I didn't say anything and followed along with his words. I couldn't care less about whether he was targeting me or not.
.....All I cared about at the moment was my current progress and strength.
Where did I currently stand?
"We will gauge your score from a scale of zero to ten. The number will represent your approximate range within the Tiers."
I didn't quite understand but I maintained my composure and walked forward, stopping right in front of the orb.
Hundreds of students stood behind me.
Their gazes pierced my back. They felt pressuring.
But...
'I couldn't care less.'
I wasn't going to do well.
I knew that much.
Even so... I still was planning on doing my best.
The stares meant nothing to me. What I cared about was myself, and myself only.
"You may start. Start with the first orb, the mana quantity measuring orb."
"...."
I nodded and placed my hand on the orb.
The moment I did, the assistant professor's rough voice echoed from behind.
"Channel your mana into the orb."
I did as I was told.
Focusing my attention on my abdominal area, a familiar sensation coursed through my body, gathering toward my hand where it released and entered the orb.
A white light unfolded before my very eyes as my mana started to drain from my body.
I didn't resist it and let it flow out of my body.
'It's quite simple.'
All I did was channel my mana and direct it toward the orb.
The rest was straightforward.
This persisted for a few seconds before the light finally died down and the assistant professor's voice echoed from behind.
"Score value; 1.716. Average."
Score value 1.716...? For some reason, the values felt familiar.
Recovering my breath, I thought closely to where I had seen those numbers before, when...
Ah—
Something struck me.
'Status'
A screen floated in front of me. My eyes immediately darted toward the top spot where I finally saw it.
Level :17 [Tier 1 Magician]
Exp : [0%—[16%]———————100%]
'Level 17 and 16%. Is that what it means by 1.716?'
My thoughts were interrupted by the rough voice of the Assistant Professor.
"You're only 0.284 from reaching Tier 2."
He then went on to point toward the other orb.
"You can start the mana purity test."
But I didn't move immediately.
I was busy musing over his words.
'Only 0.284 from reaching Tier 2... Does that mean that I'll reach Tier 2 at Level 20?'
If that were the case, would Tier 3 be level 30? Every ten levels a Tier?
Although I already had an idea about this, it was becoming clearer to me that it was probably true.
That said...
I was still not 100% sure.
I needed more time to observe the situation.
"Cadet?"
Hearing the Assistant Professor's not-so-pleased voice, I quietly nodded and moved toward the second orb.
"...."
It looked the same as the first one and without needing anyone to tell me what to do, I placed my hand over the orb.
Yet again, the orb shone and mana drained from my body.
This lasted for several seconds before stopping.
"...."
A silence enveloped my surroundings before I finally turned my head to see the Assistant Professor staring at me with a frown.
I raised my brow.
'....Something wrong?'
"Mana Purity; Tainted."
Tainted...?
What sort of score was this? I took a look around me and saw the expressions of the cadets around me. Some were whispering amongst each other while looking at me. I couldn't tell if they were making fun of me or not.
It very well could be given my position and score.
I accepted such criticism without flinching.
The Professor went on to explain.
"Pristine, Pure, Refined, Standard, Tainted, Corrupted, and Void-touched."
He looked at the other cadets while he explained this.
"Mana purity is judged based on one's ability to use mana. From speed, density, and elemental affinity. What we expect from you at the bare minimum is the Standard assessment."
As his voice grew deep, the Assistant Professor finally turned to look at me.
"While not rare, tainted do occasionally show up. Our institute does our best to help such cadets out, but..."
Finally, he displayed his disdain toward me for the first time.
"I'm disappointed by the fact that our top cadet is one such cadet. Proceed toward the next orb."
The disdain was evident from his tone.
'.....What's this guy's problem?'
But even though he seemed to dislike me, he remained professional. Which was why I also remained quiet.
That and because fighting him wouldn't wield any positives for me.
"...Was that really his score?"
"You heard it, right?"
The whispers of the other cadets became even more prevalent but I ignored them and focused my attention on his words.
'So my mana is tainted... That makes sense.'
I had only been introduced to the concept of mana about two weeks ago.
Such a score made sense.
'I am no genius.'
My talent was average. That much became clear to me after learning the first spell. I wouldn't have struggled so much had I been talented.
But that didn't deter me from continuing my path.
I already knew it was a hard path.
One that might not yield any result.
But...
I needed to cling to something. Regardless of how improbable it was, to retain my sanity, I needed to cling to my goal.
Otherwise...
'I'll lose sight of myself.'
I went on to move toward the next orb.
"This test will be a little different. Once you channel your mana inside of the orb, your goal is to control the mana threads and disperse them. The speed at which you're capable of doing this will determine your score."
"...."
Without looking back, I placed my hand on the orb. Unlike the previous times, the world around me turned dark.
'What's this?'
I was confused at first, but soon enough thousands of white threads appeared in the space in front of me.
I reached forward with my hand and grasped one of the threads, gently moving it to the side.
'Ah.'
That was when I recalled the Assistant Professor's words and understood.
'....I'm supposed to untangle this?'
I stared at the jungled-up mess in front of me.
Well, shit...
***
"How long has it been...?"
"Why is he still there?"
"Did something go wrong?"
Murmurs and whispers spread as all attention was focused on Julien who held his hand over the orb with his eyes closed. His back was straight, and his expression was calm.
His poise retained its usual dignity even under the intense scrutiny of those around him.
Eventually, his eyes came open to reveal his hazel pupils and he removed his hand from the orb.
"The overall score is 0.4. You fail."
The Assistant Professor's voice ruthlessly came down as he announced the score. Almost instantly, the voices of the cadets became louder.
"Failed?"
"0.4? Isn't that really low?"
"Is he doing this on purpose, or is he actually so weak?"
"Do you think I can beat him if I challenge him now?"
Overhearing the discussion amongst the cadets, Kiera, shook her head and muttered,
"....Idiots."
There weren't actually that many that were surprised by Julien's evaluation. It had been pretty obvious from the start that he wasn't very adept at using mana given his weak mana trace.
That said...
Those who knew didn't fault him for it.
'He's an Emotive Mage.'
One who wielded emotions. His proficiency over it was to a scary degree. Even now, Kiera could recall Julien's expression during the first lesson when he was called out by one of the cadets.
Who it was she didn't know.
Nor did she care.
But it didn't matter... She could still vividly recall what had happened afterward. The way he approached him, and how a single word from him made her skin crawl.
In her mind, he was no human.
'A crazy bastard.'
To study emotions to such an extent at such an age...
He could only be a crazy bastard.
She was therefore aware that whatever result he received today wouldn't reflect his true strength.
Many of those present were also aware of this with only a few thinking otherwise.
Arrogance, or stupidity?
'Maybe both.'
Either way, Kiera wasn't planning on defending him.
'Fucking asshole.'
Her impression of him was of the lowest. The scene at the library kept replaying in her mind as her expression crumbled.
'Just like that bitch... They're all the fucking same.'
Aoife K. Megrail.
Just the mention of her name made her face heat up as her teeth silently clenched together. One day... One day... She repeated to herself while staring ahead.
And then,
"Kiera Mylne."
Her name was called up.
She didn't hesitate to move forward. In her view, a certain person appeared. He was just coming back from his examination.
Under the whispers and murmurs of the cadets around, he seemed unfazed.
'Even though I know this isn't your strength...'
Kiera kept walking, her gaze never leaving Julien's.
'Even though I know this isn't your focus...'
The distance between the two of them shrank.
'Even though I know this probably won't faze you...'
Until she eventually passed him, catching a whiff of his scent in the process.
'I want you to know...'
Her hand came pressing against the orb where a familiar scene started to replay, and a rough voice announced,
"Score value; 2.504. Top rank."
'...I really do hold my grudges well.'
***
The physical exam was next.
"This test will be used to measure your general physical fitness. I don't expect mages to perform outstandingly, but I do expect a certain standard from you all. Training your physical body is just as important as training your mana. Just like the Professor said, your stamina is important for when you enter the Mirror Dimension."
We were in a large field, a complete difference compared to the other examination. Our outfits were also different—shirts and shorts.
Our test was to...
"Run."
The Assistant Professor began to jog.
"Don't fall behind."
His actions were so abrupt that everyone stared at his back with dumbfounded looks. Then, as if realizing what was going on, everyone started to follow along behind him.
"Fuck, he should've warned us beforehand."
"I'm still not warmed up yet."
Even though the cadets complained, none of them showed any signs of exhaustion as we ran for five consecutive laps.
Immediately, the top cadets began to distinguish themselves with a girl with platinum long hair and red eyes taking the lead.
Even in the mana test, she was first...
What monster.
"...."
I too was running with them.
But...
'Fuck, I'm going to die.'
I was secretly dying on the inside.
This body...
Although fit, it had some serious stamina problems.
My lungs were on fire, my legs were twitching, and my breathing was starting to become rough.
It felt as though I was being sucked out of all my energy, and by the time it was the seventh lap, I had no choice but to stop.
"Hue..."
I forced myself to take slow breaths.
Though tired, I still remained standing and kept my expression firm. I had a certain image that I had to maintain.
It wasn't something I could give up on.
At least, according to Leon.
Therefore...
Even as my lungs burned, and I was desperate for air...
"Hue..."
I took small and shallow breaths.
My head felt light because of it, but I threw away all such feelings and focused on my recovery.
"Hue..."
Once I felt my breath return, I once again started running.
The distance between me and the other cadets had become quite large. There were a few that were close to me, but the vast majority were far ahead.
I paid them no mind and focused on myself.
'My pace... My pace...'
I wasn't like them, I knew that.
My starting point was the lowest and it would probably take a long time to catch up to the top cadets... But even so...
'I'll do it.'
I knew I would.
Which was why I continued to go at my pace.
Because this was my limit. And the slowest I'll ever be.
"Huuu..."
There were no clouds in the sky. It was blue, and the sun basked me in a pleasant warmth.
And in such an environment, I ran at my pace.
"What do you think...? How are the results for this year?"
Professor Kelson's voice echoed as she stood by the end of the training ground with her three other assistant professors.
The day was almost over, and so far each group had taken two of the three assessments they were supposed to take.
They were at the moment all taking a break. Be it professors or students.
"...From my group, several students stand out."
One of the Assistant Professors, a young woman with short black hair commented.
She went on to say,
"Evelyn from the Verlice family, and Luxon from the Ravenscroft family. They scored quite high on the Mana examination test, with 2.58 and 2.31 respectively. They've also scored quite highly on the Mental examination test, with a score of 2.01 and 2.11 respectively... Their results already surpass that of the top cadets of last year's batch."
"Hmmm."
Professor Kelson quietly nodded while listening to the report. Indeed, the results were quite frightening.
For first-year cadets to reach a score above 2 was quite rare. That signified that the cadet was already in the Tier 2 range.
Such feat was extremely rare and only occasionally would the academy be blessed with such individuals.
For two to appear...
"I'd like to add to that."
A tall man with long black hair and a skinny frame displayed his clipboard.
"Actually... It's about my group."
His expression was quite serious.
"My group took part in the Physical and Mental examination. Two students stood out in my group as well. It's just that..."
He took a short pause while looking at the clipboard in his hand. Scratching the back of his head, his face scrunched up in what appeared to be disbelief.
"I really can't believe we had such monsters in our year... Leon Ellert. Physical examination score, 2.91. Mental examination score, 2.98. Aoife Megrail. Physical examination score, 2.87. Mental examination score, 3.01..."
"...!"
"Th-this...!"
A still silence shrouded the space as Professor Kelson and the other assistants gaped at the results.
It took a while before they could recollect themselves, and when they did, one of them asked again to make sure they hadn't heard wrong.
"....I didn't hear wrongly, right? Did you just..."
"Leon Ellert. Physical examination score, 2.91. Mental examination score, 2.98. Aoife Megrail. Physical examination score, 2.87. Mental examination score, 3.01..."
The assistant professor repeated.
Only when he repeated did it finally sink into the mind of those present as they looked at each other at a complete loss for words.
"Monsters..."
Breaking the silence was Professor Kelson who looked at the clipboard incredulously while repeating.
"...We've got monsters this year."
And then, her gaze finally fell on the last assistant professor.
"What about you Gilbert? Any notable figures from your group?"
"Yes."
His deep voice quietly echoed out in the group.
Taking out his clipboard, he frowned.
".....Only one though."
Whether he spoke out of disappointment or not, nobody could be sure. His expression was hard to read.
He began to announce,
"Kiera Mylne. Mana examination test, 2.504. Physical examination test, 2.281."
"Another monster..."
"Wow."
The other assistant professors seemed impressed by her performance. All but Professor Kelson who saw the crux of the problem.
"The Black Star..."
She began to speak,
"Wasn't he in your group? What was his result?"
"That's what I want to talk about..."
Finally, a shift occurred in Gilbert's expression as it darkened.
"Julien Evenus. Mana examination test, 1.716. Physical examination test, 1.189."
Gilbert's grip on the board tightened.
"....He's currently ranked amongst the last in my group in terms of average. An embarrassment."
The utter disregard in his tone couldn't be hidden. Although he tried his best to keep himself from displaying such emotion, it was starting to become hard when confronted with such results.
'He is not fit to be the Black Star.'
That was the only thought that ran through his mind.
"Those are indeed quite low scores."
The Professor couldn't deny it. Her gaze turned toward the distance where a particular figure appeared. He easily stood out from the rest of the students. Just his appearance was enough to warrant that.
But there was also the fact that he stood alone, with the cadets actively avoiding him.
It was hard for her to not spot him under such circumstances.
She rubbed her forehead.
"For now, we can do nothing about this. Let's proceed with the next examination. I'd like to go home early. Who knows, he might do a little better in the next examination."
"...I doubt that."
Gilbert went on to put his clipboard under his armpit and headed back for his group. The last examination was the mental test. Of all the other examinations, it was the hardest one to score a high grade on.
He doubted Julien could do well in such an examination given how miserably he had performed in the other examinations.
As he walked, he shook his head.
'...Pathetic.'
***
Word of Julien's score started to spread amongst the first-year cadets. Many showed surprised looks while others didn't seem as surprised.
"Did you hear about Julien's score...?"
"I did."
"Then..."
"Nothing surprising."
Leon stretched his muscles while secretly channeling the mana in his body. His next test was up. The mana examination one. He planned on doing well in that one too.
"What's up with your reaction? Why do you seem so unsurprised?"
"Because I'm not."
Taking a deep breath, Leon turned his head and looked at Evelyn. She was constantly alternating her head between him and Julien.
"At this rate won't he get in trouble? As his knight, won't that affect you?"
"Ah..."
When she put it like that...
"I'll be fine."
Thinking about it, there was no need for him to worry.
"He'll also be fine."
"But..."
"I wouldn't be as relaxed as you are."
A voice suddenly interrupted. When Leon turned his head, he saw Aoife approaching their direction.
Her gaze similarly fell on Julien who was standing by himself in the distance.
"He managed to deter people from approaching him during the first lecture thanks to his performance. However, now that the results are out... How long do you think before someone challenges him?"
"....I'm not sure."
Leon truthfully answered.
"....."
Aoife blankly stared at Leon for a few seconds and shook her head while silently muttering in a low voice, 'Are you really his knight?' before steading her expression again.
"You're forgetting that we currently need him. I won't be able to take his title away until the Mid-terms. In that case, he needs to make sure he retains his image."
"..."
Leon quietly listened to Aoife speak as he kept his gaze locked on her. She seemed rather adamant about taking his spot when the mid-terms came.
He couldn't exactly put that against her.
The title of the 'Black Star' carried a lot of significance. Be it within the institute, and politically.
".....He's still fine because of what he pulled during the first day and the fact that the institute wouldn't grant someone the title without merit. However, at this rate, people will start forgetting this."
Aoife frowned while gently brushing her red locks behind her ears.
"There's a high chance he won't be able to perform well in his last test. I suggest you prepare yourself for the after-effects. It won't be big, but you'll need to be ready for it."
She paused and turned to look at Leon.
".....Because you'll also be at the center of it. As his knight."
***
After a short break, we were led toward a strange device that sat in the middle of the training grounds. From where I was, I could still see the other groups readying themselves for the upcoming examinations.
In the end, my results ended up being subpar.
The way some of the cadets looked at me changed as my results spread. While none of them still seemed keen on targeting me, I could feel some of the bolder cadets entertaining the idea.
'How troublesome.'
It was indeed getting troublesome, but it was still manageable.
I wasn't afraid of getting challenged. In fact, I more than entertained the idea.
But...
'I wonder if my current self is capable of even putting up a performance...?'
The only thing I had was Emotive Magic and a single spell that I could hardly use. It was quite obvious to me that I would end up losing pathetically.
Even so...
A part of me really wanted to fight. Not because I didn't care about losing, but because I knew it was the fastest way to grow.
"The Mental Examination can be said to be the hardest test yet. It won't be testing your mana or your physical abilities, but the firmness of your mind. To be able to withstand pain under critical situations, to be able to remain composed under serious situations..."
The assistant professor began to introduce us to the examination.
"This is one of the most important assessments you will face so make sure you try your best."
He then proceeded to point at the device that stood behind him. At a glance, it seemed to be a regular chair.
No, maybe it was...
"The test is simple."
The assistant professor took out a small metallic black bracelet from his pocket.
"This is the device that we will use for the examination. It overloads your sensory systems with all sorts of feelings. But primarily, it will give you pain. Your main job is to withstand the pain for as long as you can without screaming or passing out. The more time passes, the greater the pain."
Searching around with his eyes, his gaze eventually fell on a particular figure. One with long white hair and red eyes.
"Kiera, you will be the one to try it first."
'Haa... This...'
I wanted to laugh at the situation. The order until now had always been the same. Me first, then Kiera, and so on...
The reason why he hadn't called my name was fairly obvious.
I wasn't the only one who noticed. The other cadets noticed too as they threw second glances my way.
I kept my expression firm while staring ahead.
"Understood."
Kiera walked up to the chair and sat down.
"Put this on."
Taking the bracelet, she put it on her wrist as it latched itself onto it. She didn't seem at all nervous and leaned back on the chair.
On the other hand, the assistant professor took out a small device from his pocket. A stopwatch of some sort, and pressed on the top end.
"Let's begin."
"Ukh...!"
Her body jolted immediately after the assistant professor's voice fell. Her eyes shot open while the bracelet in her hand trembled.
"Akh... ukh...!"
Her struggle wasn't as pronounced at first. However, with the passing of the seconds, her body started to tremble with more intensity.
"Don't scream. If you scream, you fail."
The assistant professor's cold voice served to remind her to keep herself composed.
"0.1"
"0.2"
"0.3"
As well as recounting her score.
"0.8"
"0.9"
"1.0"
"Akh...!"
The moment the count hit 1.0, the pain seemed to escalate to a different level as Kiera's body spasmed with even more force.
Even so, she kept herself from screaming.
The surroundings were quiet as all eyes were fixed on her.
"1.7"
"1.8"
"1.9"
"2.0"
"...!"
Her body jolted and her head smacked back. Her entire body spasmed, and for the briefest moment, she almost screamed.
However...
With some absurd level of willpower, she was able to keep herself from screaming.
Kata! Kata! Kata!
The chair rattled with force asnd her body continued to trash around.
"2.1"
"2.2"
The count continued.
Her legs flayed in random directions.
"Akh...! Ukh...!"
Saliva spit out from her mouth as she clenched her teeth tightly and glared ahead.
"Ukh...!"
"2.5"
"2.6"
"2.7"
The count continued.
Everyone stood in silence, staring at her with heavy expressions as she continued to trash around.
She looked like she had lost her mind by this point, but the fact that she had yet to scream proved she had lost anything but her mind...
She was still there.
Hanging there.
Withholding the pain. It was almost impressive.
But that eventually came to an end...
".....Akhhhhhhhhhh!"
Her scream ended up piercing through her silence as her body started to spasm uncontrollably.
Click—!
A gentle click sounded that moment and her body finally relaxed.
Only when she fully calmed down and was capable of moving her body again did the assistant professor announce her result.
"Kiera Mylne. Mental Examination score... 2.93."
Swoosh!
The expression of many of the students changed after hearing the score with many looking at her with traces of awe.
I too was impressed by her score.
Although I wasn't sure how much it hurt, the way she was trashing about and her expression, it must've hurt a lot.
"Next cadet."
But things moved on rather quickly.
Another cadet was called.
"Jaylen Roshtelia."
Yet again my name wasn't called.
A tall man with short black hair moved forward and sat down on the chair.
"You've seen the steps. Please put it on the device. I'll start you shortly."
He went on to score 1.81.
Another name was called up next.
Yet again it wasn't mine.
I stood patiently at the back, waiting for my name to be eventually called up.
But that never happened.
Not until...
I was the last cadet standing.
"Julien Evenus."
Only then was my name called.
"You're up next."
Bạn cũng có thể thích
bình luận đoạn văn
Tính năng bình luận đoạn văn hiện đã có trên Web! Di chuyển chuột qua bất kỳ đoạn nào và nhấp vào biểu tượng để thêm nhận xét của bạn.
Ngoài ra, bạn luôn có thể tắt / bật nó trong Cài đặt.
ĐÃ NHẬN ĐƯỢC