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Aresia’s visit this time was primarily to observe the strength of her new teammates.
Honestly, as newcomers to the elite level, their skills in both magic and warrior classes are significantly lacking.
The strength of the new magic users is questionable; not because the lack talents in their magic skills—it’s about their direct involvement in real combat.
On the warrior side, there are individuals with the skills of entry-level fighters. They’ve trained hard, and even though they lack experience, they’re not to be underestimated.
The teammates chosen by Jorgus are truly exceptional among their age group. Outside this circle, even an ordinary adventurer with orthodox training might struggle against them.
Their coordination is impressive, each playing their role with seamless harmony. What truly impresses Aresia is their teamwork training; despite not officially joining. It feels like four people working together to protect their mage teammates, instilling a sense of belonging and a strong protective instinct.
“They are excellent teammates,” Aresia remarked to Karina. “Let’s schedule a time to join their training for developing synergy; it’ll be crucial during the upcoming trials.”
Karina frowned. “I’m not confident in my combat abilities.”
Despite having some proficiency in spatial jump incantations, she lacks considerable offensive power. While she can cast fire and water spells, their effectiveness is limited.
“We shouldn’t solely rely on our combat abilities. Let’s focus on practicing coordination first; improving our strength will come eventually.”
“We have two months; during this time, let’s put effort into refining your spatial jump practice. Don’t neglect other magical skills; your affinity for fire magic isn’t bad.”
Typically, specializing in non-complementary magic is not recommended. However, Karina’s situation seems unique. Not being taught spatial magic, choosing an appropriate magical specialization is crucial; failing this exam is not an option.
Karina hesitated, “Should we ask professor Alvin again?”
Karina, possessing an aptitude for spatial magic, had reported this to Alvin. Aresia suggested waiting a bit longer before reaching out again.
Observing a few individuals practicing nearby, Aresia mused, “The testing is the teacher’s responsibility. It’s their error for not seeing your true magic ability.”
In Holy Lotean’s Empire, children undergo two aptitude tests: at seven and fifteen. This examination, overseen by the Empire, aims to identify one’s innate abilities, particularly magical ones. Even children from the lowest classes, including slaves, participate. Those lucky enough might reveal magical talents, even among the enslaved.
At fifteen, another test follows. Normally, those not tested at seven might undergo a spontaneous awakening, but beyond fifteen, the chances diminish. Aptitudes that surface late often face rejection due to the strict age boundaries. This second test is managed by the school responsible for administering the exams.
Aresia, before Karina’s magical stone examination, inquired about the teacher conducting her assessment, a rather straightforward query due to the need for the teacher’s signature.
The teachers at the Royal Academy are numerous, responsible for different tasks. The one handling the assessments is from the admissions office, a mage and a noble.
Mages, with their proud disposition, are highly sought after. They receive funding and are willing to teach. However, the number of teachers is low. Even the Royal Academy had to pay a high price to secure teachers, especially the high-level ones. Lower-level instructors receive less attention and significantly lower treatment. Many vie for these positions.
Beyond regular teaching duties, there’s a group responsible for maintaining the academy’s magical barriers and trial grounds.
The Royal Academy, located within Holy Lotean’s city, conducts trials outside the city in a forested hunting ground. Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent powerful magical creatures from interfering with the trials’ safety.
Aresia discovered that the teacher conducting Karina’s test was responsible for maintaining the academy’s combat arena and trial grounds.
The crucial point, however, was learning that this teacher held grudges and was notably strict. If Karina were to commit an infraction, the school wouldn’t let it slide; this teacher would likely hold a grudge.
He himself was a noble, though without the official title. His father was a viscount, a figure of significance in Holy Lotean’s city. Aresia assessed his strength, different from Karina’s background. While he held the title of count, her parents were ordinary individuals with magical abilities, lacking in business acumen. Their family had gradually fallen into decline compared to the teacher’s family, Karina’s family was significantly less influential.
At this moment, it was challenging to discern whether he will harbor resentment towards Karina if ever it was known that he a noble makes mistake in assessing Karina’s magic aptitude test.
“Don’t worry too much. I’ve heard that this person will leave at the end of this period. Once they’re gone, when the next period begins, then we can resume our discussion,” Aresia assured her.
Karina was well-informed about the school’s happenings. Karina nodded, seemingly trusting Aresia’s judgment.
Aresia hadn’t been consistently involved in the training of Jorgus and the others. Initially, it appeared as standard physical training. However, Aresia then directed Karina to the magic training area for fireball spell practice. With little progress in spatial jumping, focusing on already established magical skills without slacking off became essential.
It was now mid-May, and Holy Lotean’s air had gradually warmed up. As time passed, the heat intensified on the training ground. Karina, drenched in sweat, persisted in her training until her magical energy depleted entirely. Exhausted and disregarding her appearance, she collapsed for a rest, only stopping when Aresia intervened.
Assisting Karina to a seated position, Aresia comforted her, saying, “I’ll take you to the dormitory. When you’re ready, continue your practice. It helps in enhancing your magical abilities.”
Karina, drained and unable to speak, felt the depletion of her magical energy but recognized the effectiveness of this break time’s restorative effect. She nodded faintly.
Aresia guided Karina aside, nooded to Jorgus, and escorted Karina back to the dormitory.
Karina’s roommate was present. Aresia requested her to look after Karina before leaving for the magic laboratory.
Aresia’s efforts to attend to Karina had indeed consumed a considerable amount of time, but she didn’t feel rushed.
She remained in the laboratory for a while. She managed to get her meals from the cafeteria—both lunch and dinner—while working.
By early evening, Aresia returned to check on Karina, who had seemingly recovered from her fatigue and was eager to resume training. Aresia showed her concern but reminded her, “Don’t overdo it. Jorgus and the others should be training now. If you need anything, find them. Rest if you’re tired; don’t force yourself.”
Karina smiled in acknowledgment, urging Aresia to attend to her other duties quickly.
Despite initially intending to spend a brief time in the laboratory, a teacher responsible for the laboratory interrupted Aresia’s work in the afternoon. There was an unexpected visitor.