Asa took one deep breath and waited patiently, preparing herself.
If there was anything she had learned in her relatively long life in this world, it was that one had to be calm and patient to achieve the best results.
'He's watching me… I can't mess up!' The young lady stole a glance at the black-haired man who watched with absolute concentration.
Since the Combat Exam started, Asa had been observing his actions. Despite his immense capabilities, the strange man watched the others who took the exams.
To Asa, he appeared to be gauging their actions, seeing through every move they made.
Surely, his skill must have far exceeded theirs. Even Asa found their techniques quite subpar, how much more so an individual more skilled than she was.
'They were subpar, yet he didn't flinch in condescension while observing their actions…' The blonde girl realized she had much to learn.
Her arrogance had yet to vanish, which was probably the reason she viewed most of their performances as inferior.
Perhaps he was seeing something she wasn't.
'He's also watching my match. Maybe I should ask him what I can do to improve after this Exam is over. Or…'
Asa shook her head quickly, not daring to imagine imposing something so disrespectful to a man of his caliber.
Forming a Party with him, at least for their first Quest would be a learning experience for the fair lady, but she would not impose.
'I'll only hold him back…'
Besides, his Adventurer Rank was most likely going to exceed hers by far.
How could she dream of being a burden to him when he was leagues above her?
'My best bet is to try my best to catch up to him. Hopefully, we get to stand side by side eventually.' With that in mind, Asa readied herself for the first wave that appeared—a single Goblin.
"KRII—"
>WHOOSH!WHOOOSHHH!!!WHOOOSHHH!FWOOOOSSSHHHH!!!<
As expected, she hit her mark, causing the Goblins to scream out in pain as they collapsed, sinking in their pool of blood.
Once again, she survived another round without taking a single hit from the enemy.
Asa was on a winning streak, having killed twenty-three Goblins, yet not slowing down or getting any meaningful retaliation.
Anyone could see she was a natural at hunting.
'I've almost run out of knives, though. Sooner or later, I'll have to retrieve the arrows and knives I threw so I can restock!'
Since she was terrible at close combat, she needed to be quick on her feet while ensuring she took down the targets in one hit, preferably.
The gate opened and the next batch of Goblins were bigger than the previous group—both in number and size.
Not only were they much taller and bulkier, but they were also about twelve—each having armor and weapons.
None of the Examinees had made it this far, so Asa hadn't expected this challenge. She was uncertain about her chances, but the Ranger knew she couldn't give up now.
'I have to try!'
Readying her knives while keeping her eyes out for her weapons scattered all over, Asa took a deep breath and stretched out her muscles.
This would be take a lot out of her.
'Let's go!'