expulsion

　For Artoo, that day was the most important day of his life that he had lived for 15 years.

　--The Rite of Aptitude.

　On that day, the boys and girls awakened to the power of magic.

　At the same time, they are appraised by a priest to see how much aptitude they have for magic.

　What type of magic do they have an aptitude for?

　How many spells can you use at the same time?

　This will determine what kind of job you can get in the future.

　If one has a high aptitude for magic, it is possible for a commoner to attain a position on par with the nobility.

　In fact, Alto's father, though born a commoner, was blessed with a high aptitude for magic and rose to the position of a duke in just one generation.

　As a result of the aptitude ceremony, he rose from a commoner to the highest rank among his subjects.

　On the other hand, if one's magical aptitude is low, one will be employed in a mundane job that anyone can do.

　So the aptitude ceremony can be said to be the day when most of one's life is decided.

This day has finally come. ...

　Arto took a breath and walked out with determination in his heart.

　--When he left the building, a girl was waiting for him at the gate.

What's with the fancy dress, Arto?

　The girl asked with a smile on her face.

　--Lily.

　As her name suggests, she is a beautiful girl with clear white skin.

　She was a childhood friend of Artoo's, and was born on the same day.

　In other words, she was also scheduled to undergo the aptitude test today.

　The two of them were neighbors and had promised to go to the temple together.

What? I'm always like this.

　Arto replied bluntly.

　He wore black linen all year round. Even though he was born into a ducal family, this was the only type of clothing he owned.

　It's a hassle to choose clothes, so he keeps all his clothes the same.

On a day that comes but once in a lifetime?　Why can't you at least dress up for this day?

Buying clothes that you're only going to wear today is a bad idea. ...

　Artoo was an efficiency-loving, so to speak, costumer.

　In his opinion, buying expensive clothes to dress up was too costly.

He said, "I'm still a costumer. But it's okay that you're not interested in fashion, but when a girl comes dressed up, you should compliment her.

　Lily said with a laugh.

　While Alto was dressed as usual, Lily was dressed in a beautiful pure white outfit.

"Are you happy to be complimented on your ... outfit?

'Don't even question it, just compliment it. One word makes you feel good, so it's cosy, right?

"I see. Okay, then. You're beautiful.

"... messy.

　--As they talked, they walked to the temple.

　When they arrived at the temple in town, they found a group of boys and girls who were celebrating their birthday today.

　One by one, they climbed up to the platform where the priest was waiting.

　One by one, they went up to the platform where the priest was waiting.

"John. Magic circuits - two.

　The number of magic circuits indicates the number of magic that can be activated simultaneously.

　The more circuits you have, the more advantageous you are in battle, so the higher the number, the better if you want to get a job as an adventurer.

　By the way, 2 is the lowest level.

　This is because adventurers have to fight with wards and life barriers to protect themselves at all times.

　If you don't, you will die after just one hit from an enemy.

　And if you don't have at least 2, you won't be able to use attack magic while putting up wards.

　That's why 2 is the lowest level.

Next, growth aptitude...

　Warding magic E

　Fire magic D

　Water and Ice Magic E

　Sacred Magic F

　Physical Magic E

　Enhancement Magic E

　Appraise Magic E

　...

　The aptitude for growth indicates how efficiently a person can learn that type of magic.

　In the case of the boy on the stage now, his status was very low, and it would probably be difficult for him to become an adventurer.

　As expected, the boy who received the appraisal nodded and left the stage.

"Next...

　After that, one after another, the boys and girls proceeded to the priest to receive their appraisals.

　Alto and Lily also lined up and waited for the moment.

　Finally, the moment arrived.

"Lily...

　Lily walked up to the stage.

　Artoo watches with bated breath.

　The priest holds up a crystal to Lily and confirms her power.

"Oh!

　The next moment, the priest shouted in amazement.

"Magic circuit 7!

　The temple suddenly buzzed.

　Magic circuit 7.

　This was the highest level.

　He could control as many as seven different types of magic simultaneously.

　This was a top class talent.

　In the past, people who possessed magic circuit 7 had all become top-notch wizards.

　He was one in millions.

　Alto was speechless with surprise that his childhood friend, who he had always been with, had a talent that could change the world.

　Suddenly she seemed so distant.

"--Oh, !!!!!!!.

　And the surprise didn't end there.　

　The priest gave an even more astonishing appraisal.

The priest gave an even more astonishing result: "Lineage aptitude.

　Warding Magic A

　Fire magic A

　Water and Ice Magic A

　Sacred Magic S

　Dark Magic A

　Physical Magic A

　Enhancement Magic A

　Appraisal Magic A

　...

　Aptitude A in all magic systems, and S in sacred magic.

　This is despite the fact that it is said that if you have even one B rank, you can become a powerful adventurer.

　In other words, Lily was a bundle of talent.

　The priest seemed to have no more room to talk.

　When Lily came down from the stage, she was still puzzled.

　Alto was also too surprised to say anything.

Next--Alto.

　And while he was surprised, the priest called Alto.

　Alto went to the stage before he was completely unprepared.

"First, the magic circuit--

　The priest looks into the crystal.

　--The priest peers into the crystal and tells Artoo his aptitude.

"----1," he said.

"... what?

　I'm not sure what to say.

　I really thought I heard wrong.

　It's not possible.

I'm not sure what to say.

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

It's ...1.

　It was not a mishearing.

　The overwhelming majority of people have a magic circuit of 2.

　In other words, there are very few people with a magic circuit of 1.

　In other words, if you cast a warding spell, that's it.

　You can't use any other offensive magic.

　In other words, it is virtually impossible for Artoo to fight.

　--But that wasn't the only cruel thing that was said to Alto.

And then there's system aptitude.

　Warding Magic F

　Fire magic F

　Water and Ice Magic F

　Sacred Magic F

　Dark Magic F

　Physical Magic F

　Enhancement Magic F

　Appraisal Magic F

　...

　It's not funny at all.

　All growth aptitudes are F.

　In other words, Artoo is not suited for all magic.

　It's a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything that might help you.

No, no, no. ...

　To become a top-notch adventurer.

　This dream of Alto's was completely denied.

　In fact, it would probably be difficult for him to even get a normal job.

　That was the result of the appraisal given to Alto.

　†.

　Alto could hardly remember what happened next.

　The next thing he knew, he was back in his room.

　The aptitude ceremony that would determine his life.

　What was handed down there was the reality that he had zero aptitude for magic.

　I could only cast one spell, and my progress in all of them was slower than others.

　It would be difficult to make a living as an adventurer, let alone a normal one.

　This is what despair is all about.

"Hey.

　And.

　The Duke of Wellesley, his father, appeared in front of Artoo.

"... Father.

　His father had been blessed with an aptitude for magic and had risen to become a duke in a single generation.

　The man confronted his son with a reality that was so terrible.

He said, "Get out of my house. It's a shame for the Wellesley family if they find out that their son has no skills.

"!

　Artoo was stunned by his father's words.

My brother will be the heir to our family. You will never use the name Wellesley again.

　--This is how Artoo was kicked out of his family home without question.