Chapter Thirty-One: Physical Assessment

"Former Navy SEAL Arnold Johnson, reporting for duty." As soon as they reached the door, the muscular man in a blue t-shirt standing beside Professor Manstein snapped a crisp, professional military salute.

Lin Nian was taken aback by the display and instinctively returned a Young Pioneer salute. "Does our school recruit Navy SEALs? Oh... so that's what the conductor meant when he mentioned the Navy SEALs."

"Most of them are staff members. Arnold also works part-time as a nutritionist and an instructor for the Battlefield Survival course. Back in the SEALs, he was one of the rare talents who could manage troop training while simultaneously overseeing their physical well-being," Professor Manstein said, adjusting his round-rimmed glasses. "You're right on time. Did Fingal show you the way? I don't see him here."

"He left early. I think he was afraid of running into you and feeling awkward, Professor," Lin Nian said, glancing back at the empty, cobblestone path.

"The Disciplinary Committee doesn't care about the nonsense on the forums; that’s the students' freedom. He’s likely just guilty about some other mischief and didn't want to face me," Manstein said flatly. "Never mind him. Let's head inside and begin."

"What exactly does the physical test cover? I heard from Senior Fingal that the school's sports curriculum consists of unarmed combat and cold weapon mastery," Lin Nian said, following Professor Manstein and the towering staff member, Arnold, as they pushed open the gymnasium doors.

"You will indeed be exposed to those courses gradually, but today we are only performing basic physical assessments, such as the 100-meter dash and lung capacity tests," Arnold said. His voice was thick and resonant, matching his hulking frame—the kind of voice that immediately signaled a powerhouse before you even saw him.

"Do all incoming students have to take these physical tests?"

"Not necessarily, as not every student specializes in physical performance," Arnold replied. "But your test was scheduled by EVA, and I hear it was at the request of Principal Angers."

Lin Nian nodded thoughtfully. The Principal again. He had heard the name "Angers" from countless people, yet he had never once laid eyes on this mysterious centenarian. Recalling the few foreigners he had encountered in his life, he was certain he had no prior acquaintance with the man.

Manstein turned on the gymnasium lights. Under the glare of the incandescent bulbs, the massive space stood empty. The perimeter was lined with an indoor synthetic track, while the interior was covered in polished wooden flooring, partitioned into basketball and tennis courts.

"I had EVA clear this place out for the physical tests. Students looking to exercise early will have to find somewhere else," Manstein’s voice echoed through the cavernous gym.

"Starting with the 100-meter dash? May I ask what the school record is?" Lin Nian was led to the synthetic track by Arnold, where he tapped his feet to test the grip of his sneakers.

"7.32 seconds," Arnold said. "Set by a male student in the class of 2001."

"Are you serious? That’s already broken the world record!" Lin Nian blinked, genuinely surprised that the "exceptional" talents at this academy were this extraordinary.

"The Olympic world records don't apply to us. Besides, that record doesn't account for the use of Spirit powers—you'll learn about that in your classes later," Professor Manstein explained.

"I know what Spirit powers are... superpowers, right? Senior Fingal gave me the basics," Lin Nian said.

"Superpowers... that's one way to put it, though theoretically, they are manifestations of Draconic power," Manstein said, scratching his eyebrow. "Don't worry. After the bloodline awakens, a hybrid's physical capabilities increase significantly in a short time. Previous records are for reference only, so don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"Need to warm up first?" Arnold asked, walking over while carrying two devices that looked like oversized launchers on his shoulders.

"Yes, please." Lin Nian nodded and began stretching on the track. Manstein and Arnold waited silently. Once Lin Nian finished, Arnold walked to the other side of the track to set up the equipment.

Lin Nian stood before the starting blocks, settling into his stance. Professor Manstein held a starting pistol and asked, "Are you ready?"

"Ready," Lin Nian replied.

"Counting down: three, two, one."

Lin Nian counted along in his mind, and as the report of the starting pistol rang out, he launched himself forward. Manstein felt a gust of wind whip past him; by the time he looked up, Lin Nian was already twenty meters away. Stunned by the explosive speed, Manstein momentarily forgot to check his stopwatch. Before he could regain his composure, the infrared sensors at the 100-meter mark chimed. Lin Nian had crossed the line.

"7.28 seconds. A new record," Arnold said, looking at the approaching Professor Manstein.

"Are you sure there wasn't a calculation error?" Manstein was dumbfounded. The tests had barely started, and Lin Nian had already shattered a record.

"The starting pistol is synced to the infrared sensors; the timing begins the instant the trigger is pulled, with an error margin of less than 0.01 seconds," Arnold said, eyeing Lin Nian, who stood nearby without even breaking a sweat, as if he were looking at a monster.

"7.28 seconds? That’s a bit slower than I expected. I must have been too tense," Lin Nian said, catching his breath and loosening his joints.

"Have you tested this privately before? What was your best time?" Manstein asked.

"Under seven seconds," Lin Nian recalled. "But I was the one timing it, so it might not be accurate. After all, I was holding the stopwatch while running. Should I run it again?"

"This result is sufficient. These tests aren't being recorded for any official grade; we just wanted to understand your physical baseline," Professor Manstein said after a pause. "This is an exceptional result. There are likely only a handful of students in the academy capable of matching it."

"I actually considered joining the track team back home, but I was worried that if I couldn't hold back my speed one day, I'd be exposed and sent to a hospital as some kind of monster," Lin Nian said, observing Manstein and Arnold’s reactions. Seeing no signs of fear or shock, he let out a sigh of relief.

"It seems you are a student with significant physical aptitude. Not all hybrids have physical advantages; some excel in intellect—they are more sensitive to numbers than the people on Wall Street, able to derive formulas and reach conclusions just by looking at an equation," Manstein said. "Let's prepare the equipment for the next test. Rest for a moment and catch your breath. Take your time; we have the whole morning to finish."

Lin Nian nodded and walked toward a chair in the distance. Manstein watched him go in silence. Beside him, Arnold finally could not suppress his emotions and leaned in to whisper, "That was a bit too good."

"Indeed, a bit too good," Manstein replied softly. "7.28 seconds—that is not a physical capacity an unawakened freshman should possess."

"Perhaps he underwent a vision and awakened his bloodline previously but forgot? Visions aren't always triggered by Draconic scripts; there are precedents for this," Arnold speculated.

"Yet, there have been no signs of 'Golden Eyes,' nor does he possess a Spirit of his own. These are classic signs of a bloodline that has yet to awaken," Manstein said quietly. "To be honest, I would prefer it if he had already awakened and simply didn't know it. For people like us, being too exceptional sometimes isn't a good thing."

"Are you worried about what happens after he experiences a vision...?" A flash of wariness appeared in Arnold's eyes.

"No, the tests have only just begun. It's too early to draw conclusions. He was specifically admitted by the Principal, and I trust the Principal's judgment," Manstein shook his head. "After today, all records will be sealed in EVA's archives, and access will be restricted to 'S' grade clearance."

"Understood." Arnold gave a silent salute. Even after years of retirement from the SEALs, the habit remained; in the military, orders from superiors were absolute.