Chapter 45: The Journey to the Middle Area

It had been two days since the test began, and Sarah finally began preparing for our venture to the hidden vestige. As nightfall arrived, our team rested in our makeshift tent under the shelter of a towering tree. Since we weren't allowed to bring any camping equipment, we had constructed the tent ourselves using branches and foliage.

Gathered around the crackling fire, my teammates and I discussed our next course of action. Sarah's words broke the silence. "Good work today, William."

Her praise left me uncertain whether to laugh or not. Ever since we entered the forest, Sarah and Anna had left the task of defeating the monsters to Thomas and me. The test focused more on survival skills rather than firepower, so students were not required to engage in direct combat with the creatures. However, if a group managed to defeat a monster and provide evidence of their feat, they would earn additional marks.

Hence, it had become my responsibility throughout the day to face the monsters while Thomas supported me from behind. When I questioned why Sarah and Anna didn't participate despite having the ability, their response was always the same: they wanted to lay low.

I tried to argue with them, but their persistent answer eventually wore me down. "Quit joking around. If you two made a move, those monsters would be finished faster than I could manage."

Sarah brushed off my words with a smile, and Anna, completely nonchalant, continued to enjoy her roast chicken in front of me, seemingly oblivious to our conversation.

"Anyway, you initially said we only needed to stay in the outer area for a day, but now it's been two days. Don't you think our plan is running off track?" I voiced my concerns.

"Don't worry, the plan is still intact. These two days were actually for your benefit, so there's no need to fret," Sarah assured me.

"For me?" At first, her words confused me, but suddenly it dawned on me.

Sarah was right. Considering the talents and backgrounds of Sarah, Anna, and Thomas, they had the qualifications to enter the Centra Magic University even without this test. Their natural talents and connections would have paved the way for them. However, they likely understood the importance of this test for me. Over these two days, I had managed to hunt down five monsters, including two rank 2 creatures and the rest rank 1. Judging by these results alone, it would secure my position at the top of my school, granting me a higher chance of being accepted into a prestigious university.

"Thanks for your consideration, but really, you didn't have to go that far. Anyway, let's focus on the task at hand. Now that two days have passed, are we still proceeding with the original plan?" I inquired.

"Yes. One of the soldiers guarding the intersection is related to my family. We can simply approach him, and he will allow us to proceed," Sarah explained.

Once again, I marveled at the depth of Sarah's family connections. Her family had influence even within the ranks of the army, a privilege not possessed by just any upper-class family.

"Hey, are you two done talking? Let's rest now. We have a more serious business to attend to tomorrow," Anna interrupted our conversation, diverting our attention to the upcoming challenges.

With Anna's reminder, we spent the entire night preparing ourselves mentally and physically for what lay ahead.

When morning arrived, we wasted no time and set off. Since we no longer intended to engage with monsters, our travel speed increased significantly compared to previous days.

After a half-day of trekking through the forest, we finally reached the boundary of the outer area. From above, the outer area boundary appeared no different from the rest of the outer area itself. However, stepping foot into the boundary revealed a noticeable distinction.

Apart from the existing trees, a few soldiers patrolled the area. Clad in army attire and armed with weapons, it was evident that their task was to guard the boundary and prevent any monsters from slipping into the outer area.

As soon as we arrived, Sarah led our team towards a simple tent erected beneath a sturdy tree. Two soldiers stepped forward, intercepting our path. Just as they were about to speak, a figure emerged from the tent, leaving me in a state of shock.

To my surprise, it was Captain Garz himself. I never imagined that Sarah's reference was to the captain, assuming it would be a regular soldier. Once again, Sarah astounded me with her connections.

"Miss, you can enter whenever you're ready," Captain Garz informed us.

"Good work, Garz," Sarah acknowledged him.

After their brief exchange, Sarah moved forward, ready to enter the middle zone.

"Miss, are you sure you don't need me to accompany you? You know how dangerous the journey will be," Captain Garz voiced his concern just as we were about to set off.

"Don't worry, I have Thomas by my side," Sarah reassured him, her response short and straightforward.

Hearing that, Captain Garz relented and made way for Sarah to proceed.

With no further obstacles in our path, we ventured forth into the middle area of the Thousands Tree Forest.