The entrance hall was grand, filled with over 200 examinees. As Ran stepped in, he ignored the curious gazes from the others, focusing on his goal.
'Mostly commoners... but some nobles too.'
He thought, quickly concluding the make-up of the crowd. Most of the students wore plain, tattered clothes which gave symbols of simplicity and poverty.
Ran, too, blended in, dressed in an old, worn-out robe, with his sword hanging by his side.
He found a seat at the very back of the hall, quietly avoiding the lingering stares of his fellow exam-takers.
The theoretical exam was only worth 20% of the total score, so there was still a chance if he performed decently. Besides, during his time at the Bloodrune estate, he'd spent countless hours in the library.
For someone like him, access to the library was a rare privilege, granted only as a reward or after completing a task.
The patriarch would allow the bastards to fulfill one small wish as a reward, and Ran had often used that opportunity to study.
In the library, he'd learned various forms of Bloodrune sword techniques and had absorbed knowledge on history, world affairs, and more.
He felt confident that he could perform decently in the exam. But still, the fear lingered. This was his first time taking an official exam, and he couldn't help but feel a tight knot in his chest.
DING*
The large clock at the center of the academy rang, signaling the beginning of the exam. A tall man with a long mustache entered the hall and began distributing the exam papers.
It was Ran's first time giving an exam, so he took a moment to observe how things worked before diving into the test.
The questions were mostly simple. They revolved around past history, world and political affairs, and the names of significant historical figures.
But there was one question that left him hanging.
Q: Where did the battle with the Korvok Tribe take place in N 1562?
The question was tough for Ran. He had never heard of the Korvok Tribe, and the battle in question had taken place just 30 years ago. His family's library didn't focus on such recent events, and there were no books about it in the archives.
This was one question he had to leave blank. The exam contained 20 questions, each worth 5 marks. Leaving a question unanswered was risky, but there was no choice.
With that in mind, Ran turned his attention to the rest of the paper. His only real hope now was the practical exam.
He knew that securing a spot in the top 3 was unlikely now that screwed up this one, so he would have to rely on his abilities in the upcoming practical trial.
As the time ticked on, he arranged his papers and gave the exam one last glance.
'Three answered, one unanswered. I hope I won't screw up the last chance I have.'
The bell rang. The exam time was over. The mustached man collected all the papers and left without a word.
Ran couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, though he accepted it with a resigned expression. He stood up and left the exam hall with the weight of uncertainty still on his shoulders.
The final exam would be practical. Ran had an inkling that it would turn into a display of raw power, but how could such a massive group of examinees be tested in a meaningful way?
The students were gathered in a massive field, within a colossal stadium that could house over 20,000 spectators.
Most of the crowd consisted of seniors and sophomores, but a few nobles and commoners were present to watch the spectacle unfold.
What stood out the most, however, was the headmaster himself, seated at the central dais. He was surrounded by professors and instructors, all gathered to witness the contest.
Headmaster Gilbert rarely made public appearances. His presence here was likely out of obligation rather than genuine interest in the exam. Even from the distance, Ran could sense the lack of enthusiasm emanating from the headmaster.
"Do you think it will be different this time, Lord Gilbert?"
Thomas Andrew asked, standing beside the headmaster, his gaze cast down over the sea of examinees.
"There are always promising children every year, Thomas. I have no idea what you're talking about."
Thomas wasn't an idiot. He could tell that Gilbert had little interest in the proceedings. After living for centuries, there couldn't possibly be much that could excite someone like him anymore.
Having observed the headmaster for over 20 years, Thomas understood that the exams, and the students themselves, were mere child's play to Gilbert.
Although he might have wanted to argue, Thomas wisely kept quiet, respecting the headmaster's aloof demeanor.
Ran, however, was focused on Gilbert. This was his chance to catch the headmaster's attention. He wasn't going to waste the opportunity.
Suddenly, the entire battlefield trembled. The ground shook beneath their feet, sending a ripple of shock through the students, including Ran. Everyone stopped, startled and alert.
Without warning, the students' vision was obscured by a transparent glass, and they were all teleported into a dungeon-like space. An announcement, broadcasted through a strange magical screen.
"Welcome, children. First of all, thank you for participating in this prestigious trial. Your presence here today demonstrates your courage, ambition, and your desire to forge your future with your own strength. We look forward to seeing what each of you is capable of.
Now, let's get to the business. You are currently inside a high-fidelity virtual dungeon. In this space, your task is simple: fight, survive, and gather points. The more points you accumulate, the higher you will rank.
Thomas Andrew's voice echoed again, laying out the rules on the screen:
10 points for killing a Goblin
50 points for a Hobgoblin
100 points for a Ghoul
500 points for a Goblin King
You're free to go all out, so don't hold back. If you die, you'll be automatically teleported out and disqualified from the exam.
However... be warned. There is a hidden, high-level beast lurking in the shadows. The Sand Worm. They're not part of the basic trial, but they are real threats. If you manage to take one down, you'll earn 5,000 points.
And finally... this is a competition. Defeating another examinee will allow you to claim all of their accumulated points.
Good luck. I wish you all the best."
As the voice faded into silence, the glass panels disappeared. The landscape shifted, and the students found themselves surrounded by the virtual dungeon.
Ran quickly assessed the situation. He understood the rules now: kill, gather points, and survive until the end.
'Survival of the fittest...'
Now, the real challenge had begun.