Chapter 44 - Promotion Examination

The day of the promotion examination.

All of them gathered in the transport magic circle located at the basement of Hyoudo residence. They were dressed in Kuoh Academy's uniform. This has basically become the uniform of the Gremory team. They were holding bags and inside tthe bag were important things required in the test. The ones who are going to the stadium to take the test are Issei, Akeno, Kiba and Issei's manager Ravel. Rias, Azazel, and the others are going to underworld with them, but they are going to wait for the hotel near the stadium. The magic circle will send Issei, Kiba, Akeno, and Ravel right at the stadium. After that Rias and the others will transport to the hotel.

Issei turned his head left and right. If he wasn't wrong Ulquiorra too was going to take the test today. He looked at Azazel and asked, "Sensei, I don't see Ulquiorra. Is he gonna come with us?"

Azazel laughed and patted his shoulder, "Don't worry about that guy, he has his own way to get there. Maybe he's already there and taking the exam."

Azazel was talking about the garganta. Although he was curious about it he didn't dare to ask what it is.

".... I see" Issei nodded his head.

He then lean to Azazel and whisper, "Sensei, what are Ophis, Kuroka, Le Fay going to do?"

"They are going to the hotel with us. It will be bad if they follow you to the stadium." replied Azazel.

Azazel continued, "Also after your test are finished. I'm planning on taking Ophis to Sirzechs's place. It's a good opportunity. Ophis also said she will go as long as you with Ulquiorra are going as well. That's why you guys will also go to Sirzechs's place after the test is over."

"I understand. I don't know what I can do, but taking Ophis to Sirzechs-sama has a big meaning to it, right?" Issei said.

"Yeah. If possible I want this to go in the right direction even if it's only a little bit. Negotiation that had been said to be impossible may now be possible. It's a big step. I don't know what Ophis is thinking, but because of it, it may be possible to avoid continued fight. If everything goes well the enemy organization itself may collapse and split up. I even want to thank Vali who suggested this." Azazel said.

"The one who left Ophis in the care of Sensei was him." Issei mumbled.

"... He must have wanted to hide Ophis. From the threat that is... " Azazel narrowed his eyes.

Suddenly a small communication magic circle appears behind Azazel right ear. Azazel stopped talking and listen to the one talking in the magic circle.

After a while he nodded and looked at Issei. He said, "Ulquiorra is already there and taking the exam. You should go now."

"Then we will be going" after he said that they envelope by a white light.

...

When the light stopped, they found themself at a spacious floor. The transport magic circle is still emitting a feint light under their feet.

They split up with Ravel and went to upstairs where the written exam will take place. The second floor looks like a room in university where there's long desk aligned. The three of them sat together and saw Ulquiorra far from them. Issei wanted to called him but afraid that he would cause trouble.

"It's time please start" the voice of the examiner echoed in the whole room. All of them turned over their test paper and began answering.

...

After the written exam all of them gathered at the food court and met with Ravel there.

They saw Ulquiorra was standing alone in the corner while his eyes was closed.

They approached him and Issei tried to strike up a conversation, "How did you do in the test, Ulquiorra?"

Ulquiorra opened one of his eyes and looked at them. He said in a light tone, "It's okay"

They didn't know what to say anymore. They didn't know how to start a conversation with him. They have no choice but to talk to themself. Ulquiorra was just standing beside them comfortably while listening to their conversation.

...

The time of the practical exam arrived. They once again separate from Ravel as they went to the top floor where the practical exam will took place.

The place looked like a wide gymnasium. The other participants began their warm up. Issei and the others too also began their warm up exercise. While they were warming up the examiners gathered and began to call their numbers. They put a badge that had the participants number on it to their clothes. Then one of the examiners gave them an explanation. Ulquiorra number is 23, Issei is 11, Kiba is 10, and Akeno is 12.

"The practical exam is quite simple. We will have the participants battle each other. We will have everyone draw a number, and that will decide who you will battle."

"The battle will looked as a whole so even if you lose to your opponent, you will not necessarily lose the opportunity to pass. Obviously winning the battle will allow you to get more points. But we will looked at the battle in depth so if you have the three satisfactory criteria of heart, technique, and body we will allow you to get points that will be equivalent of what you showed. Try to have the battle be good as possible."

After the examiner explained the rules, one by one the participants began to draw.

Issei looked at the number he draw and when he saw it his face began to lose color.

Akeno noticed him. She approached him and asked worriedly, "What's wrong Issei? Your face is pale."

"N-Nothing... " Issei shooked his head and he continue, "It's just that my opponent is... "

"Don't tell me... " Akeno said as she opened her eyes widely in surprised.

"Yes," Issei nodded as he looked to ahead and saw Ulquiorra was looking at him.

"... It's Ulquiorra"