Ascension Of The Failed Mage

"Uh, I'm Ciara De Versace Dunroe, but I guess you already knew that." Her smile was awkward, but she kept it glued to her face.

"Of course, of course. I make it my duty to look at the profile of everyone who wants to enroll in the Institute every year." Trevor said with a smile.

"Just in case someone… exceptional… surfaces."

"And that person is me?" Ciara replied, half-questioning herself.

"Well, yes. Truthfully I never imagined you would display such an amazing performance. I had ruled you out from the potential exceptional ones." The man named Trevor laughed, bluntly stating his thoughts.

'Really, now…?' Ciara felt a tinge of annoyance within her but controlled herself.

"And now?"

"Well, it seems one can not judge a book by its cover. Out of everyone here, you're the only one I would pick out as the 'Exception'." He calmly answered.

"You mentioned that before, but what does being an 'Exception' mean?"

Ciara observed Trevor as his smile widened. She could instantly tell that it was a big deal.

"Out of all the examinees who enroll here every here, the one who displays the highest potential is considered to be the 'Exception'.

Those considered the 'Exception' are given the choice to take a more advanced exam. Should they pass, the student gets promoted to a higher 'Stage or 'Class', depending on their performance." Trevor explained.

"Promoted?" Ciara said, completely confused by the vast amount of information that was unleashed on her.

"Yes. In the Institute, there are three Classes; The Foundation Class

The Advanced Class

The Final Class

Each class is split into three Stages;

Beginner

Intermediate

Expert.

That makes it a total of nine levels a Student must surpass to graduate." Trevor Netherlore further explained.

"O-oh, I see…" Ciara said.

"Every six months, exams are put in place for students to advance to a higher Stage. A student's speed in climbing up the ranks is determined by their level of performance and power, though.

This means that some students can spend about 2 years in a Stage, while others only need only 6 months to a year."

"I-I understand now, but you mentioned something about the 'Exception' being able to take a more advanced exam after the normal one?" Ciara asked, now more interested in the explanation.

"Yes. Normally, those who pass the entrance exams are placed in the Beginner Stage of the Foundation Class, but the 'Exception' can take an exam for a higher Class or Stage… depending on their performance."

This was a lot of information, but Ciara received it well. Still, something bugged her.

"Then… why were you so surprised to see me? Are Exceptions that rare?"

Trevor made the whole thing sound like a tradition in the exam process, so why was he so surprised to see her?

"No. Not really." His reply was flat.

"Whew!" Somehow, this made the young lady relieved.

She didn't stand out too much, after all.

"But, a Tier 2 is."

It was as if the man was simply waiting for Ciara to let her guard down before dumping the news on her.

"W-wha—?!" Ciara could feel her nervousness return.

"Normally, the Exception would be announced after the conclusion of the final stage of the exams, and he or she would decide whether or not they would take an advanced exam. However, your case is different."

'Ah, so that's why…' She instantly understood what he meant.

"You were directed here before the exams even ended. Plus, you met up with me—the Magic Supervisor of the entire Foundation Class." Trevor smiled.

"What? Then you're… what does this mean?!"

"It means you don't need to take an advanced exam, Ciara. You're automatically promoted to the Intermediate stage of the Foundation class." The man's voice burst with excitement.

"Wait… What?" Pure shock manifested on her face instantly.

"Well, you can choose to take the advanced exam for the Expert Stage of the Foundation Class… if you want." Trevor added.

"No, no… no, thanks." Ciara's response was immediate.

"Fair enough."

As she heaved a sigh of relief, Trevor began fishing out a few things from his desk. His eyes never left her, though.

"So, Ciara… congratulations on being admitted into the United Southern Empire Magic Institute.

The Institute is currently on vacation now, due to the end of the session, but we will be resuming fully in three months.

Use the time you have wisely." Trevor's smile grew brighter as he closed his eyes…

"Thank you, sir." Ciara quickly responded, truly grateful for the man's explanation and guidance.

He was a bit—no, very weird—when she first met him, but Trevor was actually a very decent guy.

The young girl felt lucky to have received her explanation from someone so relatable and friendly.

"Well, I guess I've kept you long enough. Your attendants must be waiting for you."

"A-ah, yes…" Ciara realized that she had indeed taken more time than expected.

"Exit is to your left." He said, directing his hands toward another strange-looking door.

'What's with this place and doors?' Ciara thought to herself as she stood up to leave— thanked Trevor once again.

"Oh, and one more thing…" His voice stopped her from leaving.

"… Who is your Magic Instructor? Just asking out of curiosity."

Ciara looked at his harmless smile, and her mind wandered to Noir. She could have easily said his name, but somehow… she felt it wasn't right.

"W-well, I don't know if it's in my place to say." Her reply was hesitant, but firm.

"Of course, I understand." Trevor nodded while maintaining his harmless smile.

"Your admittance letter will be sent to you subsequently, and you'll move to your dorms a week before resumption.

All other information will be relayed to you alongside your letter."

"Thank you Mr. Netherlore." Ciara bowed a bit before quickly exiting the room.

She had often wondered why she called Noir by his first name, while referring to others by their last.

The conversation with Trevor had only solidified her suspicions further.

'Argh! Let's not think about unnecessary stuff!' She quickly brushed the thought aside while hurriedly walking down another well-lit hallway.

*

*

*

"How interesting… So even she is unaware of his true identity." Trevor Netherlore said to himself.

His smile no longer contained any innocence, and a spark of interest appeared in his eyes.

"I wonder what kind of man he is…"

The room suddenly exuded a darkening aura, and a warbling tone echoed around.

"…Mr. Noir."