The day after registration ended, inside the grand hall of the Magic Association in the magical city of Äußerst.
The lofty ceiling was studded with magic crystals that gave off a soft white glow, illuminating the entire Great Hall as brightly as day. A solemn atmosphere filled the air as nearly a hundred mages from across the northern countries gathered there, waiting for the first-class mage qualification exam to begin.
Annie, Elaina, Frieren, and Fern had arrived early and on time, too.
"Examinees!"
"Quiet, please!"
"I'm Genau, a first-class mage and one of the examiners for this exam."
"I'll now make a few opening remarks and announce some things you need to know..."
On the stage, an examiner who introduced himself as "Genau" used some kind of amplification magic to deliver a pre-exam speech in a booming voice. His words echoed off the enchanted walls, ensuring every examinee could hear him clearly.
Whether the examinees felt like listening or were paying attention didn't seem to matter. He went on and on from the stage, emphasizing the seriousness of the exam, the rules, and some of the dangers they might face.
"..."
"..."
However, two people seated in the examiners' section specially set up on either side below the stage weren't entirely focused on the speech.
One was a middle-aged male examiner wearing gold-rimmed glasses, with a refined air.
At that moment, he had turned slightly toward a colleague beside him, speaking in a low voice.
The other was a woman who looked as young as a girl, with long, smooth hair. Her face showed little emotion, and her gaze was as still as a deep pool. Yet the faint pressure of the mana she exuded made it clear that she was no ordinary mage.
"Tsk, tsk!"
At last, the bespectacled