It appeared Stefan was more skilled in theory, so he got higher in the first stage of our examination. In fact, I wasn't expecting anyone to score so high, but he surprised me.
His other results were equally impressive. Not on the level of the genius girl, but remarkable nonetheless.
I turned my face to take a quick glance at him, expecting a snotty and confident look but was met with surprise instead. Stefan donned a stoic and cold look, as though trying to wave off the results displayed before his eyes as no big deal.
His eyes displayed a coldness that depicted that the results were to be expected, but I sensed something deeper within them. Was it frustration? A little bit of internal anger seemed to swirl within the icy cold shade in his retinas.
'I see... did he want to get first place?' I smiled to myself, finding his conflicting emotion a little funny.
Turning back to the screen, I looked at the results of the one who scored third place. It was a little underwhelming, a huge drop from the pedestal raised by the first and second.
~3rd Place~
Name: Ivan Smith
Age: 13 Years
1st Test Score: 79
2nd Test Score: 64
3rd Test Score: 60
Total Score: 203
Mana Core Grade <Yellow>
Mana Core Grade Concentration: 85%
[You Have Been Accepted As A Student Of Ainzlark Academy]
[.]
Well, I couldn't complain, since those two were regarded as geniuses. It was only natural that they would be leagues above the rest of them.
'This Ivan guy must actually be a pretty impressive person...' I reasoned.
If he had applied in a different year when the first two weren't present, he would have achieved the top spot. It was a shame his accomplishments were overshadowed by prodigies.
A smile formed on my face as I looked at the 4th place, having a total of 201 Points, not too far off from the third. My eyes trailed down and I noticed the 6th position downward, memorizing their names and scores while skimming through them.
They weren't too eye-catching, and their numbers were closely tied. It felt pointless even checking, but I did so anyway. It was a good way to get to know my new classmates.
After finally making it to down number 99, and then 100, I completely exhausted the list. A wry smile formed on my face.
Of all the names and numbers I carefully analyzed... my name wasn't among any!
Was it an error? Who knew. I was certain I carefully memorized the name and scores of everyone from the 6th position below after looking at the upper ones. I expected my name to have at least appeared in the lower regions of the list, but there was nothing.
My amused, calm smile slowly began fading as my lips twitched. Still, I maintained a calm disposition. It wouldn't do well for me to be so flustered at such a moment.
I could hear countless murmurs around me, and the entire hall was in an uproar as many whose dreams were dashed made sobs of anger and frustration.
I could easily join them and cry at my failure, but I wasn't so pathetic as to do that. What was going on exactly? Certainly, out of everyone who I scanned, they were all of the Yellow Core Grade, possessing at least 30 percent concentration!
Did I get disqualified because of my Pure White Core Grade? Was it a mistake to refuse to go by the norms and make separate cores instead?
"Tsk!" I clicked my tongue in dissatisfaction.
This was truly very unpleasant...
~Why are you looking so glum?~ A voice suddenly flashed into my mind.
My eyes widened as I recalled the sound coming from my mind. The sensation felt so familiar that I couldn't forget it even if I wanted to, and I could recognize the person speaking from anywhere.
Darting straight to the platform that stood above the students, my eyes captured the one who just used Mind Magic on me!
'Legris Damien!'
His face had a calm smile written on it, a surprise to me. I had thought he would be disappointed by my failure to gain something as simple as an admission. However, he didn't seem to be fazed. Rather, he was looking at me like I was the strange one.
~You should check the list again~ His voice sounded in my head again.
'Again? Why?'
I couldn't fathom why he would want Mt to engage in such a fruitless venture. Was it to add more salt to my injuries? I didn't make the cut, yet he wanted me to look at the names of those who did?
'Are you mocking me Legris?' I thought to myself in slight annoyance.
However, having nothing better to do, I humored him. My stiff neck rose as I checked the list starting from below. I couldn't turn them anywhere else, afraid to look at those around me.
I could feel countless eyes poking me, nearly driving me to the point of madness, but I pretended not to notice. The murmurs grew more intense, but I didn't dare enhance my hearing to hear what it was about.
If I could make a good guess, the talks about me that would be passed around were most likely mockeries and jests.
After the impressive display I showed in the second test and daring to seat among the geniuses, I still failed.
'Shit...'
I shut off my hearing, refusing to listen to the comments of everyone around me that were bound to be scathing beyond recovery. Even Stefan and Maria were staring at me. I felt like I would die from nervousness, but I kept my focus on the panel above me.
From number 100 upward, I scanned through the list, still not finding my name. It was a foolish venture, but I continued. Was it due to the false hope I had that by so e miracle I would see my name there? If so, then I was truly pathetic.
Skimming through the names, I passed number 50 and kept ascending, feeling my hopes dwindle and die out.
I reached the top 10 and my despair grew larger. The creeping fear of failure that had hidden itself was already rearing its ugly head, ready to completely devour me. I knew it in my heart... this was the end.
7th Place... not me!
6th Place... not me!
5th Place... 5th Place... 5th Place...
My already tired eyes began widening in surprise as the dying hope within me began shining bright Countless thoughts invaded my mind as I struggled to understand.
However, upon reading it over and over again, I understood. Truly, without a doubt... The 5th place... was mine!
