The Royal academy trial

Zoser stood in the middle of the arena, his eyes scanning the faces of the students around him. A mix of excitement, tension, and challenge was evident in their expressions. Some were eager to prove their strength, while others watched the scene anxiously.

In front of them stood a tall man with stern features and amber eyes that radiated authority. He wore a white robe embroidered with golden threads and held a long wooden staff, which he tapped gently against the ground, drawing everyone's attention.

Instructor Seth (in a calm yet commanding voice): "Welcome to the Royal Academy. Today will determine if you are worthy of staying here. The tests are not just about measuring strength but about testing your will. The weak will not be allowed to waste our time."

Murmurs spread among the students, some exchanging nervous glances, while Zoser remained silent, observing the situation with keen eyes.

---

Seth pointed to a massive black stone made of basalt, placed in the center of a large circle, surrounded by another ring inscribed with golden Egyptian runes.

Instructor Seth: "The first test is simple. You will place your hands on this stone. If it responds to your energy, you will proceed to the next test."

The students stepped forward one by one, placing their hands on the stone. Each time it was touched, the stone glowed in a different color, displaying a word that determined the student's level.

When the first student touched the stone, it emitted a faint glow, revealing the words 'Early Trainee.' The process repeated for the others, all of whom passed, knowing the minimum requirement.

Then came Zoser's turn. He stepped forward calmly, pressing his small palm against the cold surface and channeling his energy into it.

Instructor Seth (in a quiet yet observant tone): "Accepted. Move to the other side."

---

The students were led to a vast training ground covered in soft sand. Instructors stood at the edges, holding wooden staffs, watching them strictly.

Instructor Seth: "The next test is a physical endurance challenge. Before you is a set of specialized suits. Each of you must wear one and prepare for the race around the track."

When Zoser wore the suit, he immediately recognized its weight. It was similar to the training suits he had used with Onar.

Each suit weighed ten times the wearer's body weight, making movement a real challenge.

Seth gestured toward a massive hourglass atop a towering stone obelisk.

Instructor: "You must complete a full lap around the designated course. Those who fail to finish before the last grain of sand falls will be eliminated."

Instructor Seth: "Begin!"

The students dashed forward. Some stumbled immediately, while others pushed ahead despite the difficulty.

For Zoser, this test was effortless. He had trained with weights up to twenty times his body weight. But he decided to fake effort, remaining in the middle of the pack, pretending to tire gradually like the others.

Instructor Seth noticed—Zoser was the only one who showed no real strain. His movements were smooth and steady, as if the suit had no effect on him.

Instructor Seth (thinking): "Interesting…"

As the sand grains fell, some students lagged behind. When the last grain dropped, Zoser had finished the race along with most successful students, while the failures sat on the ground, panting—some in tears, others staring blankly in defeat.

Instructor Seth: "You have passed… Now, onto the real test."

---

They were led to a massive building with large metal doors. Seth turned to them, his voice firm.

Instructor Seth: "The next test is simple. You will face a Grade-2 beast. You must defeat it within the given time. If you fail to survive, are defeated, or surrender… you fail."

Then, with a warning gleam in his eyes, he added:

"If you can't fight, surrender immediately. No one will save you unless you give up."

The students were split into groups, each standing before a massive metal door. Zoser was in the eighth group, fifth in line.

The first student entered hesitantly and emerged minutes later with disappointment on his face. The second walked out emotionless, leaving others unsure of his result. The third was nervous but succeeded. The fourth… never came out.

And finally, it was Zoser's turn.

---

As he stepped inside, he found himself in a circular arena. On an elevated platform stood a young man wearing the academy's uniform.

Exam Proctor (in a cold, emotionless voice): "Are you ready?"

Zoser nodded confidently.

The proctor raised his hand, channeling energy into a massive stone statue, causing its mouth to open.

The gate trembled, slowly creaking open with a deep grinding sound. From the shadows, a snake slithered forth—its sleek black scales glistening under the dim lights, adorned with golden markings that gave it a regal yet terrifying appearance. Its crimson eyes burned with malice, its forked tongue flicking in and out, tasting the air—studying him.

Zoser needed no explanation.

This was a venomous Grade-2 serpent, capable of killing a peak beginner with a single bite. One mistake could be fatal.

He didn't move immediately but raised his daggers, taking a defensive stance, knowing a reckless attack could be deadly. The serpent, too, did not strike right away. It slithered in a slow circle around him, coiling and waiting for the perfect moment.

Then, with a sudden gleam in its eyes, it lunged at blinding speed, its fangs aiming straight for his throat!

Zoser was prepared. He leaped backward, narrowly dodging the strike, feeling the sharp air rush past him. Before the serpent could land, he swung his dagger at its body, but it was faster than expected—dodging his attack and whipping its massive tail toward him with devastating force!

He had only a fraction of a second to react. He jumped sideways, barely avoiding a direct hit, but the tail still grazed his shoulder, sending him tumbling a few meters back. He hit the ground, feeling a mild ache.

Zoser quickly got back up, steadying his breath. He knew the serpent wouldn't give him a chance to rest.

So, he changed his strategy. Instead of waiting, he began moving erratically, pretending to be exhausted. He lowered his daggers slightly and forced his breath to sound heavy, as if he was wearing down.

The serpent took the bait. It sensed weakness, and its muscular body coiled, preparing for the final strike.

The moment it lunged at full speed, Zoser was ready.

At the last second, he sidestepped swiftly, dodging the deadly fangs. In the same instant, he thrust his first dagger into its throat and spun around, driving the second blade into the side of its head!

The serpent let out a sharp, agonized hiss, its body writhing violently. But it wasn't dead yet.

Despite its injuries, it didn't surrender. It reared back, its furious crimson eyes locking onto him. It lifted its head high, preparing for a final, desperate attack.

Zoser didn't give it the chance.

As the beast gathered power, he dashed forward at lightning speed. He leaped onto its body, using its scales as leverage to propel himself upward. In one final, decisive move—

He drove his dagger straight between its eyes!

The serpent convulsed violently, releasing one last, shuddering breath—before collapsing to the ground, lifeless.

Standing atop its corpse, Zoser took a deep breath, his heart pounding. But he knew…

He had won.