Grade Assessment (3)
TL/ED: Lolz
Magicians tend to have individualistic tendencies.
The Mezai class, in particular, had a clear tendency in that direction, but this assessment was an exception.
“Is our class not the worst?”
“…It’s a bit embarrassing.”
On the final day of the grade assessment, as it was wrapping up, no clear achievements were seen from the Mezai class.
Ian did manage to catch the attention of some keen-eyed scouts, but that was only from the spectator’s standpoint.
“If Lina were here, it wouldn’t be like this.”
The absence of Lina Rosewell, the most anticipated candidate, due to disciplinary action, played a significant role. Her return was scheduled for the last day of the assessment.
In reality, it was evident that the Mezai class would become the subject of ridicule at the academy for some time.
— Miss Danya Catsnesia.
The announcement of the last participant in the Mezai class.
Until Danya Catsnesia’s name was called, no one paid much attention to her.
Danya’s grades were below average in the Mezai class, and except for Ian, she had no friends.
Moreover, there were virtually no expectations for Danya, who struggled even with handling mana, to shine in this assessment.
Therefore, Danya received little attention until she stood in front of the assessment device.
— A Grade test passed.
Her assessment didn’t end even after surpassing the A grade.
Even after filling the A grade, the gauge went beyond the level by half.
Danya’s internal mana was said to be at the A+ grade level.
Amidst the momentary surprise, the assessment venue became noisy.
“Danya, weren’t you at the bottom when you entered?”
“Your mana quantity was never above C grade.”
“You had difficulty handling mana and couldn’t use magic properly, right?”
“…Does that make sense?”
The excitement that started in the Mezai class soon spread to other areas.
Sharon, who immediately achieved an S grade, was impressive, but Danya Catsnesia’s performance had a different kind of significance.
Originally, the grade assessment event highlighted the growth of the underdogs who were behind. Danya’s growth, who previously showed the worst grades after entering the academy, became quite an intriguing topic.
Even the instructor managing the assessment approached her.
“Danya, it seems you’ve put in a lot of effort. Well done.”
“Uh… Th-thank you.”
However, Danya was visibly flustered.
Although she felt a step of growth after absorbing the elixir Ian gave her, she didn’t expect it to be to this extent.
Indeed, the elixir was an elixir, but originally, the favorable combination of the earth attribute and the grass elemental element was notable.
After all, grass signifies life sprouting from the earth.
Danya, being with Ian, had inadvertently received a growth buff.
Although the exact extent was unknown, it was evident that Ian had a significant impact on her development.
Except for becoming Ian’s companion, there was nothing else that had changed from before.
Danya immediately rushed towards Ian.
Turning her head to conceal her embarrassment, she mumbled.
“T-thank you, nyah.”
◆
— With this, we’ll conclude the first stage of the grade assessment. The next stage is ‘Mana Control’, scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at this location…
The first day of the grade assessment came to an end.
Students, who had gathered at the assessment venue, left in confusion through the chaotic exits.
In the midst of it, there was a group of students glaring at Danya Catsnesia and Ian Blackangers.
“That cat girl is stealing the spotlight that should be directed at Sharon Pierce.”
“The main character of this grade assessment should only be Sharon Pierce.”
“Captain, do you intend to leave that girl alone?”
“We can’t bear with it. We need to show the power of our Sharon Guard right away.”
“Besides, isn’t she somewhat related to that guy? Let’s bury them together!”
The unkempt-looking students all wore badges symbolizing the Knight Department.
They were members of Sharon Pierce’s personal guard, essentially Sharon’s unofficial fan club.
“Everyone, calm down.”
A blond student sternly spoke up.
The leader of Sharon Piers’ guard, Lukasic.
Although he tried to restrain his subordinates, his expression was far from pleasant.
Recently, he was not pleased with Sharon getting involved with Ian Blackangers for various reasons. Now, the addition of someone like Danya was further hindering Sharon Pierce’ future.
Even though he tried to endure, there was a limit…
“Captain, by the way.”
“What is it?”
“These guys even lingered around the sacred physical training ground last time.”
Lukasic bit his lip.
“Deal with them.”
◆
Ian walked towards the exit with a satisfied expression.
Although his mana grade was lower than expected, it was within his predictions.
Furthermore, collecting that amount of perfectly refined mana was a better result than anticipated.
And Danya’s performance by his side.
‘This is enough for the first day.’
As he exited the assessment venue, a group of students called out to Ian.
“Hey, you cat over there.”
In reality, it would be more accurate to say that they confronted Danya.
‘Their remarks are truly trash.’
With such thoughts, Ian turned his gaze towards the voices.
Several students stood there, emanating a force reminiscent of extras playing villain roles.
“Are you the owner of this pet?”
Judging by their sneering laughter directed at him, it seemed they were aware of him.
Meanwhile, they blocked Ian and Danya’s way, adopting an overtly threatening posture, as if challenging them to a fight.
“Interfering with Sharon’s path, which is left after the award ceremony, you guys are beyond forgiveness.”
“Did you think you could mess up the plan and escape?”
“Make sure they can’t even make a peep around Sharon from now on, educate them perfectly.”
The guys seemed ready to attack, but Ian briefly interrupted their flow.
“Aren’t you guys knights?”
“That’s right!”
“Isn’t someone fighting one against many like this tarnishing the honor of the Knight Department?”
“How cowardly! Accept the duel honorably.”
“Cowardly?”
Ian’s expression changed momentarily.
“Look at us, three of us confronting me and a single girl. On the contrary, there’s no need to explain your bodies. Three bulky muscle masses surrounding us and challenging us to a duel. Isn’t that downright cowardly?”
“Shut up!”
But Ian relentlessly pressed on without giving them a break.
“In essence, what you’re suspecting is this.”
“Tell us, for now!”
“That we are drawing attention while having less ability than Sharon Pierce.”
“That’s right!”
“It’s truly pathetic. Isn’t there anything better to do in the Knight Department?”
“You b*stard!”
The members of the Sharon Guard grumbled.
“If that’s the case, let’s show it clearly.”
“…?”
“That I am overwhelmingly superior to Sharon.”
“That’s not possible!”
“Is it?”
“What?”
Since the next measurement was mana control, and to prepare for the upcoming events, it was necessary to leave a strong impression on the Academy.
Considering the situation, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to deal with them a bit.
“Levitation.”
A moment of silence passed.
Then laughter erupted.
“Levitation? He says he’s going to levitate?”
“Hahaha! Does he think he’s some grand magician?”
“This b*stard is calling for a show!”
And one of the members of the guard, perhaps interpreting it as a provocation, rushed forward.
‘How about I get a good deal out of this?’
While checking the state of affairs with a sidelong glance, Ian noticed a professor observing them, seemingly expecting him not to be hurt.
“What’s going on here.”
Suddenly, a chilling voice was heard. Sharon Pierce made her appearance.
It seemed like they were on the path to the Knight Department building.
“T-these guys were obstructing Sharon’s reputation work…!”
“Is that a problem? Rather than that, I don’t understand why you’re so concerned about my popularity and reputation.”
“T-that’s because there are certain circumstances. Moreover, that guy was bragging about showing levitation, so we, as members of the Knight Department, couldn’t just let it slide.”
“… Levitation?”
Sharon turned her gaze towards Ian.
As soon as their eyes met, Sharon’s eyebrows furrowed.
“Levitation is impossible. You were just swindling with absurd stories, Ian Blackangers. You’re quite shameless.”
“What do you mean by swindling?”
“Don’t play dirty tricks and mock me. In any case, your fate will soon be decided by the disciplinary committee.”
The Disciplinary Committee.
Ian was already aware that it was right around the corner.
Provoking Sharon like this was one part of preparing for the disciplinary committee.
“What if I show it? What will you do?”
Her eyes, as if looking at something pitiful, scanned Ian.
“To levitate, the combination of magical power and physical strength must be precisely zero. Do you claim that someone like you can achieve such a high-level control? It’s something only a 5-star magician can do. Do you insist you’re a grand magician?”
In essence, Sharon, who originally despised Ian, had a frigid tone in every word, as cold as her appearance.
Simultaneously, the excited members of the guard burst into laughter.
“Levitate? Let’s see him do it.”
“I bet a copper that he won’t last a second.”
“A second? Ridiculous. I’ll bet my entire fortune that he’ll collapse the moment he goes up.”
The guys laughed endlessly as they mocked Ian.
Instead of provoking Sharon, Ian grinned and teased them.
“Fine. I’ll join in with the betting. I bet 1 gold. How about it?”
“There’s no way you have that kind of money…!”
Ian rummaged through his pockets and tossed a gold coin.
It was practically his entire current capital, partially cashed out for Christina’s joint research.
Flipping it, Ian barely held back the corners of his mouth that were about to rise.
Levitation.
It might be infinitely challenging for these guys.
‘But I’m different.’
If a few conditions were met, levitating in the air was not that difficult. Couldn’t stand for a second? Well, he believed he could float all day.
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