Ruined Tower [1]

"Our country, the place favored by magic...students...war isn't the only option!"

I felt drowsy while listening to the old man rambling on about something while positioning himself on the podium and just heard a few sentences he spoke.

"So, let's start the exploration event for the freshman this year with an applaud!!!"

'Ah? Why are they suddenly clapping? My ears...'

My sleep was greatly disturbed by the sudden sound and I quickly covered my ears as I got the glance of the old man on the podium leaving his position and waving his hands like some leader of a boy band.

'Tch, he finally finished! I thought he would speak for all eternity...'

The old guy waves his hand which made me feel a bit cringe and quickly disappears and teacher Erina takes his place from earlier.

"I thank the 5th elder of the magic bureau for presenting himself despite his busy schedule, now without further ado let's start the event~!!"

Cheers erupted through the space as I only tried to block the loud voices entering my ears, 'Ahh shit, these brats are god damn loud!'

One may think why I am so annoyed today, it is no other reason apart from the compulsory event for the freshman.

"Ares~! Load up yourselves with something good, all right?" The loud voice of my sword mentor rang in my ears and possibly all the eyes presented there focused on me.

"Yes, I will bring you gifts teacher!!"

I shouted in return without any embarrassment neither upholding the Nobel's dignity, "Mind yourself, you brat!"

Smiling ear to ear I waved at her before being pushed into the exploration tower with the stacks of students.

'I heard after coming out of the portal we will find ourselves isolated, it would be good if I were summoned near the library.'

However, as soon as I got into the tower of ruins, my senses immediately yelled something wasn't right.

'Mana detection!'

Activating my spell to know the situation I instantly got to know what was happening here, 'So it was mirroring reality spell...'

Like the name states it's nothing but magic cast by higher-class magicians to project everything that happens in a particular place to somewhere.

'So, they are monitoring us huh? Then I should also do my best to surprise everyone~!'

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Senior students from the 2nd and 3rd years had gathered together in the enormous circular room at the top of the tower at this precise moment, observing something with excitement.

Two mystical projections are suspended in the air above and 2 sets of light crystal balls were set up at the side of the room. Two freshmen who are exploring the tower are the main characters in the projection.

The responses of the newbies to numerous exams in the tower were observed by several older students who pointed around the projection.

They probably went through this themselves. As time passes, it is now their turn to congregate atop the tower, where they will observe and judge the incoming candidates for testing. The number of forecasts suddenly rose once more.

A young man was slightly fat than normal and strangely a sword hanging from his waist appeared in the center of the projection. The towering brass tower door closed behind him, and it was Ares who had just entered the tower.

"Oh! Here comes another one, this is the third one!"

"He can notice an abnormality just after entering the tower gate. This freshman should have good strength!"

"I don't think it is necessarily true, you can see the eerie and strange atmosphere as soon as you step inside, so even if a farmer were to come inside he will display the same behavior."

"Wow! His smile is so charming!"

There were mixed opinions on Ares' performance, but a few third- and fourth-tier students were shocked. They noticed Ares' concealed right-hand movement.

When it detects that something is wrong, prepare for the spell as soon as possible. This is the precious combat instinct that can only be learned by a mage who has truly experienced the actual combat of blood and fire.

"Everyone, how long will it take for this freshman to come out?"

A girl with blue hair was curious to ask a question. She was a student who only entered the magic academy last year. It was the first time she saw this kind of scene, and she couldn't help feeling very strange.

"I think, at least one hour of time!"

"It's hard to tell, but in my opinion at least half an hour."

"I bet he will spend two hours!"

"Oh? Are you serious, dear Yani?"

"Of course, looking at his dumb and unsuspecting walking posture like a farmer, the other two freshmen in the notice are much more cautious than him!"

"Dare to make a bet with me? I bet he can get out of the mirror space within an hour. As for the bet, I will bet on a limited edition secret card issued by the Golden Dragon Firm this year!"

"Gambling? I am in!"

As if pebbles were thrown into the water, everyone began to discuss this issue eagerly, and the room was suddenly filled with a cheerful air.

Ares is not clear about the discussion at the top of the building, but he knows that the welcome ceremony for freshmen is usually broadcast live.

At this time, he was walking in the wide rocky corridor of the tall tower, just focusing on the mission he had entered the tower for.