As the new year arrived, the Landmark family embarked on a new journey.
It was Jiro’s turn to take the entrance exam.
The school in Sugoella’s city was the best in the southeast, attracting numerous nobles from the neighboring areas.
Tauro, the eldest son, had excelled in the exam two years ago.
Now, it was Jiro’s turn.
Although he might not top the charts like Tauro, everyone hoped he would achieve good results and pass.
… Is everything okay?
Jiro finished the exam with a hint of unease.
Having been taught by his mother Cecile, Jiro felt a glimmer of hope during the written test.
However, the school attracted not only nobles from the southeast but also wealthy individuals and talented commoners from the south and east.
He tightened his focus as he approached the practical exams, knowing it wouldn’t be as smooth as the written test.
In the magic exam, he showed his best healing magic and appealed the best he could do, but the examiner was surprised at his ineptitude, but he was not bothered and kept at it until the end.
In the martial arts exam, he excelled in swordsmanship, spear handling, mace usage, and hand-to-hand combat—his preferred genres.
However, it seemed the examiners intentionally let him win, even putting on a surprising performance.
The lack of resistance left him disheartened, especially since martial arts were his strong suit.
The day after Jiro returned from the exam, Ryu expressed concern to his father Farza.
“Jiro-onii-chan doesn’t seem well since he came back from the exam.”
Concerned about Jiro’s lack of energy, Ryu popped into the office to ask his father Farza.
“It seems the exam didn’t go well overall. He felt a sense of accomplishment only in the written test, coincidentally, a subject he learned from Cecile.”
Farza also sighed, perhaps worried.
“What? The one he claimed to be his least favorite, the written test?”
“The topics happened to align with what he learned from Cecile. He mentioned that was the only positive aspect.”
This was an unexpected turn of events.
Jiro believed he could match Tauro in magic and martial arts, so the concern was minimal.
However, on the exam day, nervousness might have hindered him from showcasing his true abilities.
This was Jiro’s first experience, and Ryu couldn’t help but worry about him.
“Well, there’s no use worrying about something that’s already over.”
Ignoring the serious faces of the two, Leanne spoke candidly.
“That’s true, but…”
Leanne’s words were reasonable.
However, they needed to consider Jiro’s future path.
If he failed, should they send him to another school, or should he wait a year and try again?
The school in Sugoella’s city allowed applicants under twenty years old, so waiting for another year wasn’t unusual.
Many students took that route.
Jiro wished to attend the same school as Tauro, so recommending him to wait a year might be a suitable option.
Farza and Ryu decided on that approach, but Leanne interjected.
“You both should wait until the results are announced. He hasn’t failed yet. Let’s hope for the best.”
Indeed, seeing Jiro’s dejected state, it felt like he had already failed.
However, the outcome was still unknown.
The worst-case scenario might be provisional acceptance, and they shouldn’t give up hope.
With a glimmer of hope, the Landmark family prayed for Jiro’s success.
On the day of the announcement, Jiro and his escort, Sebastian, visited Sugoella City.
After the announcement, there were procedures that the individual needed to handle, hence the necessity for their presence.
Applicants from distant places usually stayed in the city from the exam day until the announcement.
During this time, the usually lively city was enveloped in an unusual atmosphere of excitement.
Passing the exam added prestige and enhanced employment prospects after graduation.
However, if one failed, it was the end of the road.
All the candidates were desperate, including Jiro.
Finally, the list of successful candidates was posted on the bulletin board in the square.
Candidates surged forward, clutching their exam tickets.
Jiro found himself in the midst of the crowd.
He searched for his number, but crucially, it was not there.
Jiro was dismayed.
No, there’s still the waiting list. It should be posted last.
Hoping for a miracle, Jiro checked the waiting list, but again, his number was not there.
Jiro felt like crumbling.
Then, Sebastian tapped Jiro’s shoulder.
“Jiro-chan, please look at that.”
Sebastian pointed in a direction where a notice read.
“Top Scorer: Number 2801, Jiro Landmark.”
Yes, Jiro had not only passed but excelled among all the candidates.
