The amphitheatre was already full by the time all three of us arrived. Their conversation had gone on for so long that I even had to remind them about the assessment.
At the center stood the most classic sight in any fantasy magical assessment: a crystal meant to absorb mana and measure a student’s reserves. Clichéd as it was, it was undeniably efficient.
Still, this academy clearly didn’t intend to decide everything by numbers alone. After the assessment would come duels, and after the duels, other tests.
All in one.
They didn’t want to overlook a prodigy just because one test failed to cover every base.
"Lord Reyn Brimstone, you’re first."
Before I’d even managed to take a seat, the professor at the front had already called my name. And as far as Reyn’s memories went, that seemed to be the norm.
The professors already knew the routine: come in, get ranked so low that they considered him unfit for the other tests, then let him leave immediately to do whatever Reyn Brimstone usually did.
Better to send him off early than let him wait his turn and risk a commotion in the amphitheatre over how long it was taking.
Being born a Brimstone was pretty much like living life on easy mode.
Absolutely ridiculous...
"Good luck, Lord Reyn."
Trish said, and Anna gave me a thumbs-up while already leading Trish to a seat by the side.
"Be sure to cheer for me."
I said, already facing the center and straightening my posture. It was time to switch strategies. No more lying low. It was finally time to show off all my unfair advantages at once.
If I was going to live in this world, I was going to live like a king, not as an undercover prodigy pretending to keep his power hidden.
✧ ✦ ✧
"Please put your palms on the crystal and pour all your mana into it."
The professor said, clearly not expecting anything different after years of seeing Reyn ranked at the bottom.
I nodded and did as instructed, feeling a faint static tingle travel from my hand to my shoulder before it stabilized.
"And, Lord Reyn, please do try to put in some effort. Even with your father’s title, it’s getting hard to manage the paperwork."
The professor pleaded, already dreading the excuse he’d have to come up with for why Reyn Brimstone should remain in the academy.
"Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to do better."
I smiled, and the professor only gave me a doubtful nod before stepping back, signaling me to pour everything I had into the crystal.
’Now let’s see if I can break this mana crystal like those other novels I read...’
FWOOSH!
The crystal immediately erupted the moment I poured my mana into it. It glowed brilliantly, and the wind around it began to howl as it pushed at my uniform and hair.
Honestly, it was perfect. The crystal was making me look good.
"W-What...!?"
The professor clutched his clipboard before it could be blown away, pushing up his glasses as he stared at the crystal’s absorption.
It didn’t take long before it looked like a miniature sun, with a massive gust of wind circling it and wrapping me and the crystal in a small hurricane that made the whole sight even more ridiculous.
By then, I was already forced to imbue my body with physical buffs just to make sure I didn’t get blown away before I could fully pour my mana into it.
Honestly, I could probably stay here all day without getting exhausted.
The Fey Core made sure of that.
But... I’ll be nice and only use my reserve and the core’s reserve. No need to tap into its infinite mana.
"Done..."
I smirked, and the moment the last of my mana left my fingertips—
CRACK!
The massive crystal shattered into four pieces and crashed onto the stone floor, while the professor just stared at me as though he’d seen a ghost.
"...A crystal break."
The professor muttered, then checked his clipboard for the usual classification for cases like this. With a hesitant swallow, he announced it.
"R-Reyn Brimstone, king-class mana capacity...!"
Well, look at that. I skipped eight whole tiers just with my mana capacity alone. I’d say that was a satisfying result.
"Can I go sit down now?"
"Y-Yes, of course."
The professor nodded, already clearing his throat to call the next student, while gesturing to an assistant to bring a spare crystal to replace the broken one.
✧ ✦ ✧
I headed toward where Trish and Anna were seated, right in the middle of the amphitheatre seating. But before I could even reach them, someone raised a foot to stop me.
"Lord Brimstone, correct?"
A woman with blue hair and blue eyes stopped me in my tracks, her arms crossed as she looked at me with either curiosity or disdain.
Honestly, I couldn’t tell.
"Yes, Lady Historia."
Aqua von Historia. If memory served, she was one of the novel’s side antagonists, like Titania. Not a full-blown villainess, but considering her background...
She was close enough.
She was also one of the novel’s stronger characters and, to my knowledge, ranked at least fifth in this specific magical assessment. Her entire character practically revolved around power.
Guess I’d found my third target.
"I see. Well, I apologize for taking your time. I was just curious, that’s all."
"Well, if you want lessons, I’d be free to help out."
Aqua raised a brow at my offer, then chuckled and crossed her arms.
"Perhaps. But maybe after your reputation is cleared up."
That made sense. Unlike Trish and Anna, she was the daughter of a duke, same as me. She’d be far more careful than them about associating with someone like me.
"Well, I’m sure you won’t have to wait long then."