The Final Exam
Calm Before the Storm
With the second exam behind them, the atmosphere in the camp grew increasingly tense. As the final exam loomed closer, pressure mounted. Every student knew the grim reality—at least thirteen of them would die. That meant a staggering 25% of the class wouldn't survive, and even those who ranked high weren't safe. No one dared to take this threat lightly.
The fear was visible on their faces as they pushed themselves through rigorous training. Every movement, every technique had to be mastered, for even the smallest mistake could mean death. No one slacked off. Each lesson, every skill they learned, might be the one that saved their life.
Sixty days felt like a ticking time bomb. With every passing day, the countdown to their survival became more real.
Ryan, too, felt the weight of the upcoming challenge. Even though he had become the strongest in the class in terms of physical fitness, weapon skills, and combat techniques, he knew he wasn't invincible. One stab, one thrown rock, an unfortunate poisoning, or a coordinated attack could end everything in an instant. He didn't underestimate anyone.
---
The Final Lesson
The last day of the training camp arrived, bringing with it the final class—a sparring session under the supervision of Chief Instructor Oliver. But unlike previous sessions, Oliver made a shocking announcement.
"As many of you have already counted for yourselves, the training camp is over. Everything that could be taught has been taught. From this point onward, your survival depends on how well you've learned."
He paused, sweeping his gaze across the students, his voice carrying the weight of finality.
"Remember this—the skills you've learned here will determine whether you live or die. Not just in tomorrow's exam, but in future missions, battles, and every critical moment you'll face in your life. Training ends here, but learning must never stop. Only by constantly sharpening your abilities can you hope to shine."
The students stood in silence, absorbing his words.
"I won't bore you with more speeches. I know what you all truly want to know—the details of tomorrow's final exam."
He smirked slightly, then continued,
"Tomorrow, there will only be one test—the Survival Exam. All 53 students will be taken into the forest. Your only way to pass is to obtain a 'ticket to survival.'"
A murmur spread through the students, but Oliver continued without pause.
"In the forest, 40 trees will be marked with black paint, and near each tree, a white circle large enough to fit one person will be drawn. By the time the exam ends, only those standing in these circles will be deemed survivors.
As for the remaining 13 students… well, it's self-explanatory."
The weight of his words crushed any remaining sense of security the students might have had.
"There are no rules on how you secure your spot. Form alliances, set traps, ambush others, or wait until the last moment to strike—it's all up to you. Some of you may try to team up and eliminate your targets first. Some may set traps around the trees after securing their spot. Others may choose to wait until the final moments, taking on challengers as they come. How you play the game is your decision."
His voice grew colder.
"The exam will begin at 7 AM after breakfast and will end at 10 AM. Each student will be given a basic survival kit, food, a real sword, and a dagger."
A long silence followed as everyone digested the information.
"This test will assess your cunning, patience, skills, target selection, luck, and much more. And as always—may the best survive. Those who believe they are the strongest, but die due to an 'unfortunate accident,' should understand this: luck is also a form of strength."
For a moment, there was no sound—only the weight of the reality that awaited them.
Ryan's heart pounded as he processed the challenge ahead. He had expected a brutal test, but this was even crueler than he imagined.
The other students were visibly shaken, some lost in thought, others staring at the ground, considering their options. Their lives depended on the choices they made next.
"Instructor Oliver!" one student finally spoke, his voice trembling. "Are we allowed to kill?"
Oliver's lips curled into a knowing smile.
"No one will stop you."
A chill ran through the students.
Without another word, Oliver dismissed them.
---
A Night of Silence
As they returned to their bunks, an eerie silence filled the camp. No one spoke—not even in whispers.
Tonight, there were no friendships. No rivalries. Only potential enemies.
Even the top students wore grave expressions. They all knew that in a true survival scenario, strength alone didn't guarantee survival. A single misstep, one unlucky encounter, and it would all be over.
Some had already realized that the fastest way to secure a spot was to eliminate 13 people as soon as possible. But they also knew something else—no one could be trusted to carry out that plan.
Even the weaker students didn't bother forming alliances. They knew that in the eyes of the strong, they were only temporary tools—disposable pieces in a game of survival. Forming a team would only paint a target on their backs.
The night was restless.
No one slept easily, but everyone forced themselves to try. Tomorrow, they would need every ounce of strength and focus.
---
The Final Morning
As the first rays of morning sunlight broke through the horizon, every student was already awake.
There was no morning exercise today. No one needed it. Instead, they used the time to mentally prepare for what was about to happen.
Breakfast was silent. No one dared to make eye contact.
By 7 AM, all 53 students gathered at the entrance of the camp, facing the 10 instructors who stood waiting.
Instructor Oliver stepped forward.
"Good morning, students. As you already know the rules, I won't waste time repeating them."
His gaze sharpened.
"For those considering escape or any other tricks—don't. The forest is surrounded by Viscount Andrew's soldiers for today. This exam will only end once we confirm the survival and death count of all 53 students."
A cold chill spread through the students.
"Here are your kits and weapons. Once you take them and enter the forest, your survival is in your own hands.
The moment you take the kit—you are participating.
Now… begin."
At Oliver's signal, the students stepped forward, took their supplies, and entered the forest.
The game of survival had begun.