The Obstacle ExamSnow still blanketed the academy grounds as the students gathered at the northern training fields. The festive lights of Christmas were gone, replaced with banners warning of danger and stakes. Platforms swayed in the winter wind, ropes hung taut and frayed, and wooden planks stretched over deep pits of snow.
Hiko stood at the starting line, observing the course. The cold air stung his cheeks, but adrenaline coursed through his veins. Around him, classmates whispered nervously, adjusting gloves, tightening boots, or stretching their limbs.
Rougen Leo stepped forward, black coat flaring slightly in the wind. "Today, you will run the Obstacle Exam. Each of you must complete the course as quickly as possible. Obstacles are designed to test agility, endurance, combat skills, and strategy. There are beasts stationed throughout the course—Grade 1, 2, and 3. One of you will face a Grade 3 beast."
A ripple of fear went through the students. Leto gulped audibly. "Just like training, but… worse…"
Rougen's gaze swept over them. "The student who finishes last will be expelled. I hope you understand the stakes. There will be no do-overs. Your survival, your ranking, and your skills will be tested simultaneously."
Goru muttered under his breath, "Christmas break just ended… and now this. Brutal."
Hiko adjusted his stance quietly. Inside, the devil stirred faintly. Finally… a real test.
Rougen's voice cut through the tension. "Go!"
The course began with a series of wobbly wooden planks suspended over a pit. Students leapt, stumbled, and ran across. Hiko's movements were precise, landing softly, barely making the planks sway. He saw Leto struggle behind him, nearly falling off. A quick gust of controlled mana nudged a plank to stabilize it subtly—enough to keep Leto from tumbling.
Hiko didn't speak. He moved forward, observing the patterns of platforms, calculating distances and timing for the next sections.
The next challenge was a series of swinging ropes over icy platforms. Below, snow-covered stones threatened to hurt anyone who fell. A Grade 2 beast—fox-like with icy claws—waited ahead. Hiko leapt across, eyes sharp, dodging its swipe. His hand flicked a subtle wave of mana, tripping the creature slightly, then he vaulted over its back, landing lightly on the next rope.
"Careful!" Goru's voice echoed from a platform behind, warning another student. Hiko didn't look back; there was no time.
Midway through, the Grade 3 beast appeared—a hulking wolf, covered in dark fur with glowing red runes along its spine. Its growl reverberated through the frozen courtyard. Students nearby froze, some backing away, others attempting attacks that barely scratched it.
Hiko paused atop a moving ledge, eyes scanning the wolf's movement. He whispered to himself, "Timing…"
Inside his mind, the devil stirred. Anticipate its stride, exploit its momentum. You know this already.
Hiko's body moved instinctively. As the wolf lunged, he sidestepped, rolling across a platform to launch himself behind it. A sharp burst of mana destabilized its footing, causing it to stumble. Students nearby cheered quietly, but Hiko didn't pause. One misstep, and he could still be caught by the course itself.
Obstacles became increasingly chaotic: collapsing platforms, swinging chains, icy ledges, and high walls that required precise parkour. Students shouted, cursed, and occasionally collided. Hiko observed carefully, noting how others struggled with timing and beasts.
Leto fell during a tricky ledge maneuver but was caught by Goru, who steadied him. "Focus on the rhythm!" Goru shouted. "Don't force it!"
Meanwhile, other students were still fighting with the Grade 1 and Grade 2 beasts scattered through the course. Snow flurried around their feet, masking tracks, adding extra difficulty. Some students panicked, causing mistakes; others improvised and leapt skillfully.
Hiko reached the final series of obstacles—ropes swinging over a pit filled with jagged snow-covered spikes. The Grade 3 wolf trailed behind him, snapping. He timed each swing, calculated the arcs perfectly, and finally landed on the last stable platform.
The snow beneath kicked up as other students landed behind him, exhausted and panting. Hiko exhaled slowly, heart steady. Inside, the devil stirred, almost approvingly. Efficient. Controlled. Well done.
Minutes later, every student crossed the finish line. Some were limping, battered, bruised, and shivering from the cold, others exhilarated. The tension of potential expulsion lingered in the air. Rougen Leo stepped forward once more, his arms folded.
The students braced themselves. The silence was heavy, broken only by their harsh breaths and the crunch of snow underfoot.
Rougen finally spoke. His voice was calm, almost amused. "I didn't tell you this as a surprise to scare you," he said, scanning the group. "But since every single one of you finished the course within one hour, none of you… get expelled."
A shocked silence followed.
Then, slowly, laughter, cheers, and relieved exclamations erupted. Some students fell to their knees, hugging snow-covered classmates. Others clapped each other on the back, faces red from exertion and relief.
"Wait, seriously?!" Leto shouted, eyes wide.
"No way… we all made it?"
"This… this is amazing!"
Even Hiko felt a rare smile tug at the corner of his mouth. He exhaled, feeling the tension leave his shoulders. Inside, the devil stirred faintly. Humans… always so dramatic. But I approve.
Goru clapped a hand on Hiko's shoulder, grinning broadly. "See? I told you! We survived. All of us!"
Rougen allowed himself a small smile, just faintly. "Remember this feeling. Relief, camaraderie, and perseverance. This is as important as any magic or combat skill. You survived together. That is what counts."
The students cheered again, some tossing snow lightly in celebration. Hiko looked around at their faces, exhausted but happy, and felt a small spark of connection. For a moment, the Hero of Evil(Devils) was simply… one of them.
The snow continued to fall softly around the academy, sparkling in the late afternoon light. For the first time in weeks, laughter and conversation filled the training grounds without fear.
Hiko exhaled, quietly content. Inside, the devil stirred faintly, whispering. Well done. This… was enjoyable.
Hiko's lips curved slightly. Yes. It was.
And for that day, the academy grounds were filled with warmth, friendship, and relief—a rare pause in the harsh, demanding life of a sorcerer in training.