The sun rose over the academy, golden rays cutting across the training fields. Today was not about paper or ink. Today was the practical magic exam, where each student would demonstrate in the field what their body and Mana could accomplish.
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The Morning Magic Exam – The Academy Interior
In the great hall, students stood before rows of faintly glowing crystal orbs. Instructors explained the rules.
"This exam will measure your magical control, output, and purification. Each orb will respond to your magic and give you a score out of 100."
One by one, students stepped forward.
Ryuto placed his hand on the orb. A beam of pure, controlled light filled the room. The gem shone brightly – 92 points. Students whispered in awe.
Rei was next. Dark purple mana threads spun gracefully, perfectly compressed into the orb – 95 points. She ignored the whispers and gave a faint smile.
Saria gave a gentle smile as her silver mana bloomed like ice crystals around the orb – 87 points.
From Class A, Princess Alisa released a controlled stream of bright, holy magic, balanced in power and finesse – 98 points. Even the professors applauded.
When Kuro's turn came, he placed his palm steadily on the orb. His Mana flow was weaker than average, just enough to seem competent. The orb glowed dimly.
"50 points," the examiner announced. Some students chuckled, others jeered.
Rei frowned. "He's... concealing himself again."
Kuro shrugged and stepped aside, his expression unreadable.
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The Practical Magic Exam – Into the Forest
In the afternoon, the students were divided into groups:
Class A was taken to the Eastern Forest.
Class Bwas taken to the Western Forest.
Teachers stood before their groups.
"The objective is survival and problem-solving. You will face natural obstacles and magical creatures. Defend yourselves, cooperate, and reach the marked checkpoint. Your performance will determine your score."
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Class A – The Eastern Forest
Princess Alisa led her team with natural command.
"Form pairs. Use magic only when necessary. We'll move as a unit."
When beasts appeared—boars tinged with minor enchantments—Alisa coordinated the students perfectly. Their formation never broke. Every threat was handled cleanly.
By midday, Class A had reached the checkpoint. The supervising professor smiled.
"Excellent teamwork. Top marks, and a pass."
The students cheered with relief and pride.
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Class B – The Western Forest
Class B's journey was harder. The forest was denser, the paths less clear.
Rei frowned. "We're deeper than we should be. It feels like someone led us off the marked path."
Kuro walked silently behind, observing. He caught a faint scent of smoke in the air.
Then they saw it—burning trees, destroyed huts, and trunks marked with claw scars.
"Ruins of a destroyed village... This isn't part of the exam," a student whispered anxiously.
Before they could question further, a sharp shriek pierced the air.
Goblins burst from the thickets, brandishing crude weapons. Behind them, oozing Slimes with acidic trails appeared.
The students panicked.
"Form up!" Professor Elrin shouted. "Show your training!"
Ryuto stepped forward, forming a bright barrier around the group. "I'll defend, you attack!"
Rei's shadow tendrils shot out, piercing three goblins at once.
Saria's green vines tangled the Slimes before they could engulf students.
The weaker students cheered.
The professor took quick notes. Ryuto—excellent defensive instinct. Rei—skilled offensive precision. Saria—supportive control.
And then Kuro moved.
He deliberately stumbled, striking goblins with clumsy, forceful blows. He seemed overpowered. With hidden subtlety, he "barely" repelled the Slimes.
Professor Elrin frowned. "Strange... his technique seems crude, but... he's directing weaker students and pushing them toward safer positions."
By evening, Class B, battered and exhausted, stumbled into the checkpoint.
Professor Elrin announced:
"Passed. Ryuto, Rei, and Saria—excellent aptitude. Kuro... average power, but commendable leadership. Fifty points for him."
The students groaned. Some even muttered, "He got that score again..."
Kuro ignored them and smiled faintly.
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The Rivalry Between Classes
At the academy gate, Class A was waiting.
"Too slow," one of Alisa's classmates taunted. "We finished hours ago."
Another added, "No wonder Class B is always second-rate."
Rei glared, ready to retort, but Kuro raised a hand.
"Let them talk. Results speak louder than words."
At the front of Class A, Alisa, who stood without taunting, gave Kuro only a brief glance before looking away. Her expression was unreadable.
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The Delayed Announcement
Back inside the academy, excitement buzzed. The professors were tallying the total scores for Classes A and B.
The results would be announced the next day.
For now, students from both classes could only wait, buzzing with anticipation.
That night, Kuro sat quietly by his dormitory window, moonlight touching his face.
"Average... underestimated. Exactly where they see me."
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✦ To be continued...