Chapter 32 – A Familiar Presence in an Unfamiliar Answer Sheet
#1
After Lawrence left, the test resumed.
The Tower Masters reached an agreement to give a retest opportunity to those who endured for more than ten minutes.
What were the Tower Masters doing in the meantime?
They decided to check the answer sheet submitted by Lawrence.
Lawrence would have to wait due to unavoidable circumstances, but the advantage was still his.
After all, the purpose of this selection process was to identify outstanding talents, so some understanding was inevitable.
‘Wait, is this… really the answer sheet written by an eleven-year-old?’
The Red Magic Tower Master stared blankly at the answer sheet several times.
What is this familiar feeling?
This was like… the answer sheet of a seasoned assistant professor during their academy days.
Neat composition and easy-to-read sentences.
Sophisticated phrases drawing on professional knowledge and perfectly cited references.
It was as if a veteran who had rotted away in isolation for years had written it.
Although such talent was abundant even within the Magic Towers…
[What’s so impressive that you’re staring at it like that? Let me have a look too.]
[Ah, my apologies. It was so impressive that I got carried away…]
If it hadn’t been for the sudden magic message, she would’ve been lost staring at it endlessly.
Hesitantly, she handed the answer sheet to the Blue Magic Tower Master.
Crumple—.
For some reason, the Red Tower Master tightened her grip on the paper, reluctant to hand it over.
What is her problem?
The Blue Tower Master applied force to forcibly snatch the answer sheet.
And when he saw it, he was equally astonished.
“Wow…”
He couldn’t hold back and let out an exclamation of amazement.
Naturally, this only heightened the curiosity of the other Tower Masters.
Everyone’s eyes were alight with interest as they waited for their turn.
What in the world is so remarkable?
‘Now I get it. No wonder Medeia worked so hard.’
The Blue Tower Master stroked his chin as he handed over the answer sheet.
What kind of answer sheet did Loras submit two years ago?
No matter how intelligent someone was, they couldn’t fake the vibe that came with experience.
There’s a difference between a mere listing of knowledge and writing that considers the reader.
Loras, Loria, and the others showcased impressive knowledge in the written test of the selection process.
That speaks volumes about their memorization abilities.
But Lawrence?
‘This is tempting. However…’
He had already been labeled defective, and he had a secret agreement with Medeia.
Regrettably, he couldn’t bring Lawrence into his tower.
Click. The Blue Tower Master clicked his tongue in disappointment.
‘Now, let’s see…’
The answer sheet continued its journey and reached the Iron Tower Master.
The content of the answer sheet brought a smile to his face.
Iron Hanma stroked his beard as he pondered.
‘A child who possesses both wisdom and physical ability…’
This was a talent he absolutely had to bring into his Magic Tower.
Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed the other Tower Masters had made some sort of arrangement…
He narrowed his eyes, sensing the opportunity to bring in a new youngest member.
While the Tower Masters were engrossed in examining the answer sheet, the test supervisor’s voice echoed.
The students who had been sweating nervously and solving problems had finally reached the end of their test.
“Everyone, stop writing. Put down your pens and submit your answer sheets.”
“……”
Most of the children looked sullen, dissatisfied with their performance.
But among them, some had eyes that sparkled with determination.
It was the Tower Masters’ job to identify and nurture those students.
However, disappointment flashed through the eyes of the Tower Masters.
“We’ll evaluate these later.”
“Indeed. Lawrence Montemer must be waiting.”
“Then let’s move.”
Mumble mumble—.
The Green Tower Master began a lengthy incantation.
As the master of the Magic Tower specializing in nature and teleportation, he completed his chant.
[Mass Teleportation]
Seventh Circle.
The overwhelming spell concluded, forming a colossal magic circle that transported everyone left in the examination hall.
“…Huh?”
Lawrence, who had been absentmindedly doodling while waiting, was naturally startled.
And it was only natural that the gazes of all the Tower Masters on him had transformed.
#2
Why were they late? Was it because they didn’t want me to take the test alone?
Lawrence looked around, silently nodding to himself.
He had waited for quite a while, but he wasn’t bored.
Thanks to that, he was able to engrave magic circles on his artifact.
The waiting room was quiet, and apart from the supervisor monitoring outside, no one else was around.
Even watching the Tower Masters subtly nod their heads toward him was entertaining enough.
“I sincerely apologize, Lord Lawrence.”
“I deeply regret making you wait for so long, and as an apology, we promise to prepare a small gift for you after the test.”
“In that case, I’ll gladly accept it.”
Lawrence did not bother to refuse.
If they’re offering, it’s only polite to accept.
After all, he hadn’t done anything wrong.
The Tower Masters seemed to think highly of Lawrence’s composed demeanor.
“Is this the essence of Montemer?”
“No matter how much you try to view it without bias, doesn’t he himself prove it through his confidence?”
Children from other noble families glared at Lawrence with eyes full of envy, suspicion, jealousy, and bitterness.
Even though all of them had been knocked unconscious earlier, now this guy was even receiving a gift from the Tower Masters?
This must really be the power of Montemer.
“Damn it, this is completely different from what Father said!”
One noble child even thought this, burning with frustration.
While they were caught in a storm of anger, despair, and every emotion in between, a voice announced the next test.
“The next test is a virtual dungeon experience. This is a rare opportunity to experience artifacts that are only unveiled during selection trials.”
“Ooh—”
“All you have to do is sit here and close your eyes comfortably. The artifact will activate, and everything that unfolds in your mind will be reflected in this crystal orb.”
“……”
A heavy silence filled the air.
Those words implied that all of their blunders and missteps would be revealed for everyone to see.
It was terrifying, but they had no choice but to endure it.
A faint sense of dread crept over them.
Regardless, the supervisor continued their explanation.
They explained why this test was significant.
“You will face many different battlefields in the future. This test evaluates how quickly and intelligently you can adapt to various situations.”
<Comprehensive ability evaluation. A mage must have eyes capable of grasping the flow of battle and surveying wide areas of the battlefield.>
The assassin’s voice echoed in his mind.
It was helpful, as always.
Lawrence quietly recalled those words from the past and listened attentively to the supervisor’s explanation.
In summary:
The terrain and situations are random.
There won’t be any high-difficulty dungeons.
There will be many unpredictable scenarios, so handle them with discretion.
‘Sounds fun.’
Additionally, he gained quite a bit of information about the artifact.
[This artifact was created by the ancient guardian, ‘Draksha.’]
[Originally, it was made to share dreams and allow lucid dreaming…]
[But humans are using it in this way. Not bad.]
‘So that’s what it was. I wonder what kind of person Draksha was.’
[He was a Red Dragon.]
‘Oh…’
In that case, could Montemer be distant descendants of dragons?
Resolving yet another curiosity, Lawrence took his seat.
It was time to enter the dungeon.
“Now then, let the test begin.”
[Entering the virtual dungeon.]
[The mental counter will not activate, as per the user’s will.]
Wuuuuung—
A massive surge of mana flowed in, and Lawrence’s consciousness was swept away in an instant.
It felt like he had sunk into a deep sleep.
#3
[Red Dragon’s Legacy: Dream Shaper – Entry Complete.]
[All knowledge here belongs to you.]
[If acknowledged as the artifact’s master, you will permanently receive the Dragon Body buff.]
Upon opening his eyes on the cold floor, the first message startled Lawrence.
Surely this wasn’t visible to anyone else?
As if answering his concern, the system spoke.
[Do not worry.]
[The text is a privilege granted only to you as the Artifactor.]
Lawrence smiled faintly and nodded.
Now, it was time to look around.
The moment he entered the dungeon, he couldn’t suppress the excitement in his heart.
Perhaps there was still a trace of pure adventure lingering within him.
‘Since I’m in a child’s body, let’s enjoy it while we can.’
Even though he had fallen into a fantasy world, there was a time when he could do nothing.
A man trapped in a child’s body.
That pure sense of adventure and excitement seemed to remain.
Realizing he might never have the chance to unleash such feelings again, Lawrence decided to fully enjoy this moment.
The surroundings were lined with torches, and deeper inside was nothing but pitch-black darkness.
However, darkness was no obstacle for Lawrence.
[Dragon Eye]
[The dragon’s eyes can see through all things.]
‘Oh, everything is clear and vivid.’
What kind of monsters might be lurking inside?
Thanks to the Dragon Eye, Lawrence could clearly see beyond the darkness.
The structure resembled a typical monster den.
[The trial begins.]
Kiieeek—
From a distance, the sound of monsters echoed.
From the reservoir of knowledge Lawrence had amassed through years of researching monsters, magic, and various other subjects, information automatically emerged.
‘Kobolds. Undead ones, at that.’
The glowing green eyes were a sure sign of the undead.
He checked the artifact he was wearing.
‘I’m equipped with 3rd-circle capabilities, but I only have two offensive spells.’
[Warrior’s Agility]
[Negative Energy]
[Magic Boost]
[Fireball]
[Lightning Arrow]
The addition was [Magic Boost], which increased both power and capacity by 20%.
It was a golden artifact.
As for other dark magic or assassination-related artifacts, he didn’t plan to use them this time.
The purpose of the selection trial was to enter the Iron Magic Tower, not to flaunt his abilities.
Do people still use the term ‘push and pull’?
This was the time to engage in psychological ‘push and pull’ with the Tower Masters.
‘Shall we go.’
[Warrior’s Agility]
[Mana Boost]
Lawrence’s movements became sharper and swifter than before.
He silently approached the source of the sound and immediately unleashed magic.
[Fireball]
[Remaining Uses: 6/7]
Whooosh—!
A massive fireball illuminated the inside of the dungeon brightly.
The undead kobolds reacted to the sudden burst of light.
Their numbers exceeded thirty.
“Is this really a low-tier dungeon?”
To be honest, just admit it, Artifact.
You did this on purpose, didn’t you?
There was no way the artifact would answer him, so Lawrence simply started slaughtering the kobolds in sight.
BOOM—!
The massive fireball exploded.
It was a 3rd Circle spell with a power enhanced by 20%.
For an ordinary mage, such power would require significantly more mana consumption.
“Kiiiieeek—!”
With the smell of burning flesh, the kobolds in that area were all wiped out.
The magic was indeed powerful, but it wasn’t enough to annihilate every kobold.
There were still monsters charging at Lawrence through the blazing flames, targeting him.
Lawrence quickly grabbed a weapon that had fallen from a dead kobold.
CRACK—!
Without any meat chunks around, this would have to do.
“Kieek!”
“Wow, this feels great.”
Seeing the kobold’s head explode cleanly, Lawrence smirked.
It was a chilling grin that even startled the Tower Masters observing the scene from outside.
—
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