'Master, it says over there, "Exam room is here"!
Yeah.

　Kite led me to the venue.

　It seems to be an outdoor training ground.
　Boys and girls who seemed to be applicants for admission had already gathered there.

　It is said that the entrance exam is held over a period of several days at this time of year.
　This is just the time of year, that's why they came to this city in time for it.

　There was a possibility that it would be later due to the weather, but since we arrived earlier than planned, it looks like we'll be able to take the exam with plenty of time to spare.
　Well, it wouldn't have mattered, at least the weather.

"Candidates, please fill out the registration form here.

　A woman who looked like a staff member called out to me as I entered the opening area.
　I obeyed, wrote the necessary information on a form and handed it over.

You must be Arel. You must be from the town of Cains. Her occupation is....eh?　Um, did I write it wrong?
No, make no mistake. I'm unemployed.
'I mean, the fact that it doesn't say anything about skills or anything...'
I don't have anything for you.
....

　The woman on the staff shushed her.

　Hmm.
　It's just what I thought it would be after all.

　If this is the case, I won't be able to take the test, and I'll be kicked out of the gate--

Now, your exam number will be 12, so please wait over there until I call you.

　Hmm?

Are you sure?
Whatever your profession is, you have the right to take the test...

　Apparently, you can take it.

　Thank goodness.
　If I hadn't even received a qualification to take the exam, I was going to head directly to the top brass, but it seems to have saved me the trouble.

　Kite also seems to have finished the reception and comes over here.

''Come on, Master!　Let's go!
Yeah.
''But if you're as good as a master, you should be exempt from the exam.

　I'm a little concerned about what the staff would look like if they heard this guy's statement earlier.

　The content of the test was quite simple.

　It's a good idea to shoot a spell at the target - which looks like a metal doll - from a few dozen meters away and hit it.
　Probably to see the power of the magic, the hit rate, or the time it takes to activate it.

　One by one, a number is called out in order, and the candidate activates the magic.
　It's natural since this is an institute for learning red magic, but everyone is red magic.

　The majority of them were fireballs, but some of them used fire lance, a magic that shoots out spear-shaped flames.

　But that doll used for the target, that's not just any metal.
　It's completely unharmed, even though it's been bombarded with flames from a moment ago.
　Even iron and copper should have some surface melting.
　Maybe it's made of mithril or something.

Then, next. Your examination number, eleven.

　That's my one number before me.
　A middle-aged man who looks like an examiner calls me, and a boy comes out.

"Oh. So you're a "mage" at your age?

　Will the form I just filled out be handed over to the examiner, I muttered in admiration while checking it in hand.

A 《Mage》 is a [Senior position].
　Perhaps that boy was given it with his first blessing.
　Of course, it was quite rare.

''........Totally. This kind of childishly deceptive exam is too easy and boring for me.''

　The boy, who has a young but graceful appearance, spits out somewhat unnervingly and gruffly.
　He wears fine clothing that seems to be out of reach of the common people, and maybe he is a child of the nobility.

　He asked the examiner.

''Is it safe for me to destroy that doll with my flames?''
Yeah, that's fine.
That sounds like a bit of a challenge.

　Kite said uncomfortably beside me.

'Master, he's kind of a cocky guy, isn't he?'
I don't think that's something you could say.

The boy from the "Mage" held out his hand towards the target.

''Burn it all up, Irrationality!

　A huge pillar of fire rose up around the doll, seemingly piercing the heavens.
　A moment later, his skin was seared by the hot wind that came rushing in, and then a large amount of fire sparks poured down on him.

　That red magic, which was reminiscent of a volcanic eruption, was far more powerful than anything the candidates had used so far.

''Wow, wow........''
That's the mage...
Are you really a student like us...?

　Beside me, Kite was rolling his eyes too, but

I mean, you don't sound so bad yourself, but my master is a lot better than me.

　Why are you so proud of yourself for winning?

'Isn't that right, Master?'

　It seems that Kite's words were heard, and the boy from earlier came over here.

I'm not going to ask you about that. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do that.
That's right!

　Kite responds.

''Haha, as expected of a commoner, you tell funny jokes that we nobles can't understand.
What?

　It seems he was a nobleman after all.
　But even though Kite knows that, he is not afraid of it, on the contrary, he's about to strike out at any moment.

''Hey, calm down.''
Master..........
It seems that this master still has a decent head on his shoulders. It seems that he understands the difference in ability between us. In fact, it is impossible for a mere "sorcerer" to melt a target made of metal with fire.
No, I don't want you to miss the target.
What are you talking about? How could you possibly survive my Irrational--?

　The boy sniffed at my point, but gasped as if he was astonished to see for himself.
　The doll stood there looking exactly the same.

'That wasn't just any metal. It's probably made of mithril.'