Chapter 26 : Entrance Examination
The entrance exam at St. Freya Women’s Academy was a grand spectacle, drawing the attention of the entire kingdom.
The exam was split evenly between magical practice and theoretical knowledge, each accounting for 50% of the total score.
For the practical portion, passing required successfully casting a stable third-tier spell; the written theory exam followed a standard 100-point scale.
The second-year students, divided into nine classes, were tested in designated areas by class.
Results were announced the same day, posted on the magical bulletin board in the academy’s courtyard.
The top scorer would be named the semester’s class leader, earning unparalleled glory and privileges. However, failing either section meant immediate expulsion—no exceptions, no mercy, just a swift exit.
As Lady Liliane’s personal maid, Ailiya was assigned to the elite Class A.
She now followed the crowd toward Class A’s testing area, the “First Arena.”
True to St. Freya’s traditions, the exam was a lavish affair.
The arena was adorned with colorful ribbons and decorative balloons. Even the rarely seen principal and vice principal attended, cheering on the students.
The news club had set up magical cameras, broadcasting live updates through amplifying magic.
“Good morning, students! This is St. Freya’s News Club, live from the scene! In just thirty minutes, this year’s entrance exam will begin! We see students streaming in, brimming with energy and confidence for the challenges ahead!”
“Absolutely! To inspire everyone, we’ve invited our beloved Vice Principal Melissa to say a few words!”
A country girl like Ailiya had never seen such grandeur. She felt like she’d been tossed into a royal ball, her palms sweating from nerves.
Clutching Aurora’s arm, she walked unsteadily, trembling.
To shine in this critical exam and bring honor to their families, nearly every noble girl had dressed to impress.
Silk gowns, glittering mana-gem jewelry, delicate lace gloves—these weren’t mere adornments to Ailiya but walking, talking invoices of astronomical cost.
One gem on that skirt could buy every bakery in my hometown!
Is that hairpiece mithril?
If I accidentally bump into them, I’d have to sell myself to pay for it!
To Ailiya, these radiant noble girls were like human cacti, bristling with “expensive” spines. She needed to stay as far away as possible.
“Ailiya! You’re hurting me!” Aurora groaned, dragging the pale, rigid Ailiya to Class A’s check-in.
They received their exam groups: Aurora in Group 2, Ailiya in Group 3.
Aurora pried Ailiya off her like an octopus, waving: “We’re in different groups, so I’m heading to line up! You’ve got some time—wander around!”
“No! Don’t leave me!” Ailiya wailed, collapsing dramatically, reaching out with trembling hands, tears welling.
But it was settled.
Aurora left mercilessly.
Alone, Ailiya skulked around the exam grounds like a startled mouse, hugging the walls to avoid brushing against any “mobile treasuries.”
Finally, she found an empty bench in a quiet corner and sat, perfectly positioned to watch Group 1’s practical exam.
As expected of St. Freya, as expected of Class A.
All ten students in Group 1 passed the practical exam with near-perfect ease.
Gracefully wielding wands, they cast third-tier spells as effortlessly as breathing.
Ice, fire, wind blades—dazzling magic erupted against the targets, drawing gasps from the crowd.
No wonder they’re at St. Freya. No wonder they’re Class A, Ailiya marveled.
Some may have flawed personalities, but their magical prowess is undeniable.
“Absolutely thrilling! Class C’s Anna just nailed a high-difficulty third-tier Chain Lightning! Class B isn’t slacking either—rumor has it someone’s attempting a fourth-tier spell!” the announcer’s voice boomed passionately.
Ailiya, engrossed in studying others’ casting techniques, was suddenly overshadowed.
She looked up to find Isabella and her two lackeys standing before her.
Isabella was dressed to kill.
Her golden curls were pinned with a ruby-encrusted hairpiece, her body draped in a cutting-edge magical gown with intricate lace, hands in pristine silk gloves.
With light makeup, she was radiant—and even more “expensive.”
“Hmph, who’s this? The country maid, all alone? So pitiful. Did your friends abandon you?” Isabella sneered, arms crossed.
Before she could continue, Ailiya inexplicably appeared three meters away.
Isabella blinked, stunned: “What… what are you doing?”
“Stay back!” Ailiya cried, hands flailing. “Keep your distance!”
“She’s so nervous about the exam, she’s lost it,” Isabella’s lackey Charlotte snickered, covering her mouth.
Isabella, feeling her authority challenged, frowned and stepped closer.
Ailiya leaped back like a startled rabbit.
Isabella took another step; Ailiya retreated further.
Annoyed by Ailiya’s skittish behavior, Isabella gave up and turned toward the arena.
A joke! A countess like Isabella, decked out in an outfit worth millions of gold coins!
I absolutely, absolutely can’t get near her! Ailiya thought.
Circling widely to keep a safe distance, Ailiya sat in another corner, ensuring Isabella couldn’t possibly touch her.
Then she shouted: “Isabella, what’re you doing in such a remote spot?”
Her voice carried, drawing curious glances from passing students.
Isabella clenched her fists, fuming.
This idiot!
Ignoring Ailiya, she gestured toward the arena.
Ailiya followed her gaze and saw a familiar figure stepping onto Group 1’s final exam slot.
—Liliane von Winter.
Ailiya understood instantly.
“Look, everyone! Taking the stage is our second-year—no, St. Freya’s brightest star—Lady Liliane von Winter!” the announcer’s voice soared with excitement.
Liliane’s appearance sent the arena into a frenzy.
Unlike others in lavish attire, she wore her usual sleek riding outfit, yet her innate elegance and pride outshone any jewel.
She didn’t even draw a wand.
Facing ten aligned magical targets, she raised her right hand.
Ambient mana elements, as if summoned silently, visibly surged toward her palm.
Light and shadow danced at her fingertips, the air warping from the immense mana concentration.
A complex, glowing purple magical array materialized and spun before her.
Every rune, every mana circuit, was textbook-perfect.
“Wandless casting! And a high-level fourth-tier composite spell!” a knowledgeable student gasped in awe.
Liliane’s face remained impassive. With a casual flick of her hand, she intoned: “Thunderfire Tempest.”
A fusion of lightning, fire, and wind—a roaring beast—devoured everything ahead.
The deafening explosion shattered half the arena’s targets, along with their obsidian bases, into rubble.
The blast’s gusts whipped her silvery hair high.
Undisputed perfect score.
Isabella, hands clasped, swooned: “As expected of Lady Liliane~”
Ailiya, speechless with shock, dropped her notebook, utterly stunned.