The next day, the exams officially began.
The first trial, the Mana Value Test, was held in a large indoor hall at the academy. A row of transparent crystal orbs was arranged in the center of the hall.
The proctor announced, "Place your hands on a crystal orb. It will display your mana value. A score of 80 or higher is a pass. Begin!"
Candidates stepped forward one by one.
"79! Fail!"
"92! Pass!"
"105! Pass!"
Most of the successful candidates had mana values fluctuating between 80 and 110.
"Next, Aila!"
Aila walked up and placed her hand on an orb.
*Vmmm!*
The crystal was instantly filled with a brilliant blue light, and a clear set of numbers materialized: 145!
"Wow! 145! That's so high!"
"She's a genius!"
A murmur of astonishment rippled through the crowd. The proctor also nodded in satisfaction.
"Next, Ethan!"
Ethan stepped up and placed his hand on the orb. The crystal lit up, the numbers flickered, and finally settled on "120."
"120, pass," the proctor noted with a nod. The score was quite impressive among the average candidates, but it seemed less remarkable when compared to Aila's 145. Their two new friends, a boisterous young man named Ron and a burly, quiet one named Buck, also passed with ease.
After the first trial, they were led to a fenced-off section of the forest outside the city for the second trial.
The proctor this time was a stern-faced middle-aged mage. "The second trial is a practical combat test. The rules are simple: in teams of four, you will kill a magical beast. Failure means elimination. You are responsible for your own injuries. Begin!"
Ethan, Aila, Ron, and Buck were assigned to the same team. The beast they had to face was an Ironhide Boar, a Level 2 creature known for its thick hide and powerful charge.
"Everyone, be careful! I'll get its attention!" Ron shouted, launching a blade of wind. Unfortunately, it only left a shallow white scratch on the boar's thick skin.
"My turn!" Buck roared, charging with his axe. He brought it down on the boar's leg, but the massive recoil sent him stumbling backward.
Aila, however, remained calm and began to chant. A moment later, a water arrow shot out, striking the boar squarely in the eye!
The beast squealed in pain, roaring in fury.
*Now!*
Ethan seized the opportunity. With the boar's attention fixed on Aila, he lunged from the side, dagger in hand.
*Basic Fireball!*
The fireball, now enhanced by his 0.6 combat power, struck the wound Aila's arrow had created, scorching the flesh. The boar, completely enraged, turned and charged at Ethan! He nimbly dodged aside, sinking his dagger into the beast's flank as it passed.
The battle raged on. With the four of them working in concert, the tough-hided boar was gradually worn down.
Just as it was on the brink of death, the boar went berserk. In a final, desperate charge, it ignored the others and hurtled straight for Aila! She had just finished casting a spell and was in a brief moment of magical depletion, leaving her no time to dodge!
"Aila, watch out!" Ethan yelled. Acting on pure instinct, he threw himself in front of her, using his own body as a shield.
*Rip—!*
The boar's tusk grazed his arm, drawing a spray of blood. But Ethan, gritting his teeth against the pain, twisted his body and plunged his dagger into the boar's throat with all his might!
"Oink..."
With a final mournful squeal, the boar collapsed.
"Ethan, are... are you okay?" Aila asked, still shaken, as she rushed to his side. "Thank you for saving me!"
"It's nothing, just a scratch," Ethan grinned, though his arm was screaming in pain. "We passed."
The proctor gave a single nod. "Pass. Prepare for the third and final trial: the Mana Affinity Test."
Just then, a powerfully built man with a full beard and a rugged face emerged from behind the proctors. He wasn't wearing a mage's robe but practical, tough-looking attire, with a heavy longsword hanging at his waist. His eyes were as sharp as a hawk's. He walked straight to Ethan and looked him up and down.
"Kid," the man said, his voice deep and gravelly. "What's your name?"
"Ethan."
"I saw that fight," the bearded man said, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "Your magic is crap, but your skill with that knife... no, it's not skill. It's a kind of beastly intuition."
"At a critical moment, you didn't run. You protected your comrade and delivered the final blow with everything you had. You've got guts. You're a born warrior."
Ethan was taken aback, not expecting this kind of attention.
"I am the academy's Chief Sword Instructor, Reno," the man said. "A mage's body is fragile, but a mage who can handle close combat is a nightmare for any enemy."
He clapped Ethan on his injured shoulder, the force making Ethan wince. "Focus on passing the rest of your exams, kid. If you get accepted, come find me at the West Training Grounds."
Without another word, Instructor Reno turned and strode away.
Ron and Buck were stunned, then swarmed Ethan, clapping his other shoulder. "By the gods! That was 'Reno the Raging Lion'! The toughest instructor in the entire academy! He actually invited you!"
Aila looked at Ethan with a strange new light in her eyes. Mixed with her gratitude, there was now a clear glint of admiration. Hearing his friends' praise and feeling Aila's concerned gaze, Ethan found that the burning pain in his arm didn't seem so bad after all.