After he left, the examiner walked to the side of the room where the long stretch of glass ended.
He located a rectangular gap in the wall and pushed his clipboard through it.
It dropped with a low thud.
Behind it, a python was waiting. He picked it up and quickly flipped through the pages.
Behind him, a shy cub awaited his judgement.
"Pass me the Academy Seal."
"What? Does that mean he passed?"
"Apparently he did. Give me the stamp."
"But Head Instructor, the lottery hasn't been conducted yet. Are you planning on accepting him? To accept someone like this goes against Academy procedure!"
"Who do you think wrote that Law? I know what I'm doing. He had a score of 65. He passed. I am the Head Instructor in charge of the Exam in Viera. I have absolute authority over the results in this city, and I am exercising that power now. There is no one here who can oppose my decision."
I did not dedicate forty years of my life to the academy just to be seen as lesser than the others who hold the same rank despite being younger than me.
They all voted for Cedric to be off-limits, but while they are off conducting their exams elsewhere, I have the first choice for those applying in the largest human nation!
I sensed an energy the exact same as Cedric's on that boy. My senses are never wrong.
If I can shape him into the second best, after Cedric, I won't be so insignificant anymore.
I might even be chosen as the next Headmaster, or even be selected to join the Magic High Council if I can finish my research.
I'll certainly be able to do it with the authority of the Headmaster.
Ahh, I can sense it! My dream is finally coming to life! Arthur, I will make you the strongest.
You will be the ticket I use to reach my full potential, and in return, I promise to realize yours.