Chapter 55: The Entrance Exam

The day of the entrance exam had arrived.

The academy’s full name was the Royal Isam Kanade Academy, a vast educational institution located in the southeastern part of the royal capital. Given that the Roxfall estate was in the northwestern part of the noble district, it took us two hours by carriage to get there. Quite the journey, requiring an early departure.

Arrival at the Academy

As we approached the academy, the number of carriages increased noticeably.

The academy accepted both nobles and commoners, though the exams for commoners were scheduled two days after the nobles’ exams. Thus, today, the crowd consisted solely of nobles.

“Thomas of the Roxfall knight-baron family,” I announced at the reception desk.

“Understood. Please wear this number tag and follow the red arrows designated for lower nobles to the examination hall.”

The tag I received bore the number 37564. Not exactly an auspicious number...

More than the number, though, the stark reality of social stratification hit me immediately.

Separate receptions were set up for upper nobles, middle nobles, and lower nobles.

While upper and middle nobles faced no lines at their desks, lower nobles had a long queue of examinees waiting for their turn.

The disparity in staff numbers was striking:

• Upper nobles: 10 receptionists.
• Middle nobles: 6 receptionists.
• Lower nobles: Only 3 receptionists—despite having the largest number of examinees.

Clearly, someone had miscalculated the allocation of resources.

Following the red arrows assigned to lower nobles, I made my way to the classroom.

Entering the Examination Hall

“Attendants must remain at the back,” said a staff member upon our entry.

Suzanna, who was acting as my bodyguard today, replied, “Understood. I will wait in the designated area.”

While it wasn’t an issue to bring attendants into the academy, lower nobles could only bring one, unlike middle nobles, who were allowed three, and upper nobles, who could bring up to six. The contrast was stark and unmistakable.

“Exam number 37564… Toma of the Roxfall knight-baron family, correct?”
“Yes, that’s me,” I replied.
“Please show your status for verification.”

Status Confirmation

makefile

Копировать код

Name: Toma Roxfall
Species: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 10
Title: Apostle of Deuro
Rank: S
Attribute: None
Blessing: Brewer of Divine Sake
Level: 199
Skills:

• Brewing Expertise Lv.5
• Quality Improvement Lv.5
• Dexterity Lv.4
• Discernment Lv.4
  Life: 11,032
  Stamina: 11,144
  Mana: 11,441

“An Apostle?! Rank S?! Level 199?!” the examiner exclaimed, his voice echoing through the room.

Even without modern privacy laws, shouting someone’s personal information seemed excessive.

Realizing his mistake, the examiner coughed awkwardly. “Ahem! Proceed to your assigned seat and wait there.”

As I turned to head to my seat, I noticed the entire classroom staring at me. The examiner’s outburst had clearly drawn attention. Sigh…

The Written Exam

Once the seats were filled, the written exam began.

The questions were straightforward, and while I wasn’t sure of the exact passing score, failure seemed unlikely. Still, I decided to give my best effort—not out of personal ambition but to avoid tarnishing Father’s reputation.

After thoroughly reviewing my answers and ensuring I had written my name and exam number, I set my pen down.

Practical Exam Instructions

At the end of the written exam, an instructor announced:
“Those taking the Knight Course, Magic Course, or General Studies I should follow the arrows to the training grounds for the practical exam. Those taking General Studies II are dismissed; results will be announced in ten days.”

The academy offered four tracks:

1. Knight Course: For aspiring knights serving the nation or nobility.
2. Magic Course: For future magicians serving similar roles.
3. General Studies I (Nobles’ Course): Focused on managing estates, taken by heirs of landed nobility.
4. General Studies II (Clerical Course): For those aiming to serve as civil officials under the nation or nobility.

My Decision

I had chosen to take General Studies II.

Becoming a knight or magician wasn’t in my plans. Moreover, I couldn’t use magic. Since Siegvalt was expected to inherit the family estate, General Studies I didn’t appeal to me either. General Studies II was the only logical choice.

With my exam finished, I reunited with Suzanna and prepared to return home.

Reactions to My Choice

“I can’t believe you actually took General Studies II,” Suzanna remarked, still in disbelief.

Since I first mentioned my choice, Suzanna and the others had been skeptical. Many had encouraged me to pursue the Knight Course or General Studies I, but I remained firm.

After all, I had no intention of becoming a knight or a lord.