Frieren: Understand Humans, Aura!

Here's the promised bonus chapter, enjoy (^◡^ )

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No matter if these human mages can withstand pressure once, can they withstand it ten times, a hundred times??

As long as Aura maintains her excessively harsh examinations, eventually, these humans will give up.

"No one can become first-class mage in my hands, Aura."

"No one!!!"

——

Unified Dynasty Era, Year 31, February 28th, clear weather.

"It's a good day to challenge for the first-class mage qualification."

Kritobi shaded his eyes with his hand, looking up at the sky. The bright sunlight bathed him, casting a warm glow over his features, and his elegant black cloak billowed gently in the breeze. Compared to five years ago, when he first earned the second-class mage qualification, Kritobi had now grown into an adult.

He had become more composed; the youthful arrogance and pride had transformed into a quiet confidence, a peace and maturity that spoke of countless battles and lessons learned.

Crack—crack—

The pillars around the examination ground, which had just undergone a fierce battle, made a sound of breaking under the heavy weight, turning into dust and fragments, and collapsed. The wind blew, revealing a battlefield scarred by countless magic blasts and axe marks.

Only the small space where Kritobi stood remained intact, a stark contrast to the devastation around him.

He shook off the magic-covered robe that had withstood the attacks of Aura's magic cannon for thirty minutes, flicked off the dust, then bent over and raised his hands to take the first-class mage's certificate from Aura, who had a barely detectable bloodstain on his face.

After that, Kritobi lowered his head, half-knelt, and saluted to the examiner wearing a purple tall hat.

He has grown in height, and is no longer the little kid who had to look up slightly to look at the examiner. But in Kritobi's heart, Examiner Aura will always be a towering figure, even though he was lucky enough to break through Examiner Aura's defensive magic this time and obtained from her the first-class mage certificate that many human magicians dream of.

Lady Aura, in his eyes, was still tall and respectable.

This wasn't about physical stature, but a spiritual aspect—

"Thank you for your guidance, Examiner Aura."

Kritobi thanked her loudly, his eyes sincere and excited.

He was the tenth first-class mage handled by Examiner Aura, and everyone was proud of being awarded the honor of a first-class mage by Examiner Aura herself.

"When did I ever teach you?"

However, he did not expect that his sincere thanks would only be met with disgusted and disdainful rebukes.

"Get lost."

After saying that, the examiner with purple hair and a tall hat turned her back, her shoulders heaving, as if she could hardly hide her emotions that were about to explode.

"Yes, Teacher!"

"Don't call me that!"

"Yes, Teacher."

"You...!"

Kritobi smiled softly, understanding that he must have embarrassed Examiner Aura with his words.

Over the years, the mages who had undergone examinations under Aura had come to understand her nature. She looked cold and cruel on the outside, but was warm and kind on the inside. Although she was extremely ruthless every time, no one was seriously injured. Although she spoke harshly every time, she always hit the nail on the head and made people think deeply.

Everyone knows that Aura is a very kind-hearted mage.

At this moment, witnessing his growth, it must be a true expression of emotion. She was afraid that her tears would be seen by all the students, so she turned around and cried secretly.

'Teacher Aura... is so... gentle...'

Kritobi didn't want to make his deeply respected examiner uncomfortable. Seeing her shoulders shaking as she turned away, he quietly retreated, leaving her alone in the private space.

"Sob, sob, sob, sob, sob, sob, waaaaaaaaaa—"

As expected by the candidates, once all the human mage candidates had left, Aura burst into tears.

Her cries were heart-wrenching and pitiful, If a human mage saw it, he/she would sigh that examiner Aura was really a good examiner who was conscientious and caring about her students like her own children...

"You guys, damn it..."

"Why?!"

"Why must you humiliate me like this?!"

"Just wait! I, Aura, will not forgive you!!"

——

"So, you've imbued your clothes with defensive magic, huh? Interesting idea."

After receiving his first-class mage certificate, Kritobi went to Serie's palace to meet this legendary elf known for her mastery of endless magic.

Kritobi felt a shiver run through him as Serie instantly saw through the magic he had perfected over his lifetime.

As expected, she's strong.

He bowed respectfully and said, "This was all thanks to Lady Aura's guidance."

"Oh?"

"Six years ago, during the assessment of the third-class mage, Lady Aura pointed out that my magic was too complicated and wasted my huge magical talent, so I focused on the application and transformation of basic magic..."

"Go on."

"Five years ago, when I faced off against Lady Aura again in the examination venue, she used her actions to tell me the loopholes of defensive magic. That is, a shield in the form of pure energy cannot perfectly resist physical attacks, and the tactics of using defensive magic in battle are far superior to dodging. Therefore, I combined what I learned in the past five years, reconstructed the principles of defensive magic, combining what I learned into my current combat style."

"Interesting, but not very useful."

"I understand."

Kritobi nodded; He was mentally prepared for this. His approach to magic was merely a reapplication of basic principles, which, while effective in combat, did not add new branches to human magic.

Achieving the honor of a first-class mage was enough; he did not aspire to the title of Great Mage granted by Serie.

Kritobi hadn't come to see Serie for that. After bowing and being denied the Great Mage title, he did not intend to stay any longer and was about to leave. But before leaving, he had something to say to Serie:

"I know my talents are limited. While I have ample magical power, I'm too slow in grasping theoretical aspects of magic. If I rely on myself alone, I am afraid that I can only reach the level of a second-class mage in my lifetime."

"Hmm, your spirit is commendable. Do you want any reward? I'm in a good mood, so I'll make an exception and give you a spell you want."

"No, I don't need any spells. Basic defensive magic is enough for me to study for a lifetime."

"So, what is it you want?"

"I would like you to convey my gratitude to Lady Aura. I couldn't fully express it in front of her earlier..."

"Huh? Do you really want to thank her?" 

Serie's eyes showed a playful look, and she said softly: "But I'm afraid Aura won't be happy about this."

"Did I disappoint her again?" Kritobi's eyes dimmed for a moment. He knew that he relied on luck to break through the defensive magic and barely managed to attack examiner Aura in the assessment. This achievement was not worthy of making someone as esteemed as her proud of him.

His dejection didn't last long, and Kritobi's expression brightened with renewed determination.

"I understand. I'll work twice as hard!"

'Yes, I was too complacent.'

Lady Aura, known as "The High-Hatted Purple-Haired Reaper," "The Impartial Examiner," and "Mentor to All First-Class Human Mages," was a figure of great renown and had made significant contributions to humanity's magical advancement. Her strict and unwavering standards had shaped many promising mages, including Kritobi.

He realized that earning the title of a first-class mage was not the end but the beginning of a more challenging journey. He needed to push beyond his current limits, not just for himself, but to truly honor the teachings and high standards of Lady Aura. She was a symbol of excellence and dedication in the magical community, and he aspired to be worthy of her recognition.