“From this moment on, we will begin the magic power measurement. When your number is called, step forward to the device in front of me and place your hand on it.”
“Yes!”
It seemed that the examiner for the magic power test was none other than Mr. Doban, and the intimidating aura he exuded had the other examinees visibly on edge. Those around me whispered nervously, “That examiner looks scary…” and “No way, I’m definitely gonna mess up…”
Though in reality, this guy is actually a great person… Anyway, my number is 1970, so I’m almost at the end of the 2000 participants.
I scanned the crowd to look for Hera. During the earlier exam, we were divided into three different sections, so I couldn’t spot her, but now, since we’re all in the same place, I should be able to find her.
Where could she—ah, there she is!
I must look like a kid with shining eyes right now, but just this once, I hope I can be forgiven.
She looked exactly as she did in her first appearance in the game—long, straight, silver hair that shimmered beautifully, and sharp, crimson eyes that exuded strength. Her cold, perfectly sculpted face was more than enough to capture everyone’s attention.
And as if by perfect timing, it was Hera’s turn. The entire room was now fixated on her. Tears welled up in my eyes as I finally got to see my favorite character in person, but I managed to hold them back, knowing it’d look strange.
It’s like there’s an aura of pure radiance surrounding her, so bright it’s blinding.
As if to intensify the moment, I heard her crystal-clear voice speak.
“Candidate number three, place your hand on the measuring device,” said Doban.
“Understood.”
Her voice, as clear as a bubbling stream, drowned out every other sound around me. It was so cute.
While I was basking in the moment, Hera placed her hand on the measuring device. A holographic screen appeared above her, and the numbers began to skyrocket.
’10… 100… 1,000… 10,000… 100,000… 554,500!’
“F-Five hundred fifty-four thousand five hundred… Incredible…” Doban’s eyes widened in astonishment as he muttered in disbelief.
That marked the beginning of a massive uproar from both the students and the teachers.
“No way, that’s insane!”
“Five hundred fifty thousand? That’s just ridiculous!”
“Last year’s top score was around two hundred fifty thousand, right? She’s a genius from another country, too!”
“As expected of Lady Hera…”
“I’ll become a dignified lady just like her one day!”
From the students came waves of admiration and shock.
“Lady Hera is truly a prodigy.”
“Yes, undoubtedly the best we’ve seen in decades.”
“This will be a pleasure to teach.”
“Although, she likely learned most from private tutors.”
“I’ve heard she’s even contracted with a transcendent-level spirit.”
“Impressive indeed.”
Even the teachers couldn’t contain their excitement.
Hera, often called a once-in-a-century prodigy, was a true genius. But beyond that, she was an incredibly hard worker. Ever since she gained the ability to use magic, she trained every day until she was completely exhausted. On days she didn’t meet her goals, she would continue practicing magic while drinking potions to recover her stamina.
Everyone thinks it’s just her natural talent, but that’s far from the truth. All of it—her strength—is the result of her hard work and dedication.
As I recalled the scenes of her efforts, I felt my eyes tear up once more. Just then, Hera, who looked a little annoyed, briefly met my gaze. For a split second, she seemed surprised and froze. But it was so quick that I figured it was just my imagination.
“Staying here won’t get me anywhere but staring at Hera. Since there’s still time, maybe I should go contract with a mid-level spirit…”
I squeezed my way through the crowd and quickly dashed to a quiet area.
“Why was he looking at me like that…?”
Unbeknownst to the girl hailed as a prodigy, the boy had already left the hall.
“Next, number 1970.”
“Here!”
“Step forward… Oh, it’s you, Shin.”
“We meet again, Mr. Doban.”
“Good luck. Now, place your hand on the device.”
“Understood.”
Finally, it was my turn. After exchanging a few words with Doban, I placed my hand on the measuring device.
Including the magic power from my Unique Spirit Realm, I should have about twenty times more magic than Hera—around 12 million. Plus, I just contracted with a mid-level spirit, so my power might have increased a bit more. Hera’s magic power likely includes that from her spirit realm as well, but there’s a massive difference between a transcendent-level and god-level spirit.
By the way, the human limit for magic power is 9,999. That’s why humans contract with spirits to draw from the magic of the Spirit Realm.
From what I’ve seen, the average magic power among the examinees is around 40,000. As expected from a prestigious academy that attracts the brightest minds.
As for me, I’ve already prepared countermeasures, so there’s nothing to worry about.
’10… 100… 1,000… 10,000… 41,680!’
“41,680, huh… That’s a decent amount of magic.”
“Thank you!”
“See you at the practical exam.”
“Yes!”
After thanking Doban, I quickly slipped away from the spotlight, retreating to a quieter area. Honestly, I’ve never been great with attention, so this is nothing out of the ordinary for me.
I found a nearby bench and let out a long breath.
So far, I don’t think I’ve done anything to stand out. Now, there’s just the practical exam. Since I wrote that I have mercenary experience, I guess I’ll have to put up a decent fight against the examiners. I’ll decide how much effort to put in after seeing the level of the other examinees.
“Next, number 2000.”
“Here.”
The moment I heard that voice, a chill ran down my spine. I knew he was here, but something felt… off. Not just the atmosphere, but something else…
I quickly jumped up from the bench and, despite my dislike for crowds, pushed through the masses until I could see him—the last examinee.
‘100,000… 1,000,000… 1,200,000!’
The numbers displayed on the measuring device sent shockwaves through the hall. I, too, widened my eyes in shock.
“Kai… How are you so strong…?”
Kai—the protagonist of this world—was far stronger than I ever expected. The moment I realized just how powerful he had become, I cursed my own ignorance.
How could I have been so blind?! I should have considered the possibility that there might be another reincarnator in this world!
I need to investigate this immediately. Even if Kai isn’t a reincarnator, I must understand the reason behind his strength, or else it will ruin all my plans. Hera was supposed to be first in everything according to the story…
“This just means I can’t afford to reveal my true power even more now…”
I clenched my teeth, an overwhelming sense of unease creeping into my mind.
