Chapter 58

At the Red Academy, I have become eligible to advance to the Second Grade.

As for which laboratory to enter, I will decide that later...

"Please let me take the promotion exam."

After the class at the Blue Academy, I asked the lecturer.

While the detailed rules vary by academy, here, just like at the Red Academy, if a teacher recommends you, you might be able to take the promotion exam immediately.

To be honest, the content of the Blue Academy's classes is all unnecessary for me.

"... What are you saying?"

She glared at me.

"The promotion exam is held once a year, after completing a year's course, as you should have heard during the orientation, right?"

"Of course I remember. But if a teacher approves, can't I take the exam immediately?"

"That's only for exceptionally high-achieving students! To think you, who rarely attend classes, would ask to take the promotion exam? You're making me laugh!"

By the way, this lecturer is the woman who was in charge of the entrance exam at the Blue Academy. Her name, I believe, is Hengel.

"Then what do I need to do to get approval?"

"First, you need to attend classes properly."

"Hmm, that's putting the cart before the horse. I want to advance to avoid attending classes that have no meaning for me."

"... What did you say?"

Hengel's eyes narrowed.

"To say that my classes have no meaning...?"

"My level doesn't match them."

"...... How insolent can you be..."

With veins bulging on her temples, Hengel pointed her long, slender fingers at my face.

"Then, I will be the one to assess you...! To see if you are worthy of taking the promotion exam!"

In other words, she will give me a test to determine if I can take the promotion exam?

It's a bit cumbersome... but as long as I pass both, it should be fine.

After that, I was led by her to the training ground.

"Hey, is this some kind of remedial class?"

"No, it seems he's going to take the promotion exam."

"More precisely, Hengel-sensei will check if he has the qualifications."

"Huh? But he always skips classes, right?"

"Besides, it's only been a year, right? I heard the pass rate for second-year students is less than half."

Perhaps because it was right after class, the students who overheard my conversation with Hengel followed us. They seemed intent on watching. Among them was Kufa, who had a surprisingly calm expression.

In the middle of the training ground, I faced Hengel.

"What are we going to do?"

When I asked, Hengel smiled slightly and said,

"I will be your opponent directly. Are you prepared?"

It seems we will have a mock battle.

"So, I just need to win the battle, right?"

"...... What are you saying? Do you really think you can beat me, a practical instructor at this academy?"

"I haven't tried, but I think I can."

"It seems you are more conceited than I thought... Very well, if you have that much confidence, I will make beating me the condition!"

The onlookers began to murmur.

"Hey, why is he provoking her so much?"

"No way he can beat a teacher."

"Besides, Hengel-sensei is said to be the closest to the next 'Sorcerer King.'"

Hengel and I stood about fifteen meters apart.

Apparently, this is based on the traditional rules of a mage's duel, and it's common to start a mock battle with a certain distance between the participants.

The use of weapons is prohibited.

Physical attacks like punching or kicking are also forbidden.

You win by stripping away all of your opponent's protections.

"But, surely she won't go all out against a student, right?"

"Of course not."

Then the test began.

"You will regret boasting against me. — Ice Storm!"

Immediately, Hengel cast a high-level spell.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Was it a bit too strong?"

"No, no, no, it was a full-on attack!"

As the spectators exclaimed, a fierce cold wind filled with ice shards rushed towards me.

"The most basic strategy in a magical mock battle is to set up a spell beforehand and use a powerful spell to finish the opponent off at the start. I suggest you remember this."

"...... That's not very mature..."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, nothing."

I see.

It's fine to start setting up spells before the battle begins.

"Ah, if you get frozen, you won't be able to hear my advice—!"

As the blizzard subsided, Hengel's eyes widened.

I was unharmed, and my protections were completely intact.

Before the Ice Storm hit, I had cast the Ice Shield spell.

A protective ice barrier surrounded me, keeping me safe.

Crack.

I kicked through the ice wall and stepped out.

Hengel's face twisted in annoyance.

"...... Given your big talk, it's only natural that you could defend against such an attack."

"Well, I was cautious, thinking there might be a chance."

I didn't want to be disqualified for something like that, so I took precautions.