Chapter - 51 White Magic Tower [2] 

Exiting the reception area Edward made his way to another region of the testing site, which was to confirm the genuininity of the applicant's 

identity.

Regrettably, Edward was missing the crucial documents. Edward rather than succumbing to anguish, he had resorted to acquiring the required papers, through a third party. A questionable means to say the least, but it had yielded the desired results. 

Presenting my falsified documents to a senor of the White Magic Tower, the senor addressed me by my alias.

"You're Erebus, correct?" 

"Yes." I lie through my teeth, showing none of the normal physiologic restrictions of a lie. 

Casting a carless gaze between the document and person the officer merely gave a nod, seemingly satisfied with their legitimacy.

"one quick question, where would the testing site be allocated"

When the officer remained silent, Edward released a saturated form of killing intent to capture his senior's attention.

"I'll repeat myself, where will the test be held?"

Gulping, absentmindedly the officer sensibly pointed towards a far-off field.

"Over there"

"Thanks, sir," Edward replied, his demeanor empty.

"Not at all,"

Leaving the area Edward walked to the desired area. 

Fetching the forged documents from my rucksack, I provided a second glance, noting my test number.

"Examinee - 3928" Edward mused. 

***

Fixating his gaze on a nearby bench Edward decided that resting for a few minutes prior to the test beginning was the optimal solution.

Relaxing in his seat, he crossed his arms and rested his right leg over his left knee. His expressionless face didn't mesh well with the festive atmosphere at all. 

The day was young, the sun was nearing the sky's center. Noon was nearly here. 

The large auditorium was reaching maximum capacity. Students flocked to one another sharing their own endeavors while giving hyperbole of their own grandeurs and endeavors. Typical childish stunts. 

"I'm sure my skills will allow me to form a contract with a high-level wind spirit," a random student declared, his tone brimming with misplaced confidence.

"Right, and I remember the last time you failed your test due to lack of ability," another chimed in.

"What! I don't recall such a ludicrous accusation!" the first one protested weakly.

"Whatever, let's just go in already. I'm getting cold feet," said the first student.

"Yeah, let's go, I suppose," the other replied.

While Edward remained seated alone on the bench, most of the hundreds of applicants hurriedly attempted to cram in last-minute studying before the exam.

Truthfully, Edward wished to engage with the others, but there was a hurdle: he felt too old for such interactions. Although biologically he was on the verge of sixteen, his mind felt weary. Endless lifetimes had weighed heavily on him.

***

Flip. 

Four minutes remained.

The rustle of hundreds of pages turned at once reverberated through the bustling auditorium.

Most Young mages hyperventilated and broke into a cold sweat, the application fee was an exorbitant amount, and most had pulled loans to satiate that hefty price tag. Passing this test was not a matter of want, it was need. They needed to pass if not the repercussions were financially crippling. 

Diligently, the applicants studied intensely to prepare for the exams.

Edward, who had been spacing out for several minutes, was abruptly bothered.

"your first time?" asked a young mage. 

***

A woman looked at the city surrounding her in the distance. Leaning against a balcony was a woman of remarkable stature and aura, who donned piercing blue eyes and cascaded short white hair. she wore a white cape over a fitted black gown complementing her hourglass figure.' 

(Just Google the bloody person)

"Are you certain about that?"

[Yes, I can sense the presence of another spirit king nearby] Yahnos replied.

Shifting her attention from the distant view, she focused on the bustling crowd of applicants gathered in the foyer.

She watched as some studied earnestly, others mingled and enjoyed the moment, while quite a few had succumbed to sleep despite the noise. Everything seemed fairly ordinary.

"Can you identify which applicant it might be?"

[That will be difficult, but from what I can tell, the individual in question is consciously concealing their presence.]

"Hmmm," Malkith contemplated, rubbing her chin.

Absentmindedly reaching to her left, she halted as she remembered the absence of her treasured "Cloak of Darkness."

"Damn you, Eugene."

__________

Rushed chapter -> had homework