The cultists, their faces contorted in a mix of fear and reverence, struggled to comprehend the sight before them. Their god, their dark savior, had returned...but something was amiss.
"Oh great lord," the cult leader stammered, his voice trembling, "we know you are displeased by these restraints, but they were necessary to prepare the vessel." fгeewebnovёl.com
William's eyes, now burning with an unnatural intensity, scanned the assembled figures. They were weak, their power paltry compared to the demonic energy coursing through his veins. Only the leader posed a potential threat, but even he would be no match for a surprise attack.
A cruel smile twisted William's lips. "Ah, is that so?" he purred, his voice dripping with false reassurance. "Forgive my... outburst."
The leader, momentarily relieved, gasped as a searing pain pierced his chest. He looked down to see the obsidian blade protruding from his heart, its dark surface slick with blood.
"B-but why...?" he choked out, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Those were his last words. He crumpled to the ground, lifeless. A notification flashed before William's eyes, confirming the kill and the experience points gained. It was the first time he had taken a human life.
He had slain the demon, of course, but that felt different, less...real. He should have felt remorse, guilt, but those emotions were strangely absent. Instead, a dark satisfaction bloomed within him, a thirst for vengeance against those who had sought to sacrifice him.
With a roar, William lunged at the nearest cultist, his sword a blur of deadly motion. He cleaved through flesh and bone, severing limbs, heads, and torsos.
Blood splattered across the altar, staining the stone floor crimson. The enhanced strength and agility granted by the demonic energy made each attack effortless, each strike precise and devastating.
The cultists' screams echoed through the chamber, their desperate pleas for mercy falling on deaf ears. William, consumed by a terrifying rage, cut them down without hesitation.
Some attempted to fight back, one even managing to plunge a dagger deep into William's shoulder. The pain was intense, but in that moment of adrenaline-fueled fury, he barely registered it.
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The carnage ended. Silence descended, heavy and oppressive. William fell to his knees, the reality of his actions crashing down upon him.
He had just slaughtered a room full of people. Blood stained his hands, his clothes, the very air he breathed. He buried his face in his hands, overwhelmed by the enormity of what he had done. He tried to convince himself it was self-defense, that they had intended to kill him first.
But a nagging voice whispered doubts in his ear. Was this truly him? Or was the demonic energy influencing his actions, pushing him towards violence?
He rose, his legs shaky, and stumbled out of the chamber. Following a set of wooden stairs, he emerged into a grand mansion, nestled deep within the forest.
This was the cult's headquarters, a place of dark rituals and sinister secrets. He briefly searched for valuables, hoping to find something useful, but found nothing of interest.
Outside, he washed the blood from his body in the cool water of a nearby well, scrubbing at his skin until it was free of the crimson stain.
He changed into a simple peasant's outfit he found within the mansion, the rough fabric a stark contrast to his usual attire. Two horses grazed peacefully nearby. Recognition sparked in William's eyes. These were the horses stolen from him and Gorn.
'Those bastards,' he thought, his anger rekindled.
He returned to the deserted town, the tavern looming like a specter in the eerie silence. Most of the townsfolk had been present at the ritual, leaving the streets deserted. He found Gorn pacing anxiously in front of the tavern, his face etched with worry.
"Lad!" Gorn exclaimed, rushing towards William and pulling him into a tight embrace. "What in the world happened?"
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"I can explain on the way," William replied grimly. "Let's get out of here!"
Gorn nodded, mounting one of the horses. William followed suit, and they rode out of the cursed town, leaving the horrors behind them.
William recounted his harrowing experience, carefully omitting the details of the demonic energy absorption and the ensuing massacre.
He claimed to have been captured, but concocted a believable escape, attributing his freedom to a combination of luck and resourcefulness. Gorn, though sensing some gaps in the story, trusted William implicitly.
"I'm glad you managed to escape that dreadful situation," Gorn said, relief washing over him. "And they were the ones who stole our horses? Mother fuckers!"
"Yes," William confirmed, eager to put the ordeal behind him. "I found them outside that mansion. Honestly, the whole experience was rather traumatic. I'd prefer to focus on our journey now."
"Agreed," Gorn said, steering their conversation towards safer topics.
They resumed their travels, the magic school drawing ever closer. The remaining journey was uneventful, a welcome respite after their harrowing encounter. While William appreciated the peace, a part of him craved excitement, a yearning for adventure that simmered beneath the surface.
That excitement arrived in the form of two magnificent griffins. Gorn, ever resourceful, had arranged for these majestic creatures to carry them over the treacherous mountain range that lay ahead.
"Gods above!" William exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe. "Why are we riding griffins?"
"We're entering a mountainous region," Gorn explained, "and traveling by horse would take far too long. These magnificent beasts will carry us to the city where your magic school awaits. It should take no more than seven days."
The final leg of their journey had begun, and with it, a sense of anticipation and wonder filled William's heart. He was ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that awaited him at the academy.
A nervous thrill coursed through William as he clambered onto the griffin, tentatively stroking its beak as the handler had instructed. The creature, surprisingly docile, responded with a soft chirp. With a powerful leap, they took to the sky.
William gasped, the wind whipping through his hair, the world stretching out beneath him like an endless tapestry. He had never experienced flight like this, the freedom and exhilaration unlike anything he could have imagined.
Gorn soared beside him, a wide grin splitting his weathered face. "Magnificent, isn't it?" he shouted over the wind.
The towering mountains, their snow-capped peaks gleaming in the sunlight, painted a breathtaking panorama. William, mesmerized by the sheer beauty of it all, took a moment to respond.
"It's incredible!" he yelled back, his voice filled with awe. "This is the best part of the journey!"
"You bet it is!" Gorn roared, guiding his griffin into a graceful arc.
And so, seven days passed. William savored every moment of the journey, and then, from a mountaintop, he beheld the city that would be his home for a considerable time!
It was enormous, with towering stone walls and even taller buildings. A short distance from the city, on an even higher part of the mountain, stood a colossal structure, encircled by a rampart and a blue barrier, like some magical shield.
"That's the magic school you'll be attending," Gorn said, pointing towards it. "But first, we'll take a break in the city. You still have a few days before your exam, I believe."
"Understood," William replied.
Excitement thrummed through him. He had finally reached his destination.
They dismounted their griffins at the city's edge, the majestic creatures folding their wings as they settled onto the ground. While the griffins could have easily soared over the towering walls, the city had strict regulations against aerial entry.
The path leading up to the gate was sparsely populated, not due to any lack of appeal, but because of the treacherous mountain trails that served as the only access point. The Snowpeak Mount, as it was known, stood in stark contrast to the gentler landscapes William was accustomed to.
"This is The Snowpeak Mount. What do you think?" Gorn asked, a hint of pride in his voice.
Even having traversed through worlds thus seeing great things back on Earth, William found himself captivated by the city's grandeur. Its ancient stone architecture, accented by the subtle shimmer of ambient magic, exuded an aura of timeless wonder.
"Looking pretty magical," William admitted, his gaze sweeping over the cityscape. "But how long do we have to wait until the exam?"
"A few days. Let's get inside, shall we?" Gorn gestured towards the imposing front gate.
The guards, clad in gleaming armor, conducted a thorough search, their practiced hands expertly checking for any contraband.
"Why are you two coming to the city?" one guard inquired, his voice sharp and alert.
"I am taking him to the exam to enter the magic school," Gorn explained patiently. "After everything is done, I'll be leaving."
The guard's stern expression softened slightly. "Oh, another student coming for the exam," he remarked with a hint of amusement. "Many of them arrived last month. I think this year's exam might be exciting. Anyway, go in, and enjoy your stay."
The gate swung open, revealing a bustling city with cobblestone streets teeming with people. The air hummed with activity, a stark contrast to the serene mountain path they had just traversed.
But beyond the bustling markets and impressive displays of magic, what struck William most was the pervasive sense of security.
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The city guard, a mix of seasoned warriors and powerful mages, some even graduates of Snowpeak Mount's esteemed academy, patrolled the streets with an air of confident authority.
"This is incredible," William breathed, his eyes wide with wonder. "There are alchemy shops, enchantment shops, magic tomes shops… This is a paradise for anyone seeking knowledge!"
He was captivated by the sheer variety of magical wares on display, and this wasn't even the school itself! He knew that within the academy's walls lay even greater treasures – ancient texts and rare spellbooks, accessible to students who proved their worth. The prospect ignited a fire of ambition within him.
"Hungry?" Gorn asked, interrupting William's awestruck musings. "First, let's find a safe place for the griffins."
Though their arrival on griffin-back had initially drawn some curious glances, it was hardly an uncommon sight. Griffins were a favored mode of transport for those journeying to Snowpeak Mount, offering both speed and safety in equal measure.
The city boasted a well-equipped care center specifically for flying mounts. They led their griffins through a grand archway into a spacious stable, where attendants bustled about, tending to a variety of winged creatures.
"Alright, it's 50 silver coins a day. Understood?" the gruff owner declared, eyeing them with a practiced gaze.
Gorn nodded, handing over the payment without hesitation, and then steered William back towards the city center, his familiarity with the winding streets evident.
He moved with the assurance of someone who had walked these paths many times before, a fact that did not escape William's notice.
"This isn't your first time here, is it?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
Gorn chuckled. "You're quite perceptive, lad. And no, it isn't. I've been here many times throughout my life."
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The more Gorn revealed, the more enigmatic he became. He possessed the skills of a seasoned warrior, yet presented himself as a simple hunter from the remote village of Willow Creek.
How could a hunter afford such frequent trips to Snowpeak Mount? Where did he acquire his wealth and his combat prowess?
Despite his growing curiosity, William held onto his trust in Gorn. He sensed that the man had his reasons for keeping secrets, and that in time, those secrets would be revealed.
They went to a tavern to get some food and rest after their difficult journey.
The place was called Dale Ale. When they pushed the door open, many eyes went straight to them.
William wasn't scared of being stared at anymore. He looked back and noticed a few young faces in the bar, each accompanied by someone older.
He didn't need much knowledge to understand who those people were – people wanting to take the same exam as he was. Judging by the scanning eyes the young folks gave William, they were thinking the same thing.
Gorn went to the counter to speak with the attendant, ordering some food and a room for later. They chose a table in the corner of the tavern, ate their food, and went to their rooms afterward.
As William was going up the staircase, before he could even take the first step, a young man stopped in front of him. The young man was blond, not that tall, and slim. "Hey, nice to meet you. I am Altair."
"William," William said, shaking the man's hand. He didn't understand why that person came to speak with him, but there was no need to act rude when the other party wasn't.
"I can tell you are taking the exam in a few days. You know there are a few spots, right? So, good luck. I hope you and I can get our spots," Altair said with a smile, and then he left, returning to his table.
"Good luck to you too," William said while Altair was moving away. The youth heard it, as he turned his head to see William and give him a thumbs up.
As they were going up the staircase, William muttered, "That was strange."
Gorn was right beside him. "It could be one of two things: either this Altair is targeting you, which means you'll have some problems in the future, or he's just someone who wants to be friends if both of you get into the magic academy."
William was hoping it was the latter. He wasn't looking to make enemies before even stepping foot inside the magic academy. That would be horrendous.
They went all the way up to the tavern's third floor where their room was. Yes, their room. The city had so many people coming for the exams that they didn't have any more rooms left. The good part was that the room itself was pretty big, and it had two beds inside.
"The tavern owner certainly knows his customers, or maybe he prepared it especially for the exam period," William said as he jumped on the single bed.
"Yep. They often change the rooms when the city gets more visitors, like during the exam period. They know the aspiring acolytes always come with a guard or a mentor, so that's why they design the rooms like this."
William gave an acknowledging nod. "These owners are pretty smart."
"That's how they keep their profit."
The two decided to rest after the long journey. William slept like a rock on the single bed, while Gorn slept on the king-size bed.
It was around 5 pm when they slept, only waking up the next day at around 5 am... That was a lot of sleep. William woke up feeling like he had been hit by a truck.
'Not sleeping sucks, sleeping too much sucks too,' he complained internally.
According to their calculations, they still had two free days before the exam, and Gorn wanted to make sure William was prepared. Two days before the exam. It wasn't a decent time to train for anything. No one would be training during this period. But it was important for William to understand how the exam worked and what he should expect. Gorn and William were sitting on the bed, talking about it.
"Before anything, I've never participated in these exams," Gorn said.
William was expecting to hear something similar to that, but what he heard next shook him to his core.
"But I have participated in the examination boards, so I know how the process works and the best things to do to get a good score," Gorn said.
The whole thing about Gorn's identity was just too much for William to handle. It seemed like every time, Gorn became even more mysterious.
A 'normal' person could never participate in the examination board of such a great magic academy. Hell, a 'normal' person would never participate in any board.
So how was Gorn there? A simple hunter with some good skills? William didn't believe any of that.
"I won't even ask you how you are on this board," William said, rolling his eyes at the statement.
Gorn, on the other hand, said, "I was once a teacher in that school. To become one, you don't have to go through the same exam the students go through. It was another one."
That, at least, was some explanation. William didn't push him for more answers. It was good enough for him.
"So the first part of the exam is in fact the talent thing you did. They admit people with various talents, as this is something that can be improved, and it doesn't mean you are smart or will become someone powerful. After that, those who passed the talent test will go to the second test, which is basically a field thing. They change the area every time so I don't know for certain, but expect to use your body to endure harsh conditions."
The first two tests weren't concerning to William. He knew he had a good talent, so the first test was already a win. And his body was his strongest asset, so the second test was in the bag too. But the rest of the exam was another story.
"The third exam is comprised of fights between those who have passed the other tests. Remember this clearly," Gorn said, calling for William's attention. "This test is not looking for the one who wins the fight. You get points based on your usage of the runes, the spells, how many spells you show during combat, and how well you fight. Don't go there trying to just win without showing what you are capable of."
Well, that certainly was a good piece of information; some people taking the exams would know it, and some wouldn't.
"The last part of the exam is the hardest. You'll be staying in the magic academy as if you were already a student, but you won't be before passing this test," Gorn said.
William paid close attention to what Gorn was saying. He didn't want to mess up his chance of becoming a student in that prestigious school! He wanted access to the books, the resources, the teachers that could guide him! William wanted to become stronger.
"You'll be staying for one month in the school. Not taking classes or anything, but you can use the library. Anyway, the test is essentially this: the more spells you learn during this time, the more points you get," Gorn explained.
This part worked with a points system. The lower-ranked spells earned fewer points, but they were easier to learn, so you could learn more than one during the one-month period. The higher the spell rank, the higher the points acquired.
But Gorn warned William, "You need to learn at least one spell during this time. I have seen so many students trying to learn high-ranking spells to get the highest points, and in the end, they learn nothing and lose their chances. Play it smart during this part."
"Understood."
William now knew how all the parts of the exam worked, which was huge for him.
"This won't give you a major advantage, though. The nobles already know all of this, maybe even more. But at least you are on equal terms with them," Gorn explained.
The people trying to enter the magic academy ranged from poor to rich, influential to not influential. Everyone knew the nobles had access to information the commoners couldn't get, but that didn't mean the commoners couldn't enter the magic academy. In fact, there were more commoners than nobles, and the number was steadily increasing.
Anyway, William spent the remainder of the time after that conversation resting. He rested for the entirety of the two days, only going out to eat and explore some parts of the city. He didn't train a single day. He wanted to keep his mind fresh and sharp for the upcoming tests, so it wasn't a good idea to overexert himself.
It had been a while since the last time he used his SSS skill, but he didn't have the chance during the journey—Gorn would see him use it, and that couldn't happen. But William sensed that he would be using it soon.
The morning of the first day of exams arrived, and they set off, heading all the way toward the highest part of the mountain where the magic academy was located. Could they use their griffins to get there faster? In theory, yes, but there was a barrier close to the magic academy that made flying impossible.
William noticed other students who were also heading toward the academy, just like them. In fact, he even spotted Altair, who came to talk with him. The blond lad looked as happy as ever.
"Hey, William. Excited for the tests?" Altair said; then he leaned closer to William, whispering, "Want to know how the tests work?"
That was pretty nice of Altair, being willing to share how the tests worked with William.
"Thank you, but I already know," William said, smiling. "But thank you. Not everyone seems to be willing to help."
Altair looked at the other students around them with scorn. "Yeah, you can expect these students to be mostly pricks, especially the nobles." He then added, "I know the nobles can be jerks because I am a noble myself, but I am not a jerk, obviously."
The two decided to chat during their journey to the academy. It took them around an hour of walking to get there. Altair looked somewhat exhausted.
'He certainly is not a mage who focuses on the body, like me,' thought William.
They all stopped in front of an imposing gate. The walls surrounding the school were massive, entirely made of stone. Towers stood at each corner of the school with guards stationed above, staffs in hand, ready to protect the school if anything happened.
But even before that, the school had a magical barrier protecting it. It was one of the safest places in the entire kingdom.
All the students were gathered in front of the gate, waiting for the exam supervisor to show up. They couldn't just enter; there were rules for them to follow.
William waited there, his heart beating fast and his fingers fidgeting without a break.
"Relax," Gorn said.
That wasn't enough to relax him. But he wasn't nervous because he believed he wouldn't pass the test. He was just excited to start it as soon as possible!
The school's front gate buzzed with nervous energy. William, though outwardly calm, felt a flutter of anticipation in his stomach. He observed the crowd, noting the varied ages and backgrounds of the applicants. Some were barely older than Maya, while others appeared to be in their late twenties.
"Gorn," he whispered, "what's the age range at this academy?"
"There's a minimum age to enroll, but no maximum," Gorn explained. "It's common to see students of all ages in the same class, though most are between sixteen and twenty-four. Older students are rarer."
William recalled that the minimum age was sixteen, but that didn't mean aspiring mages only began their training then. Nobles, with their privileged access to resources and tutors, often started much younger, giving them a significant head start. William had only begun his magical journey recently, but his experiences in the past and his unique skillset gave him a distinct advantage.
"You might be slightly behind some of these nobles," Gorn said, his voice filled with confidence, "but with your talent, you'll surpass them in no time."
William knew his talent was above average, but not extraordinary. It was his Chrono Shift ability that truly set him apart. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt, knowing he possessed an unfair advantage.
Thirty minutes crawled by, the tension in the hall thickening. A young noble, his impatience evident, voiced his frustration. "Our families practically fund this school!" he complained loudly. "Why are they treating us like this?"
Just then, an elderly man in flowing gray robes materialized at the top of the grand gate. His long white beard and hair framed a face remarkably devoid of wrinkles. He floated effortlessly to the ground, his eyes twinkling with an ageless wisdom.
"The school is free," the man boomed, his voice amplified by magic, "and everyone receives the same treatment. Our esteemed researchers and professors serve the kingdom, not your coin purses, young man."
William glanced at Gorn, whose face had drained of color. "What's wrong?" William whispered.
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"Th-that's the headmaster!" Gorn stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know why he's here!"
The young noble, his arrogance deflated, opened his mouth to retort, but an older man beside him intervened. "I apologize for my son's impudence, Headmaster," the man said, bowing respectfully.
The headmaster smiled. "It's understandable. Youngsters have much to learn." He surveyed the crowd, his gaze piercing. "For those who don't know me, I am Tholfnir, Headmaster of this academy."
A hush fell over the hall. The earlier commotion evaporated, replaced by a respectful silence. No one dared to anger the man who held their future in his hands.
"The supervisor for today's entrance exam is usually a professor," Tholfnir continued, "but due to unforeseen circumstances, I will be overseeing the proceedings myself. Consider yourselves fortunate to have this opportunity to impress me directly."
William felt a surge of anxiety. He looked at Gorn, his voice barely a whisper. "Is this good or bad?"
"Good if you have something impressive to show him," Gorn replied, his voice low, "and bad if you...don't. I think you'll be just fine."
"First," Tholfnir announced, his voice resonating with authority, "we shall enter the academy grounds. The initial tests will be conducted within."
With a groan of ancient hinges, the massive gates swung open, revealing a glimpse of the wonders within. The sight drew gasps from the assembled crowd.
William felt dwarfed by the sheer scale of the entrance, its grandeur a testament to the prestige of the institution. Headmaster Tholfnir led the way, pausing to address the applicants.
"Only those participating in the entrance exam may proceed," he declared. "All others are to return to the city."
Gorn, along with the other guardians, bid their farewells. "We'll speak later," Gorn said, squeezing William's shoulder. "You'll likely have two stages of testing today."
"Alright," William replied, his confidence unwavering. He knew exactly what to expect, thanks to the information Gorn gave him. "Thank you for accompanying me this far."
Gorn ruffled William's hair with a grin. "It was my pleasure, lad. Good luck."
Similar scenes unfolded amongst the other applicants, a mix of encouragement and nervous anticipation hanging in the air. Once the farewells were complete, Tholfnir turned and led the way through the gates.
As the last student entered, the gates swung shut with a resounding boom, sealing them within the academy grounds.
A reverent silence fell over the group as they followed the headmaster. Perhaps if a regular professor had been leading them, their demeanor would have been more relaxed, but Tholfnir commanded respect.
He was a legendary figure, a mage of immense power, capable of devastating force. Rumors circulated about his abilities, some claiming he could single-handedly defeat thirty thousand mages, a staggering thought.
They arrived at a courtyard, a tranquil oasis of lush greenery interwoven with winding stone paths. Benches nestled beneath ancient trees offered a place for contemplation and study. Tholfnir stopped before a large crystal, its surface shimmering with an inner light. ƒгeewebnovёl.com
"This crystal will assess your magical aptitude," he explained. "While I believe everyone present possesses the potential to pass, this serves as a formality before the true test."
William recognized the crystal from his previous experience. While it was true that everyone seemed to pass this stage, he suspected there was more to it than met the eye. As he observed the other applicants step forward, he noticed Tholfnir's keen interest in those who displayed exceptional talent.
The headmaster was clearly identifying promising candidates, those who might warrant greater attention and resources should they gain admission.
William's turn arrived. He placed his hand on the cool crystal surface. A vibrant light erupted, its intensity exceeding that of the previous applicants.
But this time, there was a difference. A subtle darkness swirled within the brilliance, a shadow that caught Tholfnir's attention. The headmaster's eyes narrowed, a flicker of curiosity in their depths, but he remained silent.
Once all the applicants had been assessed, they proceeded to the next stage of the exam, held in the sprawling forest behind the academy.
"Your talent seems quite strong, William," Altair remarked as they followed Tholfnir along a wooded path. "Let's focus on passing the remaining tests."
"Yes, of course," William replied, a confident grin spreading across his face. "I believe we can do it."
They exited through a smaller gate at the rear of the academy, the throng of hopefuls numbering somewhere between one hundred and one hundred and twenty. Tholfnir's voice, amplified by magic, cut through the air.
"This test is eliminatory," he declared, his gaze sweeping across the anxious faces. "Our aim is to reduce your numbers by at least half. For those unaware, there are a maximum of thirty-five places available in this year's intake."
The news brought a wave of tension. Thirty-five places... the competition was fierce. The forest behind the academy, though seemingly devoid of major threats, pressed in on them, its silence broken only by the rustling of leaves and the occasional bird call.
"Each of you will be given a ring," Tholfnir explained, holding up a simple silver band. "For every beast you eliminate, a portion of its mana will be transferred to the ring, accumulating points."
A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd. The test sounded straightforward enough. But then Tholfnir added, "You may also absorb a portion of the mana from the rings of other students. This will grant you more points than slaying beasts and, of course, eliminate your competition."
The atmosphere instantly shifted. A palpable sense of unease settled over the group. The rules had just changed the game, turning a test of skill into a ruthless battle for survival. Every smile vanished, replaced by wary glances and calculating stares. Alliances were out of the question; in this forest, there were no friends, only rivals.
Maybe we can start an alliance?" Altair whispered to William.
Tension crackled through the air, thick and suffocating. Altair, despite his friendly demeanor, was undeniably a competitor. William, though tempted by the offer, hesitated. Trusting anyone in this cutthroat exam felt like a recipe for disaster.
"We can discuss that near the end of the trial," Altair proposed, sensing William's hesitation, "if either of us needs a boost."
"Alright," William agreed, a flicker of caution still lingering in his eyes.
The silver rings they had been given pulsed with a faint light, their purpose more sinister than their plain appearance suggested.
Tholfnir explained their function, revealing their connection to one another and their ability to shift color based on the wearer's ranking.
Those in the top half, with sufficient mana accumulated, would see their rings glow green, a beacon of safety. Those lagging behind would be marked with a glaring red, a target for those desperate to climb the ranks.
As Tholfnir distributed the rings, they remained colorless, dormant until the start of the trial.
"The exam will last twelve hours," Tholfnir announced, his voice booming through the forest. "Severely injuring your fellow participants is strictly prohibited. If you find yourself outmatched, surrender. I will be observing you all closely."
His words held a chilling weight, a reminder that while ruthless ambition was encouraged, crossing the line would have severe consequences.
After explaining everything to them, it was time to start the actual test. The first hour was for the participants to scatter through the forest and find a place to hide or find beasts to kill to earn points. Fights between them were prohibited at the start, only allowed after one hour had passed.
Everyone went to a different part of the forest. William observed some of the participants, and apparently, almost no one was forming teams, only a few were. freewēbnoveℓ.com
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The chilling wind of the forest hit William like razor blades as he walked through the snowy terrain. The school was on top of a mountain, after all.
'Where should I hide?' William pondered, looking at his surroundings.
One of the first things he realized was how the forest had barely any beasts. While most of the students didn't know how to hunt—especially the nobles—he did, and there were almost no tracks.
It was as if that whole part of the exam was focused on the fights between the students and not the actual fight against beasts.
'But if I want to absorb the mana from someone else's ring, it must have mana, right? So they need to kill beasts to get it?'
Considering everyone started at 0 points, they needed to kill beasts first before even trying to steal the points from someone else. So if that was the case, then where were the beasts? William had that doubt in his mind.
After walking for 20 minutes, always looking around him, making sure no one was following him, he saw it: a cave in the middle of the forest. William walked toward it and went inside.
A cave in the forest was not uncommon. It was actually pretty common to find them. William walked toward it slowly. If beasts were in the area, a cave like that one was the perfect spot for them to live.
Once inside, he realized how dark it was. Having no source of light made it very hard to see. William's caution increased tenfold. He didn't want to step on the wrong place or get attacked by a beast pouncing at his neck from the pitch-black darkness.
But things changed after he walked a little bit further. He saw a few torches on the wall, glowing with a green light.
'Magical torches,' William murmured.
The torches made it possible for him to see clearly, and the deeper he went, the more torches he saw. At one point, he came to a stone door marked with the symbol of a skull. William noticed a letter written next to it and picked it up to read.
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"This is a special area for the test. Inside, you will find many skeletons and undead beasts. There are entrances scattered all over the forest, and this is where you will encounter the monsters to earn points." - Tholfnir.
It was a letter written by the school's headmaster, the person responsible for watching over the exams. They had built a type of dungeon with the beasts inside, and all the students would go to that underground area to find the monsters.
'This will make hiding much harder once all the students are down there,' William thought.
That would force the students into fighting against each other to get the points and secure a spot for the next test!
Anyway, William had no choice but to enter, so he pushed the door open and continued forward.
The first thing he saw was a hallway completely made of stone, with the same torches on the walls. It was easy to see inside—not all participants knew a spell that could light up the area, so they had to use the torches so that everyone had a fair chance.
William had been in this new area for only 10 seconds when a monster came his way. It was a skeleton with a curved sword and a wooden shield. The skeleton wasn't that strong. William tried to focus to see if he could at least determine what level the creature was, and it worked.
[Skeleton]
[Level: 3]
That was the approximate level of the monster, and the name suggested by the system was basic too.
William couldn't see the attributes of the monster or anything else related to it. The level itself was not a good thing to focus on too much!
Gorn had warned him that things may have the same level, but their attributes could be vastly different.
So the level 3 skeleton could have similar attributes to another creature that was level 10!
William himself was a testament to that. His level had stayed the same, but his attributes had increased dramatically with the absorption of demonic energy.
He still had his sword—in fact, he had two of them, the 'normal' one and the demonic one. William used the 'normal' one to fight against the skeleton.
He didn't wait for the monster to come to him but instead moved toward it with tremendous speed. He was in front of it in seconds.
The recent boosts in his attributes were certainly making a huge difference.
With a clean slash, William cut off the monster's head, or rather, its skull. The skeleton didn't resist and died instantly, falling to the ground and shattering into pieces.
[+50 EXP]
William then noticed a blue energy emanating from the skeleton's bones and flowing straight to his ring, making it shine with a green light.
'A green light! So I might be among the first ones to actually find this place,' William realized.
He couldn't just stand there after killing just one monster. William moved forward, looking for more creatures to kill to earn more points!
Then he saw more skeletons coming his way. It was a group of ten this time, far more than the previous encounter! But that wasn't scaring him.
'Let's kill these bald skeletons!' William thought as he gripped his sword tightly and charged toward the group.
The skeletons had varied weapons. Some used swords while others used spears or even bows. That made the fight much harder for William. While fighting in close range with the skeletons, he had to keep his attention on the ones with bows.
A hit by an arrow would hurt a lot. It wasn't a good thing to get hurt during the first hours of the exam, as it would lower his chances of passing the first part.
However, even with the numerical advantage, the skeletons were still too weak compared to William. All of his sword slashes had tremendous force behind them, and the skeletons couldn't withstand it.
One even tried to block with its shield, but it was destroyed instantly, and the skeleton met the same fate. As for the arrows coming his way, William's reflexes were so great that he dodged or deflected them using his sword.
Every single one of the skeletons perished against him. He didn't receive a single blow. William smiled when he saw the EXP notifications and looked at the ring shining with a green light on his finger.
Things were going in the right direction for him, at least during the first part of the exam.
'There are like 11 hours until it ends, so I cannot get lazy!' William reminded himself.
The worst part for him was traversing that place. It consisted mostly of hallways with no room for a proper fight, and it had many different paths to follow, meaning it was easy to get lost.
Eventually, William arrived at an open area. It was a large room with a high ceiling and enough space for a proper fight. In fact, it was quite big. It reminded William of an arena, like the ones gladiators used—though gladiators didn't fight in creepy dungeons, or did they?
William stepped into the open area, and that's when he saw a coffin in the middle of the room. That was not a great sign.
"I've played enough RPGs to know that this is shaping up to be a boss fight," William said.
One didn't need to be particularly clever to realize the room held a more powerful creature than the skeletons he had faced before.
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Then, as William got close enough, the coffin lid creaked open. From within, an undead creature emerged.
Unlike the skeletons, this one had skin! It looked like a mummy with a long robe and a golden staff in its hands.
William tried to discern some information about the creature, like its level, but it didn't work. He could only see the levels of very weak creatures like the skeletons. His proficiency wasn't high enough yet to see higher levels.
But William could sense its power! Gorn had said the most accurate way of gauging an enemy's strength was through its aura. The aura this undead creature emanated was decent, but it was still weaker compared to William's.
His recent boosts in attributes, with a total of 20 points added to all of them, had turned him into a completely different beast.
That essentially doubled his attributes, so his actual power was far beyond what those creatures possessed. He wasn't scared of them. William jumped into the arena, sword in hand.
One of the things he considered was using his skills to boost his attributes even further, but it was wise to conserve mana and only use them if strictly necessary. William believed his power without the skills was enough to fight against that creature.
With that in mind, he dashed toward the creature, his image a blur. The undead creature wasn't as simple as the skeletons from before. It waved its staff and created runes that cast dark energy toward William.
He jumped to the side to avoid the attack. The ground where the dark energy hit started to melt. William was glad he had managed to avoid such a devastating attack.
But now it was his turn to fight back. William didn't have any actual combat skills, only self-buffs, but with his high attributes, even normal slashes from his sword caused tremendous damage. He swung his sword right at the undead's arm, trying to cut off the arm holding the staff.
The undead floated away from the attack, avoiding it completely. Then, it cast yet another spell. This time, the dark energy shapeshifted into ropes, binding William in place.
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"Damn!" he cursed.
With his movements restrained like that, he would become an easy target for the undead's other spells. That was not ideal.
However, William was not the kind of person to give up easily. He didn't want to use any skills, but he had to in this situation.
He drew a few runes in the air and then activated them! The runic symbols appeared on his body, and he shone with a blue light.
"Kinetic Burst!"
William's body surged forward like a battering ram! The force behind the advance was so great that the magical ropes binding his body snapped. The undead was not expecting that! William, with his sword in hand, took advantage of the propulsion from Kinetic Burst and cut the undead creature in half!
[+400 EXP]
It was dead. William wiped a drop of sweat from his forehead with his hand. "That was dangerous."
Without a spell to break free from those ropes, William's situation would have been much different, and he likely would have lost that fight.
But thankfully, that wasn't the case. He looked around to see if he spotted more enemies or even one of the other participants, but there was nothing around him. So, he continued his exploration.
---
While all of that was happening, Tholfnir was floating above the forest with a crystal orb in hand. With it, he could see everything that was happening in the test. Tholfnir saw the fight between William and the undead creature.
"This young man is quite impressive... His body is far stronger than anyone else... And his aptitude test had that strange color too..."
After witnessing such a display of skill, Tholfnir made a mental note to pay close attention to William and what he would accomplish in the future.
--- freēwebnovel.com
William encountered the first participant in one of the hallways right after fighting the undead creature. It was a noble, judging by his attire. The young man saw William and how his ring had a green light.
"Hey," the noble said, scorn in his voice, "you can just give me the mana in your ring without a fight, so let's get this over with."
The noble was confident in his skills and wasn't scared of William. One reason was that William didn't look like a noble.
To him, commoners had far less magical training and therefore couldn't win against him in a fight. William also saw the green light emanating from the noble's ring, but he wasn't the type—or rather, stupid enough—to waste time talking with his adversary.
He dashed forward and attacked the noble. The speed at which his body moved shocked the noble, whose eyes went wide with despair.
It was impossible to dodge. William cut the noble on the arm, making sure the wound wasn't deep enough to cause permanent damage or disqualify him from the exam.
"Stop it!" the noble screamed, begging for his life. "I'll just give you my points, don't hurt me!"
The noble transferred all of his points to William and walked away. It was wiser that way. At least his wounds weren't so bad that he wouldn't be able to earn back his points. What he didn't want was to be beaten up so badly by William that he couldn't fight anymore.
William now had a lot of points, but that was just the beginning of the exam!The exam soon turned into a fierce battle. It wasn't the undead creatures inside the dungeon that were the real enemies. Once most of the participants had some points in their rings, the number of creatures down there diminished greatly.
So, how could they get more points? Fighting against other participants was the answer. Some didn't even have any points, but they had the chance of winning against someone who did and climbing back into the green rankings.
William walked through one of the dark hallways, and that's where he found a familiar face: Altair. The first thing William checked was the youth's ring, which had a red light.
"Altair," William said with a smile, "do you want some help getting points?"
Altair had always treated William well and, up to that point, had never given him a reason not to trust him.
"William," Altair said, checking William's ring, "so you are in the green zone. Ay, I'm in trouble here."
"There's no need to panic. We still have three hours, more than enough time for us to get you some points," William said.
After facing that noble, William had spent most of his time just walking around and avoiding others. He didn't want to lose his points and didn't need to earn more. But now he wanted to make sure he would have enough when the exam ended, so it was a good idea to get some more.
Altair stepped forward and put a hand on William's shoulder. "Would you really help me with this? I wouldn't know how to repay you..." he said with a deep sigh.
"We can talk about that later if we both get into the school. Come on," William said, gesturing with his hand, "let's find someone to take some points from."
Altair was at a loss for words but followed William nonetheless. He wanted to get into the school. It was his dream, and getting some help wouldn't make it any less important to him.
They soon found another one of those open areas that looked like arenas, and that's where they found a few people fighting each other.
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There were a total of five people there, making it a messy and destructive scene. William and Altair crouched behind a stone pillar, watching the scene ahead with caution and care, trying not to make any noises that might attract unnecessary attention.
"That's our chance to sneak in and knock someone down," William whispered. "They won't even see it coming."
Altair nodded. "Understood. But who will we get first?"
With five different targets, it was difficult to single out the best one. William decided to wait and watch for a while before acting. He also formulated a plan in his mind. "I'll go behind someone, bear hug them, and you'll knock them down somehow."
Altair was the one who desperately needed points, so they wanted to get him the 'last hit.'
"Are you sure this will work?" Altair asked, doubt lingering in his voice. "Can you really hold them down like that?"
The plan was daring, relying on William's physical prowess, a stark contrast to the magic-focused strategies of the other applicants. But William had no doubts. Subduing these pampered nobles would be child's play.
"My part is no problem," William assured Altair, a confident grin spreading across his face. "But what about you? Can you knock them out without causing serious injury? Remember, we can't risk disqualification."
Altair nodded, his expression determined. "I can handle it."
The plan was set, but the timing was crucial. They had to wait for the perfect opportunity to strike.
The five participants in the arena were locked in a chaotic struggle, spells flying in all directions. One unleashed a torrent of fire, creating a blazing inferno that forced the others to scramble for safety. Their movements were restricted, their focus consumed by evading the flames.
Suddenly, another youth countered with water magic, dousing the flames and creating a thick cloud of steam. In that moment of confusion, the fire mage stumbled towards William and Altair's hiding spot, separated from the others.
"Now's our chance!" William hissed. "Let's go!"
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He activated Swiftfoot, his body surging with enhanced agility. He shot out from behind the rock, a blur of motion. Before the fire mage could react, William had him pinned to the ground, his superior strength undeniable.
"Let me go!" the fire mage yelled, his voice laced with panic. His struggles were futile against William's superior strength.
The other participants in the arena paused their duel, their eyes widening in surprise at William's sudden appearance and the sheer speed he had displayed. Even Altair, despite their plan, seemed taken aback. He arrived moments later, panting slightly from the exertion.
"You can give all your points to him," William said to the captive mage, nodding towards Altair. "Or he'll have to...persuade you. The choice is yours."
The young mage remained silent, his focus consumed by futile attempts to break free. William's patience wore thin. They couldn't afford to linger; other participants might arrive at any moment.
"Do your thing, Altair," William said, hoisting the struggling mage higher.
Altair's hands glowed with a soft light as he swiftly formed the runes for a spell. Two shimmering gauntlets materialized around his fists, their magical energy crackling. William, though intrigued, kept his focus on their captive. freewebnovel.cσ๓
With a swift punch to the gut, Altair rendered the fire mage unconscious. A portion of mana flowed from the unconscious mage's ring to Altair's, its color shifting from a dull red to a vibrant green.
"Let's get out of here and find another target," William said, adrenaline coursing through him.
"Agreed," Altair replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
They vanished back into the maze of corridors, leaving the remaining four participants to their chaotic duel.
"Why didn't we take on the other four back there?" Altair asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"We need to use our numbers to our advantage," William explained. "Facing four opponents at once would have been reckless." The purpose of their alliance was to help Altair secure enough points to advance. Risking their progress for unnecessary battles went against their strategy.
Both their rings now glowed a reassuring green, but with two to three hours remaining, accumulating extra points was a wise precaution. However, their search for more targets proved fruitless. The corridors remained eerily empty.
They even returned to the arena where they had left the four participants, but it was deserted.
"Where is everyone?" Altair wondered aloud, his brow furrowed in confusion.
William quickly grasped the situation. "They've retreated to the forest," he said. "It's safer to hide there, and no one wants to risk losing their points so close to the end."
With renewed purpose, they navigated the maze-like corridors, emerging from the dungeon into the snowy forest. It was time to flush out those who sought refuge in the shadows. The hunt was far from over.
William, his senses honed from months of training in the wilds, led the way. But the steadily falling snow blanketed the forest floor, obscuring any trace of their quarry.
"The snow is covering their tracks," William muttered, frustration edging his voice. "This is going to be difficult."
Altair, though reassured by his green-glowing ring, couldn't shake a nagging worry. What if someone surpassed them in these final hours? The thought of being eliminated so close to the finish line was unsettling.
"Let's keep searching," he urged. "We still have time."
They pressed on, their eyes scanning the snow-laden branches and dense undergrowth. Suddenly, William froze, a faint sound reaching his keen ears.
"Shh," he whispered, silencing Altair. His enhanced senses confirmed his suspicions; someone was nearby.
He scanned the trees, his gaze drawn upwards. There, perched precariously on a high branch, a lone figure huddled amongst the leaves. Their eyes met, a silent exchange of surprise and apprehension.
"Get down here," William called out, his voice firm, "or I'll come up and get you."William was expecting the youth to be quiet and ignore what he said, but the man actually answered him.
"Please, find someone else," the youth pleaded, his voice trembling. "I-I need these points to get into the school and give my family a better life, please!"
With a quick analysis, William noticed that the youth had simple clothes. He even spotted a hole in the shirt the young man was using it. It was evident that the boy was one of the commoners.
"Are you speaking the truth?" William asked, "I don't want to get the spot of a commoner who really needs it." fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
"Yes, of course I am! Look, I know where a noble is hiding, so you can get his points!" the commoner blurted out, desperation clinging to his voice.
William exchanged glances with Altair. "I think it's better to target the nobles," Altair said, echoing William's own thoughts. "They have other options, other magic schools, private tutors... For commoners like them, this is their only chance."
"Fine," William agreed. "Where is this noble?"
The commoner's expression brightened slightly. "Actually, there are two of them," he revealed. "I saw them heading towards the waterfall." He gave them detailed directions.
Following the commoner's instructions, William and Altair located the river and the cascading waterfall. Behind the torrent of water, a hidden cave beckoned. They plunged through the icy spray, their hopes high, but the cave was empty. Either the commoner had lied, or the nobles had moved on.
"What do you think?" William asked, his voice laced with disappointment.
"He seemed honest," Altair replied, frowning. "I think they must have left."
Just as they were about to leave the cave, a figure materialized before them. It wasn't another student, but Headmaster Tholfnir himself. His long robes billowed around him, his presence radiating an aura of immense power.
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"You two," he boomed, his voice echoing through the cave, "you have accumulated enough points to advance. Remain here. I do not wish for others who are also passing to be unduly disadvantaged. Remember, I require at least half of the participants to succeed. You cannot simply hoard all the points for yourselves."
William's heart sank. He had hoped to impress the headmaster, but it seemed he had done the opposite.
"Do not be discouraged," Tholfnir said, sensing their dismay. "I am issuing the same warning to all those with high scores. I shall see you in a few hours." With a subtle gesture, he cast a teleportation spell, vanishing in a shimmer of light.
"That was scary," Altair admitted, letting out a shaky breath. "I thought we were in trouble."
"Me too," William agreed, his heart still pounding.
Relieved of the pressure to hunt down more students, William and Altair settled into an uneasy truce with the forest. They had secured their place in the next phase, and now all that remained was to wait.
"It's nice to finally relax," Altair sighed, sinking onto a moss-covered rock.
"Definitely," William agreed, stretching out his legs. "Do you know what the next part of the exam will be like?" Though Gorn had briefed him, he wanted to confirm the details.
"I believe it's a tournament," Altair replied. "A series of one-on-one duels. But honestly, I think everyone who made it this far will pass."
"Really?" William asked, surprised.
"Yes," Altair explained. "Considering the number of participants left, they won't cut many more."
Altair estimated that perhaps five more applicants might be eliminated in the next round, but no more than that. The final stage of the exam, the true test of their abilities, loomed on the horizon. That was the challenge William needed to prepare for now.
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The remaining hours of the trial passed in a blur of conversation and nervous anticipation. William and Altair discussed their hopes for the future, their dreams of mastering magic within the academy walls.
The trial's end came abruptly, heralded by Tholfnir's booming voice echoing through the forest.
"Return to the academy courtyard, now!"
The remaining participants, along with those who had failed, assembled before the headmaster. As predicted, roughly half had been eliminated. Tholfnir addressed the dejected group, offering words of encouragement before guards escorted them from the grounds.
Those who remained, their rings glowing green, faced the headmaster.
"Congratulations," Tholfnir said, his gaze sweeping across their faces. "You have proven yourselves worthy of continuing. You will stay at the academy tonight, and the next stage of the exam will commence tomorrow morning. I shall show you to your accommodations."
Tholfnir guided them through the sprawling academy grounds, finally arriving at a secluded building tucked away in the northwest corner. It appeared deserted, not due to neglect, but simply because it lacked the bustle of student life.
"These are the dormitories reserved for entrance exam participants," Tholfnir explained. "The regular students reside in other accommodations."
That explained the eerie quiet. Tholfnir assigned rooms at random, William receiving number eleven.
"I'm all the way in room thirty-eight," Altair grumbled. "Damn it, that's miles away."
Separated from his newfound ally, William offered a reassuring smile. "We can talk more tomorrow. See you then."
He entered his assigned room, surprised by its comfortable furnishings. A large bed with a plush mattress dominated the space, accompanied by a sturdy desk, a bookshelf stocked with intriguing titles, a small balcony overlooking the grounds, and a private bathroom.
It exceeded his expectations, and he imagined the rooms for regular students would be even more luxurious. But that was a concern for another day, assuming he passed the remaining trials.
Exhausted from the day's challenges, William simply closed the door, kicked off his boots, and collapsed onto the bed, falling into a deep slumber without bothering with dinner or a shower. Those were concerns for the morning.
He awoke hours before the designated wake-up time, a habit ingrained from his training with Gorn. With time to spare, he indulged in a hot shower and set out in search of sustenance. Unfamiliar with the academy layout, he wandered the grounds until he encountered a young girl with round glasses and vibrant green hair, sitting on a bench amidst the gardens.
"Why are you awake so early?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity. The morning air was frigid, but she seemed unfazed by the cold.
"I'm hungry," William admitted with a sheepish grin. "The exams are tiring."
"Ah, you're one of the applicants," she realized, her eyes widening slightly. She seemed eager to engage in conversation, but William pressed for the information he needed.
"Do you know where I can find some food?"
"Of course," she replied, pointing towards a grand building in the distance. "Head to the main building, turn left, and keep going straight. You'll find the dining hall there."
"Thank you," William said, offering a grateful nod.
He followed her directions, arriving at a spacious hall filled with long tables and bustling cooks preparing breakfast. At this early hour, only a few other students were present, their voices hushed in the quiet morning air.
William approached one of the cooks, an elderly man with a kind smile. "Excuse me," he asked, "but may I eat here? I'm participating in the entrance exam."
The cook's smile widened. "Of course, young man," he replied. "Grab a plate and help yourself."
The dining hall offered a staggering variety of breakfast options, from simple fare like bread, eggs, and bacon to more elaborate dishes typically reserved for lunch. William, however, gravitated towards the familiar comforts of his Earthly breakfast routine.
As the morning progressed, more and more exam participants trickled into the hall, their faces betraying a mix of anticipation and exhaustion. Altair joined William just as he finished his meal.
"How are you up so early?" Altair asked, settling into the seat beside him.
"I'm used to it," William replied with a shrug. "Early mornings were the norm back in the village."
"I see," Altair said, nodding in understanding. "Well, even though you've already eaten, stick around and chat for a bit, if you'd like."
William, with no pressing engagements before the exam, readily agreed. Altair returned from the buffet with a plate piled high with an assortment of breakfast delicacies.
"Are you really going to eat all that?" William asked, raising an eyebrow. "No way a skinny guy like you can handle that much food."
"Oh, come on!" Altair scoffed playfully. "Respect the skinny bros." He winked, a mischievous glint in his eye.
William observed the growing crowd, noting a distinct lack of fear compared to the tension that had permeated the previous exam. Could it be, as Altair had suggested, that they knew this stage was merely a formality?
"I think so," Altair confirmed, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Notice how the nobles are the most relaxed, while the commoners still seem anxious? That's because the nobles are privy to information the rest of us aren't."
His words resonated with William's own observations. Just then, Tholfnir entered the hall, his presence silencing the chatter.
"You have five minutes to finish your breakfast," he announced, his voice carrying through the room. "Then meet me in the courtyard." With that, he turned and departed.
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Most had already finished their meals, but the five-minute warning spurred the remaining few to hasten their consumption. William and Altair joined the procession of exam participants following Tholfnir to the courtyard, and from there, to the academy gymnasium.
The gymnasium was a vast, impressive structure, its interior housing numerous dueling platforms and training dummies. Rows of bleachers lined the walls, providing ample space for spectators. Tholfnir stood in the center of the arena, addressing them.
"This stage of the exam consists of duels," he explained, his voice echoing through the spacious hall. "One-on-one combat. The only difference this time is that you will have an audience. Several professors have graciously offered their time to observe your performance, as well as some students."
The presence of an audience added a thrilling new dimension to the exam. While this stage might not be eliminatory, the opportunity to impress the professors and establish dominance amongst their peers was a powerful motivator. No one wanted to appear weak or incompetent in front of those who might become their mentors and classmates.
Tholfnir explained the rules: the duels would be randomly assigned, and each participant would fight only once. As he spoke, professors and senior students began to fill the bleachers, their expectant gazes adding to the pressure.
William, his competitive spirit ignited, hoped for a challenging opponent. He wasn't afraid of facing a strong adversary; in fact, he relished the opportunity to showcase his skills. He only hoped he wouldn't be pitted against Altair.
The air crackled with anticipation as Tholfnir began announcing the pairings.
Tholfnir, unfamiliar with the applicants, assigned each a number. William received token number twenty-two.
"I shall now call out pairs of numbers," Tholfnir announced. "Those called will step into the dueling ring."
The first duel pitted a young nobleman against a girl who appeared to be a commoner. William, along with the other participants, watched with keen interest.
"Who do you think will win?" Altair asked, leaning towards William.
William assessed the two combatants, his senses attuned to their magical auras. "I believe the girl will win," he replied. "Her mana is stronger, and the noble will likely underestimate her."
Altair disagreed, favoring the noble's presumed training and experience. The duel commenced, and within moments, William's prediction proved accurate. The girl unleashed a series of lightning spells, her control and precision impressive. Whispers rippled through the bleachers.
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"Lightning affinity is rare," one professor remarked to another. "She could be a valuable addition to the academy."
"Indeed," another agreed. "Let's hope she performs well in the final exam."
The girl's victory and her rare affinity had clearly caught the attention of the faculty. But as William knew, this was just one hurdle in a series of challenges.
More duels followed, but none held William's interest. After facing the demonically empowered hunter, these sparring matches seemed tame, the participants lacking in both power and finesse. Their spells were rudimentary, their movements predictable.
William, though not the most experienced mage, couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority. He knew these were merely apprentices, their skills still developing, but he couldn't deny the confidence blooming within him.
"Number twenty-two!" Tholfnir's voice boomed through the gymnasium. "Step into the ring."
William felt a surge of adrenaline as he strode towards the dueling platform. His opponent, a young man with an air of arrogance, awaited him. It wasn't Altair, thankfully, but this was no ordinary noble.
"Good luck, bro," Altair whispered as William passed. "After seeing you in action in the dungeon, I know you won't lose."
William cracked a grin. "Thanks for the vote of confidence." He stepped into the ring, facing his opponent.
"So, I'm up against a commoner," the young man sneered. "How... predictable."
"And you are?" William inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"You may address me as Prince Lance," the youth declared, puffing out his chest.
"A prince, huh?" William mused, a hint of mischief in his voice. "I just hope your father doesn't disown you after you lose to a commoner."
The prince's face flushed with anger. Murmurs rippled through the audience.
"Why is he provoking the prince?" one of the professors whispered. "It will only make his defeat more humiliating."
While a noble losing to a commoner wasn't unheard of, the prince was a different story. He had access to the kingdom's best resources, tutors, and training. The king would have spared no expense to ensure his son's strength. Of all the applicants, Lance was undoubtedly the most formidable.
Tholfnir silenced the whispers with a raised hand. "Silence, please," he commanded. "The duel is about to commence."
A hush fell over the gymnasium, the tension palpable. All eyes were on William and the prince, the stage set for a clash of both magic and social standing.
William weighed his options. He could hold back, relying on his physical prowess alone, or unleash his full arsenal of skills, demonstrating his true potential. The choice was clear. There was no benefit in hiding his power, especially against an opponent as formidable as the prince.
With a surge of mana, he activated a series of body-enhancing spells, transforming himself into a force to be reckoned with.
"Swiftfoot!"
"Iron Skin!"
"Enhanced Strength!"
His body responded instantly. Swiftfoot granted him increased agility and speed, Enhanced Strength bolstered his physical power, and Iron Skin hardened his flesh into an almost impenetrable armor. The rapid-fire casting, three spells activated in quick succession, drew gasps from the audience. Such seamless execution was rare, especially for someone with limited formal training.
But he wasn't finished.
"Kinetic Burst!" he roared, his voice echoing through the gymnasium.