Chapter 85: Chapter 85 – The Exams

Luca blinked.

Everyone was staring at him.

Kyle, Selena, Aiden, even Lilliane.

Their eyes wide, mouths half open, expressions caught somewhere between awe and confusion.

Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore.

He threw up his hands and said, “What are you guys looking at?”

Kyle stood up, walked over, and threw a casual arm over Luca’s shoulder.

“Come on, bro-in-law,” he grinned. “That was actually understandable! Can you explain the mage power structure the same way? Selena and Aiden tried, but I swear it went over my head like a flying wyvern.”

Luca sighed deeply. “Alright, alright. Sit down.”

Everyone leaned forward again, back in their seats like obedient students.

Luca raised three fingers.

“First, mages begin their journey with Circles. Think of these as magical circuits you build inside your core. You can’t cast proper spells without them.”

Stage 1: First to Third Circle Mage

“Most people start by forming their first Circle, usually around age 10 if they’re talented. By the time they reach the academy, most decent mages are at Third Circle.

Basically, the Third Circle is the cap for the ’novice’ stage. You can cast beginner-level spells, but they’re unstable, cost too much mana, and you tire quickly.”

He looked around. “Most first years here are in the Third Circle. That’s where the academy picks up.”

Stage 2: Intermediate Mage

“This is where real spellcasting starts. The Fourth and Fifth Circles represent spell refinement and mana control.

Your spells grow sharper, your mana becomes denser, and you gain access to mid-tier elemental techniques.”

He nodded toward Lilliane and Selena.

“Among first-years, only these two are Intermediate Mages.”

“Selena’s probably Fifth Circle already.”

Selena didn’t deny it.

Lilliane blinked, looking a bit flustered.

Stage 3: Ultimate Mage

“Sixth Circle. This is the level of most professors. You get true multi-elemental casting, advanced constructs, and start bending rules.”

“It’s also the minimum requirement to join official mage guilds or research councils.”

Kyle frowned. “So you mean people start inventing spells at that point?”

“Exactly,” Luca said. “Magic theory starts mattering a lot here. Your talent determines how far you go.”

Stage 4: Archmage

“The Seventh Circle. These mages shape the battlefield. One Archmage is equal to an army.

They can split rivers, alter weather temporarily, or bring down a fortified keep.”

“Archmages can also command mana without incantations. Just raw will and control.”

Aiden’s brows furrowed. “How many Archmages are there in this academy?”

Luca tapped his chin. “Maybe a dozen? Including a few guest lecturers and research heads, Professor Seraphina is probably one of the youngest archmages”

Stage 5: Overlord Mage

“Eighth Circle. These are regional threats. People nations fear.

Their spells can twist the laws of nature—like turning time slow within a zone, or causing gravity spikes.”

Kyle let out a low whistle. “And let me guess—no first-years have reached that level?”

“Not even close.”

Luca smirked. “Some final years might dream of it, but that’s still rare.”

He paused for effect.

Stage 6: Transcendent Mage

“The Ninth Circle. This is where humanity stops understanding. There are only two known Transcendents on the continent—

One is the Tower Master of the Magic Tower, and the other is our own Dean.”

Everyone went quiet.

Even Kyle didn’t joke.

Luca continued, his tone low.

“They’re no longer bound by common mana structures. They create systems. One spell from them can decide a war, or stop one.”

Kyle blinked.

“…So you’re saying the Dean can erase a country?”

“I’m saying he chooses not to.”

Luca leaned back with a stretch.

“There. That’s the mage progression, in plain words. Hope that sticks better than whatever Selena and Aiden told you.”

Lilliane tilted her head, her violet eyes curious. “Then… who’s stronger in the last stage? Mages or warriors?”

Luca exhaled, running a hand through his hair as if preparing for another lecture. “There are a lot of theories about that,” he began, his tone calm but thoughtful. “But honestly, both are terrifying in their own way. At that level, it’s not just about strength anymore. Elemental affinity plays a huge role. A mage with a rare or dual element could overpower a warrior—just like a warrior with a unique element affinity could crush an ordinary mage.”

He glanced around the group. “It’s not about which path is better… but about how far you take it, and what cards you’ve been dealt along the way.”

Selena, silent until now, raised her eyes with that trademark icy calm. “Then what about priests?”

Luca paused, caught off guard by the question. “Priests… are a bit more complicated,” he admitted. “They can follow either the warrior or mage path—or even something in between.”

He tapped his chin, as if struggling to find the right words. “But the true source of their strength lies in something different—faith. Divine power flows through them based on their belief. The stronger their faith, the more miracles they can perform—whether in battle or healing.”

A moment of silence lingered before he added, almost as a whisper, “But… it’s not that simple either. Having strong faith doesn’t always mean you’re the strongest. Some of the most powerful priests don’t even pray daily. There’s something… deeper to it. Something you can’t understand just by studying.”

His eyes seemed distant, as if remembering something. “You have to experience it for yourself.”

Kyle beamed. “Bro-in-law, you’re a treasure. Next time, explain love too.”

Luca narrowed his eyes. “Next time, explain why I haven’t kicked you out of this room yet.”

Everyone laughed.

And despite the lingering pressure of midsems, for that one evening in the library room, things felt simple again.

For the next few days, the library became their base. Luca continued guiding the group through complex topics—mana flow theories, magical inscriptions, elemental interactions, and even combat strategy. What started as Lilliane’s curiosity became something bigger. Eric joined in soon after, bringing along his sharp questions and quiet intensity. Elowen dropped by once, shy but curious, and even she stayed longer than expected.

It was a rare sight—students from different backgrounds, all gathered around one boy who explained with more clarity than textbooks ever could.

Luca also enjoyed this time. In my past life I never experienced anything like this, it’s fun to study with everyone….It feels like I matter here, I belong here.

Four days passed like that.

And then… the day of the written exam arrived.

The grand exam hall buzzed with tension. Luca walked in, his expression calm as ever, and spotted Kyle, Aiden, and Eric standing near the back, talking in hushed voices.

Kyle was the first to notice him. He grinned and slapped a hand on Luca’s shoulder. “Hehe, thanks, bro-in-law. I’ve never been great at theory exams… but this time? I’m going to crush it!”

Eric joined in with a smirk. “Hey, do you have another secret power or something? Like… you eat the book and digest the knowledge?”

Everyone laughed, the tension easing for just a moment.

Then the heavy doors creaked open.

Sir Halreth, the stern knight instructor, strode in with his usual commanding presence. “Everyone, take your seats,” he said, voice echoing through the hall. “This will be a six-hour exam covering all subjects. You may leave only after submission.”

Chairs scraped, and silence fell.

Luca sat down, exhaled slowly, and waited for the bell to chime. The moment it did, he flipped the paper—and his pen started moving almost on its own.

There’s no point in hiding it anymore, he thought, words pouring from his mind faster than ink could dry. I’m probably the most attention-catching first year already. Just do it.

He didn’t stop once. No hesitation. No second reads.

In exactly two hours, he stood, walked to the front, and handed in his answer sheet.

Whispers followed him as he exited.

Back in the dorm, he collapsed onto his bed, shut his eyes, and let the silence take him. Just like that, exam day was over.

The next morning, the academy’s magical bulletin board flashed to life, revealing the rankings in glowing golden text.

1.Luca Von Valentine

2.Selena Weiss

3.Aiden Everhart

…

Luca, already halfway through his morning drills, barely reacted when he saw his name at the top. He just exhaled and went back to swinging his saber through the air with perfect rhythm.

Tomorrow we will leave for the ball in the capital which will happen two days later.

But then… footsteps approached.

Vincent appeared, arms crossed, his silver hair flowing in air, gaze unreadable.

He stopped a few paces away and said, “Let’s talk for a minute.”

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