Chapter 4

“—Please tell us why you wish to attend our academy.”

“I have no parents. Since I can remember, I’ve lived in the academy’s orphanage, and I took it for granted that I could study and have meals. However, as I grew older, I realized that this comfortable life is possible because of the help of many people. I decided to aim to become a talented mage who could be useful to everyone, as a way of repaying those who raised me. The reason I applied to enroll is…”

After the formal interview, I bowed and left the room.

A heavy feeling washed over me, as if my whole body were exhaling lead.

“Next is the written exam. Let’s head to the classroom.”

Kate, our class teacher, said this in a steady tone. Usually cheerful, she maintained a strict demeanor today.

Following her instructions, Luke and I moved through the hallway, currently in the middle of our academy entrance exams.

We entered the classroom marked “6-1.” Inside the spacious room were only two desks and chairs. Wemons Academy, the country’s top institution for mages, usually fills its ranks with nobles, the wealthy, or those recognized for their innate talents. Only those specially admitted as orphans receive government support. Luke and I were the only applicants taking this test.

“We’ll now begin the basic skills assessment. Please refrain from speaking or moving unnecessarily during the test.”

At the sound of Kate saying “begin,” and the chime signaling the start, Luke and I turned over our test papers.

The test spanned two days, divided into ‘Skills’ and ‘Aptitude.’ The ‘Aptitude’ portion measures basic ability scores and assesses whether the applicant has the sensibility expected of someone receiving support.

Before the interview, Minel had given me practice questions on likely topics, so I came prepared with some answers. When asked about my motivation to enroll, I answered, “I want to give back to everyone,” but, if I’m honest, the real reason was, “I have no dreams or goals yet, so I just want to stay at the orphanage with everyone.”

The ‘Aptitude’ test was now over, and we moved on to ‘Skills.’

The ‘Skills’ test has three parts:

1. A written test on basic knowledge,
2. An assessment of understanding and application of acquired skills, and
3. A combat ability test.

To secure our recommendations, Luke and I had been studying consistently. Our academic ability wasn’t just the result of last-minute cramming. We completed tests in five subjects—language, arithmetic, science, social studies, and magic—and I felt reasonably confident in my performance.

Luke gave a silent thumbs-up. He seemed confident too. I returned the thumbs-up.

Next was the skills comprehension and application test. This part assessed how well we understood and could apply our acquired skills.

Luke headed to the academy’s forest. Holding his arm out, he used his skill to launch a sword, effortlessly felling a tree. Sword projection is usually hard to control, but by standing close to the tree, he cleverly hid any lack of accuracy.

“My sword skill can be applied for felling trees,” he said.

“Very well.”

I went to the kitchen inside the academy building, where used dishes awaited me. I covered them with bubbles I produced, which seeped into the crevices of the grime, cleaning them thoroughly. After much trial and error, I had finally found a use for my bubble skill. It may be simple, but for those who value cleanliness, it could be quite handy, and with more practice, I could use it for cleaning in various settings. It would be nice if this skill was appreciated…

“My bubble skill can be applied for cleaning.”

“Very well. Both of you did well today. The written exam is currently being graded in the staff room. If you pass, you will move on to the combat test tomorrow. Please make sure to arrive on time to hear the results.”

The first day of testing ended at dusk. On our way back to the orphanage, we could hear the lively voices of other students. They sounded so cheerful, enjoying their summer vacation while we were entirely absorbed in this high-stakes test, which made it feel somewhat unfair.

“How was the written exam?”

“I think I did pretty well. How about you?”

“I struggled a bit with the language section, but the rest went okay.”

Back at the orphanage, we had dinner in the dining hall. But my mind was so occupied with thoughts of the combat test that I barely tasted the food.

“Do you think we’ll be okay tomorrow…?”

“No matter what happens, we’ll get through it together. Forget about the test; as long as you give it your all, that’s what counts.”

Usually, we’d join the other kids for a bath, but Minel had prepared the first bath for Luke and me. Though I’d been at the orphanage a long time, this was the first time I’d had it all to myself. I hadn’t realized just how spacious the bath was.

“…If I don’t pass the test, you said you’d leave the academy with me… Were you serious?”

“You think I’d joke about that?”

“With a degree, even orphans can earn trust, and with the right education, we gain strength. The academy makes it easier to achieve our dreams. With such a useful skill, it’d be a shame to give up. Don’t you have any dreams, Luke?”

“Dreams, huh? Not really. I’m not even sure what a dream really is.”

“So, you feel the same. I don’t know either.”

“We were born with nothing. Guess we think about reality before dreams.”

“Do you think we’ll ever find it? Something we truly want to pursue?”

“Who knows. But if it’s the two of us, I believe we can make any dream come true.”

That night, with a mix of anxiety and hope, I repeated Luke’s words in my heart, hoping they would stave off the restless impatience that threatened to follow me even into my dreams.