Chapter 50 - Exam (1)

Author: Dawn

By the present time, Ivecar Academy had become a place where numerous individuals wanted to enter.

Whether it was teachers or students, it didn’t matter.

The label of being an Academy graduate had a positive effect wherever one went. If someone was known as a prestigious Academy graduate, they would attract and be drawn to each other.

Wherever they went, there was a strong bond among Academy graduates. So, when working on quests, it was common to see Academy graduates collaborating with each other.

Most of the knight commanders and other high-ranking officials had graduated from prestigious academies.

Therefore, if one graduated from the same academy, it meant becoming a junior, and if fortunate, one could benefit from that connection. So, it was natural for anyone to aspire to attend a prestigious academy.

Especially among applicants for teaching positions, there were quite a few who applied to the academy they graduated from.

Since there were invisible bonus points or advantages, it was helpful during the interviews.

“Are you here to register?”

Ethan handed over the application form to the registration officer.

It was the admission test permit from Ivecar.

“Student registration will begin at three o’clock.”

“I’m not here for that, I’m here to register as a teacher.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Since you came with escorts.”

Those who applied as teachers usually didn’t come with escorts.

To teach the so-called prestigious students of a renowned academy, not only theoretical knowledge but also exceptional skills were required.

“Yes, you’re Ethan Whiskers, applying for a donation-based admission. I have confirmed it.”

The registration staff glanced at Ethan and gave a slight smile.

They understood why he came with escorts.

It must be because he was aiming for an honorary teaching position through donation-based admission.

Moreover, considering that Ethan was applying for the Swordsmanship department, the registration officer, who knew the internal circumstances, couldn’t help but smile.

“I’m not in good health.”

Ethan smiled as he felt the gaze of the registration officer.

The exam was tomorrow.

“The exam details will also be announced tomorrow.”

The registration officer reached under the table and took out a necklace with a square badge attached to it, handing it to Ethan.

“This is a visitor pass that allows access to Ivecar Academy until the day of the exam. It must be returned tomorrow, so make sure you don’t lose it under any circumstances.”

With the Ivecar Academy visitor pass in hand, Ethan wandered around the academy accompanied by the two escorts.

It truly looked like a prestigious academy.

He saw applicants like himself roaming around in various places, all here to take the exam tomorrow.

And as soon as he entered, he felt the restriction of mana. A magic spell was spread throughout the entire land, restricting the use of mana.

“Are all these people applicants?”

“They say there are more than usual, but still, there are too many.”

Yerica and Schudlen exclaimed in awe.

Even among those who appeared to be physically strong, there were quite a few who seemed powerful. Among those who seemed to have applied as teachers, there were many strong individuals as well.

Most of them emitted mana from their whole bodies, boasting their large stature and muscular physique.

Even just being nearby, one could feel their strength and excellence.

Especially, there was a man who completely stole Schudlen’s attention.

He was slightly shorter than Schudlen but had a solid and sturdy physique.

Judging by the sword at his waist, he seemed to be applying for both swordsmanship and teaching positions.

With his blond hair and an aura of elegance, he clearly looked like an elite who grew up in a noble family.

And there were quite a few similar elites standing next to him.

“There are so many people applying for teaching positions. They all seem quite competitive, don’t they?”

“Ivecar is one of the top academies. They are vying for the position alongside Freya Academy, the top one.”

“Hmm.”

Yerica carefully observed the individuals wielding swords.

They were likely the competitors of Ethan.

True to its reputation as the top academy, there was not a single person among the applicants who seemed weak.

On the other hand, Ethan appeared ordinary.

He seemed like a tourist visiting Ivecar Academy.

Of course, if there was something distinguishing about him compared to them, it was that he was slightly more handsome.

“Ethan definitely won in terms of his gaze. And of course, in swordsmanship as well.”

“I agree.”

“Enough with the nonsense, let’s go since we’ve seen enough.”

“Are we going to eat?”

Yerica was greatly looking forward to the meal at Marquis Round’s territory.

“Of course. We should eat before anything else. No matter what.”

* * *

Athena naturally expected a response to her message.

-Huh, it’s not here? Did he haven’t checked it yet?

There was a god watching Athena in surprise from behind.

It was Ares, the god of war.

-Did you send a message to that subscriber, Athena?

Ares showed interest, causing Athena to put on an impression. Athena didn’t particularly like Ares.

To think that Ares, ignorant and hot-tempered, was the god of war.

Observing his lack of any trace of intelligence, she disliked being involved with him.

-Yes, but why?

-They probably haven’t responded. It’s only natural. That subscriber seems quite picky, like a gourmet.

If he had spoken as if he were a senior, Athena would have disliked him even more.

-They probably haven’t read it yet. Once they do, they will undoubtedly subscribe to me. There is no expert in war like me.

The abilities Athena could offer were essential to those involved in war.

With those abilities, one could not be defeated in war.

Twitch.

Ares’ eyebrow twitched for a moment.

He, too, was the god of war. In fact, one could consider him a rival to Athena.

As if to prove that, Athena and Ares had a similar number of subscribers.

However, Athena had more likes.

-If they need the power to excel in war, they would subscribe to me, not you, Athena.

-And you said they read your message but didn’t respond? Then it’s over, isn’t it?

Athena grumbled, and Ares became angry.

But he quickly composed himself and spoke curtly.

-They’d probably do the same to you. I’m sure of it.

After Ares disappeared, Athena used the likes to check if the subscriber had seen the letter she sent.

-They checked the message.

They had definitely seen it.

-They ignored it?

And indeed, they had ignored it.

* * *

Ethan explored the interior of the academy and was able to spot several familiar faces.

‘Fortunately, all the people I know seem to be gathered here.’

Although Ethan wasn’t intimately familiar with the current state of Ivecar Academy, he had a general idea.

‘I know the key figures at least.’

By the time MePan’s story began, Ethan Whiskers was already dead.

‘It’s a slightly later timeframe.’

As a result, he couldn’t know every minor character, but he was aware of the important individuals.

‘Even though I won’t be able to select promising ones among the freshmen at the time.’

Those promising talents would still be undergoing training within their families.

‘Instead, students who had already secured their positions would enter as freshmen this time. Moreover…’

In other words, those who were close to completion at that time would now enter as promising freshmen.

‘There should be Some capable students among the current students, like Mason or Roanna.’

While observing, ETHAN spotted a familiar face.

Tall with beautiful blond hair.

It was Ciron Ramsdale, the eldest son of the Ramsdale family.

‘His nickname is ‘Shortsword.’’

The Ramsdale family was one of the Twelve Stars Families, and their previous patriarch was known as the Swordsman of the Continent.

The current patriarch of the Ramsdale family was the son of that Swordsman, and while he has not fully inherited his talents, he has excelled in his ability to lead the family.

‘The talent for swordsmanship was passed down through generations, and Ciron inherited it.’

That was why he was given the nickname “Shortsword.”

He closely resembled his grandfather, the Swordsman, in his youth, possessing exceptional swordsmanship skills and latent potential.

‘A powerful family background and great talent.’

And now, Shortsword was applying to become a new teacher at Ivecar.

‘So, this is the timeframe.’

Ethan was quite knowledgeable about major characters like him.

‘He could come in handy.’

After finishing his observations, Ethan focused on recalling the contents of the exam.

‘I need to remember the exam material clearly before going.’

ETHAN intended to achieve overwhelmingly outstanding results in this exam.

He wouldn’t settle for mediocrity but would reveal his true capabilities.

‘That way, it will be easier to build a reputation.’

Ting-.

Ethan touched his head with his hand.

“It’s coming back again.”

-Your chances of survival are decreasing.

Ethan raised an eyebrow and looked at the notification.

* * *

Entrance exam day at Ivecar Academy.

The exam was divided into two parts: students in the morning and teachers in the afternoon. One notable difference between Ivecar Academy and Freya Academy was that the exam results were announced immediately.

“So, the students who passed in the morning will be eagerly anticipating the newly admitted teachers in the afternoon.”

“The current teachers will also be present to evaluate the new teachers. Not only the new students but also the current students will be observing the successful candidates in the afternoon exam. Unlike the students, the teacher recruitment exam is conducted privately.”

Ethan had been at Ivecar Academy since morning.

‘I need to take a look at some promising individuals.’

“Ethan, sir.”

“What? Are you hungry?”

“Well, I am hungry because I haven’t had breakfast, but that’s not it.”

Yerica was worried after hearing the commotion around them. After all, Ethan had a badge around his neck indicating his application as a teacher.

“He brought an escort?”

“He’s applying as a teacher, and he brought two escorts.”

“Well, there shouldn’t be a big deal. After all, he’s applying for an honorary teaching position, so he doesn’t have to take the exam.”

“He’s not going to pull the same stunt as that one before right? Claiming they want to teach as an honorary teacher.”

“Oh, please. I hope not. It was the worst back then.”

The students of Ivecar Academy murmured and gazed at Ethan with cold eyes.

Most of them didn’t seem pleased.

Noticing this, Yerica cautiously asked.

“Should we wait here?”

“No, there’s no need for that. I brought you along because I need you.”

Ethan didn’t pay much attention to the murmuring.

After all, such murmurs would be resolved once he demonstrated his abilities.

What mattered to him more was ensuring his own survival.

In case of any unforeseen circumstances, not having escorts could put him in a life-threatening situation.

Of course, Ivecar Academy was safe. Mana was restricted by default, after all.

But Ethan didn’t think that way.

‘That’s what those who don’t know the situation think.’

Ivecar Academy was not as safe as one might assume.

Numerous followers of the Moon had infiltrated the academy, and some seemingly ordinary individuals and students were also involved with them.

The constraints on mana were imposed through artifacts and magic spread throughout this vast land, but the followers of the Moon had the ability to manipulate both of these.

‘To be prepared for such situations, I must have Yerica and Schudlen by my side.’

That was why he brought them along.

‘Moreover, there’s no mana restriction in this examination hall. It was intentionally lifted for the exam.’

As a result, there were mages and knights hidden throughout the area, prepared for dangerous situations.

‘To the best of my recollection, nothing significant happened during this exam at that time.’

If anything had occurred, it would have been recorded in history, and Ethan would have known about it.

‘Nevertheless, I still need to be cautious.’

The first was to be cautious, and the second was to be careful.

“Should I give those guys a little scare and then come back? They’ll stop insulting you then.”

Yerica frowned slightly.

“It’s alright, it’s alright.”

As Ethan nodded, Schudlen prepared himself to step forward.

“Don’t threaten them. Who knows if they might become my students?”

“As expected of Young Master.”

“No, even if you try to teach them a lesson, it has to be coming from me.”

It wasn’t the first or second time he had done that from inexperienced individuals to become useful.

Those who had been taught a lesson in such a way showed even greater loyalty.

‘By dispelling their doubts, trust can be established.’