When the next day arrived, the results of the apprentices were finally announced. Some were overjoyed, while others were left disappointed.
Just as Her Highness the Princess had said, Nolan was exempt from the tests and granted the right to choose a Conspectus directly.
On this important day, scholars from the Magic Academy gathered in great numbers.
The most outstanding apprentices stood in orderly rows at the center of the discussion hall.
Before them, on the ceremonial platform, rested hoods of various shapes, each set with a different gemstone. Every hood represented a specific Conspectus.
Today, these precious Glintstone hoods would be bestowed upon those apprentices who had passed the trials, marking their official entry into their respective Conspectus and the beginning of a new journey into the exploration of magic.
Magic instructors, dressed in deep blue or teal robes, stepped forward one by one, solemnly placing the hoods upon the apprentices' heads.
On the platform above, the magic professors observed in silence.
They wore broad-brimmed hats painted with the paths of the stars, and masks stitched shut at the mouth with golden thread.
These strange masks were crafted by the former Lord Consort of Caria Manor, Radagon, meant to remind the professors that anything related to him was not to be spoken of beyond these walls.
"Look, it's that group of heretics from Lazuli Conspectus. There are barely any of them."
An associate professor from Olivinus cast a contemptuous glance toward the sparse group opposite him, a mocking smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
He then turned to the associate professor from Karolos beside him, his tone tinged with smug satisfaction.
"Looks like our two Conspectus will be taking in plenty of apprentices again this year."
The associate professor from Karolos shrugged, looking unconcerned.
"It's like this every year. What's there to be surprised about? I just hope we get someone with real talent this time."
Indeed, it was always the same. The Magic Academy was, at its core, a gathering place for scholars. Most who came here were devoted to the pursuit of knowledge and magical research.
As a result, few chose Haima Conspectus, which focused on the study of warfare. The Twinsage Conspectus, meanwhile, accepted only the elite of the elite, with entrance requirements so strict they bordered on unreasonable.
As for Lazuli Conspectus, it stood apart from the rest.
In the past, Caria Manor had been the Kingdom of the Moon, while the sages of the other Conspectus revered the stars.
Yet Lazuli dared to place the stars and the moon on equal footing. To the other Conspectus, such thinking was nothing short of heresy.
If not for the support of the Carian Royal Family, they would have been expelled from the academy long ago.
At that moment, another associate professor seemed to recall something and spoke up.
"Right, I heard Loretta brought back an apprentice. Supposedly, the kid's talent isn't bad. Her Highness the Princess even granted him permission to choose a Conspectus without taking the tests."
At this, the associate professor from Olivinus snorted, his expression filled with disdain.
"Hah. What talent could someone who came in through the back door possibly have? In my eyes, he's nothing but a worthless Bluntstone."
The associate professor from Karolos curled his lips, a trace of contempt flashing through his eyes.
"Hmph. Since he was personally brought in by Her Highness, let him go to Lazuli Conspectus. Aren't they the royal family's loyal hounds anyway?"
Several nearby associate professors echoed the sentiment, agreeing that no arrangement could be more fitting.
Just as those two had said, among the dozens of apprentices still without hoods, nearly three-quarters chose one of those two Conspectus. Most of the rest went to Haima Conspectus.
As for Nolan, whom many had already labeled a "Bluntstone," he naturally followed the professors' unspoken wishes and joined the handful who selected Lazuli Conspectus.
Ranni had given Nolan the right to choose, but in truth, there had never really been a choice. From the looks the professors cast his way, it was clear he would not have fared well in any other Conspectus.
That said, Preceptor Miriam of Lazuli seemed quite pleased with him. Someone had clearly spoken to her in advance.
After the sorting ceremony ended, Nolan put on his hood and followed the group from Lazuli Conspectus out of the room.
However, the moment he stepped through the doorway, he suddenly froze.
It wasn't because of the stares or whispers from the other classrooms.
Outside the door, he saw a bald, powerfully built man wiping down the windows. Judging by his clothing, he was also an apprentice.
Within this academy, apprentice trainees were treated little better than servants. Those who failed to pass assessments for too long were deemed to lack any talent for sorcery and were bluntly labeled "Bluntstones."
Still, on closer inspection, that person seemed oddly familiar.
"Don't dwell too much on how others see you. As long as you're capable enough, you'll naturally earn the respect you deserve."
The magic instructor couldn't stand by any longer and offered a few words of comfort to the dejected new apprentice. Lazuli's situation really was an awkward one.
The friction between Lazuli's Conspectus and the others had existed for years. Even the Queen of the Full Moon, who once led the royal family in conquering Liurnia, had never managed to resolve it. After Masters Lusat and Azur were expelled from the academy, matters only grew worse.
What could a mere lecturer do in the face of that? Endure, and nothing more.
"Since you've just joined our Conspectus, let me briefly introduce our areas of study and research."
He waved a hand, but few of the apprentices showed any real enthusiasm. If their talent hadn't barely scraped past the passing line, and if they weren't worried about failing to survive in other Conspectuses, who would choose this one?
It wasn't that no one genuinely wanted to learn Caria Sorceries or serve the Carian Royal Family. There were just pitifully few of them. No one enjoyed being isolated or pushed aside.
Nolan, however, was genuinely interested.
To him, learning Caria Sorceries didn't seem all that bad. In the game, several of the spells his mother-in-law used felt like enhanced versions of common Glintstone Sorceries. If that was the case, then studying in Lazuli's Conspectus might even offer a chance to learn techniques from other Conspectuses as well.
The magic instructor first thanked everyone for choosing Lazuli's Conspectus, then emphasized the importance of their research. He also mentioned that the range of sorceries they would study was broad and comprehensive.
He spoke at length, until his throat went dry and his voice turned hoarse. Only then did the diligent Golden Needle Knight finally raise his hand.
"Instructor, when will we begin learning sorceries?"
"Tomorrow. However, Nolan, your situation is a bit special."
The instructor looked at the eager student and nodded in satisfaction. This finally felt like teaching.
"When we're done here, go to the office and see Preceptor Miriam. She'll personally arrange your courses."
After answering the question, he led Nolan to the professor's office.
The door was closed. Nolan looked at the figure seated behind the desk.
She wore a brown robe, her hat and mask no different from those of the other professors. She was Miriam, a sorcery professor in service to the Carian Royal Family.
"Nolan Bethel," Miriam said as she lifted her head, "if I remember correctly, you've never received any systematic training in sorcery, have you?"
"That's right."
Nolan nodded. The sorcerers of the Haligtree were barely competent students themselves. How could they possibly have produced a proper teacher?