As Kazuki sat down on the sofa in the waiting room, he could feel the intensity of the gazes around him. They bore into him, especially from the nobles, whose disdain was practically tangible. He ignored them and focused instead on the examination process laid out before him.
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Regia Nevaris Academy of Magic
Entrance Examination
Year 12005
Registration Deadline – Sunrise, 10:00
Aprilis 1st
The examination is divided into three parts, each designed to assess a student's inherent talent. Performing well in at least two almost guarantees selection. We look forward to meeting this year's new talents. Good luck!
Takamura Hikari
Headmaster
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Written Evaluation
A comprehensive exam covering known knowledge of mana and its applications, both basic and advanced principles, spirit magic, current political affairs, the history of the demon wars, and more.
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Mana Aptitude Evaluation
This part tests your ability to handle both your own and ambient mana. It also assesses how quickly you can recover mana and your precision in controlling it. The quality and quantity of your mana will also be considered.
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Physical Evaluation
A test of your combat ability without the use of mana, or when your mana is nearly depleted. Your skill in martial techniques and your ability to strengthen your body using ambient mana are crucial here.
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After thoroughly reviewing the details of the tests, Kazuki glanced at the people around him. Most quickly retracted their gazes when caught staring. The nobles, however, met his gaze. Kazuki chose not to pay them any mind and waited patiently for the first test to begin.
Fifteen minutes later, Kazuki's official ID buzzed. Surprised, he checked it and saw the location of his first exam.
"They must've entered this information when they had our IDs earlier," he mused.
Without wasting time, Kazuki navigated his way to the designated exam room and took his assigned seat. Looking around, he noticed something peculiar—no nobles were present in this group. He quickly realized why: commoners and nobles were tested separately to avoid any conflict, as the nobles refused to sit with those they deemed beneath them.
Suddenly, a scroll materialized in front of him. Every seat had one, yet a barrier prevented anyone from touching their scrolls. Confused, Kazuki glanced around just as the instructor entered the room.
*bam*
The Mage Instructor slammed his wooden staff on the ground, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
"I'm sure you've all read the instructions by now, but I'll emphasize a few critical points," the instructor said, pointing toward the four corners of the room. "There are artifacts monitoring for any magic or objects you might try to use to cheat. If you're caught, you'll be instantly disqualified—not just from the Academy, but from the entire Capital."
The class fell silent as the instructor's gaze swept across the room, ensuring the weight of his words settled in.
"Moreover," he continued, "if you think you can manipulate your score by deliberately omitting answers you know, think again. The scroll in front of you will detect such dishonesty, and you'll lose the right to attend any Magic Academy in this kingdom. We're an institution that fosters excellence, and we do not accept those who fail to give their all."
With that final warning, the instructor turned and left the room abruptly.
The magical barrier around the scroll disappeared, and it slowly opened on its own. A magical time capsule appeared, hovering in front of the class, displaying the time remaining for the test. Without hesitation, the students dove into their scrolls, realizing the challenge ahead.
Kazuki scanned the questions, noting their depth and complexity.
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I. What is Mana? Describe the process of Mana Absorption. (8)
II. Explain the Known Mana Training Methods. (8)
III. What is Spirit Magic? Explain the principles behind it. (8)
IV. How is the Hero of a Generation chosen? (8)
V. What are the Demon Wars? (8)
VI. How did the last Demon War unfold? (8)
VII. Explain the aftereffects of the last war. (8)
VIII. How should Arcanora prepare for the next Demon War? Give your opinion. (8)
IX. Is the current political environment conducive to the growth of those with talent but without backing? (8)
X. What changes should be made to the current status quo between Nobles and Commoners? (8)
XI. What are the current problems with Mana Principles, according to you? (10)
XII. Provide solutions to improve Mana Manipulation Techniques. (10)
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After reading the question paper, Kazuki sighed again, he could feel the artifacts continuously scanning the room, not to mention, even the scroll in front of him was sending mana impulses to see through his thoughts.
He should shook his head and started writing the answers.