Before implementing PLAN B, Liyakade had to keep an eye on Alice and continue accompanying her through the other two exams. Although Alice’s magic power seemed weak, Liyakade needed to ensure that Alice wouldn’t suddenly have an unexpected surge during the test.
After all, Alice was the protagonist in the original story, and her rate of improvement was terrifyingly fast. At first, she was just a minor character who couldn’t even inflict damage with magic attacks and only knew how to heal. But by graduation, she had become a formidable presence, even able to go toe-to-toe with the Demon King.
If Alice suddenly experienced a power surge during the Magic Power Test and Liyakade failed to stop it, Alice might achieve a higher score, and Liyakade would have to face Irina Zi-sama’s wrath.
Led by the Mage Teacher, Liyakade and the others followed their class into a large hall and randomly took seats in a row. Other students settled in as well, while the Mage Teacher and Grade Director stood on the stage at the front of the hall. At the center of the stage sat a translucent crystal ball emitting a faint blue glow.
The Magic Power Test consisted of two phases. The first phase tested the raw amount of magic power, which was simply done by using the crystal ball. This part was relatively straightforward.
The second phase tested the power and control of magic—in other words, target practice. The students’ scores were determined by the damage they caused to the targets.
The second phase accounted for 70% of the total Magic Power Test score. The Academy favored practical combat skills, and after graduation, many might join the Magic Bureau, where practical abilities were even more critical. No matter how much magic power one had, it was useless if they couldn’t wield it effectively.
As the Mage Teacher called names one by one, students stepped onto the stage, placed their hands on the crystal ball, and their attributes and levels were judged by the color and brightness the crystal ball emitted. The Mage Teacher recorded the data in a small booklet.
From the test, Liyakade noticed that most students’ levels were between LV.10 and LV.20, with a few single-digit exceptions, but those were rare.
Liyakade didn’t know her own level but was confident she was strong.
“Princess Field, please come up.”
Soon it was Field’s turn. Liyakade inwardly scoffed at the strict hierarchy among nobles. Even though the person was a student, the teacher had to add “Your Highness” after calling Field’s name and speak with utmost respect.
“Liyakade, watch closely,” Field warned Liyakade before stepping onto the stage.
“Watch closely… yeah, right. When it comes to numbers, I’m definitely stronger,” Liyakade mumbled quietly. Field was already too far away to hear.
Field gently placed her hand on the crystal ball. Instantly, the crystal ball glowed red, a brilliant crimson light shining brighter than any student before her.
“Hmm, very good.”
The Grade Director nodded, casting an approving glance at Field.
“LV.32,” the Mage Teacher announced, recording the number in the booklet.
“Thank you for the compliment, Director,” Field bowed formally.
“Alright, you may return.”
Back at her seat, Field looked at Liyakade smugly.
“So, what do you think? LV.32. Feel my power yet?”
“Y-yeah, Princess Field, you’re incredibly strong,” Liyakade replied perfunctorily.
“Hey!” Field immediately caught the half-hearted tone. “Why can’t you give me a serious answer?”
“Well… Princess Field is still a bit behind me. Keep working hard.”
“You brat!”
As Liyakade and Field bickered, the name “Alice” was called from the stage again.
“Alice!”
“Alice-chan, it’s your turn. Don’t be nervous, go for it,” Liyakade encouraged before Alice stood.
“Okay, I’ll do my best!”
Alice nodded resolutely.
After Alice stepped onto the stage, Field complained to Liyakade, “Why do you encourage Alice but say nothing when it’s my turn?”
“Ah, well…” Liyakade hesitated, thinking to herself that Field was no ordinary third princess. Her royal upbringing made her extremely perceptive, quickly noticing Liyakade’s special attention to Alice. Liyakade hadn’t realized she’d revealed her hand.
“Because… because Alice is just so cute, and as kind as an angel. Isn’t it normal to care more?”
Liyakade stammered, but seeing Field’s face darken further, she panicked and swallowed nervously, glancing aside. “Well, I was watching Princess Field closely too, quietly cheering for you.”
“Really?”
Field’s expression softened.
Liyakade sighed in relief. She hadn’t expected Field to notice such a subtle detail that suggested Liyakade’s ill intent toward Alice. If Field used this as leverage to find evidence, Liyakade would be doomed.
“See, I told you Princess Field is stronger than anyone else in the class. LV.32, right? If you keep this up, you might even surpass me and Sistem Lord,” Liyakade added quickly. “So keep it up, Princess Field. I’ll keep being your sparring partner.”
“Hmph, that’s more like it,” Field snorted, then pressed further, “So if Alice is an angel, what am I?”
“Pft… cough cough cough…” Liyakade almost spat blood. She hadn’t expected Field to keep pushing. She regretted saying that in the first place. “You’re… also like an angel.”
“Hm?”
“No! Wait!” Seeing Field’s face darken again, Liyakade quickly backtracked. “Like… like I fell asleep.”
At a loss for a better answer, Liyakade tilted her head back and closed her eyes.
“Liyakade!”
No matter how much Field shouted, Liyakade remained pretending to sleep.
After all, you can’t wake someone pretending to sleep.
On the stage, Alice had already begun her test. When she placed her hand on the crystal ball, its glow changed from before—it shone with a faint golden light.
“LV.5,” the Mage Teacher recorded Alice’s level.
“Are you the Light Attribute user among the first-year students?”
The Grade Director asked kindly, rubbing his graying beard with a gentle smile.
“Yes.”
“Although your current level is low, the Light Attribute surpasses the four basic attributes and is particularly effective against the Demon Race. If demons attack in the future, you will become an indispensable asset to us. I believe you will grow very strong,” the Grade Director patiently encouraged Alice, not looking down on her low rank. “Alright, you may step down.”
“Thank you, Director!”
Alice’s spirits lifted slightly after hearing the encouraging words, though her test results had been disappointing.
However, as Alice turned to leave the stage, a faint yet dangerously intense aura flashed briefly in the Grade Director’s eyes.
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