Chapter 14: And So, The Exam Begins

"Larien!"

"It's Prince Larien!"

"I heard he was aiming for this Magic school, so the rumors were true,"

"So he'll be attending?"

"Forget the exam, he's definitely getting in if it's him, right?"

Hm... This young prince seems to be quite popular, especially since he's probably the only member of the royal house who would stand up for a commoner. I don't know much about the royalty of Elrev since I never took up quests involving nobles but, it seems he's rather famous amongst the youth here, seeing as that merchant yesterday didn't recognize him.

"There is no need to make such a scene, right?"

At Larien's words, Valient retreated after much hesitation.

"Are you okay?"

He then turns to ask me.

He really is a peculiar guy. I thought this before but, what kind of water are they giving this guy to drink that makes him level 32 at this young age.

Name: Larien Aventis Castre Augus

Age: 17

Level: 32

Job: Mage

Titles: Third Prince of the Halrio Kingdom

Mana: 36000

Strength: 24

Agility: 23

Vitality: 29

Sense: 34

Endurance: 26

Intelligence: 55

Magic Craft: Tier 3 Light mage, Tier 1 Summoning mage

Or is it because he's a prince? Of course almost every noble here has quite the high level for individuals between the ages of 15-18, but, his is just a bit extra. The average level of every noble examinee here is 22, and for the average commoners it is 14. Honestly, to be level 32 at this age in this version of Elrev where it is much harder to level up than in the game- truly, what is he being fed to drink?

"Yes, I'm fine thanks,"

As soon as I say this, everyone around just gasps. Probably because unlike everybody else who would've groveled and stuttered while singing abundant praise in his name, I just casually answered, barely bothering to respond respectfully.

"You're quite the confident one,"

He starts, a small smirk spreading across his face as he does, and then he continues,

"To be able to stand up to Valient like that. He has a temper but his skills are noteworthy and he's currently at level 24."

Yes, I noticed. One punch from me and the kid would've died instantly. Although I'm currently lying about my level being 51, it is harder to hide my stats. So, my strength is still over a hundred. Yeah, he would've most definitely died.

Turning to gaze at him for a second while looking over his information using the tato system, I answer,

"Nothing beyond my means,"

Then turn to walk off. I still need to figure out how these exams are conducted. But before I can take a step away, Larien starts to laugh.

"You really are interesting. I thought so before but even more so now,"

He said. Now extending a hand towards me,

"I'm Larien Aventis Castre Augus, third prince of the kingdom of Halrio, nice to meet you,"

Even though he just introduced himself with his official title and everything, I still respond pretty casually as I take his hand for a greeting.

"I'm Alice Hishaku. The pleasure's all mine."

After all, we're going to be fellow students of this prestigious magic academy, right? And, it doesn't look like this guy is all too bothered by it. But it'd help if everyone else stopped gawking at me as they gasped. This guy is just a prince. Not more than three days ago I was in the presence of a god. Besides, I can only give my respect to beings stronger than I am. Otherwise, it just reminds me of sour memories, and regretful events of powerlessness.

Just as our introduction to each other ended, a thick layer of smoke surrounds the podium on the stage, and a few seconds later, a man dressed in a black and grey robe appears from within the fog. It looks like the 'Gratver' spell. A mid-level teleportation spell that allows the caster to travel through dense smoke or fog. Though the caster would have to be very proficient in water elemental magic. Not many mages could skillfully use elemental magic because it was extremely difficult to master even the lowest level spells.

All elemental magic could be used by both Light and dark mages, though some elements preferred darkness over light, or light over darkness.

"Welcome examinees,"

The man began to speak as he walked closer to the podium, and glanced over every individual present. When he came across Larien he flinched a little, before a nearly invisible smile spread across his lips.

According to the shopkeeper, the Dorma Institute of Magic was a four year college. Students who managed to graduate from here automatically earned the right to apply for jobs at the mages tower, and weren't allowed to become adventurers. The school placed exams for incoming first year students every year, however, they also placed exams for entry into other years for students who wished to transfer from other schools or just start late, just as Larien and I are doing.

So for Larien to suddenly decide to join a magic school, and choose Dorma, the capital of Halrio's magic school. The teachers and students must feel very accomplished. At least, that's what I think is going on.

"My name is Lauren Grummel. I'll be your examiner,"

He continued to talk, before going on to explain the exam details.

"The exam is divided into four stages. The first stage is a written exam, the results will be presented on the board an hour after it has ended. The second stage is a practical testing of magic exam, you will be required to subject your status to a grading tool to determine your level, and then practical use of your mana will be graded. The third stage is the easiest, it will be a magic affinity test, like in the second, a tool will be used to categorize your area of expertise and magic affinity. And then finally, the fourth stage. This stage is more or less a bonus stage as even if you fail in all the other three before it, you may still pass if you score high enough, and if you fail in this stage, it will not affect your overall score. However, passing all four stages will assure your entry into our school."

The air was still and the campus remained silent. I'm glad he explained the exam stages wince I didn't really know how this was going to go.

Lauren looked around at the crowd of youth for a bit before ending his speech.

"I wish you all good luck. You may proceed into the building so the first stage may begin."

As he said this, the smoke appeared again and he vanished as it lifted.

A written exam huh? This'll be tough seeing as I don't know jack squat about what they may ask. A group of staff in robes as well led us inside the school and into an empty hall where the first exam would take place.

The seating is spaced out, but the closest person to me is Darius. He's been quite and staring at me intently since my discussion with Larien. I guess he thinks I'm pretty bold and weird now too.

The exam wasn't as technical or difficult as I thought. It was mostly about mage craft and a few about the Halrio kingdom's history. Of course I wouldn't say I answered all the historical questions accurately, but even without the tato system's help, I'm pretty confident I at least didn't fail. I could've used the tato system, but then it'd be real cheating, and would just bring me a bad feeling. Since I've never taken a high school exam before, it was something I wanted to experience for myself. I'm confident in the fact that even if I don't pass this first exam, I will definitely pass the rest. And, according to the document posted on the board out in the hallway, the first stage is only 30% of the entire test, and the fourth stage adds a bonus 15% on your overall score. I can certainly pass either way.

"That was tough,"

The voice of Darius Armello sighs as he approaches me.

"Did you not do well?"

"Hmm... I think I did but I still can't help feeling nervous,"

"Mm, it's fine. There are two other stages, and the bonus fourth stage left,"

"Yeah but, that only means it'll get tougher from here,"

"But the third stage is the easiest isn't it?"

"Yeah, but that's only for people confident in their magic,"

"And you're not?"

"If I was, I wouldn't be desperate to attend this school,"

"I see,"

That's surprising, seeing as Darius is a noble, and at a reasonable level as well.

Name: Darius Clement Armello

Age: 17

Level: 21

Job: Mage

Mana: 18600

Strength: 12

Agility: 14

Vitality: 18

Sense: 18

Endurance: 13

Intelligence: 24

Magic Craft: Tier 2 Light mage

Granted, Darius may be from a falling family, from what I've observed. It doesn't look like the other noble kids acknowledge him all too much. Especially not Valient who shoved him aside earlier. But, he has potential. That much I can sense. I think he just lacks confidence.

After a while, one of the robed staff walks out of a room with a couple of papers in his hand, then pins it onto the board out in the hall. Just as he leaves, a bunch of examinees rush towards the board, searching for their name in anxiety to see if they had passed or not. But, whether or not they had passed the first exam, they would still be able to make it up with the remaining three, so unlike them, I took my time and waited until they were less people at the board.

It doesn't make sense that a lot of them are already feeling dread and helplessness after glancing at the board, unless they all share Darius's views, then in which case it made perfect sense. They all held the remaining stages of the exam in high unease. Aiyaa, I almost feel bad for them.

Once there are less people around the board, I stalk over to look at my result. I can see Larien from the corner of my eye as he stalks over and takes a position by my side, searching for his name as well. Unlike with me, everyone clears the way for him so he can look with ease.

"Oh, looks like you did pretty well for someone who came into this unprepared with the intention of winging it,"

Larien chortled as he glances at my name where my finger had traced. I scored a 74, passing with a grade C. But more importantly, this kid. How attentive. He profiled me pretty accurately. Then again, his intelligence was pretty high.

Intelligence in status window doesn't really put one's actual intelligence in figures, but rather one's mental capacity and strength. It also greatly influences one's mana capacity, as mana increases according to a person's mental strength. Each person is born with his/her own mana capacity and cannot go over their capacity limit, however, it could be increased with mental development. Though, the fact that his mental strength is at such a level would mean that he is pretty clever as a person.

"Well, I'm still not at the level of someone who passes with an A at a score of 100,"

I respond, glancing at his name that was placed first on the board. I was right, this kid is pretty smart. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a genius. His mana capacity is the highest I've seen since arriving at Elrev.

"Please, you flatter me."

He says, giving me a light but dubious smile. Man, this guy. Is he contesting against me? Haha, I should have guessed I wouldn't be able to go unnoticed like this. Not when his magic sense is pretty high as well. This kid, he's actually trying to compare himself to me. Does this mean he's covertly taken me as his rival or something?

"I look forward to finishing this exam, and attending this school with you."

He then adds, flashing me another grin and extending his hand for me to shake. The examinees around all gasp and break off in whispers and indefinite chatter. 'Is a commoner like me actually going to receive a handshake from a well respected prince like Larien?' is what they're probably wondering.

Yup! He's definitely pinned me as something like a rival. And for him to announce it in front of everyone like this. That mischievous grin says it all. I don't even need to ask. This kid, what is it you're trying to do? Well, it's not like I'm complaining.

"Likewise,"

I respond, taking his hand, and shooting him my own devious smirk. I always accept a worthy challenge. And with the amount of potential he has, I'm looking forward to watching his growth. Somehow, he reminds me of someone important to me. His aura has a way of making me want to use my affection as an older brother on him.

Somehow, this definitely feels like a fated meeting. He really does remind me of...

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