Signing Up for the First-Class Mage Exam

The festive atmosphere had not completely dissipated by the second day.

Dugu Qing and Fern spent the whole day strolling through the bustling streets, taking advantage of the festive atmosphere to do some serious shopping.

The streets were sparsely populated as people went to work, and the prices of goods dropped significantly.

Dugu Qing and Fern purchased high-quality, inexpensive goods and returned to the hotel satisfied to take stock of their supplies.

The adventure team rested at the hotel for a few days.

Frieren used spatial magic to expand the space in her suitcase again, discarding many useless items and putting all the things she had bought during the holidays inside.

After a good rest, the fatigue from days of travel was swept away. The young man and woman regained their energy, packed their bags with high spirits, and set off on their journey once again.

A few days later, the group crossed the barrier and entered Auwest.

Auwest, the famous Magic City, the residence of the Mage of God Serie.

This magnificent and imposing city stands in the heart of the lake, with a massive protective barrier above it. It is the most prosperous metropolis in the north.

The adventure party must pass through this city to reach the northernmost Aureole on the continent.

Only those accompanied by Level One Mage are permitted to pass through the city gate; otherwise, passage is prohibited.

In the adventure team, Dugu Qing and Fern had participated in the Level 3 magic exam in the Holy Capital many years ago, slaying a giant monster and becoming Third-Class Mage recognized by the Continental Magic Association.

At that time, Dugu Qing did not want to take the exam.

Unfortunately, Fern's gaze was too earnest, and he really couldn't bear to refuse, so he could only agree and accompany Fern to take the exam.

Now, the adventure team has encountered the same problem again.

Frieren immediately turned her encouraging gaze to Dugu Qing and Fern.

"You two get ready to take the Level 1 First-Class Mage Exam! Once you pass, we'll be able to travel freely."

Dugu Qing's gaze darkened, and he refused gently.

"No, these rules are too troublesome. I don't want to follow them. I want to leave by boat."

Continuing northwards, besides the land route, there was also the water route, a fact Dugu Qing hadn't forgotten.

"It's possible to bypass it by water. But the route is too long, taking months or even half a year, and occasionally you'll encounter giant monsters, like enormous octopuses... It's very dangerous."

Fern drew upon the knowledge from the book, looking slightly worried.

"Therefore, the most convenient way is to take the First-Class Mage Exam of the Continental Magic Association."

Dugu Qing hesitated.

He hates exams the most, and he dislikes crowded places even more.

"Ms. Frieren, Dugu Qing doesn't want to participate, why don't you participate? With your abilities, you're guaranteed to pass safely."

Fern pulled Frieren into his arms and gently patted her head.

Frieren closed her eyes slightly, enjoying the moment. "I don't want to take this! The certificates I get from these exams won't be valid for decades. It's so annoying. Fern, you take the exam!"

"Me? Alone? Can I really manage?"

Fern touched his nose and gave an awkward smile.

Level One Mage is an unparalleled master among mages, with only about fifty in the entire continent. Each one is an elite selected from thousands, possessing immense strength and a noble status.

Although Fern was confident that he was stronger than the average mage, he still felt like he was walking on thin ice when facing the strictest examination in the entire continent, as he lacked sufficient foundation.

"In that case, I'll participate!"

Considering Fern's strength and the potential dangers of participating in the exam, Dugu Qing's heart softened instantly.

Fern is so cute. If he gets a scratch and is bullied by other mean people... that's something Dugu Qing absolutely cannot accept.

That's right.

Frieren opened her eyes with relief.

With Dugu Qing involved, he's sure to pass the First-Class Mage Exam and qualify.

This way, Frieren wouldn't have to take the exams held by the Magic Association founded by Serie.

She didn't want to run into someone during the exam and be inexplicably mocked for being useless. Ugh, that would be too hurtful.

What's wrong with casual gamers? They didn't eat your millet!

Thinking back to what happened many years ago, Frieren still felt resentful and her heart was filled with unease.

"Frieren, you should join too!" Looking at the composed Frieren, Dugu Qing took the initiative to nominate her.

Since I'm already participating, of course I should invite Frieren!

A family should always be together!

"Huh?"

"Because we're too weak! With the veterans on the field, one is worth two!"

Dugu Qing blurted out, staring intently at Frieren.

Upon hearing the word "old, "Frieren's eyes immediately flashed with coldness. "Old general? Dugu Qing, are you making veiled accusations?"

"No, I'm just praising your composure and experience!"

Frieren turned her head away angrily. She hated the word "old." She was clearly a pure, cute, sweet, and adorable girl, an invincible beauty!

Dugu Qing, you have no sense of propriety. I don't like you anymore.

"Yes! Lady Frieren, no matter what, you are the absolute mainstay of our team! Can you really bear to let two young people like us risk our lives in the perilous examination hall!"

Fern shook Frieren's arm, looking at her coquettishly.

Frieren exhaled a breath of stale air. She really wasn't worried about Dugu Qing at all; his power was immense and his magic was abundant.

But Fern! Although her skills and mentality are outstanding, her magic power is truly limited. If she encounters danger and something goes wrong...

Oh well, at worst, it's just meeting Serie!

I endured it for Fern's sake.

"I really can't do anything with you. Fine then! I'll go with you to the exam."

Looking at Fern with doting eyes, Frieren bravely made her sacrifice.

"Yay!"

The four of them walked along the wide Central Avenue and soon arrived at the Continental Magic Association, where they stayed at the nearby Moonlight Hotel.

The First-Class Mage Exam is held every three years, and this year's exam is still more than two months away.

Dugu Qing, Frieren, Fern have ample time to prepare.

As a forward, Stark didn't have to take the exam and was completely free. He sat on a chair at the hotel entrance and chatted with an old man who was passing by.

Unexpectedly, Auwest was full of hidden talents; the old man I chatted with casually turned out to be a martial arts master who kept his abilities a secret.

Could it be that my Stark is about to rise to power?

From then on, Stark would come to the roadside every day to discuss martial arts with the old man. His mindset became more and more stable, and his skills improved by leaps and bounds.

Each day is better than the last, each day is stronger than the last.

After resting in his hotel room for a few days and recovering his energy, Dugu Qing received news from the hotel staff that various auction houses were auctioning off magic wands.

With the First-Class Mage Exam approaching, a large number of mages have gathered in the Magic Capital.

Major auction houses have specially brought out all their stored high-end wands to sell for cash.

Upon hearing the news, the mages who came to take the exam all rushed to the scene.