Chapter 16.2 - This Is How My Magic Works (2)

Chapter 16.2 - This Is How My Magic Works (2)

"......In the third test, you will face the mana golems to retrieve the mana cores. Five golems in total, and your objective is to collect as many mana cores as possible without shattering them."

Dirac's expression held a hint of gloom as he explained the test to the candidates, his voice wavering weakly. Most of his meticulously prepared plans had turned into failures.Rread latest chapters at novelhall.com

"However, as I said before, this test will be conducted as a group test. Cooperation will be highly valued, so make sure to coordinate well with your teammates."

Yet, Dirac wasn't ready to surrender. This time, he had a trick up his sleeve.

Presently, there were an odd number of candidates participating in the Mana Detection test. Consequently, one person would be left out, unable to form a group.

And at that moment

The plan was to assign an assistant supervisor, whom he had secretly recruited beforehand, to assist Ulan. The assistant supervisor would then try to break all the mana cores before Ulan could retrieve them.

Checking his plan once again, Dirac waved the box he'd prepared.

"Okay, then, lets determine the groups by drawing lots, starting with those with the highest amount of mana."

With this method, Ulan would be the last one left. A grin spread across Dirac's face.

Whirr! Whirr!

Suddenly, the lottery box burst into flames.

".......!?"

It was an abrupt and unexpected situation.

Dirac was taken aback and hastily threw the burning box away.

The culprit behind this was evidentonly one person among them could be using magic at that moment.

"What are you doing...?"

"I'm sorry. I have changed my mind."

The one who set the box on fire was Deflyn.

She was the Dean of the Magic Department, her gaze fixed on the candidates with a cheerful smile.

"I believe there's a fairer method than this."

"......Fairer?"

"Yes! We will determine the groups based on the amount of mana each candidate possesses. The one with the highest and lowest mana will form a group, and so on."

In that moment, Dirac comprehended her intention; she planned to place Ulan and Dilia in the same group. While he couldn't fathom her reasons, that was her aim.

However, as soon as she finished speaking, a few students voiced objections.

"But isn't that a bit...?"

"Isn't it unfair?"

"What? Why?"

"If you look at it that way, then Ulan and Dilia would be in the same group, and they're currently ranked first and second, aren't they?"

"Hmm, I guess so."

She muttered thoughtfully.

However, it was only a brief moment.

"Ah! Then how about this? If Ulan and Dilia's group fail to retrieve all the mana cores, they will receive only one point."

With a rather odd suggestion, Deflyn displayed a bright smile.

"But, if they manage to recover all the cores perfectly, not only will they get five points, but I'll also grant a special benefit, one that might be of great use to them in their future life at the academy. As the Dean of the Magic Department, I promise this."

"......!"

Her final words caused a commotion in the examination hall.

The Dean of the Magic DepartmentDeflynhad made a clear declaration. And when even the supervisor, Dirac, didn't contest it, the commotion only grew louder.

He could take a different approach, as he did in his previous life, and seek Dilia's assistance.

She had an affinity for mana, easily sensing its flow and locating the cores.

Either way, this test was a guaranteed victory for him.

As he entertained these thoughts, someone poked his back.

Cock-cock!

"......I can't see," the silver-haired girl frowned.

It was Dilia. She moved closer, inspecting Ulan as if observing a strange creature, and then pointed behind her.

"In the way. Behind you, watch."

He couldn't help but laugh at her words.

It was almost the same as what she had said when we first met, when she had casually asked, "Are you a giant by any chance?" while scanning him from top to bottom. Just like now.

She looked him up and down with an annoyed expression.

Back then, after realizing that Ulan was a warrior of barbarian origin, she said with an expressionless face, "Don't get in the way for no reason, step aside."

Back then, he had thought she was ignoring him.

However, as they spent more time together, he understood that Dilia struggled to express herself fully. She simply didn't want to witness her comrades getting hurt right before her eyes.

Am I drunk on nostalgia?

Lost in thoughts, Ulan recounted the response he had given to Dilia's greeting at that time, not leaving out a single detail.

"I refuse."

"What?"

"I don't listen to the words of a cowardly mage."

"What nonsense..."

"No matter what you say, I will fight ahead of you. That's what a warrior is supposed to do."

With a wry smile, Ulan took the lead.

Dilia furrowed her eyebrows.

But she didn't utter anything unusual. Their test preparations were nearly complete by then.

Ulan and Dilia were the first to begin.

Under the watchful gazes of the other candidates, the assistant supervisor's shout echoed through the examination room.

"The test begins!"

In that instant, the mana golem sprang to life.

Its eyes glowed a bright blue; Dilia grabbed her staff and was about to mutter a spell.

However, Ulan was the first to act.

Thump, thump, thump!

Unhesitatingly, he hurled his axe; it spun through the air and struck the golem right in the center of its forehead.

"........Huh?" Dilia mumbled absentmindedly.

The golem was split in half.

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