The cheers and applause that erupted with each previous name were absent.

Faint encouragement came from scattered spots, but most held back, cautious.

A tense silence hung in the air.

The perennial favorite for first place, commanding attention for a decade, had been overtaken by a rookie of just five months in magic.

This stark reality drew the gazes of first- and third-year students to Leo. Some glanced at Elias and Yulia too.

Second-years had felt Lucas Askanian’s skill bone-deep over the past month, but other departments, years, and First and Third Academy students hadn’t.

They saw Lucas less as a mage and more as a figure with exceptional ability yet still shadowed by Pleroma’s danger.

‘Should I be grateful for this?’

That only our second-years know Lucas’s true worth.

Leo gazed calmly at the stage.

The second-year passers’ spots, still empty. Lucas earned the right to stand there first.

He builds theories without being trapped by them. The critical difference from other teammates—his thinking’s value—stems from this subtle trait.

Breaking free from a molded mindset is tough. Our Team 1’s failure came from forming theories based on articles before synthesizing victim clues.

‘…Elias predicted we’d fixate on the fountain theory and leaned into it.’

As expected, the school used articles not to find the berserk source but as clues to locate the third victim.

Still, Lucas surpassing me wasn’t a big sting. My touch shaped his magic from start to finish, and just as I revere and trust Nicolaus, I can easily admit his judgment in crises outshines mine.

I’m lacking.

I knew it the day I first saw Lucas’s magic.

My magic saves rather than attacks. I busted my ass to overcome it, but each time, my childhood friend, with mere scraps of learning, effortlessly crossed the grueling path I’d tread. Elias was once both a dear friend and a source of frustration and self-doubt.

Even reborn, I’d never wield magic as raw as Lucas or Elias. Even dedicating half my life to training, by my thirties—or sooner—they’d fully overtake me.

From then on, I’d never touch their heels.

But so what?

“…Joint first again?”

“…No… feels like he got beat…?”

Whispers came from other second-year department seats.

Leo, feeling rude stares, continued his thoughts.

My talent’s limits are clear, unchangeable unless I trade my soul to a demon. The only thing I can do, knowing those limits, is act like I don’t and give my all today.

Anguish, jealousy, and humiliation are poisons that erode time, trapping me in a swamp of lethargy—the greatest insult I could offer my dreams and resolve. Instead of wallowing, I’ll marvel at their radiant talent and applaud their fierce effort and perseverance that polished raw potential.

Honoring my resolve with the utmost courtesy is all I’ll choose.

Suddenly, students’ eyes turned to me. The announcer, startled by the silence, looked too.

Lucas, scanning the students impassively, met my gaze. Surprise flashed in his eyes.

From my seat, I locked eyes with him and clapped.

“…….”

Elias, staring blankly, snapped to, cast an amplification spell, and clapped frantically, shouting.

“Woooo! Arghhhh!”

“…?!”

With 1,500 people here, what the hell?

Before I could stop him, applause spread across the second-year seats, then to the first-years.

Soon, the same cheers and applause from before echoed through the vast First Academy auditorium.

“…Woooooo—!”

Lucas, startled, slowly turned to the vast darkness. His blank expression softened into a gentle smile.

[…Second place.]

As the applause faded, the announcer spoke slowly. He glanced at his sheet, meeting my eyes.

[Leonard Wittelsbach.]

“Woooooo—!”

I smiled, standing. Elias playfully grabbed my hand, waving it wildly, then slapped my back hard.

Yulia and Narce smiled at me, so I nodded to my friends and climbed the stage naturally, as always.

Onstage, the sprawling First Academy announcement hall came into view. Unlike the pitch-black seats, the stage was hot and blindingly bright.

Standing, I faced forward, unlike before.

No plan to tire Lucas with a handshake like last time. Besides, I didn’t need to declare war that way anymore—a small safety net was in place.

Then, familiar magic formed a silencing spell in front of me.

Puzzled, I turned.

Lucas’s impassive gaze met mine. Only those pink eyes held clear amusement.

At the unexpected sight, I slowly lowered my gaze.

His outstretched hand was before me.

“Beating the teacher’s tough.”

My eyes likely showed surprise. Lucas, deadpan yet clearly satisfied, said,

“That was fun.”

“…….”

I stared blankly, then smiled with the greatest respect I could muster.

“Me too.”

* * *

“…….”

Seeing Leo’s radiant smile, I pulled my hand back, dumbfounded.

‘This bastard…’

I said shake hands, not act like we’re besties! Go advertise we’ve been tight forever.

Thankfully, Narce, in the front row, snapped his fingers urgently. Cognitive Distortion Magic likely cloaked Leo.

The announcer professor, watching us fondly, perhaps confirming no exam grudges lingered, turned.

[Very well. Next…]

With the silencing spell up, Leo spoke softly.

“Lucas, who’s third, you think?”

Third, huh.

Dunno.

I scanned the first and second rows of second-year exam participants, answering.

“Not Narce.”

“Hm, you think so too. Elias, then.”

As Leo finished, the announcer’s voice rang.

[Third place: Elias Hohenzollern.]

“Woooo—!”

“What?! I’m third~?”

Elias shot up, waving wildly.

“Yay~ Thanks~! Thought I’d be sixth, didn’t expect third…”

[Student, quiet down.]

“Yup!”

Far from quiet.

Elias bounced onstage like he had springs, standing beside Leo.

“Leo! I’m third!”

“I know.”

“Shake my hand too!”

Elias grabbed Leo’s hand, shaking it.

“Good job~ Your brain-busting schemes nearly fried mine. What do you eat to turn east into south~?”

“Yeah, you worked hard too. Got backstabbed so much I trust nothing now, so face forward.”

Leo cut him off.

I chuckled lightly, and Elias waved from beside Leo. Leo thickened the silencing spell.

“Luca! We’ll stick together till graduation. Stoked~”

“Sure.”

Not sure I’ll be here till graduation.

After this, I’ll check my survival odds.

“Who do you wanna handle victims with~? We won’t be at school much now.”

“Hm…”

Who to work with?

The strongest students possible. If even slightly weaker ones hit the field, who knows what’ll happen? Even veteran mages come back injured.

Sadly, reality’s messier than Mimesis.

But…

“Doesn’t matter what we think—it’s mostly set, right?”

Leo said, looking down at the students.

His amplified, solemn voice carried wide.

[Fourth place: Narce Farnese.]

Exactly.

Who we’ll work with is already clear.

I smiled, watching Narce climb up.

Relief washed over me knowing strong friends like these would face top-tier berserkers.

Onstage, Narce stood by Elias, whispering.

“Haha, relied too much on my ability.”

“Fourth out of 100~? Don’t say that~”

Elias’s playful jab made Narce nod.

Narce ranking below Elias made sense.

To me, Team 3’s win was over 80% Elias’s doing.

Throwing me to the enemy was the worst for me but the best for the team.

I briefly wondered if I could think of answers while memorizing coordinates, but there was a catch.

Overusing coordinates, Narce could spot a pattern: ‘Team 3’s hiding key info.’ He can read all thoughts, including those between coordinates.

So, better to lower their guard and bolt.

‘Speaking of, it’s about time.’

[Fifth place: Yulia Tsheringen.]

Loud cheers erupted.

“Congrats, Yulia!”

Like with Leo, big reactions came from Third Academy, first-, and third-years. A glimpse into her life.

Yulia stood, clapping, with a polite smile. Her gaze met mine, and I mirrored her smile. She high-fived toward me, grinning.

‘Nice.’

Satisfying.

Need one goody-two-shoes on the team for balance. By that, I mean someone not unhinged like Elias or Leo, less extraordinary…

Though I haven’t known Tsheringen long, so I should stay cautious.

‘Could be secretly nuts like Leo.’

Hope not.

Onstage, Tsheringen bowed. Her reddish hair swayed.

“Haha, feels surreal. Thrilled to work with you amazing friends till graduation. Let’s do this.”

“Same~”

“Man~ All my childhood buddies are here.”

True, except for Narce and me, they’ve known each other since kids, so team life’s probably exciting.

Knowing each other well means better field synergy, safer too.

As the announcer gave other notices, Elias piped up excitedly.

“Hey, guys.”

“Hm?”

“All five of us are Class 2. Crazy, right? Kinda hyped~”

I clicked my tongue, whispering.

“Everything’s crazy… Still can’t forget that fountain water.”

“Just bottled water!”

“You put leaves in it.”

“Sand too.”

Ugh…

Why say that?

Tsheringen, who drank it too, looked grossed out.

“Ah, no wonder the taste… So you flavored it and filtered the grit?”

“We don’t need to know that, Yulia.”

I replied, nauseated.

Seeing our faces, Elias, maybe feeling guilty, said seriously.

“Sorry, guys. Can’t undo it, so let’s wash it down with whiskey later.”

“…….”

*Hiss…*

Leo shot Elias a look at the nonsense.

“Focus on the announcement. Last one, sixth.”

“Yeah.”

We already know who.

First to sixth may shuffle, but the lineup doesn’t change. Everyone knows.

Tsheringen chimed in.

“Only one from Class 1. Good thing our team’s got friends close to her.”

As she finished, the announcer, after a dramatic pause, boomed.

[Sixth place: Ulrike Kleist.]

“Yesss~”

Green eyes flashed in the dark as someone shot up.

Same vibe as the potion competition. Both Class 1 guys I went with were like that. At least it’s just one this time.

Her Elias-like enthusiasm made Leo sigh deeply, likely dreading team life with her.

‘Honestly, same.’

I’ll learn exact team dynamics from the school, but I know I’ll be stuck with these people all day.

At least Yulia and Narce will keep things balanced.

“Professor! Thought I flunked, scared me.”

[Haha, congratulations.]

She casually chatted with a professor she’d just met and climbed onstage.

‘Thought she flunked?’

Fair enough.

Her second and third rounds weren’t great.

Ulrike was Elias’s original team leader in the second round. She nearly tanked the team, failing to control Günter and his friend.

Definitely lacks leadership and tactics.

But her practical skills were perfect for passing. Heard she took down three students alone in the sewer.

Strategists are key, but combat mages need fighters like Ulrike. Her over-the-top cheer’s a bit much, but she’ll be a solid asset.

“Hey~ What, you had a silencing spell up? Couldn’t see from there, but you were chatting?”

Ulrike peeked curiously, and Narce, mid-row, laughed.

“Haha, had Cognitive Distortion Magic on!”

No wonder they talked so much.

The professor knew and let it slide.

Raising mages must be tough. One makes infinite beer with magic, others whisper under Cognitive Distortion at announcements…

“You’re all Class 2? Damn, impressive, but I’m lonely. At least Elias was Class 1…”

“Wish we were all Class 2, bummer.”

Ulrike, at Elias’s rare dry tone, smacked her lips, ending it with a silent laugh.

Tsheringen glanced at them, smiling to ease the mood.

“Haha, it’s set, so let’s make it work. Drop the silencing spell. Seventh place up, Team 2’s turn.”

“Oh, yeah. Curious about Team 2.”

Narce grinned, expectant.

Leo, as if waiting for silence, snapped his fingers, dispelling the magic.

[…Weak in strategy but excelled in direct combat, swiftly analyzing and subduing opponents.]

The brief rationale for ranks one to six wrapped up.

[That’s first through sixth.]

Second-year Team 1 was formed.

Applause poured from the seats.

[Next…]

“No ‘that concludes’?”

Elias whispered playfully.

‘That concludes third-year Team 1.’ The professor said it every third-year round.

“Forgot, maybe.”

Unlike Leo’s deadpan reply, Narce’s startled voice came.

“…Huh?”

“What?”

[Seventh place: Heike Ainsidel.]

“…?!”

Heike, sitting expressionless, widened her eyes, unprepared.

Seventh?

Heike?

Her skill’s top-notch, ability stellar. With bonus points, she likely outdid Team 2-4’s similar talents.

Considering strong contenders like Auguste, Hildegard, or Josefine, the rank raises slight doubts.

‘But something’s off.’

I frowned, replaying the professor’s words.

Introducing seventh right after?

Our team’s eyes met, their faces mirroring my confusion.

The professor, checking the cue sheet, looked at the students.

[That’s second-year Team 1.]

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep