Volume 1: Enrollment at Magias Academy of Magical Arts
Chapter 4.5: They Were Mostly Good Kids
We return to the day after the entrance examination.
In a conference room within Magias’s Central Tower, the examiners quietly proceeded with their final review.
“…And that concludes the overall examination results.”
More than a dozen staff members each considered the secretary’s report.
Some gave quiet grunts, others breathed in admiration, and still others stared at the documents in their hands with visible concern.
“This year, we received more than thirty thousand applications. After the document screening, written examination, and practical examination, forty-five applicants have passed. Seven are candidates for the Grand Magical Emperor Faculty.”
“That’s a lot.”
A young teacher murmured the words.
The entrance examination was held only once every several years, but this year could fairly be called a bumper crop.
The number of candidates selected for the Grand Magical Emperor Faculty was especially noteworthy. Ordinarily, only a handful entered the special course, but this year’s results were so extraordinary that the number of available places had been increased at short notice.
“The applicants who demonstrated particularly high combat ability were
Mercedes Meltzeria
and Gerald Whitesmith.
Those two achieved results comparable to certain faculty members. As for Lord Walker’s grandson, the situation is as I explained earlier.”
The moment those three names were spoken, the atmosphere in the conference room dimmed slightly.
It wasn’t awe so much as the silence of people confronted with something difficult to handle.
Their ability, however, was genuine.
Strength alone didn’t make a person competent, but combat ability and a mage’s overall capability were closely related. Students of the Grand Magical Emperor Faculty, in particular, could sometimes be counted as national military assets before they were counted as researchers.
On that point, the test results of the applicants expected to enter the Emperor Faculty had already become the stuff of legend among some students.
One rumor claimed an applicant had crossed blades evenly with an examiner during the practical test. Another said an applicant had crushed a massive lump of iron flat with magic.
There was even talk of someone blowing away an examination venue with a single barehanded strike.
Rumors that might easily grow such embellishments had begun circulating despite how little time had passed since the exam.
“Has Vice Principal Gertrude offered any thoughts?”
At the secretary’s question, a petite, gentle-looking elderly woman answered without opening her eyes.
“They were mostly good kids.”
Whatever the vice principal’s opinion, there was a long-standing belief that the Grand Magical Emperor Faculty attracted students with personality problems. Their extraordinary ability often left them unable to communicate well with others, sometimes leading to misconduct or voluntary withdrawal.
“…These are only rumors, but we’ve received reports that several candidates had minor disputes with other applicants during the examination.”
“Let’s hope none of them resemble Wilhelm and his group…”
“An argument is hardly serious. Besides, only the people involved can know which side was at fault.”
“Well, if somebody gets smart with you, just knock ’em flying.”
The staff members voiced their individual opinions while consulting the results.
The elderly man seated at the head of the table solemnly spoke, drawing them together.
“Our academy is one of the world’s finest institutions of magical learning, and the Grand Magical Emperor Faculty stands at its pinnacle. We should first rejoice that seven students have met its admission standard.”
No one disagreed with that.
There was no doubt that this year’s class was exceptionally talented.
And precisely because of that, the staff couldn’t rid themselves of the worry that perhaps these students shouldn’t be handed research funds as freely as water.
“Then, Principal, shall we proceed to the final resolution?”
The sharp-eyed old man addressed as Principal nodded at the secretary’s question. His glaring eyes moved like those of a bird of prey.
“Mercedes Meltzeria.
Gerald Whitesmith.
Luluk Lulu Lunlun.
Amae Vandenberg.
Gary Rock.
Filiestra Addison.
Brendan Walker.
We recognize the seven individuals named above as possessing exceptional ability and magical aptitude, and approve their admission to the Grand Magical Emperor Faculty.”
“Very good.”
The one-eyed elderly man—Oldion Raves—slowly nodded, then fixed a nearby staff member with his piercing gaze.
She was a mature woman with faint shadows beneath her eyes.
“I entrust everything else to Professor Blanchard. Make every effort to cultivate as many Grand Mages as possible.”
“Yes, understood.”
“That concludes today’s meeting. Also, Associate Professor Yuriha, you are suspected of seriously disrupting the written examination, so report to my office afterward.”
“What!?”
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