The Genius Professor Wants An Easy Life - Chapter 29.2
There was no mention of Joanna for the first or second place!
‘Is this some kind of joke?’
I widened my eyes.
‘There’s no way Joanna would fall behind those two in the written exam!’
Joanna, being the designated heir of a magical lineage, received thorough gifted education.
‘Even if it’s practical or combat, when it comes to the written exam, assessing knowledge, there’s no way she would fall behind anyone.’
‘Even Libel scored higher than Joanna. Libel may be a genius, but he’s not much in terms of knowledge, what is this?’
Then, a hesitant boy approached.
A downcast face and a fumbling demeanor.
It was Libel.
“I-I… I’ve been studying hard for the past few days. I wanted to receive Professor Van’s teachings. It’s a bit disappointing that I’m not in the first place, but…”
Libel’s eyes, looking at me, suddenly sparkled.
Contrary to his awkward appearance.
Deep and intense.
“I will definitely… pass and become Professor Van’s disciple.”
My face became pale.
And that wasn’t the end of it.
“Did you see my score, Professor Van?”
The sharp-faced girl, Catherine, walked up to me, raising her nose.
“Keep watching closely from now on. I’ll make sure you acknowledge me.”
…Wait, I have no intention of watching you closely?
What do I gain from acknowledging you?
But I didn’t have the luxury to correct her.
There was a frightening look in my eyes.
Gasp.
It was Joanna’s reaction.
Joanna was in 3rd place.
It was more than an excellent score.
‘For Joanna, this must be an unimaginable disgrace.’
According to the storyline, Joanna is supposed to be the top-ranking student.
No matter which academy Joanna chooses, she always becomes the top student in that academy’s magic department. But there has been a deviation from the script.
‘Moreover, there’s an unwritten rule that direct heirs of magical prestigious families must enter the “Specialized Admission” of the Four Great Prestigious Academies.’
Specialized admission means being the top and second-top student.
If one fails to achieve this, they will face severe consequences from their family.
‘Joanna’s pride will only accept being the top student. If she can’t achieve that, she will give up on admission and apply to another academy.’
It was a crisis!
In the end, I decided to actively help Joanna a bit more.
Not just in the ‘practical exam,’ but also in the ‘actual test.’
The next day.
The practical skills test was underway, and I found myself as one of the examiners.
“Candidates with numbers 1, 2, 3, please enter.”
Coincidentally, it was Libel, Joanna, and Catherine.
The exam numbers were assigned based on the preliminary exam results.
‘Perfect. This way, I can provide even more substantial help to Joanna.’
Don’t accuse me of being too biased.
As mentioned earlier, passing Joanna and sending Catherine and Libel to another academy is essential for smoothly clearing the storyline.
It’s all for the greater good.
Truly, sincerely.
“Candidates, please demonstrate the basic ‘Light’ magic.”
The practical test assignment was simple.
It aimed to assess whether they had the fundamental knowledge and potential as mages.
‘Of course, that doesn’t mean I should underestimate them.’
The 1st-tier ‘Light’ magic was both basic and intricate.
Unfolding it is something anyone can do easily, but doing it perfectly is challenging.
“I’ll go first.”
Joanna stepped forward with enthusiasm.
Before unleashing the magic, she shot a sharp look at Libel and Catherine, a gaze that seemed to put them beneath her feet.
‘…That’s good, but why are you giving me the stink eye? I’m on your side.’
Whether it was a misconception or not, Joanna mumbled something like this.
“Getting arrogant over a basic spell. I’ll show you my true abilities.”
As if inviting attention, Joanna chuckled toward me before showcasing her magic with a triumphant gesture.
Fwuuuuo!
A burst of light exploded, eliciting admiration throughout the examination hall.
“Wow!! A 2nd-tier Shine Dust!!”
“Excellent! Unleashing an advanced 2nd ranked star magic already!”
Other professors attending the examination applauded like a cheer squad.
‘She’s really something. Achieving a 2nd-grade, and an advanced one at that, even before entering the academy.’
Magic department graduates usually have the proficiency of a 3rd-tier spell.
Achieving a 2nd-grade is typically seen in 2nd-year students, and those progressing slower reach it in their 3rd year.
“Perfect score.”
“I also scored a perfect 10.”
Unanimously, it was a perfect score judgment.
Joanna raised her chin, looking at me with a triumphant air.
It was time for me to step forward, providing Joanna with my ‘favorable assistance.’
“I will give it a score of 3 out of 10.”
“!!”
For a moment, the room fell silent.
All the professors looked at me as if I’d gone mad.
“Professor Van, what are you saying?”
“After witnessing that magic, you give her a score of 3?”
“Are you deducting points for a minor reason, like showcasing a 2nd-grade Shine Dust instead of a 1st-grade light?”
Of course.
But I shook my head.
“No, it’s not. Shine Dust is a light magic. As long as it’s properly executed, there’s no reason for deduction. So, as I said, as long as it’s done properly.”
Joanna’s expression crumpled at my words.
“Are you saying my Shine Dust is lacking?”
“No.”
I looked straight into Joanna’s eyes.
The flaming charisma added a timely and intense sense of oppression.
“It wasn’t just lacking; it was pathetic. It was almost painful to even look at.”
“!!”
Joanna’s complexion turned pale.
She looked furious.
It couldn’t be helped.
‘What Joanna needs right now is not applause but tough love. At this rate, it’s impossible for Joanna to be the top student.’
I glanced at Libel and Catherine sitting behind us.
Two determined protagonists with resolute gazes.
In the entrance exam, the most significant portion of the score wasn’t the written or practical tests, but the final ‘actual exam.’
Could Joanna surpass them in the practical exam?
As it stood, it seemed impossible.
I had to ensure that Joanna could unleash her skills at 200% during the practical exam.
Since I had already decided to ‘help,’ I decided to do it right.
“Let me show you why your light magic is lacking, Joanna. Catherine, this time it’s your turn to demonstrate light magic.”
“!!”
