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Chapter X: The Survival Exam Begins

A heavy silence settled over the academy grounds as 500 first-year students stood together, waiting for their trial to begin. The tension in the air was almost suffocating.

Then, a deep, commanding voice rang out, cutting through the murmurs like a blade.

"Welcome to your first test, first-years!"

All heads turned toward the VIP section, where a lone figure stood at the highest vantage point. Michael Duskbane, the Student Council President and strongest student in Xerth Academy, overlooked the students with a sharp, calculating gaze.

His black uniform bore the Reaper Guild's emblem, a silent reminder of his origins. But right now, he wasn't here as the heir of the Reaper Guild—he was here as the overseer of their trial.

"The rules are simple," Michael continued, his voice steady and cold.

"You will be teleported into an artificial dungeon."

"You must survive for 12 hours."

"Kill monsters to earn points."

"Use any means necessary to survive."

A murmur spread through the crowd at his next words.

"And remember—you may kill your fellow students to steal their points."

The academy grounds fell into a stunned silence.

Some students paled at the thought. Others clenched their fists, their expressions darkening with determination. A few even grinned, their battle instincts flaring.

Michael's gaze swept over them before he continued.

"Only your consciousness will enter the dungeon, meaning you will not truly die. However, the pain, exhaustion, and fear you experience will be real."

His voice remained emotionless as he delivered the final rule.

"Your academy bracelet will track your kills and record your points. If you are mortally wounded or 'killed' in the dungeon, you will be forcefully logged out, losing your chance to rank at the top."

Above the students, a holographic countdown appeared in glowing red numbers.

[Teleportation in 10 seconds.]

The moment it started, students reacted instantly.

Some tightened their grips on their weapons. Others adjusted their stances, preparing themselves. Several awakened their innate abilities, causing sparks of power to ripple through the air.

Ashton, standing amidst the tense crowd, remained calm, his purple eyes unreadable.

Felix stood beside him, his werewolf instincts kicking in, his fingers twitching as if itching for a fight.

Samael stood slightly apart, his golden eyes glowing faintly, his confidence unwavering.

[3… 2… 1…]

A blinding flash of light engulfed everyone.

The next moment—

They were gone.