Chapter 52: Exam

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Translator: Soafp

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Arriving at the royal capital, the next day during dinner…

“Aldo, did you enjoy your stroll?”

“Yes, it was very enjoyable.”

“I see. Having fun is good, but I assume your exam preparations are done?”

“Eh?”

“Hmm? Are your exam preparations finished?”

“…There’s an exam?”

Everyone’s attention focused on me.

“Isn’t it obvious? How else would they determine classes without exams?”

“Nii-sama, didn’t you hear from Roland that there’s an exam…?”

“Aldo-sama, you said something like ‘Exams will work out somehow,’ didn’t you?”

I’m currently sweating profusely. I did say that… I heard it from Roland too… What should I do…

“Um, when exactly is the exam?”

“””Haa…”””

They all started sighting.

“It’s the day after tomorrow.”

(I’m done for. I’m finished. The exam includes history and etiquette. Even if I know calculus, it’s pointless because no one understands it.)

I can only escape from reality while exhaling a white mist from my mouth.

“Nii-sama, from after dinner until the morning of the day after tomorrow, there are more than 30 hours. Assuming regular classes are 3 hours, it’s equivalent to 10 days!”

“Elplus-san, your schedule doesn’t include sleep or bodily functions, right?”

“Sleep? People won’t die even if they don’t sleep for 2 or 3 days.”

“Even if that’s true, even if my grades are bad, I won’t die!”

“Nii-sama, I can’t stand seeing you underestimated! Please aim for the top!”

“I really don’t care about being underestimated! I don’t want to aim for the top!”

“Let’s go to my room. Marl, I’ll need your help organizing the materials.”

“Elphus-san, you’re not listening to me at all, are you?”

“Now, quickly.”

“I’d rather be last if I’m entering this academy…”

Under El’s mysterious enthusiasm, I ended up studying all night… He isn’t secretly giving me some dangerous potion, right? I’m worried, Onii-chan.

I asked El and Marl for details. The exams for the magical studies department I’m attending consist of two parts: theoretical and practical.

The theoretical part involves language, arithmetic, basic magic, history, which is essentially language, math, science, and social studies.

The practical part includes magic and etiquette.

Among these, I need to study language, history, and etiquette.

Language involves noble letters, history comprises the world’s and the country’s history, and etiquette seems self-explanatory.

Immediately, El began recounting the myths of this world.

About 100,000 years ago, light appeared in the empty void.

Over 50,000 years, that light condensed into one deity. The deity’s name is unknown, only referred to as the Creator God.

The Creator God first created the land.

However, lamenting the desolate wasteland, the Creator God then created water.

To add more variety, the Creator God then created plants.

Satisfied with the beautiful land, the Creator God decided to create beings resembling itself.

However, lacking souls, these beings couldn’t move.

To remedy this, the Creator God created wind to breathe life into them.

Now able to move freely, these beings faced a new challenge—lack of food leading to death.

Moved by pity, the Creator God created fire and animals.

Finally, with these additions, people could live happily.

Satisfied with this world, the Creator God created spirits to protect it.

After entrusting the management of the world to the spirits, the Creator God departed to create the next world.

And that was about 10,000 years ago.

“This concludes the era of the gods.”

“The era of the gods…”

“Now begins the era of humans.”

“There’s still more…?”

From there, humans diverged into elves, dwarves, beastfolk, and demons, each with their unique characteristics.

Despite the Creator God’s desire for a beautiful world where people could live prosperously, conflicts arose between different races, and sometimes even within the same race.

After some time, the world became overrun by magical creatures.

The contamination of magic in the hearts of humans led to this.

To purify the tainted magic released by humans, the spirits, entrusted with the world’s management, sent out emissaries.

These emissaries purified magic while maintaining the stability of the world.

“This concludes the era of humans. From here on, it’s just prophecy, so a little more.”

“Understood…”

And so, there’s one prophecy:

“When impurity fills the world, the emissaries of the spirits shall either exterminate it or witness the end of the world. Aid the emissaries of the spirits. The child of the emissary possesses the power of a new race. The child of the emissary represents the potential of humanity.”

“Do you understand, Nii-sama?”

“I’ve heard this story from Roland.”

“It’s the myth of creation and prophecy that you learn first.”

“I see.”

“Fostark Kingdom was founded about 200 years ago.”

“That’s quite old. I thought it was around 100 years.”

“The Blue ring Territory seems to be even older.”

“Is that so?”

“Fostark Kingdom absorbed the Blue ring family, a local noble, it seems.”

“I had no idea.”

“Roland told you everything.”

“I’m sorry, I have no recollection whatsoever.”

“Haa…Then, shall we memorize what I just told you?”

“Eh? Everything you just said?”

“Yes.”

“…”

It seems I’m not allowed to sleep after all.

When drowsiness hit me in the middle of the night, I was made to practice etiquette.

Doesn’t this mean I’m not allowed to sleep?

What’s terrifying is that El is keeping me company, not allowing me to sleep.

El… you’re a scary one.

From there, it was nothing but studying.

However, in reality, he allowed me to sleep for about 4 hours from around 2 AM to 6 AM.

It seems he wasn’t as merciless as I thought.

And so, somehow, I managed to prepare for the exams before the day arrived. Are things okay, maybe?

The next morning, it was finally time for the exams.

The examination venue was Fostark Academy.

At Fostark Academy, each department had a different-colored roof.

Red was for the Knight Studies. It gave off a tough, knightly vibe. Yellow was for Commerce. Well, it just felt yellow (I’m winging it here).

Magic Studies had a blue roof, signifying reason and intellect. It did have a cool vibe.

In the end, El decided on Knight Studies. He wanted to delve deeper into swordsmanship.

Marl seemed torn between Commerce and Magic Studies but eventually chose Magic Studies. She seems dead set on becoming a healing mage, which makes me secretly wonder if she’s a bit of a m*******t.

And of course, I chose Magic Studies. I want to learn healing magic, especially remedies for status ailments, and teleportation magic. Mastering enchantments and magical tools would be perfect.

At the entrance of the academy, I parted ways with El and headed to Magic Studies with Marl.

El reminded me to take care of Marl repeatedly before we parted.

“Marl, this is the right way, right?”

“I think so, Aldo-sama.”

I stared at Marl’s face.

“What is it?”

“Could you stop calling me ‘sama’ already?”

“It’s too respectful for someone from a noble family.”

“…”

“W-What is it?”

“When you’re alone with El, you address him casually, right?”

“Wha!”

“Everyone in the mansion knows.”

Marl looked down, shoulders trembling.

“The academy’s philosophy also includes ‘not bringing social status into the academy.'”

“…”

“So, please call me Aldo. I’m asking you.”

“Okay, please lift your head…”

“Then, call me Aldo.”

“Understood. A-Aldo…”

“From now on, that’s what I prefer.”

While talking with Marl, as we arrived at the exam venue, I spotted Olivia from the Count Sandra’s family.

“Long time no see, Aldo-sama. You’re also in Magic Studies. It seems like three years of enjoyable learning await us.”

“Nice to see you again, Olivia-sama. I’m unfamiliar with noble etiquette, so I’m worried I might be impolite.”

“No need to worry, your greeting was lovely.”

“Thank you.”

As I conversed with Olivia, Marl came over.

“Olivia-sama, it’s been a while since the other day. I’m glad to see you unchanged.”

“Marl-sama, it seems the same for you as well.”

Is it just me, or is there a bit of tension here?

“Marl, where’s the registration for the exam?”

“I think it’s behind Aldo.”

To our conversation, Olivia seemed surprised and approached us.

“Marl-san… you’re addressing not only Elphus-sama but also Aldo-sama so informally?”

“N-No, I’m not being disrespectful.”

“But you seem quite friendly…”

“That’s…”

“Let me explain. Marl and I have been childhood friends, but she refused to stop using ‘sama.’ Finally, due to the academy’s policy, she’s agreed to drop the ‘sama.'”

“Is that so…”

“Yes, that’s why Marl and Elphus still have the same relationship.”

Marl blushed and looked down at my words. Save that demeanor for El only.

“Is that so? Marl-san, I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions.”

“No, please don’t worry about it.”

“But if that’s the case, I’d like to ask you to address me casually too, Oliva. Aldo-sama.”

“Yes, that’s fine… Then, you can also call me Aldo…”

“Understood. Aldo…”

“Yes, Olivia.”

The atmosphere turned a bit odd. Looking at Marl, she seemed to be wearing a very disgruntled expression. Did I mess up?

We completed the registration for the exams and took our designated seats.

The morning session included subjects like writing, arithmetic, basics of magic, and history. In the afternoon, there would be etiquette and practical magic exams.

It seemed like the etiquette part was mostly about showcasing noble manners and not entirely relevant to the actual exam. I might have wasted my effort there.

I switched my focus back and tried to do my best in the academic subjects first.

First Hour: Writing
Nothing exceptional, nothing terrible…

Second Hour: Arithmetic
Just basic arithmetic operations, easy peasy.

Third Hour: Basics of Magic
It felt different from Mom’s lessons… seems like chanting magic is the fundamental aspect.

Fourth Hour: History
El’s insights paid off. The creation myth showed up!

After finishing the academic exams, it was time for lunch break. I’m supposed to meet El at a different location than Marl.

Marl and I headed toward the rendezvous point with El.

At the meeting spot, I saw El surrounded by ladies, looking utterly disheveled…

“Ah, Nii-sama…”

“El… Did you wait?”

“””””Nii-sama?”””””

“Yes, he is my Nii-sama. Therefore, I believe Blue ring territory will be inherited by my Nii-sama.”

“El… What are you…”

“I’m from XX family…” “This is unfair. I’m from YY Knight Baron’s…” “I am…”

“Marl, come this way.”

“Hey, El! Hey, what the heck are you…”

“Is it okay?”

“It’s fine. Come on, quickly…”

“El! You’ve betrayed me! Hey!”

“Aldo… I’m sorry.”

Being roughed up by the ladies, I dashed towards the school rooftop. The way everyone stared at me wide-eyed, dumbfounded, was quite memorable.

After the afternoon practical exam has begun————————

“Marl-san, after thinking I might get a title, I ended up as the public target… Quite the elevation, huh?”

“I’m truly sorry, Aldo-sama.”

“I’m just kidding. Please drop the ‘sama’.”

“Yes…”

“But seriously, what was that?”

“It appears the Knight Department often attracts heirs, vassals, and even potential partners every year.”

“I get that, but wasn’t that counterproductive? Wouldn’t anyone hesitate to pick from that lot?”

“That’s what I thought too. But if they get into bed and create a fact, it seems it works…”

“That’s scary! Isn’t that what a 12-year-old thinks about!”

“Absolutely. We need to protect El…”

“There’s someone scary here too!”

As I trembled with Marl, the examiners came to call for the practical tests in the afternoon.

“I’ll go first. See you later.”

“Aldo, please don’t go overboard.”

“I got it. I’ll keep it moderate.”

“Please.”

I headed to the practical exam area with an unsettled feeling.

“Shoot your best magic at the targets over there in order.”

It seems they’re scoring based on the power of the spells cast. I observed other students.

“Blazing flames! Appear and strike down my foes! Fireball!!”

(Imagining them earnestly memorizing that chant brings tears to my eyes. I’m truly fortunate that Mom was my mentor. Thanks, Ice witch!)

“Next.”

It’s my turn now.

“Okay.”

I moved in front of the examiner.

“Shoot your best magic at the target over there.”

“Wouldn’t it break if I hit it?”

“It’s fine even if it breaks. There’s a barrier set up on the wall behind it.”

“Understood.”

I shot three Air Cutters at the target.

The wind blades easily tore through the target and hit the wall behind it before vanishing.

I thought that was enough and looked at the examiner.

“What’s wrong? Hurry and shoot.”

Hmm? Didn’t I shoot already??

“I did shoot.”

“Ha? You didn’t chant, did you?”

“Oh, right. It was without a chant.”

“Without a chant? A lost art from the past?”

“Is that so?”

“You don’t even know about that…”

“I’m sorry.”

“Well, nevermind. It didn’t have much power anyway. You’re good to go.”

I felt a little miffed, but I’m an adult, so I won’t get angry.

Then I moved on to the etiquette practical, but it felt ridiculously simple. It’s absurd how much I practiced for that…

And so, all the exams were over.

“Aldo, well done today.”

“Thank you, Olivia.”

“The results will be announced on the next Wind’s Day.”

“I see. Then, until next time.”

“Understood. See you, Aldo.”

Marl was looking at us with a frown.

“What’s up? I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Haa…”

“…”

“You’re showing a vulnerability, Aldo…”

“I, I mean, even if you say that, what should I do?”

“It’s fine now. Next time, I’ll mention that you have a fiancé named Ashera… haa.”

“P-Please do, Marl-san…”

El joined us midway, and from what I heard, El also managed the exams without any issues.

With that, the exams were finally over… Maybe I’ll drop by the Adventurer’s Guild in these two days until the next Wind’s Day!