[MHCISQD] Chapter 407: Exams

Mikoto and Mei were assigned to the same group, so their exam schedule was identical.

Midnight, with five students in tow, arrived at a designated location and said, "For the first test, we're going to assess your agility with a continuous lateral jump. Unlike your previous schools, you can use your Quirks here. Your scores will also be evaluated based on the uniqueness of your Quirks. First up is Katsuhira Ueda."

After uttering the name, a short-haired young man in sports attire stepped onto the marked area.

This continuous lateral jump wasn't a comedic act from an anime; it was an actual sport, requiring participants to move repeatedly between three lines to test their coordination and agility.

Standing at the center line, the young man received a nod of confirmation from Midnight, who held a stopwatch in her hand.

"Get ready, go!"

As the stopwatch was pressed, the young man began moving repeatedly between the three lines, relying solely on his physical stamina and reflexes since Quirks weren't of much help in this test.

While this exercise seemed simple at first glance, those who experienced it found out that it demanded not only physical endurance but also excellent body coordination.

Watching the young man's test from a distance, Mei leaned closer to Mikoto and asked in a hushed tone, "Have you practiced this before?"

Mikoto shook her head and replied, "I heard from upperclassmen that the recommended exam content changes every year, and it's only finalized the day before the exam. So, guessing the content won't help; it's better to focus on our own training."

Mei nodded in agreement. She hadn't left her training aside during this period and was well-prepared for this test.

In no time, one minute had passed, and the young man stopped at Midnight's command.

"One minute, 58 times."

After a few more results, Midnight called another young man for the test.

This time, the young man used his Quirk during the test.

"His Quirk is Limb Extension!" Kaminari remarked as he watched the young man extend his legs to move swiftly and easily. "I wonder how far he can stretch his limbs."

Mineta, standing nearby, looked envious and said, "That's a great ability, not just for stretching limbs..."

Suddenly, everyone's gaze turned towards Mineta with a mix of shame and amusement. His comment had revealed some of his shortcomings.

"..." Mineta tried to defend himself, "What can I do? It's not like I can grow taller."

"You act as if growing taller would solve everything..." Kirishima muttered in a hushed voice, causing everyone to burst into laughter, regardless of their gender.

Over time, the girls had gotten used to the occasional lewd jokes from the boys. While their faces still turned red at times, they no longer got angry.

Of course, the disdain for Mineta's comments remained.

Time's up, and the young man completed his test, achieving a score of 82 times in one minute.

Although due to the nature of Quirks, this score wouldn't directly determine rankings, the young man still pumped his fist in excitement.

"Next up, Misaka Mikoto."

Upon being called by her name, Mikoto exchanged a confident glance with Mei and stepped forward.

Seeing Mikoto approach, Midnight smiled at her and then lowered her finger onto the button.

"Are you ready?"

Mikoto nodded, and sparks began to flicker around her body. In an instant, her muscle cells were all strengthened. Though the time for this strengthening was limited, one minute would suffice.

"Ready, start!"

*Whoosh!*

To the amazement of everyone present, Mikoto, with conspicuous bluish lightning beneath her feet, moved even faster than the two individuals before her. She darted left and right, steadily increasing her speed.

Midnight counted the seconds, visibly impressed by Mikoto's performance. Midnight had some knowledge of Mikoto's Quirk, but she hadn't expected Mikoto to enhance her body's cells through electromagnetic force.

Renault, watching Mikoto's rapid movements, was also surprised, though it was within his expectations. He already knew Mikoto could achieve this effect with her Quirk, but now she was doing it even more effectively.

One minute later, time was up. Mikoto's performance spoke for itself—it was outstanding.

A hundred and forty-three times in a minute.

As Mikoto sighed in relief and returned to her spot, Mei felt the pressure building. She hadn't expected Mikoto to perform so well, and it seemed like she hadn't expended much energy either.

Next up was Mei.

Her abilities also revolved around the Thunder and Lightning Quirk, but her approach was somewhat different from Mikoto's. She relied on leaving electricity at three points and using the electrical connection between them to reduce her own energy consumption.

While her final score didn't match Mikoto's, she managed eighty-eight repetitions in a minute, slightly outperforming the second male student in the test group, who achieved sixty-three.

Next was the second challenge.

In front of a colossal strength testing machine, Midnight announced, "You are allowed to use your weapons and give it your all against this machine. First up, Misaka Mikoto."

Mikoto hesitated upon hearing this and realized that the order wasn't predetermined.

Approaching the machine, she took a moment to inspect it. Then she asked Midnight, "Give it my all, right?"

Midnight nodded.

Mikoto gazed at the ceiling, aware that she could only use what was available in this indoor arena. She reluctantly pulled a coin from her sportswear pocket.

Stepping back to a distance of thirty meters, Mikoto took a deep breath. She placed the coin on her right hand, raised her arm, and aimed at the machine ahead.

Seeing this, the Class A spectators turned to Renault for an explanation.

Renault smiled and said, "This is one of her recently perfected moves. With the technology available at the school, this machine should be able to withstand it... I hope."

As he spoke, Mikoto initiated her attack.

Her entire body erupted in a dazzling blue-white electric current, converging from all over her body to her arm, finally reaching the coin in her hand.

"Here it goes!"

The coin, propelled by an immense electric surge, shot out like a silver-white laser. Accompanied by a deafening bang and afterimage, it instantly struck the testing device.

*BOOOM!*

A massive explosion resounded, and the testing device, resisting for less than a second, was instantly penetrated. Mikoto's attack continued, crashing into the wall behind.

This single action drew the attention of all the examinees and teachers in the vast arena.