Ascension Of The Failed Mage

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He was being asked the one question he had avoided all this time. It was something that added to his mystery, but now… everyone wanted to know.

"Come on, Noir."

"Tell us."

"We're waiting."

With such expectant faces, the lecturers hounded him with their questions and unyielding curiosity. He had to budge eventually.

And budge he did.

"My Tier is…" Noir sighed as he spoke.

There was only one choice left for him at this point. He didn't want to do this, but he had to.

"... Tier 6."

He had to lie.

"W-whoah! Are you serious?"

"I mean… I was expecting something much higher, but…"

"Are you crazy? It's because you all keep comparing him to Trevor. Noir, you're amazing for reaching Tier 6 at such a young age!"

"I know, right? Most lecturers here just stagnate at Tier 5. A few reach Tier 6. Only a few like Trevor and those high-council guys ever reach Tier 7 and 8."

Of course, it was common knowledge that only the Archmage could use Tier 9 Magic. As such, the lecturers found Noir's words believable. Well, almost all of them.

Two, in particular, considered Noir's words to be nothing but a plain-faced lie.

"Wow. Hahaha! I guess I would win in a fight, after all." Trevor Netherlore pretended to laugh heartily.

"I also recently reached Tier 6, Mr. Noir. Maybe we can spar together sometime." Galand also chuckled.

These two knew full well that Noir's capabilities far exceeded what he claimed. However, they were also not in situations to deny what he had just said as truth.

For Galand, he owed too much to possibly snitch on Noir. Not only did he receive training from the brilliant young man, but he owed his life to him. As for Trevor… he simply wouldn't dare to cross Noir.

As a result, all three were in agreement.

"Hahaha. Indeed!"

As such, they all laughed, drowning themselves in the cheery atmosphere around them.

*

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*

After tiring himself out by conversing with the lecturers, Noir finally reached his limits and decided to call it a night.

He nimbly left the lounge, finding himself outside in no time. Finally taking in a fresh breath of air, Noir felt free from the entrapment of social interactions.

'Did I bite off more than I can chew?' He asked himself.

His social life demanded so much communication with others that he already felt plenty drained. He never expected this to be the consequence of taking such a job.

"You okay? Your face seems paler than usual." A voice appeared from behind Noir.

He wasn't surprised by it, nor was he taken by surprise by the presence that appeared. He had sensed him coming, after all.

"I'll live." Noir slowly turned in the direction of Trevor, the man who gave a knowing smile.

"I get how you feel. I also get drained by social interactions."

Noir instantly shot him a look of disbelief. It was plain, but the message was sent quite well.

"H-hey! I'm serious, you know? It gets a little too much—the attention and whatnot. Sometimes, I just want to be alone." Trevor tried to justify himself, but Noir still didn't seem to be buying it.

"You seem like you enjoy the attention, though."

"Yeah, that's what it looks like."

Noir couldn't help but admit that things weren't usually as they seemed—and that rang true for men like Trevor the most. Most wouldn't suspect a good deal of his schemes, so he had to be very good at pretending.

'Which is why I should be careful too…' Noir thought to himself.

"So, how's Ciara and the rest of the class doing?"

"Why are you asking?" Noir instantly interjected, slowly walking away from Trevor.

The latter, being very adamant, of course, swiftly caught up to Noir and gave a friendly smile. Pretense would do no good, but he did his best to maintain an aura of niceties nonetheless.

"Come on, it's just a harmless question."

"We are competitors, are we not? Why would you want to know of the well-being of my class when your students will be facing off against mine?"

"You're no fun…" Trevor sighed, nearly rolling his eyes at Noir. "You're really taking this whole competition thing seriously, aren't you?"

"Of course." Noir's response was instantaneous.

"I see. Well, I'm not. This is just a means to an end. I won't allow my students to mess up, and they'll do things to the best of their ability. However, that's just about it."

Trevor struck Noir as someone who was more focused on achieving his objective. The only reason he did all he did was because of some sort of benefit he hoped to gain. His 'nice teacher' and 'brilliant genius' persona had helped him to attain the reputation and influence he now held within the Institute.

'I can't help but agree with him on that…'

Noir wondered why exactly he was going so far for the competition. Why exactly did he put it on such a pedestal? Was it simply for the sake of the students—to influence their growth and ensure they were better mages?

He would be lying to himself if he thought that.

Noir knew the true reason for his cooperation and dedication to the cause.

'H.E.L.I.X.' His mind echoed.

Those two who barged into his office were sure to be among the competitors, and he knew they would be targeting his class. That was one of the reasons he tried to play along with the teacher of the Foundation Beginner Class.

Unfortunately, that approach didn't yield enough results.

'Even he doesn't have a lot of information about them. He says they're talented and well-behaved, but that's it.'

At this point, Noir knew he was grasping at straws. He didn't have enough information, so he was kind of desperate.

"Do you know about the white-haired twins in the Beginner Class?" Noir suddenly decided to ask Trevor.

He had avoided this alternative for as long as possible, but he was now desperate.

"Oh, them? Well… let's see…" Trevor suddenly gave Noir a grin that showed he was right for asking him.

"... They're like you, aren't they?"

Noir nodded instantly.

There was no need for charades when dealing with Trevor. Besides, since the latter had done him a favor by going straight to the point, Noir felt he owed Trevor a similar courtesy.

"Might I ask why they're here?"

"Why else?" Noir sighed.

"You, huh? I see. Well, I don't really know anything about them. They approached me and actually made me tell them all about you. I couldn't resist."

It was just as Noir suspected.

"They warned me not to tell you unless you asked me directly. So… here we are."

'Now I see why he spoke to me about it so easily.' Noir gave another tired sigh.

While he felt like the two had predicted this route, and they had yet again cornered Noir, he also appreicated the fact that the conversation hadn't been a total waste.

'I've learned a bit more. That's good enough for now.' He thought to himself.

"In any case…" Noir turned away from Trevor, walking alone.

"... Thanks for the info."

In a flash of orange light, Noir began vanishing into the night.

"One final thing, though. You better get serious in training your kids."

The orange light consumed Noir, causing him to disappear.

"You wouldn't want to be humiliated as their educator, would you?"

Thus, Trevor was left all alone in the cold, dark night.

'Noir, what are you thinking?' He thought to himself, recounting his experience with the two homunculi, as well as his encounter with Noir.

Something didn't seem to add up.

'What happened to the 'Noir' from back then? He doesn't seem to be the same…'

Trevor despite his curiosity, however, knew what was best for him. If he was to survive the clash between Noir and his enemies—as well as see the fulfillment of his own ambitions—he had to steer clear from any side.

He couldn't afford to make either party his enemy.

'If possible, when the dust settles… I can reap some benefits.'

*

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*

[The Foundation Competition]

After weeks of training, it was finally time.

The auditorium was filled with the cheers of many—students and staff alike. Different faces could be seen among the hundreds of watchers who were clearly excited about what they were to experience.

Many weren't really interested in the students as much as they were in their sportsmanship. Most were more intrigued in a certain topic—something that remained on their minds despite months since its origination.

Trevor Netherlore versus Noir Novo!

"I wonder whose students will do better!"

"Mr. Novo's, of course!"

"You gotta be kidding. Mr. Netherlore has far more experience. Plus, his students are seniors."

"Like that matters. I heard Mr. Novo spent more time training his students.

"Well, I guess we'll see…"

"Indeed…"

The cries and cheers rang among the audience as the moderator took the stage and the judges sat in their high estate.

It was finally time for the competition… to commence!

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