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Chapter 19
In truth, the questions at the Third Gate were simply meant to gauge the examinee’s values.
The evaluation of “crisis response ability” ended the moment one stepped through the Third Gate.
No matter how long I lingered here, it wouldn’t affect my score.
“My choice is to sacrifice no one.”
At first glance, it seemed as though I had to choose between two options, inevitably sacrificing one of the rabbits to escape.
And that was, after all, how it was originally designed.
But now that I knew it wouldn’t count toward the evaluation, I had only one choice.
If this test was meant to show my values…
I wanted to show the examiner that I wouldn’t sacrifice a single thing.
“It’s not bravado—I truly have the ability to do this.”
By now, the Abiliter who had shown me the illusions was surely watching.
Even if an examinee took shortcuts to enter the maze quickly, the record measurement counted it as part of their ability.
So they only measured the record—they didn’t enter the illusion to watch.
Entering the illusion was far more exhausting than merely showing it.
But the Third Gate was different.
Because the questions were meant to observe the examinee’s values, the caster had no choice but to enter the illusion and confirm the choices made.
I looked up at the void like a madwoman and let out a gleeful laugh.
Let’s see who can last longer—you maintaining the illusion, or me enduring it.
✦ ✦ ✦
When I exited the testing area, an attendant led me to the waiting area.
“Tania, please wait here until your results are out.”
“Yes.”
The outcome was obvious.
I had sprawled out and even taken a carefree nap inside, claiming victory.
In the end, I emerged from the illusion without sacrificing a single rabbit.
Raspi and Rosemarie, who had already completed the tests and were waiting, greeted me.
“Tania!”
“Hero!”
…Had Rosemarie completely decided to call me “Hero” now?
Just as I was thinking it was a bit awkward, she ran toward me and hugged me tightly.
I instinctively embraced the girl, who was about a head taller than me.
I felt like I had become her favorite plush doll.
“Hero, I was so worried because you didn’t come out for so long.”
“So you were worried. Sorry, it just took longer than expected. By the way, how did both of you do on the test?”
Rosemarie fumbled to unfold a paper she was holding and proudly showed me her certificate of passing.
“Tada! Just like you said, I passed! It says I passed, right? I have a home now, right? I won’t starve anymore?”
“Of course.”
As long as no accidents occurred at the Papiophe Training Academy, they didn’t expel students for poor grades.
“This is all thanks to you, Hero!”
Rosemarie bounced like a child, holding my hand. But…
“Raspi, why do you look so gloomy? Don’t tell me…”
Before I could even ask, “You passed too, Rosemarie, so you didn’t fail, right?” Raspi hurriedly spoke.
“I passed too. But…”
“But?”
“Tania…”
He fumbled with his lips, unsure of how to continue.
Ah. He must have been worried I might fail because I dragged out the last test.
It was cute, but by now I couldn’t help but suspect…
…Did he really develop separation anxiety?
Just as I was about to reassure Raspi, one of the examiners who had overseen the Abiliter ranking approached me.
“Tania, your test results are out. May I speak with you briefly?”
“Yes.”
I gestured to Raspi and Rosemarie to wait, then followed the examiner.
We entered a room that looked like someone’s office, and a man inside greeted me with a smile.
“Hello, Tania. I’m Ruben, director of the Papiophe Training Academy.”
The examiner who had brought me stood near the director, observing me.
Director, huh. I could guess why I had been called separately.
I blinked slowly and returned his greeting.
“Hello.”
“The reason I called you separately is regarding your entrance exam results. First, let me show you this.”
The director handed me an envelope. I took it naturally, opened it, and unfolded the paper inside.
Comprehensive Ability Evaluation Results
Name: Tania
Ability Grade: S-Class
Crisis Response Ability: A+
(Broke the fastest record)
Written Exam: P 100/100
Based on your overall scores, we confirm that your outstanding performance and exceptional aptitude make you the talent we are seeking.
Congratulations! You have passed the entrance exam for the Papiophe Training Academy.
We look forward to seeing your talents shine even more at our academy.
The evaluation sheet showed the highest possible score in all categories.
The director spoke again, his expression serious, as if waiting for me to read the results.
“Tania, the scores you achieved are a record we have never seen since the academy’s founding.”
Naturally.
I had deliberately scored high enough to make even dukes envious.
“Have you visited any other Abiliter academies, or been promised sponsorship from a noble family?”
“No. I came here for the first time after awakening my abilities.”
The director’s lips curled into a smile, almost reaching his ears.
Talented Abiliters were rare, and most were monopolized by noble families.
But here came a child with foresight ability and perfect scores walking in on her own.
This was an opportunity they couldn’t miss.
“You may not know, but at our academy, successful applicants can enter immediately.”
“Yes.”
“If you wish, we can assist your enrollment right away. Is that alright?”
“No. I have no parents, but I have a guardian I am currently under the care of.”
“So, that means…”
“Yes. I would like to postpone enrollment until I get my guardian’s permission.”
The director’s expression darkened at the request to delay enrollment.
“This may be a rude question, but has your guardian ever exploited you for financial gain?”
…Do people really ask a child such difficult questions?
I was momentarily taken aback, but then remembered I had aced the written exam.
I recalled that they must think I’m a genius.
While confident my abilities were extraordinary, I knew my brain was close to ordinary.
I wondered how long I could keep up the act of being a prodigy, then spoke.
“No. My guardian is a good person. I only took the academy exam because I felt burdensome relying on them.”
“Then, roughly how long would you need before enrollment?”
It had been about a month since my guardian left…
Since they said they’d return as soon as possible, it wouldn’t take long.
“I will enroll in the academy within a month.”
“If Tania wishes, we can assign personnel to help obtain your guardian’s permission.”
He was suggesting I could enter sooner, worried I might be promised money by another noble family in the meantime.
“You need not worry, Director. My goal is to be adopted by Duke Papiophe.”
“…However.”
I smiled brightly to ease his concern.
“Money is not a concern. I can earn as much as I want if I put my mind to it.”
It was a truth no one could deny.
