The clock turned back slightly, finding a meeting room within the Royal Academy.
"Ho ho ho! It seems this year brought quite the bountiful harvest."
Verloid Hahn, the Academy’s Headmaster, laughed heartily as he looked over the results for both the Noble and Commoner Categories. Other faculty members were gathered in the room with him, their faces a mixture of relief and professional gravity.
"The average score on the written exam is ten points higher than usual, and several candidates produced exceptional results in the practicals. Next year’s first-year class is looking quite talented."
"The Magic Department is particularly striking," one teacher remarked with a sigh. "To think commoners would break into the top five..."
A young female teacher held a document listing the overall rankings and scores.
Magic Department: Successful Candidates
- Noble: Celestine Crocus – 200 points
- Noble: Primula Rosemary – 196 points
- Noble: Viola Rosemary – 193 points
- Commoner: Yuri Catreia – 191 points
- Commoner: Rest – 190 points
It was exceedingly rare for a commoner to break into the top five of the entrance exams. Nobles held an overwhelming advantage, possessing both prestigious bloodlines and access to elite education from early childhood.
The exam was scored out of 200 points, split evenly between the written and practical components. A score of 140—seventy percent—was the general threshold for admission. In the Magic Department, the practical score was determined by target shooting, with a maximum cap of 100 points.
"Young Rest was effectively the top performer in the practical exam," Verloid noted. "Had we not capped scores at 100, he likely would have been the valedictorian."
"It's a relief he didn't take the top spot, then," another teacher added. "If a commoner gave the address at the entrance ceremony, there's no telling how the noble students would react."
Arrogant nobles might have targeted Rest out of spite, unable to accept losing to someone they deemed a social inferior. While rankings and scores were generally kept confidential, the top student was required to speak publicly at the opening ceremony.
"The Daughter of Duke Crocus is a brilliant girl, known as the 'Treasure of the Kingdom.' She will handle the address flawlessly. We've avoided a major headache."
"Indeed. Many nobles would have made a scene if a commoner were ranked first. This is for the best."
"Rest was recommended by Marquis Rosemary, wasn't he? Since the Marquis is the Chief of the Court Mages, I wonder if the boy is his private disciple?"
"Perhaps he's the future husband for one of the daughters?"
"Hahaha! Surely you jest!"
The teachers shared a laugh, light-hearted for a moment. However, one teacher’s expression soon clouded as they brought up a different student’s performance.
"What should we do about Yuri Catreia? Her situation is a bit... complicated."
Yuri Catreia had applied through the Commoner Category and ranked fourth overall. While her score was more than sufficient, the faculty was divided over her methods during the practical exam.
"She attacked the targets by throwing stones rather than casting spells. Can we truly count that as a valid magic score?"
"I object! She should be disqualified immediately!"
A massive, muscular man stood up, his voice booming. He was the head of the Knight Department.
"Lady Yuri Catreia's results are fundamentally flawed! We cannot permit such an illegitimate candidate to pass!"
"But her score is well above the threshold," another teacher countered. "And technically, she didn't break any rules."
"To clear an exam designed to measure magic using sheer physical force undermines the entire purpose of the test! Such a farce shouldn't be tolerated!"
"Calm yourself, Mr. Anagoia," the Headmaster interjected, silencing the fuming man. "Regardless of the method, we cannot fail someone who met the score requirements. Yuri Catreia will be admitted."
"B-but, Headmaster..."
"I personally observed her practical exam. There was no foul play. Besides, as a member of the Knight Department, is there any reason for you to be so invested in the Magic Department's results?"
"Academic integrity is a concern for all departments."
"True enough," Verloid said with a knowing smile. "However, if you push this any further, I might begin to suspect that Marquis Catreia has been whispering in your ear."
Anagoia fell into an awkward, stiff silence. The arrow had struck home. The Knight Department was populated almost entirely by veterans of the Knight Order, many of whom remained loyal to the Knight Commander, Marquis Catreia. Whatever his reasons, the Marquis had clearly ordered his subordinates to ensure his daughter failed.
"Perhaps Yuri realized as much," Verloid mused. "That may be why she applied to the Magic Department instead."
The Knight Department head sat back down, unable to say another word now that his external allegiances had been exposed. To break the tension, another teacher shifted the focus.
"Speaking of problematic cases... what about Cedric Ebern?"
"Ah, yes. His score was below the threshold, but he did manifest High-tier Magic during the practical. He certainly seems to have the raw talent of a mage."
Cedric Ebern had finished with only 116 points. While his practical showing was decent, his written scores were dismal. Furthermore, he had been penalized for his violent outburst against a proctor, leaving him far below the 140-point requirement. He might have fared better if he hadn't chosen such a difficult spell for the targets, but regardless, he was nowhere near a passing grade.
"Strictly by the numbers, he failed. However, we've made exceptions for 'special talents' in the past. Should we consider him for admission?"
As a member of the Honorary Viscount Ebern House—a family of established Court Mages—Cedric had been hailed as a prodigy. His ability to cast the High-tier Magic 'Thunderstorm' proved he had potential. Some faculty members felt his pedigree and talent justified a pass.
"No. I believe he should remain failed," the Headmaster declared.
Several teachers looked surprised. "Why is that, sir? Is it purely the score?"
"That's part of it. But I interviewed him myself, and he left a poor impression. Furthermore, the 'Crystal of Potential' barely responded to him."
"Really?"
The Crystal of Potential was a relic every applicant touched during their interview to gauge their future growth. Those who made the crystal shine brightly often went on to achieve great—or terrible—things.
"It seems young Cedric is merely an early bloomer. He doesn't appear to have much room left for growth. There is no reason to grant him a special exception at the expense of a deserving commoner."
The Academy was an institution for the next generation of leaders. While it favored nobles, increasing the noble quota meant directly reducing the slots available for commoners.
"Understood. Cedric Ebern is officially rejected."
"If the boy truly has the drive, he will return next year," Verloid said. "Ambition can sometimes force potential to bloom. We shall see if he has it in him."
Applicants could try for admission between the ages of fifteen and eighteen. Even if Cedric failed now, he could retake the exam. However, re-applicants were held to higher standards and often faced social stigma from their younger peers. If he could swallow that pride, he might try again.
"One last thing... Seloric Brute, from the Commoner Category, has withdrawn his acceptance. It appears to be related to the circumstances of his sponsor, Count Brute."
"I see. That can't be helped. Process the paperwork accordingly. Now, let us move on to the results for the Knight Department..."
With the Magic Department settled, the meeting shifted to the next agenda item.