The sun was shining like it was inviting everyone to enjoy the surroundings. A warm wind blew slowly across the Academy, making the students relax and sigh in relief. The wind gently brushed through Cezanie's long silver hair, creating a breathtaking moment as she stood quietly on the balcony. Her golden eyes were focused on the students who were waiting for the Royal Exams to begin.
The balcony offered a full view of everything, making it easier to observe. She turned to look at Theoren who was also standing there, sipping his hot tea. The wind had left his blonde hair slightly messy, and the sunlight falling on him gave him a strangely radiant look. Cezanie stared for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"Aren't you tired of just sitting around? You should watch the students — things are starting to get interesting."
He sighed, looking at the students.
"The exam hasn't started yet. They're merely waiting. I fail to see what's so interesting."
Suddenly, a firm hand clapped down on his shoulder, giving it a teasing squeeze. Alpheratz chuckled.
"Oh, come on. At least enjoy the show. The exams are starting soon — what if a rare talent shows up? Or something even more special, hm?"
Just as Theoren opened his mouth to answer, Cezanie swiftly tugged him to his feet. Alpheratz didn't hesitate — he gave him a firm shove from behind, steering him toward the balcony's edge where the students were gathered.
Theoren attempted to fight back, but the two were stronger together. His face turned gloomy.
"You two…"
Alpheratz and Cezanie burst into laughter, clearly enjoying the expression on his face. Theoren sighed, but he couldn't suppress the small smile that tugged at his lips.
The Academy was alive with the murmurs of eager students. Once Professor Magnus finished conferring with the other Grand Examiners, he turned toward the crowd and made his long-awaited announcement.
"Dear students… let the Royal Exams begin!"
Cheers erupted from the students as the doors of the Grand Exam Hall slowly opened, unveiling its stunning interior and well-designed training grounds.
Though not massive in size, the hall was perfectly suited for special missions and combat training, standing just a short distance from the academy's main study building.
Students hurried toward the Exam Hall, the crowd growing thicker with every step. Lilith quickly caught Athenis's hand, afraid of losing her in the sea of students.
The moment they stepped inside, the heavy doors shut with a loud thud, startling everyone.
Athenis glanced around the hall before her eyes landed on a tall mirror standing quietly nearby.
Why would they need a mirror here?
She tilted her head slightly, studying the hall in confusion. Then a striking flash of red caught her attention. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to figure out what it was.
Leaning a little to see better, she suddenly met a pair of sharp hazel eyes staring directly at her. The intensity of that gaze made her pause.
So it wasn't something… it was someone, huh?
A tall boy in a dark robe looked at her with an unreadable expression, his sharp gaze suggesting he had noticed something unusual.
Athenis quickly looked away, turning her attention to Lilith, unwilling to create any unnecessary misunderstandings.
Click… click… click…
The crisp sound of high heels echoed across the hall, instantly capturing everyone's attention. An elderly woman stepped forward, wearing unusually shaped glasses, her long hair gathered into an elegant bun held together by a fine hairnet.
Her elegant white robe immediately captured everyone's attention. She resembled Professor Magnus in some ways, yet unlike him, her face showed no signs of exhaustion. Instead, she radiated energy and cheerful confidence.
Whispers spread through the students, but her sharp, lively voice cut through the noise, bringing instant silence.
"Oh my, what a wonderful sight! So many passionate students, each with their own talents and gifts. I am Lady Ophelia, the Grand Examiner responsible for today's exam. I certainly hope no one attempts to cheat… because if they do…"
Her eyes suddenly sharpened making students shiver and worried. But she just smiled brightly.
"Otherwise… you will face the consequences of your actions."
Lilith swallowed nervously, her eyes fixed on the examiner.
"I have a bad feeling about this."
Lady Ophelia slowly scanned the room, her gaze passing over each student.
"Now then, students, please proceed into the rooms one by one."
Everyone started moving towards the rooms with excitement. The doors opened revealing tables and unusual papers on it. Lady Ophelia guided the students forward, a calm smile resting on her face.
"These are your exam papers. Your task is simply to answer the questions. Don't worry—I'm sure all of you can handle it. It's quite easy! Now, please take your seats."
A wave of relief spread among the students as they sighed. Athenis and Lilith quickly exchanged glances before finding seats next to each other.
Lilith's eyes went wide as she looked at the blank paper before her. Suddenly, questions began appearing, one by one, as if written by some invisible hand.
She glanced at Athenis, whose eyes mirrored her own shock. Then Lilith's gaze fell back to her paper. Mathematical calculations… I don't even know where to start!
Swallowing nervously, Lilith squared her shoulders. She stared at the questions like a knight facing an enemy, determined to confront them on her own.
The Kingdom of Avangard depends on Aetherion mining (60% of GDP), magic agriculture (25%), and crafts & trade (15%). Aetherion reserves decline by 4% per year. Raising mining taxes by 15% reduces exports by 5% but increases revenue. Investing in crafts requires 20% of GDP, funded by loans at 8% interest. A single year of agriculture failure drops GDP by 12% and raises unrest by 8 points.
Question:
Propose an economic strategy for 5 years that balances GDP growth, social stability, and long-term survival. Include a short quantitative estimate and justify your choices.
…Who the hell gives a question like this?!
Athenis noticed Lilith's confused expression and her frantic attempts. She facepalmed, then turned her attention to her own paper, muttering under her breath,
"Easy."
Her hands immediately sprang into motion, scribbling furiously. The frantic scratching of her pen quickly drew everyone's attention.
60% percent of our GDP comes from Aetherion.
Reclining 4% yearly means in 5 years it drops to about 48.
12% lost without war, without famine. Just time. If we raise mining taxes by 15-
Her concentration shattered at the sharp sound of Lady Ophelia's voice. Lilith turned her head slowly, only to see the bright red-haired boy stroll up and hand his paper to the Grand Examiner as if it were nothing.
Her jaw went slack in disbelief.
Eh he has already finished this legendary heavy exam???
The boy's eyes briefly met Athenis's, though she acted as if she hadn't noticed, her attention seemingly buried in her exam paper.
The boy walked out of the room as lady Ophelia smiled.
"Only 10 minutes left!"
Everyone started writing faster, Athenis frowned her green eyes narrowing with annoyance.
I could've finished this in a single minute if it weren't for all the annoying students.
A wave of arrogance swept over her—though she admitted to herself it might be true.
She scanned the hall, spotting students bending the rules, using hidden gifts to cheat.
Not allowed… and yet they do it anyway.
Watching Lilith struggle sparked a thought: If they can do it… so can I.
In an instant, her hands became a blur, racing across the paper like thunder. When she lifted her pen, every question was answered, perfectly.
She quickly turned to Lilith showing her all the answers written on her palm. As expected she copied the answers like her life depended on it. Everyone's focus shifted to the student seated in the center. His face held a tired, irritated look, like he couldn't stand watching all the other students sneakily using their abilities.
"Lady Ophelia, doesn't the atmosphere in here feel a bit… odd?"
Every pair of eyes turned toward him, glares sharp enough to cut steel.
Ophelia let out a soft laugh.
"Oh, I understand perfectly, dear. But don't worry—I'm not naïve. I know how everyone is acting… and why the air feels so tense."
Students gasped like they were already caught before acting.
Time ended, and the papers suddenly disappeared. Lilith was sweating but smiling, while Athenis let out a deep sigh.
Looks like Lilith made it… she thought. I should aim for last place—it's the only way not to draw attention. Now I understand. Lady Ophelia must be using Nighteye, sensing the aura of everything around her. I bet she focused on us because everyone thought they could use their magic… including me. Hah. If I hadn't held back, she might have figured out my ability. But no, ma'am—I'm not getting exposed.
Athenis let out a small, quiet chuckle to herself.