Transform into a magical girl after getting off work-Chapter 655 - 213: First Place

The fact that Team No. 582 secured the first place in the maze assessment left all candidates stunned. Among them, the magical girl "Jin," specifically mentioned by the examiner, caught everyone's attention. All the candidates were asking: Who is Jin?

Whether in the widely circulated "Thigh Rankings" or the candidates' usual social circles, the figure known as "Jin" was almost non-existent. This unusual first place seemed to have emerged out of nowhere, puzzling everyone.

Of course, for the observers on the observation platform, this result wasn't surprising at all.

In fact, since the second half of the assessment, when "Jin" suddenly figured out an unconventional way to use her magic armor and thought of escaping through walls, she had become a focus of attention for many observers.

Some people did raise doubts, questioning, "Isn't this cheating?" Such voices also reached the examiner's ears, with some even advocating for her to be disqualified. However, this suggestion was never executed.

From the perspective of the examiners at the Exam Institute, Jin's actions were undoubtedly in a gray area. Her deeds did not cause any substantial damage to the maze, not violating any explicit regulations. But if pursued, they could certainly use the vague charge of "disturbing exam discipline" to call it off.

This situation, where each side had their reasons, reached a consensus in a short time, not just because the examiner and several colleagues studied the assessment rules together, concluding that the candidate's actions "were a loophole in the rules, and the responsibility lies with the Exam Institute." It also slightly stirred up some changes due to Jin's actions.

An observer sitting high on the observation platform heard laughter coming from the heavily guarded area.

Although it was very brief, even making one doubt if they heard it wrong, the guards crowded nearby certainly couldn't be mistaken.

It wasn't the laughter of any of the three gemstone scepters, nor was it any of the guards', undoubtedly, this laughter could only come from that noble person.

The Queen laughed at this. Moreover, she had no intention to stop it, meaning it was permissible.

Though it sounded absurd, this was the main reason for everyone to cease arguing and submit: No one should oppose what the Queen supports, all magical girls in the Magic Kingdom know this.

Undoubtedly, the method this candidate used to cut corners would become a key topic of discussion and reflection at the Exam Institute afterwards, possibly even influencing the rule-making of future practical assessments. But for now, her actions won't be punished.

Therefore, a controversial "first place" came into being.

Moreover, there was something even Jin herself didn't know, something that only the observers witnessed—without the map she obtained midway, she might truly not have been first.

Because the direction she initially chose was wrong.

She was originally in the upper southwestern part of the entire maze, and after discovering her magic armor could go through walls, she chose to head straight north.

Given her magic power and moving speed, without getting a map midway and changing direction breaking through from the west, she might still be futilely running north.

However, such details are no longer important. The only thing that matters is that this candidate, treading the line of "cheating," ultimately became the first in the initial practical assessment.

Xia Liang fully realized this as she exited the maze.

Holding a map and rushing out with two teammates like it was a matter of life and death, what welcomed her was applause from the observation platform and congratulatory words from examiners by the wall.

"Team No. 582, congratulations, as you are the first team to exit the maze, and due to unexpected measures, you received additional observation rating points. So your team has now become the top team in the overall points after this assessment."

Among them, the examiner, Yue Ji, also clearly acknowledged Xia Liang's team's achievement with a clear announcement: "You can now leave the exam site to rest and prepare for the next exam. Alternatively, you could go to the observation seats and watch other candidates, but I must remind you if you choose to go to the observation seats, there might be many 'enthusiastic' audience members who want to ask you questions."

She gestured toward the audience seats not far away, emphasizing the word "enthusiastic," making Xia Liang realize that it may not be a completely positive term.

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

Drowning in exhaustion after consuming too much magic power, Xia Liang instinctively panted, her mind barely functioning due to the brink of her limit. Yet, she still tried to understand Yue Ji's meaning and then forced a smile: "I feel quite tired now and really just want to return to the inn to rest."

"Understandable."

Yue Ji nodded: "Then head to the left, there's the lounge. You can leave from the back door of the lounge."

"Okay... I understand."

Xia Liang nodded reluctantly, but stumbled as she tried to take a step and almost fell to the ground. Fortunately, Juan Dan reacted quickly and immediately supported her, lifting her body.

"Let's go, Senior Jin, and sister."

Calling out to Shan Dan, who seemed hesitant and slightly tempted to join the observation platform excitement, she also politely thanked Yue Ji: "Thank you for the reminder, Examiner."

"No need to be polite."

Yue Ji shook her head: "I'm just following the rules, it's not exactly a tip. However, if you don't mind, could you answer a question before you leave?"

On hearing this, Juan Dan hesitated, looking toward Xia Liang instead, feeling it better for Xia Liang to make this decision. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"...Please go ahead." Xia Liang straightened up, trying to appear not so worn out.

"I am the designer of this assessment maze, responsible for orchestrating the entire maze's magic technique system, so I am well aware of what the technique on the walls is. Ordinarily, when such a precise magical structure is severed, it should rapidly cease functioning and could even cause a large collapse accident."

Gazing into Xia Liang's eyes, Yue Ji's tone was calm yet undeniably inquisitive: "However, your magic armor completely defies the most fundamental principles of the technique's operation, exploiting a loophole. Why is that?"

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

Xia Liang pondered briefly and then answered honestly: "As for my magic armor, I don't entirely understand it yet."

"Is that so, well, at your age, completely understanding your magic armor is indeed still too difficult."

Yue Ji nodded: "Then, perhaps I can extend an invitation; would you be willing to assist me in researching your magic armor in my lab after the assessment? I am very interested in this magic armor that can bypass my technique."

"Um... Thank you for the offer, but I may need to consult our captain first," Xia Liang cautiously replied.

"Yes, naturally; I should indeed notify your team as well."

Yue Ji smoothly agreed: "Which team are you a magical girl from? Oh, I mean not your current assessment team, but your original affiliation."

"Uh, Fangting City?" Xia Liang wasn't very keen on answering, but knowing that the other party could find out later, lying wouldn't help, so she begrudgingly revealed her origin.

"Fangting City? I think I've heard of it, and probably recently too..."

With her head slightly tilted back in thought, Yue Ji soon seemed to realize something, her eyes widening slightly.

Xia Liang too sensed what the other had realized, so she simultaneously widened her eyes.

For a moment, neither of them spoke again.

Eventually, it was Yue Ji who first broke the silence: "I see, that makes sense."

"Sorry for causing trouble," Xia Liang instantly adopted a fully respectful attitude as a junior.

"When you return, please pass on my regards to Lady Cornflower."

Yue Ji's tone adjusted from casual to relatively formal: "However, regarding your magic armor, I still feel very curious, so if possible, please convey my request."

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

"Alright then, you should leave now. The observation platform might send someone soon if you delay further."

Knowing Xia Liang was from Emerald Sparrow, Yue Ji's manner evidently shifted from procedural to somewhat stern, urging: "Hurry up, don't linger in the lounge."

Her intent was clear.

Xia Liang and her companions, grasping Yue Ji's words, swiftly left. Shortly after their figures disappeared from Yue Ji's sight, a series of footsteps sounded behind Yue Ji.

Without needing to turn around, Yue Ji knew the identity of the newcomers.

She stepped aside, turned back slightly, and blocked these people's path, then loudly inquired:

—"Fellow colleagues from the Finance Court, what brings you here to see me?"