Chapter 80: His Test (1)

Drip drip drip

A midsummer shower poured outside the restaurant where Epherene, depressed, nibbled on her food.

Why does life sometimes go awry like this? I cant go back in time to fix this.

If despair comes, one would think the hope to overcome it would swiftly follow afterward, but reality is never that easy. There can never be enough compensation for this much melancholy.

She twirled her chopsticks around her food and eventually dropped them on the table. Teardrops were welling in her eyes.

Whats wrong? Isnt it delicious? Sylvias maids, Lete and Endell, were flustered. The steak was delicious enough for them.

She only likes a certain pig. Sylvia ate her meal nonchalantly. It didnt matter to her whether it was rice balls, fried rice, pigs, or cows.

Why Why did it have to be today Epherene murmured, her misery caused by the [Pigs Flower]s decision to not open today.

She thought about the reason behind it as hard as she possibly could but nevertheless couldnt figure it out. In the end, she decided to ask Julia about it later.

Stupid Epherene. Sylvia stood up. Her lips curved upward, finding the evening quite satisfying.

She didnt have the strength to respond.

One of the three maids left the shop with Sylvia, and the other two remained behind; they sat and talked to Epherene, who looked exhausted.

This is a first.

What?

My ladys never brought a friend over before since her mother passed away.

Ah Epherene smiled bitterly.

The truth was, Sylvia was so famous that most information about her and her family was public. Hence, people from the tower and even ordinary undergraduate students at the university knew that Sylvias mother had passed away.

Such was the problem that accompanied fame.

So, you dont know how happy I was when Ms. Epherene came. You even willingly went all the way to the mansion.

Ahaha it was indeed voluntary, but

She was actually just hanging around its vicinity when she was dragged inside because she looked conspicuous. After that, the attendants treated her so well that she even took a shower without realizing it

No, really, this is the first time. Everyone finds the lady difficult to handle, but she even twisted your nose. Thats never happened before.

I-is that so?

Of course~ Thats why we were wondering if you could continue being friends with Lady Sylvia in the future as well?

It was hard for Epherene to answer that request. They werent aware of it, but the relationship between Iliade and Luna couldnt even be considered good.

Cant you?

What? No, no, we should get along well, of course.

Grinning, Epherene picked up her fork and knife and started eating the steak again.

*****

Sylvia came back home before the evening grew too deep since she had a lot to prepare. Deculeins test was already next Friday, after all. There was also her application, which she deemed in need of revisions.

Daughter.

However, in the middle of the mansions unlit living room, an unexpected guest was waiting for her.

Glitheon.

Oh. My Lord, when did you

Lete, go outside.

It was a rather cold atmosphere. Even the air itself felt heavy.

Ah Okay. I understand.

Lete was worried but soon went outside, leaving the young lady behind.

Sylvia approached him and tilted her head.

Whats the problem?

Glitheon tapped the application form on the desk silently, causing Sylvias eyes to widen.

Why did you look at it without my consent?

She rushed to take it, but her hard-faced father blocked her.

Are you really thinking of applying to be under Deculeins command?

Yes. Only for six months.

Glitheon clenched his jaw as he stared at his younger daughter, who looked exactly like his deceased wife.

Sylvia. I had hoped you would grow up only listening and seeing the good of the world, unlike me.

His gaze moved to his wifes picture frame at the corner of the living room.

She passed away a long time ago, but Sierras smile remained radiant in the photo.

The conflict between the Magic families. The providence of the cold-blooded beasts known as wizards. I thought it was too early for you to learn of such a world.

Glitheons expression slowly collapsed.

He wasnt acting.

Even though he sometimes did, he couldnt suppress the emotions currently flaring up within him.

What do you mean?

Do you know about the history between the Yuklines and the Iliades, Sylvia? Do you know of our ill-fated relationship with them?

She didnt answer. Having taken off his usual mask, he became unfamiliar, which scared her.

He thoughtlessly stared at her as she took a step back.

Sierra.

The name of her mother, the person she loved the most in the world, caused her shoulders to faintly tremble.

She was a beautiful woman and a good mother. I was undeserving of her.

He stood up and approached her. Grabbing her shoulders to prevent her from running away, he looked into her eyes.

Listen carefully, Sylvia.

Though he looked like he was chewing something, he continued speaking clearly.

Your mother was was killed by the Yukline.

Her eyes widened slowly, her fathers fury forming on her growing pupils.

At that moment, her world felt as if it was moving away from her, abandoning her. Sylvia couldnt hear anything but the fearful beating of her heart. Glitheon no longer seemed like himself. Rather, he looked more like a raging flame.

Deculein killed Sierra.

Those words brought her back to her senses, reminding her she was no longer a child. She shouldnt be paralyzed by fear.

Our families have that kind of relationship. You should know that

Liar.

He stopped talking, realizing there was already some faith inside Sylvias mind.

She pushed away his hand that grabbed her, causing his expression to distort.

I know. I know the reason why mom left her hometown.

What?

Mom hated dad.

Sylvia.

But dad lied then, too.

Glitheon smiled hopelessly.

Deculeins face came up in his mind, looking like he was the only noble of any importance as he looked down on the world itself.

And the Yukline before Deculein, that fucking cunning serpent.

Their whole family incited his fury.

Ill ask him myself.

Her tone was gelid.

He cant claim my words to be false.

He looked at Sylvia, who grew suspicious of him. She stared at her own father like something was wrong with him.

Like Sierra did before.

After youve asked him yourself, youd know how stupid youve been!

He tore Sylvias application apart as he roared.

Up until now, he had never shown this side of his to his child.

Shocked, Sylvia bit her lips.

Once you feel it in your heart, youll know.

He then left the mansion, opening the front door, seemingly with the intention of breaking it. The restless servants outside could only bow to him.

Glitheon ignored them and went straight to his car.

itll be alright.

A small voice flowed in from a crystal ball in his possession. Breathing deeply, he replied, I let my guard down. No matter how peaceful the times are, I should have honed her character harshly.

Isnt that too cruel an education, brother? Shes still a child. It would be difficult for her.

Ha.

He thought about his past. At only seven years old, he almost became a tigers meal, and when he was thirteen, he was coerced to kill his best friend. At twenty, he went to war and lost his mother.

If you cant overcome that much, youre not an Iliade.

Glitheon didnt blame his fate.

Instead, he considered hardship and suffering were the Iliades essence. Their ambition was a rage that engulfed their entire lives like firewood incinerated by hellfire.

You dont have to worry. Sylvia wont disappoint me. Even if she makes a mistake once, shed eventually soar again.

Just like that, the anger in Glitheons eyes slowly subsided

*****

Friday, early morning.

Kuuuuung~

Yawning, Epherene went out of the dormitory.

She had now completed most of her exams, including mandatory subjects such as [Destruction Series Utilization] and [Assistance Series Transition], and even liberal arts subjects such as the [History of the Empire] and [Pursuit of a Crime].

As far as she knew, she perfected all of them.

The only one left was Deculeins [Understanding Pure Elements].

Its the most important of them all.

The final exam for a 5-credit class. She couldnt even put the value of it into words.

I shouldnt screw this one up. Even if I get A+ on three other tests, it wouldnt be enough to cover up for such a demerit. For the Solda exam and the professors recommendation, I have to at least get 2nd place

Solidifying her determination, she saw yellow hair in the distance.

No, yellow felt lackluster and insufficient to describe its elegance. Sylvias hair was that special.

Its sparkle was a mixture between pure gold and sunlight, its luster flowing naturally like a waterfall.

The Iliades blonde hair, one of their symbols, was the most beautiful in the world. Men and women of all ages envied them for it.

Sylvia!

Epherene called her name as she approached her. Sylvia flinched, her face showing her usual disdain.

Today Huh? Whats wrong with your face?

Sylvias current look startled her.

She was haggard. Dark circles enveloped her eyes, and her cheeks were hollow.

Did you do poorly on the exams? No, its not that. You got a perfect score on everything. The rumors are already going around.

She silently brushed past the dubious Epherene, but she continued to tail her.

40th floor, right?

They rode the elevator together, with Epherene pressing the button for the 40th floor. Even then, she didnt say anything.

Are you ignoring me? This upsets me. Youre not even going to say, Arrogant Epherene?

She pouted in disappointment.

Every 10th floor of the tower was known as special floors . They were normally off-limits to Debutantes.

Among them, the 40th floor was an artIficially made natural landscape called Locale Forest.

Ding!

The door of the elevator opened, the scene catching them by surprise.

Before them was a forest that stretched as far as they could see. Its vegetation gave off a fresh color, and the broad sunlight shone down on it brilliantly.

Wow So this is a special floor.

The two stepped inside the forest.

After some walking, they could see the debutantes. Among them were nobles like Lucia, Beck, and Jupern and the members of the commoners club.

Ifi!

Julia!

Epherene ran and hugged her subconsciously. The nobles stared at them, but they paid them no mind.

You discovered it too, Julia!

Yeah! I barely did, though. It took me about two weeks, I think?

As they exchanged conversations, Epherene glanced at Sylvia. She looked like nobody in this space interested her.

Nice to meet you.

Startled by the familiar voice, the debutantes straightened their postures.

On top of the forests hill, Deculein looked down at them.

Congratulations to the one hundred seventeen debutantes here for finding the examination ground.

Sylvias vacant gaze on him caused Epherene to shake her head with a bitter smile.

The theme of todays test is the fusion of theory and intuition.

That theme was difficult no matter what angle they looked at it. The wizards swiftly became nervous, but they maintained their focus.

Ive said this before, and Ill repeat it as many times as I have to. Without theory, intuition wavers, and without intuition, theory is just an empty shell.

Deculein cast [Ductility], creating a luxurious chair out of a mixture of soil and wood.

His magic never ceased to amaze their beholders, no matter how many times they witnessed it.

In this forest, magical disasters capable of making your theoretical and intuitive skills tremble will occur from time to time. Your goal is to complete your tasks without wavering. Allen?

Deculein sat on a chair after providing instructions, at which point his assistant professor appeared. He was smiling as always, but he somehow looked exhausted.

Okay, everyone, take your test papers~

[1. Manifest and seal the three spells recorded below by order.]

[2. Gather and seal the eight attributes of pure elements.]

[3. Describe the mana phenomenon that you have observed in the Locale Forest.]

[4. Interpret and manifest the following mana catastrophe.]

[5. Demonstrate the reactivity of the following pure elements in this place.]

A total of five questions.

Epherene sighed as soon as she saw it. The other wizards reacted no differently from her.

However, mental management was more essential at times like this. What she found difficult was also difficult for others. She needed to adhere to that mindset now more than ever.

Some magic may need materials to manifest, but you can get all of the requirements here. Be careful, however! The Locale Forest is a special floor! Theyre labeled as such due to the dangers they possess!

What about the time limit for the test? Epherene asked.

Achooo!

Allen sneezed once before answering.

Ah, excuse me. Anyway, theres no time limit! Moreover, if danger arises, ask Head Professor Deculein for help~

He then hopped up the hill, spread a piece of cloth beside Deculein, and modestly sat down on it.

Professor~ would you like a cup of tea? Epherene heard a somewhat tiny voice asking.

*****

Sylvia, sitting by the riverbank, glanced at the Head Professor on top of the hill. He was reading a book as always.

Deculein killed Sierra.

Glitheons words played back in her ears endlessly.

Every time she looked at Deculein, her fathers rage-filled expression overlapped with his image.

Sylvia shook her head.

A lie.

Im sure its a lie.

Sylvia repeated that line in her head over and over again.

Perhaps the Iliades and Yuklines bad relationship was true, but the rest had to be a lie. Her father always exaggerated and fooled her anyway.

Test.

Focusing on the test, she crouched down and looked at the questions.

Tak!

A cold pain soon hit her head, however.

Ah.

Applying pressure to the painful section on her head, she looked up, finding hail pouring from the sky.

She quickly built a tent to counter it.

[1. Manifest and seal the three spells recorded below by order.]

She began to solve the first problem earnestly.

Manifest and seal the three spells.

It wasnt difficult.

However

Ill ask him myself.

He cant claim my words to be false.

My head hurts.

Sylvia tearfully murmured as she caressed her head.

Her conversation with her father refused to go away.

Deculein, her muse, was within her sights, albeit standing afar.

The one she yearned for Perhaps even liked.

Her father told her he killed her mother.

Why?

Thats right.

You got a perfect score this time again, Sylvia.

Sylvia nodded despite her troublesome thoughts, deciding to ask him after hearing those words from him at the end of the test.

At that point, she thought he would definitely say it was a lie, allowing her to tell Glitheon that there was a misunderstanding.

I can do this.

Making up her mind, she resumed answering the first problem.

It was too easy for someone of Sylvias caliber, but only 5 minutes later, she realized that she missed a crucial point.

Ah.

[1. Manifest and seal the three spells recorded below by order.]

Contrary to the instruction, Sylvia fused the three spells.

Ironically, that mistake was due to her talent and mana being too brilliant.

The reaction of three mid-scale magic being merged abruptly was obvious.

No

Paaaaaaaaaa!

Her spell, a combination of the wind and water elements, released a powerful and magical water torrent that immediately swept her away, giving her no time to escape.