Practical exam ~Sein vs Yuu~

* The practical exam takes the form of mock battles within a magically-contained arena on the sports grounds.
	+ An expensive magical tool is used to dampen magical damage.
	+ Its original use is for defending a position during war.
		- It's also extremely rare with only a select few that can operate it.
* Each candidate is judged not on win or lose but by ability demonstrated.
	+ The sufficient knowledge of tactics and skill are needed to serve the Order of the Academy.
	+ Rei likens this portion of the exam similar to that of getting a boxing license:
		- You can still make the cut even if you lose the same way that you can still be denied if you win by a single, lucky punch.
* Lorec takes a moment to ask if anyone has a specific opponent they want to face.
	+ Claire immediately challenges Rei.
		- Lorec asks if Claire is certain due to the immeasurable result from the last exams.
		- After seeing both Rei and Claire agree, Lorec sanctions the match.
	+ Rei has been hiding her excitement for the match since the end of the written exam.
	+ Rod chooses to face Misha but he originally wanted to duel with Rei.
		- This pits the magical skilled 9th ranked (Rod, tied with Yuu) against the 2nd ranked (Misha) in a match.
		- Rei weighs in that this would be interesting to watch.
	+ Yuu makes the next request to go against Sein (8th ranked).
		- Rei is also thrilled about another considerably fierce match.
* Match Order:
	+ (Everyone else)
	+ 8th match: Sein Bauer vs Yuu Bauer
	+ 9th match: Rod Bauer vs Misha Yule
	+ 10th match: Claire François vs Rei Taylor
* The mock battles progressed unassumingly.
	+ Rei expected that the few commoner and many noble participants weren't fully accustomed or proficient at handling magic.
	+ Although the nobles have the experience of training within the academy, their inborn aptitude held them back or were overshadowed by the commoner candidates.
	+ Rei declares these matches nothing impressive.
	+ To be fair in these matches, only a magic wand is allowed.
		- If given the opportunity, nobles would utilize family assets for an unfair advantage.
* Sein vs Yuu
	+ At the start of the match, Sein dashes into Yuu, punching at him.
	+ Yuu creates an ice wall to block but it's smashed to pieces putting Yuu off balance both mentally and physically.
	+ Sein adapted his wind magic to buff his physical abilities in what is called Magical Warrior style.
		- He turns his support magic into a kind of offensive magic by enhancing his capabilities.
		- Although candidates are not allowed weapons, Sein turns himself into a weapon.
	+ Yuu's combat style utilizes offensive water magic to fight at a distance commonly known as Ice Prince style.
		- Despite having medium aptitude, the spells are still high quality.
		- Most opponents, except for Sein, can't break Yuu's ice wall.
		- In addition, Yuu has durability due to recovery magic.
	+ Sein's unchanging demeanor and calm fury leads him to step in a throws a powered kick.
		- Yuu, realizing the shortened distance puts him at a disadvantage, tries to make space.
		- Sein's speed matches and overcomes Yuu.
		- Knowing that ice walls will not work, Yuu summons a water wall instead.
			* Although not as sturdy, the water softens and slows Sein's attack enough for Yuu to dodge.
			* Rei likens a water wall to that of a water slime's body.
	+ As Yuu gains distance, he also freezes the ground leading up to him.
	+ Yuu then prepares a counter attack, launching several ice arrows at Sein.
		- Sein not only skillfully dodges each arrow but he continues to close the distance.
		- Claire, in her worries, calls out to Sein as Rei observes Claire's feelings.
		- As he dodges, they notice that Sein uses a wind barrier to surround his body.
		- In addition, Sein uses air to create a foot hold as he runes over the ice.
	+ Yuu baits Sein into his range again and prepares a ice spike trap.
		- Sein kicks the tips using the shards to obscure Yuu's vision.
		- Sein then uses air steps to leap over Yuu and take his back.
	+ Hand to Yuu's neck, Sein makes him submit.
* Due to the high level of technical skills, everyone in attendance erupted with cheers.
	+ Rei even commends them on how amazing they were.
	+ In game, the mock battle was one of Sein's highlight scenes.
		- Rei vaguely mentions that players that follow the Sein route will eventually lament their choice later.
* As a result, both Yuu and Sein pass.
	+ Seeing how people utilize magic differently causes Rei to let out a cheer.
* Next: Practical exam ~Rod vs Misha~
* Previous: Written exam