#025 Three-Colored Rings (3)
“Out of 871 participants in the second exam, 184 have passed.”
“There are far more outstanding talents than we anticipated.”
“Many have already completed their studies on how to use magic or are unconsciously using magic themselves.”
“Contrary to preliminary predictions that the majority would be from noble backgrounds, the actual ratio is about half; it seems we have successfully attracted those hidden among the common folk.”
The voices of the examiners resonated, filled with excitement over the unexpectedly excellent results.
And at a slight distance from them, three individuals stood facing each other.
A woman with red hair reminiscent of blood, Istel, opened her mouth.
“So, what brings you here? I doubt you’re just here for a leisurely visit.”
The question, tinged with sarcasm or simple curiosity, was answered by a sharp-looking gentleman with coal-black hair.
“Of course, I’m here to confirm things. I helped with the production of this combat doll, and besides, they’re the students I’ll be teaching in the future.”
“There’s still the third exam left, you know.”
“That’s just an interview wrapped up and done with, isn’t it?”
“Now, now, both of you, that’s enough. You’ll be working together for the next few years, so what good does getting red in the face do?”
What interrupted the growling exchange between the two was, surprisingly, a boy who looked no older than twelve.
With clear, round eyes and flawless skin, his snowy white hair added to his mysterious charm.
Even with a single word from the pretty boy that made the heartstrings tighten for those who love all things cute, the two remained nonchalant.
“Are you really thinking of being a professor with that appearance? Honestly, I think that’s borderline criminal.”
“Act your age, old man. Do you find joy in deceiving children?”
“Eh? What do you mean by that…?”
The boy blinked in confusion, and the two exchanged looks of disgust before switching the subject.
The gentleman with the white hair spoke again.
“Are there more than ten talented individuals who defeated the combat dolls without the enhance effects of the ‘rings’? There’s hardly anyone skilled in spellcraft visible, but since everyone related to magic will have to learn it all over again anyway, that’s actually for the best.”
“Conversely, some kids with exceptional martial skills or physical abilities have already reached quite a high level. Once they properly learn the use of ‘enhancements,’ they’ll become strong in no time.”
“I’m quite pleased that there are many outstanding students from the Temple. By the way, do any of you have a standout student in mind?”
Istel responded immediately.
“There’s a girl named Ligret. Even without using any magic, her defeating combat dolls with just her bare hands is quite remarkable; if she did it while receiving penalties, that’s even more impressive. And I think this Crow Bain kid looks promising too. His bulky muscles aren’t too shabby either.”
The gentleman with the white hair continued.
“Well, in terms of exceptional talent, aside from the one who received the highest score in the preliminary evaluations, that would be it. However, I believe this Chrome Midas boy would make for an interesting teaching experience. After all, magic requires a great deal of adaptability. Plus, the twins from the Morian Kingdom might be worth teaching too.”
The young man with white hair, who had initially posed the question, spoke again.
“First, we absolutely must take the youngest Paladin, Akasha. And then there’s also this girl, Fiore, who is from the Temple, so she should be included. Oh, along with the green-haired one, the blue-haired one, and… let’s not forget this black-haired one—”
“That’s not what I meant by selecting students. I didn’t say to pick out the girls you want to hit on, so keep it appropriate, will you?”
“No, just go ahead and do it, old man. This way, I’ll have a legitimate reason to throw you in jail.”
“Seriously, kids these days… Er, ahem! What am I even saying? I am utterly diligent!”
The discussions among the three professors about their first students, who would soon be their disciples, showed no signs of concluding anytime soon.
<><><>
During the break after the second exam, the surviving participants listened intently to the announcements being made by the examiners.
[The third exam will consist of individual interviews. Participants, please proceed one by one to the designated locations—]
Ligret, who had already taken quite a beating on account of a few top-tier weapons, muttered.
“…Are they planning to call us one at a time and make us fight one-on-one?”
Fiore, who had barely survived alongside several members from the Spero Kingdom thanks to the aid of a Paladin from the Temple, added, “They might just send us off into a mysterious space with some kind of teleportation magic and ask us to figure out how to come back.”
Roto, who experienced a rather unfortunate incident where he had to perform an ‘escape act’ after his clothes snagged on a branch while being chased by combat dolls, suddenly spoke in a serious tone.
“Chrome, mind lending me a poison? A strong one.”
Watching the scene of distrust unfold, I sighed.
“No, this is likely just a regular interview, so no need to be so tense.”
“Is there really anything ‘ordinary’ by this academy’s standards?”
Well, that does make it a tough point to argue, I thought.
I almost faltered at Roto’s question, but I figured there wouldn’t be a more dangerous exam than this one.
Originally, the interview exam in “Planetarium” was of a somewhat ordinary nature and quite passable as long as you didn’t give any ridiculously strange answers.
‘It seems like the number of incoming students might be more than expected?’
I had anticipated around a hundred participants, but seeing the current situation, it looked like double that number would end up passing.
Although it was an unexpected result, it wasn’t necessarily bad. Given the countless events that would unfold at this academy, having a diverse pool of talent was certainly preferable.
If there was one disappointing aspect, it was that until now, I hadn’t managed to identify any holders of the ‘Template’.
Given that I didn’t know their names or appearances, I had no choice but to deduce from their backgrounds, which made it quite challenging…
[Chrome Midas. Chrome Midas, please proceed to the designated location.]
With the announcement ringing in my ears, I halted my thoughts.
“I’ll be right back.”
“Go take advantage of the examiners as usual.”
“Yeah, I’ll drain them dry.”
After exchanging trivial pleasantries with Ligret, I made my way down the corridor. Following the guide of the examiner waiting outside the break room, I headed toward the designated location when, from across the hallway, someone emerged.
‘Is it my turn already?’
At first, I thought nothing of it as I intended to walk past, but as I got closer, the figure became increasingly distinct.
Her face was sculpted to such perfection that it brought to mind the term “golden ratio.” Her sunset-colored eyes shimmered softly, while her half-up, fiery red hair resembled flickering flames. The dress she wore, crafted from exquisite fabric, exuded an aura of both utility and beauty.
‘…This is…’
If it were just her outstanding beauty, I wouldn’t have been so taken aback. What drew my attention more was something else entirely.
I had experienced a similar feeling before. It was during my assistance with family affairs prior to coming to the academy when I encountered members of the nobility with long-standing histories or retired high-ranking officials.
There was a certain aura that came from individuals with a specific status, lineage, and wisdom. She appeared only a year or two older than I was now, but combined with my past life’s experience, the charisma radiating from this woman was something I had never felt was so overwhelmingly imposing.
As I unconsciously came to a halt, her sunset-colored eyes reflected my astonishment.
“…Are you next? I sincerely hope we can learn together at the academy.”
Her calm and gentle words encouraged me. The moment I heard them, a gut instinct surged through my mind.
“Thank you for your encouragement. It’s rather overwhelming to be cheered on by such a beautiful person.”
This was it. The owner of the Template I had been searching for.
She was undeniably a monster who had achieved what should have been impossible conditions all by herself.
Long before my brain could process it, my tongue had taken over.
“I’m Chrome Midas. If it’s not too rude, may I have the honor of hearing your name?”
“Oh, rude? Far from it.”
With grace and confidence, she revealed her name.
“I am Laila Everblaze Barhart, distinguished gentleman with the monocle.”
「Inside her flowed two contrasting bloodlines: that of the invader and the invaded.」
「As a descendant of the Empire’s bloodline, she was expected to rise to greatness. Once again, a hero with potential was prophesied to follow in the footsteps of the Great Emperor.」
「As a descendant of the royal bloodline, she was anticipated to incense a revolution and affirm the revenge of the Kingdom.」
「Her overwhelming charisma and exceptional magical talent were only describable as a love affair with the arcane. Since birth, the blessed hero’s seed had been entwined with countless chains.」
From the margins of the Barhart Imperial family…
And as one who bore the blood of the Morian royal family, which had faced the humiliation of destruction at the hands of the Barhart Empire…
The “Heir of the Red and Blue Blood” smiled elegantly.
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