fresher examination

As Jayden Ross determined his goals, he began training with unwavering determination. The endless void of Infinity Space had become his training ground, and the boundless mana surrounding him fueled his growth. Each day, he pushed himself harder, mastering the martial arts, techniques, and knowledge the System had implanted in his mind. Though he was alone, his resolve never wavered. He would escape this place, no matter what it took.

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### Meanwhile, in Another World…

Far from the infinite darkness of Infinity Space, in a world teeming with life and danger, humanity struggled to survive. This was a world where mana—a mysterious, omnipresent energy—had awakened a million years ago. While humans learned to harness this energy to cultivate their strength, the same mana had also mutated countless creatures, turning them into monstrous beings of unimaginable power. These monsters, driven by primal instincts and overwhelming strength, ravaged the land, threatening to wipe out humanity.

But just as all hope seemed lost, a group of powerful individuals emerged from the shadows. These were cultivators, warriors, and mages who had spent centuries honing their abilities in secret. With their newfound strength, they rallied humanity and fought back against the monstrous hordes. The battles were fierce and bloody, but in the end, the humans prevailed. The monsters were driven back into the wilderness, where they were contained by powerful barriers and the watchful eyes of humanity's strongest defenders.

Over time, the world stabilized. Each country began to nurture its own geniuses, carefully training them to protect their borders and maintain the fragile peace. These young talents were sent to the edges of the wilderness, where they stood guard against any monsters that dared to venture into human territory. To ensure the future of humanity, retired warriors and powerful cultivators established universities dedicated to teaching the next generation. These institutions became beacons of hope, where talented students could hone their skills and prepare for the challenges ahead.

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### Astralis University: Present Day

Among the most prestigious of these universities was *Astralis University*, located in the heart of the Valtheria continent. Known for its rigorous training programs and exceptional faculty, Astralis attracted the brightest and most talented students from across the land. The university's campus was a sprawling complex of ancient stone buildings, lush gardens, and state-of-the-art training facilities. It was a place where legends were born, and today was no exception.

The air buzzed with excitement as students gathered in the central courtyard. Today was the Freshmen Examination, a crucial event that would determine the potential of the new recruits. The examination was not just a test of strength but also of courage, strategy, and teamwork. Only the best would earn the recognition and rewards that came with success.

Among the crowd stood two students who had already caught the attention of their peers: *Orion Blackwood* and *Vincent Hawthorne*. The tension between them was palpable, and it was clear that a confrontation was brewing.

Orion Blackwood was a lean, sharp-eyed young man with a mop of unruly black hair. He came from a modest background, but his talent as an elementalist had earned him a place at Astralis. Though he could only wield fire—and at its most basic level—his determination and resourcefulness made him a force to be reckoned with.

Vincent Hawthorne, on the other hand, was the picture of arrogance. As the heir to the prestigious Hawthorne family, he had grown up surrounded by wealth and privilege. His ability to manipulate gravity made him a formidable opponent, and his family's resources had allowed him to train with the best instructors and equipment. Vincent was used to getting what he wanted, and he didn't take kindly to anyone who stood in his way.

The two students stood facing each other, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. The crowd around them murmured excitedly, sensing the tension.

"You think you belong here, Blackwood?" Vincent sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Everyone knows you cheated on the entrance exam. There's no way someone like you could have gotten in on merit."

Orion's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. "I earned my place here, just like everyone else. If you have a problem with that, take it up with the instructors."

Vincent's eyes narrowed. "Don't play the innocent card with me. I know your type—always looking for shortcuts. Well, let's see how far you get when you're exposed."

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder as the confrontation escalated. Just as it seemed like the situation might spiral out of control, a commanding voice cut through the noise.

"What is the meaning of this?"

The crowd parted to reveal a tall, imposing man with sharp features and a stern expression. He wore the robes of an Astralis instructor, and his presence alone was enough to silence the students. This was *Nathaniel Graves*, one of the university's most respected instructors and the overseer of the entrance examination process.

Nathaniel's gaze swept over the crowd before settling on Vincent. "Do you have any idea where you are? This is Astralis University, not some back-alley brawl. Disrupting the peace of the campus is unacceptable."

Vincent hesitated, his confidence wavering under Nathaniel's piercing stare. "I… I was just pointing out that Orion Blackwood cheated on the entrance exam. He doesn't belong here."

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting that the instructors of this university are blind? That we would allow someone to cheat their way into Astralis?"

Vincent faltered, realizing the gravity of his accusation. "N-no, I didn't mean—"

"Do you have any evidence to support your claim?" Nathaniel interrupted, his tone icy. "If not, then you should be aware of the consequences of falsely accusing another student."

Vincent's face turned pale. He knew better than to push his luck. Falsely accusing a student was a serious offense, and even his family's influence wouldn't protect him from the repercussions. Swallowing his pride, he lowered his head. "I… I apologize. I spoke out of turn."

Nathaniel nodded, his expression softening slightly. "See that it doesn't happen again. Now, if there are no further disruptions, let us proceed with the examination."

The crowd dispersed, the tension easing as the students turned their attention to the task at hand. Nathaniel stepped forward, addressing the gathered freshmen.

"Today marks the beginning of your journey as students of Astralis University. The Freshmen Examination is not just a test of your abilities but also of your character. You will be entering an E-level dungeon, where you will face monsters of varying strengths. Your objective is simple: defeat as many monsters as you can. The top performers will be rewarded, but remember—this is also an opportunity to prove yourselves to your peers and instructors."

As Nathaniel finished his speech, the other instructors stepped forward to explain the rules and safety protocols. The students listened intently, their excitement and nervousness palpable.

Orion stood at the edge of the group, his mind racing. He knew this was his chance to prove himself, not just to Vincent but to everyone who doubted him. He clenched his fists, feeling the familiar warmth of his fire abilities stirring within him. He was ready.

Vincent, meanwhile, seethed with quiet anger. He hadn't expected to be humiliated in front of the entire freshman class. As he glanced at Orion, a dark thought crossed his mind. *Let's see how long you last in the dungeon, Blackwood.*

---

### The Dungeon Gate

The students were led to a massive stone archway engraved with intricate runes. This was the entrance to the E-level dungeon, a controlled environment designed to test their skills. The air around the gate crackled with energy, and the faint growls of monsters could be heard from within.

One by one, the students stepped through the gate, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension. Orion took a deep breath and followed, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he crossed the threshold, he felt a surge of mana envelop him, signaling the start of the examination.

The dungeon was a labyrinth of dark corridors and eerie chambers, lit only by the faint glow of mana crystals embedded in the walls. The sound of distant roars and skittering claws echoed through the air, sending shivers down the students' spines.

Orion moved cautiously, his senses on high alert. He knew that the monsters here, while weaker than those in the wilderness, were still dangerous. As he rounded a corner, he came face-to-face with a snarling wolf-like creature, its eyes glowing with malevolent light.

Without hesitation, Orion summoned a ball of fire in his hand and launched it at the monster. The creature howled in pain as the flames engulfed it, but it wasn't enough to finish it off. Orion gritted his teeth, channeling more mana into his next attack. This time, the fire burned brighter and hotter, reducing the monster to ash.

He allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction before pressing on. The examination had only just begun, and he was determined to prove that he belonged at Astralis.