Chapter 56

Chapter 56 (56/324)

56

The Hamilton Dukedom.

Inside the vast training grounds of the dukedom, dozens of tents were set up. In front of the tents, numerous mages were lined up.

It seemed that after waiting for a long time, they would finally undergo the preliminary review.

In the center of the tents stood an old-fashioned pavilion.

'That must be it.'

It was clearly a place for VIPs, with comfortable-looking chairs and simple snacks prepared, unlike the other waiting lines.

When I activated my Insight, information began to appear about the people sitting comfortably in the chairs.

Some had all the information visible, while others, perhaps due to their high status, did not.

But they all shared one common trait:

The titles following their names were all grand and impressive.

Kail Seltarion.

Just like the word 'Seltarion' following my name.

'They're all impressive people.'

Mages from the other five kingdoms and even those who came directly from the Holy Empire were visible. Each seat was clearly marked with a number and name, so there was no need to hesitate when sitting down.

As I took my designated seat, the person next to me started talking.

"Hello. I am Damian, the third son of the Cluster Dukedom."

The Cluster Dukedom.

Not as prestigious as the Hamilton Dukedom, but still a family well-known for its magical prowess.

The Damian who was now speaking to me was the third son of the dukedom. A quick glance with Insight revealed he had no particular talent.

Not all children of noble families are born with talent, so it was a natural occurrence.

He had a B-grade talent in mana sensing and a characteristic of being straightforward.

'He's a noble son raised in luxury.'

Growing up pampered, he likely developed the characteristic of being straightforward, as there were few people who would stop him from speaking his mind.

Though I wasn't particularly interested, given our similar status and age, I felt I should respond appropriately.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Kail Seltarion."

"I've heard a lot about you. Even though this is our first meeting, it feels familiar."

"It's a bit embarrassing to hear it directly. My reputation... it's obvious, isn't it?"

"Ah, that's part of it, but what I meant was about you becoming a mage."

The way he spoke, with sparkling eyes, suggested he was quite interested in the news.

"Fortunately, that's how it turned out."

"Ha ha. Luck? I don't think that's the right word for someone who overcame Hermes. You must have had exceptional talent, right?"

Damian's gentle smile turned to the direction of the tents.

"It seems many mages are enduring the heat. There are really a lot of them."

"It's the biggest competition in the empire, so it's natural for there to be such a long line."

"Ha ha. For ordinary mages, not from prestigious families like ours, waiting is inevitable. By the way, Sir Kail, did you come to the dukedom to participate in this competition?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"What field do you plan to participate in? Theory? Practical?"

"I came to participate in the theory field."

At my words, Damian's eyes lit up.

"Ah... that's interesting."

"What is?"

"You've only recently achieved the 1st Circle, right? Compared to others who usually participate after gaining some experience and skill, you're participating quite quickly."

"Skill can't be measured by the duration of learning magic. I decided to participate because I thought it would be a good experience."

"You seem very confident. My goal is to win an award. Is that the same for you, Sir Kail?"

"I've thought about it."

"Ha ha! While it's good to have high aspirations, it's not easy. Even I, who have achieved the 3rd Circle, can't guarantee a win."

3rd Circle.

Not bad for a 13-year-old.

His high circle, despite his lack of talent, likely came from the support of his family.

His eyes seemed to show confidence in his own thoughts.

In his belief that I wouldn't win an award.

"Which field do you plan to participate in, Sir Damian?"

"The practical field. Since it's a biennial event and many mages gather, it's a good opportunity to gain experience. Unlike the theory field, which doesn't differentiate by circle, the practical field does."

I understood his point immediately.

The practical field, where mages compete in actual combat.

Participants are typically divided by circle.

'Up to the 4th Circle can participate.'

After submitting the application, participants are usually grouped according to their circles.

From 1st to 4th Circle, there are four groups.

The reason is simple.

If there's a significant difference in circles, it's usually impossible to compete, according to the common sense here.

The winner of the 4th Circle receives a grand prize, but for those in lower circles, even winning doesn't guarantee a significant reward.

'For me, the theory field is much better.'

Moreover, if I participated in the practical field, my circle would inevitably be revealed.

It was a natural consequence.

In a place where fierce magical battles take place, if the circles were different, accidents could happen.

Therefore, before participating in the competition, it was necessary to verify the circle.

There was only one way to verify the circle.

By casting a detection spell on the target.

However, casting a detection spell doesn't immediately reveal the target's circle.

With skillful mana manipulation, one could hide their circle.

Naturally, mages participating in the practical field would allow the detection spell to be cast on them without any mana movement.

If they tried to manipulate their mana and were caught, they would be immediately disqualified.

That was why I decided not to participate in the practical field. I didn't want to reveal my 2nd Circle status, and even if I won, the prize wouldn't be significant for me.

In contrast, if I participated in the theory field:

'The circle becomes irrelevant.'

Even a Grand Mage can't create a brand new and better magic just because they are a Grand Mage.

If that were possible, the basic magic books available on the continent would contain much more efficient formulas.

Since the circle has little practical significance in this field, there's no need to verify the participants' circles.

What's important in this field is:

'Whether you've created something new and effective.'

Even a Grand Mage would fail the document review if they didn't create a new magic or effectively reinterpret an existing one.

The purpose of the competition is to focus on this.

As I listened to Damian's words and passed the time,

Soon, it was his turn to be reviewed, sitting in seat number 10.

The review.

Regardless of whether one is from a prestigious family, this review process is unavoidable.

The only benefit is a slightly more comfortable waiting area.

In other words,

It's a place where connections and influence don't work.

The reason is simple.

Since the competition is hosted by the Hamilton Dukedom, one of the three most powerful families in the empire, there's no organization that can pressure them, except for the royal family.

Moreover, the Hamilton Dukedom wants to maintain the integrity and fairness of the competition to solidify their reputation, so they don't engage in dirty backroom deals.

'A wise choice.'

The biennial magic competition.

The title of hosting the most prestigious competition in the central continent brings immense wealth and honor to the dukedom.

Talented mages from all over, the knowledge they bring, and the opportunity to recruit outstanding mages to strengthen the dukedom's power.

The intangible value the dukedom gains from this competition is astronomical.

Thus, they strive to maintain a clean and fair competition.

After Damian entered the pavilion,

About three minutes later, he came out with a beaming smile.

Next was my turn.

"Sir Kail Seltarion! Please enter!"

At the call of the mage who burst out of the flashy pavilion, I left Leonhardt to wait and headed towards the pavilion.

As I entered the pavilion,

I saw a familiar face.

"Nice to see you."

The interviewer waiting there was none other than Herton, the eldest son of the Hamilton Dukedom.

Several of the dukedom's retainers were also looking at me.

Hmm.

Was it because they had to review the impressive participants? The heir and several high-ranking retainers were seated inside the pavilion.

"Hello."

"You said you plan