Episode 135. The Extraction Test (1)
‘It’s about to start.’
Monday, before daybreak, Rubin lay in bed wide awake, waiting for the upcoming military education exam.
‘The testing center was called Arpeggio Hall, right?’
This is what the head of the education department, Pondrian, overheard in Kension, so it must be true. If that’s true, then the selection test starts from the dormitory.
‘The first stage of the test.’
As far as Rubin knows, the first step of this test is to take the cadets’ souls. Once the sleeping cadets are confused, they will be sent into the testing room.
And there, the nine-stage test that Haneke had created would be conducted one after another. It was a survival method where those who were eliminated would remain and only the survivors would advance.
‘First, I have to catch the examiners’ attention.’
That was Rubin’s first plan to destroy the magic tool.
That was when.
Kwakwakwakwang!
A huge roar echoed throughout the Rhapsody dormitory. All the sleeping cadets woke up with a start.
“What, what, what!”
Oscar jumped out of bed, shouting loudly. He clenched his fists and turned his head around.
“Is there a war?”
“Calm down, Oscar.”
“Are you telling me to calm down now?”
Oscar frowned as he looked at Rubin through the transparent ceiling. Kwakwakwak! Even in the midst of all this, the loud noises continued throughout the dormitory.
Rubin, who had been listening calmly, quickly realized one thing.
‘The interval between explosions is constant.’
Oscar, very excited, opened the door and looked into the hallway. There were cadets wandering around in fear, who, like Oscar, did not understand the situation.
“Do you remember what Superintendent Srehim said during roll call yesterday?”
Rubin said sarcastically.
“Srehim, what did you say…?”
Oscar thought back to last night’s roll call. Now that he thought about it, something had seemed strange about last night.
Originally, the animals of the Srehim ward would only stay in front of the door and not come inside. It was common practice to only check if there were any cadets seated in the room.
But yesterday was definitely different. The beasts came into the room.
In Luden’s room, a wolf named Silver Fur entered, and in Oscar’s room, Lulu, the Uldin bear who was once a noble’s dance partner, entered.
‘Plus, he had a transparent bead in his mouth.’
Inside was a magic stone. It was a magic stone that transmitted the voice of Srehim. Rubin remembered its contents clearly.
“Everyone, you should stop doing useless things and go to bed early! You’ll miss this soft bed tomorrow.”
Kwakwakwak. Another loud noise.
In that moment, Rubin realized why these explosive sounds were occurring at regular intervals.
“This explosion was also recorded.”
“What? It’s recorded?”
In addition to the fact that a certain section was repeated, the vibration that should have accompanied this level of noise was not felt at all.
“Oh my. What the hell is this school doing from the crack of dawn? Is this some kind of new alarm clock or something?”
Kwakwakwakwang!
“I guess I have to get moving first.”
Before I knew it, the key bug was working. It kept flapping its wings to signal that it was going to go outside.
Rubin stood up and put on his magic robe. Oscar, who was watching, followed Rubin.
“Hey, I don’t know what’s going on, but… let’s just follow along.”
A little later, on the first floor of the Rhapsody Hall.
The cadets who had jumped out of their sleep gathered together and were pouring out all kinds of speculations.
“What is that? This explosion? Is this a surprise class or something?”
“Wow. I thought the building was going to collapse.”
“But why are the other dorm buildings so quiet? Could this be magic?”
As Rubin had expected, the loud noise seemed to have only reverberated in Rhapsody Hall. The Humming Hall, the upperclassmen’s dormitory across the street, was completely quiet with the lights off.
Rubin leisurely observed the gathered cadets. Their behavior was colorful.
Cadets like Rubin and Oscar who brought robes were somewhat better off. There were even cadets who ran out in their pajamas, thinking that a war had really broken out.
“What is this, all of a sudden?”
“I didn’t even wash properly. I only slept for an hour.”
“Wasn’t there a war?”
On the other hand, there were also cadets with solemn expressions on their faces, as if they had been waiting. They were probably noble cadets who had been warned in advance.
Anyway, all the freshmen had gathered, so the number of them alone was over 300. Rubin waved past the surprised cadets and approached Oscar.
“Over here, Luden!”
“… … .”
Next to Oscar stood Dahlia Delin, dressed too neatly for someone who had suddenly run out at dawn. Rubin pretended not to notice and asked.
“Dahlia. Can you explain it to me?”
“An explanation?”
“It seems to me that some people know what’s going on. Guys like you and Eric.”
Dahlia glanced at Rubin, her blue hair tied back.
“… You’re quick-witted. You’ll find out soon enough.”
“So that’s what I meant when I said it would be good to go to bed early yesterday.”
Oscar, who was listening, got angry. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have been fooled by the lies of a fluorescent frog! He took out his anger on Dahlia for no reason.
“No, Dahlia! Are you really doing this?”
“What am I?”
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“Tell us too! I’ve been telling you the menu for each meal in advance every day.”
“under.”
Dahlia, who was laughing as if she couldn’t believe it, explained in a low voice as if she couldn’t win in the end.
“Then I’ll tell you just two things. First, don’t be afraid because you won’t die. Second, if it seems difficult, give up early.”
“Huh, what does that mean?”
“Just a little bit, I know that.”
“… Don’t be scared because you won’t die? Why do those words sound scarier to me?”
Leaving Oscar mumbling behind, Rubin looked around carefully again. Then he opened the second ring and spread the dark smoke widely.
Jiiing.
As expected, on the first floor of Rhapsody Hall, there were not only 300 new students. There were also people observing the situation from a distance.
‘Two in the humming hall, three by the lake. Four in front. They’re all examiners from the Jang Education Committee. Hmm?’
At that moment, a new presence was detected in Rubin’s dark room. There were far more of them than there were now.
‘Something’s coming. Are they trying to force the cadets into the testing room?’
Thump… Thump… …
Just then, between the silent towers of dawn, the ground began to shake.
And at that moment.
Knock knock!
I saw cadets running ahead without anyone giving a signal.
It was the D class cadets, including Eric. At the same time, Dahlia, who was next to him, also suddenly started running.
“Hey, Dahlia! Where are you going!”
“You guys should run too!”
“What…? Uh, Luden?”
Rubin immediately grabbed Oscar by the back of his neck and started running, far outpacing the cadets who were running ahead of him.
“Oscar, just jump.”
“No… What is this all of a sudden happening at this hour of the morning!”
“Once you try it, you’ll know.”
Almost at the same time, screams began to pour out from behind the group of cadets.
“Whoa!”
“Hey, skeletons are coming! They’re all carrying swords!”
“Don’t block the road ahead. Move quickly!”
The first floor instantly became a battlefield.
A group of skeletons could be seen approaching from behind. The fact that the skeletons were alive and moving meant that they were under the influence of negative mana. In other words, it meant that black magic was being used.
‘There was a black magician in the Jang Gyo-Yok Seong-Wi Committee. Is that the Pondrian disguise I saw yesterday?’
You’ll find out soon enough.
“Luden! This is definitely an attack! Some force is trying to take over the school… … .”
“Keep calm, Oscar. Look at the skeletons.”
“Huh?”
“Look carefully. It’s not dangerous at all.”
It was as Rubin said. The skeletons raised their sword-holding hands, but that was it. They didn’t seem to actually swing them or intend to hurt the cadets.
It was just an attempt to create fear and drive students to one side.
‘Arpeggio Hall. I said they’re making a test room in the basement. I’m guiding you to go there.’
The cadets were naturally heading towards the Arpeggio Hall, pushing and shoving their way through the skeletons.
‘hmm?’
And Rubin noticed another strange thing: the cadets’ faces were becoming more distorted as they got closer to the testing center.
In addition, the third ring containing mana… … .
‘It’s freezing.’
This time, Oscar felt it too, and asked with a thoughtful face.
“Luden… Do you feel this?”
“Yeah. I feel it.”
“Why is the Mana Circle freezing… …?”
As the expression suggests, the mana ring was quickly stiffening.
This is also probably an ability of the test magic tool.
‘I created an environment where magic casting is impossible.’
For the magic students, it was a situation that was more terrifying than the skeletons chasing them from behind.
“Wh, why on earth… … .”
Even the usually cheerful Oscar had suddenly become pale and hardened.
* * *
Meanwhile, at the same time, outside Capotini.
This place, heavily guarded by golems and imperial troops, is the annex of Mayor Capotini. It is also the temporary residence of Chloe, the youngest daughter of the Witherspoon family, during the school year.
“Hmm.”
Chloe stood by the window, sipping her coffee. There were still a couple of hours until daylight, so all she could see outside the window was the darkness that had descended upon the city. Still, Chloe kept her eyes on the direction she assumed was the Tower District.
Behind Chloe, Celesne approached. Regardless of the time, Celesne was always dressed in a dress uniform whenever Chloe was awake.
“You’re up too early, Miss. It’s only four in the morning.”
Chloe turned her head and smiled faintly.
“Celestine, it seems like we have a visitor at the mansion?”
“Oh, you knew it. The Imperial Army’s General Training Committee is on the first floor. They want to greet you before the exam begins. Would you like to meet them?”
“Yes. I know that officer. Tell him to come in. I’ll wait in the reception room.”
After Celestia went out, Chloe entered the living room through the side door.
dripping.
A moment later, there was a knock at the door, and after Chloe gave permission, Pondrian, dressed in his Imperial Army uniform, came in. He took off his helmet and saluted Chloe.
“Imperial Army Magic Brigade’s Senior Education Officer, Captain Pondry… … .”
“Fondrian, how are you?”
“… This is Lian Yeph. I greet you, Imperial Noble.”
Chloe invited Pondrian to sit down on the chair. Celesne brought out some tea for the two of them.
“It’s been a year since I last saw you at the festival held at the imperial palace.”
“Yeah. How is your older brother?”
“Yes, the Brigadier General is doing well. Before he left for Capotini, he informed me that Miss Chloe was here.”
Chloe walked to the window with her teacup in her hand. It was still dark outside. What would have happened to the kids in Class C by now? Chloe frowned slightly in wonder.
“But why didn’t you tell me about this…? That the draft exam was going to be held while I was here.”
It was last night that Chloe learned that there would be a test for the Imperial Military Training Corps. From the dormitory perspective, it was after roll call.
“It’s a military security issue… … .”
“I know, too. Even if I had known, I wouldn’t have told my friends in advance.”
Pondrian was surprised that Chloe used the word “friend” to refer to Capotini’s cadets.
“I heard that some noble families knew in advance that this test would take place. I would have kept it safe, but I don’t think they would have kept it safe.”
Pondrian held the hat in his hand tightly. Then, Celesne, who had been listening from the side, intervened.
“miss.”
It may be considered impertinent for a maid to interfere in the conversation between an Imperial noble and a high-ranking Imperial military officer, but Pondrian did not take it personally.
Because he also knew that Celesne was not just a maid.
“Not only Master Eric, but also Miss Dahlia must have known in advance. So, don’t worry about your friends in Class C… .”
“Dahlia wouldn’t have told the others.”
Cadets who pass the selection test of the Jang Education Committee immediately leave the school and are transferred to the Imperial Army’s Magic Brigade. It is an elite course where high-ranking officers are trained from the early teens. Therefore, it is natural for children of famous magic families to be selfish and greedy.
Pondrian opened his mouth again.
“I understand your concerns, my lady. But you can put aside your worries that the test will be unfair. Even if some of the nobles knew about the test, it wouldn’t make a difference.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that even nobles do not understand the examination method.”
The reason why the test of the long-term education system, which has been going on for decades, was never exposed to the world.
This is because the examinees who have finished the exam completely forget the test process due to the forgetfulness magic.
I only remember that there was a test for the military education committee, but I couldn’t remember what stages the test was conducted in. The only ones who remembered it were the students who finished with excellent grades and were eventually drafted as officer cadets.
“And this is not a test to find great wizards, but to find those who are worthy of becoming officers.”
“So this is a test with limited mana?”
Pondrian nodded to Celesne’s question.
“Yes, that’s right. The cadets will be subjected to purely physical and mental tests. What we’re trying to test is the cadets’ judgment and tactical abilities. It has nothing to do with magical ability. Of course, that makes it more difficult for the magic cadets.”
* * *
It was four-thirty in the morning when Pondrian left Chloe’s mansion. The second stage of the test should have just begun. However, Pondrian’s steps across the garden were leisurely.
“I thought it would be an urgent situation, but it doesn’t seem to be that way.”
It was Celesne’s words as she walked beside him. She was following Chloe’s instructions to see the officer off.
“I came here after setting up the testing center, so you don’t have to worry. The examiners are doing their job properly. What I have to check is after the testing phase gets into full swing.”
“If it’s a full-fledged stage?”
“It’s the third stage. That’s when it gets real. Before that, it’s a natural filtering stage.”
There was a mixture of confidence and arrogance in Pondrian’s demeanor. Celesne knew something about this officer. It was only natural for Celesne, who had to keep a close eye on the dynamics of the Witherspoon family more than anyone else.
Imperial Army officer Pondrian Yeff is a soldier who has recently gained the trust of his eldest son, Conrad Witherspoon.
Not only that, but although he may not be as good as Witherspoon, he was born into a magical family of Wonhwi, and of course, he graduated from Americmana.
If you are the head of the Education Committee at the age of twenty, it would be harder not to be arrogant.
Of course, that doesn’t mean Celestia is someone who can bend. At least not yet.
“As you may have guessed, Your Majesty… I will separately request information from the family regarding the Jang Education Committee. Since it concerns the safety of the young lady, I hope you have no complaints?”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
The two eventually entered the forest path. At the end of the path was a ferry, and Pondrian’s gondola was anchored there.
Celestia asked.
“Oh, and there’s something you might want to know. Some of the professors at this school are from the Magic Brigade. You know that, right?”
“Yes, I know. Even if not, the headmaster of this place guided me here.”
Pondrian added:
“Although it was called guidance, it was actually closer to surveillance.”
“I guess that’s because Chloe and I are the only magicians allowed to freely enter and exit the school premises.”
“Hmm, anyway, it seems to me that this school lacks flexibility.”
The officer’s sharp attitude was unexpected for Celesne.
“I know that Headmaster Keegan has left behind many achievements and tales of bravery in the Wizard Brigade. It seems that Captain Pondrian has no respect for his senior.”
But Pondrian just has an indifferent expression.
“Whatever it is, isn’t it Samhwi? Oh, there he is.”
At the end of the forest path, the back of a large figure appeared in front of the gondola moored at the ferry. Headmaster Keegan stood peacefully, seemingly admiring the moon reflecting on the waterway.
