Arcane Heir: History's Strongest Mage

Sure enough, Rudy drew the magic circle with ease under the watchful eye of the entire class. Unlike Michael who had chosen to go with an ice element spell, the guy had stuck with a simple tier two whirlwind array.

Not only was it much easier to construct—but the mana supply was also simple in comparison. While he might not get any additional marks for playing it safe, it was a stark improvement from his skills just a few weeks ago.

"Next up."

Rudy grinned as he made his way back to his seat in a great mood. He was practically skipping up the stairs, receiving some odd looks from his fellow students.

"Hehe, piece of cake." He claimed, giving a thumbs up.

"Yeah, yeah." Michael waved him off, but inwardly he was happy. "Nice work man, you've got no excuses for the mana theory exam now."

At these words, Rudy's expression fell. "Don't say such depressing things. Let me enjoy my victory for a little while longer…"

Seeing the pouting expression of the guy, Michael couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. He turned his attention to Melody beside him with a questioning gaze, "Are you still going to cast the whirling tornado?"

Melody nodded, "It's only midterms, we just need to pass to avoid supplementary classes," she stated matter-of-factly. "Finals at the end of next semester are the real exams."

He nodded in response. Perhaps he had been a little hasty by casting the Ice Lance spell for midterms, but remembering the impressed expression of Charles, he didn't have any regrets.

The trio waited patiently as the students were called up one by one to the front of the class to complete the exam. Since there were almost a hundred students, it was almost two hours before the final person had been called.

"Melody Winterborne."

At the calling of her name, the blue-haired girl stood up with a determined expression. Michael gave her a quick word of encouragement and watched her head down the stairs to the front of the class.

Inwardly he commented on how annoying it must be to have such a last name that would be called last every time.

Charles gave her a brief nod, beginning the two minute timer.

Without a word, Melody flourished her hand in the air, summoning orange mana from her fingertip as she deftly drew the wind elemental runes with practiced ease. In just a few breaths, the outer layer was practically done.

The class was silent, but their was a feeling of awe within the class as they watched the young girl deftly draw in the air without a mistake. It was as if the room was holding its breath, witnessing the spectacle.

In half the alloted time, Melody was finished with her magic circle and sent a surge of mana from her palm into the center of the floating array. Without any fanfare, it absorbed the mana greedily—growing in size.

Then Melody waved her hand and cut off the supply, taking a step back casually as she waited for the spell to activate. Sure enough, a moment later the winds in the surrounding began to stir—a sign of success.

Michael gawked, feeling a sense of inferiority rise from within. While she hadn't chosen to do anything difficult like he had, the ease in which she'd drawn and cast the spell was something that he could not hope to replicate.

She's a genius… he commented in his heart.

Of course he'd known this for a long time, having tutored with her in the Winterborne manor for over three years. But part of him had believed he'd caught up—or at least gotten close enough.

But it was the display in front of him that reminded him of this fact. The comparison between her execution of the magic circle and every other first-year was truly eye-opening.

With this realization, some bitterness crept in. He knew that part of her improvements were as a result of the soul pill he'd given her and Rudy just the other day.

While they'd received clear positive effects from the pills, Michael had not received anything—at least nothing tangible. Not only did his soul trait not manifest, but he didn't even receive the benefits of mana control like the two of them.

As he watched the whirling tornado manifest, he felt his emotions were in turmoil. Jealousy mixed with bitterness, raging like a storm within his heart, affecting his mood.

Why did the pills not work for me? Am I truly useless?

Seeing the genius in front of him, Michael experienced a feeling of inadequacy rear its ugly head. The same thoughts he'd had back then in the Aurelius manor—back when he was a white-ringed mage spiraled dangerously.

He watched silently as Melody turned and made her way back up the stairs. She raised her gaze, her sapphire eyes locking onto him. Time seemed to slow down as they shared a gaze, causing everything to fade away into obscurity.

Then she smiled.

Like the blooming of a rose, her expression lit up brilliantly—almost blinding him.

In that moment, his mind turned blank. All the thoughts of inadequacy disappeared. Micahel's jealousy and bitterness were washed away as her smile rained down on him, giving him a renewed sense of hope.

Before he knew it, a smile pulled at his own lips.

I'm an idiot, he said inwardly.

Melody and Rudy are my friends, I should be happy that I was able to help them, not be bitter about their success…

As Melody walked past and took a seat, Michael finally felt free of the negative emotions that had plagued him. It was refreshing.

"Alright, well done everyone." Charles addressed the class, a smile still painted on his face from the previous display of Melody.

"Go get some lunch, I'll see you all tomorrow for the next class." He announced, bringing an end to the exam.

Sighs of relief sounded within the class at the dismissal, of which Rudy was the loudest.

"Man I'm starving, maybe I'll have a steak for lunch?" he mused.