Because Max was a second-tier in magic, he no longer needed to use incantations for the most basic spells, which were typically the signifier of a Novice, though it was nonetheless best to do so. Reaching the Apprentice stage meant his spellcasting had become more stable, but it was still only possible if he had a catalyst.
As for his Martial Path, being an Initiate placed him at the bottom. This meant he was still learning the fundamentals of combat and no access to aura. Not having the special power of aura meant he can't even be considered a physical combatant.
On the bright side, I'm not alone in being average.
Most commoner students entering the academy were likely around his level. Even some lesser nobles started here, though they typically had better foundations thanks to their backgrounds.
In contrast to other fantasy novels where the top academies are nearly impossible to enter, the Auramagus Academy primarily holds a strict age restriction.
Only students ranging between 20 years and 23 years old to enroll.
As for why this was the case?
Apparently, this was to significantly reduce the applicant pool while ensuring students had enough life experience and maturity to handle the curriculum.
In other words, they didn't want any immature teenagers running amok. Not because of the usual mana or body growing reasons that are given in other novels.
But as one could see from the behaviour of those pursuing Max…
Moving on.
Still, commoners entering here required some sort of privilege or a scholarship. Even that was not so simple because there was only a certain amount of spots available, making the competition fierce favoring the most talented individuals. But it was an open secret that it was not the individual, but the nobles behind them that really determined which lucky peasant can get in.
A case like Max getting in through the sponsorship of a minor baron was definitely not something that would happen under normal circumstances.
"Skills."
[Skills]
Magic Skills:
Stone Shard - Summons small, sharp rocks and launches them forward. Requires more mana if manifesting them rather than using nearby stones.
Earthen Grip - Slightly softens the ground under a target's foot, making them stumble.
Quake Step - A controlled stomp that creates a small, unbalancing tremor.
Harden - Slightly reinforces a small object, making it more durable for a short time.
Lantern Glow - Creates a hovering light similar to a lantern flame, useful for night work.
Martial Skills:
None
"Very extra indeed."
All five magic spells were low-tier abilities, and only Harden, Earthen Grip, and Lantern Glow could be used without a catalyst. Unfortunately, the casting time was still frustratingly slow. There were no martial skills whatsoever, not even basic proficiencies.
Surprisingly Max had D- Strength. He reasoned this likely came from the odd jobs he'd hustled to survive, along with the subtle physical enhancement that came from learning magic. His memories suggested he had an affinity for earth magic.
Just one elemental affinity, like most people in this world.
Having analyzed his limited abilities, Max finally turned his attention to the urgent main quest that had appeared alongside the system.
[URGENT MAIN QUEST: Make a Memorable Academy Entrance]
Conditions:
-Must be witnessed by at least 100 students
-Must become the talk of the academy for at least one week
-Must satisfy the System's minimum "memorable" requirement
Reward: ???
Time limit: 2 hours 49 minutes
Failure: Termination of System Access, Return to Original Extra Status
"Heh, interesting. I was sure the quest would be about surviving this enrollment test before time runs out. But instead, it's this?"
He glanced at the countdown timer ticking away. Resting a hand to his chin, he contemplated the consequences of failure.
Failing to secure enrollment would be shit.
But, losing the System would be a mountain of shit.
A mountain of shit that you wouldn't be able to get out of.
This meant surviving this quest was his only chance to transcend his trash-tier limitations and actually survive in this world that was heading to destruction.
There's no fucking way I can fail.
Max decided he would accomplish both objectives simultaneously: secure his enrollment spot AND make a memorable entrance. From his hiding spot, he observed the six remaining pursuers, including the barking Junior Carrington who was still issuing orders to the others.
His eyes narrowed, expression dull and a little bored as he looked down from above, watching them act like monkeys in a zoo.
Moving his head, Max spotted a theater performance taking place nearby. A medium-length stage had been set up in one of the academy's open courtyards, already drawing a considerable crowd. Students, faculty members, and even visiting nobility had gathered to watch.
"The Eternal Flame," Max read from a fluttering banner.
From the buzz, he learnt it was a classic story in this world's history telling the tale of an ancient hero who saved a kingdom from the darkness of an ancient dragon.
It seemed the performance was currently at its prologue.
Eyeing both the stage and the pursuers below, a spark lit within his blue eyes.
Along with a wicked smile.
"With six clowns to help me, let's make a memorable scene for the audience."
Max called down below with mockery:
"Hey, have you guys tried looking up?"
As if obeying Max's command, six heads snapped to the voice's call. There, they spotted Max yawning and lounging casually on a branch of a tree. His arms were behind his head as his back leaned on the tree.
Naturally their anger skyrocketed.
Junior Carrington barked,
"You!"
The lackeys moved in position to surround the tree.
"You think you're so smart, but you've trapped yourself peasant. Come down obediently unless you want to risk breaking your pathetic commoner legs!"
Max tilted his head down.
Indeed, there was a considerable drop. With his E Grade Endurance and D- Strength, falling from here would put him at risk of injury.
In the first place, the reason why he climbed up this tall reason was for this double-edged reason.
Carrington Junior must know he was an Apprentice Mage (Tier 2). Therefore, no one would think a mage to be hiding in a place like this, especially since it was could even be considered to be in plain sight.
"Nah," Max replied.
"They won't break. Watch."
The Junior's face frowned in confusion, before his eyes turned wide.
Max had jumped!
Straight towards them!
"What?! Is this guy crazy? He's really jumping from that height, straight towards us?" someone cried out.
"Hahaha. Come to papa!"
After saying those words, the largest commoner of the bunch spread his arms out, flexing his muscles. It was clear that this person was someone who followed the martial path.
Just as his arms were about take hold of Max, the muscle commoner felt his weight shift.
"Eh?"
At the same time, two others next to him also let out similar small sounds of confusion from a sudden imbalance.
As they stumbled, Max whispered,
"Quake Step!"
THOOM
Max landed with both feet directly on the muscle commoner's shoulders, using his large physique as a springboard to leap onto the second,
THOOM
then the third—like some deranged monster playing hopscotch over human stepping stones.
THOOM
Combining both Earthen Grip and Quake Step, the spell combination created a far more impressive sound than either spell could produce alone. It sounded like a tremor as each of his steps connected, making him seem far more powerful than he actually was.
Landing gracefully behind the group, Max turned to face them, twirling the wand between his fingers. Afterwards he jumped lightly twice on the spot.
"See?"
"Y-You!!"
Inwardly though, Max grimaced. That was his first time using his own magic spells and his first time feeling the effects of trying to use two spells in quick succession.
It damn hurt.
And it drained much more mana than he had anticipated. Max made a mental note to be careful with his mana usage since his reserves were limited.
Still, there were no regrets.
The look on Junior Carrington's face was worth it.
Max extended his left arm, curling his fingers in a taunting "come at me" motion before dashing toward the crowded stalls.
"Bastard!"
"After him!"
"Don't let him get away again!"
The chase was on.
Max moved nimbly, squeezing his way through the small gaps in the crowd. The pursuers were different. They had to fix their attention on him to avoid losing trail. They shoved past students, knocked into displays, and would occasionally yell at people to move out of the way.
Max exploited their brazen actions.
He saw a group of students carrying stacks of books and scrolls. They were likely headed to submit last-minute applications or papers before the ceremony. Max timed his approach perfectly, sliding between them just as Junior Carrington rounded the corner.
"Coming through!"
The students, noticing the charging group behind him, instinctively froze.
But it was too late.
Three commoners collided with the group of students, sending papers and scrolls flying into the air.
The other two paused for a moment, but with the urging of the Junior Carrington they continued to chase.