Monitoring the line in Hall 3-3 through a one-sided window, a man shifted his gaze to the circular disc grasped in his hand.
"Head Instructor, this is the group of fifty that have the highest likelihood of passing out of all the applicants here in the capital city."
"Remind me again of why number 399, 321, 333, 311, and 360 are a part of this group."
The man donning the silver monocle spoke.
"You, begin testing," he said to another instructor.
The subordinate flipped through the pages on his clipboard as if there was something to be found. When he finally answered, the pages were in the same order as before.
"Ah, you must be referring to their weak mana presences. So for number 321, his brother is Number 320, Cedric, and–"
"And where is number 319, Vulivar?"
"Well you see, he received a score of 0/100 on his written test, and he got lost on his way to this hall, so he is taking his physical in a private hall."
"So you mean to tell me that you are giving an applicant an advantage?"
"You've compromised the integrity of the Mage Association. You've broken the trust that the people have placed in us. You've stepped out of your authority to give a seat to Vulivar. Do you understand that you've stripped the seat away from someone who would've passed?"
There was no driving substance behind the Head Instructor's words; he spoke as if reading off a script. Yet, his intimidating aura remained.
"I apologize, sir! Please forgive my actions. I just thought that the Association would definitely need the power of someone like Vulivar, even if he wasn't academically skilled."
He lowered his head.
"This is not a matter that can be so easily forgiven. This is your first and only warning. If the five applicants you've placed into this group do not pass, you will turn in your Seal and be reassigned. Nothing more can be done. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Head Instructor."
"You." The monocled man pointed at another person holding a clipboard.
"It's about to be applicant 320's turn. It'll take as long to evaluate him as it will take to evaluate everyone else combined. You're known for your exceptional sense of sight, right? I'll leave his evaluation up to you. Don't make any mistakes."
This instructor grabbed the hand resting at his side and shook it vigorously.
"I will make sure to document the names of every spirit that ever blessed him. Thank you for this opportunity."
It's my turn now, huh? I had already completely thought through this process. I knew I wouldn't pass.
But now, I still hold onto the hope that I might.
It's a scary thing, and I'll be extremely disappointed if I fail. So I will pass this test!
"Applicant Three-hundred twenty-one."
Arthur walked up, identification card in hand, trying to act as confident as possible.
Wow, the examiner thought. He's the brother of the one Head Instructor Vigo warned us about? They look so similar.
They act so similar too: so calm, so arrogant. I bet he's also as God-damn gifted as him.
Why couldn't you have given me the same fortunes too, Goddess? Well, I'm definitely not going easy on him.
I'll grade him on the highest standards I can—without being punished, of course.
Show me what you can do!
"Body Hrett Scale Score: 12," the examiner said, reviewing the filled-out first page.
Arthur could not hear this over his heavy panting, requiring all his focus to keep himself on his feet.
Hm, while twelve out of fifteen certainly would put him in the top fifteen percent of applicants–hmm… Maybe he's more of a mage.
He's not that scrawny, so I thought he would be a swordsman, but maybe not.
"You should've told me that you wanted the mana capacity test rather than the Body Hrett Test. I'll make the change just this once, but make sure to tell me beforehand which option you prefer."
"No–pant–wait–pant–I want to keep this score."
Well, if that's what he wants.
"So, the standard evaluation, then? Body over mana capacity, elemental proficiency, magic control, Combat Trial, and blessings?"
"Yes, Instructor," Arthur managed to say through his lack of air.
"Alright, we'll continue with Elemental Proficiency once you catch your breath."
Body Hrett Scale: 12/15, Elemental Proficiency Hrett Scale: 7/10, Magic Control Hrett Scale: 2/10, Combat Trial Hrett Scale: 8/10.
He has a total score of 64% right now. And there is only one test left.
He has the worst score of anyone I've evaluated today.
Such a waste. These kids were given so much, but they don't train.
I know that if I had that much talent, I would be training every second of the day to become the strongest.
Kids these days are just so complacent, born into safe towns, not fearing that a wave of monsters would come and wipe them all out.
Regardless, he's just one point away from passing so he'll probably be accepted.
A single beginner-tier blessing would boost his score to a 74.
"Okay, final test. Let's get this over with. Where are your blessings located?"
Arthur's body twitched.
"Oh come on, please don't tell me there's one in a private place."
"Damn. It is, isn't it? Alright, pull down your pants."