Get off work and become a magical girl

Chapter 360 First Place

The fact that Team 582 won first place in the maze assessment shocked all the examinees. Among them, the magical girl "Xiao Jin" who was mentioned by the examiner attracted even more attention. All the examinees were asking: Who is Xiao Jin?

Neither the widely circulated "Big Thigh Ranking" nor the social circles of the test takers seemed to contain any mention of "Xiao Jin." This unusual first-place winner seemed to have sprung up out of nowhere, leaving everyone puzzled.

Of course, this result was not surprising to the spectators on the viewing platform.

Rather, from the latter half of the assessment, when "Xiao Jin" suddenly discovered an unconventional use for her magical armor and thought of skipping class by passing through walls, she had already become the focus of attention for many spectators.

It wasn't that no one questioned this; the examiner also heard the question, "Isn't this a foul?" and some even advocated for failing the student. However, this suggestion was ultimately not implemented.

From the perspective of the examiners at the Examination Yuan, Xiao Jin's behavior undoubtedly falls into a gray area. Her actions did not cause any substantial damage to the maze and did not violate any explicit regulations. However, if a matter were to be pursued, she could easily be stopped on the vague grounds of "disrupting examination discipline."

The reason why this situation, where both sides have their own arguments, was able to reach a consensus in a short time was not only because the chief examiner and several colleagues studied the examination rules together and believed that the candidate's behavior "fell into a loophole in the rules, and the responsibility lay with the Examination Yuan." It was also because Xiao Jin's actions had slightly introduced some unforeseen circumstances.

Some spectators sitting high on the viewing platform heard laughter coming from the heavily guarded area.

Although it was a very brief sound, so brief that one might even doubt whether they had misheard, the guards who were actually surrounding the area could not possibly have made a mistake.

It was not the laughter of any of the three jeweled scepters, nor the voice of any of their guards; without a doubt, the laughter could only have come from that noble person.

The Queen laughed at this. And since she showed no intention of stopping it, the matter was deemed feasible.

Although it sounds absurd, this is the main reason why everyone stopped arguing: no one should oppose what the Queen supports, and all the magical girls in the magical kingdoms know this.

Undoubtedly, this candidate's method of skipping class will become a key point of discussion and reflection for the examination board afterward, and may even affect the formulation of rules for future practical assessments. However, for now, her behavior will not be punished.

That's how this controversial "first place" came about.

Of course, there was something else that even Xiao Jin herself didn't know, but which was witnessed by the spectators: in fact, if Xiao Jin hadn't obtained that map along the way, she might not have been the first place winner.

Because she chose the wrong direction from the beginning.

She was originally located in the upper southwest of the entire maze, but after discovering that her magical armor could pass through walls, she chose to head north.

Given her magical power and speed, if she hadn't obtained a map along the way, which allowed her to change direction and break through from the west, she would probably still be making a futile journey north.

However, none of these things matter anymore. The only important thing is that the candidate who was on the verge of "fouling" ultimately became the first place winner in the first practical assessment.

Xia Liang, having escaped the maze, now fully understands this matter.

When she, with a map in hand and two teammates, rushed out of the maze with a desperate air, she was greeted by applause from the viewing platform and congratulations from the examiners by the wall.

"Team 582, congratulations! You were the first team to escape the maze, and you received extra spectator evaluation points for your unexpected actions. Therefore, you have become the team with the highest overall score after this assessment."

Yueji, one of the examiners, acknowledged Xia Liang and the others' scores with a clear declaration: "You can leave the examination room now and go back to rest to prepare for the next exam. You can also go to the spectator area to watch the other candidates, but I must remind you that if you choose to go to the spectator area, there will probably be quite a few 'enthusiastic' spectators who want to ask you some questions."

She gestured to the audience seats not far away, and at the same time, she deliberately emphasized the word "enthusiasm," making Xia Liang realize that it didn't seem to be a completely positive word.

"Ha...ha...I see."

Because of the excessive consumption of magic power, Xia Liang subconsciously panted, her mind, already on the verge of exhaustion, was struggling to process what was happening. However, she still tried her best to understand Yueji's meaning, and then forced a smile: "I feel very tired now, and I really just want to go back to the inn to rest."

"Understandable."

Rose nodded: "Then let's go to the left, that's the lounge. Go out the back door of the lounge and you can leave here."

"okay, I get it."

Xia Liang nodded reluctantly, but stumbled as she took a step and almost fell to the ground. Fortunately, Juan Dan reacted quickly and caught her, lifting her up.

"Let's go, Senior Xiao Jin, and my sister too."

She gestured to Shandan, who was hesitant and clearly wanted to join the excitement on the viewing platform, and then gave Yueji a slight bow: "Thank you for your guidance, Your Excellency the Examiner." "No need for such formalities."

Rose shook her head: "I was just following the rules, there's no question of giving any pointers. But, if you'd like, could you answer one question for me before you leave?"

Juan Dan hesitated for a moment upon hearing this, and did not respond. Instead, she looked at Xia Liang, clearly feeling that it was better to let Xia Liang make the decision.

“…Please ask.” Xia Liang straightened up again, trying her best to look less disheveled.

“I was the designer of this maze for the assessment, and I was also responsible for the overall coordination of the spell system in the entire maze, so I know very well what the spells on the walls are. In theory, such a precise spell structure should stop operating quickly after being cut off, and may even cause a large-scale collapse accident.”

Yueji stared into Xia Liang's eyes, her tone calm but filled with undisguised inquiry: "However, your magical armor completely violates the most basic operating principle of the spell, thus exploiting this loophole. Why is that?"

"Sorry, I'm not quite sure either."

Xia Liang thought for a moment, then admitted frankly, "Because I don't know that much about my magical armor yet."

"Is that so? Yes, it is indeed too difficult for someone your age to fully understand their magical armor."

Rose nodded: "Then, perhaps I can extend an invitation to you. Would you be willing to come to my laboratory after the assessment and assist me in studying your magical armor? I am very interested in this magical armor that can break my spells."

"Well... thank you for your kind words, but perhaps I should go back and consult with our captain," Xia Liang replied cautiously.

"Yes, I should. In fact, I should inform your team as well."

Rose readily agreed, "Which squad are you a magical girl from? Oh, I'm not talking about your current assessment squad, but your original squad."

"Uh, Fangting City?" Xia Liang didn't really want to answer, but she figured the other party could investigate afterward, so there was no point in lying. She could only bite the bullet and tell them where she came from.

"Fangting City? I think I've heard that name before, and it must have been recently..."

The rose tilted its head back and thought for a moment, but soon, as if it realized something, it widened its eyes slightly.

Xia Liang also realized that the other person had realized something, so she widened her eyes along with him.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

After a long silence, it was finally Yueji who spoke first: "I see, that makes sense then."

"I'm sorry for causing you trouble." Xia Liang immediately adopted the demeanor of a junior.

"Please give my regards to Lady Cornflower when you return."

Rose's tone was no longer as casual as before, but rather more formal as she said, "However, I am still very curious about your magical armor, so if possible, please help me convey my request."

"Ah... okay." Xia Liang nodded obediently.

"Okay, then that's settled. You should leave now. If we drag this out any longer, people from the reviewing stand will probably be coming soon."

After learning that Xia Liang was actually a member of Cui Que's team, Yue Ji was no longer in her usual businesslike manner. Instead, she urged him somewhat seriously, "Hurry up and don't linger in the rest room."

This attitude makes its intention quite clear.

Xia Liang and the others weren't so tactless; after hearing Yueji's words, they quickly left. Shortly after they disappeared from Yueji's sight, a series of footsteps sounded behind her.

Without even turning around, the rose knew who was coming.

She took a few steps to the side, then suddenly turned back, blocking their path, and loudly inquired:
"My colleagues from the Financial Yuan, what brings you here?"

(End of this chapter)