Chapter 77 - Test Day

The day had finally come; the tests for the magic schools and academies. Despite feeling relatively confident, Lily still found her gut bubbling with some anxiety.

We've prepared so hard. I've even drunk another Mana potion and killed a few monsters; I don't think there's anything more I could do to be ready.

The entire day was dedicated to the tests, with no classes held, not even for the non-magical orphans. Lily tried to recall what she had done the last time one of these tests had come by, but all she could think of was that she had either read a book or perhaps been lost in drawing.

It was before I met Arakil. They should really do these tests more often. Then again, perhaps the examiners need to go to many cities, so they can't. Still, once a year seems too little.

Lily also informed Camilla that she wouldn't be coming past the shop today. The woman had taken it in stride and wished her good luck with genuine earnestness. Lily had jokingly expected the woman to be hoping for the opposite so that Lily would be forced to settle on a more permanent apprenticeship.

No… I shouldn't be so mean; Miss Camilla has helped me so much, even if I had to earn every inch of aid. Besides, she probably knows that even if I failed to get into Regarth, I could go to any of the other magic schools.

After washing up and a hearty breakfast, Lily felt ready. She briefly considered taking Arakil with her but erred on the side of caution and decided to leave him in her room.

Even though anyone who cared knew she could use magic within the orphanage, now she'd be announcing herself to the magical world and would likely be under some more scrutiny. She didn't want them somehow linking it to Arakil's book, even if that chance was slim to none.

I think Arakil's paranoia and love of contingencies have rubbed off on me. Lily giggled to herself.

Under the direction of the staff, Lily followed the group of children as they headed toward one of the larger halls where the testing would be taking place. The first test would probably be a breeze, but she was most concerned about the second one as she had very little detail to go on.

The hall was filled with children, even some recent additions to the orphanage that Lily had never seen before. She wondered why so many other kids would come if they weren't of age to go to a magic school yet, but later found out that they used the first test to pinpoint any hidden magical potential early and give those children some extra focus.

Rose must have had her first test years ago, but then she only had her second test the previous time they came.

One by one, children were tested on their magical capacity by a mystical artifact heavily guarded by three mages from differing academies. To Lily, it seemed like a crystal ball that shone brightly to denote their strength and then changed color based on the individual's potential.

Lily watched as some kids either passed or failed; the disappointment in some of the latter was palpable, and Lily gulped nervously.

Eventually, it was her turn, and she strolled up to the table. The examiners shared a look between themselves before one of them finally spoke up.

"Sorry, but are you lost?" the man asked.

Did the orphanage not tell them about me? I really hope they will let me take the test… Did Margit intentionally keep them in the dark to surprise them?

Lily shook her head, "No. I'm here for my magic test."

"There's one every year…" Lily caught the woman muttering.

"Alright. Just gently place your hands on the crystal ball," the man replied.

"Do I need to channel my Mana?" Lily asked.

The man blinked a few times before hesitantly responding, "No… That comes a bit later."

Lily nodded and touched the device. Almost immediately, it started glowing with a pale, silvery light.

"Huh …" the man responded in confusion.

The woman was now eying Lily suspiciously while the other man sighed. "Girl, can you please remove any items from your pockets?"

Lily turned out her pockets, showing that they were completely empty.

I'm glad I didn't bring Arakil.

"Are you wearing any jewelry? A necklace, perchance? Maybe a ring?" the man continued.

Lily shook her head, "I'm wearing nothing."

Lily barely caught the man grumbling about wasting her time before instructing the woman to check that Lily was telling the truth.

It didn't take long for the woman to confirm that Lily had no jewelry or anything beyond her clothes. The woman even seemed to spend a good few minutes running the fabric between her fingers while she brought a monocle to her one eye.

"She's clean…" the woman replied, almost sounding dumbfounded.

Lily barely restrained herself from puffing out her cheeks and causing a scene; she couldn't believe they thought she was cheating on the test!

"But… She's a Lagia?" the man replied in confusion.

"That she is, and one of my star pupils!" a familiar voice spoke up proudly.

Lily glanced in the direction and saw Instructor Richardus making his way over.

"Preposterous," the man continued to deny it. "Is this all some elaborate prank you've devised?"

Lily opened her mouth, but Richardus beat her to the punch, "No prank. Lily here is indeed a Lagia with spellcasting and a bloodline."

The three turned to each other, looking in shock. While two of them seemed to suddenly believe it, the one who had accused Lily of having magic items still seemed reluctant.

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"If that was the case, why was this not reported? A newly discovered bloodline should be immediately divulged to the magical authorities," the man ranted.

"Would you believe me if I said we didn't because we wanted to see the looks on your faces when you failed to realize your mistake?" Richardus asked with a smug grin plastered on his face.

Lily wanted to scream at him. Did he have a grudge against the school or something? Why was he potentially ruining her chances by antagonizing them?

"The nerve!" the man cried out.

"Now, now, calm down, Stuart," the woman pleaded.

Richardus chuckled dryly before shaking his head, "I jest… You'll be happy to know that was not the case. Lily here wanted no special treatment; she wanted to earn her way in through merit alone."

"This is a new bloodline we are talking about! She would get accepted to almost any school on that alone!" Stuart hissed.

"As a test subject, no? Not a full pupil. Or perhaps some of the noble families would seize her?" Richardus mentioned.

"I see… That does make sense," the woman agreed. "I can certainly admire someone wanting to get through on their own merits."

"Don't agree with him, Delila," Stuart reprimanded. "This is highly unorthodox. Proper procedures should have been followed."

"Would anyone believe a report of a Lagia spellcaster?" the other man spoke up. "It's never happened before. To call it a lost bloodline would be an understatement; it's entirely unheard of."

Stuart grumbled to himself before eventually reluctantly nodding, "I somewhat see your point. Still, I can't say I'm amused by this setup of a prank."

"Shall we proceed with the test?" Delila asked. "Since Lily here did want to be properly tested and earn her way."

"Yes, please, thank you!" Lily blurted out before immediately going scarlet.

The woman chuckled and gestured to the crystal ball. Lily placed her hands on it again, and once again, it shone with a pale silvery glow.

"What even is this?" Stuart asked, glaring at the orb as if his annoyance alone would grant him the answers.

"We can save the questions for later; let's proceed," the other man said. "Alright, try to channel as much Mana as you can."

"To my hands or in general?" Lily asked.

"In general, we want a reading of your overall Mana," Delila instructed.

Lily nodded and began spinning up her Mana Core. The light of the crystal ball seemed to pulse brighter in rhythm with each revolution until Lily reached her limit. The three talked amongst themselves while seeming to be evaluating and measuring something.

"Is that all?" Stuart asked.

"Is that all!?" Delila spat back, her tone dripping in sarcasm.

"I just expected a bit more from a lost bloodline," Stuart sneered.

"Is it not enough?" Lily asked worriedly, glancing at the ball and the three examiners.

Before anyone could respond, she continued in a rushed semi-panic, "Because I haven't finished growing and reached my potential. I only awakened not even a year ago, and it's more than doubled in that time frame!"

"Not even a year? Is that true?" Delila asked, turning to Richardus.

"I can confirm that I've only been teaching her for a few months," Richardus answered. "I can also confirm that her output has indeed increased from my observations. It's rather remarkable."

"Fascinating . And even if that wasn't the case, you've already passed the capacity test," the other man informed Lily.

Lily silently cheered.

"James is right; you did very well," Delila agreed.

"I just expected more from a bloodline; this is on par with an above-average normal student," Stuart defended himself.

"Considering that otherwise, she would have no magic at all , I think above average is more than enough," James retorted.

"Right? You expect her to match a Dragia, Phoenix, or Kitsune?" Delila added, shaking her head.

Stuart snorted, "I have high standards. I always expect more, especially for one trying to get into a prestigious school. I'd expect a minimum effort of 120%!"

"You be sure to tell Stremweth that you're the reason why the first Lagia mage doesn't want to accept their invitation," Richardus said with smug satisfaction.

Stuart's face began to turn pink as his anger became apparent, "She should be grateful to receive an invitation from such a prestigious institute as Stremweth!"

"Prestigious? Is that what you call fourth place at the last school tournament?" James chuckled.

"Our star student was ill!" Stuart screeched, his voice going slightly shrill. "It's not like Tresnia has any room to brag; you're not even in the top five!"

"We don't claim to be the top school, though, so I don't see how that's relevant," James shrugged. "Besides, we make up for it by specializing in magical trades. We have some of the best enchanters and alchemists in the land."

"Well, I think you're both wrong; surely a cute girl like her will want to go to Helia, right?" Delila said, giving a smile so bright it practically sparkled. "Who wants to learn magic surrounded by stuffy old men and rowdy boys? Helia is an all-girls school and still prides itself on comfortably being in the top five and being a beacon of refined and powerful women in the magical world."

"Bah! As if your harlots can hold a candle to some of our noble maidens, the future rulers of our world are groomed in Stremweth!" Stuart fought back.

What was once the two against Stuart had now devolved into a free-for-all. The three began taunting each other's schools, students, and staff while mentioning competitions, events, and even faculties.

Most of it went ultimately over Lily's head, and she felt overwhelmed by the pride and passion the three had for their respective institutes.

"I can't believe they're fighting over me…" Lily whispered to herself.

Richardus gave her a friendly nudge and a soft smile, "I told you you'd be making a big splash today. And this is just the start."

"But I don't want to go to those schools…" Lily murmured.

"I know. Once you pass the second test, your results will be sent to all the schools, and then the offers will start coming in. You'll have your pick of the litter," Richardus confidently informed her.

Lily nodded. While all three of these schools sounded good for different situations, even Stremweth - she had her heart set on Regarth so she could reunite with Rose.

First test down, one more to go!