As Kazuki lowered himself onto one of the sofas in the waiting room, he became acutely aware of the atmosphere around him.
It wasn't loud.
No one openly whispered or pointed.
Yet the intensity of the gazes pressed down on him like invisible weight.
Most of them came from nobles—young men and women clad in finely tailored robes, insignias of powerful families stitched proudly into their sleeves. Their eyes held no curiosity. Only cold appraisal. Disdain so open it barely bothered to hide itself.
Kazuki leaned back slightly and exhaled.
So this is how it's going to be.
He chose to ignore them.
Instead, he focused on the glowing projection suspended before all examinees—an official notice detailing the structure of the entrance examination.
Regia Nevaris Academy of Magic
Entrance Examination
Year 12005
Registration Deadline – Sunrise, 10:00
Aprilis 1st
The examination is divided into three parts, each designed to assess a student's inherent talent. Performing well in at least two almost guarantees selection.
We look forward to meeting this year's new talents.
Good luck.
— Takamura Hikari, Headmaster
Kazuki read the notice carefully, his expression calm.
Written Evaluation
A comprehensive examination covering known knowledge of mana and its applications, both basic and advanced principles, spirit magic, current political affairs, the history of the demon wars, and related fields.
Mana Aptitude Evaluation
An assessment of your ability to manipulate both internal and ambient mana. Recovery speed, precision of control, and the quality and quantity of mana will be evaluated.
Physical Evaluation
A test of combat capability without over reliance on mana or when mana reserves are depleted. Martial technique, physical conditioning, and the ability to reinforce the body using ambient mana are essential.
Kazuki committed every word to memory.
Three evaluations…
He had expected nothing less from Regia Nevaris.
When he glanced around again, many of the gazes that had been fixed on him quickly withdrew, pretending they had never been staring in the first place. The nobles, however, made no effort to hide their scrutiny.
Kazuki didn't rise to it.
He waited.
Fifteen minutes passed.
Then—buzz.
Kazuki's official identification artifact vibrated lightly.
He raised it, surprised, and found the location of his first examination already inscribed.
"They must have logged this when they verified our IDs earlier," he mused quietly.
Without delay, Kazuki stood and made his way through the corridors of the Academy, following the guidance runes embedded into the floor. The halls were wide, elegant, and saturated with layered enchantments—barriers, wards, and surveillance artifacts so subtle they blended seamlessly into the architecture.
Eventually, he arrived at his assigned room.
The moment he entered, something felt… off.
Kazuki scanned the room quickly.
Every examinee present wore plain clothing. No crests. No heraldry.
No nobles.
Understanding dawned instantly.
They had separated commoners and nobles.
Not for fairness—but to prevent friction.
So even here, they refuse to sit beside those they deem inferior…
Kazuki took his assigned seat without comment.
Moments later, a scroll shimmered into existence before him, floating just above the desk. Identical scrolls appeared before every other student. A faint barrier prevented anyone from touching them.
Before Kazuki could analyze the enchantment further—
BAM.
The sharp crack of wood against stone echoed through the room.
The mage instructor had entered.
He slammed his wooden staff against the floor, instantly commanding silence. His presence alone carried authority, mana pressure radiating outward in a restrained but unmistakable wave.
"I'm sure you've all read the instructions," the instructor said sternly, his gaze sweeping across the room. "But I'll reiterate the critical points."
He pointed his staff toward the four corners of the hall.
"Anti-cheating artifacts are active. They monitor magical fluctuations, concealed objects, thought patterns, and external interference."
A few students swallowed audibly.
"If you are caught cheating," he continued coldly, "you will be immediately disqualified—not only from this Academy, but from the entire Capital."
The room went deathly silent.
"And before any of you attempt to be clever," the instructor added, eyes narrowing, "know this: deliberately withholding answers you know in order to manipulate scoring will also be detected."
A faint ripple of unease spread.
"The scroll itself evaluates intent," he said flatly. "If dishonesty is detected, you will lose the right to attend any Magic Academy within this kingdom."
His gaze hardened.
"Regia Nevaris fosters excellence. We do not tolerate half-measures."
Without another word, the instructor turned and exited the room.
The barrier around the scroll dissolved.
The scroll unfurled on its own.
A magical time capsule appeared above the room, projecting a steadily decreasing countdown.
The exam had begun.
Students immediately bent over their scrolls, expressions tense.
Kazuki read calmly.
Written Evaluation
I. What is Mana? Describe the process of Mana Absorption.(8)
II. Explain the Known Mana Training Methods.(8)
III. What is Spirit Magic? Explain the principles behind it.(8)
IV. How is the Hero of a Generation chosen?(8)
V. What are the Demon Wars?(8)
VI. How did the last Demon War unfold?(8)
VII. Explain the aftereffects of the last war.(8)
VIII. How should Arcanora prepare for the next Demon War? Give your opinion.(8)
IX. Is the current political environment conducive to the growth of talent without backing?(8)
X. What changes should be made to the current status quo between Nobles and Commoners?(8)
XI. What are the current problems with Mana Principles, according to you?(10)
XII. Provide solutions to improve Mana Manipulation Techniques.(10)
Kazuki exhaled slowly.
So this is how they filter people…
This wasn't a test of memorization alone.
It was a test of thought.
He could feel it—the faint pulses of mana from the scroll, probing not just his words, but the intent behind them. The artifacts in the room hummed continuously, overlapping layers of detection ensuring absolute transparency.
No lies. No half-truths.
Kazuki straightened slightly.
This wasn't something he feared.
He picked up the quill.
And began to write.
Calmly.
Precisely.
Without hesitation.