Brat nr. 2's POV:
It's time to do this. I've gone through hell training for this selection. If I don't win, I'm dead. I spent countless hours practicing with that maniac over the last month. I have to do this or else.
The spellcaster selection is rather simple, you have the students cast the highest ranked spell they can, and whoever casts the highest tier wins. If there are multiple winners, then they have us fight single matched duels to determine the one with the best combat skills.
Last I checked. Most students at the academy are either at the 1st or 2nd tier, with the highest being the three 3rd tier magicians in this school. 2 of them are third years, while the last one is a second year like me.
"Hey! Out of my way trash *ptooey*!" He said as he pushed me over and spit on me.
Speak of the devil. The 3rd tier spellcaster in the second year would be my half-brother Suzuki Haruto who just spat on my face.
"Why is trash like you still here? There is no way you think you can compete for a spot at Walpurgisnacht, right? Even scum like you should realize how pointless that would be."
"Whatever." I said as I got up from the floor.
*Bang*
*gag*
Just as I was standing up, Haruto punched me in the stomach, making me almost throw up my lunch.
"Just stay on the ground! Thats where you belong!" He said as he walked into the testing room.
The test was being held in the same location the mad professor gave all of class 2A a beating last semester. The practice arena was filled with arrogant first years who didn't know any better, and a handful of reckless students who always show up to stuff like this. The reason why I call them reckless is something that became apparent over the last month.
*BOOM*
"AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" The student who had just called up to cast a spell screamed, as his arms were blown up.
Before entering this competition, you have to sign a waiver just in case of serious injury. The reason this became part of the requirements to enter is because there are always some reckless mages who think they can just scale the wall into the 3rd tier because they're either idiots or got lucky one time while practicing a 3rd tier spell.
*Bang*
Occasionally, when practicing a new spell, there is a chance you could succeed at casting despite making a mistake. It's reliant on a number of factors like the environment, the specific structure of the spell, or even just how much and how fast you shove energy into it. These are just flukes, that some overconfident mages like that guy who just lost his arms sometimes mistake for the real deal. A real 3rd tier magician has to be able to cast his spell successfully more than one or two times to be considered a 3rd tier magician.
*BOOM*
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"
The main reason why there are so few mages in this academy that have reached the 3rd tier is because just like that guy who lost his arms or the girl who lost her leg just now, attempting the transition to third tier could cause life threatening wounds. There are very few who have the guts to even attempt it, and even fewer who don't get maimed in the process.
*Bang*
"I did it!" a new year said as he cast a 2nd Tier Water Shot that fired a blast of water.
*BOOM*
"Top that losers" My brother said as he fired the 3rd tier spell Fire Ball at the training dummy.
"Suzuki Haruto, Fire Ball, 3rd Tier!" The professor in charge of judging the event announced.
I was up after my brother. I don't know how this will play out, but I don't really have another choice.
*CRACKLE*
*CRACKLE*
*CRACKLE*
Just as I cast my spell, a flash of light lit up the arena as a lightning bolt extended from my hand and moved through one target dummy to the next. The spell was called Chain Lightning and it's a 3rd tier spell I have been practicing over the last month.
"Suzuki Shinji, Chain Lightning, 3rd Tier!" The professor announced after my spell.
"YOU CHEATED!" I could hear my brother yell from behind me.
"Suzuki Haruto, please refrain from disturbing the other contestants!" the professor said.
"THAT GUY WAS BARELY A 1ST TIER HALF A YEAR A GO! ITS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO EVER BECOME A 3RD TIER IN THE FIRST PLACE, SO HE MUST HAVE CHEATED!"
To think I'd reach the 3rd tier in my lifetime. That was something I never imagined possible half a year ago. Heck, I didn't even think I was going to live that long, but for some reason, my health suddenly started improving. The entire world I knew was turned upside down.
"Suzuki Haruto! If you do not have any proof to back your claim, then I suggest you keep your thoughts to yourself, before I exclude you from the selection process!" The principal said, as he suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and approached me.
"You are that student that odd new professor presented me a couple of months ago, right?"
"If you are referring to the bo-! I mean Professor Sun, then yes, I am!"
"What was your name again young man?"
"Su-! I am Shinji, Sir!"
"Young Shinji! Would you be so kind as to give us another demonstration?"
"If I must! Though I don't know if my mana reserves will last until the final round if I do."
"That will be fine! The last round of the spellcasting division won't be held until tomorrow."
I nodded at the principal and moved to cast the spell again.
*CRACKLE*
*CRACKLE*
*CRACKLE*
Just like before, the spell hit the target dummy before the lightning jumped to the dummy next to it and the one next to that.
"Chain Lightning is a 3rd tier spell that fires a bolt of electricity that will move from one target to the next. While its power and area of effect diminishes the farther away a target is, its speed and paralyzing effects more than makes up for it. I wasn't sure before due to the unexpected power from this altered version seeing as you managed to hit three targets from that distance, while it would normally only hit two at most, so I asked you for a second demonstration. I apologize." The principal said to me before turning to address the audience.
"I can confirm it is a legitimate 3rd tier spell! There were no mistakes in the spell, nor was any magic item or enhancements used to boost his abilities! I judge this young man to be a legitimate 3rd tier magician, who will proceed to the second round!" He said before turning back to me.
"Hm? I was initially skeptical of your professor's claim after seeing your student file. But it seems there must have been a mistake somewhere. That professor Sun, odd as he may be, he has quite the eye for talent." After saying that the principal returned to the spectator seats.
"You better enjoy this while it lasts, because tomorrow your dead!" my brother said to me before leaving.
I looked up at the spectator seats to see that mad professor, but instead I saw a mannequin with lipstick giving me two thumbs up, sitting where he was only moments ago.
"Pft!"
While trying to keep in my laughter I left the practice area to go recover my mana for tomorrow.