Chapter 59
After the preliminary round ended.
One day later, the grand stage of the competition officially began.
Theory and Practice.
Magicians in both fields started showcasing their skills.
The competition kicked off with the practical field.
The finals began with 1st Circle magicians competing in magical duels, gradually building the event’s excitement.
Inside the arena established within the Hamilton Ducal Estate.
Finalists performed dazzling magic against one another.
“Waaaah!”
Helena’s residents and tourists cheered enthusiastically, but to me, it was just a yawn-worthy spectacle.
“Boring.”
It wasn’t a clash of 4th Circle magicians, just simple spells from 1st Circle magicians, so there wasn’t much to feel impressed by.
Because I was publicly known as a 1st Circle magician, Helton had suggested that I observe other magicians’ matches. That was the only reason I came here.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t have bothered to show up at all.
Sitting in one of the seats with the best view.
As I watched the matches, I glanced at the tall clock tower inside the Ducal Estate.
“It’s two o’clock. Time to get going.”
With only an hour left until the competition in my field, it was time to leave this place.
Leaving behind the cheers of the audience, Leonhardt and I began heading toward the venue for the finals.
_
The venue for the finals in the Magical Formula category.
It was located deep within the Ducal Estate. Unlike the practice field, where dazzling magic raged, the theory field mainly revolved around discussions, so it was only natural for it to be held somewhere quieter.
Helena’s residents and tourists were primarily interested in flashy magical battles. Thus, the Ducal Estate chose to host the theory competition in a secluded location.
When I arrived, I saw twenty magicians.
Most of the magicians who advanced to the finals shared one common trait.
They were either lower-ranking nobles or semi-nobles.
Semi-nobles.
A status somewhere between commoners and nobles, typically given to those who become knights or magicians but are of lower lineage.
Why were most participants here of such status? The answer was obvious.
Creating new magic required immense effort and wasn’t the least bit enjoyable.
It was exceedingly rare for children of prestigious families to endure such grueling efforts.
Moreover, the practical field, with its dazzling magic, was far more appealing to the masses.
Regardless of the size of the competition’s prizes, prestigious families’ children usually chose to participate in the practical field, where they could fully display their skills.
Perhaps that’s why?
As soon as I arrived, the other magicians’ gazes turned toward me.
A member of the Seltarion Family, renowned for swordsmanship, participating in a magical competition was already peculiar. On top of that, advancing with just a 1st Circle spell was bound to draw attention.
The faces of the other magicians showed clear tension.
Most of them lacked significant lineage or family backing.
It was evident they were determined to change their lives through this competition.
Even if they didn’t win, performing well in the finals could earn them a place as a retainer in the Ducal Estate.
Even that alone would be.
“A life-changing opportunity for ordinary magicians.”
In real-world terms, it was akin to landing a high-paying job at a major American corporation.
Soon, a magician bearing the Ducal family’s insignia approached us.
After scanning the surroundings.
“We will begin the finals in the Magical Formula category shortly. You’ve seen the numbers on the preliminary results announcement. Please enter according to those numbers. Prepare yourselves. Oh, and…”
With a meaningful gaze at the participants, the magician added.
“The Duke himself is participating in today’s finals as a judge.”
The participants’ eyes widened in shock.
There was only one person in the Ducal Estate deserving of the title “Duke.”
Meleos Hamilton.
“…Is that true?”
“Yes. I don’t know what prompted the change, but it’s true. So, please give it your all.”
If the 7th Circle Archmage and Duke himself were judging?
The judging process might become stricter, but it was undoubtedly an opportunity.
Catching his attention would almost guarantee becoming a retainer in the Ducal Estate.
With this revelation, determination filled the participants’ eyes.
_
“Contestant number 1, Karon Milton?”
“Yes!”
“Please enter immediately.”
With that, the magician announced the start of the finals.
The first to undergo evaluation was Karon Milton.
The Milton Family.
One of the Empire’s small, obscure baronies located in the far west.
That was likely why Karon participated in the theory field.
The judging process was visible to the other participants, so everyone was observing Karon’s presentation.
“I… have brought a combination spell of Ice and Grease as my presentation topic…”
Was it because of the Duke sitting at the center of the judges?
Karon seemed to be struggling significantly with his presentation.
“Is that your only topic?”
The Duke asked with a slight smirk.
Rolling his eyes nervously, Karon nodded.
Meleos chuckled at the sight.
“Are you being dragged to the gallows by chance?”
“…Pardon?”
“I mean, don’t be so nervous. My presence here won’t alter the judging process or make it any stricter. Most of the questions will be handled by Helton and the retainers, not me.”
Meleos, speaking loud enough for all participants to hear, turned his gaze toward Helton.
“Well then, Helton, take charge.”
“Yes, Father.”
Perhaps because of the Duke’s words, Karon seemed slightly more relaxed as he continued his presentation with improved fluency.
Ice and Grease.
He elaborated on how the synergy between the two spells was achieved and explained the method of activation.
After a moment, Helton nodded and spoke.
“Ice and Grease combined to create synergy. The concept of making the ground slippery with an ice spell and amplifying the effect by reducing friction with grease is quite refreshing. However… this spell has a few flaws.”
“Flaws…?”
“First, the mana consumption is problematic. Magicians like you, who attempt to combine two spells, often become overly focused on extracting only their advantages. In this case, it would be the ice and reduced friction.”
Helton, staring directly at the presenter, began listing the issues.
“The spell you created is a 1st Circle spell, isn’t it?”
“…That’s correct.”
“Then think about it. If two 1st Circle spells are combined into a different kind of 1st Circle spell, what level of mana consumption do you think magicians would consider reasonable for this spell?”
“…I’m not sure.”
“At the very least, shouldn’t the mana consumption be less than casting the two spells separately? Otherwise, efficiency becomes a problem.”
“….”
“The mana consumption for your spell is about four times that of a standard 1st Circle spell. That’s staggering. If the mana cost is this high, the result must justify it.”
“…You’re right.”
“Is the casting speed fast? Well, it’s quicker than casting the two spells separately, but it doesn’t justify consuming four times the mana. Then, is the area of effect broad? No, it’s not. At best, it transforms about a one-meter radius of ground.”
Reading through the operational details written on the document, Helton began to point out the weaknesses.
“And even if you pour in more mana to expand the range, the increased radius is minimal. It’s inefficient. The spell’s limitations are equivalent to what one would expect from a 1st Circle spell.”
“…Understood.”
“Therefore, in large-scale battles, this spell would be practically meaningless. It might have some use in one-on-one combat to topple an opponent, but even then, there’s an issue.”
“What issue?”
“In such duels, would it be necessary to aim for a broad radius? I think focusing the range to just one step’s radius would be more than sufficient.”
Perhaps realizing something from Helton’s remarks, Karon’s eyes gleamed.
“…You’re right.”
“Do you now understand the problem?”
“…Yes.”
“The reason you were allowed to pass the preliminaries is simple. Combining two spells earned you additional points, and I saw potential in your spell if you could better integrate the strengths of both. Your idea was commendable.”
“…Thank you.”
Nodding, Helton replied.
“By modifying the formula and reducing the range to minimize mana consumption, this could become a spell that even 1st Circle magicians could effectively utilize.”
“…Thank you.”
“Karon Milton. You’re a 3rd Circle magician, correct?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“How long have you been researching this spell?”
“About half a year.”
Hearing this, Helton and the nearby retainers nodded. Even for a 1st Circle spell, creating something new required considerable time.
“Not bad. Let me be honest. It’s tough for a spell of this caliber to win. We didn’t let you through the preliminaries expecting you to win, anyway.”
“…I see…”
Seeing Karon’s downcast expression, Helton gave a faint smile.
“However, I’d like to offer you an opportunity.”
“An opportunity?”
“How about working for the Ducal Estate? While it may not come with special privileges, you’ll never have to worry about money. We provide ample support, and though I say so myself, our family’s influence is strong. Why not perfect your spell here?”
“…Is that for real?”
“I don’t have a habit of lying.”
“I’d be honored… if you’re giving me this chance!”
Hearing their conversation, the nearby participants displayed visible envy.
Being scouted by the Ducal Estate.
That alone was a testament to one’s potential.
Moreover, as a prestigious magical household, the Ducal Estate offered the best treatment to magicians, unmatched by any other family.
“Well, he’s made good use of his chance.”
Even I thought Karon was a useful talent.
With his B-rank talent in magical research and the additional trait of focus, he was well-suited for research roles.
That’s likely why he managed to develop a spell worthy of showing to others in just half a year.
By recruiting such talents, the Ducal Estate maintained its prestige and power.
As the competition proceeded, more participants were called to present.
Some, like Karon, received scouting offers, while others endured harsh criticism and left the podium dejected.
It was only natural; not everyone was advanced for the sake of praise.
As the participants with earlier numbers continued presenting.
“Participant number 11, Simton. Please step forward.”
It was now Simton’s turn, the strongest contender for victory in this finals.
Depending on what Simton presented, my presentation might need adjustment.
After all, I had every intention of securing the win.
Perhaps that’s why?
My attention naturally shifted toward Simton.
—
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