Two full hours passed before the written evaluation concluded.
Then—
fsshhh.
All test scrolls dissolved simultaneously, disintegrating into faint motes of mana before vanishing entirely. Several students instinctively looked down at their desks in confusion, their hands still hovering where the scrolls had been moments earlier.
Before any questions could be raised—
buzz.
Every examinee's identification artifact vibrated at the same time.
Fresh information appeared, displaying the location of the next examination. The designated site was clearly marked as the training grounds, situated not far from their current position.
Without delay, the students followed the guidance runes embedded into the Academy's corridors. As they walked, the atmosphere subtly shifted. The written evaluation had tested knowledge and reasoning—this examination would expose their foundations as mages.
The training grounds were expansive, reinforced with multiple layers of protective enchantments. The ground bore no permanent scars despite being a site of constant magical testing, evidence of powerful restorative magic woven directly into the terrain.
Three instructors stood waiting.
One of them, an elderly female mage with silver hair neatly tied behind her head, stepped forward. Her gaze swept over the gathered students, and she offered a gentle smile.
"I'm sure many of you are curious about this test," she said calmly. "Since no details were provided beforehand."
She raised her staff slightly and gestured toward a specially marked section of the grounds.
"This is the Mana Aptitude Evaluation."
Her tone remained warm, but the weight behind her words was unmistakable.
"You will be asked to chant and cast specific spells. Your evaluation will be based on three primary criteria: the speed of spell completion, the strength and stability of the spell, and how efficiently you utilize your mana."
She paused briefly before adding,
"We will also evaluate how quickly and effectively you can convert ambient mana into usable energy."
Stepping back, she yielded the floor to the second instructor—an elderly male mage with a stern expression and rigid posture. His presence alone commanded silence.
"I will oversee the incantation portion of the test," he announced sharply.
Producing a small information orb, he read aloud the names displayed upon its surface.
"The first group stepping forward will be—
Katsuragi Ren.
Shinomiya Kaito.
Tachibana Yuzuki.
Kurosawa Haruki."
He gestured toward four designated positions. At the far end of the field, roughly a hundred yards away, four heavily reinforced training dummies stood upright, their surfaces layered with defensive enchantments.
"The first spell," the instructor said, "is Mana Bolt."
"Three…"
"Two…"
"One…"
"Chant!"
"Mana Bolt!"
[Mana Bolt]
Mana Bolt is a basic Elementless Spell that condenses pure mana into a fast-moving projectile. The spell draws upon ambient mana to increase propulsion speed, allowing it to strike targets almost instantaneously. While it lacks destructive power compared to elemental spells, its true effectiveness lies in its ability to disrupt an opponent's mana control upon impact, leaving them briefly vulnerable.
Bang!
Sharp impacts echoed across the training grounds as the projectiles struck the dummies. The degree to which the dummies were pushed back varied among the students, reflecting differences in spell strength and mana efficiency.
The third instructor—a middle-aged mage—swiftly recorded the results. With a casual wave of his hand, the dummies slid back to their original positions, enchantments restoring them instantly.
"The second spell is Inferno Lance," the elderly mage announced.
"Three…"
"Two…"
"One…"
"Chant!"
"Inferno Lance!"
[Inferno Lance]
Inferno Lance is a Fire Affinity Spell that shapes roaring flames into the form of a spear. Upon casting, the spell absorbs ambient mana to raise the surrounding temperature, subtly interfering with the stability of non-fire spells in the area. On impact, the lance detonates in a concentrated explosion, engulfing the target in intense heat and dealing heavy damage.
Boom!
Fiery explosions rocked the field as blazing lances struck the dummies. Dust and scorched earth flew into the air before being dispersed by a controlled wave of magic from the instructors.
Results were recorded.
The dummies were restored once more.
"The third spell—Aqua Surge."
"Three…"
"Two…"
"One…"
"Chant!"
"Aqua Surge!"
[Aqua Surge]
Aqua Surge is a Water Affinity Spell that summons a violent surge of turbulent water. The spell manifests as a rushing wave capable of overwhelming targets through sheer force. It excels at disrupting balance, breaking formations, and creating openings for follow-up attacks. Aqua Surge may also be used defensively, forming a temporary barrier against incoming spells or physical assaults.
Thud!
The water slammed into the dummies with crushing force, knocking them backward before dispersing harmlessly against the surrounding barriers.
"The fourth spell—Wind Blade."
"Three…"
"Two…"
"One…"
"Chant!"
"Wind Blade!"
[Wind Blade]
Wind Blade is a Wind Affinity Spell that compresses high-speed air currents into razor-sharp blades. Upon release, the blades travel at extreme velocity, slicing through targets with precision rather than brute force. The spell is valued for its low mana cost, high accuracy, and ability to strike multiple targets in rapid succession, making it particularly effective against agile opponents.
Shrrkk!
Invisible blades tore through the air, carving deep grooves into the training dummies. Several targets were cleanly severed before the enchantments halted further damage.
"The fifth spell—Terra Spike."
"Three…"
"Two…"
"One…"
"Chant!"
"Terra Spike!"
[Terra Spike]
Terra Spike is an Earth Affinity Spell that manipulates subterranean mana to generate hardened earthen spears. These spikes erupt violently from below the target, impaling or crushing them with overwhelming force. The spell emphasizes stability and raw power, making it highly effective against stationary or heavily armored opponents.
RUMBLE!
The ground shook as jagged spikes burst upward, pulverizing the dummies in a display of sheer force.
The middle-aged instructor raised his hand. The ring on his finger shimmered, and the shattered constructs reformed instantly, replaced with pristine training dummies.
"You may step back," the elderly mage said. "The next group will begin once all prior evaluations are complete."
Turning toward the remaining students, he consulted the information orb again.
"The next group—
Inoue Sora.
Aoyama Hinata.
Fujisawa Kiyoshi."
His gaze shifted.
"And… Takamura Kazuki."
A subtle ripple passed through the crowd.
Kazuki stepped forward calmly, his expression unreadable.
The old mage's eyes lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary.
So this is Hikari's grandson… the man thought. Let's see if you can carry that name.
Kazuki felt the scrutiny but ignored it.
He took his position.
And waited.