Chapter 58

──[Mountain of Darkness Training]──

The purpose of this training is to develop your practical skills as a wizard.

The Mountain of Darkness’s mana concentration today isn’t that strong. Hence, there’s very little chance for powerful demons to appear. Still, for safety reasons, entry is restricted from an altitude of 500m or higher.

The debutantes must earn a total of 10 ‘Mountain of Darkness Training Points.’ There are only six of these opportunities per semester, so please work hard.

1. Magic ingredients analysis

– Three or more pharmaceutical/magic material analysis reports (1 point per 3)

2. Magical phenomena observation

– Records of experiencing space-time or ideas/abstract phenomena (2 points each)

3. Beast confrontation

– The corpse of a beast or a document to prove its killing (2 points each)

４. Magical realization

– Write and submit a report on the growth you achieved in the Mountain of Darkness (1 point, maximum of 1 report)

※ If you come across an unexpected ‘outsider,’ be sure to report it to your advisor!

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“Mountain of Darkness training…”

The unidentified man grabbed one of the papers he found scattered at the Mountain of Darkness, his beard-covered lips twisting upward.

“Training… It reminds me of the old times.”

The paper in his hand soon caught fire, spreading to the corpses around him. Prior to their deaths, they used to be the agents sent by the Imperial Intelligence Agency to chase him down.

The paper and the corpses strewn around him were reduced to ashes, leaving no trace behind.

“I’m sorry, but there was nothing I could do. I have to live.”

The man started to walk away, leaving behind the “barrier of chaos” he created, which was still up and running perfectly.

“…?”

However, he soon noticed a distinct mana presence so pure it seemed to captivate his mind.

“Hmm…”

He blinked out of curiosity, looking in its direction. The spirit of the wind delivered its fragrant scent to him.

“… I guess I’m way too old now. I find interest in everything.” Unable to contain himself, the man mumbled lowly as he changed his path.

* * *

Mountain of Darkness was a dangerous area on the outskirts of the Imperial University Tower. It was so remote it was almost like an uninhabited island.

It contained huge amounts of mana, allowing magic forces to appear occasionally and its magical phenomena to become extraordinary and bizarre.

Due to its environmental conditions, however, fish raised in its premises weren’t only delicious but also nutritional and filled with calories.

“Ah… This is life…”

The fish’s taste lingered in her mouth as the feeling of fullness and drowsiness enveloped her.