Chapter 15: Exhibition

The Perception Test ended with a mix of relief and exhaustion. The applicants filed out of the chamber, their heads still spinning from the intense focus required to spot hidden enemies in a 360-degree view. Rob rubbed his temples, the lingering headache from the test making him wince. Lina walked beside him, her expression a blend of fatigue and quiet satisfaction.

"Well, that was fun," she said dryly, stretching her arms. "Nothing like staring at goblins until your eyes feel like they're going to fall out."

Rob chuckled, though his own eyes still felt strained. "At least we didn't have to fight them this time. Small mercies."

The evaluator's voice cut through the murmurs of the group as they gathered in the hallway. "Congratulations on completing the Perception Test. Your scores have been recorded, and the next phase will begin shortly. Follow me."

The applicants exchanged wary glances but fell in line, their footsteps echoing in the sterile corridor. Rob couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. The Bureau's tests were relentless, each one more demanding than the last. He wondered what fresh hell awaited them this time.

The next chamber was a stark contrast to the previous one. Rows of crystal balls lined the room, their surfaces glowing faintly with an otherworldly light. The air hummed with mana, and the applicants instinctively quieted as they took in the sight.

The evaluator stepped to the front of the room, her crisp white lab coat catching the light. "This is the Magic Test," she announced, her voice carrying effortlessly. "Each of you will place your hand on a crystal ball to scan your mana pool. The results will be displayed on the scoreboard. This test is simple but crucial for determining your magical potential."

A murmur rippled through the group. Some applicants looked relieved, while others, particularly those with non-mage classes, exchanged uneasy glances.

"That's it?" someone muttered. "Just scanning our mana? No monsters, no traps?"

The evaluator's gaze swept across the room, her expression unreadable. "For some of you, this will be the easiest test yet. For others, it will be a chance to showcase your strengths. Let's begin."

The applicants lined up, each stepping forward to place their hand on a crystal ball. A small screen above each ball displayed their mana pool number, which was then recorded on the large scoreboard at the front of the room.

Rob watched as the first few applicants took their turns. The numbers varied widely, from single digits to the mid-thirties. A burly man with a greatsword strapped to his back scored a 12, while a petite woman scored a 45, earning a few impressed murmurs.

When it was Rob's turn, he stepped forward, his heart pounding. He placed his hand on the crystal ball, the surface cool against his palm. The screen above flickered, then displayed: 36.

The staff member recorded his score, and Rob glanced at the large scoreboard. His name appeared in 10th place, a surprisingly high position given his class wasn't purely mage-based. He couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride.

Lina followed, her smirk barely concealed as she placed her hand on the crystal ball. The screen flashed: 38, ranking her 9th. She shot Rob a teasing glance. "Not bad for a non-mage, huh?"

Rob chuckled. "Guess I'm not the only one with hidden talents."

The leaderboard updated in real time, the names shifting as more applicants took their turns. At the top, a young kid—probably no older than 16—scored a staggering 108, earning first place. The room buzzed with whispers.

"Who is that kid?" someone muttered.

"A prodigy, obviously. Look at that mana pool."

Rob studied the kid for a moment. He was small and unassuming, with a mop of dark hair and a nervous expression. But the number on the scoreboard spoke volumes. Rob couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.

Meanwhile, Kai Nakamura, the cold-faced prodigy who had dominated the previous tests, scored a modest 24, ranking 32nd. His expression remained unreadable, but Rob noticed a flicker of irritation in his eyes. It was the first crack in the otherwise unshakable facade.

As the last applicant finished, the evaluator stepped forward again, her voice cutting through the murmurs. "For those with mage-type classes, there is an additional test. Non-mages may observe from the stands."

The wall behind her slid open with a low rumble, revealing a massive enclosed arena below. The floor was marked with glowing runes, and holographic monsters began to materialize—goblins, wolves, and other low-tier creatures. The air crackled with energy, and the applicants exchanged uneasy glances.

The evaluator explained: "This test will evaluate your magical arsenal and combat effectiveness. Your goal is to eliminate as many monsters as possible using your spells. Creativity and efficiency will be rewarded."

Rob's mind raced as he stepped into the arena. This was his chance to shine. His Creation skill would finally come into play. He planned to unleash a combination of area-of-effect (AoE) spells, specifically:

Chain Lightning: A spell that arcs between multiple targets, dealing damage to groups.

Electric Field: A zone of crackling energy that damages enemies over time.

Water Spout + Lightning Bolt: A devastating combo that electrifies a water-based attack, creating a wide-area shock effect.

He took a deep breath, his fingers twitching with anticipation. This was his moment to prove himself—not just as a survivor, but as a force to be reckoned with.

As the holographic monsters surged forward, their roars echoing through the arena, Rob raised his hands, his mana flaring to life. The test had only just begun, but he was ready. Whatever came next, he would face it head-on.

The Perception Test had left the applicants drained, but there was no time to rest. The evaluator led them to the next chamber—a vast arena lined with glowing runes and holographic projectors.

The air thrummed with mana, a tangible pressure against their skin. As they took their seats in the stands, the mage-types prepared themselves, while the rest of the applicants watched with a mixture of relief and curiosity.

The evaluator stepped forward, her voice crisp and commanding. "This is the Magic Test. Each of you will assist a holographic party of hunters in three stages of combat. Your performance will be judged on your ability to support the party, adapt to threats, and fulfill your role as a mage. Let's begin."

The first mage, a fire specialist, stepped into the arena. The holographic party materialized—two swordsmen, an archer, and a healer. The evaluator announced his name and class, and the test commenced.

The goblins surged forward, their crude weapons gleaming. The fire mage began chanting, but his voice wavered. Small fireballs formed at his fingertips, but they were slow, unsteady.

"Hurry up! We're getting overwhelmed!" one of the holographic hunters shouted.

The mage flinched, his aim faltering. Fireballs landed haphazardly, some missing entirely. The party compensated, finishing off the goblins, but their movements were strained.

In the stands, murmurs spread.

"He's struggling," someone observed.

Lina leaned toward Rob, her tone unimpressed. "Fire mages are supposed to be aggressive. He's too hesitant."

Rob shrugged. "Could be nerves. First test and all."

The second wave arrived—a pack of wolves, their speed and aggression putting immediate pressure on the party. The fire mage panicked. His chants became erratic, hands trembling as he cast a weak fire wall. The flames barely slowed the wolves, but it was just enough for the party to regroup and retaliate.

"That was close," someone muttered.

Lina smirked. "Lucky the hunters are holograms. In a real fight, they'd be screaming a lot worse."

By the time the Goblin Chief appeared, the fire mage was visibly exhausted. His attacks barely scratched the boss, leaving the party to carry the fight. When it ended, he staggered out of the arena, face pale. The evaluator's neutral expression betrayed nothing as she called the next participant.

A water mage entered next. Unlike the fire mage, they moved with measured confidence. Water orbs hovered around them as they assisted their team.

"Now that's more like it," someone murmured in approval.

Lina raised an eyebrow. "Water mages are underrated. Not as destructive as fire, but they control the battlefield."

When the wolves charged, the water mage cast Aqua Bind, halting their momentum. The hunters capitalized immediately. The Goblin Chief was met with a well-timed Tidal Wave, knocking it off balance for an easy kill.

"That was smooth," Rob said, impressed.

Lina smirked. "Take notes, rookie."

A Stormcaller followed, summoning a small lightning storm that crackled through the goblins in seconds.

"Now that's power," someone whispered in awe.

Lina leaned back, unimpressed. "Stormcallers burn through mana too fast. Let's see how he handles the next wave."

The wolves fared no better—Chain Lightning arced between them, stunning the pack for an easy cleanup. The Goblin Chief was met with Tempest's Wrath, its form convulsing in a downpour of raw electricity. Though the fight ended swiftly, the Stormcaller staggered, breathless.

"That was insane," Rob admitted. "Took out the boss in one move."

Lina tilted her head. "Yeah, but he's a sitting duck now."

Next, a Biomancer took the stage. Unlike the others, their magic was eerie. With a flick of their wrist, Flesh Warp twisted goblin limbs grotesquely, rendering them useless.

The applicants recoiled. "That's... unsettling."

"But effective," Lina noted. "Biomancers are brutal."

Against the wolves, Flesh Rot drained their strength, making them easy targets. For the Goblin Chief, the Biomancer cast Life Surge, simultaneously healing the party and sapping the boss's strength.

Rob shuddered. "I wouldn't want to fight one of those."

Lina smirked. "Says the guy who eats monster meat for breakfast."

An earth mage followed but faltered immediately. Their rock spikes impaled the goblins too slowly.

"Faster!" a hunter shouted. "We need support!"

Panic overtook the mage. Against the wolves, their aim worsened, missing entirely. The Goblin Chief's arrival sealed their fate—the party was overwhelmed, and the test ended in failure. The evaluator moved on.

Then, silence fell. The evaluator called the name of a young boy who had scored 108 in the mana pool test. He stepped into the arena, small and nervous. The room held its breath as the evaluator announced his class: Chronomancer.

The goblins charged. The boy lifted his hands, voice steady. "Time Slow."

Everything shifted. The goblins' movements became sluggish, their attacks predictable. The hunters cut through them with ease.

The stands erupted.

"He slowed time!"

"A Time Mage? That's insane."

The wolves came next, a stark contrast to the goblins. The boy exhaled, casting Temporal Lock. One wolf froze mid-leap, shimmering as if trapped in glass. The hunters dispatched it instantly, before moving to the others, their movements enhanced by the slowed enemies.

Rob gripped the railing, eyes wide. "How is he so calm?"

Lina's smirk faded. "Chronomancers are fucking OP. This kid's got potential."

Finally, the Goblin Chief. The boy's expression hardened. "Eternal Loop," he whispered.

Time distorted. The Goblin Chief's swings reset before landing, caught in an endless cycle. The hunters struck again and again, until the boss collapsed without ever landing a blow.

Silence. Then, thunderous applause.

"He resets time!"

"That kid's a monster."

Even Lina leaned back, impressed. "Okay. That was entirely something else."

Rob was speechless. His mind raced, analyzing every move. The anticipation grew as the test continued.

Then, the evaluator called his name.