“Let’s go.”

Tsheringen gestured.

I glanced back one last time before heading into the examination hall.

The first-year exams weren’t until evening, still a long way off, but seeing the first-years loitering here made my head turn automatically.

Tsheringen, watching me, said.

“You seem to be preoccupied with something lately.”

“Hmm, yeah. Did it affect our training?”

“No, not at all. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

She smiled and gestured towards the examination hall again.

At any other time, no one would have paid attention, but today the situation was different.

‘We have to pass today’s exam to move on to the second round.’

One way or another, I have to make sure he passes.

Of course, there was no need to worry too much.

Based on what I saw today, Adelbert definitely wouldn’t fail the first round.

* * *

‘Ah… so that’s what it was.’

That dawn, I rested my chin on my hand and stared at Adelbert across the desk.

There were things I didn’t easily understand, like the surge in favorability and him starting to shed tears, but I realized the reason before I could think too deeply.

The guy muttered sluggishly, his eyes barely open.

“…I don’t know why it had to be like that. All my friends similar to me received grades according to their usual skills….”

‘He’s decided he’s found someone to talk to.’

Just in case, I stopped by Bavaria and came back to visit him one more time, and the guy obediently opened the door.

It seems most of what I said bounced off his ears, but instead, he seems to have relaxed, judging that he’d found someone to confide in.

I wondered if no one had tried to talk to the guy until now….

‘Well, this guy probably didn’t accept them.’

He likely chased everyone away without even realizing his own need for it. It was worth staying put for an hour and a half using script interpretation as an excuse.

It’s smoother than I thought.

I was wondering what to do next to make him let his guard down, but contrary to his prickly impression, perhaps he trusts people easily?

‘Is it because he’s young, or is that just his personality?’

Probably the former, but no matter how I look at it, I can’t get used to the childhood of the villain who led hundreds of mages to try and kill Elias.

It would be interesting to raise him the complete opposite way.

I tossed the purified candy I had intended to give to Pai.

“Want one?”

“……”

The guy ate it silently without complaint.

Except for being a little sleepy, it was bearable to stay with him.

The next day too, I spent most of my time with Adelbert.

After class, Elias sent call requests, but I could talk to Elias anytime, so I rejected them all.

‘Besides, if I said I was with Adelbert, he’d obviously cause a scene.’

This is for Elias and my benefit, so he shouldn’t ruin it.

For some reason, I also got a call from Leo, which hadn’t happened before, but right now I’m skipping all meetings even in Bavaria and only receiving written reports.

In such a situation, I didn’t have the energy to take his call. We meet in the classroom in the morning anyway, so there’s no need to talk on the phone.

Two days passed without any particular incident, and the morning of the exam arrived.

Since it was the exam day, I had a short spar with the guy starting in the morning.

Adelbert, looking much healthier than a few days ago, greeted me calmly.

“Thank you, Senior. Could you possibly train with me once before the exam?”

“Sure.”

It’s leaps and bounds compared to the beginning.

The guy didn’t seem to have completely abandoned the thought that I was Pleroma, and he also seemed to hold slight doubts about my magic skills, but given the situation, he didn’t voice those doubts.

“You babbled away earnestly on your own and managed to recover, huh.”

“…Because you often dragged me out, Senior.”

He said, avoiding my gaze as if embarrassed.

That was true. Every time the guy tried to return to his room, I grabbed him and pushed him into the training ground.

‘You have to pass, don’t you?’

Even if I plan to nurture and use him, he needs to hold at least some position somewhere to be used effectively.

Even if you whine, whine while training.

Fortunately, with Adelbert as he is today, he should pass this first round smoothly without any problems.

And so, lunchtime passed, and it was now time for the second-year exams.

Students could return to their classrooms after their waiting order was finished, but not only the Class 2 students but also those from Class 1 were all waiting without leaving their spots.

I now realized the reason was our team.

Because ever since our team was called, the chatter of the students, who had been talking loudly until now, completely vanished.

“Lucas.”

Tsheringen, standing in front of the examination hall, smiled playfully and held out her hand.

It was obvious what she wanted.

She had continuously attempted something like a high-five during the past three days we trained together.

‘Well, no reason I can’t do it.’

Since it was before the exam, and to solidify our resolve, I lightly slapped her hand.

Tsheringen and I were surprisingly well-matched.

She was skilled, like Leo, and as such, definitely had a sense of composure.

No matter how I moved, she moved in sync with my breathing.

As we entered the examination hall, she opened her mouth.

“You saw the scoreboard earlier, right? The average score is 5.2 points, and everyone took between 5 and 10 minutes.”

Unlike the 1-1 exam, abysmal scores.

Usually, they finished the exam around the 8-minute mark.

“And among the second years, only two teams received scores in the 9-point range.”

“Yeah.”

Victims are classified into a total of 9 grades.

In the 1-1 exam, they tested with the lowest, Grade 9, but this time, it’s Grade 6.

As the level suddenly jumped three grades, the number of teams receiving good evaluations definitely decreased.

The situation was the same for the third years.

Tsheringen, wearing tight-fitting gloves, turned to me and smiled.

“Shall we give it a shot too?”

I answered with a smile.

‘It wouldn’t be ‘Shall we give it a shot?’’

For her, who always took first place alongside Leo, the only option is unconditionally ‘We will succeed’.

Of course, the same goes for me.

While Tsheringen stared straight ahead, waiting for the announcement, I fiddled with the collar of the provided practice uniform, pulling it away from my skin. Unlike the school uniform, it clung to the skin, feeling strangely alien.

[Exam begins in 30 seconds.]

Standing apart from Tsheringen as practiced, I drew the wand from its holster and twirled it. Crimson Magic Power coiled around the ebony wand.

Tsheringen, watching this, commented.

“Your Magic Power always looks like fire whenever I see it.”

“It’s because of the color, I guess.”

“Haha, true. The fact that your eyes are pink is also quite novel, now that I think about it.”

I chuckled and brushed it off.

That’s what Elias has been saying every time he sees me lately.

Because Elias had been shouting it loudly everywhere, unlike before, I could feel students glancing at my eyes, and now I see Tsheringen was clearly influenced too.

“I wonder what it would have been like if your hair color was pink too.”

“As if that could happen.”

I answered like that, but truthfully, the eye color makes no sense either.

Human eye color can’t be pink.

I surely wasn’t like this from birth.

Just then, the alert sound cut off my thoughts.

[…3, 2, 1. Exam begins.]

The air in the examination hall darkened, and a mass formed in the distance.

Grades 1 to 3 are excessively powerful, so apart from the commonality of possessing intelligence, describing them as a group was meaningless.

Instead, Grades 4 to 6, and Grades 7 to 9 each had their own tendencies.

Grades 7 to 9 repeat standardized attacks and defenses enough that they can be dealt with by simple volume of attacks, but Grades 4 to 6 are a different story. These ones attack and defend much more calculatingly than the lower grades.

Just like now.

Kwaang—!

As soon as the starting alert sounded, the core, which had been writhing in the air, poured Vitriol onto the floor, pushing it out in all directions.

‘Since it has no eyes, it must intend to gauge the enemy’s position using the Vitriol.’

The thing is waiting for us to attack.

Real Victims also can’t see properly, so they move like that.

‘Then we have no choice but to go along with it.’

I pictured the shape my Magic Power would unfold in my mind, then struck the floor with my staff.

The moment my Magic Power touched the Vitriol that was surging like a wave, the Vitriol was drawn together like a magnet, forming a single pillar.

Kwaaaaa—

The Vitriol surged up, twisting and turning as it began to close in, searching for me. While I deployed my magic, Tsheringen ran to the opposite side, standing beyond the core.

‘I have to take it head-on.’

Receiving the attack is better strategically than attacking.

If I attacked, the thing would move much more dynamically and launch a counterattack.

It wouldn’t be a problem even if that happened, but it’s certainly a more troublesome method.

Kwaang—!

I channeled Magic Power into my legs, kicked off the ground, and spun the staff, gripping it with both hands.

Centered on the horizontally held staff, a light pink barrier unfolded.

The Vitriol, twisting as if searching for where the Magic Power originated, came right before my nose. In the instant I closed and opened my eyes, my vision turned black.

Kwagwagwang! Deudeudeuk— Deudeuk—

Peok—

Blocked by the barrier, the Vitriol flowed down.

Taking advantage of the opening while its attention was on me, Tsheringen attacked the core, producing a dull thud.

The strike is brief.

If you just launch an attack, the Victim either absorbs the attack with Vitriol or quickly regenerates the damaged area.

‘The real part starts now.’

Not much time has passed since we started, but the faster we dispose of it, the better.

Behind the core, Tsheringen’s barrier unfolded. A golden light flashed.

Everything is as practiced. As I extended my wand forward, red Magic Power surged out in an arc and flew.

[I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.]

Ssaeaek—

As soon as the words ended, the attack split into four streams, flying in all directions.

The core, belatedly sensing the incoming Magic Power, writhed, trying to retreat fiercely to find an escape route, but it was already too late.

The corners of my lips twisted up.

Kwagwagwang! Kwang!

Peok—

The Vitriol composing the core splattered against the barrier behind it.

“This thing’s turned into complete pulp.”

Tsheringen’s weighty voice came from afar.

Normally, even after scattering in the air, it would be drawn together like a magnet and reform, but now, it couldn’t.

We pressed and spread it from both sides to prevent it from regenerating its substance.

Now, we have to kill the part that continuously spews out Vitriol.

I whispered an incantation and raised my staff.

[That thou mightest turn them back.]

Kwaaaang—!

The moment I struck down, flames shot up from the floor to the tip of the staff.

Gripping the staff with both hands and swinging it wide, flames scattered along its path as Magic Power flared violently. I aimed the tip of the staff at the center of the Vitriol.

The problem is, it’s entirely black, so I don’t know where the part acting as the core is….

[And make ready thine arrow upon the string against the face of them.]

I have no choice but to trust our practice.

The moment I recited the magic formula for correction, a heatless flame detached from my hand and staff and flew towards the core’s center.

Kwajik— Kwang!

With the sound of a thick mud clod spreading, my Magic Power pierced through the Vitriol and reached Tsheringen’s fixed barrier.

At Tsheringen’s gesture, the air cleared cleanly, and she raised her wand to the sky.

Kwaang!

Unlike Leo’s gentle barrier, sharp golden Magic Power rained down like iron bars. The Magic Power trapped the Vitriol remnants and the contaminated air inside the barrier.

Tsheringen narrowed the barrier, compressing the Vitriol. Simultaneously, the alert signaling the end of the exam sounded.

Beep—

[1 minute 33 seconds.]

“Hmm, set a record.”

Tsheringen, walking leisurely over to my side, attempted another high-five.

‘She really likes this.’

Understandable why she’d be happy.

It’s the fastest time not just for second years, but even including third years.

I lightly slapped her hand and waited for the score to appear.

Tsheringen straightened her clothes and asked.

“What score do you predict?”

“Hard to say. You?”

Tsheringen didn’t answer, slowly stroking her chin and smiling.

[9.8 points. Good work.]

My eyes met Tsheringen’s.

Soon, her golden eyes shone with satisfaction.

9.8 points.

With this, there were now three teams that had received 9 points or more.

And we pushed aside the previous second-place team, which had 9.7 points, and took their spot.

* * *

It was the best strategy.

The choice to team up with Lucas Askanian, that is.

Tsheringen thought, looking at the writing on the ranking board.

Since the practical top scorer of Class 2 and the former practical top scorer of Class 1 had become a team, it was safe to say the first-place spot was already taken by Leo and Elias.

Not just me, the entire student body would think so.

Elias supplements Leonard’s insufficient Magic Power, and Leonard supplements Elias’s lack of technical skill.

If the two had partnered with different people, the story would be completely different, but as long as they were together, aiming for first place was futile.

‘In that case, it’s better to aim for other rare value.’

Coincidentally, out of 36 teams, only two had received scores of 9 or higher.

Unlike the second-place team with 9.7 points, the third-place team had 8.5 points, showing a considerable skill gap between the very top tier and the upper tier.

In that situation, we chased right up behind Leonard and Elias.

Not just in rank, but in score too.

‘I hope we’re on the same team for the second round too.’

Everyone who watched the broadcast must be thinking the same thing.

From the second round, like official teams, 6 people form one team to handle a Grade 4 Rampager.

The difficulty will increase significantly, not just because of the Rampager’s grade, but also because it involves proper team activity.

Well, there’s no point hoping right now. Because from the second round onwards, we can’t choose our teams.

The list will be announced tonight anyway, so I’ll just have to hope luck is on my side.

“Lucas. Let’s go out now.”

Tsheringen showed a proper smile and gestured towards the outside.

* * *

Just like when we entered, not a single voice could be heard outside.

The students, who had been waiting freely, were looking at the large ranking board hanging on the far side of the gymnasium.

Elias’s and Leo’s gazes met mine.

Elias looked back and forth between Tsheringen and me and let out a sharp whistle.

Leo, just as I’d ordered at the beginning of the semester, managed to put on a surprisingly convincing icy expression.

At this point, it’s clear others will misunderstand. Something like, ‘A bastard who’s only learned for a day or two got 2nd place?’

When in reality, there’s no competitive relationship at all.

Tsheringen took off her gloves, put them in her clutch, and said to me.

“The second-round team announcement is at 10 PM tonight. I hope I’m on the same team as you again.”

“Yeah. That would be nice.”

She seems satisfied too.

How could she not be satisfied?

It was a perfect win-win.

Tsheringen asked with a smile, without a shred of hesitation.

“And, separate from the team exam, what are your plans for personal training? I enjoyed the last two days. Want to keep training with me?”

‘Hmm.’

Actually, Tsheringen’s movements are also worth learning.

Similar to Leo yet different, it’s a good opportunity for me, who needs to learn various people’s styles. Also, the fact that she adjusts well to me is satisfying.

But after getting beaten to death by Leo, I probably won’t have the energy to train again.

I should refuse nicely.

“I’d like that too, but….”

“Lucas.”

Leo’s icy voice cut in.

Instantly, the gazes of the students, who had been trying hard to divert their attention elsewhere, snapped towards Leo and me.

“Come out here for a second.”

“Why?”

“……”

Leo, who had half-turned away, narrowed his eyes and turned his head back towards me.

For a moment, even Elias froze, his smiling face stiff, looking back and forth between Leo and me.

I shrugged, gave Tsheringen a look, and went outside.

As soon as I stepped outside the gymnasium, I could hear the excited shouts of students from inside.

“Hey hey hey hey!”

“Hey, shouldn’t we stop them?”

“Bwahahahahaak!”

Ending with Elias’s laughter, Leo grabbed my arm and warped somewhere.

It was Leo’s training ground.

More importantly….

“……”

I let out a hollow laugh.

I knew this would happen.

He probably thinks another guy like Hans has shown up.

“Everyone probably thinks you just picked a fight with me, Leo.”

It seems Leo’s usual conduct had a significant impact.

Leo let out a deep sigh, rubbed his face, then said seriously.

“That’s right.”

“…?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep