Chapter 76. The Exam Begins
Forty minutes later.
“Ah…” The Black-Clad Examiner clutched his stomach and returned to the Nightmoon Tavern, looking utterly pale, as if he had seen a ghost.
He had inexplicably suffered from severe diarrhea, to the point where he nearly fainted from exhaustion.
At this time, Luna was already prepared and had been waiting in the lobby for a long while.
Seeing the examiner return, she rushed over to him, concerned, “Sir Examiner, are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” The Black-Clad Examiner shook his head and walked over to the table, picking up the teapot he had just drunk from and examining it closely.
No abnormalities.
If the tea is safe, then could it be… a curse?
The examiner turned his gaze to Elrose, who tilted her head and displayed a sweet expression.
No, it couldn’t be her.
Though she had some mana, it was minimal and elemental, not enough to cast a curse.
Besides, she was just a young girl; she shouldn’t have such malicious means.
This… was neither the tea nor that girl. Could it be something he ate last night that was the problem?
Damn it, he would have to check that place on the way back; this matter couldn’t just be left unresolved.
“Um, Sir Examiner, can we start now?”
“Hmm, of course.” The Black-Clad Examiner nodded slightly and said slowly, “The first round of the exam is a knowledge quiz. If you have no issues, we will hold the exam here without changing locations.”
“Of course, no problem.” Luna nodded eagerly.
At that moment, Elrose suddenly raised her hand and asked, “Um, Sir Examiner, can we watch while you conduct the exam?”
“Sure.” The Black-Clad Examiner nodded gently, “But please do not make any unnecessary sounds or perform any actions that may carry suggestive meanings, or I will have the right to disqualify the examinee at any time.”
“Got it, no problem.”
Elrose immediately nodded to the people in the kitchen, and Kendrick quickly jogged over to a corner table with Lilith and Stella, sitting down somewhat nervously.
Next, Luna and the examiner took their seats.
The examiner withdrew an ancient scroll from his robe and began asking various questions about magical theory, and Luna answered all of them fluently.
The onlookers anxiously gazed at the back-and-forth between the two, as they did not understand magic and were unsure whether Luna’s answers were correct, silently praying for her success.
Only Elrose remained calm, occasionally nodding gently.
She knew that Luna was likely to pass this round without any issues.
Although some of Luna’s answers might have flaws when viewed from the highest perspective of magic, considering the understanding and development level of magic in the human world, her answers should be fine.
Sure enough, after a moment, the examiner put away the scroll, nodded gently, and appreciatively said, “Very good, a hundred percent correctness, a perfect answer that could be considered textbook quality. It’s evident that you’ve studied magic books very meticulously.”
“You flatter me.” Luna replied confidently.
Hearing the examiner’s words, everyone in the room let out a sigh of relief.
“Luna sister is amazing; a hundred percent correctness, that’s incredible!” Stella couldn’t help but praise.
“After all, Luna keeps her nose in books; this kind of theoretical question wouldn’t stump her,” Lilith added, also excited.
“Just wondering what the next exam will be?” Kendrick voiced his concerns.
At that moment, the examiner stood up slowly and said, “Given your performance just now, I think we can skip the next few rounds of testing and go straight to the final practical test.”
“Show me the strongest magic you can cast now. If I am satisfied, then your exam will be considered passed.”
“Understood.”
“Where do you usually practice your magic?”
“On the third floor of this building, there’s an Arcane Testing Grounds.”
Yes.
Nightmoon Tavern, third floor.
Luna unlocked the iron lock and slowly pushed open the heavy door, revealing an expansive space.
The Black-Clad Examiner looked around and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Not bad, this Arcane Testing Grounds is of very high specifications, quite rare even among nobles; it must have cost quite a bit to set this up.”
“Yes.” Luna smiled shyly, “Thankfully my father dotes on me and supports my magical studies, he not only spent a lot of money but also invited former companions from his adventuring party to help build this Arcane Testing Grounds.”
“Oh?” The Black-Clad Examiner glanced at Kendrick, who was stout, and nodded gently, “For a mage, training requires significant resources. Having such a supportive father is fortunate; perform well, young lady, don’t disappoint him.”
“Yes.” Luna took a deep breath and walked slowly to the center of the Arcane Testing Grounds.
Meanwhile, the Black-Clad Examiner slowly moved back to the group, specifically to Kendrick’s side.
“Your daughter is quite impressive,” the Black-Clad Examiner praised unabashedly.
Kendrick quickly modestly replied, “No, no, you’re too kind.”
“I’m not being polite,” the Black-Clad Examiner said, “Not only from the interview just now, but I’ve also seen her initial exam scripts, which were truly perfect. Moreover, her background shows that she has barely received any professional magical guidance and has completely self-taught, yet she has researched magic to this level, indicating that she has been very diligent in her studies.
“Unfortunately…”
The Black-Clad Examiner let out a light sigh.
“Unfortunately?!”
Kendrick was taken aback. “What’s unfortunate?”
“Unfortunately, even though she works hard, it’s undeniable that her magical aptitude isn’t high, which is reflected in her initial exam scores.”
The Black-Clad Examiner sighed lightly, “The grades of mana quality, purity, magical perception ability, magical structuring ability, and magical releasing energy are not exactly gifted. Plus… as her guardian, you should know her background, right?”
“I know.” Kendrick nodded helplessly.
“Her opponents hold immense power and can even interfere in matters concerning the Obsidian Tower. That person does not wish for Luna to enter the Obsidian Tower, so…” The Black-Clad Examiner sighed gently and continued, “Fortunately, I was sent by the Tower to oversee her exam. I will do my best to ensure fairness and impartiality; as long as she meets the required standard and passes the exam, I will guarantee her admission eligibility.”
“Thank you so much!” Kendrick bowed deeply to the examiner, showing utmost respect.
“No, this is what I should do,” the Black-Clad Examiner sighed again, “This is also the last bit of help I can provide to this unfortunate princess.”
