Sakura shrugged. “You could’ve dodged the lightning attack and used the shield slime against a less obviously powerful swing from Samuel. That would still be risky though. You could’ve enlisted my help or even the clerk’s as it would fit within the parameters of the test, though I guess Samuel would’ve questioned the fairness of that. Basically, what I’m saying is you had less risky options you could’ve attempted first.”

“Do you think that rule of the test is slightly unfair in that regard?” asked Max. “Couldn’t someone just bring in their family and help them defeat the shield slime for them?”

Sakura nodded. “Family isn’t typically allowed to observe the test. Technically we’re not family so it was fine. The test is definitely more challenging for those with non-offensive abilities like healing. In most cases like that, the student climber trains their stats to a point where they can break through the energy shield without any magical abilities. Or they equip an offensive item like Samuel’s thunder stone to make up for any deficiencies in their profile.”

Max’s face became dejected. “Tell me the truth, Sakura. How are my stats compared to the other climbers about to enter the academy?”

“Oh they’re incredibly low,” said Sakura, matter of factly. “I thought that was obvious. Most climbers entering will have all of their stats closer to ten or over. Half of them will probably have already hit E-rank as well. You are far behind, mister.”

Max’s shoulders slumped even further.

He knew he was behind, but he didn’t realize he was that far behind everyone else.

“How much time do I have until the term begins?”

“Just over three weeks,” said Sakura.

Max clasped his fingers together and pleaded at Sakura. “Please, Ms. Sakura, you’ll train me before then, right? Please please please?”

“Are you sure?” said Sakura.

“Of course I’m sure,” said Max. “You’re one of the best climbers, aren’t you?”

“I am,” said Sakura. “And I’m willing to train you too. Are you ready?”

“Yes,” said Max with glee.

Then, suddenly, Sakura’s whole face shifted, taking on a sadistic look.

“Wait, why are you looking at me like that?” said Max.

She grinned. “Welcome to hell.”

19

The next morning, Max woke up to a shrill wail of a whistle in his ear.

The noise woke him up instantly, giving him heart palpitations.

“Get up, rookie,” barked Sakura. “It’s time to train.”

“Ughhh,” said Max. “What time is it?”

“Five a.m.,” she shouted. “We got a long day ahead of us, so let’s get a move on. Hustle hustle hustle!”

Max couldn’t remember the last time he had woken up this early. In fact, he couldn’t recall a time ever in his life when he’d woken up this early.