Bab 67: Chapter 67 – Two Sides (5)
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"You will see me often during your second year. There are not one but two talented people in our martial arts department" the middle-aged professor mused, reclining with a hearty laugh that echoed through the room. "Ah, quite promising… hahahahaha!"
If there were two, the other one would probably be Eugene. However, I plan to major in magic in my second year, steering clear of Eugene's company as my aptitude leans toward the same.
But such fanciful musings were often bound to disappointment.
"Ahem, Professor… with all due respect, I'm aiming for the Magic Department in my second year."
"What? That's ridiculous! Edwin, think again. It's such a great loss to the Empire that a talented person like you goes to the Magic Department! What potential wasted…?"
"Here we go again. Guerin! Cease this folly!"
My cautious interjection shook the middle-aged professor as if the heavens themselves had fallen. Rising from his seat, he advanced toward me, only to be intercepted by Professor Cedric with practiced ease, a gesture so familiar, as if rehearsed multiple times.
And then, with a subtle motion, Cedric urged me to depart swiftly.
"That's it. Make haste. Choose your path, but choose wisely. You've worked hard, and I wish you success in all your endeavors."
"…Then I shall take my leave…"
"Hold on! I haven't finished…!"
"Oh, I told you to stop! Merisa! Don't stand idly by, lend a hand!"
"Leave it be… Someone intervene… Oh, dear…"
An instant chaos erupted within the training grounds. Guerin persisted in his pursuit, while Cedric valiantly obstructed him. Merisa, visibly exasperated, pressed a hand to her temple.
I fled the tumult, darting away from the training grounds with rapid strides.
The clamor of men's voices faded into the distance until it was but a faint murmur. I then made my way toward the northern stone tower, the designated site for the magic examination.
With no lectures on exam day, the campus was eerily quiet. Most students were still nestled in their dorms. Only a few determined souls, like myself, navigated the deserted pathways, flitting from one test site to another when—
—A fleeting thought of Ellie crossed my mind. Is she doing well? She, ever resourceful, would surely find a way to stay in the same class as me. She was always determined like that.
Then what about Eugenia? Considering the skills I have seen so far, if she was in good condition today, she might be able to move up to Class-B in one go.
Curiosity piqued, I pushed open the heavy stone doors of the pagoda. Inside, three female professors huddled together, their voices buzzing with animated chatter.
Clad in a mage's attire—wide-brimmed, curved cone hats and dark robes—they presented a stark contrast to the non-academic faculty donned in thin tops and snug leather pants. Yet, their attire contrasted sharply with the lighthearted conversation spilling from their lips.
"Kayara," one professor, Olenna, the first-year magic professor, sighed dramatically, "I told you! Drown it in ale and then jump on it? Ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous!"
"Easier said than done, Olenna….Hmmmm"
The playful banter ceased abruptly as they noticed my arrival. Olenna straightened her robes, a practiced smile gracing her lips as she approached.
"Hmm…Edwin, I presume? Just finishing up your martial arts exam, are we? Perhaps a quick break before we begin the official test?" she offered.
"No need, Professor," I replied, eager to dive in. "A little pressure might actually help."
Olenna chuckled, a hint of wistfulness in her eyes. "Ah, youth and its boundless energy! If only I were ten years younger…Huhuhu"
Flicking her tongue against her lips, a gesture devoid of any genuine warmth, Olenna proceeded with the test.
"Very well, let's begin. First, we'll check your mastery of 30 basic magic spells that can be used even without a wand. Enunciate clearly, articulating each component—subject, trigger, and incantation—without omission. Let's commence…"
I succeeded in 29 out of 30 basic magic spells, which was my first task, followed by satisfactory responses in subtopics such as magical formations and theory.
After all the tests were over, Professor Olenna motioned for me to come closer. And just like Professor Guerin did earlier, she tapped my mana pathway with a familiar fluidity.
After the confirmation, she lightly admired me and gave me words of praise.
"Excellent. Very good. At this level, even martial arts departments would covet it. Edwin, have you decided which subject you will major in in your second year?"
"I'm thinking about going to the Magic Department. The Martial Arts Department isn't bad, but I feel more aligned with magic. Professor Guerin seemed somewhat disheartened."
"What? Ha, I suspected as much. Even the brain's muscle-bound…"
At the mention of Professor Guerin, Olenna emitted a dry chuckle, betraying little amusement.
"Edwin, heed my words carefully. Your abandoning magic and taking up the sword is a great loss to the empire. I am relieved to hear that you have already decided on your career path. However, should the Martial Arts Department seek to sway you in the future, do not waver…"
Professor Olenna's passionate speech mirrored Professor Guerin's earlier attempt at persuasion, only with a different subject matter. As she continued, the other professors offered murmurs of agreement, their faces a mixture of concern and encouragement.
Olenna cleared her throat, seemingly snapping out of her impassioned speech. "Ahem, well, those are my thoughts, of course. Ultimately, the decision is yours, Edwin. Now, shall we conclude the examination? Kayara, Hadena, any additional observations you wish to share?"
Kayara chimed in, "He's demonstrably skilled. While his chanting could benefit from improved pace, his articulation is impeccable. He learns quickly and adapts well."
Hadena joined the chorus of approval. "I concur. His grasp of theory might be a touch underdeveloped compared to other aspects, but that can be easily rectified through diligent study. His talent and potential far exceed what his entrance exam indicated. I'd say among freshmen, his level is commendably high."
Olenna beamed. "Extraordinary! It's been a while since we've all agreed so readily. Edwin, that translates to the highest score. Here you go." She signed the document with a flourish and presented it to me.
"Thank you," I offered, accepting the paper.
"Quite right," Olenna mused, a nostalgic tinge coloring her voice. "The joys of peaceful study, eh?"
With a polite farewell, I exited the pagoda, leaving behind the professors who had resumed their earlier, heated exchange.
"If alcohol won't do the trick, perhaps some horse stimulant…?"
"…Are you out of your mind!?"
A long day stretched before me, four more exams waiting to be conquered.
* * * * *
"What? Are you serious? You scored… extraordinary? You said you'd aim for a Class-C! But… how can you just go and get the highest score?" Eugenia blurted out in disbelief, her green hair shimmering under the moonlight. We had met at our usual spot to exchange test results.
"I had no choice. I sensed it last time. The professors here possess an unwavering dedication to education. Employing tricks in disciplines like martial arts or magic is too conspicuous. If exposed, how would the professors react? It's unpredictable," I elucidated.
"But…Then doesn't that mean you can't get to Class-C…? It's the highest score, so how…"
"That's highly unlikely. To advance to a Class-B, one must attain at least 'satisfactory' in all subjects, and I barely cleared the remaining disciplines."
"Is that so…?"
"Yes. In subjects where there is a written exam rather than a subject where there is a direct demonstration, it is possible to control it so that it is not noticeable to a certain extent. But I did hear something from Professor Lawrence. You know? The person in charge of pharmacy asked me if I had a grudge against him. I heard."
As I shared, Eugenia exhaled deeply, her expression betraying a sense of relief.
"So, no matter how adeptly you perform in martial arts and magic, you'll never get higher than Class-C."
"Yeah, something like that." I sighed. "Anyway, how about you? Did you fare well? Think you might make it to Class-B?"
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Eugenia froze at my question, a strained smile creeping onto her face. "Uh… I, uh… I did all right… but no, not really. I just… I mean, I gave it my best shot. Hehehe…" she trailed off, her voice betraying her nervousness.
* * * * *
Professor Erasmus, the homeroom teacher for Class-C and the first-year astronomy teacher, began calling names.
"Edwin Reed?" he boomed.
"Yes."
"Ellie."
"Here!" Ellie responded cheerfully, despite the faint trace of sadness lingering in her eyes. We had successfully achieved our goal of advancing to Class C together, and with plenty of time to spare.
Erasmus continued down the list, "Eugenia."
"Yes! Heehee…"
Although not promoted to Class-B immediately, she had still managed to achieve exceptional results, evident by the wide smile gracing her face. It was a joy I hadn't seen from her in a while.
However, a sense of unease settled over me. While we celebrated our achievements, a nagging feeling persisted. Was it true, as the saying goes, that good fortune is often followed by misfortune?
"Eugene."
Just then, a clear, youthful voice resonated throughout the classroom, "Yes!"
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Status Power Mingguan
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