"Theodore Miller."

A man with dark circles under their eyes called his name. His thin cheeks caused his cheekbones to rise, making him appear rather delicate. If he were wearing sloppy clothes he would look like someone that lived in the slums.

However, he was a professor in charge of the third years and was also a Fifth Circle master. An experienced man within the Bergen Academy.

In a business-like manner the slender professor, known as Professor Vince, began to speak.

"I'm sure you already know why I've called for you."

Theodore Miller, Theo for short, nodded, his head facing the floor . He couldn't muster up the courage to speak and as such he could only nod in response.

He knew from the start that this would happen, but actually experiencing it made him feel like the whole world was collapsing.

"Your scores on the written examinations were astounding with only three points having been deducted from the last subject due to a minor mistake. In fact, you are the only student who was able to answer the written portion, so it's okay to consider yourself as having gotten a perfect score for that subject."

Although it couldn't be acknowledged openly, several of the questions in the exams were written intentionally with the purpose of confounding the students. The academy has secret standard that does not allow students to achieve a perfect score easily.

Even still, Theo managed to only miss three questions. Theo's grades were probably more outstanding than the average professor. Vince was amazed and yet also saddened by this student's knowledge.

That was  because Theodore Miller was missing the skill that is most  required of a magician.

"Unfortunately, you failed the practical skills examination and therefore you will not be allowed to graduate."

His stern voice stressed Theo.

The academy had two requirements for graduating. One had to have an average of 70 points on the written exam and prove that they've mastered the first three circles of magic. Theodore easily succeeded in fulfilling the first requirement, but the second was where he had considerable trouble.

To Theo, the  wall that separated the second and third circles of magic was extremely tall, due to the fact that his power and control level was horribly low. Even when he cut back on sleep all for the purpose of having more time to practice he simply couldn't come close to the level of his peers. Even after practicing with all his might, the spell would fail miserably.

Because of this, Theo hasn't been able to graduate for three years.

"Theodore, what Circle are you currently in?" The professor sighed loudly.

Professor Vince asked with the same frustrated feeling.

Theo repeated the same answer once again.

"…the second circle, sir."

It was an embarrassing number.

On average, the academy students reach 2 Circle by the time they're done with their first year and achieve 3 Circle when they move on to their third year. It wasn't uncommon for overachieving students to reach level 4 Circle by the time they graduate.

However, even after spending five years at the academy, Theo couldn't overcome the 3 Circle wall.

That wasn't the only problem.

"Have you  mastered Second Circle magic?"

"…I have not."

Theo's voice grew even more faint.

If he only lacked in the level of power, it can be supplied with outside help. It's a bit expensive, but taking a dose of the reagent will provide him enough power to overcome the 3 Circle wall.

However, when it comes to using magic control is just as important as power, but Theo lacked both. Although it's possible to supplement a lack of power, there simply isn't a method to substantially increase his poor mana control.

This was also the reason that Professor Vince gave up on sponsoring him.

'Although it's a waste to give up on someone as smart as him…With control this poor, he has no future as a magician. Even after devoting five years of time he wasn't able to master the Second Circle... he's a hopeless case.'

With a sad expression, he looked at Theo.

If it were any other student he would've given up a long time ago. Theo tried his best for three years, even after knowing better than anyone else that he didn't have the skills. His willingness couldn't be compared to the students who grew up in very sheltered environments.

If Theo at least had the average level of control there would be a seat at graduation with his name on it.

However, reality was cruel to Theo.

Professor Vince grabbed an envelope from the drawer and hesitated for a bit. This wasn't the first time, but as the sun was setting he felt the weight of the envelope getting heavier.

It was a letter to flunk Theo.

"They say this is the job of the professor in charge…but it feels like I'm doing an unworthy act towards you. I'm sorry."

"Read it and dispose of it. Although it'll be the same information as last year, you never know."

Theo calmly accepted the envelope.

Although his fingers were shaking, he somehow managed to keep calm. With this, it was the third letter. If you are given it once you'll become the butt of everyone's jokes and if it's given to you a second time it can damage your family's reputation.

Theo was the only student in Bergen Academy's history to have received this letter three times.

However, there was a different reason for the third letter.

This was the last.
A fourth letter didn't exist.

Even though Professor Vince refrained from saying anymore, if Theo doesn't graduate next year, then he  will be expelled.
It was a very shameful sight. At least dropping out of school would protect one's honor.

'Is this it?'

With empty eyes, he looked down at the envelope.

The eyes that were filled with dreams are now filled with darkness. The boy that entered the academy with the dream of becoming a great wizard is now experiencing the cold reality, making him weak in the knees.

I'm sure I can do it next year. I'm sure I'll be able to graduate next year. Having that kind of hope in front of a cliff only made him feel defeated.

Theodore Miller.

He was born as the eldest son in a broken family. At one point, they served feudal lords causing the Miller family to ascend the ranking of society, but they suffered a devastating setback and downfall around one hundred years ago. Trying to make a living out of what they earned wouldn't leave anything for Theo to inherit.

That's why he decided to become a magician. Unlike those who had to train hard from when they were young, kids who were able to inherit a noble title could be admitted to the school without any issues. Since he thought he was pretty smart, he begged his parents and was able to cross the academy's gate.

However, his plan stopped there. He slept later than everyone and woke up the earliest. He passionately listened to the lessons and trained his mana all night. Rather than blaming the fact that he was poor, he believed that putting in the effort will pay off.

'Was I overconfident?'

Other students already graduated two years ago, and students that were one year his juniors already graduated last year. Now, the kids two years his juniors have already graduated.

Even the freshmen knew of his name.
The academy's super senior. He entered to raise his family name, but ended up dishonoring it.

'Where did it go wrong?'

When the magic that was used on the first test failed?

When I received the envelope a few days before graduation?
When I thought that my efforts weren't enough even after receiving two of those letters?

Or…was it when I dreamed of becoming a magician one day.

'Damn it.'

He never blamed himself for being poor.

However, his patience was running out.

The reagent that the other students drank?

Hire a different magician as a private tutor?
He knew he wouldn't be able to afford one even if they sold everything the Miller had.

Of course there are other students that were able to receive their diploma even without using those methods. They were able to increase their power with their natural born talent and were able to use them without much help.

They either had no money or no talent.

One would still be able to graduate if they just had one of them.

However,Theodore Miller didn't have either.

"I'll be leaving now."

He turned around as soon as the professor nodded.
He wasn't able to keep calm any longer. His calm face was now distorted. He didn't want to put on such an embarrassing face in front of the professor.

Slam.

The door closed rougher than when he entered the room.
Professor Vince watched Theo leave with a distorted expression and turned his attention to the book he was reading earlier.

However, the page didn't turn for a while.

Ding!

The booming bell could be heard from the hallway.

Since magic was casted on the bell, the sound of the bell was consistent no matter where one was hearing it. Students that were residing in the dorms couldn't go outside and the students that resided at home had to leave.

While Theo was walking towards the dorm absent-mindedly, he stopped in his tracks.

"…Now that I think about it, I haven't eaten dinner."

Should I go to the cafeteria now?

He thought about it for a moment and shook his head. Maybe it was because of the letter than was in his hand, but he wasn't in the mood to eat.

No, it's been awhile since I've been fully awake.
It would be a miracle if I could even sleep.

In the end, Theo's feet led him to the usual place.
It didn't have that many people and it was a place where Theo could somewhat spend his time comfortably within Bergen Academy.

The library.

End