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chapter 35
Grand Duel Arena.
A place that could accommodate a large audience and where many magicians trained.
The preliminary selection was one of the biggest events before winter ended.
It was both a festival attended by numerous noble families and an opportunity to observe the magicians who would lead the next generation.
More people gathered here than for any other evaluation match.
Who would be the magician to leave their mark on the next generation?
While previous tests had been conducted in secret, the final test was held publicly.
“Princess Piaget is participating, right?”
“Oh my, she’s already at that age. Her peers must include Prince Arthur.”
“Yes. And I heard that Prince Lawrence is also participating in this selection.”
“Ohhh—.”
Piaget and Arthur were famous, so that was expected.
But all eyes were really on Lawrence.
The young lord, rumored to be a troublemaker, was suddenly spreading whispers that he might become an extraordinary talent.
In this world, people had another sort of “lottery” besides natural talent: [Unique Abilities].
These abilities were usually inherited through generations, and noble magician families honed them further through advantageous marriages with other prominent families.
“They say he has awakened that Unique Ability.”
“So, the magic of the level of Shadowless Spellcasting is his Unique Ability?”
“That’s the speculation. The real question is how someone without a Mana Rod can manifest magic.”
“Could it be…?”
“Shh. Don’t even say such things. Even as an illegitimate child, he’s still the direct descendant of Lord Edward.”
Rumors about Lawrence spread and people speculated endlessly.
No one actually knew the truth, though.
Medea, in charge of the duel and overseeing the event, found these whispers quite uncomfortable.
What exactly is his secret?
That had been her recent concern as well.
He had no Mana Rod, yet he could still wield magic.
How ironic and contradictory it was.
But her luck would run out today.
The Blue Tower Master would be the easiest to manipulate. If I ask him subtly…
She could make things happen more reliably.
Moreover, it seemed the Blue Tower Master was wary of Lawrence.
His personality was extreme—he removed anything in front of him that displeased him to feel satisfied.
Extreme personality, coupled with the ambition to become the best someday.
If she used these traits, it would be possible to cripple Lawrence or implant a terrible trauma.
Yes, she was sure of it—until he appeared.
“Lord Edward is here!”
Edward Montemer, the head of the Montemer family, had suddenly appeared in the Grand Duel Arena.
Edward, who should have been attending to his duties alone, suddenly appeared here?
The overwhelming mana pressure began to fill the arena.
A mere appearance changed the entire atmosphere.
Having reached a transcendent level beyond humans, his presence caused everyone to rise to their feet.
“Th-the Lord Edward, all of a sudden?”
“Could he be here to observe the test?”
“Is it because of Prince Lawrence? Huh…”
Whispers grew louder.
Medea quickly approached Edward, trying to maintain composure under the crushing mana pressure.
She still hadn’t gotten used to his presence, even after many years of marriage.
“Lord Edward, what brings you here? Leave it to me.”
“I will oversee this test myself.”
Thrum—thrum—.
The vibration of mana surged relentlessly.
Some covered their mouths in discomfort, while Medea, surprised, asked again.
“Excuse me? But they are only eleven years old.”
“Time is short. I will proceed and select them myself.”
“…”
This time, there was no mana vibration.
He had instantly drawn and controlled the mana to clearly convey his intention.
At the same time, Edward had demonstrated that he could control his power without harming the future talent.
Medea’s fists trembled.
She tried to hide it with her expression, but everything was unraveling.
At this rate… it would just become another stage proving Lawrence’s skill alone!
“Then, shall we let the children have a light friendly duel alongside your test, Lord Edward?”
“Hmm…”
Edward nodded without hesitation.
The Tower Master’s intervention was thwarted, but there was still hope.
Medea let out a silent sigh of relief and turned her gaze.
There, at the edge of her vision, sat Loras Montemer.
[Loras, remember what I said earlier. You will have to step in yourself.]
Suddenly called out, Loras was startled.
He clenched his small fists and nodded resolutely.
There was no turning back now.
He would defeat Lawrence and prove himself.
He also wanted to draw his mother’s attention back.
Time invested in him would be more worthwhile than for that illegitimate troublemaker.
[You must do well.]
His mother’s words were still stern.
But Loras swore he would change that.
And so, the test began.
#2
Edward stood in the center of the arena.
People speculated about what kind of test he would conduct.
“Could it be… surviving one of the Lord’s spells?”
“Would he have us dispel it?”
“Ha, these people talk recklessly.”
Dispel the magic of the strongest living magician?
How reckless—or lazy—could people be to even think it?
“My test is as follows.”
The murmuring audience fell silent as Edward’s voice echoed.
What kind of test would he present?
People expected something ingenious.
But Edward’s test was simple and ordinary:
“Cast and manifest your magic toward me. Then release it. That is the test.”
“….”
The children were momentarily confused.
Manifest magic? Casting?
Was that really all the test required?
But the next moment, they realized how foolish it was to underestimate him.
Whuuuu—!
A massive surge of mana instantly dominated the arena.
This was Edward’s aura and authority—a formidable obstacle requiring extreme concentration for the young magicians.
Some might thrive in the spotlight.
But more often, those in the shadows would seize the chance to topple those in the light.
There isn’t much time. Understand this.
Edward concealed his intent while drawing out an even denser concentration of mana.
Thud—.
Some were already kneeling, sweating profusely.
Edward spoke, and the previously still mana roared like thunder.
“Grrr!”
“To ask them to cast magic here…?”
Even those who could barely endure shook their heads.
Piaget and Arthur closed their eyes, trying to focus, but it seemed impossible.
How long would it take, and could they even manifest anything resembling magic?
Should I give up now?
Mana, move! Please move!
While the children struggled to overcome the overwhelming mana, a clear voice rang out.
Crackle—.
Blue lightning appeared, forming a long arrow of electricity with perfect form.
[Lightning Arrow]
“Do I just release it?”
“…”
The calm child was none other than Lawrence Montemer.
Unfazed by the pressure, his serene expression and the artifact that only required verbal commands made him shine.
Edward’s lips curved slightly.
A subtle, yet definite nod.
The lightning arrow shot toward Edward.
Lawrence’s confidence stemmed partly from grudges carried from his past life.
If not now, then when?!
Crackle—!
Though past events, the emotional scars were still vivid.
This wouldn’t completely heal them, but it was a way to relieve stress.
Pffft—.
As expected, Lawrence’s spell vanished with a faint sound near Edward.
Edward nodded approvingly.
“Excellent.”
His words confirmed Lawrence’s level.
Praise from the strongest living magician was no small matter.
Everyone was stunned.
He’s not even fazed… truly a monster.
Piaget, who had failed twice already, thought this.
How did he do it? Curiosity grew.
“Damn! I can do this too! This is cheating! A dream! How could anyone endure that?!”
Arthur gritted his teeth, reaching the stage of denial.
Lawrence noticed their gazes and smirked.
Cute little ones.
But he wouldn’t go easy on them.
They must pay for mocking me.
Watching the pair struggle, Lawrence wondered about Rachel.
He looked around and found her sitting quietly at the corner of the arena, watching him.
He waved, and she returned a polite bow, which amused him.
Guardian No.1. Don’t worry, I’ll raise you well.
Flare—.
Someone else, having endured the immense pressure, successfully manifested their magic.
Though it was only a 1st circle spell with weak power, it was still a success.
A small cheer rose from the crowd.
Ooooh—.
Pure admiration this time.
If Lawrence was a monster, this child was a genius.
“Phew, here I go!”
[Fire Arrow]
The arrow, embarrassingly weak, flew and dissipated with a small puff of mana.
An outsider might laugh, but no one here did.
Who could dare laugh in front of these young magicians?
Piaget Brixier, was it? Seeing the future archmage is quite moving.
Red and blue heterochromatic eyes.
A prodigy of double casting, wielding both fire and water.
Lawrence had just noticed her presence.
Arthur followed, creating a short spell, but could not release it.
“Hah! Haaah!”
“The test is over. Next… proceed as you like. Fortunately, there are some useful talents.”
Edward gathered his mana and left after a brief comment.
The children, overwhelmed, gasped.
They looked as if they had just emerged from deep water—exhausted.
A little longer, and they might have collapsed in foam.
“Now, shall we choose?”
The Iron Tower Master took the opportunity to speak.
“Wait. Let’s watch the friendly duels first, then decide.”
“Anyway, it seems no one else will take Prince Lawrence, so marking him first doesn’t change much.”
“…”
The Iron Tower Master had begun openly to play tricks on Medea.
