Chapter 7 - The beginning of the magic battle assessment (1/2)

The bell tolled loudly, signaling the end of the two hours break as well as the end of the first part of the graduation assessment exam.

The junior mages left their dorms, where they had been preparing for the upcoming battle exam, and made their way to the platform prepared by the academy. Normally, with the exception of some freshman and commoners, most students avoided staying on campus. However, this week was an exception due to the graduation assessment.

”Look, isn't that the Imperial Freak? I guess he really did come back.”

”Yeah, I thought he quit the academy already. He only spent on year here, and now he's back to take the graduation assessment exam.”

”I heard he didn't answer any of the questions in the written exam. He shames the rest of us nobles.”

”Well, with him gone for two years what did you expect?”

”I heard he was a genius when he was in school, able to answer any question and excelling at drawing magic circles and chanting spells. Looks like now he's nothing but a failure.”

”Shh, don't talk so loud! Even if he is a failure, he's still an Imperial Prince and the great-grandson of the Dean.”

”Hmph! In this academy, everything depends on your own strength. No matter if he is a prince or an Imperial noble, he only has power outside of the academy gate.”

As Shad made his way towards the platform, many people whispered about him as he passed. He did not pay them any attention as he continued to head towards the platform.

”Who do you think the top graduate will be this year?”

”That's easy, it's either going to be Clyde Kalel, or Wilsin Djage, the son of the Royal Duke Wishlam, the older brother of the Emperor. Those two are the strongest junior mages in the academy, as well as having the heritage of Imperial Nobles.”

”Heh, did you guys forget about Kylie, another Imperial Noble? Apparently she has already broken through to the 3rd class mage several months ago, and her ice magic is extremely powerful. Not only that, but she's already mastered two 3rd tier magic spells.”

”Oh now that you mention it, she does have that kind of strength. Once again, the Imperial Nobles have outshone the Imperial family. No wonder they're considered the true rulers of the Empire as well as its cornerstone.”

”I don't care about any of that, I just want to crush the pride of that Imperial Freak.”

The entire academy was full of chatter discussing the Fourth Prince, the strongest contestants, and much more. The upcoming battle exam generated a very lively atmosphere.

..............................

At the center of the Kalin Academy there was a towering battle arena. It was surrounded on all sides by chairs for the spectators, which were currently occupied by the students and staff of the academy. Any students that were participating in the battle assessment were seated in the front row, along with the staff members who were facilitating the fights. The junior mages wore blue robes, while the senior mages wore white.

The vice-dean stood on the battle arena, looking down at the faces of the students below. Many of them showed impatience, as they couldn't wait for the battle assessment to begin. This was the most popular portion of the graduation assessment. It was a good way to show off their strength, and for the commoners it was a good way to attract the attention of noble families or other potential backers.

”Since ancient times, mages have always had a strong connection with war. We are the cornerstone of any kingdom or empire, and are the most efficient soldiers possible due to the devastating powers we control. The purpose of this academy is to nurture powerful mages, so that they may one day become the backbone of the Empire. This assessment, along with the monster hunt exam, are methods used to simulate some aspects of warfare so that you may safely gain battle experience.”

The students shone with excitement as they listened to the vice dean continued his speech. For them, warfare was nothing new. Indeed, some of them had performed missions for the school in the past, normally involving cleaning up small groups of bandits or similar threats. They could not wait to go on stage to demonstrate what they learned. Fighting was prohibited on the academy grounds, as well as most parts of the Imperial Capital, so it was not very often that they had the opportunity to show off their prowess.