Dekan's Ultimate Magic

Dekan was taken aback when he saw the notification message in the barrier.

It was better than he expected.

He had assumed that Altis would choose a subject she was sure to win, such as Imperial Geography.

Therefore, Dekan had virtually no hope of defeating Altis in this match.

Unexpectedly, Altis chose [Imperial Commerce].

Without a doubt, they should send Morion.

Although Dekan himself could play.

However, business studies involve more than just mathematics; it also requires some specialized knowledge.

Dekan's knowledge in this area is far inferior to Morion's.

This is Morion's specialty.

He could even call himself an expert.

However, Dekan felt that Altis had just...

It's possible that they really did randomly select an objective-type exam.

It's also possible that [Imperial Commerce] was chosen intentionally.

She learned from the last question that Morion was good at business.

Altis seemed to be determined to avenge her previous defeat, and knowing full well Morion's strengths, she deliberately chose to use those very strengths to defeat him.

But.

This time, Altis.

They gave me a great opportunity.

If she only saw Morion as an ordinary human youth, then she would be sorely mistaken!

He is an absolute genius, a prodigy.

"Then it's your turn."

Dekan nudged Morion's arm with the back of his hand, urging him onto the field.

"No problem."

Morion nodded.

He didn't intend to refuse.

If they can win this round decisively, they can move on to the next level.

Now Morion has come to terms with it: what's meant to be will be, and what's meant to be will be.

I'll just stick to the normal approach and clear the level.

We'll talk about what happens next.

Moreover, Morion has not given up hope of escaping the combined efforts of the Beautiful Minds Trio.

Based on his known intelligence, he speculated...

There's still a tiny, albeit slight, possibility that someone even Dekan wouldn't have expected is being imprisoned on the lower level...

If Morion's guess is correct.

That extraordinary person whose behavior patterns even he cannot predict will surely bring about some unexpected changes.

So Morion went up and completed the candidate registration.

Meanwhile, Morion also discovered the existence of the exam papers.

Currently, we are in the pre-exam testing system demonstration and teaching process.

The exam is not a physical exam paper.

Instead, it's similar to the previous light screen, allowing users to directly select and enter numbers or short text on the screen.

Moreover, from any angle, it seems that no other candidates' exam papers can be seen.

"Alright, could you please excuse me before the exam begins?"

Altis looked at Dekan and asked.

After all, the specific score can be directly determined by the examination system, without the need for examiners.

Dekan staying here will only interfere with the exam.

"Then I'll go."

Dekan didn't say much and left the barrier area, which was this room.

"Dekan, are you trying to cause trouble?"

A faint voice came from the shadows Cat Teacher.

"No, there's no need."

Although, in theory, Dekan could indeed do some minor things outside the barrier.

However, Altis's magical skills must be very high.

Dekan wasn't afraid of mages skilled in combat, but he was wary of those who devoted themselves to the study of magic.

If Altis discovers this, she might just turn on you and take action.

Because on this level, the Jailer has virtually no restrictions.

Altis has already done more than enough by keeping her promise and fighting them according to the rules.

She's followed the rules enough, so there's no need for Dekan to take the initiative and overturn the table when he has the advantage.

And.

Morion should have no problem passing this subject.

One hour later.

The glow of the barrier covering the edge of the room dissipated.

This means that Morion and Altis have both completed their exams.

"You can come in now."

Altis's cold voice came from inside the room.

Dekan quickly returned to the study.

Morion's expression was somewhat complicated.

Altis, on the other hand, calmly sipped her tea.

Judging from this, it's obvious who will win and who will lose.

"You lost?"

Dekan walked up to Morion and asked, puzzled.

His expression seemed to ask Morion, "Are you acting like me?"

"I tried my best, but I just couldn't beat her, this eternal test-taker."

Morion shook his head, admitting defeat.

"You are indeed very talented, more so than any human I have ever seen."

Altis said,

"But ultimately, it didn't reach the limits of humanity, and it can't compare to immortal beings."

Her tone was full of a sense of "I am the only one who matters".

She and Morion both got full marks on the test just now.

However, she finished in just 16 minutes and 3 seconds.

It took Morion almost an hour to finish.

What has been accumulated over thousands of years is not just a vast ocean of knowledge like that of a library.

And then there's that level of proficiency that a human could never achieve even in a lifetime of training.

Generally speaking, no demon could be so dedicated to learning.

But Altis, that freak.

It seems that he hasn't gone mad after studying for thousands of years; on the contrary, his thirst for knowledge continues to expand as if it could never be filled.

This is a level of proficiency that surpasses the limits of human mental capacity.

It was a chasm that Morion could never overcome, even with his talent.

After all, Morion was just a young man not yet twenty years old.

"Alright, this is the third round. It's your turn to choose."

Altis put down her teacup and said calmly.

The subject of [Human Ethics] no longer exists.

The remaining subjective exams will no longer allow them to do as they please.

As for objective-type exams, no matter which one she chooses, she will crush them with her absolute strength.

"Can I talk to him for a couple more minutes?"

Dekan pointed at Morion and said to Altis.

"Whatever you say."

Altis didn't care at all.

In her view, no matter what Dekan chooses or what tricks he plays next, she can't possibly lose again.

This is a gap in strength that is as vast as an insurmountable chasm.

Then, Dekan pulled Morion outside the study and asked:

"Morion, do you remember the contents of the exam paper? Can you tell me about the general content of the exam questions?"

Morion nodded and quickly repeated it to Dekan.

"Completing this many questions in a quarter of an hour, and getting them all right, is truly a level that even anthropologists couldn't reach even if they spent their entire lives trying... If she were to choose a subject I'm good at, she could probably finish it in about ten minutes, so I have to be faster than her while getting them all right..."

Dekan stroked his chin, seemingly calculating something.

"You can't choose any objective-type exams; you can't beat her."

Morion saw through Dekan's thoughts, but shook his head helplessly.

Judging from the difficulty of the Imperial exams, there is no subject that Dekan could possibly complete in ten minutes, let alone get all the answers right.

Morion continued:

"But considering that this exam can't be unsolvable, and we're almost certain to lose the second round, then the third round won't be a guaranteed loss. There must be other subjective exams where we can beat her, and we need to find a way to do that."

According to the mechanics of the Shadow World, their strategy was correct.

Therefore, there shouldn't be an unsolvable deadlock.

Therefore, among the remaining subjects, after excluding objective exams, there must be one subjective exam where they can win.

Although Altis appears very calm, there's at least one subject she's really bad at!

She's hiding her weaknesses!

Right now, I just don't know which course it is.

If it cannot be determined.

Then I'll just have to pick one of the subjective exams and see how it goes.

For example, painting, music, etc.

No one knows whether Altis would be a master in this area.

Even if they choose a skill that Altis excels at, they still have hope.

Unlike objective-type exams, losing doesn't leave you feeling as hopeless.

"If you can't find her weakness, I suggest choosing painting."

Morion said.

Because Dekan, as Card Crafter, has excellent drawing skills.

Morion will definitely be the judge again. As long as we communicate in advance, Dekan will have a certain advantage.

Unless Altis can paint a world-famous painting.

But it's really hard to say.

What if she is a master?

That would be terrible.

"It's okay, I already know what to choose."

Dekan walked past Morion and patted him on the shoulder.

He didn't mean to blame Morion.

Even though he was brought on in the second game, they still lost.

However, Morion had already provided him with sufficient intelligence.

That's enough.

"Cat Teacher, go hide in Morion's shadow. Although Altis didn't say anything, she must have noticed you."

Dekan spoke to his shadow.

"Dekan?"

Morion was very surprised to hear Dekan's words.

From this, it seems Dekan intends to go into the room alone?

In other words...

Dekan wants to choose an objective-type exam?!

"Trust me, Altis won't mind me bringing a cat to the subjective exam, but it's a bit much for the objective exam. Also, Cat Teacher, could you give me that card?"

Dekan said with great confidence.

After fulfilling its mission as a backpack, the Cat Teacher couldn't wait to jump into Morion's shadow.

They hadn't spoken for a long time.

Fortunately, there's an opportunity now that Dekan isn't around.

It's time to speak freely!

Dekan walked into the room alone.

He roughly estimated in his mind just how exaggerated Altis's proficiency was.

That's a level that the human brain simply cannot overcome.

Even with the academic prowess of Dekan's previous life, it would still be impossible.

Even if you brought in a math professor, they would be completely outmatched by Altis.

However, Dekan had another card he originally intended to use to humiliate Morion, but unexpectedly, it came in handy here.

Then Dekan walked to the table.

He picked up the box containing [Imperial Arithmetic].

"I want to take this exam."

Are you sure?

Altis smiled dismissively.

Morion's defeat just now should have revealed to Dekan that they chose the option that they were destined to lose in the objective exam.

Even if you could get a perfect score, you still couldn't do it faster Altis.

Dekan: "I'll pick this one, I can beat you."

Altis: "Ridiculous."

This time, not much was said.

They were prepared for the decisive test.

The exam rules are similar to the previous [Imperial Commerce] exam, only the number of questions has changed.

[Exam begins]

Dekan stared at the screen before him and began to select with complete concentration.

Altis raised an eyebrow slightly and glanced at Dekan.

She had no idea what Dekan was thinking.

But.

She won't lose.

Altis finished the exam in just 12 minutes.

When the exam paper was submitted, I unsurprisingly received a perfect score.

She won.

However, when Altis couldn't help but smile and looked up at Dekan...

Her pupils contracted sharply.

Their eyes met!

She saw it.

Dekan had already handed in his paper and was leaning back in his chair, leisurely waiting for her!

"Oh? You're finally done."

Dekan's languid voice reached Altis's ears.

"You just picked randomly?"

Altis asked, frowning.

Although a strange unease had begun to creep into my heart.

But she quickly figured it out: Dekan must have been guessing to finish so quickly.

Dekan didn't answer, but shrugged and pointed to the light screen.

The results of Dekan were displayed above.

[100 points, time taken: 6 minutes and 50 seconds]

"???"

Altis was completely stunned.

Her hands were suspended in the air, her mouth agape for a long time.

Did you know the answer beforehand?

This was the only explanation Altis could think of.

"No, I don't know the answers either; I figured them out on the spot."

Dekan shook his head.

"Impossible! Even if you have a longer lifespan than me, you couldn't reach that speed!!"

Altis stood up, pressing her hand on the table. She couldn't understand what Dekan had done!

Dekan: "Indeed, but there's no rule in this exam that forbids using magic to give oneself a boost, is there?"

Altis: "... Is there any status or passive magic that could enhance your mental abilities to this extent?"

"Of course, that's the culmination of human wisdom."

Dekan's gaze suddenly became exceptionally serious.

His expression seemed to say to Altis, "You underestimate humanity."

What is it?

Altis's expression was very complicated.

But more than dealing with her mixed feelings, she just wants to figure out where she went wrong!

"I'll tell you if you beg me."

Dekan leaned back in his chair and said with a mocking laugh.

"Please tell me!"

Altis's voice was filled with reluctance.

But she didn't hesitate much and said what Dekan asked.

Because she now feels that if she doesn't understand this problem, she won't die in peace!

"Not sincere enough."

"Please, please tell me...!"

Altis was still gritting her teeth.

"Fine, it seems I can't teach you how to beg for favors all at once. But you have to promise me that when you fulfill your promise later, you must do it to my satisfaction to have truly kept your bet. And then I'll tell you."

Dekan sighed and said.

"I... I promise you."

After hearing Altis's reply.

Dekan stood up and looked directly at Altis.

His gaze was no longer as casual as before, but filled with seriousness and solemnity.

Dekan: "Remember this, this is the ultimate computational magic representing the culmination of human wisdom; it's even given the name EX."

Hearing Dekan's incredible description of the magic, Altis couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

Altis: "What exactly is it?"

Dekan took a deep breath, looked intently at Altis, and replied:

Its name is --

"[Excel]!"