What is strength?
Creative Staff:
Story & Art: Hajime Komoto
Translation: Nova Skipper
Lettering: Eve Grandt
What They Say:
The next exam will test the students’ abilities to work as a team. Unfortunately for Finn, he’s stuck with Mash and Dott, the two dumbest mages of the bunch!
The Review
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Mash and Carpaccio square up in the arena, but their spat will have to wait. Initially, because Mash confused himself with his own philosophical pondering, but mainly due to the announcer’s interruption. It’s time to begin the second exam!
The contestants are suddenly split into teams – Lance is paired up with Margarette and Pon Torus from Orca dorm, Carpaccio is joined by two yet-to-be-developed characters, Moore Tomato from Lang and Aorio Morris from Adler, which leaves Mash, Finn, and Dott as the final team. The rules are simple: each of the 9 mages is given a crystal. The first team to lose all three crystals is disqualified. Somehow, that explanation was too much for Mash, so let’s break it down into terms he can understand – MASH SMASH CRYSTAL.
Finn feels the pressure creeping up on him. These crystals were the lifeline of not only his but his friends’ chance at passing the exam. Finn knows he is the weakest of the group, so as long as the others protect their crystals… aaaaaand Mash broke his crystal. Dott too. They also spawn into the arena separated from each other. Well, it was a good try, you’ll get ‘em next year fellas!
To make matters worse, Finn overhears a scuffle nearby. It’s none other than Carpaccio, who just finished decimating Pon Torus. Finn would be next if he doesn’t do something quick. Running would cause too much of a commotion, so he opts for a more sleuthy strategy. Conceal your presence, become one with the wall. Unfortunately, Carpaccio sees through his impeccable wall impression. Things are looking bleak for Finn. Will Mash make it to him in time?
In Summary:
Our protagonist isn’t the brightest bulb in the room, but hey, our muscle-headed Mash needed some sort of weakness! We may finally see Finn use his magic in the upcoming chapters; I’ve been eagerly waiting to see what he can do. Look forward to the battle with Carpaccio next week!
Grade: B
Source: Shonen Jump app, Manga Plus app
