Chapter 402

Chapter 402: Target

Magic Rainbow conversed further with Hank on their way.

Though not as adept as Red Pupil at instantly befriending everyone, she excelled in both listening and speaking. Combined with her appealing appearance… within a short span, the white-haired girl was already chatting and laughing with this counselor.

She also gathered some intriguing information.

For instance, the Magic Academy had relatively few students, divided across three grades with one to three classes per grade.

Students in each grade must gain approval from at least three teachers overseeing that grade to complete their studies and advance to the next level.

Among the three grades, the first served as an introductory level. Currently comprising three classes of about thirty students each, graduation required acquiring and skillfully utilizing one type of magic, with no restrictions on its tier.

The second grade represented an intensified level, presently consisting of one class with over thirty students. Graduation demanded mastering three or more types of magic, including at least one intermediate-tier spell.

The third grade constituted an advanced level, also with one class but only around a dozen students. To graduate, students must master ten or more types of magic—including at least three intermediate-tier spells—while attaining preliminary proficiency in one advanced or special-type magic.

Graduating from the third grade proved exceptionally challenging. It was common for students to repeat the year multiple times, with many ultimately abandoning graduation and leaving the academy.

However, those who succeeded—aside from noble graduates seeking prestige—would receive generous royal offers to serve the kingdom, particularly talented commoners.

Beyond details about grades and classes, Magic Rainbow obtained information regarding the faculty.

Rollo Magic Academy employed over thirty teachers, each with distinct teaching styles. Yet all covered magical fundamentals, common knowledge, and practical applications, ultimately guiding students toward greater mastery.

Hank elaborated thoroughly on the faculty for Magic Rainbow.

He appeared familiar with the two letters’ contents, having seen the town lord and Guild President’s effusive praise for her.

Currently, the highest-ranking instructor at Rollo Magic Academy was the Vice Dean. Reputedly a Class B high mage, he alone held qualification to examine new teachers.

“What about the Dean?”

Magic Rainbow inquired abruptly with curiosity.

“The Dean is naturally our kingdom’s Chief Mage—Master Merleau.”

“Master Merleau must be the mightiest mage in our kingdom?”

“Undoubtedly.”

“But… should a stronger mage emerge? How would such a situation unfold?”

“Heh, any mage confident of surpassing Master Merleau may challenge him. But first, they must defeat our academy’s three strongest teachers. If they cannot overcome even one… well…”

Hank gave a cold chuckle.

“That would constitute not a challenge, but an insult to Master Merleau—punishable by severe penalty.”

“I understand.”

Chief Mage Merleau of the kingdom…?

Butler Philid had mentioned him back in Aowenduo Town. Not only Chief Mage, he also served as the supreme palace mage guarding the royal household. Beyond magical research, his foremost duty was protecting the royal family’s safety.

Magic Rainbow’s eyes flickered slightly.

“So defeating Dean Merleau would grant one leadership of the Magic Academy and the title of Chief Mage?”

“Generally… yes. Though for decades, no mage has bested Master Merleau. Indeed, these past ten years, none have even faced him in direct combat.”

Hank answered reflexively, then paused strangely and turned to gaze at Magic Rainbow behind him.

“Why do you ask that, my lord?”

“Of course, it’s because I wish to defeat the kingdom’s strongest mage and take his place.”

Magic Rainbow offered a faint smile at Hank’s question without betraying any other emotion.

“Is it strange? Isn’t this the goal pursued by most mages?”

“Well… that is indeed true.”

Hank paused momentarily before nodding.

Yet inwardly, the young man disagreed entirely.

This woman only dares say such things because she’s never witnessed Lord Merleau’s power, he thought while shaking his head.

“But this isn’t my ultimate purpose in studying magic.”

“Oh? Then what is?”

Hank raised his eyebrows once more.

“The path of magical learning has no end. Even eminent figures like Dean Merleau continue their magical studies to this day, do they not?”

“Naturally. Not even Lord Merleau can master all existing magic, let alone the countless spells recorded in ancient texts or those yet to be invented.”

“Precisely. This constitutes another reason I seek employment as an instructor at your esteemed academy.”

Magic Rainbow chuckled softly, seeing no need to conceal her objective since honesty would raise less suspicion.

“As the kingdom’s premier Magic Academy, Rollo Magic Academy surely possesses a collection of magical texts whose quality and quantity wouldn’t disappoint?”

“Hehe, on that matter—we house the capital’s largest library! Our compendium of magical literature is unsurpassed. Rest assured, Miss Magic Rainbow, you shan’t be disappointed in that regard. However…” Hank’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You appear remarkably confident, seemingly unworried about the impending teaching qualification assessment?”

Magic Rainbow smiled without speaking.

She then approached a room’s entrance.

Hank knocked, and upon hearing “Enter,” he ushered the three women inside.

The room resembled an expansive study where a bespectacled, robe-clad middle-aged woman sat behind a desk. Only after Hank entered did she set down two letters she’d been holding.

Squinting, she scrutinized the three newcomers.

Under her gaze, a peculiar sensation arose—Magic Rainbow felt a sudden internal shift.

This was the feeling one got during an identification.

The matron possessed the skill 「Identification」.

But with her sustained 「Disguise」 skill active, there was no fear of exposure.

To this observer, Magic Rainbow would register as a mid-level Class B member of the human race.

Meanwhile, Demon One and Demon Two would appear as two high-level Class D girls—a tier deliberately discussed with Simon and Philid to seem impressive yet plausible.