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Reborn as the Doomed Heir of a Mage Dynasty (Web Novel) - Chapter 205
Chapter 205
This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl
The cheers and applause that erupted with each previous name were absent.Faint encouragement came from scattered spots, but most held back, cautious.
A tense silence hung in the air.
The perennial favorite for first place, commanding attention for a decade, had been overtaken by a rookie of just five months in magic.
This stark reality drew the gazes of first- and third-year students to Leo. Some glanced at Elias and Yulia too.
Second-years had felt Lucas Askanians skill bone-deep over the past month, but other departments, years, and First and Third Academy students hadnt.
They saw Lucas less as a mage and more as a figure with exceptional ability yet still shadowed by Pleromas danger.
Should I be grateful for this?
That only our second-years know Lucass true worth.
Leo gazed calmly at the stage.
The second-year passers spots, still empty. Lucas earned the right to stand there first.
He builds theories without being trapped by them. The critical difference from other teammateshis thinkings valuestems from this subtle trait.
Breaking free from a molded mindset is tough. Our Team 1s failure came from forming theories based on articles before synthesizing victim clues.
Elias predicted wed fixate on the fountain theory and leaned into it.
As expected, the school used articles not to find the berserk source but as clues to locate the third victim.
Still, Lucas surpassing me wasnt a big sting. My touch shaped his magic from start to finish, and just as I revere and trust Nicolaus, I can easily admit his judgment in crises outshines mine.
Im lacking.
I knew it the day I first saw Lucass magic.
My magic saves rather than attacks. I busted my ass to overcome it, but each time, my childhood friend, with mere scraps of learning, effortlessly crossed the grueling path Id tread. Elias was once both a dear friend and a source of frustration and self-doubt.
Even reborn, Id never wield magic as raw as Lucas or Elias. Even dedicating half my life to training, by my thirtiesor soonertheyd fully overtake me.
From then on, Id never touch their heels.
But so what?
Joint first again?
No feels like he got beat?
Whispers came from other second-year department seats.
Leo, feeling rude stares, continued his thoughts.
My talents limits are clear, unchangeable unless I trade my soul to a demon. The only thing I can do, knowing those limits, is act like I dont and give my all today.
Anguish, jealousy, and humiliation are poisons that erode time, trapping me in a swamp of lethargythe greatest insult I could offer my dreams and resolve. Instead of wallowing, Ill marvel at their radiant talent and applaud their fierce effort and perseverance that polished raw potential.
Honoring my resolve with the utmost courtesy is all Ill choose.
Suddenly, students eyes turned to me. The announcer, startled by the silence, looked too.
Lucas, scanning the students impassively, met my gaze. Surprise flashed in his eyes.
From my seat, I locked eyes with him and clapped.
.
Elias, staring blankly, snapped to, cast an amplification spell, and clapped frantically, shouting.
Woooo! Arghhhh!
?!
With 1,500 people here, what the hell?
Before I could stop him, applause spread across the second-year seats, then to the first-years.
Soon, the same cheers and applause from before echoed through the vast First Academy auditorium.
Woooooo!
Lucas, startled, slowly turned to the vast darkness. His blank expression softened into a gentle smile.
[Second place.]
As the applause faded, the announcer spoke slowly. He glanced at his sheet, meeting my eyes.
[Leonard Wittelsbach.]
Woooooo!
I smiled, standing. Elias playfully grabbed my hand, waving it wildly, then slapped my back hard.
Yulia and Narce smiled at me, so I nodded to my friends and climbed the stage naturally, as always.
Onstage, the sprawling First Academy announcement hall came into view. Unlike the pitch-black seats, the stage was hot and blindingly bright.
Standing, I faced forward, unlike before.
No plan to tire Lucas with a handshake like last time. Besides, I didnt need to declare war that way anymorea small safety net was in place.
Then, familiar magic formed a silencing spell in front of me.
Puzzled, I turned.
Lucass impassive gaze met mine. Only those pink eyes held clear amusement.
At the unexpected sight, I slowly lowered my gaze.
His outstretched hand was before me.
Beating the teachers tough.
My eyes likely showed surprise. Lucas, deadpan yet clearly satisfied, said,
That was fun.
.
I stared blankly, then smiled with the greatest respect I could muster.
Me too.
***
.
Seeing Leos radiant smile, I pulled my hand back, dumbfounded.
This bastard
I said shake hands, not act like were besties! Go advertise weve been tight forever.
Thankfully, Narce, in the front row, snapped his fingers urgently. Cognitive Distortion Magic likely cloaked Leo.
The announcer professor, watching us fondly, perhaps confirming no exam grudges lingered, turned.
[Very well. Next]
With the silencing spell up, Leo spoke softly.
Lucas, whos third, you think?
Third, huh.
Dunno.
I scanned the first and second rows of second-year exam participants, answering.
Not Narce.
Hm, you think so too. Elias, then.
As Leo finished, the announcers voice rang.
[Third place: Elias Hohenzollern.]
Woooo!
What?! Im third~?
Elias shot up, waving wildly.
Yay~ Thanks~! Thought Id be sixth, didnt expect third
[Student, quiet down.]
Yup!
Far from quiet.
Elias bounced onstage like he had springs, standing beside Leo.
Leo! Im third!
I know.
Shake my hand too!
Elias grabbed Leos hand, shaking it.
Good job~ Your brain-busting schemes nearly fried mine. What do you eat to turn east into south~?
Yeah, you worked hard too. Got backstabbed so much I trust nothing now, so face forward.
Leo cut him off.
I chuckled lightly, and Elias waved from beside Leo. Leo thickened the silencing spell.
Luca! Well stick together till graduation. Stoked~
Sure.
Not sure Ill be here till graduation.
After this, Ill check my survival odds.
Who do you wanna handle victims with~? We wont be at school much now.
Hm
Who to work with?
The strongest students possible. If even slightly weaker ones hit the field, who knows whatll happen? Even veteran mages come back injured.
Sadly, realitys messier than Mimesis.
But
Doesnt matter what we thinkits mostly set, right?
Leo said, looking down at the students.
His amplified solemn voice carried wide.
[Fourth place: Narce Farnese.]
Exactly.
Who well work with is already clear.
I smiled, watching Narce climb up.
Relief washed over me knowing strong friends like these would face top-tier berserkers.
Onstage, Narce stood by Elias, whispering.
Haha, relied too much on my ability.
Fourth out of 100~? Dont say that~
Eliass playful jab made Narce nod.
Narce ranking below Elias made sense.
To me, Team 3s win was over 80% Eliass doing.
Throwing me to the enemy was the worst for me but the best for the team.
I briefly wondered if I could think of answers while memorizing coordinates, but there was a catch.
Overusing coordinates, Narce could spot a pattern: Team 3s hiding key info. He can read all thoughts, including those between coordinates.
So, better to lower their guard and bolt.
Speaking of, its about time.
[Fifth place: Yulia Tsheringen.]
Loud cheers erupted.
Congrats, Yulia!
Like with Leo, big reactions came from Third Academy, first-, and third-years. A glimpse into her life.
Yulia stood, clapping, with a polite smile. Her gaze met mine, and I mirrored her smile. She high-fived toward me, grinning.
Nice.
Satisfying.
Need one goody-two-shoes on the team for balance. By that, I mean someone not unhinged like Elias or Leo, less extraordinary
Though I havent known Tsheringen long, so I should stay cautious.
Could be secretly nuts like Leo.
Hope not.
Onstage, Tsheringen bowed. Her reddish hair swayed.
Haha, feels surreal. Thrilled to work with you amazing friends till graduation. Lets do this.
Same~
Man~ All my childhood buddies are here.
True, except for Narce and me, theyve known each other since kids, so team lifes probably exciting.
Knowing each other well means better field synergy, safer too.
As the announcer gave other notices, Elias piped up excitedly.
Hey, guys.
Hm?
All five of us are Class 2. Crazy, right? Kinda hyped~
I clicked my tongue, whispering.
Everythings crazy Still cant forget that fountain water.
Just bottled water!
You put leaves in it.
Sand too.
Ugh
Why say that?
Tsheringen, who drank it too, looked grossed out.
Ah, no wonder the taste So you flavored it and filtered the grit?
We dont need to know that, Yulia.
I replied, nauseated.
Seeing our faces, Elias, maybe feeling guilty, said seriously.
Sorry, guys. Cant undo it, so lets wash it down with whiskey later.
.
*Hiss*
Leo shot Elias a look at the nonsense.
Focus on the announcement. Last one, sixth.
Yeah.
We already know who.
First to sixth may shuffle, but the lineup doesnt change. Everyone knows.
Tsheringen chimed in.
Only one from Class 1. Good thing our teams got friends close to her.
As she finished, the announcer, after a dramatic pause, boomed.
[Sixth place: Ulrike Kleist.]
Yesss~
Green eyes flashed in the dark as someone shot up.
Same vibe as the potion competition. Both Class 1 guys I went with were like that. At least its just one this time.
Her Elias-like enthusiasm made Leo sigh deeply, likely dreading team life with her.
Honestly, same.
Ill learn exact team dynamics from the school, but I know Ill be stuck with these people all day.
At least Yulia and Narce will keep things balanced.
Professor! Thought I flunked, scared me.
[Haha, congratulations.]
She casually chatted with a professor shed just met and climbed onstage.
Thought she flunked?
Fair enough.
Her second and third rounds werent great.
Ulrike was Eliass original team leader in the second round. She nearly tanked the team, failing to control Gunter and his friend.
Definitely lacks leadership and tactics.
But her practical skills were perfect for passing. Heard she took down three students alone in the sewer.
Strategists are key, but combat mages need fighters like Ulrike. Her over-the-top cheers a bit much, but shell be a solid asset.
Hey~ What, you had a silencing spell up? Couldnt see from there, but you were chatting?
Ulrike peeked curiously, and Narce, mid-row, laughed.
Haha, had Cognitive Distortion Magic on!
No wonder they talked so much.
The professor knew and let it slide.
Raising mages must be tough. One makes infinite beer with magic, others whisper under Cognitive Distortion at announcements
Youre all Class 2? Damn, impressive, but Im lonely. At least Elias was Class 1
Wish we were all Class 2, bummer.
Ulrike, at Eliass rare dry tone, smacked her lips, ending it with a silent laugh.
Tsheringen glanced at them, smiling to ease the mood.
Haha, its set, so lets make it work. Drop the silencing spell. Seventh place up, Team 2s turn.
Oh, yeah. Curious about Team 2.
Narce grinned, expectant.
Leo, as if waiting for silence, snapped his fingers, dispelling the magic.
[Weak in strategy but excelled in direct combat, swiftly analyzing and subduing opponents.]
The brief rationale for ranks one to six wrapped up.
[Thats first through sixth.]
Second-year Team 1 was formed.
Applause poured from the seats.
[Next]
No that concludes?
Elias whispered playfully.
That concludes third-year Team 1. The professor said it every third-year round.
Forgot, maybe.
Unlike Leos deadpan reply, Narces startled voice came.
Huh?
What?
[Seventh place: Heike Ainsidel.]
?!
Heike, sitting expressionless, widened her eyes, unprepared.
Seventh?
Heike?
Her skills top-notch, ability stellar. With bonus points, she likely outdid Team 2-4s similar talents.
Considering strong contenders like Auguste, Hildegard, or Josefine, the rank raises slight doubts.
But somethings off.
I frowned, replaying the professors words.
Introducing seventh right after?
Our teams eyes met, their faces mirroring my confusion.
The professor, checking the cue sheet, looked at the students.
[Thats second-year Team 1.]
