Finally a Mage!

"Finally the day of graduation has arrived, all those years of efforts will finally be tested. All the students who survived the academy until now, I wish you all the best for your exams. As you all know there will be several phases of the exam, the theory exam will begin in next room. I hope you all will successfully become mage, I have faith in you!" Saying those word the head teacher bid farewell to all of us. All the students bowed to the head teacher to show their respect and finally went to take their exams. Theory exam was one of the most complicated part for many students, memory test, real-life applications, magic theory creation. Becoming even a basic mage required to learn all the 56 magic runes, their combination, their collaboration, affinity and all. Many students fail at this stage. Assistant teacher Midori asked the head teacher "Head, Isn't the exam this time too difficult for basic mages? Especially the magic creation part." Head teacher said "It is necessary to be Innovative. Mages should not be restricted to bookish knowledge! It is not like they will fail solely on this test alone". The assistant teacher agreed in silence. All the students were struggling even with the average questions, much less the advanced ones; but there were a few exceptions the academy theory topper Hikari solved all the basic questions the quickest(AN: * ... * signifies inner thoughts of the character). When she saw the advanced set she wondered* Isn't this question too difficult for graduation exam? Most of the students will not even understand the question. Let me reread 'Find the ideal formula to turn iron into gold'. What is this!? I wonder if even teacher knows the answer*, Hikari glanced slowly at the other students and the teachers. The teacher smiled and the students seemed to be in confusion. Hikari started to think of ideal formula.*So basically, we need to transform the iron into mana first and mana into gold. According to the alchemist it is possible to transform different objects into others with equivalent exchange, but with this basic runes I don't think it is possible, the closest solution with my knowledge will be to use the 3,17,23,19 runes to disperse the mana in iron , but we need a sample of gold to make the correct sequence with 2,17,29,13 . So the spell will be ' Di rem ko Fu do rem Yuki nar' This is the best I could do. * Finally the theory exam was over, many of students had a sad look but there were still many calm, excited face." Len kun is so calm even after that tough exam" said a Mina. Hikari agreed and said" Really Len kun is always cool and calm". The next exam were all individuals tests. so each candidate was called separately. Finally it was Hikari's turn , she passed the mana control test with best score so far. The assistant teacher praised her a lot for her control, "Really, Hikari-chan you have the best control I have seen in young generation!". The mana power test was not that great but she still managed to pass the above average mark and get a descent score. Hikari smiled calmly but thought* Finally all my efforts to increase my magic power are successful! Victory, the most difficult part is done.* Hikari had good affinity towards light and shadow elements, but poor towards others. In practical exam she demonstrated the basic elementary magic like fireball, water bullet, air disc, earth shift,etc . This were the basic magic, even if they had such fancy names but themages could barely show power compared to real spells they were as different as comparing a candle flame with the volcanic eruption. Hikari had great proficiency with these basic magic. Her foundation was great. Finally was the interview and potential test, she passed them both.

"Hitou Hikari, having passed the academy exam we grant you the title of basic mages , after you make enough contribution for the military you are free to use the privileges of the basic mage. You will be the part of the squad led by Archmage Yamato. You can visit him at the academy room number 1729 tomorrow morning. Take this badge of honour as it represents that you are full fledged mage now. Go to your classroom to collect the certificate before 4:00". "Thank you!" Expressing her gratitude Hikari gladly accepted the badge. The badge represented the rank of mage , 1 star indicated basic mage, 2 star was intermediate and so on.

After arriving at the classroom Hikari wondered* Who could be my squad mates? I wonder maybe Len kun, if he is there I will be so happy. I hope Haru is not in my squad he is so weird and always acts stupid, even if he knows I like Len kun since young age. He has monstrous mana but still waste so much of it, if I had such mana I could have done so many things. Anyone else is fine too*. Finally it my squads turn to take the certificate. the assistant teacher announced,"Kimura Len, Hitou Hikari, Kudou Haru , collect your certificates". Hikari was happy when she knew Len was in her group but she was flabbergasted when she heard Haru's name, she smirked. Haru smiled and laughed when he heard Hikari was in her group,"The white haired princess is in my group, my life be Hikari Chan , you are the most beautiful girl and I like you a lot", Haru said to Hikari as they headed to collect the certificate. Hikari threatened Haru with angry glare," The one I like is not you, so don't bother me". Hikari sighed and wondered if she needs to suffer this everyday. She warmly greeted Len kun and as usual got a cool nod. Haru wondered why is Len so popular even with his cold response. Hikari knew that Len had suffered a lot when he was a child, so she decided some promises that day! maybe she will tell them to someone in the future.

Watching the trio information and their report a lone mage read it and wondered *Hitou Hikari , a girl from ordinary family, she has exceptional mana control and knowledge for her age. she scored 98 in the theory exam, especially with those tough advanced questions and 100 in mana control, she doesn't have any prior know about the world yet still. Kimura Len, the topper in practical exam but his interview was a bit weird , he is cold and distant with others not that it is bad but it could be concerning for his age. His killing intent is too prominent. Finally Kudou Haru, he is the most troublesome kid in the class, the worst theory exam , and bad control, but still he barely managed to survive and impress with his monstrous magic power. He has cheerful personality. I think the team have good synergy, I can't wait to meet them tomorrow!"

(AN: I will do a major release at chpt 30 if I arrive there ever)