The Frugal Mage - Chapter 32: Failure

Rayven let out a long sigh as he left the examination hall for a short recess.

The questions still lingered in his mind, and he could almost feel his head throbbing as he recalled them.

Most of them revolved around theoretical knowledge of Spellcasting, Mana Control, and of course, this includes the Spell Rune Models—their proper construction, the elemental affinities required to stabilize them, and the complications that arose when a rune was inscribed incorrectly.

’I guess I really need to study in an academy first…’ Rayven wryly smiled at this thought.

After all, that would be difficult to happen since he doesn’t even have a trace of mana within his body.

Furthermore, aside from the low-tier and suspicious Spell Rune Model he had obtained from a bandit, he had never once seen an authentic Spell Rune Model before.

The questions asking him to compare the differences between “Rune Layering” and “Rune Nesting” might as well have been written in another language.

Then there were the ones about mana theory.

“Explain the role of mana channels concerning resonance feedback…” “Identify the risks of overcharging an unstable spell rune…” “Describe three historical failures of spellcraft and their consequences.”

Rayven could leave it blank or give some guesses. His knowledge was limited to what he heard from Enchanter Thyruz, what the Coinbound System allowed him to cast, and what little he’d learned from Nara.

’This whole stage was designed to weed out people like me,’ he thought with a helpless smile. ’They probably want scholars, not just spellcasters.’

Still, he reminded himself, this was just the first stage. If the Mage Association truly valued results, then the practical test would matter more. He could prove himself there.

“Sir Rayven Holt,” a voice called out.

It was the proctor for the next exam, a thin man with a staff, or maybe an oversized wand at his belt.

“The written stage is concluded. No matter what the result is, you can still take this test. So, you will now proceed to the mana capacity assessment. Follow me.”

Rayven thanked the man and followed.

They entered a smaller room with no windows.

At its center was a platform with a crystal sphere resting atop it.

“This is a standard Mana Resonance Crystal,” the proctor explained. “Place your hand upon it. Channel mana into it until you feel resistance, then stop. The crystal will record your maximum capacity and affinity alignment. Do not attempt to force more mana than you can naturally channel, or the backlash will injure you.”

Rayven stared at the sphere.

’Seriously…’

He knew that he’d fail this. He couldn’t gather mana!

After all, his Coinbound System didn’t work like a normal mage’s mana flow.

Still, he had to try now that he was here.

Rayven placed his hand on the crystal, trying to stay calm.

As expected, he couldn’t control his mana… He couldn’t even feel it, so there was no way he could suddenly control it and channel it to the crystal.

That’s right!

The system didn’t give him mana… It only let him use spells. His own mana reserves were nonexistent.

He was a fraudulent Mage!

Just like that, the crystal remained dim.

The examiner frowned and tapped the crystal as if to wake it up. “Again.”

Rayven tried again. Nothing.

“Hm. Mana capacity… negligible,” the mage muttered while scribbling something onto a parchment. “You’re without mana, or it is very low that the crystal couldn’t detect it. At this rate, you cannot sustain even Tier 1 certification. The practical casting test will be unnecessary.”

In that practical casting test, Rayven knew that he’d be able to pass it.

However, the man would just have a lot of questions if that happened.

After all, casting spells without any form of mana and even knowledge about spells would just make him too suspicious, and he might even be accused of cheating, like using an artifact to cast spells or something.

Rayven was escorted out politely, but the rejection stung more than he cared to admit. He couldn’t even get a refund.

So much for the Mage Association.

He stood outside the building for a long moment before he sighed…

The system might let him cast spells, but to everyone else in this world, he was just another magicless person with fancy tricks.

“…Fine,” he muttered to himself. “If they won’t take me, the Adventurers Guild will.”

With that, he moved forward and headed toward the guild’s district. From what he heard from Rennard, this was the place where strength and results mattered more than mana readings and written tests.

***

Soon, Rayven arrived at the location. It was quite easy to find since it was near the Mage Association’s building…

However, unlike the Mage Association’s plain two-story building, the guildhall was bustling with people.

The door was barely closed, since it would always swing open as men and women in armor, robes, and leather gear came and went.

Rayven paused briefly at the entrance, adjusting his cloak. Compared to the Mage Association, this place already felt more… practical.

As he entered the building, no one really bothered to look at him… It seemed that it was quite common to see a young adventurer in this place.

On the left of the lounge area for the adventurers, the guildhall had a long counter where several receptionists were attending adventurers.

There was also a massive noticeboard nearby filled with parchment requests.

He didn’t even need to check those papers. He had already read enough books and was aware that those missions included monster exterminations, escort jobs, and the classic resource-gathering missions.

Rayven approached the nearest counter, where a young receptionist with a friendly smile greeted him.

“Welcome to the Adventurers Guild. Looking to register?”

Rayven opened his mouth to answer, but then he felt something off. There was an unsettling gaze boring into him…

It was as if someone within the guild hall had ill intent toward him!