"Good day, everyone. My name is Charles Vanderbilt, and I am the principal of the Limitless Hero Academy." He paused, looking around the room. "I'm very glad that so many of you turned out today. Now, let's begin with the introduction of the exam, shall we?"
Just then, a blue holographic screen appeared behind him, displaying an image of an island labeled 'Purgatory' right above it.
"For this year's entrance exam, you'll be tasked with surviving inside a dungeon for six days."
As he said that, the auditorium immediately broke out in whispers. Even I could barely believe what he was saying. Would they really give us a six-day-long examination, inside a dungeon no less? The idea seemed too incomprehensible.
"But before any of that can begin, we must first conduct a screening of all individuals present. We need to ensure that you are capable of surviving in this harsh environment. If we find you unfit, consider it an immediate rejection."
He didn't even bother to address their concerns; he spoke as if what he was saying was utterly normal. This only caused more loud chatter to erupt, and his ominous tone was enough to instill panic among the students. Everyone was visibly worked up.
Tap…
Tap…
Tap…
The tone in the auditorium shifted completely. Mr. Vanderbilt was slowly tapping the microphone with his finger. The sound drew everyone's attention, and in that moment, a silent threat was made. The mana in the room suddenly thickened, making it increasingly hard to breathe—the source was the principal himself. The whole room became so quiet that if a pin dropped, it would have echoed.
When everyone quieted down, he gave a polite smile.
"Now then, as I was saying, you will all undergo a screening where your combat suits will be checked to ensure they comply with HSA standards. You will also need to prove that you have the necessary skills to survive this exam, and finally, you will provide the hero names you have chosen."
(HSA stands for 'Hero Service Association')
Hero name? I hadn't thought of any.
"I'll give you this opportunity to change into your combat suits. We have several rooms where the screening will take place. Please enter one of the designated rooms when you are ready for your screening. More information about the exam will be disclosed after you have finished your screening and are selected to participate."
At his words, the applicants immediately stood up and went to change into their combat uniforms. I did the same.
The combat suits I saw seemed more stylish than functional. Especially for the girls, it was like they were in a fashion show. Most of the boys' suits mimicked those of the top-ranked heroes, but very few looked truly combat-ready. I was left wondering if they would even pass the screening.
The applicants had already begun to form small cliques among themselves. After I changed into my combat uniform, I wasted no time and headed to the screening area. There was a long line of applicants when I arrived, but it quickly thinned out. Before I knew it, it was my turn.
I entered a spacious room to see three examiners, each dressed in their distinctive combat suits. One wore a green suit, another a yellow one, while the third was in a formal suit and tie. The man in the suit and tie sat at a desk, with the two flanking him on either side. He was the first to address me.
"Please state your full name," he said in a flat tone.
"Liam Morningstar."
He proceeded to write it down on a piece of paper in front of him.
"What's the name of your system?"
"It's called the Blacksmith System."
He furrowed a brow and looked at me suspiciously.
"Show me a demonstration," he commanded.
Upon his request, I pulled out the Blade of Calamity and handed it to the man in the green combat suit.
"I crafted it from a simple kitchen knife," I told them.
The man in the green suit handed it to the man seated behind the desk, who began inspecting it.
"Hmm… It's almost weightless and sharp too," he said as he balanced it on one finger. "The blade also has traces of Metherium. That's impressive," the man commented, then gave a nod of approval. "But I've never heard of this system of yours before; it seems to be new."
I nodded; Alliah had said the same thing. I then proceeded to store the knife back in my inventory.
After that, the man seated at the table spoke again.
"What skill would you like to demonstrate for us?"
I immediately pulled out the middle finger.
"I've been training with this."
Seeing the katana, their attention swiftly turned to the man in the green combat suit. He stepped forward and signaled for me to follow him, leading me to a small corner of the room with a mat that looked like a combat area. He then proceeded to pull a katana from the weapon rack attached to the wall.
I didn't need to be told; I immediately assumed my guard. The man nodded and took his stance. He was the first to attack.
He swung in a way that made it easy for me to block. He was undoubtedly testing me, starting with easy attacks and then planning to up the pace from there.
I didn't care much for this method.
If I put him on his ass, then it means I win.
I blocked the attack with ease and immediately followed up with a counterattack aimed at his face. Startled, he dodged the attack, just barely avoiding having his head lopped off, but that was when my steel-toed boot connected with his unguarded stomach.
A sickening croak escaped his lips. He never even saw it coming since his eyes were on my sword.
That was all it took; he thought I would follow his pace, and we'd dance together with our swords like a master and a student. All it took was a simple bait-and-switch to knock him off his rhythm. I might've broken a rib but his naivety was to blame for that.
The weapon dropped from his hand as he doubled over, vomiting. With his head lowered, I used the hilt of the katana to strike his face. I heard what sounded like a crunch, the hilt of my katana bloodied, then…
"STOP!! What the hell are you doing?!"
The voice came from behind me; it was one of the judges, his face red with anger.
Huh? Did I do something wrong?
He marched over to me and hoisted me into the air by my collar. The mana was practically oozing off him in waves as he stared at me with contempt.
"You little shit!!"
"Tyrozan, stop!" the judge in the suit and tie called out to him. "He didn't do anything wrong."
"What! You saw it; this bastard cheated!"
"You can't cheat in this kind of test. He managed to get the better of a licensed hero. That should say a lot about his potential."
The man in the suit sounded proud; in fact, he was smiling. That fact seemed to infuriate the hero holding me in the air.
"You greedy bastard, all you care about is money—"
"For the last time, I said put him down," the judge's tone turned stern, with a hint of threat.
The hero's grip tightened around my collar. At this distance, my katana was useless. I stealthily reached for the Blade of Calamity from my inventory and hid it behind my back.
If push came to shove, I would easily be able to gouge out an eye or two before he could attack.