Supreme Magus novel Chapter 178

White Griffon academy, Headmaster Linjos’ office.

From his desk, Linjos was examining the data coming through the academy’s magical network. Barely more than a day had passed, yet the number of groups taking part in the test was almost halved.

It was way worse than he had predicted, but looking at the reports of his subordinates he couldn’t doubt that his method was the right choice.

- "Professor Trasque is right, too many students have no combat experience, I need to invest more manpower and funds in the ’Theory of Combat Magic’ classes. The mock exam helped the students only so far.

"The scenario was too simple, and without any real injury many of them underestimated the risks. Next year I have to introduce humanoid monsters earlier and make the Professors let students get hurt a bit, or I’ll be back at square one."– He thought.

His communication amulet drew his attention and so did the rune glowing because of the incoming call. Linjos could not help but shiver whenever the Queen called him.

"Your Majesty, to what do I owe the honour of this call?" He stood up, giving her a deep bow.

"Linjos, what’s the meaning of these numbers? Are you really going to flunk two thirds of the fourth year students?" Queen Sylpha ignored etiquette, neither using his title or giving him even a nod of the head in response.

Her voice wasn’t angry as much as worried.

"The answer to your second question is no." He replied with a firm tone.

"The first one though, is a complicated question and requires a complex answer. I require your permission to speak freely."

"Granted." Sylpha nodded with no hesitation.

"The numbers tell us that two thirds of the students are cowards, ill prepared for combat, cheaters or all of the above. Twenty percent gave up as soon as they knew their lives would be at risk.

"Such mages cannot be rated over B, because those who consider themselves to have too much to lose can be easily intimidated or convinced to switch sides. Entrusting them with vital information or missions would backfire, since they would rather give up than fight and risk dying.

"Another twenty percent either froze at the sight of blood or refused to denounce their oppressors, despite the clear intention of using them as meat shields. Both types are useless assets. The first are unsuited for combat, the seconds are spineless cowards.

"The last twenty percent are those who attempted to bribe or threaten their supervisors to get protection and a safe way out of the dungeon. Their behaviour speaks for itself.

"I don’t plan on flunking them all, there is always the third test and the next year to prove themselves better than this. My aim is only to give them a glimpse of real life. Too many of these young master and ladies, except a few deviants, have never dirtied their hands, always delegating to their retainers.

"The problem with the previous teaching methods is that they emphasized theory and memorization over practicality. In fact, the mortality rate of the graduates is always very high, no matter the academy they come from.

"The old methods created mostly parlour magicians, good only to attend social events and flaunt their superior instruction. Mine will instead separate the wheat from the chaff. It’s not the destination that matters, but only what they learn during the journey."

The Queen pondered for a while before agreeing with him.

***

Lukart Household, Archmage Lukart’s private quarters. Before the second exam started.

"Are you sure everything is set up properly?" Lukart asked.

"I am not sure about anything at this point." The voice from his communication amulet replied.

"After the mess you made during the plague, Linjos doesn’t trust anyone. He used fifth year students instead of Professors as supervisors, cutting us off from most of the preparations for the second exam."

"I’m tired of your excuses, Yurial Deirus has to die or we are both finished. His father is onto me, it’s only a matter of time before he corners me for good. With Yurial’s death, not only will Deirus be forced to focus on finding a replacement, but it also will divert his attention to Linjos, holding him accountable."

"And I am sick of your madness!" The voice retorted, burning with anger.

"I have no way to know what path Yurial’s group will take, nor the ability to prevent his supervisor from using the bracelet Linjos provided to return to the main hall in case of danger or heavy injuries.

You have to pray to your ancestors that he meets creatures strong enough to slaughter his group before his supervisor can intervene."

The communication was cut off, leaving Lukart banging his head against his desk in desperation. Once again, he had to stake everything on dumb luck, hoping for the fifth year kid to be as unlucky as incompetent.