# Chapter 36. Entrance Examination (1)
Inside the luxurious carriage.
I am now on my way to the Academy, reclining in this carriage.
‘The ride’s much smoother this time than the last.’
The carriage I rode in last time with Cecilia was quite shaky, but this one—a gift from my parents for Cecilia’s birthday—feels much better.
Ria protested at first, but she gave in under the weight of my mother’s tears. The latest carriage, filled with spell-laden enchantments, proudly displayed its worth.
‘Finally, it’s beginning. First, I need to pass the entrance exam…’
While enjoying the soft embrace of the feather-lined backrest, my mind drifts back to a conversation I had with my teacher a few days earlier.
“Is there an entrance exam?”
“Of course. Do you think the Academy is someone’s pet? It’s a place that nurtures talents across the Empire, so you need to prove a basic level of skill.”
Damn, I fell for it.
In the original game, the story began with an Academy opening ceremony, so I never knew there was an entrance exam.
Had I paid closer attention, I would’ve easily found this out. I trusted too much in the knowledge from my past life.
Apparently, mandatory education isn’t even a consideration in this infernal fantasy world.
“What about the difficulty level?”
“Difficulty, you say? The method is somewhat special. Though it varies slightly by department, it’s essentially a contest where you demonstrate your talents.”
Apparently, this was different from what I knew about the conventional meaning of “examination.”
There are around five or six examinees per department who display their talents in front of judges. For example, to enter the Department of Combat, you showcase your swordsmanship in a sparring match, while for the Department of History, you might engage in a debate about historical records.
For me, someone who grew up under the K-Test system, this test format was both fortunate and unfortunate in a confusing way.
“Even if you fail in a sparring match or a magical activation, it’s about showing your potential. Regardless of winning or losing, just show off what you’re most confident about or something that stands out.”
The thing I do best…
“Our Young Master’s ‘that’ invention guarantees a guaranteed pass! Honestly, I’ve met many unique people, but someone like you, Master, is the first.”
‘That’ is a fighting style I developed based on my memories from my previous life.
It sounded common, but apparently, no one else in the continent’s history has thought of it in the same way. My teacher even claimed it would be the ultimate counter for all combat-oriented mages.
“Surely Cecilia will pass, right?”
“Are you kidding? Word is that even the attending physician of the Count’s residence begged to recruit her as his apprentice because of her talent.”
After just a year, Cecilia has impressively displayed endless potential, living up to her title of “universal talent.” Her recovery speed and scope have greatly improved through weekly visits to the Red Scorpion Guild to practice her divine power. Alongside private education in medical skills from the attending physician, Cecilia has transformed into practically a reincarnation of Florence Nightingale, a goddess of healing.
“The important thing isn’t Lady Cecilia, but you. Already your image is tarnished due to rumors. You’re planning to display ‘that’ in front of everyone? It’ll get loud and make your life difficult.”
“…”
“Milord, what are you thinking about?”
Lost in thought about the upcoming Academy entrance exam, I was snapped out of it when Ria spoke from the seat opposite me.
In a year living in our mansion, Cecilia has grown from an adorable girl into an elegant young lady, eating well, resting well, and receiving a lot of affection. While she was always cute, I initially viewed her as a promising younger cousin, but now, she feels more like a close female friend who is becoming more beautiful every day…
Due to the strict dietary restrictions at the duke’s residence for education purposes and the high stress levels, her growth was stunted. However, with the love and care of our family, her suppressed development blossomed, giving her a more mature figure than her age suggests.
I can’t even count the number of times I’ve nearly lost myself upon encountering Ria in her pajamas in the mansion.
“Ah, no… I was just thinking about whether I can pass the exam.”
“Milord, I know you’re strong. You’ll undoubtedly pass with ease.”
“I hope so. I heard that you’re going for the Medical Department, right?”
“Yes, my healing abilities are still a secret, but studying medicine in detail might make my divine power even more effective in the future.”
By the way, I’ve decided to enroll in both the Department of Combat and the Department of Magic. While choosing the Department of Magic is fitting for me, considering future encounters with the Evil God and his followers, learning professional combat skills will be beneficial.
The Department of Combat focuses on mentality in combat, basic martial arts, grappling, and physical enhancement—curriculum primarily based on body-centric combat.
I considered swordsmanship as well, but I feel more comfortable relying on my robust body rather than swinging a chunk of steel.
“I heard our examination venues are opposite each other. Your exam will take place indoors, while mine will be held in the outdoor training grounds.”
“Looks like we won’t meet until evening.”
“I wanted to take the test with you…”
Ria’s disappointed expression made her lower lip protrude slightly as she muttered. Since living at the mansion, her tendency to show such childlike whims around me has only grown stronger. Her personality has become brighter, and she clings to me more often. Coupled with her physical development, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep my wits about me. Even here, inside the carriage, she finds excuses to sit next to me or use my lap as a pillow, claiming that she’s tired.
After collapsing from overworking herself last year, I had tried to keep some distance, but that plan quickly failed. Now, I’m powerless to resist her advances and find myself being dragged around wherever she goes.
‘Sigh… can I really graduate from Academy in 3 years?’
*
The Hebrion Academy, known as the second capital of the Empire.
Covering an area the size of a small city, the Academy campus naturally evolved into a territory with large commercial districts developing around the central Academy building. With infrastructure rivaling the capital, and significant support from the Empire, which prioritizes the cultivation of talents, the Academy is quite prosperous.
“Amazing… I’ve never seen such a large building before.”
“I already knew this.”
The Academy building was exactly like the one I saw in the game.
Bigger than the magic school where the glasses-wearing boy with a lightning scar on his forehead studies, the cost of this institution makes my skin crawl just imagining it.
“There are so many people here. Truly, the finest Academy in the continent?”
“That’s why the entrance exams will last an entire week.”
The entrance examination spans an entire week. Monday through Wednesday, tests are conducted across various venues with 3,000 examinees tested per day, and then the Judges and professors review the results over three days, announcing the final list on Sunday. As today is Tuesday, this is the second day of the tests.
“Well then, I’m heading this way.”
“Alright, Milord! See you later!”
After exchanging words of encouragement with Ria, I headed toward the examination venue for the Department of Combat.
CLANG! CLING!
“Haah! Haa!”
The distant sounds of battle cries and metal clashes signaled that I was approaching the exam location.
“Hello! Are you an examinee?”
“Yes. Here is my admission certificate…”
“Yes~ Please wait a moment~ Your name is Rab Netoire?!”
The registrar, fumbling with a tablet-like device to verify my identification, paused in surprise at the name written on my certificate.
“Lord Rab Netoire! Please wait in that lounge, you will be called shortly. The test follows an 8-person system, and two random candidates will duel. The outcome of combat doesn’t significantly affect the result, so please focus on showcasing your talents!”
“Yes, thank you.”
The registrar, who regained composure quickly, must be quite professional.
“Is that him? What’s he doing here?”
“He should stay locked in his fief. This Academy is becoming subpar, really…”
“…”
Noticing the volume of the murmurs, people around me began to recognize who I am, and whispers were spreading.
But I paid them no mind.
Their words wouldn’t leave even a minor scratch on me, and contrary to their expectations, I will pass this exam with pride today.
