Natural energy

"In fact, I would have given you a zero without a second thought."

Flare looked at him in confusion. Then why did he get twenty points if he were to get zero in the first place?

He doesn't want pity points.

He would reject those twenty points if he were to get them in pity.

The old man chuckled when he understood Flare's thoughts. He shook his head, "I never give pity points to my students."

Flare blinked his eyes. Then why did he get those twenty points?

The old man explained how he had given the points, "Though the main result that I wanted was for you to find me; which you obviously failed at, there are other aspects that I tested.

"Those aspects would be understood from how you would face a trouble that you would not be able to accept.