32. What Am I Supposed to Do With You, Riley
Currently, the issue of a dwindling wizard population had become an extremely serious social problem.
It was the greatest tragedy and mistake of humanity, born from a history of persecuting and oppressing wizards. Today, wizards made up only about 2% of the total population. Among that 2%, those in their teens and twenties accounted for barely 30%.
When a wizard married another wizard, the likelihood of producing a wizard was higher, but it was never guaranteed. If a wizard married a non-magical person, a wizard could still be born from the union—but the odds were as slim as a non-magical couple conceiving twins.
In that sense, the “young” wizards attending the empire’s prestigious Raisen Academy—a school that only the most exceptional could enter—felt immense pride in being a special breed.
And for several days, their conversation had revolved around one topic:
“Was it really the head of the Magic Tower?”
“I’m telling you! The face is exactly like in the newspapers! No, the real thing is even more handsome.”
“I heard that people who’ve seen him in person say his aura is something else. Did you really feel that?”
“Yeah, totally!”
“But he was with a woman?”
“Yes! And she looked really young, too.”
“Could she be the one from that recent scandal?”
“The hair length and color are similar, and the height and build… judging by the photos, probably, yeah.”
“Really, he’s so consistent.”
The young head of the Magic Tower had always been the center of attention for academy students.
Every wizard wanted a life like his. It was a world where countless young wizards naturally looked up to Gibnen Lianster as their role model.
A genius wizard, heir to the Lianster family, disciple of the Grand Wizard Yung, and the youngest Magic Tower head of Horizon.
Everyone admired his dazzling titles, which were essentially the embodiment of the life people longed for.
No matter the scandals he caused, the people of Horizon didn’t care. In fact, his free-spirited, unrestrained lifestyle was often praised as cool. Everyone, that is—except for one person.
“Insane… advertising everywhere that he’s about to get married.”
Whenever Libne heard the students’ lively chatter, her expression turned grim.
Apparently, Gibnen had once toured the academy with Riley. The sighting had sparked rumors, and it quickly became hot gossip among the dormitory students. Once the semester started, it would only get worse.
“Then why is the wedding supposed to be top secret?”
Libne couldn’t comprehend it.
The marriage arrangements had been kept extremely secret. Only Gibnen’s closest aides or family knew that Riley was even living in his mansion.
Yet he brought his future wife to the academy, holding hands as if strolling through his own house, and that stunned Libne.
Even more absurd was the idea that he might be maneuvering to enroll Riley there. This was a sensitive matter, ripe for controversy over favoritism or nepotism—so why was he so careless?
“Well, a careful person wouldn’t have caused so many scandals in the first place.”
Libne sighed as she entered the conference room. Inside, the professors of Horizon had gathered.
“Everyone should have received the official notice. There will be a wizard-special entrance exam recommended by the head of the Magic Tower. Professors assigned as examiners, please prepare thoroughly. A magical ability check will also be conducted, so ensure the barrier is activated in advance. This exam is to be conducted in secret; it must not be leaked externally.”
“A scholarship recommended by the Tower Head… he went through the recommendation system himself, and now he’s recommending others. I wonder how he found such talent?”
“Not an ordinary person, I’d say—especially with a barrier being prepared.”
“Well, grand-wizard-level talent always comes with explosions. We need to be ready if we don’t want the academy blown up.”
The professors were clearly excited. Libne scoffed.
“He’s completely clueless about magic. You could even call him non-magical… and yet, everyone seems convinced he’s exceptional.”
Neither Gibnen nor her father believed Riley had real talent. Libne was certain that both of them were being deceived by her.
“That naive fool… a grand-wizard-level talent, my foot.”
Even with the barrier being prepared, it would all be useless. If she wasn’t humiliated, she’d be lucky—but she would likely be utterly embarrassed. Libne blushed imagining the inevitable disaster.
“Today’s finally the day.”
Riley nodded at Richelle, who was adjusting her hair, keeping her eyes on her book.
“Honestly, I don’t think I stand a chance.”
“Oh, you never know. Don’t think so negatively. Your master recommended you, which means there’s some possibility.”
“Well, maybe it’s just to show me my limits.”
Even today, on the day of the exam, Riley still felt bewildered.
“I didn’t get a wink of sleep.”
“Because you’re nervous?”
“Yes.”
Although she had accepted that she would likely fail, worry kept her awake. It was impossible to pass the first exam immediately, but the tension of a real test was unavoidable.
“You did work hard for a month, though, right?”
“Arpeggio said that almost no one enters Horizon Academy on the first try. Three attempts is normal. Only geniuses pass after a month’s prep. So I’ve accepted my fate.”
“Then why even take the exam? Didn’t your master handle the procedures?”
“…Curiosity.”
“About what?”
“To see if there’s even the slightest chance for me.”
Richelle clapped in admiration.
“You’re brave to take on the challenge! Horizon isn’t like a normal academy. It’s a place for deeper studies. Just attempting it is amazing! And the women there are incredible—objects of admiration.”
“Yeah, they were really impressive.”
“You’ve been there?”
“I visited Horizon before. I even saw the academy.”
“Wow, really? They say it’s huge and gorgeous. Especially the academy robes—they’re so pretty, with the Horizon emblem on the back.”
“The clothes were beautiful, and the people were amazing. So confident. Nothing like me.”
“I’d love to learn a lot if I had the chance. But it’s not a world where most people can learn what they want. That’s why I envy you so much.”
“…Do well. Make the most of this rare chance.”
After finishing preparations, they left the mansion. Sax approached them.
“I’m here to escort you, Miss.”
“Do we take this?”
Sax opened the floating-stone carriage door for Riley. She got in, followed by Sax, and the door closed. The driver began to move.
“There are… so many people?”
“Yes. Today is the exam for non-magical applicants.”
“People without magic?”
“Yes. They belong to the general department. Wizards belong to the magic department, serving as Horizon’s backbone. General department graduates work for other companies or assist the Tower.”
Sax stopped.
“This is your exam hall. The practical experiment will follow the written test immediately.”
“Who are those people inside?”
“The evaluators.”
“So many…?”
“Normally, not this many. But for recommended exams, many professors serve as evaluators. It’s a special exam, so they assess thoroughly and strictly.”
Riley’s heart sank.
“Then I’ll wait here. Good luck with the exam.”
Could she perform well under the gaze of so many evaluators? She awkwardly smiled and took her seat at the center, bowing her head.
“Let’s begin the written exam.”
Riley received her test paper. She expected to fail immediately, but as she read, she froze.
“These are the contents Arpeggio told me to memorize.”
Even a brief glance allowed her to answer all questions.
“Of course… Arpeggio is a graduate of Horizon’s top class. He knew the likely questions and prepared me. Amazing.”
Despite not knowing the actual Horizon exam questions, Riley trusted Arpeggio completely and started solving the problems.
She was lucky.
She finished the written test without issue, finally relaxing her tense body. She hadn’t expected much from the practical test anyway—Arpeggio had insisted she couldn’t use magic the day before, so she’d even been scolded.
She had come to try, at Arpeggio’s urging, so she was satisfied with her written exam success.
“Perfect score.”
The grading was immediate, and Riley had achieved a flawless score. She resolved to treat Arpeggio to a meal when she returned home.
“Now for the practical exam.”
Riley was pushed into a glass chamber.
“This chamber is protected by a barrier. The exam will begin now. If you feel you cannot endure, press the button provided. Pain is natural, but press the button if necessary. The hallucinations you experience are lucid-dream-like illusions caused by mana extraction—this is normal.”
Pain?
Riley gripped the button tightly, nervous.
“Here we go.”
Outside, Libne frowned as she watched.
“Why are you here again?”
“My wife is taking the exam; I’m checking on her.”
All the academy’s top figures had gathered for this exam for a single student—a rare spectacle.
“Do I just… do nothing?”
“Yes. Try to stay still. Can you follow the instructions?”
“Yes.”
“Ready?”
“Yes.”
The moment she said “start,” darkness enveloped her. She felt as if being sucked in, briefly losing consciousness.
When she opened her eyes, she saw bluish spheres floating in the black void. They swelled rapidly, multiplying into human shapes.
The figures solidified, and Riley froze.
“F-Father…”
It was her father, alive, smiling warmly with arms open.
As Riley ran to embrace him, a strange woman intercepted her, taking Riley into her arms. Riley stopped, confused.
Who was she? Only a vague female form was visible.
Her father held the stranger and suddenly began to sob.
“…I’m sorry… I’m sorry.”
His arms turned into sharp tendrils, piercing the woman. Blood sprayed, yet she cried while wiping his tears.
He… killed someone…
Riley was stunned by the scene. Her father—no, the figure resembling her father—had killed with magic. A small, delicate woman, pierced through!
Covered in blood, the figure approached Riley.
“You… you must come too. Together.”
No… that’s not my father… impossible!
Riley backed away, trying to escape, but the enormous tendrils grabbed her.
A massive tendril pierced her abdomen.
Ah…
Pain, burning, her flesh torn apart. She screamed, feeling the fire surge through her body. She tried to press the safety button—but it was gone.
Where… did it go?
Fear gripped her. Could she die here?
“Save me! Help me!”
The shadows of countless people surrounded her. Some praised, others condemned.
“Your existence is a blessing.”
“No! You’re a curse! A disaster! You must disappear.”
“Angel or demon?”
“Save us!”
“I want you.”
“I’ll take you.”
“You’re all we need… If only you exist!”
Riley covered her ears and collapsed.
Stop… stop it…
Her body emitted beams of light, consuming the figures tormenting her. Everything turned blindingly white, a color as cold as winter.
“What are you doing!? Stop her!”
Libne’s voice reached her, and Riley felt herself weakening. She lost balance and fell. Something enveloped her as she slowly opened her eyes.
A massive explosion lifted her body. Glass shards shattered around her, but she was thrown out of the barrier.
Someone caught her midair—it was a familiar face.
Gibnen…?
He smiled—but it was different from usual. His smile was twisted, almost insane, eyes glinting with desire.
Riley wanted to ask why he looked so unhinged—but she couldn’t speak. Her body wouldn’t obey. She could only blink slowly, staring at him.
Her mind spun, consciousness fading.
“…What am I supposed to do with you, Riley.”
His soft, laughter-tinged voice echoed.
“…You’re just too lovable.”
