On the day of the second round of the test, Fíliya and the crowd of mages who had passed the first round followed the examiner, Sense, arriving at the entrance of a massive labyrinth.
Fíliya glanced around; there were indeed a few new faces, but they were all existences she wasn't particularly interested in, so she paid them no further attention.
"There is only one condition for passing the second round of the test, and that is to conquer this [Ruins of the Royal Tomb]."
Sense's words slowly drifted into everyone's ears, and immediately, someone raised an objection.
"The [Ruins of the Royal Tomb] has never been successfully conquered to this day. Even many powerful adventurer parties have only found their graves here... Are you planning to let no one pass the test?"
"What did you say?"
Before Sense could even speak, Miss Fíliya, whose sister-protecting instincts had flared up, spoke first.
"You brat, you don't seem to understand what [First-Class Mage] means. A so-called [First-Class Mage] is someone who stands at the pinnacle of sorcery. For a [First-Class Mage], turning the impossible into the possible is a quality one should naturally possess... So, if you don't want to take the test, you can piss off at any time."
Fíliya spoke casually. Given that her exaggerated performance in the first round had long since spread, no one dared to stand up and refute her.
Watching the [Return to Normal] Fíliya, Frieren silently revealed a faint smile, thinking to herself that she was indeed more accustomed to this version of her.
"Umu, that is correct. If one wishes to become a [First-Class Mage], one must accomplish extraordinary things."
Sense nodded in strong agreement, the cowlick atop her head swaying gently; it seemed she was very satisfied with Fíliya's support.
"Then... how do we [Prove] that we have conquered the labyrinth... is bringing out the treasure inside enough?"
A big-sister type character with a very gentle voice spoke up slowly.
"Proof is unnecessary, because I will be accompanying you all to the deepest depths. Of course, during this process, I will not raise a hand to help you clear the dungeon."
Sense looked around as she spoke, and seeing that no one objected further, she continued to add:
"By the way, everyone take one of these bottles."
As Sense spoke, she manipulated her hair to distribute many small bottles, about the size of a fist, into the hands of every mage present. Inside those bottles were individual, muscular, magnificent golems.
"Hmm? This is... oh... Old Man Lernen's creation? He really does like making this sort of thing."
Fíliya held the bottle in her hand, playing with it for a moment before casually stuffing it into her pocket.
"This is the [Emergency Escape Golem], developed by the First-Class Mage Lernen. When you encounter danger, as long as you shatter the bottle, the golem inside will rapidly return to its normal size and then carry you to escape the labyrinth."
Sense explained the purpose of the bottle to the mages present in a calm tone. Immediately following that, a smile began to appear on Sense's face.
"Although once you use this golem bottle, you will be judged as having failed, please remember that nothing is more important than life. I will not allow talented individuals to die here. After all... I am a [Pacifist]."
"So please, do not try to be brave. Once there is a danger you cannot handle, you must use it decisively."
Sense winked playfully. Of course, this expression was sent entirely towards Fíliya.
"Then I announce, the test officially begins."
After Sense's voice fell, the air seemed quite awkward for a moment.
After all, no one had any intention of stepping into the labyrinth immediately, so everyone here was in a stage of hesitation.
"Lord Fíliya."
At that moment, the very wealthy [Imperial Mage] Denken led his squad toward Fíliya.
"Hmm?"
Fíliya turned to look at him, though she could guess the purpose of Old Man Denken coming to find her without even asking.
"During the first round of the test, that communication magic we experienced... seems very suitable for application in this kind of situation."
"So?"
Fíliya looked at him with some boredom.
"Mm, this old man believes that this second round of testing still does not require mutual competition. Everyone should cooperate fully, exploring the labyrinth separately. With the support of that communication magic, no matter which team encounters danger, other teams can quickly provide support. Only in this way can the passing rate be guaranteed to the greatest extent."
Denken slowly voiced his own thoughts. Although that communication magic was maintained by Edel and Frieren, Denken was very clear on who the person capable of making the decision actually was.
"Mm, what you say makes a lot of sense, but... I refuse."
Fíliya immediately extended her index finger and wagged it at Denken.
"Denken, you seem to have misunderstood something. I am not your nanny, and my goal has never been [To let more people pass the test]. I stood up during the first round because I personally couldn't stand that examiner's methods. But as for this second round... just as Sense said, if you want to become a [First-Class Mage], you have to face a genuine trial. I don't want to see scenes of people with clearly no ability managing to get carried to a win."
This round of testing had the [Homunculus in the Bottle] golem distributed by Sense. As long as the bottle was shattered, one could rely on the golem to escape, so Fíliya couldn't be bothered to care about other people's affairs. In any case, no matter how severe it got, it wouldn't result in death.
As Fíliya spoke, she cast a glance at Edel. Seeing no reaction from her, Fíliya waved her hand again, finally snapping Edel out of her daze, who then trotted all the way to her side.
This action was, of course, because Edel had absolutely no independent survival ability, so Fíliya decided to exercise a [Double Standard] and stand up to protect her.
Who asked this child to be her mentor in mental magic right now? Protecting one's own [Teacher] is a disciple's bounden duty, right?
Immediately after, Fíliya directly took Edel, turned around, and walked to Sense's side.
Fíliya and Sense walked toward the interior of the labyrinth, and seeing that someone had finally stepped forward to enter the labyrinth, the other squads also stood up one after another, taking steps toward the labyrinth.
"Frieren... why isn't Fíliya walking with us?"
Fern pursed her lips, her expression seeming a bit unhappy.
"Because of that examiner. She seems to be Fíliya's sister."
Frieren replied with a calm expression.
"Then let's set off too. Such large labyrinths are rare to see... I hope we find some good things."
Frieren smiled, grabbed Fern's wrist, and charged into the interior of the labyrinth.
"By the way, for this round of the test, are there no extra conditions?"
Fíliya walked shoulder to shoulder with Sense, while Edel very [Tactfully] fell behind the two by a body's length.
"None."
Sense's answer was concise.
"Is that so..."
Looking at Sense's profile, Fíliya felt lost in thought.
No extra conditions. That means Sense—no, it should be said that Serie—believes this labyrinth is enough to pose a threat to me... This is very strange. A labyrinth capable of threatening me and Frieren... wouldn't that be a bit too difficult for her squad? But seeing that Sense hasn't provided extra help to other squads... Mm, I just feel very concerned about it. However, this should be a very interesting adventure, right?
Thinking this, Fíliya suddenly reached out and held Sense's hand.
"!?"
Sense froze.
"Mm... haven't taken a walk holding hands for a long time... suddenly wanted to try it."
Fíliya explained with a light chuckle.
To this, Sense just nodded and didn't say much more; their pace remained as steady as before.
Watching this scene, Edel felt a bit conflicted. Her face completely red, she thought... I came to participate in an assessment, you know... What are you two doing? In broad daylight... simply shameless. And there's a bystander right here, okay?! But clearly, unless they really encountered danger, Miss Fíliya would selectively and temporarily ignore her existence.
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