Chapter 278: Solitaire Participating in the Assessment
The oppressive aura of Serie's control over the Magic Association Tower has faded somewhat, replaced by an atmosphere of order and discipline.
Flamme sat in a spacious room, rubbing her slightly sore wrists. On the table were spread over a dozen files of students who had come to participate in the magic assessment.
As the Magic Association's reputation grew, more and more mages came to participate in the basic assessment, keeping her almost constantly busy.
Not only did she have to handle the association's daily affairs, but she also had to find time to teach Frieren magic. Fortunately, she was very obedient and intelligent, so it didn't take up too much of her energy.
Flamme took a deep breath, feeling the burden on her shoulders was heavier than she had imagined.
But she didn't complain. She had already given Kurtz everything he needed, and now she just had to wait quietly.
"Next, Ariel." She read out the name of the next examinee from the list.
At the entrance of the hall, a woman dressed in a white mage's robe and with unusually long green hair walked in as she was called.
Her appearance was ordinary, with nothing particularly striking about her, but her eyes held a subtle scrutiny as she discreetly observed Flamme before her.
"Greetings, Lady Flamme." The woman named Ariel subtly withdrew her gaze and bowed respectfully.
"No need for formalities. Get ready, and let's begin. First, the theoretical assessment."
Flamme gestured businesslike to the seat next to her. The theoretical test posed no challenge for Ariel; she answered quickly and answered many questions about magical theory, demonstrating an excellent, extensive knowledge base.
Flamme nodded repeatedly, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.
This level of skill is quite good, even among mages from orthodox academies. It's also possible that the other person is a mage who leans towards theoretical research.
In the subsequent practical assessment, Ariel performed with even greater ease.
The magic control is extremely precise and stable, and the magic shields constructed can withstand ordinary attack magic.
She can even skillfully cast several relatively uncommon but practical auxiliary spells.
She had clearly been deliberately suppressing the total output of magic, but that exquisite control did not escape Flamme's eyes.
"Congratulations, Miss Ariel." Flamme signed the evaluation form, indicating that you had passed, and smiled. "Your abilities are outstanding; you have passed the Level 3 Mage assessment."
"My personal suggestion is that you take some time to reflect and prepare well for the next Level 2 assessment."
The Level 2 Mage Exam is a true real-world combat test, and the examiners are at least Level 2 Mages. Sometimes, Serie will even personally take part in the exam on a whim.
Ariel shook her head at Flamme's suggestion, her eagerness even more evident in her eyes: "Lady Flamme, I want to proceed directly to the Level 2 Mage assessment today."
"Today?" Flamme was somewhat surprised.
"While conducting continuous assessments does not violate regulations, it is very mentally and physically exhausting for candidates, and therefore, is rarely done."
"Don't you need to rest or prepare more thoroughly? The Level 2 assessment is much more difficult."
"I can't wait any longer!" Ariel blurted out, her tone even carrying a hint of pleading. "Please allow me to conduct the assessment now!"
Flamme frowned and carefully examined the green-haired woman in front of her.
The opponent's strength was indeed far beyond what she had demonstrated in the Level 3 assessment. Her eagerness seemed genuine, as if something was chasing after her.
"Is there something you're having trouble saying?"
She hesitated for a moment.
The association's principle is not to interfere with a mage's personal choices.
"Alright." Flamme nodded. "Since you insist, I will personally conduct the Level 2 assessment for you."
As Flamme just said, the difficulty of the Level 2 assessment has increased dramatically.
Flamme did not hold back, using nearly half her strength, wanting to see just how much power Ariel was hiding.
Ariel's response to Flamme's attack was flawless, demonstrating an extraordinary, almost instinctive combat instinct and anticipation of danger, which greatly surprised Flamme.
This doesn't seem like the characteristics of a theoretical mage who's buried in research. Could it be that the other person is more of a practical mage?
The assessment ended quickly.
Although Ariel had a slight sweat on her forehead and her breathing was a little rapid, there was no doubt that her performance fully met the requirements for passing.
Flamme looked at her, surprise growing.
Ariel in front of her seemed to be panting heavily, but she could tell that the woman hadn't used her full strength.
This level is probably already close to the threshold of a first-level mage.
She remembered the rule set by her teacher, Serie: anyone who passed the first level of the test could wish to learn a spell from her.
A thought struck her, and she spoke tentatively, "Miss Ariel, your strength is astonishing."
"Have you ever considered trying the Level 1 Magician exam? Although the teachers are not currently with the association, I can apply on your behalf when they return. Once approved, you can even make a wish to Teacher Serie."
Make a wish to Serie?!
Solitaire's heart skipped a beat!
It would be a lie to say that the countless powerful forbidden spells didn't tempt her, and she even lost the ancient magic that the elven saint possessed.
She wanted all kinds of magic and wanted to study them.
However, the moment this tempting thought arose, it was instantly suppressed by an even stronger fear.
Level 1 assessment.
That means she has to go all out, showing all her strength without reservation, in front of Serie or that Kurtz?!
No! Absolutely not!
The reason she delayed until now, taking advantage of the absence of those two ruthless individuals, and came for the assessment was that she was afraid of dying.
Although she had mastered the art of disguise to its fullest extent and was confident that she could fool most human magicians, she had absolutely no confidence in the face of that legendary figure!
What if my true identity as a demon is discovered during the assessment...?
Solitaire felt a chill run down her spine when she thought of Serie's infamous reputation for showing no mercy to demons.
That's no joke!
"No! No need!"
Ariel shook her head almost immediately in refusal, her tone even sounding somewhat stiff from lingering fear, "I'm still far from being qualified for the Level 1 assessment; I need to accumulate more experience. Thank you very much for your kindness, Lady Flamme."
Flamme was slightly surprised by her overreaction but didn't think much of it, assuming she was either insecure or awed by the Level 1 assessment.
She smiled and reassured them, "Don't be nervous, I was just making a suggestion. The Level 1 assessment is indeed no small matter; it's best to be cautious. Anyway, you can't take it now; you have to wait for Teacher Serie or Teacher Kurtz to return."
Ehh? We have to wait for them to come back before we can take the exam?
Upon hearing this, Solitaire was not disappointed at all; instead, she was instantly overwhelmed with immense joy.
Does that mean they won't be back anytime soon?!
YESS!
This is a golden opportunity!
Ariel forced back the corners of her mouth that were about to turn up, trying to make her voice sound normal: "I see. Then, may I ask, when will Lady Serie return?"
Flamme shook her head: "I don't know either. The teacher has something to attend to. Her return date is uncertain, but it will probably take quite a while."
It will take quite a while?!!
'YES! YESSS!!'
Solitaire felt so happy she was about to faint.
Golden opportunity! This was definitely the Golden opportunity she had been dreaming of!
Without the danger of her identity being discovered, she could focus on studying the human magical knowledge here to the fullest extent.
"I understand, thank you, Lady Flamme." Solitaire lowered her head, concealing the excitement in her eyes, and her tone became exceptionally respectful. "Then, I will be bothering you a lot for the next period of time."
"Welcome to the association." Flamme smiled and nodded, slightly puzzled by her sudden change in obedience, but didn't mind.
There are plenty of eccentric magicians in the association, so a genius who is somewhat impatient yet suddenly becomes humble is not particularly special.
Solitaire, holding her newly acquired Level 2 Mage badge, left the examination hall with light steps.
She couldn't wait to get to the association's library. Looking at the vast collection of magic books on the shelves and feeling the rich magical energy in the air, she almost burst out laughing.
That man isn't here!
AHH Freedom here I come~ I am free!
She couldn't wait to start flipping through the pages, already planning in her mind which areas of magic she should prioritize studying.
Human magic is truly something to look forward to.
[End of Chapter]
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