Chapter 8

A voice echoed from behind me.

"Number 389! The gauge is ringing! Time's up. Give up and come out!"

My consciousness, which had been slightly distant, suddenly returned.

As the examiner said, a loud noise was ringing from the gauge.

Ah... I was so stunned that I hadn't even heard the sound.

I slowly reached out and pressed the switch on the gauge. The noise stopped.

"Sorry... I'm coming out now."

I slowly stood up and pushed the pot I had lifted into the examiner's hands.

"Hmm... Is this dispelled...?"

The examiner examined the pot closely.

The pot had returned to its pre-enchanted state. Just a regular pot.

"Yes. It seems I made it just in time."

"...The gauge was ringing, but, well, it's fine. I'll count it as a pass."

I returned to the classroom and started working on the written exam.

The written exam wasn't much of a problem. I had studied like crazy when I was a test-taker. Although my memory was a bit hazy, I was confident I could get a passing score.

But, it was all for the better that the written exam was over.

My mind kept replaying the last moment of the second practical exam over and over.

At that moment.

The Magic Arrow I had fired did not shatter the pot.

It was sucked into the pot, and immediately after, the light covering the pot dissipated with a small "kin" sound.

The Magic Arrow had, as I had planned, only dispelled the magic.

I will never forget that scene.

I saw it.

A new possibility.

I never imagined I could do something like that.

There is still a path for me to walk.

My world was not cut off.

There was a continuation in my world.

Perhaps there was a meaning in my second attempt to enter the magic academy, which I had started on a whim.

Perhaps entering the magic academy and pursuing that possibility was what I should do.

Deep in my heart, the desire to enter the magic academy was swelling up.

Until just a moment ago, I was fine with failing. I had even considered declining if I passed.

Just a way to pass the time.

That's how I approached it.

But now, I have no such thoughts.

I genuinely want to enter the magic academy.

Perhaps—

I might reach something I couldn't get the first time.

No, I want to reach it.

For the first time in ten years—no, probably for the first time in my life, a fire was lit in my heart.

"Time's up! End the written exam. Put down your writing instruments!"

The exam was over.

"The exam results will be posted near the main gate in three days. Those who pass should come to the office to pick up the necessary documents!"

I left the classroom and met up with Laura.

"It's over, Albert!"

"Yeah, that's right."

We started walking out of the school building.

"Did the Dispel Magic go well?"

"...Yeah, somehow."

"Really!? That's great!"

"Just in time... I thought a miracle happened."

"Miracle? No way! It's the result of your hard work, Albert!"

"That would be nice."

"Absolutely!"

I really hoped that was true.

If the ten years I dedicated to the Magic Arrow had borne fruit, nothing could make me happier.

"...Did Laura's Dispel Magic go well?"

"Yes! It went well. I'm better at it than Magic Arrow!"

"Then you're practically passed."

"...I'm not sure... I have confidence, but I'm still worried. What if I fail?"

"I understand how you feel."

Actually, that's exactly how I feel now.

The more motivated I am, the more I fear failing.

I want to pass.

I wished for it with a stronger desire than when I was a student.

While talking about such things, we reached the main gate.

Laura bowed her head.

"Thank you for helping me today, Albert!"

Ah... I understood the meaning of her words and gestures.

The test was over.

The small connection between Laura and me had ended.

"I'm glad you're so happy."

"Yes! Thank you so much!"

Then Laura added,

"I think I'll stay at an inn in the capital until the results are announced."

"That's quite luxurious."

"No, no! It's a cheap inn because I don't have money! And—"

"Sure."

"Would you like to see the results with me on the day they're announced?"

It seems our connection hasn't ended yet.

Laura continued, looking a bit nervous.

"My heart is racing... I'd be happy if you could come with me. What do you think?"

"Sure, I don't mind."

"Really!?"

Laura clasped her hands together happily.

"That's great! Let's both pass, okay!"

"Yeah. Sure."

We decided on a meeting place and time and then parted ways.

There are three days. I intended to go home. I wasn't short of money, so I could stay in the capital, but—

I didn't want to run into anyone I knew.

I didn't want to meet anyone from my days as a noble's son or from my time at the magic academy.

I am no longer Albert Luminous.

I'm just Albert.

I didn't want to meet anyone who knew my past.

I hope this step today marks the beginning of a new path in my life.

No, I hope it begins.

I sincerely wished for it.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

The next day, at noon, before the results were announced.

The teachers of the magic academy had gathered in the large conference room. The registration forms and test results of the examinees were spread out on the large round table.

They had just finished a heated discussion about the passing line.

An elderly teacher, who had been in charge of the exams, stood up.

"Then, we'll judge the results based on the line we decided just now!"

The teachers nodded.

At that moment, the results were finalized.

On the form for "Examinee Number 389, Albert," a black stamp was placed.

The words "Failed" were—