Within the Mages Guild, the evaluation tests for ranks below Grand Mage are generally similar, primarily focusing on testing a mage's control over the elements and their destructive power in practical application. The assessment grounds are the same; only the targets within the arena are swapped based on the difficulty level.
For instance, the Intermediate Mage evaluation applied for by Rorschach Knuckle only required him to destroy a sufficient number of Level 3 targets within a set time limit, while Midir would have to face Level 5 targets.
The evaluation of elemental control is judged by the staff on-site, with specific conditions added during the test depending on each individual's elemental affinity.
Because high-level targets are expensive to produce, they are not kept out at all times to avoid unnecessary wear and tear. Thus, Rorschach's evaluation was scheduled before Midir's.
When the group arrived at the testing grounds prepared within the association, three mages residing in the association had already arrived at the edge of the arena to serve as examiners.
Viewed from the outside, the testing area was a medium-sized circular hall, tightly sealed by various defensive arrays. Targets of different sizes and shapes were placed throughout the hall.
Without much preamble, the examiners gave a brief introduction of the general situation before activating the circular arena before them.
“Rorschach Knuckle, step forward and prepare to begin your test,” one of the older examiners called out his name directly.
Rorschach Knuckle responded, deliberately straightening his luxurious robes. As he passed Midir, he let out a contemptuous snort before finally entering the hall.
“Do you think he can pass? I'm not very familiar with this test,” Aila asked the other three, leaning somewhat lazily against a nearby railing and glancing sideways at Rorschach, who had already entered the arena.
However, besides Midir, who was clueless about everything, the other two were swordsmen and were also visiting for the first time.
“Hard to say... although he's a notorious playboy and his talent isn't top-tier, he's still quite prominent in the circles of young nobles. Otherwise, Duke Knuckle wouldn't dote on him so much,” Blake answered slowly, seemingly waiting for Midir to speak.
“Don't look at me, it's my first time here too. He's about to start,” Midir shook his head and pointed toward the arena.
“Rorschach Knuckle, listen closely. Your test condition is to destroy at least ten obsidian targets within five minutes. Your elemental affinity is the highly destructive fire element, so there will be corresponding obstacles. Furthermore, your control over the fire element must demonstrate at least three different forms and applications, and you are not permitted to use any amplifying items or weapons. Do you have any further questions? If not, let us begin.”
As the examiner's voice fell, the protection arrays of the entire testing ground began to emit a faint glow. The black targets scattered throughout the room seemed to receive a summons, slowly rising from the floor and beginning to move irregularly within the hall. A golden hourglass appeared at the ceiling of the hall, beginning the countdown.
Rorschach Knuckle did not underestimate the test. After a brief moment of gathering power, he opened by aiming at a black target and releasing a thick fire pillar.
However, the evaluation process was certainly not that simple. When Rorschach's fire pillar struck the target, blue light surged from the target's surface, forming a shield of water element that added an extra layer of resistance to the attack.
When the fire pillar hit the shield, a large amount of steam erupted. One side of the arena was instantly obscured by white mist, causing Rorschach's movements to falter.
After a few seconds, as the steam gradually dissipated, the slowly moving target reappeared in everyone's sight. Its black body was completely unscathed, though the magic array floating above it had dimmed slightly.
Seeing the target's condition, Rorschach Knuckle calculated for a moment. He didn't rush to continue his assault but instead began to chant an incantation in a low voice.
Once the incantation was finished, the fire element around him began to change. It was no longer a straightforward attack like before; it took the shape of a bird, bypassing the array in front of the target to explode from behind.
Under the bombardment of the fire element, the target, now stripped of its array's protection, immediately showed several cracks and became unsteady, though it wasn't destroyed outright.
Seeing his attack was effective, Rorschach felt a secret joy. After consecutively casting the fire bird magic three times, he finally succeeded in destroying one target.
By then, nearly a minute had passed. Growing anxious, Rorschach began to chant a more powerful incantation. Under his control, the fire element changed form again, turning into a long fire snake.
The fire snake slithered up and coiled around three targets at once. As the high heat touched the arrays in front of the targets, bursts of steam were instantly released. However, the bound targets could only gradually crack under the constant depletion. After holding out for a short while, they turned into a pile of shards on the ground.
Although the results were remarkable, the fire snake had consumed a significant amount of Rorschach Knuckle's mana, leaving him somewhat out of breath. He had to take a brief rest before starting a new round of attacks.
Just as the hourglass above was about to run out, the panting Rorschach managed to destroy the tenth target.
“Rorschach Knuckle, you have passed the Intermediate Mage evaluation. Time: four minutes and fifty-one seconds. Congratulations.”
As the examiners' voices announcing his success reached him from outside, his tense body finally relaxed. The continuous high-frequency output of mana had left his unconditioned body drenched in sweat.
After making some adjustments, Rorschach walked out of the testing room, reassuming his arrogant posture. His attendants quickly surrounded him, offering towels and fresh water while busily showering him with fawning compliments.
“Master Rorschach, you were truly too strong! A mere Intermediate evaluation was no challenge at all!”
“Those people over there were probably stunned, right? You should know that a mage evaluation is much more difficult than those common swordsman evaluations.”
“Come rest, Master, and watch them make fools of themselves for a good laugh.”
Hearing the flattery from his attendants, Rorschach Knuckle was delighted. He looked toward Midir and the other three with an overbearing gaze.
“Did you see that? Passing an evaluation is a simple matter for this young master. You better do your best, old man. The evaluation you applied for is much harder than mine. I expect you're going to lose every bit of that wager!”
Midir merely looked at him calmly and said, “You wasted too much effort just now, squandering a lot of energy for nothing. Also, your body is too weak. You're this exhausted after less than five minutes of mana output? What would you do in an actual battle?”
“You! You bastard!... cough, cough, cough”
Rorschach was so stifled by Midir's response that he choked on a mouthful of water. Already feeling unwell, he nearly vomited, and his attendants hurriedly patted his back to help him catch his breath.
Just as he was about to get up to argue, the examiners walked over again, looking at Midir. “Are you certain you wish to take the Grand Mage evaluation? You didn't specify your affinity on your form. Which element do you intend to test? We need to set the examination content for you.”
“Is it fine as long as I pass with any one element? If so, then don't bother with anything complicated. I'll do the same as him,” Midir said, pointing to Rorschach, who was still coughing nearby.
“You're choosing the fire element as well? That is fine, but the difficulty will not be on the same level as his evaluation. You should think carefully, young man.”
The older examiner frowned slightly, seemingly dissatisfied with Midir's casual attitude.
“It's fine. This will do,” Midir said before turning and walking into the evaluation hall.
Rate on N.U.
