Chapter 47: Aptitude Tests and Peculiar Prodigies

To learn magic, one must first have their magical aptitude tested.

To become a mage, one must first ensure their body possesses mana, for mana is the wellspring of all a mage’s power. Regrettably, the vast majority of people in this world do not possess mana.

It is much like how most people cannot comprehend what a pharmacist refers to as ‘medicinal properties’.

Only a select few in this world are truly capable of becoming mages.

“You’ve arrived at a truly opportune moment. Today marks the day the Temple begins accepting new mage apprentices,” Dailu explained as they walked.

Ruolin had already clarified Lei Yin’s background to him.

It turned out Lu Yuan wasn’t his rival in love, but merely a colleague he had just met today. Though Dailu couldn’t fathom why a Grand Pharmacist like Lu Yuan would suddenly decide to pursue the troublesome path of magic, he felt a wave of relief knowing Lu Yuan wasn’t some pretty boy trying to steal Ruolin from him. His spirits buoyed, he led Lei Yin further inside.

It was fortunate Ruolin didn’t know what Dailu was thinking; if she had, she would rather die than walk another step with Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan had noticed something peculiar, a recurring theme that might be unique to this otherworld: whether it was his first visit to the Pharmacist Guild or his initial trip to the Magic Temple, he always seemed to stumble upon some kind of ongoing test. Was this a tradition of this world?

“I also need to test my recent mana cultivation, so I can go in with you all,” Ruolin declared, then followed Lu Yuan and the others.

Such an arrangement was, naturally, more than Dailu could have hoped for.

****

Upon entering the testing grounds, they found a multitude of people already gathered.

Most were parents bringing their children; after registering them, they would send their children up for the test.

Dailu had already taken care of the test applications, sparing Lu Yuan any worry.

Still, it was quite unusual to see adults and children testing together, as Lu Yuan’s group was doing.

From a distance, Lu Yuan spotted a tall, imposing amethyst pillar in the center of the grounds.

The pillar was black, its surface covered in profound, arcane runes. These were the magical runes of this world, incomprehensible to Lu Yuan, yet he could vaguely sense the spiritual energy contained within the pillar.

The cultivation system of this world, it seemed, was by no means inferior to that of the cultivation world he knew.

“Next! Young Master Boruto of the House of Naruto!” the tester called out loudly.

Stepping forward at the announcement was a remarkably self-assured candidate, perhaps five or six years old. He sported spiky orange hair styled into a cool fashion, and his eyes held an air of disdain for all around him. A headband, embroidered with a graceful swirl-and-triangle family crest, was tied askew across his forehead.

From his expensive fabrics and ornaments, it was clear his family was wealthy, and he was likely a high-ranking noble. One look was enough to tell he belonged to the arrogant and conceited sort.

The tester nodded to him. “Place your hand on the testing tower and concentrate in your own way. The testing tower will display your magical aptitude.”

Indeed, a great noble was a great noble; his aura was entirely different from others. He swept his bangs aside, struck a flamboyant pose, and with his head bowed, lunged forward, extending his right hand to press firmly onto the testing crystal pillar.

“The turmoil of the starry sky releases my fallen angel! The pearlescent nightmare has revealed my destiny! Bloom! Dark power hidden within me! I am the Dark Fiend God, bearing the world’s heavy burden!”

Lu Yuan: “…”

Meilin (her eyes filled with little stars): “…”

Ruolin, Dailu, and the tester on the platform remained expressionless, having clearly witnessed such spectacles countless times before.

*Crack! Crack!*

The testing crystal pillar emitted a series of faint, brittle sounds.

The runes on the crystal pillar lit up in a rapid succession from bottom to top, surging upwards. They climbed quickly, illuminating three-fifths of the pillar before their ascent finally halted.

A chorus of astonished gasps rose from the surrounding crowd, and the tester’s expression softened with interest as they looked at the young boy.

“Mana: four stars. Mental Power: three stars. Skill: two stars. Overall Rating: three stars.”

Boruto’s face remained haughty, clearly pleased with the outcome. He walked off the stage with his head held high.

The tester continued to call out names: “Next! Miss Xiasha of the Iyahua family.”

Next to approach was a beautiful seven-year-old girl.

She wore a white lace pleated skirt, her long hair obscuring her eyes. The hem of her skirt swayed gently with each step as she silently drifted onto the stage, her waist-length hair stirring as if by an unseen breeze.

Suddenly, she lifted her head sharply, revealing dark-rimmed eyes filled with bloodshot pupils. Her facial muscles were taut, and with a resolute expression, she pressed her bloodless little hand onto the crystal pillar.

Her small mouth parted slightly. Though her voice was soft, each word was a pearl, shaking one to the core: “If! It! Benefits! The Nation!…”

The testing crystal pillar vibrated violently! A sharp, formidable aura abruptly surged forth!

The arcane runes on the pillar shot upwards at an unimaginable speed, illuminating a section about a thumb’s length. Then, like a snuffed-out cigarette, they dimmed and vanished without a trace.

The sheer power of this girl’s single utterance was terrifying.

Lu Yuan: “…”

Meilin: “…”

Everyone else: “…”