After the grueling physical examination, Ahiro and his fellow candidates were ushered into a spacious waiting room. Their bodies ached, and exhaustion hung heavily in the air. They were in desperate need of sustenance and rest.
To their relief, tables filled with an assortment of food and beverages awaited them. Ahiro eagerly grabbed a plate and filled it with a hearty meal. The aroma of freshly cooked dishes and the taste of nourishing food were a welcome reprieve. They devoured their meals and rehydrated with much-needed water, the tension and fatigue gradually fading away.
Hours passed as the candidates rested, some dozing off, while others engaged in quiet conversations. It was a respite they all cherished, a moment to recuperate before the announcement of the test results.
Finally, it was time. An announcement echoed through the waiting room, informing them to assemble on the grounds for the eagerly awaited results. Ahiro and the others gathered, their anticipation palpable.
Present in front of them were Dracus Stoneheart (physical test teacher), Lucius Ebonhart (Knowledge Test teacher), who had previously introduced himself, and a third teacher who was unfamiliar to the students.
Dracus Stoneheart addressed the assembled candidates, his gravelly voice carrying across the field. "Congratulations to all of you for making it through the Physical Examination. I'm here to announce that only the top 500 performers will proceed to the next round."
Lucius Ebonhart chimed in, "For those who've qualified, you'll need to go back to your temporary dormitories and rest. We expect you back here at the same time tomorrow morning for the next part of the assessment."
With that, the teachers turned and left the grounds, leaving the candidates to digest the results and prepare for the next challenge.
Some wore crestfallen expressions, their dreams of joining Valorius Academy crushed as they hadn't made the cut. Others, couldn't help but feel a profound sense of relief, having secured their spot among the top 500 candidates.
Ahiro's heart swelled with pride when he saw his rank: 445. He felt a sense of accomplishment. Despite the odds, he had secured his spot among the top 500 candidates.
However, as the night wore on, inside the temporary dorm, sleep remained elusive for Ahiro. The weight of anticipation and tension for the final test pressed heavily upon his mind. Each passing hour seemed to drag, filled with thoughts of the challenges that lay ahead.
The night, though restless, eventually yielded to the gentle embrace of dawn. As the first rays of sunlight broke through the horizon, the students began to stir.
The teachers who had gathered the previous day reconvened and in front of them stood students in neatly arranged lines. Lucius, the teacher who had overseen the Theoretical Knowledge Test, stepped forward. He addressed the assembled students with an air of seriousness and inspiration.
"Good morning, candidates. I hope you've had a restful night," Lucius began, his eyes scanning the faces of the top 500 students who had made it to this point. "Each one of you is special, displaying incredible potential. However, today is the day when we separate the exceptional from the extraordinary."
Lucius paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in. "The final test, conducted by an esteemed colleague of mine, will determine who among you truly deserves a place at Valorius Academy."
With that, Lucius invited the third teacher to step forward. She was a striking figure in her military-like uniform which was adorned with various insignias and medals, Her posture was erect, and her demeanor exuded authority. Her sharp eyes swept across the assembled students, leaving no room for doubt.
The teacher addressed the students with a voice as firm as her appearance. "Good morning, candidates. I am Commander Selene Ironclad, and I will be overseeing your final test today. Your performance in this test will not only determine your fate but also reflect your readiness to face the challenges of the awakened world."
Ahiro couldn't help but feel a mixture of trepidation and excitement as he observed the no-nonsense demeanor of Commander Ironclad.
Commander Selene Ironclad, her posture unyielding, her tone measured and authoritative. "Today, you face your final test—the Survival Challenge. I trust you've all had a good night's rest because the next three days will be a true test of your abilities, as an awakened individual."
A sense of anticipation hung in the air, and Ahiro couldn't help but glance around at his fellow candidates, all of them wearing a mixture of determination and apprehension on their faces.
Commander Ironclad continued a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Now, let me explain the rules. In the forest surrounding this clearing, there are a total of 700 badges scattered throughout. Each badge is worth one point. To qualify for entry into Valorius Academy, you must accumulate at least 15 badges."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd as students exchanged worried glances and started calculating in their heads.
"But," Commander Ironclad continued, a sly smile tugging at her lips, "only 200 of these badges are easily accessible to you hidden in various locations throughout forest. The remaining 500 are with your fellow students."
Ahiro felt a chill run down his spine. The realization dawned on him that they would not only have to collect badges but also engage with their peers in potentially challenging encounters.
"You may obtain badges by any means necessary," Commander Ironclad said, her eyes glittering with a challenge. her tone filled with mockery as she continued "Search for them, trade, or even challenge other students who possess a badge. And remember, only those with their own badge can challenge others, if this rule is broken it will result in immediate disqualification, but even if u lose your own badge you can search Forest for a badge and then challenge. Simple right"
She paced before the assembly, her eyes lingering on each student as if to make sure they were paying attention. "To pass this test, you must collect 15 points' worth of badge. But here's the kicker: only 50 of you will make it through."
"Now, for all 50 of you to pass, you would require a total of 750 badges, right?" Commander Ironclad's statement left the students perplexed, their eyes searching for answers.
She pointed confidently to 5 golden-colored badges pinned to her chest. "These badges that I carry are worth a whopping 10 points each. I'll be concealed within the forest, and if you happen to stumble upon me, you may challenge me, or even bring your comrades along to challenge me as a group. But, considering that all of you combined couldn't possibly hope to defeat me," she chuckled heartily, "just impress me, and if you succeed, you'll earn a badge worth 50 points."
Her laughter echoed through the room, though it was met with solemn expressions from the students. Even her fellow teacher could only offer a resigned sigh in response to her behavior. Ahiro couldn't help but be reminded of a certain individual from his past.