I'll Judge in Your Place #1
The Grand Training Ground. A place that could accommodate a large audience and where many mages trained. The selection trials, held just before winter's end, were one of the biggest events. It was a festival where numerous families participated, and an opportunity to scout the mages who would lead the next generation.
Even more crowds gathered than for the evaluation rounds. Who would be the mage to dominate the next generation? While previous tests had been conducted in secret, this final trial was held publicly.
"I hear Lady Piaje Bricksir is participating."
"Oh my, she's already that age? Her peer is young Lord Arthur Goldvein."
"Yes. And young Lord Lawrence Montemer is also joining this selection trial."
"Oho—."
Piaje and Arthur were famous enough to expect as much. But the one drawing their attention was none other than Lawrence.
The young master once rumored to be a defective product. Yet whispers spread far and wide that he might actually be a monstrous genius.
In this world, beyond innate talent, people had another lottery: a Unique Ability.
Most were inherited down family lines, so mage families married into even greater houses to hone their powers further.
"That's right. He awakened that Unique Ability."
"So, does that mean chantless magic is young Lord Montemer's Unique Ability?"
"It's a guess, but the question is how someone without mana roads can manifest magic at all."
"No way……."
"Tch, don't even say it. Even if he's a bastard son, he's still Patriarch Edward's direct heir."
Conversations speculating about Lawrence—based solely on rumors—echoed here and there. No one guessed correctly, of course.
Media, overseeing the duels and the event, found such talk deeply uncomfortable.
What exactly is his secret?
That was a question plaguing her lately too. Magic without mana roads? How utterly ironic and contradictory.
But that stroke of luck ended today.
The Blue Tower Master would be the easiest to use. If I subtly ask him……
She could end it decisively. Besides, the Blue Tower Master seemed more wary of Lawrence than expected. His extreme temperament meant he had to eliminate anything displeasing him right before his eyes to feel relief.
An extreme personality and ambition to reach the top someday. Using all that, she could cripple Lawrence or implant a horrific trauma.
Yes, that's what she thought. Until he appeared.
"The patriarch has arrived!"
The patriarch, Edward Montemer. He appeared at the Grand Training Ground out of nowhere.
Edward, who should have been handling duties alone? Overwhelming mana began pressing down on the entire arena.
A man who changed the atmosphere just by showing up. As he, who had transcended human limits into the realm of the transcendent, entered, everyone rose.
"S-suddenly the patriarch?"
"Is he here to observe the trials?"
"Because of young Lord Lawrence? Hah……."
Murmurs grew louder.
Media endured the mana pressure and quickly attended to the patriarch. Even after years of marriage, she still couldn't adapt to his presence.
"Patriarch, what brings you here? Leave it to me."
"I'll judge this trial myself."
Rumble—.
Mana vibrated relentlessly as usual. While those with weak stomachs covered their mouths, Media asked in surprise.
"Pardon? But these are still eleven-year-old children."
"No time to waste. I'll conduct it and select them."
"……."
This time, no mana vibration. He had instantly reined it in to convey his pure intent. At the same time, Edward demonstrated he could control his power sufficiently and wouldn't ruin future talents.
Media's fists trembled. She schooled her expression, but everything was unraveling.
At this rate…… it would just become another stage proving Lawrence's prowess!
"Then, alongside your trial, how about letting the children have a light friendly duel?"
"Hm……."
Edward nodded readily. The Tower Master's intervention was off, but hope remained.
Media inwardly sighed in relief and turned her gaze. At its end sat Loras Montemer.
[Loras, remember what I said earlier. You must step up yourself.]
Suddenly singled out, Loras startled. But he clenched his small fists and nodded. No turning back now.
He would crush Lawrence and prove himself. And draw Mother's attention back here.
Time invested in him—a defective bastard—would be better spent on himself. He would make it so.
[You must do well.]
Mother's words remained curt. But Loras vowed to change that.
Thus, the trials began.
#2
Edward stood in the center of the Grand Training Ground. People speculated wildly about what test he might devise.
"No way, enduring one of the patriarch's spells?"
"He won't ask them to dispel it, right?"
"Hah, you lot are courting disaster with that talk."
Dispel a spell from the world's greatest mage? How could so many be so reckless—or too lazy to think?
"My trial is this."
As the audience buzzed, Edward's voice boomed.
What test would he set? They anticipated something ingenious.
But Edward's trial was simple and commonplace.
"Chant a spell toward me. Manifest it. Fire it. That is my test."
"……."
The children looked baffled. Manifest magic? Chant? That was the test?
But the next instant, they realized how foolishly they'd underestimated it.
Vwoooom—!
Vast mana seized the surroundings in a flash. Edward's intimidation, his aura.
An obstacle young mages would face countless times ahead—a moment demanding ultimate focus.
Some basked in the light, surely. But shadows outnumbered them, always lurking to drag the lit ones down.
Time is short. Understand.
Edward concealed his thoughts and drew forth even denser mana.
Thud—.
Some already knelt, sweating profusely.
Edward spoke, and the still mana roared like thunder.
"Urgh!"
"Cast magic here……?"
Even those barely holding shook their heads.
Piaje and Arthur squeezed their eyes shut, focusing on chants—but it seemed impossible. Who knew how long it would take, or if they'd produce anything worthy of "magic."
Should I give up?
Mana, move! Please move!
As the children struggled in their own ways against the overwhelming mana, a clear voice rang out.
Crackle—.
Blue lightning appeared, forming a slender, elegant arrow of electricity.
Lightning Arrow
"Is firing it for real enough?"
"……."
The boy speaking so calmly was Lawrence Montemer. His serene face showed no pressure at all, and the artifact's power—needing only an activation word—made him shine once more.
Edward's lip curved faintly. Subtly, but surely.
He nodded, and the lightning arrow shot toward him.
Lawrence fired without hesitation, fueled by grudges from his past life too.
When else would I get to strike at him if not now!
Crackle—!
Though past, the emotional scars lingered vividly. This wouldn't fully heal them, but it was his way of relieving stress.
Fizzle—.
Naturally, Lawrence's spell vanished with a pop near Edward.
Edward nodded.
"Excellent."
That single word affirmed Lawrence's worth.
Praise from the greatest living mage. Its implications were immense—enough to stun everyone.
He doesn't even flinch…… He's a real monster.
Piaje, failing to chant twice already, thought so. How did he do it? Curiosity swelled.
Damn it! I can do it too! This is cheating! A dream! How do you endure that!?
Arthur ground his teeth, denying reality.
Lawrence felt their stares and smirked. Cute kids. But no mercy.
Payback for the pad lip lasts forever.
Watching their efforts leisurely, Lawrence suddenly wondered where Rachel was. Glancing around, he spotted her demurely seated in a corner, watching him.
He waved; she bowed politely. Adorably amusing.
Guardian No. 1. I'll raise you well, so don't worry.
Fwoosh—.
In that brief distraction, someone overcame the immense pressure and manifested magic. A 1st Circle spell, pathetically weak, but success was success.
A small cheer erupted.
Ooooh—.
Pure admiration this time. If Lawrence was a monster, this was genius. Physical limits considered, it fit.
"Hoo, here goes!"
Fire Arrow
A pitiful excuse for an arrow flew, then fizzled into mana. Outsiders might laugh, but no one did.
Who here could mock that feat?
Piaje Bricksir, was it? Seeing a future great mage stirs nostalgia.
Red and blue heterochromatic eyes. A prodigy of double-casting, wielding fire and water. The moment Lawrence first acknowledged her.
Arthur followed, forming a short magic spear—but couldn't throw it.
"Hahk! Haah!"
"The trial ends here. Next…… do as you will. At least some are usable."
Edward withdrew his mana, left a curt impression, and turned away.
The mana-crushed children gasped deeply. Like surfacing from deep water, utterly spent. A bit longer, and they'd have foamed at the mouth and fainted.
"Now, time to select?"
Iron Hanma seized the moment.
"Wait. Friendly duels are prepared—watch those first before deciding."
"No one else seems keen on taking young Lord Lawrence anyway. Claiming him first changes nothing."
"……."
Iron Hanma openly trolled Media.