Practical Test (1)

What is Mana?

Mana is a term designating all kinds of energy that exists in nature. To become a magician, one has to accumulate mana in their heart and then create the so-called "mana circle".

Normally, each person has a small chance of being born with a "mana circle", however, their talents will be limited.

The reason?

They didn't create the "mana circle" themselves, and because of that, they didn't have the necessary amount of mana to control it.

Only if one finds a treasure that they can increase their mana with, can they eliminate that same "limit" and go down the path of becoming a true mage.

'However... how the fuck am I supposed to find something like that?'

And currently, Matthew is in a bit of a crisis. 

He has that same problem.

"Ughhh..." Matthew stretched his arms as his body arched slightly.

A week had already passed since his first class with Lilian, and Matthew spent most of his time in the library or on the training grounds.

After all, his attributes are really mediocre, and even after being in the 2nd circle, his magic is still lower than some of his classmates.

But, during this time at the library, Matthew actually finds something interesting.

Mana Circle Overwriting.

Basically, recreating a mana circle. And that could help his problem without needing to get some expensive treasure.

However, to do so, Matthew will need someone to help him, and that person needs to be at least a... 6th circle mage...

So, he ignored that same proposition because as an orphan, Matthew didn't have any connections, so getting a 6th circle mage was impossible.

And he doesn't even have anything that he can trade to get the help of one.

He talked with Lua, and she also shook her head. It seemed that some of her powers are still sealed so her power isn't higher than a 3rd circle mage.

"So freaking troublesome... but at least, my attributes are raising quite fast." Matthew smiled faintly.

Due to the amount of attention he gained after defeating Lean and pressing Kennard against the ground, his trait, [Fake Genius] had continuously granted him even more benefits.

During a training session, instead of gaining 0.09 stamina, he gained directly 0.34 stamina.

And it goes on, if this continues, Matthew is quite confident that he can get to the average level of his classmates in one to three months.

He just needs to continue to work hard. But, motivation wasn't something he was really getting.

"Now that I noticed... Today, is my actual "first" class... After all, I got expelled for a week before the teacher started teaching things."

"Well, time to walk to class... I sure hope it's a practical class." Matthew smirked.

Tap... Tap... Tap...

[Class A-1]

'Why am I getting a deja vú feeling?' 

Pushing the door open, Matthew was met with the sight of Lilian talking to the students, she had an extremely serious expression on her face.

But as the door opened, Matthew could see a faint smirk forming on her lips as she turned to him.

"You're finally gracing us with your presence, Student Matthew?" She directly teased him.

"Um."

However, to her words, Matthew simply nodded his head and made his way towards his seat.

He sat down, and then he was suddenly paralyzed as a golden hair swayed in his view...

'Since when... was she seated next to me?! I don't remember her being next to me when Lilian randomly gave us our seats...'

'Woah... I really can feel the burning gazes from Leon and Kennard...'

"Attention." Lilian's voice immediately stopped the burning gazes directed at Matthew, and both of them directly started paying attention to Lilian.

"As I mentioned before, today we'll be having the first practical test. I know that it's early, but we've decided to do it so early to test the student's resilience."

"Becoming a mage or a swordsman isn't easy at all. You'll need to go through many hardships, and will also need to have good allies that will help when you need help the most."

"And because of that, today's practical test will involve teamwork. The test is simple, the whole 1st-grade will be divided into 16 teams."

"Each team will have a flag with their number, and after three whole days, the team that has captured the most flags will be the winner of this practical test."

"So, in other words, the practical test's objective is capturing the flags of the other teams."

"Any questions?" She asked, looking at the students.

A few were brimming with excitement while others seemed to be a bit down, but that was just natural.

Practical tests will have a huge participation in your final grade, and having a good grade on those will surely help you pass through the 1st year.

It's only natural that some students are nervous about it.

"Yes, Leon?"

"Do we get to make our own teams or are the members allocated randomly?" Leon asked, his gaze landing on Stacy's face.

'...It's the beginning of the novel... why is he already so obsessed with Stacy? What kind of author starts a novel with male leads that are already at the point of dying for the protagonist?'

'That just makes him some kind of "meat shield", bruh...'

"Oh? Good question. Each team will have 15 members, but obviously, there is only one leader. So, each student can be the leader if they can gather enough students on their team."

"Then, they just need to get their own flag and that will be it. Also, the practical test will be starting at 2 PM, so you're all dismissed. Get some rest until then."

After hearing Lilian's words, the students started leaving the classroom. The protagonist's group gathered the most attention, and they were already talking about forming a group.

But, Matthew had another idea...

There's a chance, that he perhaps can open a 17th group, and it's just because... there's an odd number.

In the book, Matthew was injured so he couldn't participate, but, the teams were all full.

Each one had exactly 15 members.

'Nihihihi... I have a way to capture those flags.' He smirked widely.

But, as he was about to leave the classroom...

BAM!

Suddenly, the door closed shut!

'Oh, fuck... Is it happening now?'

"Where did you think you were going? We still need to chat, Matthew~" A seductive yet dangerous voice followed behind him.

He could feel a strange yet extremely dangerous aura fill the air as her words reached out to him.

His instincts were reacting, it was as if a snake was slowly climbing his body ready to pierce his neck with her deadly fangs.

"You saw it too, didn't you?"

"The String Of Fate."

"Don't bother denying it. I noticed your reaction when our eyes met. I'm pretty sure you saw it."

"However, even if you didn't, I'll make you see it..."

As she spoke, her intimidating aura faded, replaced by a more charming one.

It was almost like roses and lilies were swirling around them.

Sure enough, Matthew clenched his teeth as he spotted a glowing white string around his neck.

He knew he couldn't hide it, but he desperately wanted to break that same string.

Pshh!

Unfortunately, it seems that he couldn't do anything to that same string, he couldn't tear it apart.

"Ugk!"

Suddenly, he felt his neck being pushed back and instinctively twisted his body to kick Lilian.

She effortlessly caught his kick, but looking into her eyes, that unsettling sensation of a snake slithering over his body returned.

'Damn it...'

Increasing the strength of his leg, Matthew gritted his teeth as he tried to flee away, but as he looked into Lilian's eyes he suddenly froze.

With a sinister smile, Lilian looked at him, her lips were tainted by her saliva as her tongue slid on them.

"Ahh~, Matthew, resisting the inevitable? You know, sweetie, this string connected us for a reason~"

She whispered charmingly, her fingers tracing the glowing white thread around Matthew's neck.

"Aww~, why the bad face?"

"Isn't being connected to one of the strongest heroes one of the best benefits in the entire world?"

'Fuck. Before, I wanted to be her disciple, but now...'

'I just want to get the fuck out of here!!!'