With the first phase of the exam complete, the remaining candidates were led into a grand hall filled with rows of desks. At the front, a stern-looking instructor cleared his throat and addressed the group.

  "Congratulations to those who made it past the first phase. The second phase will test your theoretical knowledge of magic, history, and battle strategy. You will have one hour to complete the written exam. Begin!"

  The moment Hitomi flipped over the exam paper; her confidence crumbled into dust.

  The entire page was filled with strange, elegant characters that she had never seen before. No matter how hard she squinted, the text refused to make sense.

  Her eye twitched. "Wait... I CAN'T READ?!"

  Panic set in as she flipped through all the pages, hoping that maybe, just maybe, one of the questions was a simple yes-or-no answer.

  They were not.

  Looking around, she saw the other candidates furiously scribbling down answers, their pens moving at lightning speed. Meanwhile, she just sat there, staring blankly at the paper like it had personally offended her.

  She tapped the desk nervously. "Okay, okay, think. I was a truck. Did I ever need to read? No. Did I ever consider this a problem before? Also no. Should I have? YES!"

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  She gritted her teeth. "Alright, new plan! When in doubt, randomize!"

  She picked up her pen and started marking random answers, adding in a few dramatic flourishes to make it look like she knew what she was doing.

  An hour later, the instructor collected the exams, and Hitomi walked out with a sinking feeling in her gut.

  A few minutes later, the results were posted on a grand notice board. Candidates rushed forward, scanning the lists with nervous excitement.

  Hitomi took a deep breath and looked for her name.

  ...

  ...

  ...

  It wasn't there.

  Her shoulders slumped. "Welp. Saw that coming."

  Just as she turned to leave, a voice called out. "Hitomi!"

  She looked up to see the golden-robed instructor from earlier. He gestured for her to follow him, his expression unreadable.

  Curious (and with nothing better to do), she followed him through the academy halls until they arrived at an enormous office. Behind a grand wooden desk sat an elderly man with a long silver beard, radiating authority. The golden-robed instructor stepped forward and bowed slightly.

  "Headmaster, I believe we should make an exception for this one."

  The headmaster raised an eyebrow. "An exception? You know the rules, Professor Alden. Only those who pass the two phases are admitted."

  Alden smiled. "I understand, but this girl is... unique. Her magic control is nonexistent, her literacy is questionable at best, and yet... her sheer presence is undeniable. I believe she deserves a trial admission."

  The headmaster studied Hitomi for a long moment before finally sighing. "Very well. We shall see if she is truly worth the trouble."

  Hitomi blinked. "Wait... does this mean I actually got in?!"