C30 Magic Theory Test

Three days later, the exam questions were published. As was customary, the fifty newly enlisted young students were to answer the questions live, demonstrating the fruits of their month-long study of magic theory. A total of one hundred questions awaited them, each worth one point, with Instructor Solina and the panel of judges scoring in real-time.

Within the academy's expansive 500 square meter examination hall, forty-nine children had taken their seats. Presiding over the exam was Solina, flanked by a panel of ten judges drawn from various departments.

With just three minutes to go before the start, Solina's eyes swept over the young, anxious faces. Each student seemed to be a bundle of nerves, their energy sapped by the impending test. Was all this tension necessary for a mere routine exam? It seemed a universal affliction among the academy's students; the mere mention of an exam would have them hanging their heads, wishing they could vanish into thin air.

"Why is there an empty seat? Who's missing?" Solina's sharp eye caught the discrepancy. A quick second glance confirmed her suspicion: Zhang Xing from the fifth group was absent.

The students, divided into five groups, had the option to collaborate on their answers or to work independently. Fifty points of the exam were dedicated to group questions, with the remaining fifty allocated to individual queries. This year, however, a new rule had been introduced: any dissenting opinions could be hashed out in a debate, with the outcome adjudicated by Solina and the panel.

There were incentives too: accolades for the top group and the individual top ten performers. Solina checked the magic clock; only one minute remained. Surely, Zhang Xing wouldn't miss the exam?

Zhang Xing's absence wasn't for lack of wanting to attend. No sooner had he stepped out of his dormitory than he was cornered by two upperclassmen.

"You're Zhang Xing, correct?" asked a boy around fifteen or sixteen, his tone friendly and a smile on his face.

"Yes. Is there something you need?" Zhang Xing replied, puzzled.

"There's a small favor we'd like to ask of you," the boy said, glancing around. "Let's talk over there; it's not convenient here."

He courteously extended his hand in a gesture of invitation.

The other boy echoed the sentiment with a smile.

"Alright then!" Zhang Xing made his way toward the corner.

Behind him, two older kids exchanged sly, triumphant grins.

The trio vanished around the dormitory corner, out of sight from prying eyes.

Seconds later, a dull thud echoed from the corner, and Zhang Xing emerged, a sneer playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Trying to pull that trick on me? You guys are out of your league!"

Zhang Xing entered the exam hall just as the clock struck the hour.

Instructor Solina shot Zhang Xing a sharp look before turning away and announced with a smile, "Now that everyone has arrived, let's begin the test!"

"For the first question, please raise your hands to respond. Share your thoughts on the magic I will demonstrate."

Instructor Solina approached a table about three meters in length, removed the beaker from the flame, and placed it aside, the water inside still bubbling fiercely.

Murmuring a spell under her breath, she positioned her hands about a foot above the beaker and gave a gentle upward flick.

Suddenly, the steam rising from the boiling water vanished.

"I've instantly reduced the temperature of this boiling water to about five degrees. If anyone's feeling warm, feel free to have a sip to cool down."

Laughter rippled through the young crowd, significantly lightening the room's previously tense mood.

"Start answering!" Instructor Solina commanded, her voice deliberate. The room fell into an immediate hush.