After two hours, when the time in the time capsule ended,
*fsshhh*
All the test scrolls disappeared simultaneously. Perplexed students looked around, but they didn't have to wait long as,
*buzz*
Everyone's IDs buzzed, and they received information about the next exam. The training grounds weren't far from where they were.
Upon reaching the grounds, they were greeted by three instructors. One of the instructors, an old female mage, glanced at the young students and smiled gently at them.
"I'm sure you all must be wondering what this test will be, since nothing was mentioned beforehand." She gestured toward a specially marked training area and continued,
"We will ask you to chant and cast specific magic spells. The judging criteria will include the speed of spell completion, the strength of the spell, and the efficiency with which you use your mana. We will also evaluate how quickly you can convert ambient mana into your own."
She stepped back as another instructor, an old male mage, came forward and, in a strict voice, announced,
"I will be conducting the magic incantation part of the test. The names of the students who will step forward are…"
He pulled out an information orb and announced the names,
"Katsuragi Ren, Shinomiya Kaito, Tachibana Yuzuki, and Kurosawa Haruki. Take your assigned positions." He gestured toward the specified spots, where four training dummies stood at the end, about 100 yards away.
"The first spell you'll be casting is Mana Bolt.
3... 2... 1... Chant!"
""Mana Bolt"" the students chanted simultaneously as their mana moved to form the spell.
[Mana Bolt]
(Mana Bolt is an Elementless Spell that uses pure mana to form a fast-moving projectile. The bolt draws upon ambient mana to propel itself forward, making it a quick and efficient attack. Upon impact, it pushes the target back and disrupts their ability to control mana for a brief period, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.)
{The spell functions best as a surprise attack since it can be easily blocked or neutralized by sufficiently skilled mages. Its effectiveness lies in catching the opponent off-guard, making it a tactical choice in fast-paced combat situations.}
*Bang*
A sharp noise echoed as the projectiles hit the dummies. The damage and distance at which the dummies were pushed back varied among the students.
The third instructor, a middle-aged mage, recorded the responses. As if on cue, the dummies flew back to their previous positions and recovered.
"The second spell you'll be using is Inferno Lance.
3... 2... 1... Chant!"
""Inferno Lance""
[Inferno Lance]
(Inferno Lance is a Fire Affinity Spell that conjures blazing flames into the shape of a lance. The spell draws upon ambient mana to increase the surrounding temperature, subtly disrupting the flow of mana for other affinity spells. Upon impact, the lance explodes into a fiery burst, engulfing the target in flames to deal maximum damage. This intense heat makes it difficult for nearby enemies to maintain control over non-fire spells.)
*Boom*
A loud explosion followed as the flaming lances struck the dummies. Dust and dirt flew into the air but were quickly waved off by the old mage.
Once again, the process was repeated, and the results were recorded. The dummies returned to their original state.
"The third spell is Aqua Surge.
3... 2... 1... Chant!"
""Aqua Surge""
[Aqua Surge]
(Aqua Surge is a Water Affinity Spell that summons a surging wall of turbulent water. The caster conjures violent waves that rush toward the target, overwhelming them and disrupting their ability to counterattack. The sheer force of the water can knock opponents off balance, creating a momentary opening for the caster to prepare their next move. Aqua Surge can also be used defensively to block incoming attacks or create distance between the caster and enemies.)
*Thud*
A heavy impact was heard as the wall of water crashed into the dummies.
The middle-aged instructor waved his hand, and the dummies, which had been crushed under the force of the Aqua Surge, reformed. The ring on his hand shimmered as he replaced the dummies.
'They probably did that so there are no chances of other results being affected,' Kazuki mused as he observed the mage.
"Alright, you may step back now. The next test will begin once all the groups complete their exams."
The instructor turned to face the rest of the students.
"Now, the next group of students—Inoue Sora, Aoyama Hinata, Fujisawa Kiyoshi, and.... Takamura Kazuki—please step forward," the old mage announced in a solemn tone, his eyes glancing toward Kazuki.
'So this is the grandson of Headmaster Hikari.... Let's see if you can uphold the prestige of that name,' the old mage thought as he scrutinized Kazuki.