Chapter 16: The Draft (VI)

A self-taught mage like Joan usually got by through a handful of parlor tricks, but a weak foundation was ultimately a hidden danger that was bound to fail him at a critical moment. Over the past three months, he had faced mortal danger multiple times, and had he not been lucky enough, he would never have had the chance to walk into Leighton College alive.

Countless brushes with death made Joan deeply realize that his spellcasting system was far from complete, severely lacking in defensive measures. After witnessing Edward Gates demonstrate Mage Armor and Shield, he was deeply inspired and secretly made up his mind: "Once I officially enroll, the first thing I must do is learn these two life-saving spells!"

The fourth spell Edward Gates demonstrated was Burning Hands, a spell Joan was also quite adept at. However, in terms of casting technique and proficiency, Edward Gates was still a cut above, and Joan offered sincere applause after his demonstration concluded.

Next up was Thomas Chapman.

This pampered young master from Leighton Harbor's wealthiest family did not bring shame to his lineage. The casting techniques he displayed were not much inferior to Edward Gates's, with his first three spells also being Magic Missile, Mage Armor, and Shield, while his fourth spell was Grease, which Joan was also very familiar with.

All four spells Thomas demonstrated won unanimous applause.

Joan noticed that Edward watched very attentively from the sidelines, his expression so serious it was almost frightening. This showed that the general's son placed great importance on Thomas Chapman, likely viewing him as his most formidable competitor in the draft.

When Thomas finished his spell demonstration and returned to the sidelines, Edward's expression remained just as severe. It was not until the twelve mentors successively submitted their scores, confirming that Thomas's total score was two points lower than his, that the gloomy youth's expression softened slightly.

"Pity, didn't perform well enough, lost to Edward by two points." Thomas seemed unconcerned about his score, laughing as he patted Joan on the shoulder. "It's your turn next, give it your best!"

Joan nodded. Hearing the chief proctor call his name, he took a deep breath, tried his best to curb his nervousness, and walked to the center of the training ground.

Calming himself slightly, Joan entered a state of focus. The crowd surrounding him seemed to be isolated outside his spiritual world. Unflinchingly, he chanted the incantation, executed the somatic gestures, and waved his hand to release a purple missile.

Having successfully cast Magic Missile, Joan gained more confidence. He then smoothly cast Electric Grasp and Grease, both winning the approval of the mentors and the applause of the onlookers.

Thomas cheered wildly and beamed, looking even more excited than when he had received a high score himself.

Edward maintained his composure better than Thomas, watching Joan's spell demonstration in silence.

Each time Joan successfully cast a spell, Edward's facial expression underwent subtle yet unmistakable changes. His brow would knit together, then lift, as if he sensed a raw, primordial, and untamed casting talent in this rural youth. Like an uncut diamond, though imperfect, no one could deny its immense value and infinite potential, making the self-important general's son feel an unprecedented pressure of competition.

Having smoothly completed the first three spells, Joan was quite satisfied with his performance, and his nervous state of mind eased. For his final spell slot, he had prepared his most proficient Higher Mage Hand.

To fully showcase the versatility of this spell, Joan decided to use his trusty "Electro-Blade" as a prop. He first drew the dagger crackling with electricity, tossed it high into the air, and immediately activated Higher Mage Hand. Using his willpower, he remotely commanded this transparent magical hand to catch the falling dagger from mid-air, utilizing the dart-throwing technique he had painstakingly practiced, and hurled the dagger with all his might.

Swish! A streak of lightning flashed across the sky, and the humanoid wooden target standing a hundred paces away shuddered as a dagger embedded itself squarely in the center of the target's chest.

Joan wiped the sweat from his brow, used Higher Mage Hand to pull out the Electro-Blade, sheathed it, turned, and bowed slightly to the mentors, concluding his demonstration.

Master Rawls was the first to applaud, and the rest of the mentors followed suit with smiling nods and clapping.

It was only then that the onlookers realized Joan had finished his demonstration. Although most of them had no idea what spell was used in Joan's dazzling flying-dagger performance and were left scratching their heads in confusion, the collective applause and praise from the masters indicated that Joan's performance was a resounding success. Not wanting to appear foolish, they joined in with echoing applause and cheers.

"Joan! What kind of spell was that you just cast? I've never seen such a bizarre trick!" Thomas eagerly pursued Joan the moment he returned to the sidelines.

"Higher Mage Hand."

"I only know 'Mage Hand,' never heard of a 'Higher' version. That spell is amazing! Tsk tsk, Edward is going to be dumbfounded now—your score is definitely going to be higher than his!" Thomas said with gloating satisfaction.

Joan could not muster much joy. Turning back to look at Edward Gates, he saw that the other boy's expression was indeed rather heavy, holding a walnut-sized prayer bead glowing with golden magical light, seemingly drawing power from this mysterious treasure.

The mentors took turns announcing Joan's scores, and just as Thomas had predicted, his total score was indeed one point higher than Edward Gates's.

Everyone could also see that the first three spells Joan demonstrated were actually not as dashing and polished as Edward's. The reason his final score was higher was because the fourth spell he demonstrated was exceptionally brilliant, and being a rare spell, the mentors found it novel and interesting, generously awarding it top marks, which ultimately boosted his overall score.

"All the freshmen have completed their demonstrations. We will now take a ten-minute break. The mentors may use this time to consider which students to choose as their disciples—"

Before chief proctor Walter Lee could finish speaking, he saw someone in the crowd raise a hand high. Frowning with displeasure, he asked, "Edward Gates, is there something else?"

"Mr. Chief Proctor, I have one more spell. Might I request another opportunity to demonstrate?"

"Could it be that you still have an available spell slot?" Walter Lee's face showed doubt.

After all, he was a well-traveled mentor and quickly guessed Edward Gates's little scheme. If anyone else had made this request, he would have refused without hesitation, but considering the boy was General Gates's beloved son, this favor had to be granted.

"Very well, I will give you one more chance to showcase your skills, student Gates. Please cherish this stage and try not to disappoint us."

"Thank you very much for your understanding!" Edward bowed deeply to the "Old Owl," then strode proudly back to the center of the training ground. Amidst the startled and puzzled gazes of the crowd, he calmly cast a spell, chanting an incantation with strange pronunciation.

"Oiomure!"