https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-14-Talia-s-Professional-Judgment/12582101/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-16-Lanchi-Does-Not-Seek-Attention/12582106/
Chapter 15: Talia's Self-Doubt
Chapter 15: Talia's Self-Doubt
Unbeknownst to them, the carriage had entered a bustling commercial district, passing by a myriad of restaurants, cafes, bars, and unique shops. The spacious streets teemed with lively energy as people went about their day.
The city boasted a diverse range of architectural styles, from ancient classics like the Ecclesiarch Central Station and St. Brian's Cathedral to modern glass and magic-infused structures such as the Hutton Pedestrian Plaza and the Erica Magic Tower. These buildings coexisted harmoniously, enhancing the skyline of Ecclesiarch.
It was approaching the afternoon.
The sightseeing carriage arrived near the academy.
The legendary Ecclesiarch Magic Academy was nestled right in the heart of the royal capital.
The academy had no walls; instead, this sprawling area, along with all the buildings within it, was known as Ecclesiarch Magic Academy.
Ranch carried his luggage and walked into the campus with Talia by his side.
After walking a few steps, Ranch felt as if he was being welcomed by a melodious chiming of bells.
The sound emanated from the iconic red-brick bell tower, and it rang only three times before falling silent, indicating that it was three o'clock in the afternoon.
The bell tower stood tall in the middle of a vast lawn, surrounded by lush trees. Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting a colorful pattern of light and shadow on the verdant grass.
Following the map on the signposts, Ranch and Talia made their way through a variety of buildings.
There was the Gothic-style Sage Court Ancient Tower Library, its walls adorned with exquisite reliefs, housing countless mysterious tomes within.
The Knight Court Arena, built in the Victorian style, exuded a classical charm through its pointed arch windows.
There were also innovative facilities like the Alchemy Biology Laboratory and the Magic Engineering Research Institute, where the walls, composed of magic screens, reflected the blue of the sky and the shadows of the surrounding greenery.
After walking for over ten minutes, Ranch reached his destination.
It was a gigantic building with sleek lines and a unique design—the "Learning and Education Building" shared by the Knight Court and the Sage Court.
Ranch and Talia ascended to the second floor, where the Student Services Center was located.
With the friendly assistance of the staff, Ranch quickly completed the modification of his exam information, changing his chosen college from the Alchemy Court to the Sage Court.
Next, to complete the full registration for the Sage Court entrance exam, he needed to undergo an attribute test on the third floor of the building.
With his small suitcase in his left hand and the application form and personal information in his right, Ranch wandered around until he found the Basic Attribute Measurement Room on the third floor.
The spacious office was neatly arranged with various magic measuring instruments, giving off a more radiological treatment room vibe compared to a magic academy.
Students aiming to enroll in the Knight Court and Sage Court usually completed the required attribute tests well in advance when they first applied. However, since Ranch was transferring his exam, the timing was off, and with only two days left until the exam, he wouldn't encounter any other students queueing.
The teacher sitting behind the office desk soon directed her gaze toward the visiting duo.
"I didn't expect such an incredible newcomer this year... Looks like the Sage Court has struck gold."
The teacher in charge of attribute testing, whose nameplate on the desk read "Theresa," exuded a gentle aura. Upon seeing Talia, a delighted and friendly smile appeared on her face.
The stable, restrained, and unfathomable magic emanating from Talia alone was awe-inspiring.
"It's not me taking the exam, it's him."
Talia replied nonchalantly.
"Hmm?"
So, the one carrying the luggage is the young master? Ms. Theresa, taken aback, quickly shifted her surprised gaze to Ranch.
"That's right."
Ranch smiled awkwardly, pleased that the teacher had finally directed her astonishment toward him.
That vagrant, Talia, didn't have much luggage to begin with.
Standing there with his suitcase, application form, and Talia, who had the appearance of a human girl, coupled with Talia's icy aura, he did indeed resemble the protagonist of "The Young Lady and I."
"Ahem."
Ms. Theresa cleared her throat, feeling equally embarrassed.
It wasn't just a visual misunderstanding that had led to her mistake; as a mage, she relied more on her perception and judgment of magic than her eyesight.
However, the pitiful magical fluctuations emanating from Ranch did not inspire much hope for his prospects as an excellent magic-based profession.
Even without specialized equipment, Theresa, an experienced teacher, could sense that Ranch's magical attributes were weak, but his mental fortitude seemed robust.
Perhaps he would be better suited to becoming a cleric?
After all, many clerical spells were not linked to magical power but rather mental strength.
However, if he wanted to enter the clergy, the equally renowned Saintly Research Institute or the Sacred Artificer's Academy on the southern continent would be more suitable for his talents than Ecclesiarch Magic Academy.
Nonetheless, since he was already here, she certainly couldn't say anything to discourage the student.
Her current task was to help Ranch complete his attribute test.
If his overall calculated results met the standards, she would proceed with the formal exam registration.
Soon, they performed and completed the test.
Aside from exceptionally high mental growth potential and relatively good physical development potential, Ranch showed no aptitude for magic or strength.
Although mental attributes were not as heavily weighted as magical attributes in the Sage Court's assessment of magical professions, Ranch's extraordinarily high single-attribute mental score pushed his weighted calculation well above the qualifying line.
So, Theresa began processing the paperwork for his subsequent assessment.
To pass the time, Ranch perused his attribute test results while waiting for Teacher Theresa to finish her work.
In this world's simplest "four-dimensional test method":
Magical attributes influence the damage, healing, and enhancement effects of most spells.
The strength attribute is directly linked to physical attack power.
Mental attributes affect mana capacity and magic resistance.
Constitution encompasses vitality, endurance, and physical defense.
"So, what is your profession, student?"
As Theresa entered Ranch's specific test results into a tablet-like magical instrument, she looked up at him when she reached the "occupation" section.
Ranch had exceptional survival abilities, but he lacked offensive capabilities.
Based on her observations, she speculated that Ranch was unlikely to be an aggressive profession and would probably lean more towards support and logistics.
Although Talia remained expressionless, she, too, was mildly curious about Ranch's impending response.
She genuinely had no idea what his answer would be.
Crazy Sorcerer? Heretic Priest? Nothing seemed quite fitting.
She couldn't think of a suitable term to describe Ranch's current card-based system.
"Obviously, I am a white mage," Ranch said with a gentle smile.
Hearing this, Talia's eyes twitched involuntarily.
This guy had some nerve!
If she hadn't traveled through the human realm for so many years, she would have doubted her understanding of the language before suspecting Ranch of any wrongdoing.
The most outrageous part was that Talia couldn't even detect that Ranch was lying.
He genuinely believed he was a white mage.
Upon hearing this, Teacher Theresa nodded as if she understood.
"I see... I'm also a healing mage. If you enroll in the Sage Court, we may cross paths in class."
Such a bright and cheerful young man indeed seemed like a kind-hearted healer.
Teacher Theresa smiled and handed Ranch the exam bracelet already encoded with his information.
Although his healing and support capabilities might be low, his mental attributes were linked to his mana capacity, allowing him to cast spells continuously, granting him decent endurance.
Most importantly, compared to other professions, healers needed to possess a gentle and kind heart.
"For the formal exam in two days, just bring this bracelet to the seventh floor for the practical simulation. Although the exam will be challenging, may Lady Luck smile upon you. Good luck!"
Sitting behind the long desk, Teacher Theresa propped her chin up with one hand, a gentle smile on her face, as she offered her well-wishes.
She believed that all gentle souls deserved to be treated with gentleness in return.
Even if the odds of this young man standing out and passing the assessment were slim.
"Thank you," Ranch said with a nod.
He then left the building alongside Talia, whose confusion was evident in her eyes.
(End of Chapter)
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