***
<Magical Engineering Faculty Practical Entrance Exam Guide.
The practical exam consists of creating and submitting a magical engineering item within the time limit. The precautions are as follows.
Only the types of materials announced in advance can be used. They will be distributed upon submitting a request form to each proctor.
The use of materials brought from outside is strictly prohibited, and entering or leaving the exam hall during the exam is also restricted.
Exchange of opinions between examinees is permitted, but if caught producing an item for another, it will result in disqualification.
The evaluation criteria for the submitted magical engineering item are as follows.
Adherence to the time limit.
-Unfinished products will be unconditionally excluded from evaluation.
Completeness.
-Not only whether the product works but also the finishing touches will be reflected in the evaluation.
Creativity.
-Bonus points will be awarded for distinctive and original items.
Practicality.
-Bonus points will be awarded based on how practically it can be used in daily life.
Appropriate use of materials.
-Penalty points will be given if an excessive or unnecessary amount of materials is requested and left unused in the creation of the item.
Attitude.
-Exchange of opinions with other examinees is permitted, but in cases of clearly imitating another examinee's item, or if friction arises from the exchange of opinions leading to a dispute, penalty points may be given for an insincere attitude.>
Unlike the written exam, where even conversation was forbidden, the practical exam allowed for the exchange of opinions.
Since the exchange of opinions among engineers was a basic practice in actual workshops, it was strongly implied that this part would also be graded in relation to attitude.
‘And anyway, if their proficiency in handling mana is lacking, they won’t be able to create anything in the first place.’
Creativity and practicality were, in the end, items that only awarded bonus points.
This meant that the main evaluation criteria would depend on time adherence and completeness.
“Then, before we begin the exam, please fill out your material request forms. The exam will start after all examinees have received their materials.”
Following the proctor’s instructions, I wrote down the items I needed on the request form.
Since I already had something I wanted to make in my head, I was able to write it down and submit it without hesitation.
And I submitted it to the proctor.
“All of this?”
The proctor who checked my order list opened his eyes wide and looked back and forth between the order list and me.
“Yes.”
“You know that if you request an excessive amount of materials and leave them unused, you’ll be penalized, right?”
“Yes, of course.”
I nodded as if it were obvious.
The assistant professor still looked at me with a questioning gaze, but he didn’t ask any more questions and headed towards the area where the professors were gathered with my list.
It’s not like I requested something outrageous, so it should arrive if I wait.
“Examinee Raniel. Here are the tools and materials you ordered.”
Since so many students were taking the exam at once, the amount of materials needed was substantial.
Because of that, a considerable amount of time was spent just distributing the materials.
And so, with me, who had requested the most materials, being the last, all the necessary materials were distributed to each examinee.
Everyone seemed busy conceptualizing what they were going to make in their heads, but in the meantime, there were also some examinees who were whispering amongst themselves as they looked at the materials laid out in front of me.
“What’s with that guy, ordering so many materials?”
“I don’t know, maybe he ordered a lot in case he fails.”
“He’ll get negative points if he has leftovers.”
“Who knows. Is this any time for us to be worrying about others?”
“I guess we can think of it as one less competitor.”
[I have scanned the faces of all the foolish mortals who doubt Master’s abilities.]
‘That’s unnecessary. Let those extras chatter as much as they want.’
[I see, so the common rabble are not even in your sights! Then I will delete the unnecessary data!]
‘No, leave the data.’
[Pardon?]
‘It might be needed later, so keep it as a record.’
Yup, records are important.
It’s definitely not because I’m planning to get revenge after I pass, it’s just that I’ve taken an interest.
Anyway.
“Alright, then let the exam begin!”
<><><>
I had already run a perfect simulation of the item I was going to submit in my head, so I had no worries.
If anything, my heart was pounding with anticipation for the new item I was about to create.
[Instead of being nervous, you seem to be in a very good mood, Master?]
‘Of course, it’s a good opportunity to make something without worrying about material costs.’
In fact, the thing I was planning to make this time was an item I had been debating whether to make or not because of the material costs.
My financial situation had been so tight because of the prototype repairs.
‘As I thought, research is best when you’re using someone else’s money.’
With a happy heart, I focused on the sensation at my fingertips and began to process the materials.
I focused on the sensation at my fingertips, assembling the processed parts and connecting the circuits.
[But is it really possible?]
“You don’t trust me? This body, which created you?”
[I’m not doubting you, Master! I was just worried because the fundamental foundation of this world is completely different from Earth’s!]
Of course, thanks to the fact that basic science was in the gutter, I couldn't obtain rare metals or items that could be taken for granted in the modern era.
Even the equipment I could use was different in terms of civilization level.
But despite that, ‘mana’ and ‘magic circuits’ were so ridiculously overpowered that they could overturn all of that.
Although they had the weakness of a limited strength, they were a product of ultra-science that allowed all sorts of technology to be crammed into a small material.
Thanks to that, I could completely ignore basic science and modern electronics and even create something close to a semiconductor.
And what I intended to create based on that technology was.
‘A unique mana authentication system…!!’
Everyone in this world possessed mana.
Of course, the amount of magic, or processing it into aura or magic, was in the realm of talent, but anyway, everyone possessed mana.
And the mana waveform of every single one of them was different, just like a person’s unique fingerprint.
Taking a hint from that, I had come up with an authentication system that could identify people based on their individual mana, just like modern fingerprint recognition.
‘It was an idea I only conceptualized in the modern era, but it’s possible to implement it here? I can’t resist!’
I immediately took out the parts and began the basic processing.
The process of refining the parts to suit their purpose using mana.
-Crazy! Even if it’s just basic processing, how can he be that fast?!
-How can one be that fast? No, wait. He hasn't even used mana tool-ification, has he?
-Is it possible to do such delicate work with pure mana?
Exaggerated reactions, like something out of a cooking manga, came from all around.
Aren’t you guys working on your own stuff?
Since the reactions weren't bad, I let them slide, finished the basic processing, assembled the parts, and etched in the magic circuits.
Normally, it was common sense to etch them in before assembly, but since I had the entire process in my head, it was possible.
-Assembly and circuit work at the same time?! He’s definitely going to make a mistake…
-No, but look at his hand movements. It’s at a level where there won’t be any mistakes or errors at all.
Roughly ignoring the reactions from my surroundings, I entered the finishing stages.
-And the thing that came out of that process is that?
-The finished product doesn’t look like much.
As the work neared completion, the reactions became lukewarm.
Looking at the exterior alone, it was just a square plate.
-How do you know what kind of technology went into that? More importantly, you should focus on your own stuff.
-Ah, right! I was so engrossed in watching that I didn't make my own thing?!
Leaving the crowd’s reactions behind, I wrote down the purpose, reason, and instructions for the creation and placed it face down on the desk.
And with that, the work on my submission was finished.
Now that it was completed, the surroundings were quiet.
I saw some people showing signs of disappointment, and others whose eyes were sparkling, looking like they wanted to test the item I had made right away.
Once they actually started testing it, if they had eyes and a brain, a good evaluation would come out.
My work here was done.
“I’m finished.”
“Already?”
The proctor who checked my submission looked the unique mana authentication system over and tilted his head.
“There’s plenty of time, so an operational test, or fine-tuning…”
“It’s fine. This is already perfect. Then, may I leave now?”
The proctor, who had been displeased, eventually nodded his head.
“Understood. No revisions will be possible later!”
Well, it’s not like there will be anything to revise anyway.
The proctor didn't know, but I had already finished the operational test.
With everything finished amidst the flowing silence, I quietly turned my steps and left the practical exam hall.
<><><>
After all the exams were over, the professors of the magical engineering faculty gathered and began to grade the students’ work.
“This year’s students are also of a considerable level.”
“No matter how you look at it, it’s the entrance exam for the Imperial Academy, so riffraff wouldn’t come.”
“Speaking of which, what about the submission from ‘that guy’ from the written exam?”
At the words ‘that guy,’ the professors flinched.
“Raniel Leventia. You mean that friend?”
“I only glanced at it, but his written exam was practically a perfect score. And that question 1. That answer contained a truly radical yet surprising insight. If that friend gets in, I’d really like to have a personal interview and talk with him.”
“That examinee’s practical was…”
Just then, one of the professors who hadn't seen Raniel’s written answer sheet held out a square plate.
“This is it. I haven’t graded it yet, and I’ve only read the attached instructions, but he seems to have made something that makes no sense. Hmph, he wrote some absurd nonsense about distinguishing people with mana…”
“O-ohh, that is…!”
“Hurry up and give it here!”
“Professors, what’s wrong with you all? It’s just an undergraduate’s submission. What on earth did you see on the written exam answer sheet…”
Despite the words of absurdity, the professors who had seen Raniel's answer sheet looked at the submission with eyes as if possessed by something.
And right away, the unique mana authentication system that Raniel had made also went into verification.
A short while later,
“How is it? It doesn’t work properly, does it? He may have done well on the written exam, but such a ridiculous piece of delusion…”
“Th-this is!!”
The eyes of the professor who was verifying Raniel’s practical submission trembled like an aspen leaf.
The reaction of the other professor who went into verification next was the same.
“Wait a minute. Is this really possible? My goodness, how can this be!”
“It works? It’s really possible to distinguish humans with mana?”
“See for yourself! Does it not really work! My goodness!”
“…This is a truly revolutionary item. It’s not something an undergraduate student could make!”
“Is it alright for us to handle this at our level? This is something that needs to be reported to the academic society immediately…”
“Everyone, calm down for now. Let’s talk about other things later, and for now, let’s finish the practical evaluation first.”
“But… is there anything else to evaluate after seeing this? It seems there’s nothing else to do but give it a perfect score.”
“…That is true.”
The professors couldn't contain their admiration and surprise at this absurd submission and began to pay attention to the name ‘Raniel Leventia.’
<><><>
Perhaps because I was the only one who finished the practical exam so quickly, the campus was very quiet.
‘Ah, come to think of it, I don’t think I decided where to meet Linia after the exam…’
“Ranieeeel!”
Is this déjà vu?
Just as I thought I heard a familiar voice, Linia was running towards me from the other side.
And what's more,
Fwoosh!
From a distance of about 10 meters, she suddenly leaped and landed right next to me in a single bound.
Why does this girl keep doing a sergeant jump while wearing a skirt?
“How did you know to find me?”
“I don’t know, a hunch?”
At the mansion, she was just Maid 1 who was terribly bad at her job, so why does she seem to be gradually becoming a beast?
“Anyway, Raniel! Did you do well on the exam?”
“Of course.”
“Aren’t you a little too confident? I heard that the magical engineering faculty’s practical exam is quite difficult.”
“It’s not overconfidence, it’s just a matter of course.”
“Ugh~ You’re so smug.”
“While we’re on the subject of being smug, let me ask you about your practical exam results. How was it?”
I moderately ignored Linia, who was pouting and booing, and asked about her practical exam.
“Heehee! I think I got lucky, but anyway, I was first in the practical exam! So give me back my tablet now!”
Linia made a V-sign with her fingers, puffed out her chest proudly, and looked at me.
The moment I saw that, I immediately turned my head away.
I had originally planned to give it back, but seeing her act so smug was so annoying that I decided to pretend I didn't hear her.
“Hwaeeng! You promised you’d give it back!!”
“I said I’d give it back, but I didn't say exactly when I’d give it back.”
“You’re mean! You’re so mean!”
Seeing her smug face turn into a tearful one made me feel a little refreshed.
As I walked on, ignoring Linia’s whining, she seemed to have half given up and let out a sigh, then brought up another topic.
“What are we doing next? Sightseeing, I hope?”
“What sightseeing? I’m tired, so let’s go home.”
The exam itself was no big deal, but teaching that girl Linia was tiring.
On top of that, seeing her act all smug made my desire to go back home even stronger.
“Why?! What about sightseeing in the capital?”
“Do it to your heart’s content when you come to the academy later.”
“We can’t go out freely once we’re enrolled!”
“They say it’s fine if your grades are good. Let’s go.”
“Raniel!”
“If you don’t follow, I’m leaving you behind. If you’re confident you can pay for the return train fare, you can go sightseeing and come back.”
“Uuuu…”
Ignoring the pouting Linia, I headed straight for the station.
“You’re so mean, really so mean. I was looking forward to it so much…”
Linia seemed very disappointed about not being able to go sightseeing and followed behind me with a pout.
As I kept looking at her, I started to feel a little sorry, so I gently placated her.
“We’ll take the first-class car on the way back, and I’ll buy you all the special train meals you wanted to eat, so let’s just go home a little early this time.”
“Really?”
“Have I ever lied to you?”
“Well, all the time…!”
“Think carefully.”
I took out Linia’s tablet and gently shook it.
At that, Linia’s pupils darted left and right.
“If you don’t want it, then fine.”
“No! I love first-class! And I love special meals too! Hehehe.”
After moderately placating Linia, we headed to the train station.
Perhaps because we finished the exam early, and there weren't many examinees returning to their hometowns right after the exam, the train seats were quite empty.
Thanks to that, we were able to get first-class tickets for a train that was departing immediately.
It was a little expensive, but I had made a promise to Linia, and I was also curious about what the first-class car was like, so it wasn't bad.
“Welcome aboard. You can leave your luggage with me. We will ensure you have a comfortable journey.”
The entrance for the first-class car was different from the start.
You could go back and forth through the car’s corridor anyway, but it felt like they were serving you from the moment you boarded.
“Ooh! Even the interior looks different!”
“It’s certainly splendid.”
Unlike the standard car we had taken before, which was about mid-range, the interior had works of art and you could clearly see that they had paid attention to the decorations.
On top of that, the feeling of walking on the corridor floor was different, and it felt like they had used high-quality materials.
“Wow! It’s so spacious! It’s like they made a whole train car into a room.”
Just as Linia said, the spaciousness of the first-class car was on a different level from the standard seats.
“The cabin is spacious, and there’s even a bathtub in the shower room! Oh? Is this a sauna? And there’s wine too? Want a glass?”
“Let’s eat first.”
“Food! You said you’d buy me a special meal, right?”
“Yeah. Well, I did.”
It felt like money was leaking out, but I guess it was okay once in a while.
Since all our personal luggage was packed away in the Dimensional Hangar, there was nothing to unpack, so we immediately locked the door to our private cabin and headed to the dining car.
“Wow! First-class has a separate dining car too?”
The dining car, which only first-class passengers could enter, looked different from the regular dining car.
Just as we stepped into the dining car.
“Raniel? Linia?”
I met someone I really didn't want to see.
“Karon?”
The black-haired guy, why is this guy here? Ominously.
<><><>
At the same time that Raniel was having an unwanted encounter with Karon.
Unusual things were happening inside the train.
“Who are you… Keoheok!”
“E-emergency! Intruder… Kuaaak!”
Thud, thud, the security guards stationed throughout the train fell one by one.
And the assailants who had attacked them, after systematically dealing with the guards, began to gather in the train’s security room.
“Is the cleanup finished?”
“Yes, all security guards have been dealt with, and all the martyrs have gathered.”
The assailants, wearing black robes and white masks, exuded a sinister aura.
Among them, a man who appeared to be the leader said,
“Welcome, comrades. Holy bloods who will purify this land.”
The man quietly listened to the report, then glanced around and muttered softly.
“We shall wash away the sins of humanity with the sinners on this train and our blood! Now, martyrs. We offer our lives for the future of the continent!”
“For the continent!”
“For the continent!”
The assailants each shouted, then made the sign of the cross and scattered in all directions.
Meanwhile, the leader who remained until the end, muttered with a meaningful smile.
“The future… I wonder if this continent truly has a future?”