Chapter 56
The Hamilton Ducal Estate.
Inside the expansive estate’s training grounds, dozens of tents were set up.
In front of the tents, numerous magicians stood in line.
It seemed like they would have to wait for quite a while before undergoing the preliminary evaluations.
At the center of the tents stood a stately pavilion.
‘That must be it.’
It was clearly a space reserved for VIPs.
Unlike the other waiting lines, this area was furnished with cushioned chairs and even offered light refreshments.
As I sat in the comfortable chair and activated Heart Eye, information about the people seated around me began to appear.
There were individuals whose full information I could discern and others whose status was obscured due to their high rank.
However, they all shared one striking commonality.
Each of their names carried a grand title.
Just like the word “Seltarion” that followed my name, Kyle Seltarion.
‘These are some high-ranking folks.’
From the other five kingdoms to magicians directly dispatched by the Holy Empire, representatives from all over were present. Each seat was marked with a name and number, leaving no room for hesitation when sitting down.
As I settled into my designated seat, the person next to me struck up a conversation.
“Greetings. I am Damian, the third son of the Marquisate of Claster.”
[Damian Claster (13)]
[Skill: Mana Detection]
[Traits: Elitism, Authoritarianism, Candidness]
[Favorability: 0]
The Claster Marquisate.
It wasn’t as renowned as the Hamilton Ducal Estate, but it was still a family known for its magic.
Damian, the one speaking to me now, was the third son of that household. A quick glance using Heart Eye revealed that he wasn’t particularly talented.
Not every child born into a noble family inherited exceptional gifts, so it wasn’t all that surprising.
His only notable skill was Mana Detection, a B-tier ability. His listed traits—elitism, authoritarianism, and candidness—only reinforced his upbringing as a pampered noble’s child.
Having been raised with indulgence, it was no wonder he had developed such traits along with an outspoken nature. Likely, few dared to challenge him in his environment. While I wasn’t particularly interested, it seemed appropriate to maintain basic courtesy given the similar status and age.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Kyle Seltarion.”
“I’ve heard many rumors about you. It feels oddly familiar despite this being our first meeting.”
“Such words are humbling. If the rumors were about me, I can already guess what they were.”
“Ah, that too. But I was referring to the stories of you becoming a magician.”
His eyes gleamed with interest as he mentioned it, clearly intrigued by the news.
“By sheer luck, I suppose.”
“Ha! Luck, you say? That’s hardly something someone who overcame Hermemu should say. It only proves you possess exceptional talent.”
With a warm smile, Damian’s gaze shifted toward the direction of the tents.
“In this heat, they’re really working hard. So many magicians have gathered.”
“It’s the largest tournament in the empire. It’s no wonder they’d form such long lines.”
“Ha! For ordinary magicians who aren’t from prestigious families like ours, waiting is inevitable. By the way, Sir Kyle, did you come to the ducal estate solely for this tournament?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Which category are you competing in? Theory or practical combat?”
“I’m competing in the theory category.”
At my answer, Damian’s eyes lit up with curiosity.
“Oh, really? That’s intriguing.”
“What is?”
“You’ve only recently reached the 1st Circle, haven’t you? Most participants gain some experience and hone their skills before joining, but you’re entering quite quickly.”
“Skill isn’t always measured by the time spent learning magic. I thought it would be a good experience, so I decided to participate.”
“Confident, aren’t you? My goal is merely to place, but are you aiming for the same?”
“I’ve given it some thought.”
“Ha! It’s good for a man to have ambition, but I must warn you—it won’t be easy. Even as a 3rd Circle magician, I can’t guarantee I’ll place.”
A 3rd Circle magician at thirteen wasn’t a terrible achievement.
Given his lack of talent, reaching the 3rd Circle likely required significant support from his family.
Judging by his confident demeanor, he seemed quite certain of his perspective—that I wouldn’t be able to place.
“Which category are you competing in, Sir Damian?”
“I’m entering the practical combat category. This tournament is held only once every two years and attracts countless magicians. It’s a rare opportunity to gain valuable experience. Besides, unlike the theory category, the practical combat division is segmented by Circle level, making it fairer.”
I immediately understood what he meant.
The practical combat division pits magicians against one another in battles, divided by Circle level.
‘Participants up to the 4th Circle are allowed.’
After registration, participants are grouped into divisions according to their Circle levels.
Four divisions are created, from the 1st to the 4th Circle.
The reasoning was simple.
A difference in Circle levels usually made for a lopsided fight, a common understanding in the world of magic.
The winner of the 4th Circle division would receive a grand prize, while lower-Circle participants would get relatively minor rewards, even if they won.
‘Theory is a much better fit for me.’
Moreover, competing in the practical combat division would inevitably reveal my Circle level.
It was only natural.
In a setting where sharp and powerful magic clashed, what would happen if the Circle levels were drastically different?
Accidents were bound to occur.
This was why all participants had to go through a process of Circle verification before entering the tournament.
There was only one method to verify the Circle level.
It involved casting a detection spell on the participant.
However, casting such a spell didn’t automatically reveal the target’s Circle level.
With skilled mana manipulation, one could conceal their Circle level effectively.
Naturally, those participating in the practical combat division allowed the detection spell to pass through their bodies without any attempt at manipulation.
The moment someone tried to manipulate mana to cheat the system…
‘They’d be disqualified immediately.’
This was precisely why I had decided against participating in the practical combat division. I wasn’t ready to reveal my 2nd Circle status just yet, and even if I won that division, the reward wouldn’t be significant for me.
In contrast, by participating in the theory division…
‘Circle levels become irrelevant.’
Even an Archmage couldn’t just create new and better magic on a whim.
If that were possible, the fundamental magic books available across the continent would already contain far more efficient formulas.
Since Circle levels didn’t matter much in the theory division, there wasn’t even a process to verify participants’ Circle levels.
After all, what did it matter?
In this field, the only thing that mattered was…
‘Whether or not you’ve created something new and effective.’
Even an Archmage who failed to invent or reinterpret magic effectively would face outright rejection during the paperwork screening. This tournament’s primary purpose was built around that principle.
As I exchanged a few words with Damian to pass the time, it was soon his turn to undergo the evaluation.
Evaluation.
Regardless of being from a prestigious family, everyone had to go through this process.
The only privilege offered to people like us was the convenience of a shorter waiting time.
In other words…
This was a place where personal connections or influence had no bearing.
The reason was simple.
The Hamilton Ducal Estate, one of the three most powerful families in the empire, hosted this tournament. Unless it was the Imperial Family, there wasn’t any group capable of exerting pressure on them.
Additionally, the Hamilton Ducal Estate had every reason to maintain the tournament’s integrity and fairness. Doing so solidified their credibility, and there was no reason to taint it with shady dealings.
‘It’s a wise choice.’
The Magic Tournament, held every two years, brought enormous wealth and prestige to the estate under the title of hosting the continent’s most renowned competition.
With skilled magicians gathering from all over, the knowledge shared, and the opportunity to recruit exceptional participants to bolster their ranks…
The intangible benefits gained by the ducal estate from this tournament were astronomical.
This was why they put so much effort into keeping the event transparent.
When Damian entered the tent for his evaluation…
About three minutes later, he emerged with a beaming expression.
Then, it was my turn.
“Kyle Seltarion! Please proceed inside!”
After leaving Leonhardt to wait outside, I began walking toward the luxurious tent where the announcement had come from.
As I stepped into the tent, I saw a familiar face.
“Welcome.”
The evaluator waiting for me was none other than Helton Hamilton, the eldest son of the Hamilton Ducal Estate.
Several other high-ranking retainers of the estate were also seated inside, observing me.
Interesting.
It seemed I was being evaluated by some influential individuals, likely due to the nature of my participation.
Alongside the heir to the ducal estate, high-ranking retainers were seated in the tent, their gazes fixed on me.
“Greetings,” I said respectfully.
“You mentioned participating in the theory division, correct?” Helton asked.
“That’s correct.”
“As you’re likely aware, our ducal estate does not pass unqualified individuals through the preliminary round. It doesn’t matter who you are.”
“I understand.”
“Good. Which specific field within the theory division are you planning to present? Magic formulas? Potions? Magic circles? Summoning? State the category you wish to focus on from the ten available fields.”
The theory division.
It wasn’t limited to magic formulas alone.
Participants could choose to focus on magic circles, potions, or even artifact crafting.
The branches of magic were numerous, so the theory division wasn’t confined to new magic creation alone.
However…
The magic formulas category offered the most substantial rewards.
Naturally, that was the field I planned to compete in.
“Magic formulas,” I replied confidently.
“Very well. Are you aware of how the preliminary evaluation for this category works?”
“Yes. I understand that I must present something new or modified, related to magic formulas.”
“Additionally, it must be useful. It’s not enough for it to simply be novel,” Helton added. “It must also serve a purpose.”
“Understood.”
“Then, proceed to demonstrate your magic.”
Helton and the retainers’ gazes showed little expectation.
They likely assumed that a 1st Circle magician’s creation couldn’t possibly be groundbreaking.
Whether they’d maintain that dismissive attitude after seeing my magic remained to be seen.
The moment magic materialized in my hand…
The previously bored expressions on the evaluators’ faces froze.
“What?”
“What in the world…?!”
They stared at me, utterly astonished.
Even Helton, seated in the highest position, was no exception.
—
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