Chapter 78: Adventurers Ranking Examination 2
Chapter 78: Adventurers Ranking Examination 2
A quiet hum filled the room, thick with tension, as if the very walls were holding their breath. Time dragged on with each heartbeat, their eyes fixed on the door with anticipation as if willing it to open.
The calm before the next trial.
Click.
The door creaked open again, and Leo walked in, his military boots thudding softly against the polished floor. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were sharp—focused solely on the glowing tab in his hand.
He didn't look up.
"Next... Lyra Willow."
Lyra jolted upright, her breath hitching slightly. Her slender fingers clenched the polished wood of her staff as she steadied herself.
"U-Um... where's Miss Katelyn?" she asked, voice trembling with a mix of worry and awe.
Leo's gaze lifted for the first time, meeting theirs with a calm, sober stare. "She failed and left."
A hushed silence fell over the room like a dropped veil.
"What...?" Ethan leaned forward, his eyes wide.
Leo exhaled. "The S-Rank exam is among the most difficult trials administered by the Association. She fought hard—her effort was worthy of praise. Honestly, it's a miracle for someone her age to have even qualified to take it. She has potential. A few more years… some refined experience and increased magic reserves, and she'll undoubtedly rise."
He paused, lowering his tab. "I've been stuck at A-Rank for twenty years. My chances of reaching S-Rank grow dimmer each year. But Katelyn? She still has time."
Everyone stared in stunned silence, absorbing the weight of his words.
The arrogance Katelyn once displayed now seemed justified. No one mocked her. If anything, their respect for her rose.
"I see…" Lyra whispered, swallowing hard.
"Miss Lyra, follow me for your exam," Leo said, his tone returning to formal neutrality.
"Y-Yes, sir!" she responded, forcing confidence into her voice as she stepped forward.
"You've got this!" Ethan shouted behind her with a bright grin.
"What's with you today?" Ember muttered, glaring at him as the door closed behind Lyra and Leo.
The minutes crawled by.
10 minutes… 15… then 20.
Finally—click.
Lyra returned, face glistening with sweat, hair damp against her temples. Her breathing was shallow, but her eyes sparkled with triumph.
"I did it… I'm a C-Rank Adventurer now," she beamed, collapsing onto her seat.
Cheers and congratulations followed, but there was no time to dwell.
Leo entered once more.
"Next: Ethan Lancelot and Ember Lancelot," he called out—his voice surprisingly soft. "Since you're taking the same test, you'll go in together. Do your best."
"Yes, Master!" the twins echoed, their eyes shining with anticipation.
Leo chuckled heartily. "Your parents would be proud. Make sure you both hit D-Rank in one go."
"We will definitely make them proud!" they chorused again.
"Then come." His tone shifted back to formal as he turned and led them out.
Thud. The door shut.
Lei Feng blinked. "Master...? Wait—they're his disciples?"
"Yeah," Lyra nodded. "And to be taking the D-Rank exam at just fifteen… those two are on another level."
"Definitely," Lei Feng added. "To rank up this early… It's impressive."
"Their background is even more shocking," Kenzo's deep voice cut in.
Everyone turned.
"They're from the Lancelot Family—a noble bloodline known for powerful magic and unrivaled spearmanship. Most of their clan members awaken classes tied to Arcane Spearman, blending elemental magic and devastating technique."
He continued, his voice even and factual.
"They're closely aligned with one of the Five Great Houses of the Eastward Federation."
"You mean the Big Five Families right?" Lei Feng asked.
Uh, Kenzo nodded, "Their family even owns a guild in Arcadia Prime, the core of Arcadia City—one of the largest and most dangerous cities in the Federation."
"Whoa!" Lyra gasped. "They're that prestigious?"
Arcadia Prime… Lei Feng's thoughts whirled. So that's not actually a city—it's the central district of a powerful city. So that's where I'm supposed to be training soon…
"Mr. Kenzo," Lei Feng said politely, "can you tell us more about Arcadia City?"
Kenzo nodded. "Arcadia is known as the City of Warriors. Unlike Volaris, which thrives on industrial tech and urban life, Arcadia embraces magic and martial tradition. The outer zones are mostly wildlands—home to clans, beastfolk, and tribes who don't care for civilization. Even the beasts there mutate from overexposure to mana."
"Sounds brutal," Lyra whispered, eyes wide.
"It is. Hover vehicles are rare. People ride mounts, wield ancient weapons, and live by the sword. But for true warriors seeking glory—it's paradise."
Lei Feng's lips curled into a smile. "Now I'm even more excited to train there…"
Time ticked by as they exchanged stories of Arcadia, training, and noble bloodlines.
Eventually—
Click.
The twins returned, the room bursting with energy as they walked in. Ethan was practically bouncing.
"Congratulations!" Lyra said quickly.
"Thanks!" Ethan grinned. "Now I can handle real missions and explore Dungeons!"
Ember smiled faintly and sat with calm poise, though her eyes betrayed the excitement she was trying to hide.
Then, Lyra turned toward Lei Feng. "You're next... Aren't you nervous?"
Lei Feng chuckled softly. "No. Should I be?"
Kenzo gave him a long look. "Only fools don't fear the unknown. But some of us... just walk into it anyway."
"I don't think Lei needs to be nervous," Ethan said from across the room. "Something tells me... he's going to ace it."
Click.
The door creaked once more as Leo stepped inside. This time, his gaze settled directly on Lei Feng. There was something unspoken in his eyes—not warmth, not familiarity... but recognition.
"Lei Feng. Your turn."
Lei Feng rose slowly.
His boots echoed against the floor, every step deliberate, calm, firm.
As he passed Kenzo, the man leaned slightly and whispered:
"Good luck, swordsman."
Lei Feng didn't glance back. His lips curled into a confident smile.
"I don't need luck. I make my own."
And with that, the door shut behind him—sealing the room's attention in his wake.