the test.

As they walked deeper into the forest, they passed by the swamp. The air was thick with the stench of rot and decay. Suddenly, the mossy and muddy ground started to move in front of the group. Something large and slimy was emerging from the murky depths. With a sudden jolt, the ground beneath their feet erupted in a shower of dirt and slime, revealing a massive, hideous swamp monster.

Suzuka recognized the creature from her time in the forest. It was a giant swamp monster, The Swamper, a creature of similar strength to a behemoth. She knew that everyone besides her was in for a fight for their lives. Sterling, however, stood there dumbfounded, his stupidity was mistaken for confidence in the face of this new threat. 

Sterling, the so-called role model of a student, marched forward with an air of superiority, eager to showcase his skills to his peers, "Step aside commoners, Sterling will handle this one! Take this, you ugly beast!"

 With a smug grin on his face, he summoned a fireball and hurled it at the Swamper, cackling arrogantly at the thought of his imminent victory. But before the fireball could even reach the beast, the Swamper swiped its massive claw, extinguishing Sterling's pitiful display of magic like it was nothing but a mere flicker.

Suzuka leaned against a tree, her arms folded across her chest as she watched the scene unfold. Sterling had always been a pompous fool, and it was clear that he was nothing but trouble.

Silva stood in front of Sterling, instructing him to cast another fireball at the swamper, "Sterling! Blast this monster with another fireball! Make a distraction! I will show your classmates how it's done," but Sterling was paralyzed with fear. He was nothing but a coward. In a fit of desperation, he lashed out at Silva, kicking her in the back and screaming at her to save him.

"Are you crazy, my fireball did nothing to it?! I will not attract his attention to myself! You're the professor, do something, you worthless woman!" he yelled. "Who do you think I am? I am Sterling, son of the headmaster! You have to save me from this monster, at once! Or I will tell my father how useless you are and he will kick you out of the university!"

Silva stumbled forward, caught off guard by Sterling's kick. Suzuka couldn't help but smirk, relishing the moment and the look on Silva's face as Sterling was exposed to his true character. Suzuka couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She had been right all along and seeing Silva finally realize the truth about her beloved role model student was almost unbearable in its sweetness.

Suzuka watched from the sidelines, barely containing her amusement. She had always known that Sterling was putting on an act of a role model student, but to see him cower and plead for help like a warm was beyond satisfying. And finally, Silva was starting to see him for who he really was.