CH 12

Suspicion of Cheating

After waiting a while by the counter, we were finally called by the receptionist.

We were each given a piece of paper with the results of our Magical Ability Test.

“Hmm. Well, I suppose it’s like this for now.”

Elysia commented on seeing her results written down.

“Let’s compare our results.”

We all agreed to Gran’s proposal.

We showed our results at the same time.

Gran and Elysia were brimming with confidence.

Mize, on the other hand, had an expression like it was the end of the world.

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Elysia Milictian

Magical Power: BMagical Speed: BMagical Stamina: DMagical Control: D

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Gran Iblis

Magical Power: CMagical Speed: DMagical Stamina: AMagical Control: E

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Tweight

Magical Power: DMagical Speed: BMagical Stamina: CMagical Control: B

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Mize Howence

Magical Power: DMagical Speed: EMagical Stamina: DMagical Control: C

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“I’m the one who wanted us to do this, yet I’m the one in danger of failing…Fufufu.”

We were silent at that, having complicated expressions, as Mize muttered with tears in her eyes.

“For the time being, the most notable result is Gran’s score in Magical Stamina.”

I say, pointing at Gran’s paper.

His result there is astonishing. From the time it was being measure, I had a feeling that his result would be impressive, but I didn’t expect him to receive an A rank.

“If I recall, trained soldiers and adventurers would normally receive a B rank…An A rank is normally achievable only by the Knight Commander or Vice Commander…You have the capabilities of such monsters. Did you do any special training or experiences?”

“No…Unfortunately, I don’t remember doing anything like that. Honestly, I’m also surprised with this result. Hmm…Maybe I was born like this?”

Magical Ability can be improved through hard work, but having natural talent also plays a part of it.

It isn’t unheard of to be born with an unnaturally high level in a particular ability.

“Tweight’s results are lower than I expected. If Gran could get an A rank, I thought Tweight would be able to get an A rank as well.”

Elysia comments as she looks at my paper.

“You’re overestimating me. In the first place, Gran is abnormal. Normally, even a B rank would be considered high enough.”

“But that magic you use…<Bullet>, is very fast. Isn’t it a bit strange that you only got a B rank in Magical Speed with a magic that fast? I also have a B rank, like you, but I can’t cast magic as quickly as you can.”

“I think you’re misunderstanding what Magical Speed refers to.”

Elysia tilts her head.

“Magical Speed, in essence, refers to how fast you can construct your magic. It has nothing to do with how fast the magic is.”

“…But in your case, weren’t you able to fire <Bullet> almost reflexively?”

As expected of someone related to the “Sword Demon”.

I haven’t used this magic that many times in front of Elysia, but her observations were on the mark.

But even if her observations are correct, her knowledge is wrong.

I shake my head and continue my explanation.

“Magical Speed might be easier to comprehend if you compare it to…something like drawing. If everyone tries to copy a complex picture at the same time, the time it takes to complete the drawing will vary. But what if they had to copy a simple shape, such as a circle or triangle? Whether a person is quick or slow at drawing, they would be able to complete the drawing in a similar period of time.”

“…I see your point. So, in other words, simple magic can be cast quickly by anyone as long as they train.”

“Yes, that’s the general gist of it. For someone like me who relies heavily on simple magics, Magical Speed isn’t that important.”

Elysia looks satisfied with my explanation.

This time, Gran asked a question.

“Then how about your results in Magical Power? Tweight’s <Bullet> is pretty powerful, isn’t it?”

“Ah, I’m simply compressing the magic.”

“Compressing?”

Gran tilts his head.

“This is one of the techniques used to modify magic. By limiting the range or duration to cast the magic, it’s possible to increase its power.”

“He-eh, I didn’t know that. We haven’t discussed that in class yet, have we?”

“You should try visiting the library to study sometime. Modifying magic with Compression can be quite useful.”

As I looked at Gran, who was in amazement, I was inwardly relieved.

People like Elysia and Gran, who are skilled at actual combat, also are astute observers.

The explanation I gave to both of them is true.

But— It’s also true that I did hold back.

I’m currently on a mission, and I don’t want to attract any unnecessary attention right now.

However, since my schoolmates were still suspicious of me…I still have some ways to go.

“Magical Ability depends largely on talent, but it can be enhanced by your ingenuity. In other words, a person’s ability does not only depend on their Magical Ability…That’s why, Mize, there’s no need for you to feel so depressed. The next exam, the Basic Combat Ability Test, is more important.”

After saying these words, Mize simply whispered “Yes”.

She has completely lost her self-confidence. However, Mize’s results are probably average for a student.

The three of us, aside from Mize, have high combat skills for a student.

That’s why, it doesn’t make sense for her to compare herself to the three of us…but simply telling her that isn’t enough to convince her.

“Hey, you guys. Wait a minute.”

At this time.

A nearby student from the Hero Course approached us.

“I overheard you guys…You there, did you really get a B rank?”

The boy from the Hero Course says, while glaring at me.

“Yeah.”

“Wha- d, don’t mess with me! That’s impossible!”

The boy from the Hero Course quickly got agitated.

Then he yelled at the receptionist behind the counter.

“Oi! This guy can’t even use D-rank magic! So why does he have a B rank in Magical Ability!?”

“E-even if you tell me that…’

The receptionist was confused.

They must have known that the boy was a noble from the form he filled out when he applied for a Type-2 License. The receptionist was desperately shaking her head in order to not provoke him any further.

“What’s going on?”

A man’s voice comes from the second floor.

The man who came down was large. His auburn hair flowed down his back like a lion’s mane. His physique was even more muscular than Gran’s.

“I’m the Guild Master, Reus Barren. You can simply refer to me as the Guild Master. What seems to be the issue here?”

The boy from the Hero Course was a bit startled by his sudden appearance, but he quickly pointed at me and explained the situation.

“Th-that guy can’t even use D-rank magic, and yet he got a B rank in Magical Ability! That should be impossible!”

“…I see. You’re right, it is unlikely that this could happen. There should be a correlation between the rank of magic you can cast and your Magical Ability rank. If you can’t use D-rank magic, you should only have a Magical Ability rank of E or D, at best.”

Is that so…

But, even with all that being said, it’s not like I cheated or anything.

After listening to the explanation of the boy from the Hero Course, the Guild Master then looked at me.

“Let’s hear your side of the story then…You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Tweight.”

“Well, Tweight, did you cheat?”

“I didn’t.”

“Well, that is the answer I would expect.”

The Guild Master makes a troubled expression.

“Well, alright then. In that case, I will oversee your next test, the Basic Combat Ability Test.”

The Guild Master decided.

“As long as I am watching you, I won’t overlook any cheating. If Tweight was cheating in his Magical Ability, it will definitely be found out in the Basic Combat Ability Test…do both of you agree to this?”

The boy from the Hero Course nodded, with a complicated expression on his face.

I guess I have to nod as well.

It’s a little annoying to deal with this situation like an adult, but it would be more troublesome if I got forced into another duel.

“Understood.”

I nod my head, and the Guild Master looks relieved.

“It’s settled then. I will see your abilities with my own eyes.”