Chapter Ninety-Two: The President's Dignity

The Blackstone City Academy of Magic was originally a private aristocratic institution, later converted into a magical academy. With only three hundred students in its first cohort, the initial renovation was completed smoothly, even under tight deadlines.

Today, the number of candidates for the second round of examinations was only a third of those in the first, yet the crowd gathered to witness the event remained sizable. The Academy of Magic was destined to become a lucrative arm of the Mage Association, and under the insistence of its many wealthy patrons, those unable to pass the examinations could secure a spot as auditors by making a donation.

Auditors would not receive a graduation certificate from the Academy nor enjoy the privileges of full students; their status was limited to that of an observer. Nevertheless, after auditing, they could participate in the next round of admissions, likely gaining an advantage from the experience.

Chu Yun’s two groups were managed in strict isolation; Richard had instructed his subordinates to maintain secrecy, and since the last two days of training took place indoors, outsiders remained ignorant of the details.

Despite this, due to the incident last night, when Chu Yun’s two groups entered the examination hall, they drew considerable attention—most of it focused on Chu Yun himself.

Although a second-tier mage holds respectable status, it pales in comparison to the third tier. Many residents of the villa district had witnessed last night’s battle, and the newspapers’ experts had analyzed Chu Yun’s magic.

Even though the fire elemental creature had not displayed its full power, its sheer size and the effects of the blazing storm were sufficient to classify it as a third-tier magical beast. Naturally, Chu Yun’s abilities were also presumed to be third-tier, with some even speculating he might have reached the fourth tier.

Given Chu Yun’s relative youth—and considering the renowned prodigy Selina was only a third-tier mage—the people of Blackstone City were inclined to believe Chu Yun was at the third tier as well.

A third-tier mage could serve as the head of a mage association in smaller cities, and even in Blackstone City, such an individual would be of great importance. The Mage Association’s standard for this rank required mastery of one third-tier spell and three second-tier spells.

Aside from his ability to summon fire elementals at a reduced level, Chu Yun had mastered “Demonic Contract,” “Creation of Undead,” and “Annihilating Divine Thunder”—three second-tier spells. With time, he could easily be certified as a third-tier mage.

However, the third-tier certification necessitated a practical exam or an alchemical assessment against a true third-tier mage. If Chu Yun wished to undertake this, he would be wise to rehearse several times in the Mirror World to ensure success.

Chu Yun glanced around, still brooding over last night’s attack. The onlookers’ gazes ranged from admiration and envy to jealousy and affection.

Regrettably, with so many people present, he failed to notice, in a distant corner, Cassido glaring at him with undisguised malice.

“Damn him—who would have thought he was a third-tier mage? Next time, I’ll have to change my plan!”

Cassido had invested much effort into this scheme, believing it foolproof. Even if Chu Yun survived, the students would surely suffer heavy casualties, and Chu Yun would be unable to escape responsibility.

Yet, the outcome had become Chu Yun’s stage, catapulting his reputation overnight. Anna's admiring gaze pained Cassido all the more.

The second round of tests was overseen by third-tier mages from the Mage Association, who would not only observe candidates’ spellcasting but also ensure no magical equipment was used to cheat.

At the same time, this was a demonstration of the Mage Association’s strength and the chairman’s influence. The association was a relatively loose organization, and third-tier mages were seldom seen. To invite five at once for this event proved Nelson’s considerable personal connections.

“We will now begin the second round of examinations, starting with Group One. Candidates, please take the stage in order of your registration numbers,” Nelson announced, hoping for a strong start—after all, the first group’s students and instructors were among the best.

Five students walked nervously onto the stage, feeling immense pressure in front of the third-tier examiners—men and women of great renown whom they would rarely, if ever, meet.

“Close your eyes. Don’t let outside distractions affect you,” their instructor urged, anxious that nerves might doom their students.

Though originally motivated by class hours and bonuses, after teaching for so long, he did not wish to see his students eliminated due to stage fright.

“Fire—Spark Spell!”

At last, one student completed his casting, a flame like a candle blazing in his palm. Though faint, it burned steadily for an impressive length of time.

This was an entry-level test: success alone meant passing. Nonetheless, the instructors began to rate their students’ performances.

“Zero stars, three stars, one star, zero stars, two stars.”

The five students received differing scores. Zero stars denoted failure. Among the first batch, the pass rate reached sixty percent—a result Nelson found satisfactory, given the difficulty of the exam.

Those who passed cheered, while those who failed were near tears—especially the student who, though usually competent, was so overcome with nerves that he couldn’t cast his spell and nearly broke down.

The second batch performed slightly better, with three passing and a higher total star count. Each student had only one minute to cast, so together with entry and exit, each group took about two minutes.

In less than half an hour, all eleven subgroups—fifty-five students—of the first group completed their assessments.

Nelson compiled the examiners’ scorecards and announced, “Congratulations to Group One! A total of thirty-six students have passed the examination, with a combined score of eighty-five stars!”

Thirty-six out of fifty-five passed—a rate of sixty-five percent, better than Nelson had anticipated.

Seeing these results, the other instructors grew grave, except for Anna, whose expression remained relaxed. Her students, in turn, eased their anxiety.

“Don’t get complacent, everyone. There are still over four hours before our groups’ assessments. Maintain your focus,” Anna reminded them, excitement evident in her voice.

The second group did slightly worse, with thirty students passing and a total of seventy stars.

The third group fared far worse; only twenty students succeeded, though their total reached sixty-six stars. Their instructor had abandoned the weaker students, coaching only the top performers, and once the weaker students fell behind, they never caught up.

By the fourth group, Nelson’s face darkened. Though better than the third, only twenty-three passed, with a total of fifty-nine stars.

Thankfully, the fifth group’s instructor, though not as powerful, was an excellent teacher—thirty-two passed, earning eighty stars.

Nelson wiped sweat from his brow, anxiously awaiting the remaining results.

Sixth group: twenty-four passed, forty-five stars.
Seventh group: twenty passed, forty-three stars.
Eighth group: fifteen passed, twenty-seven stars.

Across the eight groups—four hundred forty students—only one hundred sixty-eight passed, a rate of thirty-eight percent.

If Chu Yun’s groups performed as poorly as the seventh and eighth, there would not even be enough candidates for the third round—no point in continuing.

The crowd began to murmur, while professionals from other guilds watched gleefully, anticipating failure.

Nelson’s embarrassment was obvious, but he pinned his hopes on Chu Yun, the unconventional mage. As a third-tier mage, perhaps his groups could match the results of Group One and just barely supply enough candidates for the third round.

“Anna, it’s your group’s turn. Bring them to the stage.”

By now, the examination had lasted four hours. It was midday, the hottest time—ideal for fire element magic.

“Yes, Chairman.”