The Elemental Affinity Test

“Hey, did you hear? They’re doing free elemental affinity tests over at the central plaza. Sounds like the academy is expanding its enrollment.”

“Really? I’m going to give it a try!”

“You? Come on, we both know how that’ll end. You’d just be embarrassing yourself.”

“None of your business! I’m going to check it out anyway. Who knows, I might even meet some cute junior girls, hehe~”

“I knew you were up to no good. Still, it’s free entertainment.”

As Liyahiss and her companions strolled through the streets, they eavesdropped on the idle chatter—or rather, listened in quite openly.

“Hillisa, let’s go take a look, too. We might run into someone interesting, hehe.”

“Very well. But My Lady, are you thinking of testing your own elemental affinity? Or perhaps you wish to enroll in the academy?”

“Huh? Study? Study my foot! And I don’t need a test to know my elemental affinity; I’m well aware of it. We’re just here to enjoy the show like any other bystander.”

The crowd was a bit dense, making it difficult for the three of them to walk abreast, so Belzebub trailed behind them. Liyahiss and Hillisa linked arms, following the main throng of people and listening to snippets of conversation until they found themselves in the center of the plaza.

“Oh no, we’re late! It’s already started!”

“Hey sis, can you fill me in? Have there been any impressive ones so far?”

“Ugh, don’t even ask. Most have barely passed, and half of them have just gone home empty-handed.”

“Looks like our generation is the worst yet. Is there any hope for humanity?”

“Don’t lose hope. Maybe some hidden master is just waiting until the end to make a grand entrance.”

“Alright, I’ll wait a bit longer then. I hope I’m not disappointed.”

Liyahiss and her companions arrived at the scene, their eyes fixed on the proctor on stage and the young girl touching the crystal ball. The crystal ball emitted a faint yellow glow.

“Fail! Next!”

The next girl walked onto the stage, her legs trembling, and reached for the ball with her eyes squeezed shut. A bright blue light shone from the crystal.

“Highest affinity for water. You pass!”

…

“My Lady, should we go up and have some fun?” Hillisa asked.

“You two can go if you want. I’m not going.”

“If you are not going, My Lady, then neither will I.”

“Hmph, if you’re both too scared, then I shall go! It is time for mortals to remember the terror of my dominion! Mwahahaha!”

With that, Belzebub flew straight onto the stage. The crowd, which had been on the verge of dozing off, suddenly perked up. After all, the ability to fly was a clear sign of immense magical power.

After the proctor signaled for her to begin, Belzebub placed her small hand on the crystal ball, which instantly erupted in a dazzling cyan light.

“My heavens! Her affinity for wind is off the charts!”

“I’ve never seen such a brilliant cyan light before! I’d believe it if you told me she was the incarnation of the wind god!”

“She’s the new hope of our nation! What a credit to us all!”

…

The proctor was so stunned by the display that she stood speechless for a long moment. It was only when Belzebub turned to look at her that she finally announced in a booming voice, “Wind affinity: Superior!”

The plaza instantly erupted in cheers, the atmosphere becoming electric.

“Alright, quiet down! Next!”

This time, the one who flew onto the stage was that provocatively dressed woman they had seen upon entering the city. Her slender fingers touched the crystal ball, and it burst forth with a radiant red light.

“What? A superior fire affinity this time? There are quite a few hidden masters here today!”

“She must not have wanted that little girl to steal all the limelight, so she couldn’t wait any longer.”

“And that woman has such a smoking hot body! I feel like I’m about to catch fire!”

“It was love at first sight! She’s stolen my heart! I can’t live without her!”

“Slurp~ Looks like I’ve found my… inspiration for tonight, guhehe~”

“So gross! As if someone like her would ever look at you commoners. Know your place, will you?”

…