Reader Mage-Stubbing August 10! Chapter 44: 44-We Just Became Students Yesterday

Read chapter 44 of Reader Mage-Stubbing August 10! by A_Random_Turtle on NovelPedia.

Chima and Tariq were seated in a different section from the rest of the students now—Professor Jung’s orders. She had prohibited them from sharing their experiences with the others who were yet to undertake their own assessments, and their seclusion was as a means to make sure that her words were adhered to. That wasn’t a thing of concern for Merlin, though. He had just been glad that they had both returned without actually sustaining any injuries. At the end of the day, the simulation was actually just a simulation, and the worries of the onlookers had been misplaced. However, the pain that came from being hit was as real as it got. He wondered how that functioned. Hakyun was kind enough to share one of his many theories. “It’s most likely the Dungeon crystals. Those things possess unimaginable powers, I tell you,” Hakyun said as they watched the current set now taking on the physical assessment. They were the tenth to be precise, since Chima and Tariq. And students were only now becoming comfortable with chatting as they kind of got used to what they were seeing. But being comfortable didn’t mean that when it got to one’s turn, they would ace the assessment without any worries. Evident from all those who had gone in after Chima and Tariq. No one had achieved a good result. They were all still so nervous. And Merlin—despite the test being tailored in a way that he should definitely succeed—was no different. “I wonder how Chima had predicted that the temple was the way out,” Merlin said, his hands together as he glanced over at Chima. The boy was fully concentrated on the ongoing assessment being projected. Unlike Tariq who had won no points for his Cohort or academics, Chima had gotten ten points for Cohort Spearhead, and five points for his academics. He was off to a fiery start. And the cheers he had received from the students of Cohort Spearhead when he had walked in, Tariq leaning on him, was proof of that. Merlin felt sorry for Tariq, though. The boy had gotten sneers from his Cohort. He recalled Professor Jung stating that a student would not like it when they pissed off the rest of their Cohort peers; Merlin was getting the gist of that with the physical assessment. He truly hoped he wouldn’t be pissing anyone off. “It’s quite simple,” Hakyun replied with a smile, likely pleased he had figured out Chima’s tactic. Because Merlin refused to believe that it had anything to do with the two students being swallowed by the swamp in their assessment. “Just so you know, I’m only telling you because you’re Cohort Spearhead. What Chima did was simply sensing where the mana concentration was highest.” Merlin’s brows furrowed. He chose not to dwell on Hakyun implying that if he had been from another Cohort he would not have been told. “Sensing the mana?” he asked, curious. “Yes,” Hakyun replied, leaning forward slightly. “Remember, it’s only when a large number of monsters flock together, or a Dungeon gate is opening up, that an abnormally high mana concentration is present in a single spot. And this assessment states that there are no monsters within the Dungeon. In other words, the only thing that can bring forth a dense amount of mana in one spot would be the gate.” He paused, a finger on the bridge of his glasses. “That’s my deduction, but I won’t know until I try it myself.” So Chima sensed where the mana concentration was the highest in the Dungeon, and deciphered that it was the gate… In other words, something I can’t do. Goodness, being a Deficient Mage is the worst. Am I going to fail and hold back my Cohort? Merlin turned his attention back to the platform. The latest of the physical assessment had ended while he and Hakyun talked. And shortly after, his roommate's face appeared on the projection. “Han Hakyun of Cohort Spearhead and Nikolai Volkov of Cohort Starveil,” Professor Jung announced. “You may make your way to the door.” Merlin sighed. He was then about to wish Hakyun good luck when he noticed the boy’s hands sh