Chapter 59

The entrance examination for the Royal Academy consists of two parts: a written test and a practical test.

First, the written test is conducted, and I followed the instructions to head to the examination room.

(This is the venue, huh.)

When I entered, a tense atmosphere enveloped me.

Looking around, nearly a hundred examinees were seated, and it was said that there were a few more venues of the same scale.

Everyone was waiting with serious expressions for the signal to start the exam.

I took my assigned seat and took a deep breath.

When everyone was in place, the examiner's voice echoed.

"We will now begin the written test. The time limit is two hours. Please begin."

The sound of the bell rang out, and the rustling of test papers being flipped through filled the air.

I quickly started to read through the questions.

Most of the test content was basic.

History, mathematics, language, and magic theory.

These questions could be easily solved using the knowledge I had as Zeros.

(There are more basic questions than I thought. At this level, I can solve them without any problems...)

I smoothly worked through the questions, but I stopped my pen before the last question.

(Huh? This question...)

It was a question that couldn't be answered with Zeros' knowledge.

Specifically, it was this:

"Question: Identify the issues in the following magic circle and suggest improvements."

Below it was a complex geometric pattern of a magic circle.

At first glance, it looked like a normal magic circle, but upon closer inspection, there were subtle unnatural parts.

(I feel like I've seen this somewhere...)

I frowned and stared intently at the magic circle.

Then, I suddenly realized.

(I see. This isn't from Zeros' knowledge, but from my previous life—Cleon's skill development system. It was a magic circle used to activate a specific magic skill, I think.)

There are several methods to develop magic, one of which is creating a magic circle from scratch.

Perhaps due to the developers' obsession, in Cleon, there were clear rules for the shape and mechanism of magic circles, and understanding these rules was a shortcut to development.

Naturally, I had a thorough grasp of these rules, partly because I needed them when using my sub-account with the "Magic Emblem" skill, but more importantly—

"Hey, Zeronity, help me develop a new magic skill! This magic circle seems to have some issues, can you check it out? Please, please, please~!"

—because I often had to assist Scarlet in her magic development.

(In the game, I only saw it as one of the systems, but since it's being used as an exam question, it must be a serious research topic in this era. I should have studied more...)

After reflecting on the past, I refocused on the magic circle.

Upon closer inspection, the difficulty wasn't particularly high, and the points for improvement were quickly identified.

(I'll rewrite this part... The content is really basic.)

That's it.

After I finished filling in all the answer spaces, the bell signaling the end of the exam rang out.

◇◆◇

After the written test, the practical test instructions began immediately.

"The practical test varies depending on each examinee's emblem."

The room buzzed with excitement at the examiner's explanation.

"Specialized examination venues are prepared for each emblem, such as the 'Sword Emblem' and the 'Magic Emblem.' As a special case, those with the 'All Emblem' can choose one test. There are a few this year, it seems."

The examinees murmured in response to the examiner's words.

Indeed, in this world, unlike in Cleon, the 'All Emblem' is treated with high regard.

Ah, Dion looks smug.

(But wait, hold on...)

The explanation didn't include instructions for those with the 'Void Emblem.'

I thought there might be more to come, but the examiner's demeanor suggested otherwise.

There was nothing to do but raise my hand slowly, and the examiner noticed me.

"Sir, what is it?"

"Could you tell me what those with the 'Void Emblem' should do?"

At that moment, I felt the entire room stir.

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