Chapter 86: The Mana Test and the Teachers' Shock
Morning arrived, and the bell for the first practical magic session echoed through the halls. Volt, Sai, and Aki entered a grand auditorium filled with wealthy, arrogant students. In the center stood a massive crystal known as the "Mana Truth Stone."
Professor Caius, a cranky old man, barked, "Every new student must place their hand on this stone. It will change color based on your mana capacity. If it stays white, you're useless!"
Several students went up; none reached the gold tier. Then it was Rena's turn. When she touched the stone, the entire room flared with a deep, pulsating red. "Inferno Tier!" the professor exclaimed. Rena shot a smug look at Volt as if to say, "Match that."
Then came Volt. He walked forward with terrifying calm. He knew that if he released his full power, the stone would vaporize and the academy would level. He commanded the System: "System, suppress 99% of my mana. Release only 1%."
The moment Volt's fingertip grazed the crystal, every light in the auditorium flickered out. The stone shifted from white to a pitch-black void bleeding violet electricity. The ground began to tremor, and a massive crack split the center of the crystal.
Professor Caius fell to his knees in terror. "This... this is impossible! This color only exists in forbidden legends! Absolute Abyss Magic?"
Rena's face went pale as she took a step back. Aki whispered to Sai, "You told me he was only using 1%, right?"
Sai replied grimly, "If he used 2%, we'd be looking at the ruins of this academy from the clouds."
Volt retracted his hand and looked at the trembling professor. "Did I pass?"
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: Reputation within the Academy increased by 1,000 points. Professor Caius is now 'Terrified'. Quest 'Impress Rena' 50% completed.]