Chapter 105
“Ugh… Now, if I just finish the practical test, it’s over… *cough*…”
“Are you okay?”
On the way out after finishing the written exam, Sia asked Wendy, who was coughing, with concern.
“The exam is important, but Wendy, your health…”
“Ehehe… I’m fine…”
Wendy, giggling, had dark circles under her eyes, making her look like a panda. Luna, walking beside her, looked shocked.
“No way, you can’t be fine… I’ve never seen someone bleed so much from their nose in my life.”
As soon as the exam started, Wendy dramatically bled all over her test paper. The sight of her stuffing the blood-soaked paper into her nostril after receiving a new one was horrifying.
“Hehe… Losing some blood woke me up.”
“I don’t know much, but that seems like a dangerous sign… I’ll tell the professor. How about resting for the next exam?”
“It’s okay… *cough*… Just one more exam, and I’ll rest after that. Ehehe…”
Despite Sia and Luna’s concerns, Wendy giggled weakly. Her laughter was so devoid of energy that it was pitiful.
Even Myohail, disguised as a hairpin, agreed with them.
‘I agree with them. I’ve said it many times, but my disciple needs to rest. So what if she misses the exam? I guarantee she’ll become a renowned magician.’
Despite Myohail’s concern, Wendy shook her head.
‘No… Master. I can’t do that.’
Wendy desperately wanted to be first. She had studied tirelessly for today, cutting back on sleep under Myohail’s guidance.
It wouldn’t have been possible without Tristan’s consideration. He had taken over all her maid duties, allowing her to focus on studying.
Wendy wanted to repay Tristan’s kindness. She wanted to achieve good results in this exam—no, she had to. Even if it took a toll on her body…
‘I can still do it. Ehehe…’
‘Tsk… Stubborn.’
Myohail clicked his tongue, understanding Wendy’s determination. Having taught and watched her throughout the exam period, he knew how desperate she was.
‘Do you really want to be first that badly?’
‘Yes. You taught me so much, Master. I’m confident.’
‘Good. You can do it. The school exams are nothing…’
Only one exam remained. Today, Wendy’s suffering would end. Once the exam was over, she could rest properly. Reluctantly, Myohail had to accept that.
After walking a bit, Wendy and the other new students arrived at the practical exam hall. It was the same arena where Wendy had taken her entrance exam against Myohail. The difference was the crowd and a lone door standing in the center.
‘A door…?’
‘Hmm… So the practical exam is a luck-based test?’
‘Huh?’
Before Wendy could ask Myohail, Professor Ariel’s voice rang out.
“Alright, students taking the practical exam, please take your seats.”
While the students seated themselves, Ariel stood in front of the mysterious door. Once everyone was seated, she spoke.
“Does anyone know what this is?”
“The Chamber of the Demon Realm.”
The answer came from Sia Riumin, a graceful girl sitting next to Wendy. Ariel nodded, satisfied.
“Correct. You must have heard from your seniors. This is one of the ancient magical artifacts our school possesses—the ‘Chamber of the Demon Realm.’ Simply put, inside this door is a complex barrier, and within it are various magical beasts captured by our professors. As you might have guessed, this is your practical exam today.”
Some murmurs arose among the new students. While some, like Sia, knew about it, most were clueless.
Ariel demonstrated by pulling out her staff.
“Watch closely. Using the Chamber is simple.”
*Knock knock knock.*
Ariel knocked on the door, and it began to shake violently.
“Eek!”
Some students flinched at the sight.
“Knock like this and prepare for battle.”
Ariel calmly adjusted her grip on her staff. The door’s shaking stopped after about five seconds.
*Creak.*
The door opened quietly, revealing a giant green ogre.
“An ogre?!”
Some students screamed in panic, but Ariel remained calm.
“Groooar… Huh?!”
The ogre roared—or tried to. A gust of wind from Ariel’s staff pierced its body, turning its threatening roar into a pitiful scream. After swiftly dealing with the ogre, Ariel closed the door.
“That’s how you handle it. Students, for safety, you’ll be called in groups of five. Defeat the magical beast within the time limit. The beasts are random.”
Finally, Wendy understood why Myohail called it a luck-based game. The difficulty depended on the beast that appeared.
‘Hmm. Is my disciple lucky?’
‘Ah, no… I’ve never been lucky.’
‘That’s a problem. But don’t worry too much. The beasts that come out are all weaklings that don’t even require magic.’
‘Really…?’
Wendy nervously stared at the door labeled “Chamber of the Demon Realm.” She had no idea what beast would appear. Swallowing her anxiety, she spoke to Myohail.
‘Um… Master.’
‘What is it?’
‘It’s the practical exam now… Can you watch over me here?’
‘…What?’
Wendy removed the hairpin and carefully placed it in her uniform pocket.
‘Disciple… Are you serious?’
‘I… I want to pass this last exam on my own.’
During the written exam, Myohail had tried to give her all the answers, but Wendy had politely refused. This exam had to be her own achievement. So, even the stubborn Myohail had to step back.
‘…Fine. If that’s what you want.’
‘Thank you for understanding, Master…’
‘But!’
‘Yes?’
As Myohail muttered something, Wendy felt a thin, cloth-like sensation on her skin.
‘Huh?’
‘It’s a protective spell. It won’t last long, but it’s sturdy. Nothing should happen, but you’re in a weakened state. Consider this my insurance.’
‘But…!’
‘It’s an old man’s worry. If you refuse this too, I’ll be very disappointed.’
‘Master…’
After a moment of hesitation, Wendy accepted Myohail’s kindness.
‘Thank you… Master.’
‘*Cough cough*! If you’re grateful, treat me to something sweet later. That stingy Count won’t even give me a piece of bread. Tsk tsk. Elder abuse.’
‘Yes, yes! I’ll sneak something from the kitchen for you. Hehe…’
*Ding dong.*
The bell rang, signaling the start. Ariel cleared her throat and addressed the students.
“Now, let me introduce the professors supervising today’s exam.”
The professors entered the arena, and gasps arose from the students. As expected of a prestigious magic school, the professors were all renowned magicians.
“Professor Ralph of Magic Studies.”
As each name was called, the students applauded, and the professors waved in response.
“Professor Jared of Magical Formulae. And next…”
Though famous in the magic world, Wendy didn’t recognize any of them. Or perhaps having a legendary sage as her master made them less impressive. After introducing each one, Professor Ariel took a deep breath and continued.
“And finally… Representing Chancellor Mondri, Chairman Tristan.”
*Step.*
Unlike the other professors, no applause followed. The students held their breath the moment they saw him.
*Step.*
He was a man with a tired expression, too young to be a chairman, and his sharp demeanor resembled that of a swordsman.
*Step.*
The sound of his footsteps echoed loudly in the exam hall. His noble appearance befitted his title as a Count. Behind him followed a beautiful bodyguard knight.
The arrogant tyrant who claimed to own the school, and the most influential man in the country, sat in the highest seat prepared for the professors.
The cold-eyed noble, Tristan, looked down at the students from his seat and spoke.
“Begin.”
