Chapter 403
by post_apiChapter 403: The Test
Just as Magic Rainbow had anticipated.
Though startled by the appraisal results, the middle-aged woman before her soon regained her composure.
“I see. No wonder the town lord and Guild President hold you in such high regard. At such a tender age, not only have you mastered multiple types of magic, but your personal rank is also remarkably advanced…”
“Ah, I nearly forgot to introduce myself. I am Ada, the Vice Dean of this academy. You may address me as Mrs. Ada.”
Ada tapped her finger on the two letters lying upon the desk.
“I’ve reviewed the letters—everything appears in order. Regarding the tests for students and instructors… while I anticipate no issues, I should still witness your capabilities firsthand.”
“What does Madam propose, then?”
Magic Rainbow inquired with a smile.
While Ada had been appraising her, Magic Rainbow had likewise observed the Vice Dean’s Attribute Panel through her Identification skill.
This individual was a high-level Class B member of the human race, commanding more spells than Magic Rainbow’s current disguise permitted.
If this represented the Vice Dean’s strength, the Chief Mage must surely be at least Class A?
“My proposal? Quite simple: cast the low-tier Fireball spell at me.”
Ada continued, her tone matter-of-fact.
“If both potency and precision meet our standards, you shall gain entry to Rollo Magic Academy.”
“Is a mere Fireball truly sufficient?”
“Naturally. Employing higher-tier magic would reduce my study to ruins.”
“Your study? Madam intends for us to cast spells here?”
Even a basic fireball posed risks within this confined space—a single misstep could ignite the desk or carpet.
Magic Rainbow couldn’t conceal her surprise.
“Precisely. Set your concerns aside and direct the fireball at me.”
“…Very well.”
Seeing Ada’s unwavering resolve and Hank’s silent amusement, Magic Rainbow offered no further objection.
“Demon One, Demon Two.”
“Yes, Aunt.”
Demon One stepped forward first.
Extending her right hand toward Ada—who had risen from behind the desk—she felt her crimson left eye faintly glow. Simultaneously, scorching heat surged before her palm as a bowl-sized fireball materialized instantly.
The flame shot forth without delay, whistling toward the middle-aged woman whose lips curved in a faint smile.
The Vice Dean casually lifted her magic wand from the desk’s edge and gave a slight flick. A translucent barrier shimmered into existence around her.
Instead of exploding upon impact as anticipated, scattering embers across the room, the fireball behaved unexpectedly—it seemed absorbed, melting gradually into the transparent shield. Ripples of energy spread across the barrier’s surface before dissolving completely…
“Magic Transform Shield: a specialized defensive spell that theoretically converts any assault into energy, channeling it to reinforce the caster’s own barrier.”
Ada explained.
“So you need not worry that even a single spark will fly out when fireballs strike this shield, nor that this study might be destroyed by flames.”
“Magic Transform Shield… what an extraordinary defensive spell! But if an attack carries excessive energy, might it fail to absorb it entirely?”
Magic Rainbow paused briefly before posing the question thoughtfully.
“Precisely.”
Ada cast an appreciative glance her way.
“However, provided the opponent’s rank isn’t significantly superior to your own, the Magic Transform Shield can still neutralize the bulk of their assault.”
After this supplementary explanation, Ada nodded toward Demon One.
“Your Fireball demonstrates commendable power and precision. Evidently, young lady, you practice magic diligently. You’ve passed and may advance directly to the second year.”
“Next then…”
The middle-aged woman shifted her gaze to Demon Two.
“Mrs. Ada, I haven’t mastered Fireball. Would Windball suffice?”
“Oh?”
Ada narrowed her eyes at her.
“Certainly. Different individuals excel at distinct magical disciplines—some struggle profoundly with fire spells yet master others effortlessly. Proceed with Windball.”
Demon Two nodded and likewise unleashed Windball magic.
A swirling sphere of wind coalesced midair before hurtling forth to collide with Ada’s Magic Transform Shield.
The tempestuous gale dissolved seamlessly into the shield, vanishing as pure energy.
It appeared the claim held merit; this Magic Transform Shield might genuinely nullify all assaults.
This place was indeed the right choice… Magic Rainbow reflected silently.
Ada now nodded approvingly at Demon Two’s attack, which matched Demon One’s in potency, and declared her passage.
“Your turn, Miss Magic Rainbow.”
“Very well…”
The silver-haired woman nodded and prepared to launch a Fireball like the others when Mrs. Ada raised a hand.
“Miss Magic Rainbow applies for an instructor’s post, unlike these young students. We shall assess her differently.”
“Differently? How?”
“Hehe, let Hank spar with you.”
Ada smiled faintly and gestured toward the youth observing nearby.
“Me? Wait—Mrs. Ada…”
“Objections?”
“N-no, merely astonished. You know I fight unreservedly in actual combat… I may be unable to restrain myself…”
“Restrain yourself? Hehe, I suspect Miss Magic Rainbow will be the one showing restraint, not you.”
“Wh-what?”
“Why the surprise? With two such exceptional nieces, their aunt can hardly be inept in battle. Moreover… Hank, your rank remains beneath Miss Magic Rainbow’s.”
“What?!”
The young man finally betrayed his shock, staring incredulously at Magic Rainbow.
Though uninvolved in teaching, counselor Hank securely held the academy’s third-highest rank and power. Considering his youth, he stood as the faculty’s foremost magical prodigy.
He was Mage Merleau’s sole disciple, widely regarded as among the likeliest to challenge Chief Mage Merleau within his lifetime—potentially even claiming the title of premier mage.
While others believed this, Hank himself—intimately familiar with Merleau’s might—doubted he could ever surpass his mentor.
Regardless, discovering Magic Rainbow surpassed him in rank… this revelation left him profoundly astounded.