Chapter 7: The Day of Examination!

Chapter 7: The Day of Examination!

The day had come. The sun climbed steadily over the mountain range as fifteen airships descended upon the capital of Nasan Province.

The Inter-Academy Survival and Combat Examination was held in the ancient Verdant Gate a massive spatial rift sealed long ago by the Mage Council. Today, it would become a proving ground.

Teacher V, responsible for all the students from their school, led them to the venue with a composed but firm expression.

Mike and Jek stood side by side among hundreds of examinees from across the province.

Cloaks fluttered in the wind. Weapons glinted under the morning sun. Spirits ran high, but anxiety stirred in every student's heart.

"This is it! Finally! I need to do my best and get a decent rank," one student exclaimed, barely able to contain his nerves.

As Mike and Jek waited, a group of students entered the area Great Fire High School.

This was a school known for its emphasis on strength famous for producing top students who often landed in prestigious colleges.

"Their vibes are way different... but most of them only reached Level 3," Jek whispered to Mike, eyebrows furrowed.

"Don't be too sure. That guy in the blue uniform? He's Level 4. We need to watch out," Mike responded, his voice low and serious.

"That's insane talent!" Jek gasped, wide-eyed.

"Not bad," Shan muttered, impressed.

"Urghh… what the h*ck " someone nearby groaned in disbelief.

Mike and Jek ignored the murmurs. But then…

The group of students slowly approached, accompanied by their teacher Azel, whose proud stance and dark aura exuded pressure.

"Well, well. Who's here? Ms. V the once proud dark mage in her prime," Azel sneered.

"Oh Azel, how lovely to see you," Teacher V replied coolly. "Though I recall you never liked being the center of attention. Would you like me to share some of your stories with your students?" Her eyes gleamed with sharp amusement, her voice like a dagger wrapped in silk.

Azel's expression darkened. "Hmph. Don't worry my school will take first rank as always.

You just got lucky last time with a student who awakened early. This time…" His gaze fell to the students behind Teacher V. "This time, victory is ours. Bye-bye."

His students followed his lead, their mocking expressions cold and condescending as if they were already toying with insects.

Even the notorious bully Shan fell silent, suppressed by their overwhelming aura.

"Don't be nervous. Focus on the exam. They're only trying to intimidate you because they know we have potential," Teacher V reassured them with a gentle smile.

"Right! Hahaha!" Shan exclaimed, regaining his bravado.

Everyone nodded. Even if they were strong, even if they had high levels it didn't guarantee success inside the Gate.

...

An hour passed…

Hundreds of Colleges lined up on the stage to observe the examination and scout promising students.

Their presence radiated Tier 3-level auras so intense that many students felt their limbs go numb.

Then, a regal woman in violet robes floated above the crowd. Her voice, magnified by a glowing orb, rang clear.

"Welcome, examinees. I am Examiner Loreia, Storm Lord, High Mage of the Council. This is not merely a test of power. it is a test of strategy, survival, and spirit."

Her aura crackled with brilliant blue lightning.

She extended a hand, and a golden scroll unfurled mid-air, glowing with ancient mana inscriptions.

Rules of the Examination:

You may enter in teams or solo. Survival is what matters most.

The trial lasts seven days inside the Verdant Gate, which contains an ecosystem of mana beasts, relics, and medicinal herbs.

Gather as many monster crystals and rare items as you can.

Points are awarded based on quality and quantity.

If a team member is incapacitated or killed, the score is halved.

Elimination is allowed but killing is forbidden

You have all been provided with smartwatches.

Please proceed to your facilitators to upload the examination system.

Normal Monster – 10 points

Elite Monster – 50 points

Boss – 100 points

Lord – 500 points

At the mention of "Lord," a hush fell over the crowd. Even Jek swallowed hard.

"What's a Lord monster? We're only Tier 1 at most… Normal and maybe Elite monsters are possible if you're talented.

Boss monsters? Only if everyone teams up. But a Lord?!" a student cried out in disbelief.

SILENCE.

...

"This exam is to assess your survival skills, not brute strength. You have one week. And remember there's no rule saying you can't advance a tier while inside. This place is full of opportunities," Loreia stated, silencing the crowd.

"Man… this is really happening," one student whispered, gulping nervously.

Everyone accepted the reality. One by one, they began walking toward the Gate.

Mike stared straight ahead. "We go in. Stay low. Prioritize survival and go for the highest-quality crystals."

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out from the Blue Eagle Academy.

"Mike!"

...

He turned sharply. His heart skipped a beat.

She was there.

Eira.

The girl from his childhood the one who had awakened far before them and disappeared into the elite world.

She stood radiant in her academy cloak, eyes wide with emotion.

"So… you really made it," she whispered, just before being ushered away by her group.

Mike stood frozen for a heartbeat. Then fire rose in his chest.

He turned to the Gate. "Let's move."

Fueled by emotion, he stepped forward.

"So that's your lovely boy," Auline teased.

Eira face turned red like a tomatoes. " That's a..."

Auline chuckled, " hehehe, not bad, he's handsome! "

"Ladies! I did bring you here to watch, not to play, why are you smiling while looking at the participants? " Their master asked.

"That's because, Eira's lov.." Auline will spill the beans but Eira stop her.

"We are just looking," nervously said.

And she quickly bring her best friend in the side.

"What a hustle!" Their master murmured and turned again looking at the participants.

Inside the Gate…

The Verdant Gate resembled a deep jungle, laced with spiraling stone ruins. Mana buzzed in the air. Birds shimmered with magical energy. Trees glowed faintly, pulsing with life.

It was another world mysterious, magical… and dangerous.

Jek's hand hovered over his fists. "This place is insane… even the bugs are glowing."

"Be quiet. This area may look beautiful, but it's deadly," Mike warned, eyes sharp.

Suddenly a rustle.

...