Arthur doesn't move.
"Listen, I don't want to do this any more than you do. I have a wife who I visit twice a year, but a wife regardless. This is an exam procedure, so unless you want to receive zero points for this section, you're going to have to show me your markings. I promise, I won't look at anything else down there."
"I don't have any blessings, sir. You can give me a zero for this section."
I feel like this is supposed to be a dramatic scene, but the way he said it… he doesn't sound very sad about it? Yet, I still feel inclined to mark up his score for whatever reason.
Could this be the effect of charisma? Have I been charmed? By a man? By a kid? –well, I mean I did feel like I was too harsh on him in Combat Trial, and he is only one point away from passing–
He grabs his face in agony.
I have been charmed. Ok, what did I learn from that one course I took?
That's right, the easiest way to dispel a charm is to give in. That settles it, I'll raise his score by one point. Then, I'm going to go back to my wife and make a second child.
He flips to the fourth page on his clipboard, and turns eight tallies into nine tallies.
That was easy enough. I feel better already. Now he's part of the thousands of people who "passed". It'll be up to fate to really decide if he will really be accepted into the academy.
He nodded to himself. And with a step and a spin, he turned back to Arthur.
"That will be all for the exam. You will be notified of your results in five days at the residence you address you submitted with your application."
"Thank you for applying, you may exit the academy through the same entrance. If you get lost, there are a few instructors patrolling around the campus. You may ask them to escort you out. However, under no circumstances should you try to get further into the academy. If you somehow get past the barriers or interact with any of the current students at the School of Magic, it is a crime in seven nations, including the one we are in right now, and may lead to permanent blacklist from the Mage Association and all affiliated organizations." The pages above the last page fell back down as he released his hand.
"Thank you, Instructor." Arthur said.
"Oh!" The examiner suddenly called out. "If you are accepted, you will need to claim your seat within two days of acceptance and board by the morning of the fourth day, before the academy departs from Viera's capital. I forget the name, but you know–where we currently are."
"I understand." Arthur said, before he continued to leave.
These are all things I've practiced and researched. Now I might just be letting optimism cloud my thoughts, but I think I actually passed! I actually managed to hold that spell for longer than a second. My continuous training of Magic Control must've finally paid off! I did so much better than I thought I would, in every section. And I feel like I can finally breathe again. I should get back home and see mom and dad again. Then I'm going to use this excitement to start packing!
After he leaves, his examiner walks to the side of the room where the long stretch of glass ends. He locates a rectangular gap in the wall, and pushes his clipboard through it. It drops and makes a low thud.
Behind it, a python is waiting. He picks it up, and quickly flips through the pages. Behind him, a shy cub awaits his judgement.
"Pass me the Academy Seal."
"What? Does that mean he passed?"
"Apparently he did. Give me the stamp."
"But Head Instructor, the lottery hasn't been conducted yet. Are you planning on accepting him? To accept someone like this goes against Academy procedure!"
"Who do you think wrote that Law? I know what I'm doing. He had a score of 65. He passed. I am the Head Instructor in charge of the Exam in Viera. I have absolute authority over the results here, and I am exercising that power now. There is no one here who can oppose my decision."
I did not dedicate forty years of my life to the academy just to be seen as lesser than the others who hold the same rank despite being younger than me. They all voted for Cedric to be off-limits, but while they are off conducting their exams elsewhere, I have the first choice for those applying in the largest human nation!
I sensed an energy the exact same as Cedric's on that boy. My senses are never wrong. If I can shape him into the second best, after Cedric, I won't be so insignificant anymore, I might even be chosen as the next Headmaster, or even be selected to join the Magic High Council if I can finish my research. I'll certainly be able to do it with the authority of the Headmaster.
Ahh, I can sense it! My dream is finally coming to life! Arthur, I will make you the strongest. You will be the ticket I use to reach my full potential, and in return, I promise to realize yours.