PALOS SCHOOL OF MAGIC, MAIN CAMPUS

As the annual graduation exams commenced, students from the ten affiliated colleges of Palos School of Magic gathered at the main campus under their teachers’ guidance. The main campus, significantly larger than any affiliated college, featured expansive facilities, training grounds, and impressive architecture.

The ten affiliated colleges were:

Nightfall College, Crimson Iron College, Amber Flame College, Golden Stone College, Green Vine College, Azure Cloud College, Blue Crystal College, Violet Academy, Silver Lightning College, and Red Leaf College.

Among them, Nightfall College and Crimson Iron College stood out as the most prestigious, often vying for the top position. In contrast, Red Leaf College, where Karien worked, had the worst reputation, placing last for four consecutive years.

At precisely 7:30 AM, Karien arrived at the central plaza of the main campus with his team. Following him were eleven students, including Mia, Jack, and Sali.

(To avoid confusion between Elder Ellison and another character, Ellison with thick eyebrows has been renamed Sali.)

Looking at the other colleges, which each brought dozens or even hundreds of students, Jack, his skin a deep bronze, expressed his concern:

“If there’s a group battle between colleges, we’re doomed for sure!”

Sali, with his thick eyebrows, waved dismissively. “That’s unlikely. While group battles are part of the exams, individual combat ability matters more. How else would the examiners evaluate everyone?”

Mia, with her lake-blue eyes and neatly tied ponytail, scanned the other colleges’ students. Having participated in three exams before, she noticed a number of repeat examinees in the crowd this year. It wasn’t unusual—every college had struggling students, and some opted to retake the exam if dissatisfied with their previous results, provided they were still within the age limit.

Handing each student an exam badge, Karien explained:

“Graduation exams typically have two parts. The first is a written test, held in the morning and always following a fixed format.

“The second part is a practical combat test. Its specifics and timing vary and will only be announced after the written test.

“Attach your badges and follow the instructions for the written exam.”

Pausing, Karien smiled at his students. “Confident about the written test?”

“Of course!”

The eleven students nodded with determination. While their practical skills were questionable, Karien’s students were solid in theory. Even Jack, who struggled with comprehension, consistently performed above average in magic theory exams.

As they talked, a large bronze bell in the campus center tolled, and a deep voice echoed across the plaza:

“The 22nd Palos School of Magic Graduation Exam is about to begin. All registered students, please carry your badges and find your assigned examination rooms as indicated to prepare for the magic theory exam.”

At the announcement, Karien gestured for his students to head off. Mia, Jack, Sali, and the others nodded and dispersed to their respective rooms. The plaza quickly emptied, leaving behind only ten teachers.

“Karien, darling~ We meet again!”

A mature, sultry voice rang out. Karien turned to see Jessica, an advanced instructor from Violet Academy, approaching with long strides, her white legs peeking through her black robe with a purple collar. Her glasses complemented her exaggerated figure as she circled Karien playfully.

“I noticed your college brought… what, a dozen students this year?” she teased with a smirk.

Karien shrugged. “Eleven. That’s all we could manage.”

Before Jessica could respond, another teacher interjected with a mocking tone.

“Ha! I thought you’d only bring one student this year.”

Without looking, Karien recognized the scornful voice of Adrian, a towering man with a full brown beard. The advanced instructor of Crimson Iron College stood with undisguised disdain.

“I’m telling you, Red Leaf College should just stop embarrassing itself and close down,” Adrian sneered. “If you’d transferred that talented girl to us three months ago, she wouldn’t have to worry about failing to graduate today.”

Karien narrowed his eyes slightly but maintained a calm smile. “Our students’ success doesn’t concern you, Adrian. But do you still remember the promise we made three months ago?”

Adrian didn’t reply immediately, but the other teachers quickly jumped in, fanning the flames.

“Oh, I remember! If Red Leaf College performs well, Adrian has to kiss Peter’s rear—literally!” one laughed loudly.

“I’ll testify to that!” another chimed in, grinning.

While none of them believed Red Leaf College had a chance of succeeding, the prospect of mocking Adrian was too amusing to pass up.

Adrian shot a glare at his colleagues before turning back to Karien with a cold smile. “Unlike some people, I keep my word. But if you end up last again, don’t stop Red Leaf from shutting down this time.”

Feigning a troubled expression, Karien frowned and replied with a mix of determination and feigned insecurity. “We won’t. Red Leaf College will prove itself!”

Adrian scoffed and patted Karien on the shoulder. “If you’re not even a Magus, what can you teach these kids? You’re just setting them up for failure.”

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Karien spread his hands with a helpless grin. “Who knows? Maybe a miracle will happen.”

His words drew laughter from the crowd. Jessica covered her mouth, giggling. “Karien, darling, you’re as adorable as ever. But where’s the confidence you had a few months ago?”

Karien grinned. “Oh, it’s there. It’ll get hard soon!”

Standing a distance away, a tall figure with short golden hair, Virs, quietly observed the interaction. As a teacher from Nightfall College, Virs had learned from Elder Ellison about Karien’s three years at the renowned Gallon Research Institute. Since then, he suspected there was more to Karien than met the eye.

Still, the extent of Red Leaf’s potential remained unclear. Virs decided to reserve judgment and focus on observing their performance.

After a moment, he stepped forward, extending his hand. “We’ve met before, Karien.”

Karien turned, slightly surprised, before quickly reaching out to shake hands. “I remember… uh, Virs!”

Suppressing an eye twitch, Virs kept his composure and smiled. “I look forward to seeing how Red Leaf College performs.”

Sensing genuine goodwill, Karien nodded earnestly. “And I look forward to seeing Nightfall College’s success!”

During the written examination, the leading instructors of each academy were summoned to the Elders’ Hall for a briefing on the practical assessment following the written test.

The meeting room was prearranged with seats designated for each academy. Karien found the seat marked with Red Leaf Academy's emblem and sat down.

The ten academies were seated in two rows, split left and right. Being from the often-underperforming Red Leaf Academy, Karien naturally took a corner seat—though he didn’t mind at all.

As he settled in, he took a moment to observe the room, curious since it was his first time attending such a meeting. However, the moment he lifted his head, he noticed Jessica from Violet Academy across the way, resting her chin on her hand and gazing at him.

When their eyes met, Jessica adjusted her glasses and winked playfully.

Karien frowned, quickly averting his gaze. This was not someone he wanted to interact with.

Once all ten academy leaders had taken their seats, Elder Elison entered the room. Leaning on his staff and impeccably groomed, he exuded authority. Walking in alongside him was Night Academy’s principal, Leighton.

The appearance of Principal Leighton caused a stir among the gathered instructors. Traditionally, the graduation assessments were overseen by council elders and senior faculty from the main campus. Why was the principal of Night Academy here?

After seating himself, Elison noted their puzzled expressions and said in a flat, emotionless tone, as if reciting a prepared speech:

“The Council has assigned tasks that require the principal and the other elders to travel to the northern province. This year’s graduation assessments will therefore be supervised by myself and Acting Elder Leighton.”

The room grew even more surprised. Leighton, a principal, had become an acting elder? This was highly unusual.

In magical academies governed by the Dark Church, council elders were typically appointed directly by the Church, and it was rare for a principal to rise to that position.

Jessica, adjusting her glasses, glanced at the badge on Leighton’s chest and seemed to understand.

While council appointments weren’t purely based on strength, Leighton’s promotion likely had something to do with his recent ascension to Grand Magus. At this rank, one wielded significant influence within the kingdom.

Previously, the only Grand Magus at Palos Magic Academy was the principal. Now, with the principal away on a northern mission, Leighton was undoubtedly the highest-ranking mage at the academy.

Leighton, smiling warmly despite the heavy bags under his eyes, addressed the room:

“There’s no need to worry. I won’t be judging the assessment outcomes, only ensuring order and the students’ safety during the process. I will remain impartial.”

His reassurance eased the tension. Concerns over favoritism towards Night Academy dissipated, given that he was only tasked with maintaining order.

Seated in the corner, Karien paid less attention to Leighton’s new title and focused on something else Elder Elison mentioned: the northern province.

Half a year ago, several academy principals were dispatched on missions. Red Leaf Academy’s principal, Faines, was among them but went missing during his mission and was presumed dead.

Could Faines’ mission also have been in the northern province?

Additionally, Karien recalled rumors from a while back. When the Mechanized Church’s caravans sold medicinal herbs around the capital, Simon had learned that the Grey Eagle territory’s lord had been summoned by the king to undertake a mission in the northern province—something related to an ancient ruin.

Karien couldn’t shake his confusion. What kind of discovery in an ancient ruin warranted the presence of so many lords and high-ranking mages?

And if Principal Faines had gone missing in such a place, could he still be alive?

While Karien’s mind wandered, Elder Elison resumed:

“In addition to Acting Elder Leighton, another acting elder will assist in maintaining order during the assessments...”

Before he could finish, a white-haired woman, appearing about thirty years old, peeked her head into the room and waved enthusiastically.

“Hi, everyone! I’m White Star!”

With an exuberant stride, she marched into the room.

Her figure was striking: a proud chest, shapely hips and thighs, and toned arms exuding strength. Her short white hair was casually tied into a spiky bun, radiating a wild allure. Yet her gait was unrefined, almost combative, as though ready for battle at any moment.

Ignoring decorum, White Star plopped down on a seat to Karien’s right, even raising her legs to sit cross-legged on the chair.

Elder Elison frowned and admonished, “Show some decorum!”

“Oh~” she replied nonchalantly. Though a newly appointed acting elder, White Star was clearly Elison’s junior and obliged reluctantly. She folded her hands on the table and adopted a “well-behaved” demeanor.

Satisfied, Elison turned back to the academy leaders and continued:

“Every year, during the practical assessments, students’ competitive spirit sometimes leads to accidents. This year, the two acting elders will ensure order is maintained. Now, let me explain the rules of the assessment.”

The room fell silent as everyone listened intently.

“The practical assessment evaluates students’ performance in a combat environment to gauge their overall abilities.

“Before the assessment begins, students will undergo a magic proficiency test. Only those who meet the standard of Magic Apprentice—capable of absorbing and releasing magical elements freely—may participate.

“The assessment is a territorial conquest. The simulated battlefield at the main campus will be divided into thirty territories, each accommodating ten students.

“Once the assessment begins, students may form groups and vie for territories.

“The assessment lasts 24 hours. At the end, the 300 students occupying territories will qualify for graduation.

“Additionally, the thirty students who become lords of their territories will earn admission to first-tier universities.”

After a general explanation, Elison distributed a stack of papers, motioning for White Star to pass them out, then continued:

“The detailed rules are written on these documents. After the written test, each of you will explain them to your students and help devise strategies.

“The assessment will take place from 2 p.m. today until 2 p.m. tomorrow. During this time, no instructors may enter the simulated battlefield, and no students may exit. Prepare accordingly.”

He paused and asked, “Any questions?”

The room fell silent for a few seconds before Karien raised his hand from the corner.

“Elder, are there any restrictions on magical artifacts during the practical assessment?”

Elison glanced at him and replied, “No.”

Hearing this, Karien grinned and nodded in satisfaction.