Monitoring the line in Hall 3-3 through a one-sided window, a man shifted his gaze to the circular disc grasped in his hand.
"Head Instructor, this is the group of fifty that have the highest likelihood of passing out of all the applicants here in the capital city."
"Remind me again of why number 399, 321, 333, 311, and 360 are a part of this group."
The man donning the silver monocle spoke.
"You, begin testing," he said to another instructor.
The subordinate flipped through the pages on his clipboard as if there was something to be found. When he finally answered, the pages were in the same order as before.
"Ah, you must be referring to their weak mana presences. So for number 321, his brother is Number 320, Cedric, and–"
"And where is number 319, Vulivar?"
"Well you see, he received a score of 0/100 on his written test, and he got lost on his way to this hall, so he is taking his physical in a private hall."
"So you mean to tell me that you are giving an applicant an advantage?"
"You've compromised the integrity of the Mage Association. You've broken the trust that the people have placed in us. You've stepped out of your authority to give a seat to Vulivar. Do you understand that you've stripped the seat away from someone who would've passed?"
There was no driving substance behind the Head Instructor's words; he spoke as if reading off a script. Yet, his intimidating aura remained.
"I apologize, sir! Please forgive my actions. I just thought that the Association would definitely need the power of someone like Vulivar, even if he wasn't academically skilled."
He lowered his head.
"This is not a matter that can be so easily forgiven. This is your first and only warning. If the five applicants you've placed into this group do not pass, you will turn in your Seal and be reassigned. Nothing more can be done. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Head Instructor."
"You." The monocled man pointed at another person holding a clipboard.
"It's about to be applicant 320's turn. It'll take as long to evaluate him as it will take to evaluate everyone else combined. You're known for your exceptional sense of sight, right? I'll leave his evaluation up to you. Don't make any mistakes."
This instructor grabbed the hand resting at his side and shook it vigorously.
"I will make sure to document the names of every spirit that ever blessed him. Thank you for this opportunity."