The 3-Level Magic National Exam (1)
[Author: TastyTailMouse]
She dodges every single spell, doesn't give any casting time, and keeps the opponent from using anything above 1-level magic.
Opponent was Baek Sungjin, a decent rookie 2-level, but without linked attacks, he couldn't even land a hit?
[Author: Astra]
Probably just struggled with the 3-level test.
[Author: Anon]
Usually they'd post the list by now, right?
Why no list this time? Is the Isara rumor real?
I narrowed my eyes at Hong Jiyeon, who had snuck up on me.
"What, you still at 2-level too?"
"Hey, even the great Isara's still 2-level!"
"Tailoring the world to others' levels? Pathetic."
Hong Jiyeon glared at me, seemingly at a loss for words. I decided to impart some wisdom.
"Eunbyeol's 10, you're 11. You should've passed a year ago."
Her cheeks flushed red at my words.
"Hey! Challenging 3-level at 11 is fast!"
"I'm 7."
Jiyeon made a defeated face.
"Kids challenge at 7 sometimes, but passing is a whole other thing. You really thinking of taking it?"
"Of course. What else?"
Jiyeon giggled.
"If you pass 3-level here, it'll mean you're better than Isara. Massive spotlight, ya know."
I mulled it over and nodded.
"I've prepared for that much, at least."
"Hilarious! What prep? The country's flipping out! You serious?"
"If I wasn't, why come?"
"Unbelievable!"
As I bickered with Hong Jiyeon, murmurs rose from the inner arena.
Isara must've arrived.
"Hmph, that racket means Isara's really here."
I shrugged.
"What's that mean? Isara?"
"Heard she's taking the 3-level test this time."
I furrowed my brow.
"Always wondered. All that genius, era's gem, supernova talk, but why still 2-level?"
Hong Jiyeon glanced around before whispering.
"Theories abound. One says they hold her back from 3-level so Abyss entry doesn't mess her training."
"Huh?"
"Rumors Korean Magic Tower Alliance wants her for bubble Abyss cleanup."
"......"
Sending a 10-year-old girl into life-or-death Abysses?
The Tower Alliance has lost it.
"Another says she's dragging for world record."
"Record?"
"3-level exam records are global."
"Hmm."
Fastest clear? Pointless.
"Whatever the truth, she's beating 3-levels at 2-level. Real deal."
"You met Isara?"
"Duh. Fought her in J1 league. You ignore me, but I got huge hype like Isara..."
I ignored Jiyeon and headed inside the test arena.
"Hey! Kid! Hey!"
A crowd packed the arena center. In the middle, a girl with navy blue hair.
Big sparkling eyes, bangs swept back into a tight ponytail—striking.
"Different from tournament footage."
Video Isara looked like a demon. Real one? Tomboy who'd love bear dolls.
"Hah! Don't fall for the face. Up close, she's a devil."
"?"
"You'll see in the test."
"Really..."
As I observed Isara, an announcement blared through the arena.
Mages participating in the Korean Magic National Exam 3-Level test, please gather at the 1st floor examinee waiting area.
I glanced at Monica following the announcement. She smiled gently, hand on my shoulder.
"No need to tense up, kiddo. You've got this."
"I know."
"Hehe."
Monica crouched, whispering in my ear.
"As promised, pass 3-level with just battle mage style. It'll max your ether control—precious experience."
"Got it, ma'am."
"If it looks like failing, use magic. Better than a year delay."
I nodded, exchanged looks with Monica, and returned to my spot.
"What was that? What'd she say?"
Hong Jiyeon asked; I just smiled vaguely.
"Nothing much. Coaching, I guess. Anyway..."
I frowned at the packed crowd.
"3-level draws a ton of people."
From 10 to 40s, all ages crammed the halls.
"Yeah, 3-level lets you go pro. Lots of repeaters."
Like old bar exams...
I waded through the horde to the arena where testers gathered.
*
At the 1st floor waiting area by the exam hall, I ran into someone unexpected.
"Eunbyeol?"
"Ah, Eunha-ssi!"
Eunbyeol grabbed my hand tight.
"Hehe, knew you'd challenge 3-level this quarter."
"...Why are you here? You too?"
She snorted.
"Hmph, why? Think I can't?"
"No, but..."
I stared blankly at Eunbyeol.
"I won J2 Sangun tournament too. Scores qualify me for 3-level."
"Only a few months since we met. You've grown a lot... For real."
Hong Jiyeon eyed us alternately, eyebrow raised.
"Hmm~ You two know each other?"
Eunbyeol stepped back, eyes flashing despite her shy demeanor.
"......"
"Ah~ You lost to me in Hongcheon tournament finals last week, right?"
They'd met in another match.
"Won't lose next time."
"With that sync rate? Doubt it~"
"You were struggling against my magic."
"Ow! Struggling? I had margin!"
"No? It was one point. 100pt more and I'd have burst you."
"Burst? Wanna get burst? Everyone sees me as a pushover—I'm Busan's pride, Hong Jiyeon!"
"Hmm..."
I watched curiously. They noticed, awkwardly parted.
"You two mesh surprisingly well."
"We don't mesh!"
"Yeah! Why with this weakling!"
"Weakling? You said it was dangerous after!"
"That was interview talk!"
"With both of us there? Interview my ass!"
"Hey kid, wanna get burned?! Grr!"
Cold Eunbyeol and fiery Jiyeon—adorably harmonious. I burst out laughing.
"Ahaha!"
They scowled at me.
Hong Jiyeon narrowed her eyes.
"Mage Yu Eunha, you know the 3-level pass rate and still laugh?"
I shrugged.
"Around 50%?"
She held up three fingers.
"30%?"
"No, 3%. Only 3 out of 100 pass."
"Heard that somewhere..."
Monica said my skills suffice, but many fail.
I scanned the bustling crowd. Balding 40s guy, tracksuit 30s woman—all determined eyes, long-held dreams.
"3-level must mean something special."
Eunbyeol nodded.
"Frees Abyss entry, registers with Mage Association."
"I see."
"Most think 'mage' means 3-level+. Real start here."
"Right, Eunha-ssi. Our trio's odds..."
"0.002% or so. 2 in 100,000."
I smiled gently.
"Really? Mine's 100%. You two must be taking different tests."
"...You."
Then murmurs swelled.
Examinee #1, Mage Isara, please step forward for the 3-level test.
Someone advanced from afar. The genius girl with striking navy hair—Isara—headed to the exam stage.