In this world, where information did not travel particularly fast and entertainment was scarce, every February was one of Truth City's liveliest times of the year.
Humanoid races from all corners of the world gathered here, providing the ordinary citizens of Truth City with an endless supply of conversation. In taverns and coffee shops, in ink-scented newspapers and on street corners, people eagerly discussed the more famous examinees of the year—arguing over who was stronger, who was weaker, who countered whom, and who had the greatest potential.
However, unlike previous years, the debate over who was the greatest genius among this year's freshmen came to a lightning-fast conclusion after a female examinee named Lucia Sterling shocked everyone at the General Studies Academy testing site with talent scores that had practically burst through the charts.
After all, quantified talent scores were a hard indicator representing one's overall potential for magical cultivation. Created by the Legendary Mage, the academy's founder, they had proven remarkably accurate over the years and had never disappointed anyone. Every student who received high scores would later possess better meditation efficiency, higher magic pressure at the same level, and so on. There was no doubt about it.
But having great magical potential was one thing; actual performance was another.
Thus, once they learned that the genius freshman's first choice was the popular Battle Arts Academy, many freshmen who were quite confident in themselves had their competitive spirits stirred. They all looked forward to exchanging blows with that genius girl during the ranking battles. If they could defeat her, would they not instantly become celebrated figures at the academy?
District Two of Truth City, Battle Arts Academy, dean's office. A warm fireplace drove away the winter chill, leaving fine droplets of condensation on the windows.
On the sofa beside