Heaven's Greatest Professor

"And which areas are those?"

"Movement, predominantly," Warden answered promptly. "While my coordination is commendable, I lack movement abilities, making me slower on my feet."

"Wouldn\'t you consider that a vulnerability against someone with superior speed?" the woman probed, focusing on his admitted weakness.

"I wouldn\'t classify it as a vulnerability," Warden clarified. "It certainly puts me at a disadvantage if my opponent knows how to leverage their speed. Even if I\'m stronger, should they choose to flee, catching them might prove challenging. However, the role is to protect the young prospects, not to chase down formidable criminals."

The examiners shared a glance.

"Imagine you\'re in a dark dungeon with twenty students, a healer, and another combat instructor," the middle-aged man proposed, "and you find yourselves surrounded by a pack of shadow stalkers. What would you do?"

"What exactly are shadow stalkers?" Warden inquired.

"You\'re not familiar with them?" the man frowned. "How do you intend to perform your duties if you\'re unaware of notorious creatures like shadow stalkers?"

"I would, of course, inquire about potential threats before entering a dungeon," Warden explained. "I\'d also do my research. If something were still unclear, I\'d consult the other instructor present."

"Shadow stalkers are humanoid creatures with elongated limbs and claws," the charming woman elucidated. "They possess the ability to meld into shadows, making them invisible to most rankers. They tend to stalk their prey for a considerable period before attacking. Each year, young rankers fall victim to them more than to other creatures."

"I understand," Warden mused. "How many are we talking about?"

"The exact number is unknown," the man replied. "It could be ten, twenty, or even fifty."

"What abilities does the other instructor possess?"

"Let\'s say they\'re a strength-based swordsman," the man said with a smirk. "So, what\'s your plan?"

"I would first identify students with fire and light abilities, asking them to illuminate the area so we can see our adversaries," Warden said. "Additionally, we\'d arrange all available fire torches and lamps around the students to enhance visibility."

The elderly woman nodded in approval, but the man who had posed the question still seemed unsatisfied.

"Still, two instructors might not suffice to protect all the students if there are over a dozen Shadow Stalkers," the charming woman interjected.

"We\'ll arrange for all the students to form a circle, with the most capable fighters among them positioned on the outer edges," Warden elaborated. "The healer will be in the centre to attend to anyone in need of healing. We\'ll move in this formation, with the other instructor leading the way at the front while I cover the rear."

"Given that you admitted your agility is lacking for your rank, how will you protect them if multiple stalkers launch an attack?" the man challenged.

"My agility is not subpar," Warden clarified. "I stated it\'s not up to my own standards, which is different. Moreover, I possess abilities that extend my reach in attacks to easily over half a dozen meters. My power is significantly destructive; it typically takes me no more than a couple of moves to dispatch most common iron-rank creatures I\'ve encountered.

"The characteristics you provided for Shadow Stalkers suggest they are more intelligent than the average dungeon creature. They stalk their prey for extended periods, indicating they wait for an opportune moment to attack. Therefore, I would employ all my capabilities to create an initial overwhelming presence, denying them the opportunity they seek."

They continued to pose hypothetical dungeon scenario questions, the kind most would not delve deeper into. Warden avoided such oversights, seeking details about each scenario and proposing the most rational solutions.

When facing aerial adversaries, his strategy involved moving to denser parts of the forest to restrict their flight advantage. In completely open terrains, his plan was to utilize all available resources and attempt an escape if necessary.

As the interview continued, Warden estimated he had been there for roughly fifteen minutes, significantly longer than other candidates. He wondered if this extended duration was due to the gaps in his background or possibly the others\' ineptitude in providing satisfactory responses. Regardless, he answered each question to the best of his ability.

After four or five more scenarios like this, Warden couldn\'t help but say, "With all due respect, if all dungeon situations are as perilous as these for the students, I\'m quite certain no combat instructor could ensure their complete safety."

"These scenarios represent only unforeseen situations," the elderly woman explained kindly. "For the initial years, we predominantly utilize tamed dungeons for the students\' training."

"From all your responses, it\'s fairly evident," the elderly man spoke up for the first time, "that your knowledge of dungeon creatures is somewhat limited, yet you claim to be a seasoned fighter. This discrepancy is puzzling."

"I suppose I haven\'t been formally educated like most students at your academy," Warden conceded. "However, I\'m committed to learning what I\'m currently lacking, regardless of whether I secure this job."

"That\'s commendable," the charming woman said. "With an astute mind like yours, I believe you could become a valuable asset to our academy in just half a year."

"I believe we\'ve covered everything," the elderly woman announced. "Do you have any questions for us?"

Seizing the opportunity, Warden asked, "Do you have any reservations regarding my qualifications?"

Since the question was directed at the elderly woman, she replied, "While your lack of a verifiable background is a concern, conducting a background check is not beyond our capabilities. Our primary concern lies with your capabilities. If you are as competent as you claim and show a willingness to learn, then we see no issue."

"The position is akin to an internship," the charming woman added, "where many do not make it through, but those who do often emerge as strong candidates for the field they choose to pursue. It\'s not uncommon for some to eventually secure full-time professorships at the academy."