As time passed, the students had finally grown accustomed to Allen’s lessons.
The anticipated hardship was about to begin.
“Ah, as promised, I will now announce the practical portion of the midterm exam.”
Just when the structure of classes had started to settle down… and here comes the midterm…
I clicked my tongue in disappointment.
During roll call, I was staring at the back of Heinz’s head as he addressed the students.
This wasn’t an all-school assembly.
The ones present were those for whom this would be their final midterm—seniors.
“As you know, unlike other grades, the senior midterms are conducted here following Minerva’s traditions.”
With a snap of Heinz’s fingers, a massive screen appeared before him, like some magical projection.
“It will take place on the Empire’s uninhabited island, ‘The Island of Wisdom.’”
A map of the island then appeared on the screen.
So this is the famous Island of Wisdom? Honestly, looking at the map, it just seemed like a pretty big island. But judging by the tense expressions on the seniors’ faces, it was clearly more than that.
“Here, you will be tested on everything you’ve learned at Minerva so far.”
Fitting its reputation as the Empire’s top academy, Minerva’s graduation exams were notoriously difficult. You had to pass both midterms and finals to receive your diploma. Students who failed the finals had to retake the midterms next year, and many ended up dropping out due to the pressure.
“This exam’s theme is… ‘Survival.'”
“Ah…”
“Aaaah…!”
Seeing the word ‘Survival’ on the screen, the students let out heavy sighs.
Unfazed, Heinz continued his explanation.
“There are three ways to pass the exam.”
Raising his index finger, an illustration of a character wielding a sword and staff appeared on the screen.
“First, defeat three or more students in battle.”
Next, raising his middle finger, an illustration of a character hiding in a burrow appeared.
“Second, survive the three-day duration of the exam without harm.”
Finally, raising his ring finger, an illustration of a character opening a treasure chest appeared.
“Third, obtain the Mark of Wisdom from hidden treasure chests scattered across the island.”
Apparently, seven out of ten students passed through combat, two through survival, and only one ever managed to pass through wisdom.
Though harsh, I couldn’t help but think,
‘If they’ve been in my class, it should be easy.’
True to form, my students already wore victorious smiles. Of all possible exams, ‘Survival’ was the best luck my group could have hoped for, considering my course is titled ‘Great Barbarian Survival Techniques.’ They’d practically have a cheat code against others.
As long as they don’t go around beating each other up unnecessarily, they should breeze through the test.
“Please proceed to the Gate with your respective instructors.”
With Heinz’s words, the auditorium doors opened, and the seniors began moving out behind their professors, each wearing different expressions.
***
The pinnacle of magical engineering owned exclusively by the Empire, the ‘Gate.’
Gazing at the grand portal glowing brilliantly, I exhaled deeply.
“I didn’t think I’d ever ride one of these things.”
The Gate allowed instantaneous travel regardless of distance, though it came with risks and high costs. Most importantly, it required royal approval to use.
“Hehe, is this Professor Allen’s first time?”
Heinz approached, stroking his beard.
“Yes, I never got the chance.”
“It’ll be an interesting experience. It was for me the first time too.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
After chuckling at my response, Heinz suddenly narrowed his eyes.
“Hmmm… What brings you here in person?”
“Huh?”
“You’ll feel it soon enough, Professor Allen.”
Before I could question further, an immense oppressive force pressed down upon us, making me feel like I was drowning in the deep sea.
“This…”
“Hehe, seems like he’s lost control of his mana after being away from people for so long. Guess I’ll have to step in.”
With a tap of his staff, a vast wave of mana spread from where Heinz stood, forming a dome that gently enveloped the area, relieving the suffocating sensation.
“Be careful or you’ll scare off the students, Master.”
Looking around, I saw students collapsed on the floor, groaning weakly. Some had fainted outright.
If Heinz’s teacher was here…
“These days, they’re so frail. How will they survive in this harsh world?”
Following the sound of clucking tongues, I looked up to see someone standing atop the Gate.
Hair as dark blue as the galaxy, shimmering under the light. Eyes like the desolate desert sands. A petite figure clad in a robe of autumnal hues.
“…My goodness!”
If my memory serves, this woman was none other than Erias Saturn, the greatest and strongest Archmage of the Sirius Empire, and one of the Golden Way Zodiacs, the Infantry Palace.
“Hehe, old disciple, your throat must be sore. Come down, won’t you?”
“Tch, despite being much younger than me…”
Muttering under her breath, Erias leapt down from the Gate.
Ah, white…?
A spotless void caught my eye, and Erias promptly smacked me on the head with her staff.
“Young man, your mind is full of lust!”
BAM!
“Ow!”
Even though she showed it herself, I couldn’t dare voice that thought aloud. The elder may have been close enough to act casually, but the Zodiac members were known for their eccentric personalities, and disrespecting them was unwise.
Ouch, that really hurt, thanks to her dropkick from above.
“Hmm, so why has Master come here? Isn’t the Tower busy?”
That’s right, she was also the Tower Master.
“I wanted to get some fresh air after so long, and I wanted to meet the person Gold Eagle keeps praising.”
“Me?”
“Who else?”
Erias gave me a sidelong glance. Looking at her youthful face, I blinked. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have guessed her to be a middle schooler. Though, no one knows her true age…
“Hmm, not entirely useless, it seems.”
“Still, would you mind reining in your mana a bit? It’s prickling painfully.”
I felt her mana piercing me like needles, though not painful enough to cause real harm, it was certainly irritating.
“Prickling… Seems like you’re tougher than expected. Gold Eagle wasn’t wrong about you.”
Muttering incomprehensibly, Erias smirked. Then, she proceeded to whack Heinz on the back with her staff, a scene resembling elder abuse.
“This batch is lucky.”
“Yes, blessed by Minerva. Still, it hurts a little…”
“Fine. Since I’ve met an interesting person, I’ll lend a hand this time.”
“Wait, hold on…!”
Before Heinz could protest, Erias’ mana swept through the area. Whatever magic it was, the unconscious students disappeared into the swirling magical circle.
Indeed, this was the Transcendent Magic known as the Authority of the Archmage—spatial transference.
“Tch, missing out on such a precious experience compared to the Gate.”
This is why I avoided meeting the Zodiac members except the elder. Ruining one of my bucket list items like this…
Next time we meet, I’ll make sure to give her a piece of my mind.
In the fading darkness, I made a firm resolution.
***
Tsk, not knowing how valuable this experience is compared to the Gate.”
Erias glared disapprovingly at the spot where Allen had vanished.
“So… prickling, huh. Hmph.”
Curious about what the Golden Palace had said, Erias tested Allen with concentrated mana. Despite the crushing pressure that could rip apart any ordinary monster, Allen dismissed it with a single word: “prickling.”
“The power of another race, perhaps? Your body is far too resilient to be called human.”
No human in the history of the Sirius Empire had ever embraced the power of another race. Even searching through pre-imperial records might yield no precedent. Erias had to suppress the urge to kidnap him straight to the tower’s lab. Allen was simply fascinating.
“Becoming a Master was fortunate. Otherwise, your lifespan wouldn’t have lasted even a year.”
For a fragile human to accept the power of another race was impossible. Yet, Allen achieved it through sheer talent and determination, burning through his life force. His power was literally the result of incinerating his soul.
Though becoming a Master may have slightly restored his worn-out soul…
Erias instinctively sensed that his life wouldn’t last forever. Once he embraced a power beyond his station, cracks would inevitably form.
“We shall meet again someday, child of destiny.”
Anticipating their fated encounter, Erias returned to her sanctuary.
***
“Ugh, where am I now…?”
Allen woke up after briefly losing consciousness from Erias’ spatial transference.
Well, technically speaking, there were no humans around…
– GRRRRR…
Non-human entities abounded, like the giant wolf-like creatures drooling at the sight of him…
“Sigh…”
Realizing his predicament, Allen sighed deeply.
– ROAR!
Deciding he was prey, the pack of wolves charged. Allen muttered a word he hadn’t used in a while:
“Damn it!”
Will this day ever come when I don’t need this universal swear word?
[Authority: Forced Creation]
[Primordial Pillar Collapse]
His mana merged with his aura, conjuring something ominous in his hands—the tyrannical energy capable of destroying all existence.
With a roar, Allen slammed his fist down.
“All of you, scram! Bastards!”
– BOOM!
A colossal pillar descended from the heavens onto the forest, shaking the entire island as the tremors echoed far and wide.
