Currently, the depletion of the magician population has become a very serious social problem.

The history of oppressing and suppressing magicians was humanity’s greatest tragedy and mistake. Currently, magicians make up about 2% of the total population. Among that 2%, the proportion of teenagers and those in their 20s is barely 30%.

When a magician marries another magician, there’s a high chance of producing a magician child, but even that isn’t guaranteed. When a magician marries a non-magician, there’s still a chance of having a magician child, but the probability is as rare as non-magicians conceiving twins.

In that sense, the ‘young’ magicians who attend the top-tier ‘Raizen Academy’ in the empire, having overcome such slim odds, had great pride in being special existences.

And their interest had been consistent for days.

“Was it really the Tower Master?”

“I’m telling you, it was! Just like the face we saw in the newspapers! No, he was even more handsome in person.”

“People who’ve seen him in person say his aura is different. Did you really feel that?”

“Yes, absolutely!”

“But you say he was with a woman?”

“That’s right! And she looked quite young too.”

“Could it be the protagonist of the recent scandal?”

“The hair length and color were similar, and her height and build… from what I saw in the photos, probably?”

“He really is consistent.”

The existence of the young Tower Master was always the students’ greatest interest.

After all, any magician would want to live a life like his. A world has come where countless young magicians naturally look up to Givnen Rianster as their role model.

Genius magician, legitimate heir of the Rianster family, disciple of the great magician Yung, and now the youngest Tower Master of Horizon.

His glorious titles, admired by all, were the very life everyone aspired to.

No matter what scandals he was involved in, the people of Horizon didn’t care.

Rather, even his free-spirited lifestyle, unbounded by conventions, was praised as cool. Except for one person.

‘That crazy bastard… advertising his upcoming marriage here and there.’

Every time she heard the students’ bustling chatter, Rivne’s face twisted terribly.

Apparently, Givnen had recently toured the academy with Riley, causing an uproar. Eyewitness accounts poured in, becoming a hot topic among the dormitory residents. It would probably get worse when the semester starts.

‘If you’re going to do this, why keep the marriage a secret?’

Rivne couldn’t understand.

The fact that marriage negotiations were ongoing was being kept strictly confidential. Even the fact that Riley was living in his mansion was unknown to anyone but his closest confidants and family.

It was baffling that such a man would bring his future wife, walk around arm in arm, and poke around the academy as if it were his own living room.

Especially absurd was that this behavior seemed counterproductive if he wanted to enroll Riley here. This was a sensitive matter that could already spark controversy about preferential treatment and nepotism, so why was he being so careless?

‘Well, if he had any sense of caution, he wouldn’t have been involved in all those scandals in the first place.’

Rivne sighed and entered the conference room.

The professors of Horizon were gathered in the conference room.

“You should all have received the official notice. An entrance exam for the magician track is scheduled based on the recommendation of Horizon’s Tower Master. Professors appointed as examiners, please make thorough preparations. We’ll also conduct a mana presence test, so activate the barrier in advance. As the exam is to be conducted in secret, make absolutely sure there’s no external exposure.”

“A Tower Master’s recommended scholarship student… He himself attended Horizon through the recommended scholarship system, and now he’s recommending another student. I wonder what kind of talent he discovered and where?”

“It must be no ordinary person, given that we’re told to prepare a barrier.”

“Well, talents at the level of great magicians have always been accompanied by explosions. We need to be fully prepared to prevent the academy building from being blown away.”

The professors’ expectations were tremendous. Seeing this, Rivne snorted.

‘That girl was completely ignorant about magic. She was so clueless, you’d believe she was just an ordinary person, and originally…’

I couldn’t even sense any mana from her.

Of course, not only Givnen but also Father seemed to cherish her as if they had brought in a precious daughter-in-law, but Rivne didn’t trust Riley. She believed that both Father and the foolish Givnen were clearly being deceived by some misunderstanding about Riley.

‘That dimwit, a talent at the level of a great magician? Yeah, right.’

It seems they’re even preparing a barrier, but it will all be in vain.

It would be fortunate if she doesn’t make a fool of herself, but it looks like she’s going to be utterly humiliated.

Rivne blushed with shame imagining the future scene. What a disgrace because of her insane brother.

“Finally, today’s the day.”

Riley nodded, her eyes fixed on the book, as Richel styled her hair.

“To be honest, I don’t think I have a chance.”

“Come on, you never know. Don’t think so negatively. The master recommended you because he judged there was a possibility, right?”

“Well, he might just want me to experience my own limitations firsthand.”

Givnen would be angry if he heard this, but honestly, even on the day of the exam, Riley was still perplexed.

“I couldn’t sleep a wink.”

“Because you’re nervous?”

“Yeah.”

Although she was trying to clear her mind, thinking it was an exam she’d fail anyway, she had stayed up all night worrying. Even though she knew it was unrealistic to pass on the first try and should approach it without pressure… the tension that comes with an exam was considerable.

“But you’ve worked hard for a month, haven’t you?”

“Arpeggio said that hardly anyone gets into Horizon Academy on their first try. He said a minimum of three attempts is the norm. Passing after just a month of preparation is only possible for geniuses. So I’ve completely given up hope.”

“Then why are you taking the exam? Is it because the master has already arranged everything?”

“…I’m curious.”

“About what?”

“Whether I have even the slightest possibility.”

Hearing Riley’s words, Richel clapped her hands as if impressed.

“Ah, it’s amazing that you’re still challenging yourself! The academy is different from regular academies, right? I heard it’s a place where you learn more in-depth studies. Just challenging such a place is impressive! And the women there are incredibly cool. They’re like role models, you know?”

“Yes, they really were amazing.”

“Have you been there before?”

“I went to see Horizon the other day. We visited the academy then.”

“Wow, really? I heard it’s huge and magnificent. Especially the academy-exclusive robes are so pretty! The Horizon logo embroidered on the back really catches the eye.”

“The clothes were beautiful, and the people were impressive too. They all seemed so confident.”

Completely unlike me.

“If I had the chance, I’d like to learn various things too. But this isn’t a world where most people, including myself, can learn just because they want to. That’s why I’m so envious of you, miss.”

“…”

“It’s a rare opportunity, so do your best!”

The preparations for going out were complete. As they left the mansion, Sack, who had been waiting, approached.

“I’m here to escort you, young lady.”

“Is this what we’re riding?”

Sack personally opened the door of the floating stone carriage. Riley got in, and after Sack boarded, the door closed, and the driver started driving.

The floating stone carriage carrying them smoothly left the mansion.

·

·

·

“There are… so many people?”

“Ah? Yes, it can’t be helped. Today is the day of the exam for non-magician applicants.”

“People who aren’t magicians?”

“Yes, they’re applicants for the general faculty. Magicians belong to the magic faculty and play a central role in Horizon, while graduates from the general faculty work in other companies or take on support roles in the magic tower.”

Sack, who had been guiding, stopped walking.

“This is your exam room, young lady. After the written test, there will be a practical experiment right away.”

“Who are those people inside?”

“They’re the evaluators.”

“There are so many…?”

“Usually, there aren’t this many, but for the recommended admission, many professors serve as evaluators. Since it’s a special admission, they evaluate more strictly and meticulously.”

I’m doomed, this is the end for me.

“Then I’ll wait here. Good luck with your exam.”

Can I really do well on the exam in front of so many evaluators?

Riley awkwardly smiled and entered. Sharp gazes fell upon her. As the attention of many people focused on her, Riley hurriedly sat down in the center seat and lowered her head.

“We’ll start with the written test.”

Riley received the exam paper.

She had thought she would fail from the written test, but as she read through the questions, Riley was startled.

‘These are the contents from the book that Arpeggio told me to memorize.’

Just skimming through the questions, she could answer all of them.

‘As expected of a Horizon top graduate… He knew the expected questions and had me study them in advance, amazing.’

Although even Arpeggio couldn’t possibly know the exact questions for the Horizon entrance exam, Riley, unaware of this, began solving the problems while idolizing Arpeggio.

She was lucky.

After solving all the problems without a hitch, Riley finally relaxed her body, which had been tense with nervousness.

She had no expectations for the practical exam anyway. Even up until the day before, Arpeggio had been nagging that she couldn’t use magic. He said that if you can’t use magic, you can’t even attempt the practical exam.

So she wondered if there was any point in taking the test, but she came this far on Arpeggio’s advice to at least try.

She came with the intention of at least doing well on the written part, and thanks to her capable tutor, she seemed to have done well, which was satisfying.

“A perfect score.”

The grading was done immediately, and she received the tear-jerking score of a perfect 100.

Riley vowed to treat Arpeggio to a meal when she returned today.

“We’ll proceed to the practical exam now.”

The guide pushed Riley into a glass tube.

“This tube has a barrier. The exam will start now. I’ll explain the precautions. If you feel you can’t endure anymore, press the button we just provided. Press that button if you feel pain. The hallucinations you’re about to see are a kind of lucid dream created while extracting mana, so please keep in mind that it’s a natural phenomenon.”

Pain?

Is it going to hurt? What is this?

Slightly scared, Riley tightly gripped the provided button. Why was she getting nervous over this?

“It’s finally starting.”

Rivne, watching Riley from outside, frowned.

“Why are you here again?”

“My wife is taking the exam, I should come and check if she’s doing well.”

For some reason, all the big shots of the academy had gathered in the exam room for just one student. It was a rare sight to see the council members, professors, and even the Tower Master all in one place.

“Do I not need to do anything?”

“Just stay still. Though I’m not sure if you’ll be able to. Did you understand all the precautions?”

“Yes.”

“Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

It’s confusing that I don’t need to do anything when I came to take an exam.

Moreover, is it normal to take an exam in front of so many people? I don’t know about the others, but having Givnen and Rivne together makes me even more nervous.

“Then we’ll begin.”

As soon as the words “we’ll begin” fell, a blackout occurred. In an instant, the light disappeared, and with a feeling of being sucked into something, Riley momentarily lost consciousness.

When she opened her eyes, she saw a bluish sphere floating in pitch-black darkness. It was about the size of a palm, but soon it began to swell and undulate. The swollen sphere started multiplying rapidly from one to two, from two to four, and eventually took on a human form.

The human form soon became distinct, and Riley froze like a statue.

“Ah, Father…”

It’s Father. Father, whom she thought was dead, was smiling affectionately with open arms.

As if saying, come here.

Just as Riley was about to run and embrace him, a strange woman rushed past Riley and into Ryston’s arms. Riley stopped in confusion.

Who is this woman? Her features aren’t visible, only a vague feminine form can be seen.

Father embraced the strange woman and suddenly began to sob. Shedding tears, he looked at Riley and murmured.

“…I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

Father’s arms turned into sharp tentacles and pierced through the body of the woman he was holding. A large hole appeared in her body, and blood gushed out. The woman cried along with him and wiped his tears, saying it was okay.

‘He, he killed someone. A person…’

Riley was dumbfounded at the murder scene unfolding before her eyes. Father had killed someone. And with magic at that. By piercing through the body of a small, delicate woman!

Father, covered in blood, approached Riley.

“You too… you have to go too. We should go together.”

‘No, that’s not Father. It can’t be Father, no. No, no!’

Riley started to back away and run.

But she couldn’t escape. Father, or rather, something that looked like Father, extended a huge tentacle and caught Riley.

Thud-

An enormous sharp tentacle pierced through the abdomen.

‘Ah.’

Riley looked at her pierced abdomen, screaming at the intense pain that tore through her skin with a burning sensation. A raging inferno engulfed her perforated body. Her breath was cut short by the extreme pain and burning sensation of her skin shriveling and melting.

Unpleasant, sickening. Painful, agonizing. Save me…

Riley tried to press the button she was holding in her hand immediately.

She was told to press the button if there were any abnormal symptoms. But the button was nowhere to be seen.

‘Wh-where did it go?’

Riley was overwhelmed with extreme anxiety and fear as she looked at her burning body. Was she trapped here? Without that button, she couldn’t escape.

Then… would she die here?

“Save me, please save me!”

In response to Riley’s cry, human figures began to appear around her. It wasn’t just one or two. Two, four, six, ten. People multiplied exponentially, surrounding Riley.

“You are a blessed being.”

“No, you are a curse and a disaster! You must disappear.”

A multitude of people.

Some raised their hands high in praise, while others pointed fingers and criticized.

“Your existence will enrich the world. You can create a world where everyone is equal and fair.”

“No, your existence will destroy the world. A terrible war may break out where everyone kills and tears at each other.”

“Are you an angel? Or a demon?”

“Save us!”

“We want you.”

“Give us you.”

“If only we have you… if only I have you!”

Countless people rushed towards her.

Riley covered her ears and collapsed.

‘Stop, stop it.’

“Stop…”

Riley, crouched down, sobbed and writhed. She wanted to escape this pain right now. It was on a completely different level from what she had felt when she went to see Arpeggio before. She might really die. At this rate, she would really die. It’s painful, I want to be free from this pain! From this suffocation!

“Leave me alone… Di-disappear. All of you, from my sight…”

A pillar of light sprang forth from Riley’s body.

The pillar of light instantly swallowed up the forms of the many people tormenting her. Her vision turned pure white. It was a cold color resembling winter.

“What are you doing! Stop it!”

Rivne’s voice was heard. Along with it, strength began to drain from her body.

Her body lost balance and staggered. As she was about to plummet to the floor, something approached and enveloped her body. Riley slowly opened her eyes that had been closed.

With a tremendous explosion, her body floated. Shattered glass fragments scattered in all directions and embedded in the barrier, but Riley was thrown out, breaking through the barrier.

At that moment, something gently caught her as she was flying through the air.

Riley, on the verge of losing consciousness, saw a familiar face.

‘Givnen…?’

He was smiling.

However, his smile was quite different from usual. Rather than a neat and beautiful smile, it was closer to a grotesquely distorted one. His eyes, seemingly full of excitement and soaked in desire, felt very unfamiliar.

She wanted to ask. Why are you smiling like a madman?

But her lips wouldn’t part. It seemed she had completely lost control of her body as it wouldn’t move as she willed. She could do nothing but blink slowly and look at Givnen’s face.

Her mind became dizzy. As if she might lose her grip on consciousness at any moment, in her fading awareness

“…What should I do with you, Riley.”

Givnen’s voice, mixed with laughter, softly dispersed

“…for being so lovable.”