Chapter 125: Entrance Club Tests (2)

’Is this the difference between training from a young age and starting late?’

In the first round, both Luca and Hazel scored a perfect 50 points. In the second round, Luca pulled ahead with 46 points after landing two 9s and an 8.

He held the highest overall score since Hazel scored 44 in her second round, failing to land a single ten-point shot, hitting four 9s and an 8.

"Living up to your first and second place ranks, as expected. Congratulations, you both passed!"

Revan clapped his hands, prompting the other students to applaud along with him.

Like the others, Shani congratulated them both. Luca responded enthusiastically, while Hazel offered a polite reply, keeping her distance.

Shani didn’t dwell on it, as her name was called shortly after.

She selected a handgun from the same brand as the one Elias had given her, considering it was the only model she had practiced with.

"Shani, you’ve got this!"

The boisterous, familiar voice made Shani instinctively turn her head. Kiran and Sonny were waving cheerfully at her, with Noella standing right beside them.

Seeing them eased Shani’s nerves slightly. She drew a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

"You may begin firing," Jace signaled.

Shani put on her ear protection, ensured her grip on the handgun was firm, and raised the weapon, pointing the barrel toward the bullseye.

For this trial, aside from practicing on her own, Shani had also asked her friends for tips. Jeryon had accompanied her several times as well, correcting her stance whenever her posture slipped.

’I won’t let you down—’

Bang! Thud!

The loud gunshot was immediately followed by the pistol slipping from Shani’s grip and clattering to the floor.

Everyone stared at Shani in utter bewilderment. Who joins a Shooting Club when they can’t even hold a gun properly?

Judging by Shani’s shocked expression, the surrounding first-years became convinced that Prince Jeryon’s partner was blundering once again, perhaps trying to coast into a high-profile club by riding the Prince’s coattails.

Their suspicions only deepened when they heard the club president speak up. "Shani, don’t be nervous. You’re guaranteed to pass anyway."

Revan realized his slip-up the moment the words left his mouth, shooting Shani an apologetic look.

As someone who frequently saw Shani practice, he knew she wasn’t this terrible. He had genuinely said it only to ease her nerves.

The video footage displaying Shani’s first shot was projected. The bullet had barely scraped a four-point score.

Scornful whispers grew louder among both the fellow applicants and the spectators. Seeing this, Shani’s friends grew worried that the pressure would get to her.

Knowing her practice runs were far better than this, they immediately shouted at the top of their lungs to drown out the mocking chatter.

"Shani, keep going! You’ve got this! You can do it!"

Sonny also winked pointedly at Luca, sending a frantic signal. Luca, who had been struck silent in shock, snapped back to reality.

"Shani, loosen your grip on the handle! Lock onto your target first, then channel your essence. You can do it!" Luca called out, offering encouragement and guidance all at once.

Shani wanted to say that was exactly what she had done, but the moment she channeled essence into the firearm, the essence surged out of control and exploded outward in a burst, catching her off guard.

Shani drew a deep breath and took her stance once more, fully intent on locking down her essence control this time...

Bang!

Shani blinked, remaining frozen in position, utterly confused. Her essence had run wild again, just as before.

"Tch, a six," scoffed a first-year student upon seeing the result of Shani’s second shot.

"Hey, at least it went up by two points," another replied sarcastically.

"Four points, six points, or zero... She passes either way. Don’t be jealous," another student chimed in.

Revan overheard the remarks. As the club president, he couldn’t tolerate that kind of backbiting.

"You’ve got it wrong. Shani automatically passes because she’s a member of the team—"

"President, I think there’s something wrong with this gun," Shani cut in before Revan could finish.

Being guaranteed club entry was already sparking rumors. If these students found out she was a member of the Tower Competition team before qualifying trials were even held, the backlash would be far worse.

Besides, Shani truly felt that her struggle to control essence wasn’t on her end, it was the weapon itself.

Unfortunately, her explanation only drew scoffing laughter from the surrounding crowd.

"I didn’t realize clubs at the Grand Academy could be this rotten," Hazel muttered, not mockingly, but with genuine disgust.

She turned and walked away. Having already passed the trial, no one stopped her, though whether she still intended to join the club remained uncertain.

The upperclassmen seemed indifferent to her exit. Losing one recruit was no big deal. What truly perplexed them was Shani.

"Isn’t she an expert in essence control? An essence handgun shouldn’t be a struggle for her."

"Could there really be an issue with the gun she’s using?"

"She’s our potential ace... What if she blunders this trial and switches to another club?"

"We can’t let that happen!"

The upperclassmen whispered among themselves, leaving the nearby first-years frowning in sheer confusion.

’Are these seniors blind? Shani clearly can’t shoot to save her life!’

Meanwhile, Revan was busy inspecting the gun Shani had used, while Shani picked up a different one from the rack.

"There’s nothing wrong with this pistol," Revan said after dismantling it.

Shani’s brows furrowed, completely at a loss as to where the problem lay.

Revan was about to fetch another handgun when something suddenly struck him. "Shani, is the gun you usually train with property of the Tower Competition team?"

Shani paused to think, then shook her head. "I’m not sure whose it is, but Instructor Theron gave it to me."

Revan slapped his forehead reflexively. "I get the problem now. That gun has different mechanics than a standard pistol."

Hearing Revan’s words, Shani tilted her head, confused.