Chapter 207: Practical Exam

Time quietly arrived on the second day. The atmosphere within the Practical Combat Training Ground, exclusive to the Elemental Faction of Oselenka Magic Academy, was solemn and tense.

Unlike the simple mana output testing puppets used in the midterm examination, the final practical exam was a true “real combat” exercise. The grounds had been specially reinforced, and powerful Protective Barriers were set up along the edges.

Exam Supervisory Seats were set up at the edge of the field, with several Elemental Faction teachers seated behind them, their expressions focused.

Sefina was among them. She had changed into a white uniform suitable for movement, her wine-red eyes calmly scanning the grounds as she awaited the start of the exam.

The exam rules were clear: students had to assess their own strength and choose an opponent from a series of Magical Creatures tamed by the academy to engage in one-on-one combat.

The supervising teachers would comprehensively score the students based on multiple dimensions including mana usage, tactical choices, adaptability, control, and their understanding and application of the magic they had learned.

Of course, all the teachers were on high alert. If a student was in life-threatening danger, they would immediately intervene to ensure safety.

A highly respected old professor from the Elemental Faction stood at the edge of the field, holding a list, and announced in a loud voice:

“The final exam, Elemental Magic Practical Combat Test, now begins! First up, XXX!”

As his words fell, a slightly nervous male student walked into the center of the field.

After brief consideration, he chose a Firebird, whose strength was roughly equivalent to a Second-tier Mage, as his opponent.

The battle began. The Firebird spat scorching fireballs. The male student used Wind Element magic to move flexibly and disrupt, eventually seizing an opportunity to strike its weak point with a precise Water Arrow spell, achieving victory.

The old professor nodded slightly, recorded on the scoring board, then called out:

“Next!”

The exam proceeded in an orderly manner. Students took turns entering the field, challenging Magical Creatures of similar or slightly greater strength.

The scenes were sometimes intense, sometimes stalemated. The supervising teachers occasionally exchanged low-voiced comments and scoring opinions.

Until—

“Next, Mia.”

Hearing her name, Mia took a deep breath, patted her cheeks, and stepped into the field.

Her blue eyes fixed on the dark figure slowly emerging from the beast pen opposite her.

It was a sleek shadow demon wolf, with strength estimated to be around that of a Third Rank Mage, known for its speed, stealth, and Darkness-element claw attacks.

“Begin.”

Mia did not rush in recklessly. She first quickly constructed a sturdy Earth Wall in front of her.

Almost the moment the Earth Wall rose, the shadow demon wolf’s figure turned into a blurry black line and attacked from the flank. Its claws struck the Earth Wall viciously, sending rocks flying.

Mia took the chance to retreat. Firelight burst from her fingertips, and several [Fireballs] screamed forth, forcing back the wolf that tried to stealth closer again.

She used Earth magic for defense and to restrict movement, while using Fire magic for medium-range attacks. Although the wolf was extremely fast, Mia’s tactical execution was quite stable.

In the end, Mia predicted the landing point of the wolf’s leap and activated [Earth Spike] below it in advance.

Although it didn’t directly hit, it disrupted the wolf’s rhythm. Following up, a charged [Blazing Fireball] struck the wolf’s torso head-on, securing the victory.

Sefina watched quietly from the side, a hint of approval flashing in her wine-red eyes.

She could see that Mia’s mana control was much smoother than during the midterms, and she had indeed stabilized at the level of a Third Rank Mage. Although still a bit immature and nervous, her tactical choices were also more reasonable.

The exam continued, with one name after another being called.

Before long, Sefina’s other two assistants also took the stage one after another.

Kefi chose a massive gale eagle.

When facing the enemy, Kefi’s expression was focused. With every move, pure Light-element mana flowed forth.

She used [Flash] to briefly blind the opponent, [Radiant Bind] to restrict its movements, and finally used a condensed [Holy Light Arrow] to precisely pierce its core.

Kefi earned approving nods from the supervising teachers.

After her Light-element talent was truly discovered, she had progressed rapidly and had also reached the Third Rank level.

And when Ellaria’s name was called, the entire field seemed to fall silent for a moment.

This low-key imperial princess stepped into the field. Her opponent was a powerful iron-maned giant bear.

The battle began. Ellaria did not rush to attack. Her emerald green eyes were calm as still water.

When the iron-maned giant bear roared and charged, Ellaria’s body suddenly lit up with a soft yet condensed cerulean blue water light.

That water light was not a simple mana shield.

In a brief moment of flow, it transformed into several high-speed rotating [Water Tornadoes], not only blocking the giant bear’s attack but turning the tables and trapping it inside.

Immediately after, the water vapor in the air condensed sharply into countless ice crystals. Under her control, as if possessing a will of their own, they formed a fierce [Frost Storm], completely suppressing the opponent.

The entire battle process was smooth and fluid.

Ellaria’s control over mana was exquisite. More importantly, the seamless “form” of her mana when cast clearly indicated her realm—

Fourth Rank Mage.

Not only did obvious surprise flicker in Sefina’s eyes, but even the knowledgeable old professor widened his eyes slightly, and the hand stroking his beard paused.

Reaching the Fourth Rank at this age was extremely rare even in Oselenka, which gathered geniuses.

This meant that not only had Ellaria met the required mana total, but more importantly, she had successfully transformed the fundamental “form” of her mana.

This was the result of talent, insight, and hard work working together. Many people of mediocre aptitude might never cross this threshold in their entire lives.

Sefina looked from afar at the composed golden-haired girl in the field, and finally, clear recognition and approval showed in her wine-red eyes.

She had taught many students, but those who could reach such heights through their own efforts in such a short time were truly few.

The last person who gave her a similar feeling was probably… that sly Duchess from the western continent who gave her such a headache.

The Combat Exam finally concluded smoothly after all students had completed their challenges.

The supervising teachers needed time to comprehensively evaluate and score.

The old professor announced that the teachers would work overtime to assess the grades today and tomorrow, and results were expected to be released the day after.

This meant that the students had finally ushered in a brief two-day rest period, after which they could take their final grades and welcome the long-awaited vacation.

However, it seemed not everyone was only thinking about resting during the break…

That evening, Sefina finished a day of grading meetings and returned to her Teacher’s Dormitory Building, slightly tired.

Winter days got dark early. In the hallway, magic lamps emitted a warm glow.

When she approached the door of her villa, her steps paused slightly.

Before the door, a slender figure stood quietly.

Golden long hair flowed with a soft luster under the light.

It was Ellaria.

She seemed to have been waiting for a while. There were even a few unmelted tiny snowflakes on her shoulders.

Her hands were clasped in front of her, head slightly lowered, appearing quiet and yet somewhat nervous.

Seeing Sefina approach, Ellaria flinched slightly as if startled, then raised her head, her emerald green eyes looking over.

“Teacher Sefina…”