This is the Church of the Magi.

--a white tower stretching to the heavens.

That was the Church of the Mages.

The town of Dahms Ardan is complicated, and it is said that those who visit for the first time usually get lost.
But with William's guidance, we took the shortest route to the town.
He seems to know the country inside out.

Let's go in, then.

Mr. William, for whatever reason, had been here once.

And we walked in through the front door.
----The entrance room appears in front of us.

Then the entrance room appears in front of us.
It was quiet, and there was only one woman at the front reception desk.
The sun shines through and there is a moderate amount of light, but there are few windows and it is dimly lit.
A candle on the wall almost compensated for the lack of light.
I could see some doors, but where on earth did they lead to?

Excuse me, sir, my name is Nito.

We've been expecting you, Herr Nito.

Maybe it was because Schneizel had sent me a letter of recommendation beforehand, but she knew I was coming.
The woman was wearing a black robe with a funny mask covering only her eyes.
It was a mask that looked like the letter V had been lightly stretched across.
It's not something I could say, but it's a bizarre sense of style.

Then the woman compared the letter of recommendation she received from me with the paper she had on hand.

It's definitely Nito-sama. Well then, Nito-sama, please come this way, and your men will wait here.

Apparently, I'm the only one who can advance to the back.

I heard from Schneizel beforehand that in order to obtain the title of Grand Mage, you have to take an exam, even if you have a letter of recommendation from the king.
I heard that they will probably only assess a simple magic assessment, but it seems that the mage church is completely separate from the country, and even the king of that country doesn't know the contents of the exam.
Then I asked why there are facilities in this country, but it's the same as the Adventurer's Guild, "facilities and environment are necessary for a large country," he said.

"Can you wait here for a moment?

I'm just going to take the test lightly.

I'm rooting for you! Nem smiles.

'It won't take long anyway, will it?' Toa said.

'Yeah, Schneizel says it's not that big of a deal.

I'll wait for you here.

Then finally, Sufilia said so.

''Mr. William, I'd like three of you, please.

Don't worry, it's just a quick screening. I'm sure Master Nito will get it right away.

From the way he spoke, William-san still seemed to know a lot about the Mage Church.
This guy was like this before.

''Nito-san, when you're done, I'd love to hear about how the examinations went?

He is still Francesca, as usual.
She didn't seem to be interested in the lineage of the Jishi, but when it comes to the heroic Nito, her eyes shine.
I replied appropriately, ''Yes.
''Then I'll be off for a bit.''

I told everyone so and proceeded to the door on the far right as I was led to it.
----.



　I passed through a short, narrow corridor and entered a room at the far end.
Then I saw a vast expanse of land.

''........I see.''

He was supposed to be indoors a moment ago.
So does that mean ... is this magic?
It's big enough to show you the magic.

Then you notice that there are other people there.

A long table was prepared at both ends, and I could see each of the old men in their old age there.
There were at least 20 people in total.

''Now, Master Nito, we will now conduct a test to see if you are worthy of the title of Grand Mage.

Then the receptionist who had led me here began to explain.
You're the one who's going to explain....
I thought for sure that the old guys sitting there in their pompous positions were in charge.

'I have received a letter of recommendation from Schneizel-sama, and perhaps Nito-sama has received some sort of explanation beforehand. But I would like to tell you that the organization of the Church of the Mages is something that exists separately from the 'country'.

...I see.

That's what Schneizel told me.

''Each of the people gathered here are well known mages. Although they are not great mages, they are each recognized as 'mages' by the strict judgment of the Mage Church.

I had one question there.
Now this person said 'recognized', but even when I was at the academy and elsewhere, usually those who dealt with magic, whether they were adventurers or not, were represented as mages in this world.
So what did that mean?

I'll answer your questions.

Apparently, she could tell from my expression.

It's a good thing that you've already existed since before the Mage Church was established. And the 'mage' I've just mentioned is the one who was recognized by the Church of Mages and received the title of 'mage'. I do not mean this as an expression, but rather as people who have been recognized by the Church and judged to be qualified for the title.

So, in other words, these guys are not just "talkative" mages, but official mages who are recognized by the public.
It's no wonder they look so high and mighty.
"I'm not going to be able to get out of it.

Okay, I see what you mean.

The receptionist then explains the rest of the story.

"And to obtain the title of 'Grand Mage', you must have the understanding of all of us here, mages. There are three criteria--the amount of magic power, the level of threat, and the profession.

'What? .........What did you say?

...There are three criteria for judging it. The amount of magic, the threat level, and the occupation.

Occupation...?

Yes, is there a problem?
It's a big problem.
It's hard to answer.

What I'm getting at, and what this guy is trying to say, is that whatever the king's recommendation is, it's the church that judges.
So it doesn't matter if the king is behind me or not.
I mean no partiality.

Well what do we have here?

I didn't know that the profession of a healer was going to be a stumbling block here again....
But we'll have to be honest.
If you can't, you can't, and that's the way it is.

'You know what?　Actually, I'm a healer by profession.

....

Then the receptionist forgot to speak.

'Um....'

There was no reply.
Just then, one of the judges spoke to me.

He said, "Let's make a special exception and not ask about your occupation.

Woman?　I didn't notice them, all old men, but there was a woman among them.
A young woman.
Is this person also a so-called 'mage'?

'There are many rumors in Nito-sama, and I was aware of his occupation beforehand. As a result of the status confirmation, how about if you're a healer, it's not a question, and we'll only judge you on the basis of your magic power, magic, and the threat level based on that?　Rumors are just rumors, and we'll be the judge of that, but I'm guessing they're probably not the usual 'healers'."

Then some kind of discussion between the judges began.
From these guys' point of view, the healer was the weakest, and their pride would not allow such a person to become a great mage.

Then the discussion seemed to be over.

''Then, Nito-sama, could you show us your status first?　We don't keep a record of the content.

I understand.

Be it a healer, my status would change this look.

Then the receptionist next to me--.

''Then, Nito-sama, I'm going to project Nito-sama's status over there with magic, so I'll cast a little spell on you.

The receptionist said as she directed the judges between them.

''Well I understand,''

Projection.........there is even such a magic, it's a different world.

Then the receptionist touched my shoulder and began chanting something vague.
Then a magic circle appears in her palm.
I see.

----.

.........

Hmm? .........

....

Are we there yet?
A little while later, but no matter how long I wait, the projection doesn't start.

'Hello?　Are we there yet?

Wait, wait a minute, okay?

What is it?　The receptionist looked flustered, though her expression was obscured by her mask.

'Hey!　What are you doing!

Then one of the judges couldn't wait and became angry.
That's right, I want it to be quick, too.

Then the receptionist's hands stopped.

'I can't...'

What?

Suddenly, the receptionist says she can't do it.

Then the receptionist turns to the judge.

I'm sorry. For some reason, my magic hasn't worked...

At that moment, the judges looked at each other and looked at each other in astonishment.

'Doesn't work?　What do you mean by that?!

The old man asks in a serious manner.

''For some reason, the magic should have been activated...''

The receptionist is puzzled as to how to express what happens next.

'Um....'

So I propose.
If we leave it alone, this question and answer is likely to continue.

'Why don't you look at it in person?　One by one.

....

.........

Then the judges freeze up and think.
I don't know if it smells troublesome, but I'm the one who's most troublesome.

''It can't be helped, this magic can only be used by her.......''

Apparently, projection magic is rare.
But if you can't use it, it's useless.

Then the judges stood up and each of them took a peek at my status in turn.
----.

''Nuh-!　This ... this ... this ... this ...

For the most part, everyone had this reaction.

I unlocked the 'concealment' before I entered this room.
In other words, what is displayed on the status is a level 2009 number.
I checked, but the average level of these guys' 'mages' was roughly around 40.
It's ridiculous.

But in this world, this is still a great one.
If you work at some school, you'll be called a teacher, or even a court mage.

''Hoge!''

Mwah!

'Geez!'

What is this?

Nubaaaah!

There were different ways to be surprised, but none of them didn't surprise me.
Then, in order from the ones who had checked my status, they went back to their seats with their heads in their hands.
There were even those who were wobbly-legged.

Huh ... hilarious.
It's nothing short of hilarious.
Doesn't this make me look like an elitist?
These guys are better than me at the moment.
I'm sure that's the way the world sees it, and these guys themselves probably thought so a while ago.
But now the expression on their faces was one of confusion, and almost fear.
The reason they are not afraid is because I have Schneizel behind me.
Then these guys think I'm a decent person, selfishly so.

Finally, the young female judge from earlier looked at my status.

''I see........I see. Indeed, this is........just as you said.

Then, after muttering that nonchalantly, the woman goes back.
She is most calm.

''This concludes the status check. Now, judges, you may raise your hands. If you have any objections, please do so.'

............

The receptionist asked, but none of them raised their hands.

''Then, since there is no problem with the magic, we will move on to the next test.

But that's where I find myself.
Every one of the judges has sweat on their foreheads and is buzzing.

It's not that I'm objecting, but how are we supposed to judge someone who is on the 2009 level?　Honestly, I can't ... it's too different in dimension. I even feel like I'm out of place here.

An old man who looks serious.
He seems to have been shocked by my status.

I agree with you. The truth is, I don't need to check the magic. I'm afraid that this is an area that I don't understand. I'm not sure anyone here can accurately judge his magic.　As for the threat level, it will be perfect. Enough to qualify as a great mage.

They each say the same thing.
You don't need to see the magic....

Then the receptionist comes in here and begins to partition like a moderator.

'Rules are rules!'

Then the old men quieted down.

'As long as it is the rule, any exceptions will be examined. Master Nito, you may use your magic of your choice in that direction. Any object will do.

"Favorite magic?

When you put it that way....

Yes, I will check the scale of the magic and assess the threat level.

What is this 'threat level' that these guys have been talking about for a while now?
I don't feel good about it.

'....I'm not sure~'

But there was one magic that I was curious about.

The status of the thing is excellent, and even before you use it, in the form of a description, you can check the information about the magic to some extent.
It's the same even after the reversal.
And I have reversed the magic "heal aura".
And the explanation that followed was so extraordinary that I couldn't understand a single sentence of it.
Mostly it was "poetic", starting with "a dream is nothing" and talking about various kinds of nothingness.
I'm not sure what kind of magic I like, but I thought for a moment that I could use it...

Even though the land is in front of us, this is probably due to magic.
If that's the case, it's an illusion, and there's a high possibility that this is a building.
At first I thought it was a transfer, but even here, I can feel the magic of the Toa in the entrance room and it's different.
If that's the case, we need to think about the worst case scenario.
And worst case scenario, the whole country could be blown up.
The point is, I'm talking about the magic I used in the future, and I think it's this one.
I'm not going to use it.
I'm going to be a criminal, not to mention a great mage, if the entire jury is reduced to nothing.
Well then, for now........

So, a simple spell, then?

Yes, whatever it takes.

How can he say that?
He lacks imagination.
Doesn't he know me?
So let's just get it right then........let's do this.

I held out my hand towards the earth.

''Blood Tears of the Goddess [Dies Bradley] --''

At that moment, as usual, the familiar blood goddess appeared from above again.

''What........was that.......''

Wha...?

It's....

What... that giant... thing...

Heeeeeee!

Then each of the judges stood up as if in a panic and stood back in fear.
Some of them screamed and ran away.
Mages are indeed unreliable and ridiculous creatures.

'Wait, Nito-sama? ...What the hell was that? .....

Then the receptionist, who was supposed to be calm, is upset.

''You said you could do whatever you wanted.

Are these guys going to vet me?
He was constantly surprised and didn't seem to be judging.

The next moment, the goddess cried tears of blood.
As usual, the tears flowed unnaturally from her eyes.
It was as if rain was falling from her eyes.

''Hmm?''

But then I realized.

But then I realized that there is no "beaker".

This is the kind of magic that traps a target in a magic circle vessel, commonly known as a "beaker," and then rains blood on it, hitting it until it has lost its original form.
But there is no magic circle.
And although the tears would normally be allowed to stop by now, they show no signs of stopping.
The tears of blood are pouring down relentlessly, turning the earth red.
What does this mean?

.........

Because you don't have a target?

Rather, the target is this earth.
So, perhaps, but these tears will not stop until they find their target and kill it.
It will continue to shake, and the blood will continue to flow.
The blood that rained down became a pond, and soon a river was formed in front of us.

Then the river breaks.

What?　Are we done?　If you're not going to judge me, I'd rather just get the title and leave as soon as possible?

The receptionist stared at the goddess above and froze in astonishment.
The judges had the same expression on their faces as well, moving backwards and forwards to escape the blood that was flowing.

''You've passed!　Enough!　The jury's out on this one!

At that moment, one old man exclaimed.

''Huh ... yes, yes.''

I put back the goddess I let appear in vain.

'I don't know if you're a mage or what, but what do you think a goddess is?'

You won't be punished for saying this much.

'So?　I can be a great mage, right?

Then the goddess disappears and the receptionist replies in a panic.

'Mo!　Of course. Here you are, sir, and it will be a certificate.

There's no need for this piece of paper

You're sure it's all registered, right?

''Yes, I'll apply for it at a later date, but at the judge's discretion, Nito-sama is a Grand Mage from now on.

The blood began to flow at my feet.
Gradually the water level, or "blood level," rose.
All of this was flowing towards the entrance.
I let out a wave of erosion around me and wade through the blood to make it easier to walk.
It's still just below my knees, but it will eventually come to my waist.

'Then I'm going to have to leave now, okay?'

Come in! ....over here!

Then the receptionist forgot about the calm demeanor of earlier and opened the door.
At that moment, a river of blood flowed out with great force.

''Sorry?''

No, I'll take care of it myself.

And I left the room. With a stream of blood.

To be dealt with, but probably not.
This is the blood of the abyss.
Every drop has my will in it.
It shouldn't disappear unless I erase it with erosion or something.
All we have to do now is wait for it to evaporate or coagulate.
Especially since this guy couldn't even affect me with magic.
Probably not enough magic to make this disappear.

Then I went down the corridor and opened the door at the end of the street.
Beyond that was the entrance room where everyone was waiting, but as soon as I opened it, what I saw was a room stained with blood.

.........I see, it seemed to have flowed out from somewhere first.
Although it had a grand appearance, it was a building full of "holes".

First, I met eyes with Toa, who was panicked by the blood at my feet.

Hey, Nito!　What the hell is this?!

Nem was jumping around happily.
He was walking on blood with his feet bashing around.
His clothes are red with blood.

'It's my magic. Never mind that.

Francesca had ordered Dolly to take pictures of the blood.

"'Never mind'?　Normally you'd care about that!

Toa was kind of mad at me.

'It's okay, I'll make sure it's cleaned up later.

I have the skill 'Washing'.

''Nito-dono, have you obtained the title of Grand Mage?!

Then William asks from a distance.

'Yes, I got it safe!'

I replied loudly.

'Toa, let's go outside for now.'

It's hard to talk here.

And then hurrying out of the one nearest the entrance.
I mean, you should have left first.
Perhaps the window had been stained with blood rather early on.

Sufilia didn't care at all and didn't even change her expression.
The Toa showed disgust at the blood at his feet throughout.

When I left the church, I felt bad about the quicksilver and erased the blood that was soaking the entrance room with erosion alone. However, the river of blood began to flow immediately after I turned it off.
I'll have to clean it out from the back room. But I'm not going to do that much for you. You'll have to do the rest yourself.

Is this the only mage church in the world?
I will probably never go there again.
I don't have any more use for, nor do I want to go to, the den of those who dignified themselves with just this title.

''Huh........it was a crappy place........''

And finally, I left the church, too.