Chapter 9
<Practical Exam Guidelines for the Department of Magical Engineering Admissions Test
The practical exam requires candidates to create a magical engineering item within the allotted time. Please note the following guidelines:
Only the materials specified in the pre-announced list may be used. Requests for materials must be submitted to the assigned assistants.
The use of materials brought in from outside is strictly prohibited, and no one may leave or enter the premises during the exam.
Communication between candidates is allowed; however, any instance of proxy creation will result in disqualification.
Evaluation Criteria for Submitted Magical Engineering Items:
Timeliness:
Incomplete items will not be evaluated under any circumstances.
Completion:
The functionality and finishing touches of the item will be assessed.
Creativity:
Unique and original items will receive bonus points.
Practicality:
Items that demonstrate real-world usability will receive additional points.
Appropriate Use of Materials:
Excessive or unnecessary requests for materials that are not used in the final product will result in point deductions.
Attitude:
Candidates may discuss ideas, but copying another's work or causing conflicts during discussions will lead to point deductions.
Unlike the written exam, where even conversation was prohibited, the practical test allowed for idea exchange. Given that collaboration among engineers is fundamental in workshops, the intention to evaluate attitude through this aspect was evident.
‘And anyway, if you lack sufficient mana control, you won’t be able to create anything in the first place.’
Creativity and practicality were bonus criteria at best.
Ultimately, the primary evaluation standards would hinge on timeliness and completion.
“Before the exam begins, please fill out your material request forms. The exam will start once all candidates have received their materials.”
Following the assistant's instructions, I wrote down the materials I needed. Since I already had a clear idea of what I wanted to make, I submitted my request without hesitation.
However, when I handed in my form, the assistant who reviewed it stared at me in surprise.
“All of this?”
The assistant glanced between my request form and me, eyes wide.
“Yes.”
“You do know that requesting excessive materials and failing to use them all will result in point deductions, right?”
“Of course.”
I nodded confidently, as if the question was unnecessary. Though the assistant still seemed skeptical, they said no more and took the form to the professors gathered behind them.
As I hadn’t asked for anything unreasonable, I knew I just needed to wait.
“Raniel, here are the tools and materials you requested.”
With so many students taking the exam simultaneously, the distribution of materials was understandably time-consuming.
Since I had requested the largest quantity of materials, I was the last to receive mine. As each candidate prepared their designs, some began whispering while glancing at the pile of materials in front of me.
“Why did they order so many materials?”
“No idea. Maybe they're afraid of failing and want spares.”
“But if they don’t use them, it’ll hurt their score.”
“Whatever. It’s not like we have time to worry about them.”
“Yeah, just think of it as one less competitor to worry about.”
[“I’ve scanned the faces of those foolish mortals doubting Master’s abilities.”]
“No need. Let those extras babble all they want.”
[“As expected, you care nothing for mere commoners! Then I’ll delete the unnecessary data!”]
“No, leave the data.”
[“What?”]
“It might be useful later, so keep it on file.”
Records are important, after all.
Not that I plan to take revenge when I pass—I’m just curious. That’s all.
“Alright, let the exam begin!”
Since I’d already run perfect simulations of my submission in my head, I had no worries.
In fact, my heart was racing with excitement at the thought of creating something new.
[“Master, you seem to be in a very good mood, not nervous at all.”]
“Of course, it’s a great opportunity to make something without worrying about material costs.”
The truth was, I’d been debating whether to make this item because of the high material costs.
Thanks to constant repairs of prototypes, my finances had been incredibly tight.
“See? Research is best when it’s funded by someone else.”
With that thought, I joyfully focused on the sensations at my fingertips and began processing the materials.
Piece by piece, I assembled the components, connecting circuits as I went.
[“But is this really possible?”]
“You doubt me? I’m the one who made you, after all.”
[“I would never doubt you, Master! I’m just worried because the foundational science of this world is so different from Earth.”]
True, the lack of basic science meant rare metals and materials taken for granted in modern times weren’t available here.
Even the tools we could use were drastically inferior due to the civilization’s technological level.
But still, “mana” and “magical circuits” were absurdly powerful tools capable of flipping everything on its head.
While they had a limitation in terms of strength, they allowed for incredible levels of technological integration in small materials, akin to super-science.
Thanks to them, I could ignore basic science and modern electronics entirely and even create items equivalent to semiconductors.
What I was planning to create with that technology was…
A unique mana authentication system.
Everyone in this world possesses mana.
The amount of mana, or the ability to refine it into aura or magic, might be a matter of talent, but the fact remains that everyone has it.
And just like fingerprints, everyone’s mana waveform is unique.
That’s when the idea hit me: an authentication system that identifies individuals based on their mana, just like fingerprint scanners in modern times.
A concept I could only dream of on Earth, but here? It’s possible? I can’t resist!
Without delay, I pulled out the components and began the basic processing.
This involved shaping the materials to fit their purpose using mana.
-“What the hell? Even for basic processing, that speed is insane!”
-“How can anyone be that fast? Wait a second, isn’t he not even using mana tools?”
-“He’s doing such precise work with pure mana? Is that even possible?”
Exaggerated reactions worthy of a cooking manga echoed around me.
Aren’t you all supposed to be working on your own projects?
Since the reactions weren’t negative, I ignored them and focused on finishing the basic processing. Then, I moved on to assembling the components and engraving magical circuits.
Normally, engraving circuits before assembly would be standard practice, but since I had every step memorized, I could afford to do both simultaneously.
-“He’s engraving circuits while assembling?! That’s just begging for mistakes—”
-“But wait, judging by those movements, there’s practically no room for mistakes or errors.”
Ignoring the surrounding reactions, I moved on to the final touches.
-“And that’s what came out of all that?”
-“The finished product doesn’t look like much.”
As I approached the completion of my work, the reactions became indifferent. From the outside, it was just a plain rectangular slab.
-“Do you even know what kind of technology is inside that? Focus on your own project instead.”
-“Ah, right! I got so distracted watching that I haven’t finished mine yet!”
Paying no mind to the chatter, I wrote down the purpose, function, and instructions for my creation and placed it facedown on my desk.
With that, my submission was complete.
Now that it was finished, the room grew quiet.
Some people looked visibly disappointed, while others seemed eager, their eyes sparkling as though they wanted to test my creation right away.
Once the testing began, anyone with eyes and a brain would recognize its worth.
For now, my work was done.
“It’s finished.”
“Already?”
The assistant inspecting my submission, the Unique Mana Authentication System, tilted their head, examining it from various angles.
“There’s still plenty of time left. Shouldn’t you conduct a test run or make some fine adjustments?”
“No need. It’s already perfect. May I leave now?”
The assistant, still looking doubtful, eventually nodded.
“Alright, but you can’t make any changes later!”
Not that I’d need to. They didn’t know it, but I’d already run all the tests.
As silence filled the room, I quietly left the practical exam hall, having completed everything.
After all the exams were over, the professors of the Magical Engineering Department gathered to evaluate the submissions.
“This year’s candidates are quite impressive.”
“Well, it is the Empire Academy entrance exam. You wouldn’t expect random nobodies to show up.”
“Speaking of which, what about the submission from that candidate who aced the written exam?”
At the mention of that candidate, the professors flinched slightly.
“Laeniel Levencia, you mean?
“I skimmed the submission earlier. Scored nearly perfect on the written exam. And that answer to question one—what an unprecedented and insightful response! If that candidate gets in, I’d love to have a personal discussion with them.”
“As for their practical exam submission…”
One of the professors, who hadn’t seen Laeniel’s written answers, held up a rectangular slab.
“This is it. It hasn’t been graded yet, but I did read the attached explanation. Honestly, it’s absurd. Something about identifying people with mana? It sounds completely ridiculous.”
“Oh, oh, that’s it!”
“Let me see it!”
“What’s going on with you all? It’s just a freshman submission. What on earth did you see in their written answers…?”
Despite the skepticism, the professors who had read Laeniel’s written answers stared at the submission as if entranced. They immediately began testing the Unique Mana Authentication System Laeniel had created.
Moments later—
“Well? It doesn’t actually work, right? Maybe they did well on the written test, but this is nothing more than a far-fetched delusion…”
“This… this is unbelievable!!”
The professor conducting the tests trembled, their eyes wide with shock.
The reactions of the other professors, as they ran further tests, were no different.
“Wait. This is actually possible? My god, how is this even real?”
“It works? You’re saying it really identifies individuals using mana?!”
"See for yourself! Does it not work? My goodness!"
"...This is nothing short of revolutionary. This isn’t something a mere undergraduate should be able to make!"
"Can we even handle this ourselves? This should be reported to the academic world immediately..."
"Everyone, calm down for now. Let’s set aside everything else and focus on finishing the practical evaluations first."
"But really… is there anything else to evaluate after seeing this? Giving it a perfect score is the only reasonable choice."
"...True enough."
The professors couldn’t hide their amazement and admiration for this unprecedented submission. The name Raniel Levencia quickly became the focus of their attention.
Since I finished my practical exam early, the campus was surprisingly quiet.
"Ah, now that I think about it, I didn’t agree on a meeting spot with Linia after the exam..."
"Raniel!"
Déjà vu?
A familiar voice called out, and before I could even turn, Linia was sprinting toward me from a distance.
Not just sprinting—
Thump!
From about 10 meters away, she leapt, landing effortlessly beside me.
Why does this girl keep doing vertical jumps in a skirt?
"How did you even find me?"
"Instinct?"
Back at the mansion, she was a completely useless maid. Why does she seem more like a beast these days?
"Anyway, Raniel! How was your exam?"
"Obviously, I did well."
"Ugh, so full of yourself. I heard the Magical Engineering practical is pretty tough."
"It’s not arrogance if it’s the truth."
"Ugh, so annoying."
Ignoring her pouting, I asked, "Annoying or not, how was your practical exam? Did you do well?"
With a smug grin, Linia struck a victory pose, proudly puffing out her chest.
"Uh-huh! I think I got lucky, but I placed first in the practical! So now, give me back my tablet!"
Seeing her so full of herself, I immediately looked away.
I was originally planning to return it, but her smug attitude annoyed me enough to pretend I hadn’t heard her.
"Waaah! You promised to give it back!"
"I did say I’d return it, but I didn’t say when I’d return it."
"You're awful! So mean!"
Her proud expression crumbled into a pout, and seeing her like that was oddly satisfying.
As I continued walking, ignoring her whining, she sighed in resignation and brought up a new topic.
"So, what’s next? Sightseeing?"
"Forget sightseeing. Let’s go home. I’m tired."
The exam itself wasn’t hard, but teaching this girl wore me out.
And seeing her so smug made me want to go home even more.
"Why?! What about exploring the capital?"
"You can do that later when you enroll at the Academy."
"But once I enroll, I won’t have the freedom to go out!"
"If your grades are good, you’ll have plenty of chances. Now, let’s go."
"Raniel!"
"If you don’t follow, I’ll leave you behind. Pay for your train ticket back if you want to stay."
"Ugh..."
She pouted even more but reluctantly followed me toward the train station.
"This is so unfair. I was really looking forward to it..."
Her sulking expression tugged at me a little, so I decided to console her.
"The train back will be in first class, and I’ll get you whatever snacks you want..."
"I’ll even get all the specialty meals on the train, so let’s just head home early this time."
"Really?"
"Have I ever lied to you?"
"Well, you always..."
"Think carefully."
I subtly pulled out Linia’s tablet and gave it a small shake. Her eyes wavered as she stared at it.
"Fine, suit yourself."
"No! I like first class! And specialty meals too! Hehehe."
After pacifying her, we headed to the train station. Since I had finished the exam early and not many examinees were rushing home, there were plenty of seats available on the train.
Because of that, I was able to get tickets for the first-class cabin on the next train departing. It was a little pricey, but considering I’d promised Linia and was also curious about first class, it didn’t feel like a bad deal.
"Welcome aboard. Please allow me to take care of your luggage. I’ll ensure your comfort during the journey."
Even from the entrance, first class felt entirely different.
While it was technically possible to move between the compartments through the passageways, the sense of being catered to started right at the door.
"Wow! Even the interior feels different!"
"It’s certainly dazzling."
Unlike the standard compartments I’d ridden in before, the first-class cabin was decorated with art pieces and well-thought-out embellishments. Even the flooring felt different—likely made from high-quality materials.
"Whoa! This is so spacious! It feels like they turned an entire train car into a private room!"
Linia wasn’t wrong—the first-class cabin was on a completely different level in terms of space.
"The rooms are huge, the shower has a bathtub, and... is this a sauna? Oh? They even have wine! Want a glass?"
"Food first."
"Food! You promised me special meals, right?"
"Yeah, I did."
I felt my wallet crying, but I figured it was fine to splurge every once in a while.
Since all my personal belongings were stashed in my dimensional storage, I didn’t have much to unpack. I locked the door to our private compartment and headed to the dining car.
"Wow! The first-class dining car is exclusive too!"
The dining area was reserved solely for first-class passengers and looked significantly more upscale than a regular dining car.
As soon as we stepped inside—
"Raniel? Linia?"
I ran into someone I really didn’t want to see.
"Karon?"
Black-haired Kaeron. Why was this guy here? I had a bad feeling about this.
While Raniel found himself in an unwelcome reunion with Kaeron, trouble was brewing elsewhere in the train.
"Who... are you...? Gah!"
"Emergency! Intruders... Gaaah!"
Thud. Thud.
Security personnel stationed throughout the train collapsed one by one.
The assailants, clad in black robes and white masks, moved with precision, quickly neutralizing the guards before converging on the train’s security room.
"Is the area secure?"
"Yes. All security personnel have been dealt with, and all martyrs have gathered as ordered."
The robed figures radiated a sinister aura. Among them, the leader—a man who exuded an air of authority—spoke.
"Welcome, comrades. You, the sacred blood that will purify this land."
After listening to the report, the leader glanced around and murmured solemnly.
"We shall cleanse the sins of this train’s occupants with our blood, thus absolving humanity of its guilt.
Now, martyrs, sacrifice your lives for the future of the continent!"
"For the continent!"
"For the continent!"
The masked figures echoed his words, making the sign of a cross before scattering in every direction.
The leader, remaining behind, wore a cryptic smile as he muttered under his breath.
"The future... I wonder if such a thing even exists for this continent."
