58-Episode 24: Mature



 At the Red Academy, you can now advance to a second grade.
 I'll now decide which lab to join........

Let me take the promotion exam.

 After the class at the blue academy, I asked the instructor for help.

 Each academy has its own detailed rules and regulations, but just like the red academy here, you might be able to take a progression exam as soon as you receive the teacher's recommendation.
 Honestly, the content of the classes at the blue academy are all things I don't need to listen to, either.

''........What are you talking about?''

 He stared at me.

You have to take the exam once a year. Didn't you hear in the guidance or something that you had to take it after completing a year's course?
'Of course I remember. But wouldn't you be able to take the test as soon as the faculty approves it?
'That's only for the highest achievers! You rarely show up for class, and yet, unexpectedly, you're taking a progression exam? You will make me laugh, won't you?

 Incidentally, this instructor was a woman who was in charge of the entrance exam for the Blue Institute.
 Her name was Hengel, I believe.

''Then what do I have to do to get you to admit me?''
The first thing you need to do is show up for class.
'Hm, that's the end of the line. I'm trying to move on so I don't have to go to classes that aren't worth getting out of.
... what?

 Hengel's first corner of his eye was fished out.

'Is there any point in my class if it's not worth mentioning...?
That means it's not on my level.
How high and mighty do you think you are?

 With veins floating on his temples, Hengel thrust his long, thin fingers into my face.

I'm going to be the one to find out...! We'll see if you're worthy of taking the advancement exam...!

 Does that mean they're going to let you take the exam to be able to take the advancement exam?
 It's a little sluggish but well, you just have to pass both of them.





 Then she took me to the training grounds with her.

'Hey, is it make-up training or something?'
No, I heard he's taking the promotion exam.
I think Dr. Hengel is going to find out if you're qualified, exactly.
'What? He's always skipping class?
To begin with, it's only been a year, right? We're talking about a pass rate of less than half for even sophomores.

 Perhaps because it was right after class, the students who were listening to the exchange with Hengel were even following him.
 It seems that they intend to visit.
 Among them is Koofa, who for some reason has a masterful look on her face.

 In the middle of the training ground, I face Hengel.

'What are we doing?'

 I asked, and Hengel's mouth hung up in a somewhat amused manner.

You'll be dealing with him personally, my dear. Are you sure you want to do this?

 Apparently they're going to have a mock battle.

'So that means we'll have to fight and win.
''What are you talking about? Don't tell me you think you can beat me, a practical teacher at this academy?
I won't know until I try, but maybe we can win?
''Apparently, you're more smug than I thought........ Okay, if you're that confident, I'll make it a condition that you beat me!

 Those who were watching from the sidelines buzzed.

''C'mon, why is that guy so agitated?''
There's no way you can beat a teacher.
I also heard that Dr. Hengel is the closest thing to the next Magus King.

 Hengel and I stand about fifteen meters away from each other.
 It seems to have originated from the traditional rules of dueling wizards, but it's common to start a mock battle like this after a certain distance from each other.

 The use of weapons is prohibited.
 Physical attacks, such as punching and kicking, are also forbidden, although they may be approached.

 You win if you can shave off all of your opponent's blessings.

''But as expected, you won't take yourself seriously against a student.
That's right.

 And then the testing begins.

'You'll regret your big words against this a**h*le. --Ice Storm!

 Immediately after, Hengel unleashed his advanced magic.

''Oh, I'm sorry. Was it just a little too strong?
""No, no, no, no, no, no, no, don't you go all out?"

 A fierce cold wind containing ice and debris rushed in amidst the rising voices of the visitors.

The most basic method of simulated magical warfare is to set up a magic formula before the start and then use powerful magic to clear it up at once as soon as it starts. I think it's a good idea to remember that, don't you?
""That's not very mature..."
Did you say something?
""It's nothing."

 I see.
 Wouldn't it be all right if I started making my own magic formula before we started?

You won't be able to hear my advice if you're encased in ice.

 The blizzard subsided and Hengel peeled his eyes away.

 I was unharmed and my blessings weren't diminished at all.
 Before I was hit by the ice storm, I activated my Ice Shield magic.
 The ice wards that surrounded me in all directions protected me.

 Paring.

 I kick through the ice barrier and get out.
 My guess was off, and Hengel frowned a little abominably.

''..........Since you had such a big mouth, it's only natural that you could at least prevent the current attack.
Well, I'm just being cautious of the possibilities.

 I just didn't want to be disqualified for it in case it was stupid, so I didn't want to.