The first obstacle to entering the Academy of Magic is the entrance exam.
　However, the procedure is not that complicated. All you have to do is submit a letter of recommendation beforehand, and then pass a written exam held on the grounds of the Academy.


　The exam is difficult enough to pass if you have studied hard enough, and as long as you know how to read and write [Arts Glyphs], have a general knowledge of magic, and understand the contents of the testament, you should be able to handle it without any problems.


　I've already gotten a letter of recommendation from Crabbe, so there's no problem with that.
　Before the exam, I asked some of the graduates of the Academy of Magic about it.


"I'm sure Master Arx will be fine.

He's so useful that he doesn't even need to go. Khihihi.


　That's what they said.
　I can use magic as usual, and I don't remember neglecting to learn anything related to magic.
　I can read and unread parts of the testament in my head, and I can transcribe them at any time.
　Honestly speaking, the more knowledge I put into the test, the less likely I am to fail.


And then there's the practical exam. The practical exam.

"What?　Is there such a thing as a practical exam?

Yes. Basically, magic is something you learn at the Academy of Magic, so you don't have to be able to use magic when you enter the Academy, and challenges are optional. However, if you can achieve good grades in both, you will be treated as an excellent student at the Academy.

"Really? But that would give an advantage to those who study hard. Isn't that unfair?

It's a way for nobles to save face with the common people.

Think about it. It's no fun for the aristocracy when there are good commoners, right?

"...... Oh, I see. In Kazi's case, was there any harassment?

It's not much. On the other hand, there was a lot of recruiting, you know?　There were a lot of people trying to get me to join. That was more disgusting. Blech.


　So they say.
　The first commoner to graduate from the Academy of Magic at the top of his class.
　And as far as Noah can tell, he beat the runner-up by a landslide.
　If that's the case, there must have been as much jeering as solicitation.


The Academy of Magic is a four-year system, and commoners from all over the world are invited to live in the dormitories. Lord Arx has this house, so he won't have to live in a dormitory.

"That's true. It's within normal commuting distance.


　While they are talking, Kazui asks Noah.


"So, what have you been up to?

I'm in the same dormitory as you. I've always lived in the countryside.

You're different, aren't you? You're a bit of an aristocrat, and a bit of an upstart.

I've had my share of hardships. I've had my share of hardships.


　They are talking about this.
　Apparently, Noah did not originally live in King's Landing. The nobles of the kingdom do not always have their families live in the capital, but sometimes live in the provinces with their families depending on their duties, so he must have come from such a family.
　The fact that he did not have houses in both places suggests that his house was a baronetcy or a knighthood.
　I've heard that Noah was from the north, but I don't know any more details than that.
　I should ask him about that next time.


Speaking of exams, you might want to keep in mind the Certified Mage exam.

Oh, yeah, there was such an exam.


　So, in the kingdom, there are two examinations: the National Mage Examination and the Certified Mage Examination.
　In the event that you're not sure of what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.
　This helps to weed out mere mages and raise the quality of mages in the workforce.
　It is common to take the Certified Mage Exam first, before taking the national exam.


You might want to get this during your time at the Academy of Magic.

Noah has it too, right?

Yes, I do. I got it in my third year at the Academy. Recently, Mr. Kazui got it again.

I figured since I'm working for a noble family, I might as well get it back.

You're so serious.

Isn't that his natural disposition?

It's easy to get a degree like that even if you don't take it seriously. As long as you have a good foundation, you won't fail.


　It's not a big deal," Kazui said, fluttering his hands.


"Well, you can take it easy. It's a lot easier than getting an audience with the king.

"Yeah. You don't suddenly get beheaded or asked to open your head. Hahaha ......


　Noah and Kazi both look at me with pity as I give them a dry laugh.


What? Well, you've got your work cut out for you.

"You can't escape the 'hard' part because you have a goal of becoming a master. Besides, if you don't want to be in trouble, you should just stay quiet. It's difficult, though, because of the nature of Mr. Arx.



"You're about to break into the Marquise's house, and when you travel, you get caught up in a war.

You're just a teenager, but you've lived a rich life. I'm really impressed.


　He glared half-eyed at his followers, who were saying whatever they wanted when it came to their master.


I'll be going then.


　After saying that, Arx left for the Academy.



The Academy of Magic has multiple exam dates.



　The Academy of Magic has multiple exam dates.
　The reason for this is to take into account the burden of the instructors and the fact that some students have plans that cannot be missed. In case there is a problem, an extra day is set aside for the exam, making it quite flexible.


　Since the Academy is close to the Mage Guild, I have often seen students coming and going. The way they walk around in their school uniforms and carrying their bags, no matter how you look at them, they are the students of that man's world.
　It is said that the uniform system for students in that man's country began with the adoption of Western styles, but of course, there is a unique reason here.
　It is said that the uniform system of the Academy of Magic is a remnant of the time when it was originally a private school. It is said that the first director of the academy introduced this system to differentiate the academy from other private schools as the highest private school in Japan and to give it authority.
　Certainly, if the appearance of the school is different, it will be easier for people to understand and accept, and the students will be proud and proud of themselves.
　At present, the clothing situation in the kingdom is in a state of transition, with a mixture of traditional noble costumes and jackets. If you come from a family that respects tradition, you will wear traditional clothes, and if you are fashion-conscious and like new things, you will wear jackets. In particular, emerging nobles tend to wear jackets.
　The Academy of Magical Arts seems to be on the cutting edge, and has recently shifted from the vestments-like uniforms of the past to uniforms based on jackets and blazers.
　The color is white, with slacks for boys and skirts for girls.
　The design is not so different from the school uniform of the man's world.


(If I wear that, I'll look like I'm all white.)


　(If I wear that, I'll look like I'm all white.) While thinking about this, I pinched my frizzy hair with my fingers.
　Because of her silver hair, if she wore clothes with a strong white background, she would look somewhat unimpressive.


　Normally, she heads straight for the Mage's Guild, but today she passes by it.
　After a brief greeting to the guard in front of the gate, I proceeded onward and eventually saw the entrance to the Academy of Magic.
　I was greeted by a huge black lattice gate. The gate was open, and now it was wide open to welcome those who would be taking the exam.


　There were students standing beside it, calling out to anyone who tried to enter.


　...... Apparently, they were giving directions as to where the venue was.
　Arx followed the directions and went to the exam room.
　The exam is held in classrooms, and there is an instructor acting as a supervisor who makes rounds during the exam.
　Those who take the test are assigned to each classroom, where they take a paper test.
　The format of the test is not so different from that of the male world.


　After taking a seat and being guided by the instructor, a form is handed out.
　I skimmed through the paper, but found only basic questions.
　Many of them required general knowledge about magic.
　It did not go into complicated phenomena, origins, or legends.
　If there are any, they are limited to basic magic, and you have to put words in the holes.


　--Question. What is the oldest book written in [Artsglyphs]?


The Book of Chronicles.



　--Question. What is the oldest book written in [Artsglyph]?


As far as I can tell, they are: The Creation, The Age of Spirits, The Book of Prophecies, The Great Star, The Mage's Song, and The Demon King at the End of the Century.



　--I ask. What do you call it when you fail to complete a chant? Give several examples.


"Chanting failure. Failure to supply the correct magical power during chanting. Incorrect word or phrase incorporated. I bit my tongue and messed up.



　--Question. What is the residue that occurs after casting a spell?


"A curse.



　--Question. What is the effect of the answer to the previous question? What is the effect of the answer to the previous question, and how can I get rid of it?


The curse, if it stagnates, will eventually affect the appearance of demons. To get rid of the curse, you need to use a spell to dissipate the curse, or prepare the place so that the curse does not stagnate. Basically, it is said that it is impossible to remove the curse.



　--Question. Describe the threat of Susonokami.


It is at ....... Also, Susonokami, as well as its body, can create a demon storm in order to invite [the curse] from the surrounding area. ...... That's about it.



　--I ask you. What are the names of the demon kings?


"Aum, Kootastha, Ganzardi, Samadhya.



　-Question. What are the famous words of the mage Radeon?


"Words begin and end with words.



　As I filled out the form, I eventually came across what was said to be the most difficult question in the Academy's exam.


"The Book of Mormon.


　Yes, it's a fill-in-the-blank on the contents of the book of legends. This is probably the most difficult part of the test. The result depends on how much you have read the book and how well you understand it.
　As well as the memory of the person taking the test, if he or she has a poor commentary as a foundation, the test may even be dismissed on that basis alone.
　It is said that in ancient China, a test called "Kake" required memorization of a large number of books, but compared to that, the test is probably easier.
　For me, with my instantaneous memory and so-called camera eye, it was no trouble at all.


　After that, the problems continued, but there was nothing that troubled me.


　On the other hand, you can hear moaning and groaning all around you.
　Are they troubled by the difficulty of the questions? No, it's a written exam, so that's your only choice.


"It's a pain in the ass ......, filling in the holes and decoding is a real pain in the ass.

It's aching. ...... It's aching. ...... My left eye is aching.

If only I could use my muscle magic, problems like this wouldn't even be an obstacle. ......


　I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. ...... I'm sure you'll find something that works for you. ...... I'm sure you'll find something that works for you.
　If your left eye is tingling, go to the hospital.
　What is muscle magic, anyway? Are you going to tear up the paper?


　Anyway, the written test went off without a hitch, as expected.
　Next came the practical test.
　Following the directions again, we headed for the training hall.