Chapter 24: Comprehensive Examination (1)

Chapter 24: Comprehensive Examination (1)

TL/Editor: Raei

Schedule: N/A

Illustrations: Posted in discord.

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The first day of the comprehensive exams spanning two days.

'I... think I'm going to die.'

After enduring the relentless written exam that swept over him all morning, Eugene let his face fall onto the desk, defeated.

He had mentally prepared himself for the bare minimum - not scoring below the passing mark - but the difficulty level of the test was no joke.

'I lost the entirety of the first semester... and I couldn't even attend half of the second one.'

His timing for inheriting this life was rather inconvenient.

The test covered the whole second semester of the first year.

Having only stepped into this life during the mid-to-late semester, he couldnt even attempt more than half of the exam questions.

He found himself guessing answers more often than actually solving the problems, driving him nearly mad.

'Still, I think I managed to avoid failing.'

Out of the ten questions on the test, Eugene felt somewhat confident about his answers to three.

Since the failing grade for the Royal Academy of Lucia's written exam was 30 points, this eased his anxiety a bit.

'Well, whatever I lack in the written part, I can make up with swordsmanship and magic.'

He was certain of ranking among the top in the practical exams for both swordsmanship and magic due to his talent.

Even if he scored below passing in one or two subjects, his overall performance would still be decently balanced.

A good result with the least amount of effort.

'This afternoon is the practical magic exam, huh?'

Today, students had to take practical exams for the magic attributes they had registered for.

'At least the practical exam won't be as mentally taxing.'

However, he foresaw a physically draining future.

While most students had one or two exams, Eugene had three due to the body's previous owner whimsically enrolling for three different magic attributes, wanting to impress the heroines.

'It was already inconvenient having reduced personal time during the semester.'

Tsk. What can be done now?

He simply had to do it.

The magic attributes Eugene would be tested on today were water, fire, and wind.

The content of the exam?

A real battle against the academy's teachers.

While he didn't need to win, showcasing exceptional skills would earn him higher marks.

'Let's see.'

Eugene opened the note distributed to all students.

Eugene von Lennon Grace Exam Schedule Water Attribute: 14:00 Fire Attribute: 15:00 Wind Attribute: 18:30

If a student finishes their exam early, subsequent exams might start sooner. Therefore, please be present at the designated exam venue at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

If you fail to check in 30 minutes before the exam, points will be deducted. If you're absent without a valid reason, you will receive a failing grade.

Due to the limited number of teachers available for the practical exams, the Royal Academy of Lucia efficiently allocated time slots to every student and communicated them via the note.

Of course, this 'efficiency' was from the academy's perspective, not the students.

They had to manage with fewer teachers to make sure all exams were properly conducted.

'The last exam is at 6:30 in the evening...'

It seemed another day would go by without proper training.

He had missed his sword training yesterday because he was up late studying, and today didn't promise any different.

'It's my fault, all of it.'

Even though the mistakes were made by the body's previous owner, since it was this 'body' that caused the mess, it was now up to Eugene to set things right.

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Raei Translations

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Eugene arrived at the Magic Practice Field with plenty of time to spare, a full 40 minutes before his test.

While waiting for his turn, he watched the other students perform their magic.

"Ice!"

A girl with an unremarkable appearance summoned her magic with all her might.

Moisture formed in her hands and turned into ice, which then shot towards the teacher at a commendable speed.

"Using a one-star magic in a test that evaluates what's been taught throughout the first year..."

The teacher, standing in the path of the incoming spell, adjusted his glasses and exuded a chilling aura.

He swiftly cast his own spell.

"With such a move, you can't expect a high score!"

He seemed quite agitated.

"Water Strikeeee!"

'Huh?'

Wasn't 'Water Strike' a four-star spell?

If the student had used a one-star spell, was this appropriate?

BOOM!

Before Eugene could process his thoughts, the massive water pillar the teacher released knocked the female student off her feet, sending her flying.

"Jane von Kristi, 20 points!"

"Recorded!"

As soon as the teacher announced the score, a student teacher quickly jotted it down on a document.

The efficiency was astonishing.

'Maybe he's in a hurry because there are so many students to evaluate?'

From that perspective, Eugene could somewhat understand.

He felt a bit sorry for the girl without any innate magic talent who had been blown away like that.

However, with the academy being short on instructors, there weren't many alternatives.

'They should probably spread the exams over three days instead of two...'

As a mere student, Eugene refrained from voicing his dissatisfaction.

The Royal Academy must have had its reasons for this approach.

CRASH!

"Ugh!"

"Allen von Chester, 30 points!"

"Recorded!"

Meanwhile, another student was sent flying, crashing into a wall.

With heightened enthusiasm, the teacher shouted,

"Next student, step forward!"

'Is this really a test?'

It felt more like watching a magical duel between the teacher and the students.

Soon, another student approached the front.

"Hmm."

The previously exuberant teacher now wore a serious expression.

It wasnt the look of someone confident, but rather someone focusing intently on a formidable opponent.

No, that wouldnt be right.

Even if Eugene was a magic prodigy, he was still a first-year student.

His opponent was an experienced mage.

It wouldn't be easy.

'Besides, my exam score is on the line.'

He couldn't mess this up.

Ill start.

"Proceed."

"Ice."

Deliberately chanting aloud, Eugene activated his magic.

A small shard of ice emerged from his fingertips, flying at a moderate speed.

'Just another average student, huh.'

The teacher casually used a spell to deflect the shard and readied himself for the next attack.

But in that instant, Eugene closed the distance, standing right before him.

'What?!'

The teacher's eyes widened in shock.

But the surprises werent over.

From Eugene's hands, small icy formations bloomed like snowflakes.

These formations rapidly merged, taking on the form of a sword.

It was the five-star magic, Ice Blade.

'How can a first-year use five-star magic...?'

The frosty blade now aimed for his throat.

'Was that initial one-star attack just a feint?'

Seizing the momentary lapse in the teachers guard, Eugene shortened the distance and swung the icy blade.

'This is unbelievable!'

One shock followed another, making it difficult for the teacher to maintain his composure.

Putting aside how Eugene had closed the gap, the mere fact another genius existed besides Yerina who could overcome the barrier of five-star magic was baffling.

Moreover, Eugene hadnt chanted fully.

Skipping chants usually results in a decrease in the magic's power and precision.

Yet, that icy sword lacked in no aspect.

'I can't believe it!'

The trajectory of the ice sword flying towards my neck was slowly visible.

I had no time to think.

Almost instinctively, a six-star destructive spell unfolded from my outstretched staff.

Kwa-aaah!

A bubbling mass of ice materialized out of thin air and fired.

'...That would have been fatal if it hit.'

I expected the teacher to counter with a moderate defensive spell, but in his shock, he'd cast a lethal one.

I could probably still dodge it, but there was no need for such risk.

Injuries would prevent me from training.

Ditching my sword, I threw myself to the side.

Kwa-aaang!

"Kyaaah!"

The ice crashed into the ground, creating a massive shockwave.

Sharp shards of ice scattered in every direction.

"Damn it!"

The teacher, suddenly realizing the gravity of his actions, hastened to cast a spell to contain the damage.

Kwa-aaah!

A massive water pillar emerged, drawing in all the ice shards.

Thanks to his swift intervention, a catastrophe was avoided.

"What have I done..."

But he held his head in disbelief.

Caught off guard, he had inadvertently cast a dangerous spell.

Not only could it have hurt me, but the watching students could have been injured as well.

Although he managed to control the situation, the blunder was undeniable.

He looked around hurriedly and found me brushing myself off and getting up.

Realizing his mistake, he knew he had to apologize.

"I'm sorry. I acted without thinking."

"It's okay. I'm not hurt."

"...Thank you for understanding."

Though he'd made a mistake, he had managed to rectify it in time.

It was understandable why he reacted the way he did, especially after I targeted his neck with that dangerous strike.

It's only human to panic in such a situation.

'What matters is the test score.'

The exam might have been short-lived, but I showcased all my skills: spell casting without incantations, five-star magic, and real combat ability.

All that remained was for the teacher to grade me, and even the student teacher beside him seemed curious.

"Teacher, so the score is...?"

"Obviously, it's perfect. Why even ask?"

"Huh?"

"You might have missed it, but Eugene von Lennon cast a five-star spell without an incantation. From that moment, his perfect score was guaranteed."

"Oh, I see. Got it."

The student teacher nodded and noted down the score.

"I should get going."

The test was over, so I bowed and turned to leave.

I had a fire attribute test scheduled immediately after and didn't have time to dawdle.

However, the teacher, shining his glasses, grabbed my shoulder.

"Hold on a moment."

"...Yes?"

As I turned back, he said, with utmost seriousness, something I never expected.

"I never thought I'd find a raw gemstone like you. It must be fate that brought us together."

"A gemstone? What are you talking about?"

"Become my disciple. Learn magic under me. You have the potential to become a master of water magic. Becoming an archmage isn't a distant dream for you."

"...Ah."

This teacher, probably too immersed in his work, must have missed the rumors that I'm only interested in swordsmanship, not magic.

How could he so passionately propose to take me as his disciple?

I gave him a slight smile and responded.

"I can't."

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