Ch. 61As Long as You Don't Get Caught?
Key Plot Points and Events
- A young boy, ranked 88th, is the last to enter the examination hall, showing remarkable resilience.
- Downs announces that 88 candidates are qualified for the final exam, which lasts an hour.
- The exam questions are intentionally difficult, focusing on physics concepts like mechanical and internal energy, which the candidates are unfamiliar with.
Character Developments
- Lein, the mastermind behind the exam, reveals his concern about overabundance of mages and his desire to keep powerful knowledge in the hands of the 'good' camp.
- Downs, though honest and upright, struggles with his master's instructions not to interfere with cheating, ultimately warning the candidates against it.
Significant Themes
- Fairness and opportunity: The exam is designed to be open and fair, giving everyone a chance, regardless of background.
- The power of knowledge: Lein understands the potential impact of physics knowledge and wants to control its dissemination.
- Human nature: The exam tests not just academic knowledge, but also integrity and resilience under pressure.
Character Interactions
- Ganis and Famit discuss the recruitment of disciples in the past, highlighting the elitism and bias in the system.
- Lein eavesdrops on their conversation, feeling both proud of his exam design and embarrassed about its origins.
- Downs and the candidates: Downs warns against cheating, but his words may have unintentionally encouraged some candidates to attempt it discreetly.