SPELLCRAFT: Reincarnation Of A Magic Scholar

Instructor Elda called the group to gather once more as she began her address.

She stood on the observation platform, her stern gaze sweeping over the recruits.

"Well done, all of you," she said. "You have all shown courage and skill today as expected of future Adventurers."

Neron leaned back against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest as he listened to her halfheartedly.

He couldn't shake the thought that had been nagging at him since he exited the dungeon.

"I could have done more," he muttered under his breath, eyes narrowing as he replayed the scenes in his mind.

He had chosen to rely solely on his swordsmanship, intentionally avoiding the use of magic.

While he had done well enough in the exams, he knew that he might get flaked for it since he didn't use magic.

While Martial arts was efficient in its own right, it didn't command the same respect as magic in the world.

"...I am pleased to announce that two of you have earned a Three Star License."

Neron's ears perked up as soon as he heard Elda's last words and he wasn't the only one.

A wave of anticipation spread across everyone gathered.

A Three Star License was rarely given to new candidates as it was only granted to those that did exceptionally well after a unanimous vote by the examiners.

Wherever it was presented, the bearer was sure to get VIP treatment and advance quickly in the ranks of the Guild community.

Elda paused in her speech as her eyes locked onto Neron.

"Nero, you scored the highest with 90 points. Your performance was exceptional. Your swordsmanship is truly remarkable."

There was a smattering of applause from the examiners and less from the other candidates.

They had diverse reactions ranging from disbelief to envy. They weren't sure they heard Elda correctly.

She was praising Neron for his swordsmanship and not magic.

Neron nodded, accepting the praise with a stoic expression and not giving ear to his disgruntled comrades.

"And Legris," Elda continued, turning to the boy. "With 85 points, you have also earned a Three Star License. Your magic resourcefulness and teamwork were commendable."

There was another round of applause from the crowd.

Legris' face lit up with a mix of surprise and pride. He glanced at Neron, who gave him a curt nod of acknowledgment.

Neron knew that if he had used magic, he could have wiped out the goblins and other creatures in mere moments, potentially earning even higher marks.

The thought of tapping into that power again churned his stomach, a reminder of the very thing he had vowed to avoid.

Neron clenched his fists. "Never again," he whispered to himself. Magic was a tool, but in his hands, it was a curse—a reminder of everything he had lost and everything he had become.

He was pulled from his thoughts as Instructor Elda stepped down from the stage.

Her authoritative voice was now closer to them.

"That concludes the end of the examination," she announced, her gaze sweeping over the candidates. "You have all demonstrated your skills, and the results will be posted shortly for the rest of you to see. Well done to those who pushed themselves to the limit."

Neron's eyes flickered over to Legris, who was standing a short distance away.

The boy was still catching his breath, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Neron noticed the faint residue of magic around him, a clear indication that Legris had relied on his magical abilities during the test.

Legris caught Neron's gaze and hesitated for a moment before approaching him. The boy's earlier enthusiasm was now tempered by a hint of caution, but he seemed determined to try again.

"Hey," Legris began, his tone softer this time, less brash. "You were really fast in there. I barely saw anyone else until I ran into the others near the end. I guess you didn't need any help after all."

Neron regarded Legris for a long moment. His first instinct was to brush the boy off again, to dismiss him as just another overly eager adventurer looking to make friends.

But something in the back of his mind—something Aldred had drilled into him—made him pause.

"Aldred always said, 'Good relationships with your comrades are as valuable as the blade at your side.' Especially in this line of work."

Aldred's words echoed in his mind, and for the first time, Neron found himself questioning his usual solitary approach.

Legris had been persistent, and there was no denying the boy had talent, even if he was overly optimistic. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to be a little more open—if only just a bit.

Neron straightened up, uncrossing his arms. "You did well too," he said, his voice less cold than before. "You seem to know how to handle yourself in a fight."

Legris blinked in surprise at the compliment, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Thanks! I, uh, try my best. Maybe we could spar together sometime? Learn from each other?"

Neron almost declined, but instead, he found himself nodding slightly. "Maybe. We'll see."

It wasn't exactly a warm acceptance, but it was far from the outright rejection he had been ready to deliver.

Legris seemed satisfied with that and nodded enthusiastically.

The boy glanced at the notice board where the results were being posted. "By the way, I have a question if you don't mind."

Neron could guess what he wanted to ask but wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"Ask away."

"So why didn't you use magic back there? If you're this impressive with a sword, I'm curious to see your…"

"You can ask anything other than that" Neron said, cutting him off before he was done.

"Alright, it's your choice then. I won't force you to say anything you don't want to say."

Neron was tempted to ask if if he could even if he wanted to force him but he decided against it.

It wasn't in him to be blatantly rude without a justifiable cause. The boy was just making conversation after all.

"Alright Nero, it was nice meeting you. I guess I will see you around."

Neron simply nodded, his mind already shifting to the next challenge as he shook Legris hand.

As he watched him walk away, he couldn't help but feel a grudging respect for the boy he had ignored.