The students stood outside, waiting for their turn to take a shot at the targets. Lucy was present, hitting the 10M target with some accuracy, striking barely within the edges of the middle circle with her [Shock]. Hovard on the other hand was at the 15M targets, precisely hitting them dead center every shot. Most of the other students could land a hit on the 5M target but not with enough consistency to move up to the 10m one.

"Well well, look who showed up. Are you just watching again or you've come to participate now? Practicals are in just 3 weeks, can't wait to see you get sent packing 'genius'."

Hovard's gang laughed out loud but most of the other students simply minded their business.

Wilfred approached with Lucius in tow, striding confidently into the practice grounds.

"I've decided to come try some target practice Hovard, thanks."

The teacher stopped watching the students practice and moved towards Hovard.

"Hey, no fighting on academy grounds. You've got some ranged spells now Wil? Let's see them."

Wilfred lined up to the 5M target and aimed his gun with both hands. Waiting a few second he breathed in, recalling the familiar sensation and feeling of holding a gun. Then, with practiced motion from years of conditioning and training, he fired a shot at the 5M target followed in quick succession by shots to the 10M target and 15M. The kickback was surprisingly light, it wasn't firing real rounds though.

The first magic bullet drove straight through the center of the first target, the energy from the magic completely destroying the inner circle. The remaining rounds heading for the 10M and 15M target also found their mark but in the outer rings, burning holes through the targets where they landed.

The teacher nodded but then approached Wilfred.

"That's some very nice accuracy but that's also not a ranged spell. This is like using a bow, I'm afraid that won't qualify, although I'm very curious about what that is."

Lucius excitedly answered before Wilfred had the chance.

"It's an Artifact Weapon! It's Lv25 and fires mana projectiles! The att--"

"What!? How can you know that! Wait..you're the Deparng kid. Hmmm that explains it but how did you come by that weapon?"

"Well, I created it with my [Construct Artifact] skill. Used a ton of mana though, I feel a bit weaker from it."

By this point, all the students stopped doing what they were doing and converged on the situation that was unfolding, making a natural circle around all those involved.

The teacher then used [Analyze] and looked at both Lucius and Wilfred. He then scratched his head and shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, this is above my pay grade. The Headmaster will have to decide if this is allowed for the exams. In my opinion, I would say no as what's the difference between this and another magical item? You can keep practicing if you want though. "

The teacher then turned towards the targets and casted a spell.

"[Repair Lv1]! "

The targets began glowing a light orange and completely recovered from the damage of Wilfred's magical gun.

Ugh. Every time I think I managed to pull a fast one on them, it turns out differently.

"Alright, we'll wait for the verdict. Lucius, I've got some questions if you don't mind? Come with me."

Leaving the practice grounds, Lucius and Wilfred headed back to the library for some late night studying.

"Alright. So I've been here about three weeks now. I don't know much about this exam stuff, can you tell me more?"

"Sure. So we've got written and practical exams as you know. We're approaching the end of the year so we'll have a small theoretical test on the magic concepts and there will be a practical one too. They don't tell us in advance for that one, it can be a few different things."

A voice from behind spoke and it startled them. Upon a quick glance, Wilfred noticed it was Lucy.

"It's likely going to be a tournament style elimination battle this time around. They did the obstacle and timed trial last year, they like to rotate it. Doesn't help you pissed off Hovard, his father sits on the council and he wants to give you a beat down."

Lucy was a second year student and as such knew more about how things went. There was no hand holding at the academy, which was why the average student was 15/16 and expected to be able to fend for themselves.

After graduating, which happened at the end of the 4th year, students would have to begin their mandatory military service. They would spend a few months at a training camp and then be integrated into smaller squads of the mage corps, which worked in tandem with the army.

Therefore, most mages were looking at 8 years of their lives gone, dedicated to studies and learning how to fight. The kingdoms needed them to protect against both human and monster threats.

Many chose to remain with the army afterwards as they offered preferential positions to those that willingly stayed. The prospects in civilian life were also good though. Some became adventurers, others worked research jobs for the government or Royal family, whichever applied in that country. There was also opportunities for enchanting works and some even preferred to do private mercenary work for wealthy merchants.

Not every student graduated from the academy on time though. Some developed slowed and were allowed to stay an extra year to refine their skills. It would be a waste to fail a third year student for example, without giving them another shot.

Wilfred looked at Lucius and Lucy, the closest things to friends he had in this world. Lucy was an older student and she had better practical skills whilst Lucius was a bookworm and had some of the best grades with written exams. An idea occurred to Wilfred.

"Hey, we should work together. I think we can really complement one another and help each other graduate."

Lucius nodded emphatically, happy to be working with Wilfred. It wasn't everyday a genius student with immense potential wanted to befriend you he thought. He had nothing to lose.

Lucy on the other hand didn't seem quite certain.

"What do I have to gain from this?"

Wilfred replied without hesitation, having analyzed the situation and knowing about Lucy's weaknesses.

"Well for one, I know you're barely passing right now. Your practical is okay but not enough that your written exams are irrelevant. Lucius could really help you there and I'm on the good side of the Headmaster, I definitely have some pull there. I'm quite a fast study as well and I'll be able to help you both out when I grow more into my potential. "

Lucy narrowed her eyes and focused on Wilfred. There was something different with this boy she thought. Here was an 8 year old kid with genius level potential and amazing reasoning skills. She wasn't sure if she could trust him but she needed the help.

"Alright, fine. I'll give it a try."

Wilfred smiled ear to ear.

"Perfect. Come out to the field at dawn and we'll practice before the classes start. And we can do the studies at night in the library. "

Both nodded in agreement and proceeded to go back to their rooms for the day.