Aozaki Aoko Case File

The entrance exam system at the University of Tokyo is divided into two major categories: humanities and sciences.

Based on Aoko's chosen major, she participated in the first type of science exam. The subjects included mathematics, physics, chemistry, and a comprehensive section covering fundamental topics in mathematical science, physical science, life science, and more.

Today marked the so-called first selection exam. Aoko had mailed her application form to the University of Tokyo as early as last November. After returning to Misaki Town from her trip to Europe, she also sent her selection materials—including transcripts, proof of graduation or pending graduation, and a letter of recommendation from the principal—to the relevant department at the university.

The reason for the tense atmosphere among the examinees was clear: the first selection was a massive screening phase, with a typical pass rate of less than 30%. In other words, more than 70% of the examinees present today would be eliminated. Some would give up on applying to the University of Tokyo altogether, while others would repeat a year and try again next year.

To Aoko, the content of the first selection exam wasn't particularly challenging. She even had the leisure to daydream and relax after finishing some parts of the test. Thanks to her high-level spellcasting intelligence bonus, she could easily break down even the most complex problems and solve them effortlessly.

However, unlike high school exams, Aoko decided against submitting her test early to avoid drawing attention to herself. Tokyo wasn't like Misaki Town, where the Aozaki family held influence.

If a conflict arose due to an unexpected incident, it would be difficult to resolve.

After several hours, the exam was almost over. Stretching lazily and packing up her stationery and ID, Aoko handed her test paper and answer sheet to the proctor before leaving the examination hall with a yawn.

Among the examinees, some were joyful, others distressed, and a few even hid in corners of the campus, wiping away tears.

Aoko didn't feel inclined to comment on these reactions; she was hungry. She decided to grab something to eat on campus, hoping the food wouldn't disappoint her. After some consideration, she chose a ramen stall and ordered a bowl of tonkotsu ramen.

The steaming broth and fragrant aroma instantly whetted her appetite. Satisfied, she picked up her chopsticks and enjoyed her meal alone in a corner of the cafeteria.

The second stage of the University of Tokyo's entrance exam is relatively more complex. Besides reviewing the students' scores and background materials from the Center Exam, it places significant emphasis on their performance in the first selection exam, which Aoko had just taken.

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One week after this test, Aoko would face the second selection exam, often referred to as the essay exam. In this stage, examinees must write two short essays within 150 minutes, with topics depending on their chosen fields of study.

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Another week after the essay exam, Aoko's third and final challenge would be the interview. Typically conducted by three interviewers—two specialized professors and one administrative officer—the interview delves into the contents of the student's application statement. Aside from their reasons for applying to the University of Tokyo, students might also be asked bizarre questions about current social issues and their perspectives.

The entire process spans over two weeks. If all went well, Aoko would receive her acceptance notice from the University of Tokyo in late March.

After finishing what could be considered either lunch or dinner, Aoko left the campus and headed to her nearby residence. Since the exam process is lengthy, Aoko rented a luxury apartment near the university's main campus for convenience.

However, she occasionally used teleportation magic to visit the Kuonji residence, as Leysritt's cooking skills were lacking, and Sella hadn't yet adapted to everyone's dietary preferences.

This frequent travel had significantly drained Aoko's spell slots, leaving her with no energy to craft additional teleportation scrolls for backup. But with three 5th-level spell slots at her disposal daily, this lifestyle wasn't too taxing.

Aside from her exams, Aoko received a letter from the head of the Edelfelt family.

The letter stated that he was preparing to visit Fuyuki City in Japan personally to discuss the adoption of the second daughter with Tohsaka Tokiomi, the head of the Tohsaka family.

Aoko took this matter seriously and wrote two magically authenticated letters: one as a reply to the Edelfelt family head and the other addressed to Tohsaka Tokiomi.

In her letter to Tohsaka Tokiomi, Aoko introduced herself as a Magician and provided detailed information about Zouken Makiri's current state.

She suggested that if Tohsaka planned to adopt out one of his daughters, he should choose the Edelfelt family rather than the Matou family.

When Tokiomi questioned how she knew about his two exceptionally gifted daughters, Aoko intended to use her Magician status as a cover. In her letter, Aoko wrote (or fabricated) that she "foresaw" the tragic fate of Tohsaka Sakura in the Matou household.

The decision, however, was left to Tohsaka's judgment.

To make her point more impactful, Aoko used magic to embed an illusion of Sakura's suffering into the memory of any Magus who touched the letter. This would likely leave a lasting impression on Tokiomi.

Since achieving this effect required enchanting the paper, and Aoko wasn't about to sacrifice her life force for it, she enlisted the help of Touko. In exchange for three specially made desserts, Touko used her versatile Rune magic to enchant the letter.

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With Sakura's matter settled, the day of the second selection exam arrived.

This time, Aoko was well-prepared. Writing academic articles was a breeze for someone with the memory of having earned a master's degree in her past life. She managed her time meticulously during the 150-minute exam, crafting two essays with a clear structure and well-organized arguments.

When she handed in her papers, she noticed the teacher collecting the tests glance briefly at her essays and nod slightly, suggesting she had performed quite well.