The atmosphere on the beginner's test grounds remained neutral after the nobles emerged victorious in the second-to-last round. All the students stood together, eagerly awaiting the announcement of their next test.
Letti emerged from the director's room, a piece of paper clutched in her right hand. Her expression appeared somewhat neutral, giving nothing away.
As she walked through the corridors toward the stage, her footsteps echoed in sync with the turmoil within her. She couldn't shake off the unease that gripped her, the nagging feeling that something was terribly amiss.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Letti began, her voice projecting with a mix of authority and trepidation, "as you are all aware, this year's beginner's tests have been nothing short of captivating. And now, in a surprising turn of events, Director Kale has chosen the final test for this year's beginners: the Kingdom's Night Run."
A murmur spread through the crowd as excitement and curiosity filled the air. The students exchanged glances, their minds racing with anticipation.
"What? Director Kale himself has chosen the last test?" gasped a student in disbelief.
"That means he will personally oversee this test," Letti continued, her voice carrying a touch of awe.
"What? The director will be present to witness the test?" exclaimed another student, their eyes widening.
"I will do everything within my abilities to impress Director Kale," one student declared with determination, their voice resonating with confidence.
"Count me in. I'll give it my all as well." another chimed in, their face glowing with eagerness.
The students' enthusiasm echoed throughout the grounds, and even the teachers couldn't help but share their excitement.
"But that test was long abolished! Its high mortality rate led to its banishment over two hundred years ago," one teacher remarked, concern etching their face.
"Yes, as a student, I had only heard rumors about that test. It was used in the past to reduce the number of students and ensure higher quality within the academy," added another teacher, their voice tinged with nostalgia.
"Why would the director choose such a test?" questioned a curious student, their eyes darting around as if seeking answers.
"Is it even legal to conduct this test?" asked a concerned voice from the crowd.
Seti, the director's confidante, stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. She surveyed the students and teachers, her gaze piercing through their doubts and fears.
"Take your concerns up with the director if you dare," Seti interjected, her voice carrying a hint of challenge. "You'll soon learn what he's capable of."
"No way! He's a maniac," whispered a student, fear evident in their voice, while others nodded in agreement.
Back in the director's office...
Thud
The sound of splintering wood filled the room as Director Kale unleashed his frustration, shattering the table with a single powerful punch. His anger and disbelief were palpable.
"What? Seti, have you lost your goddamn mind?" Kale bellowed, his voice reverberating through the office.
Seti maintained her composure, unfazed by the display of rage. She met Kale's gaze with a steady resolve.
"I apologize, sir, but that's the truth," Seti replied, her voice even and unwavering.
Kale paced the room, his mind struggling to accept the reality that a commoner had excelled in the tests, defying all expectations.
"Let me make sure I understand correctly. You're saying a commoner not only aced the first two rounds but also shattered the Kingdom's javelin throw record?" Kale's voice resonated with disbelief.
"Yes, sir," Seti affirmed, her tone carrying an air of certainty.
"Fuuuuckkk, Seti! This can't be happening! He's just a commoner," Kale exclaimed, his frustration mounting.
"I understand your concerns, sir, but it is what it is," Seti calmly responded, her eyes meeting Kale's unwaveringly.
"No, you must ensure he fails. Do whatever it takes to make him fail the test. Change the next event to something more competitive, something that will tilt the odds in favor of the nobles," Kale ordered, his voice laced with determination.
"Sir, I've devised a way to ensure the nobles' victory in the next round," Seti revealed, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Kale's curiosity was piqued, and he leaned in, his eyes fixed on Seti. "Tell me, what is your plan?"
Seti locked eyes with Kale, an evil glimmer in her gaze. "Kingdom's Night Run."
Silence enveloped the room as Kale stared at Seti, his expression a mix of shock and contemplation. For a full minute, neither uttered a word.
"Seti, have you truly lost your mind this time?" Kale finally spoke, breaking the silence.
"This is the only way, sir. Either we win or we become a laughingstock. Once news spreads that a commoner has triumphed over the nobles in the academy's beginner's test, our reputation will be tarnished beyond repair. No one will even spare a glance at this academy," Seti explained with conviction.
Tension tightened Kale's face even more as he weighed the consequences of the upcoming test. After a lengthy deliberation, he made his decision.
"Do it," he finally uttered, a mixture of resolve and resignation in his voice.
"As you wish, Sir Director," Seti replied, her lips curling into a malevolent smile as she left the office.
Outside the office, Letti stood patiently, unaware of the unsettling plan that had been set in motion.
"Letti, here you go. Now go and announce it on the stage," Seti instructed, handing Letti a piece of paper.
Letti's hands trembled slightly as she unfolded the paper, her eyes widening in surprise as she read its contents.
"But, ma'am, this isn't fair," Letti protested, her voice tinged with concern.
"What's not fair?" Seti retorted, her voice dripping with an air of authority.
"This test was banned long ago."
"No, it wasn't banned; we simply stopped including it in our tests. But today, we're reintroducing it, following the director's orders. Do you have a problem with it? Take it up with the director," Seti declared before swiftly departing the hall.
Letti stood there, wrestling with her conscience, her mind plagued by doubts. She took a deep breath, gathering her resolve. She couldn't let her concerns go unaddressed.
"Sir, may I come in?" Letti asked, her voice laced with a mixture of apprehension and determination.
"Yes," Kale replied, his voice carrying a weight of authority.
"Sir, this test... it's too dangerous," Letti began, her voice trembling slightly.
Kale interrupted her, his tone firm and unwavering. "Don't lecture me on what's dangerous and what's not. Everything regarding this test has already been discussed. Now, go and do as you're told."
Letti felt a chill run down her spine as she absorbed the weight of Kale's words. She knew there was no room for further arguments. The fate of the test had been sealed. With a nod of understanding, she turned and left the director's office, her mind buzzing with conflicting thoughts and emotions.
As soon as Letti left the director's office, her mind buzzed with thoughts. She couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "These noble pigs are doing their utmost to level the playing field, but this time, a cunning fox has infiltrated their ranks.
"Now all of you may take your leave because the final test will be held tonight, and the rules will be declared on the field," Letti announced as she descended from the stage.
"All of you, come with me," she immediately instructed the Commoner section upon reaching the ground.
"Ms. Letti, you seem to be in a hurry," Seti mocked Letti from behind.
"Ahaha, you see, I have to explain the basics to my students here," Letti replied, forcing a fake laugh.
"Good, good. You should explain it all to them. Maybe it's their last chance for an explanation," Seti sneered with arrogance.
'This bitch, I want to kill her.'
"Best of luck to your students too, ma'am. All of the Commoners will follow me now. Come," Letti said as she walked towards the other side.
"My students won't need luck, yours will, hehehe," Seti taunted.
Letti remained silent and continued walking forward.
After a short walk, they entered a large room filled with ancient books.
"Wow... what's this place?"
"It's ancient. Seems like old creatures used to live here."
"Search for books on the Kingdom's Night Run and read about it silently, all of you. Anon, come with me," Letti commanded.
"Yes, ma'am," all the students replied in unison as they began selecting books from the shelves and started reading.
Anon followed Letti silently to a bookshelf at the back of the room.
Letti approached a large green book and tilted it forward slightly.
Suddenly, the shelf started moving, revealing the entrance to a small hidden room.
"Wow, a hidden passage, huh?" Anon admired.
"Come inside," Letti commanded.
"Oh, a dominating play, huh?" Anon asked with a smile.
"Just come in."
"Yes, yes."
Anon entered and saw two chairs and a large wooden table in the middle of the room. A bookshelf was attached to the right wall, and a detailed map of the kingdom adorned the left wall.
"What do you use this place for? Don't tell me you plan to take over the world here," Anon joked.
"Don't joke with me and look here," she said, pointing to the map of the kingdom.
"What's this?" Anon asked.
"This is the map of our kingdom. Judging by the fact that you don't even know about it, I can assume that your knowledge is weak as fuck."
"Well, that's one accurate guess."
"Good, now pay attention. Our kingdom consists of seven cities, four seas, twelve forests, and five deserts. Our continent alone has one sea, two deserts, and three forests."
"Okay, and...?"
"In tonight's race, seven students will be chosen from both sides, nobles and commoners. Each one will run through one continent. One thing I like about this test is that it provides equal grounds. Regardless of whether you are a commoner or a noble, you are allowed to use magic at any time."
"For what?" Anon inquired.
"To run and kill each other, obviously. The noble bastards will use every means at their disposal to stop our students and achieve victory. You will be their main target during the event, which is why you will intentionally take last place in the race. You will be relatively safe in the final continent, and I will arrange for someone to help you as well."
"Oh, who is this someone, if I may ask?" Anon asked, his smile filled with mockery.
"She is a friend of mine."
"A 'she'? This is going to be fun."
"Don't get too excited now. You will run last to maintain our pace. If we were to be losing, I believe you will be the only one who can turn the tables."
"Don't worry about it. What else?"
"Nothing in particular. The students will use their magic powers to kill your teammates. They will utilize artifacts to boost their speed and even enhance their bodies with dopes to achieve victory. The final challenge of the race will be in our kingdom, inside the 'Forest of Nightmares.'"
"That's all the information you need to know for now."
"What about the rules?" Anon asked, confused by the fact that Letti explained everything about the event but hadn't mentioned a single rule during their conversation.
"What rules? There are no rules in this race. That's why it was banned years ago. The nobles annihilated the commoners in this test. The king prohibited it and granted the director special rights to conduct this test only under critical circumstances," Letti explained with a smile.
"What sort of critical circumstances are these?" Anon inquired curiously.
"Are you kidding me? You shattered their egos, crushed their self-respect, and undermined their grand reputations."
"Haha, the nobles really take pride in their reputation, huh?"
"That's the only thing they love the most, even more than their own lives. And when a motherfucking commoner starts taking that away too, they will rage, obviously," Letti explained.
"Hahaha, this will be fun to watch," Anon laughed.
"There's one more thing I'd like to explain."
"What is it?"
"Because this test is so dangerous, the rewards will be even greater."
"Oh, there are rewards for this test?"
"Yes. Now go and do whatever you want. I'll be here if you need help with anything."
"Okay," Anon said as he exited the secret room.
'No.300,' Anon called out mentally using the psychic connection.
'Your Highness, your slave is ready to serve.'
'Prepare everyone. I'll need all of you tonight.'
'As you command, my lord.'
'Recall Mike from his journey and instruct Sephie to abandon everything she's doing in her lab. Also, update me on the zombie situation in the Forest of Nightmares.'
'As you command, Your Highness.'
'Good.'
Ten minutes later.
'Your Highness.'
'Yes?'
'Madam Sephie informed me that there have been no activities related to zombies in the forest. No sightings have been reported for the past week.'
"Good, that's one less problem for me."
'I have ordered 35,000 men to prepare their weapons. Is that enough, master?'
'More than enough. But how many Ogres do we have in total?'
'I'm sorry, master, but I don't know the exact numbers. I can tell you that we have over 50,000 now, with 40,000 of them trained for combat.'
'Wow, we've grown so much, huh?'
'Good. I'll see you tonight in the Forest of Nightmares.'
'As you command, Your Highness. There's one more piece of news, Your Highness.'
'What is it?'
'Kole is ready to talk.'
"What?"
Anon sat in the library, fixated on a crimson book before him titled '100 Best Positions.'
"Heh, I'm bored. Hey, System, open the Skill Store." Anon commanded the system.
[Skill Store Opening]
"Search for running skills."
[Searching the store for running skills]
[100,798 skills found in total.]
"Filter out those that can be used by me."
[2 skills found inside the store.]
"Show me."
[Haste - F-Rank] [1 SBP]
[Haste, an F-Rank skill in the realm of running, is a rather underwhelming ability. It provides a modest boost in speed but falls far short of the impressive capabilities one would expect from a skill of higher caliber. Increases the running speed by 20% for 10 minutes.]
[Mana: 10/minute]
[Swiftness - E-Rank] [2 SBP]
[Swiftness offers a slightly more noticeable enhancement compared to other f-rank running skills. But it's just an F-rank skill. Boosts your stamina by 5% while running.]
[Mana: 15/minute]
"Damn, why do I only have these trash running skills? I need more to win this race," Anon grumbled, rubbing his temples.
[Demon God of Authority 'Damacus' has blessed you with his blessing.]
[Would you like to unlock the Class Lock?]
"What? Class Lock?" Anon asked, confused.
[Class Lock]
[The Class Lock prevents you from using skills and spells from another class.]
Anon's eyes gleamed as he read the notification.
"You're kidding me?" Anon jumped up from his chair, staring intently at the screen.
[Demon God Damacus asks, 'How do you like that, Brother? Don't tell me you don't like this blessing.']
"I fucking love it. Unlock it now," Anon replied eagerly.
[Breaking into the Ayakashi records]
[Reversing the mana flow.]
[Executing commands]
[Unlocking 321 classes]
[Warning: Main class's last evolution and skills will not be unlocked for use.]
[Unlock started...1%]
[2%....3%....4%....]
Anon sat back down, patiently awaiting the completion of the process.
Two hours later.
[99%....100%]
[All 321 Classes have been unlocked]
"Yes... Yes!" Anon exclaimed in excitement.
"Oi, this is a library."
"Oh shit," he quickly composed himself.
"System, search for running skills again."
[Searching the store for running skills]
[100,798 skills found in total.]
"Filter out those that can be used by me." Anon commanded, brimming with anticipation.
[100,797 skills found that are usable]
"Hahaha... This is going to be fun now," Anon said, rubbing his hands together as he surveyed the long list of diverse skills before him.
Four hours later...
"Everyone, get up! The sun is about to set. We will now select the seven students who will compete in the test," Letti emerged from her room and issued the order, but no one responded.
"Hmm...? Where is everyone?" Letti wondered as she heard no sounds from the other side of the library.
"Guys, what—" as soon as she went to the other side, she witnessed a horrific scene.
Gwaahhhhh
Bwhaaaaa
Students were doubled over, retching on the ground, their faces pale from food poisoning.
"Oi, what happened to all of you?" She rushed to the students immediately.
"That guy... he claimed to be from the mess. He offered us... bwaaah free food, saying it was provided by the academy," one of the students barely managed to speak between bouts of vomiting.
"NURSE..." Letti shouted.
"What happened?" Anon arrived at the scene and asked, observing the students retching and clutching their stomachs.
"They've been poisoned with Citadel mushrooms," Letti explained in a tense voice.
"Citadel mushrooms?" Anon inquired.
"They cause slow food poisoning and are resistant to any healing magic," Letti continued.
"What do you mean?"
"We've been set up. Those nobles played their dirty tricks even before the game began, and these idiots fell for it because they can't resist free food," Letti seethed with anger.
"Why didn't that guy come to me?" Anon questioned.
"What?" Letti asked.
"The person who offered the treat didn't approach me. My position allows me to see anyone entering through that door, but to see the door itself, I have to tilt my head back slightly."
"He knew you would uncover the trick, and he knew in advance that you were seated in the back. That's why he didn't approach you but targeted the whole class, excluding you. It means..." Letti started connecting the dots.
"Somebody is feeding the nobles information about our every move," Anon finished her sentence.
"Fuck, why didn't I think of that," Letti exclaimed in anger, punching the wall.
"You're not smart enough," Anon taunted.
Suddenly, several women entered the room wearing white robes, swiftly attending to the students in white clothes and escorting them to the treatment center.
Letti sank into a nearby chair, holding her head in frustration as she scraped rust off the metallic table.
[All beginner students, please leave your classrooms and assemble on the main ground. We will now commence the final round of your beginner's test.]
A loud announcement resounded from the academy's main stage.
Students immediately gathered in the main grounds of the academy.
"I'll go and declare our defeat," Letti said, rising from her seat and walking towards the room's exit.
"Wait..." Anon called out.
"What?" She asked, turning around.
"Continue with the preparations. We will still compete."
"What are you saying? Have you gone insane? Lifting 10,000kg and traversing the seven continents of the Holy Land is a whole different challenge."
"I know what I'm saying. I will still participate in the race and crush their reputations like a damn fly. The nobles played their cards right, and we couldn't prevent it or deny it now. But we can turn the tables on their winning hand," Anon spoke, laughing slowly, his expression turning maniacal.
"A-Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Sometimes, you give me the creeps."
"Just go."
"Yes, yes."
Twenty minutes later...
On the left side of the field stood a crowd of noble students, reveling in their victory, while on the right side stood a solitary man wearing a sinister smile, exuding an air of madness.
"Ms. Letti, where are your other students?" the commentators inquired.
"They all fell victim to food poisoning," Letti replied.
"So, are you going to forfeit?"
"No, he will be participating on our behalf," Letti declared, pointing towards the lone student standing in the Commoner court.
"Hmm...?"
"Are you kidding me, Letti?" Mrs. Seraphina, a formidable MILF of a woman in her forties, confronted Letti.
"No, Mrs. Seraphina, I'm not joking. He intends to compete from the Commoner's side," Letti replied.
"That's pure suicide. If you believe that kid can traverse all seven continents alone, why not declare him the City Champion?" Another commentator, a youthful man of around twenty-five, questioned.
"I can't do anything about it, Sir Landon. He wants to participate, and it's his choice."
"Well, who are we to stand in anyone's way? Let's get this started," Seraphina said as she returned to her levitating chair, hovering above the main stage.
The crowd from the kingdom gathered around the academy's entrance, eager to witness the forbidden trial that had been banned for years.
"Hey, are you certain they're really conducting it?"
"Yes, I received this information from a reliable insider."
"Well, I'd love to witness the test of life and death once again," an elderly man declared from the center of the crowd.
All eyes turned toward him.
"Old man, you participated in that test?"
"HOHOHO, indeed I did, kiddo."
"Wow."
Creak
The gates of the academy slowly swung open, revealing a massive screen in front of the establishment.
On the screen, the view of the academy's main grounds appeared.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today we have gathered inside this academy to witness the legendary test that was banned long ago, not only in this kingdom but in all academies across the realm. The Night Run of the Seven Kingdoms," Seraphina announced with fervor in her voice.
"Thank you, Seraphina, but today we are witnessing something even more perilous than the legendary test itself."
"What is it, Landon?"
"Allow me to explain. On the left side of this court stand the armies of the seven Noble households.
From the prestigious seven-star Witch House, we have Jake grey, the only son of the household and Samantha grey, the third and the most beautiful daughter of the house.
Representing the seven-star Martial House, we have Luna Warwood, the second daughter of the house. She prides herself on hard work and fair play, regardless of the circumstances.
Standing alongside them is Frank Field Stonelake, the first son and heir of the seven-star Noble House of the Undeads. Tragic as it may be, he steps into his father's shoes, poised to become a remarkable leader. My condolences for your loss, Frank, but I hope you will surpass your father in greatness."
Moving forward, we have the most significant member of the noble party, Ren Denver from the seven-star Denver House of Justice. He is here to prove his worth to the world, showcasing the capabilities of the Denver House of Justice's future leader," Landon announced.
In this world, the commentators were granted the right of free speech. To provoke the other party and make the competitions even more enthralling, they were allowed to say whatever they pleased during an event.
"But Landon, who are the other two students standing beside them?" Seraphina inquired.
"Oh, they are merely five and six-star nobles from unknown families. I don't even know their names," Landon's voice resonated throughout the academy.
The two additional students from the lesser-ranked noble houses felt a pang of shame as their faces turned red.
"Seraphina, forget about them and look to the right side of the court; we have a remarkable and crazy fellow there."
"What are you talking about ?" Seraphina asked.
"Take a look. The one-man army standing fearlessly and toe to toe against the seven nobles. His name is Anon Agreil, I presume—a Commoner who dares to compete alone in this challenge from the Commoner's side. I salute this man's confidence, but he is essentially walking into his own demise. Running across seven kingdoms is no trivial feat." Landon announced.
"Well, we cannot alter what fate holds for him, can we? If he has already accepted his demise, then he must have contemplated it beforehand but if he did what he says then he will leave his name in the history. However, he does possess a certain charm; what a waste, if he dies." Seraphina spoke, disappointment evident in her eyes.
"So, what are we waiting for ? Let the race begin. Luna Warwood will be the first runner from the noble side, and Anon Agreil will represent the Commoners."
"Everyone, please clear the path from the academy gates," Seraphina announced.
The crowd around the academy gates promptly stepped aside.
"Yo, this time I will defeat you," Luna said as she approached Anon.
"What makes you so confident?" Anon questioned.
"That," Luna replied, pointing at the radiant full moon in the sky.
"The moon...?" Anon asked in confusion.
"Yes, under the full moon's night, my powers increase by 200%, and this time, I will utilize magic as well. So, be cautious," she explained.
"Ah, excellent. Let's see what you're capable of," Anon remarked.
'What a dumb girl ? She told me her skill and acted like it's nothing.' Anon wondered.
"Luna and Anon, take your positions," Landon declared.
The crowd continued to swell outside the academy with each passing moment, and other students emerged from their dorms to cheer for their favored contestant.
"Luna, Luna, Luna! Go, Luna, go! You can easily defeat that kid!"
"Yes, Luna, crush that arrogant bastard!"
"Luna, you've got this!"
"They adore me," Luna remarked as she assumed her position on the ground, ready to sprint at any moment.
"Loser, Anon. You're nothing but a loser."
"You're powerless, you bastard."
"Just perish, Anon."
"Well, it seems like I've fucked their mothers without even paying them," Anon retorted.
"Hahaha," Luna laughed.
"Are you both ready?" Seraphina inquired.
Anon nodded in agreement.
Anon's body immediately shined with a blue gradient light.
[Stamina Boost] [Spearman Skill] [Rank-C]
[When activated, Stamina Boost surges through the player's body, infusing them with a surge of vitality and heightened physical capabilities. It acts as a catalyst, amplifying the body's natural energy systems and unlocking reserves that are otherwise untapped. This skill taps into the inner reserves of strength and stamina, granting the player an exhilarating power start.]
[1000/mana]
[Cooldown: 5 minutes]
"BOTH OF YOU, STAAAART."