Chapter 016: Magic Test
Although Anthony knew introducing these two to each other would likely lead to trouble, he never expected the tension between them to escalate so quickly after just a few words. With a wry smile, he said, “Bruce, let these kids resolve their issues on their own. Why do you keep meddling? Besides, acting in such a sarcastic manner here—don’t you think about it? You’re already on the verge of reaching the Saintly rank. If word gets out about such behavior, it won’t do much good for your reputation.”
This time, Du Fan was truly shocked. He knew full well that Anthony had no reason to lie to him. If Anthony said Bruce was on the verge of the Saintly rank, then Bruce’s strength must be at the peak of Level 9.
But this was actually expected. Bruce was in charge of Roland Academy’s recruitment in the Gavin Empire this time. Without such strength, it would be difficult for him to handle the task. After all, Roland Academy’s principle had always been to ensure fairness and justice in recruitment. Without a powerful figure to oversee this process, those principles might easily become mere words.
However, after realizing this, Du Fan became even more determined. If this guy was at the peak of Level 9, how could he dare to humble himself and seek revenge on someone like him? Even if he ignored his own reputation, he should at least consider Roland Academy’s reputation!
Bruce snorted and shifted his gaze to the wooden frame in the middle, remaining silent.
Anthony smiled slightly, gestured for Du Fan to stand behind him, then stepped forward and declared loudly, “Alright, everyone once again. Roland Academy’s annual recruitment exam is about to begin. As per our usual rules, we will conduct a magic test in the inner hall now. Those who are confident in themselves may come and take the test. As for those who know they have no chance, please don’t waste our time. Also, the test is likely being held at the church entrance right now. By tradition, Roland Academy only accepts 25 magic students. Everyone, do your best.”
With that, Anthony clapped his hands. Two knights from the Temple Knight Order standing below the chapel stepped forward and lifted the curtain from the wooden frame. What appeared before everyone was a crystal ball the size of a fist.
With a slight cough, Bruce stepped forward as well and said, “Those who have confidence in themselves can step forward and give it a try. As for what exactly needs to be done, I doubt I need to explain.” Seeing this, Du Fan couldn’t help but cheer inwardly. Clearly, just by presenting the crystal ball without telling those people what to do, it was enough to deter those who wanted to take advantage of the situation. As for those with some knowledge of magic, due to the limited number of spots, they naturally wouldn’t reveal what needed to be done. This simple tactic made full use of people’s psychology and allowed for the selection of the best candidates. Du Fan glanced at Bruce, who still looked displeased, and thought, If all these testing methods were devised by this guy, that would be terrifying. It seems that those who have reached this level are indeed all old foxes! The nobles present exchanged glances, and finally, a seemingly delicate girl stepped forward first. She slowly walked up to the crystal ball, placed her hand on it, and then seemed to whisper some incantation. Immediately afterward, a faint blue light emanated from the crystal ball, bringing a sense of relaxation. Du Fan frowned because he could also sense that with the girl’s actions, a faint water element magic fluctuation spread out, and it seemed possible to faintly gauge the depth of her mental strength. Thinking of this, Du Fan quickly glanced at Anthony and Bruce beside him. Sure enough, both of them looked serious, as if trying to determine whether the girl had any potential to become a mage. “Alright!” Finally, Bruce said calmly, “What’s your name? Where are you from? What does your family do? Please explain all these details clearly. If there are no issues, you’ll be the first candidate selected this time.” With that, Bruce waved his hand, and one of the young people standing in the corner stepped forward, gracefully leading the girl to a side hall of the sanctuary. If Du Fan wasn’t mistaken, once the information the girl provided matched the data already gathered by the Holy Church, her future would be settled. A moment later, the girl came out of the side hall, holding a set of clothing representing Roland Academy, her face filled with joy.
The other nobles looked at her with undisguised envy. No matter what her status had been before, once her talent for magic was confirmed and she was admitted to Roland Academy, her status soared. Perhaps prompted by someone, another dozen people stepped forward to take the magic tests. Of course, these people all had some foundation in magic—although they might not have reached levels one or two, they at least understood some basic principles and knew a few spells. After a series of tests, not many nobles were admitted as students. By the end, when no one remained, only about a dozen out of the hundred or so nobles were accepted. Those who weren’t chosen could only go home and train harder, hoping for the next admission exam. Perhaps satisfied with the results, Anthony turned to Du Fan and asked, “Du Fan, are you interested in trying it?” Du Fan smiled faintly and said, “I’d better pass. Although I want to enter Roland Academy, I know my limits. I’ve only practiced Light Combat Qi for a few months. I might have a chance in the Combat Qi division’s exam, but taking the Magic division’s exam? That would be asking for embarrassment.” Du Fan knew it was easier to hide his magic training, but Combat Qi was different. His Combat Qi had already surpassed level three and reached the stage of external manifestation. Anyone with even a little insight could tell he had been training in Combat Qi, let alone this old fox. Everyone in the capital knew very well that he had been a complete failure just three months ago! Du Fan didn’t want to be the subject of others’ astonishment. After all, advancing from level one to three in Combat Qi in just three months could only be described as genius-level. If he also advanced three levels in magic, then those with ulterior motives would definitely try to take advantage of him—reaching three levels in both magic and combat in just three months! Such an unprecedented speed of training might even attract the attention of legendary sages. As long as his strength wasn’t enough to dominate Roland, Du Fan had no interest in being used as a lab rat for experimentation. And once he had that strength, he certainly wouldn’t have such an interest… Hearing Du Fan’s words, Anthony showed slight surprise. He sized Du Fan up and said, “I didn’t expect that after just a few months, you’d advanced Light Combat Qi to this level. It seems I really didn’t misjudge you back then!”
Bruce also tilted his head to glance at Du Fan. Though surprise flashed in his eyes, he didn’t say anything further. Facing Anthony’s astonished expression, Du Fan scratched his head slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed, and said, “Lord Anthony, I really owe you thanks. If it weren’t for you giving me the cultivation manuals for Light Combat Qi, relying solely on our Green family’s secret techniques, I doubt I could have advanced to level three in such a short time.”
“That was your own opportunity,” Anthony said calmly. “If you’re truly interested in Roland Academy, I’ll talk to Bruce in a moment. As long as you have the strength, you’ll surely pass the exam and go to Roland Academy to hone your skills. It’s a rare opportunity for a young person.”
Laughing a few times, Anthony patted Du Fan on the shoulder and said, “Well, that’s it for now. If you want to take the exam, remember to register right away. Otherwise, if you wait too long, you might lose your chance. As for me, I still need to discuss other matters with Professor Bruce, so I can’t stay with you.”
“Lord Anthony, go ahead if you have things to do,” Du Fan said with a soft laugh.
Anthony nodded, exchanged a glance with Bruce, and then left quickly. The others in the cathedral also left promptly upon seeing this. In less than a minute, the once crowded cathedral was left with only Du Fan alone.
Only after feeling that there was no one else around did Chenchen’s head emerge from Du Fan’s collar. She looked around before saying in Du Fan’s mind, “Du Fan, be careful when you take the exam later.”
Du Fan smiled and asked, “Why do you say that?”
Chenchen scratched the air a few times with her cat-like claws before saying, “Just now, though it was just for a moment, I sensed a hint of murderous intent from that Bruce. I guess he’s deeply resentful about what you did to his precious disciple. For someone like him, killing you would be as easy as crushing an ant.”
“An ant?” Du Fan touched his nose. “Chenchen, do you know how many people have tried to crush me since I was born, only to be crushed by me instead? Although any scheme is useless in the face of absolute power, when a person doesn’t possess absolute power, they don’t even need schemes. I think just a little trick would be enough to make them cry for help.”
Thinking of the traps and mechanisms Du Fan had set up in the basement, Chenchen suddenly shuddered. She had almost forgotten that the guy behind her was by no means an easy opponent.