The initial forays into the Gates unfolded as a microcosm of strategic choices and individual assessments. The brave souls, armed with determination, approached the platforms representing Easy, Normal, and Medium, each gate concealing challenges of varying complexity.
"Easy seems like a good warm-up," quipped a student, eager to navigate the initial trials with a semblance of familiarity. A chorus of chuckles accompanied this sentiment, a shared understanding that the introductory gate provided a gentle initiation into the proceedings.
The Normal Gate, marked by an aura of tempered challenge, attracted those seeking a balance between risk and reward. Conversations meandered around strategies, conjectures on the nature of adversaries awaiting within the artificial realm, and shared insights on past encounters in similar scenarios.
However, as the gaze shifted towards the Hard and Nightmare Gates, a palpable hesitancy loomed. Whispers of caution circulated among the participants, words laden with an awareness of the formidable trials that awaited behind these gates.
Elysia, with an air of detached curiosity, observed the dynamics unfolding. Drakon, while remaining stoic, subtly assessed the choices made by his peers. The unspoken acknowledgment of the gravity embedded within the higher difficulty gates painted an intriguing tapestry of collective trepidation.
A voice in the crowd, laced with a tinge of skepticism, resonated. "Why risk it on Hard or Nightmare? Better to secure a reasonable score than to gamble everything."
Another countered, "But the rewards for the higher gates could be substantial. Imagine the recognition, the prestige!"
The dichotomy between caution and ambition wove a narrative that mirrored the diverse aspirations coursing through the students.
As each individual embarked on their chosen path, whether a cautious venture into the familiar or a daring ascent into the unknown, the artificial Gates stood as conduits to a realm where resilience and adaptability would be tested.
Elysia, still a silent observer, knew her moment would come—the Gates, impartial and inscrutable, awaited her presence.
In the mosaic of choices made by her peers, patterns of strategy, ambition, and a hint of apprehension converged, casting shadows and illuminating facets of the collective journey that unfolded within the confines of the artificial realm.
As the Gates projected the unfolding battles for all to witness, a certain monotony began to pervade the broadcasts. The representatives from the esteemed combat academies, their expectations anchored in the pursuit of excellence, found themselves unimpressed by the displays of those venturing through the artificial realms.
"These students lack finesse, strategy, and true combat prowess," remarked one representative, an air of disappointment palpable in their voice. "We need exceptional talents, not mediocrity."
The sentiment resonated among the representatives of the bigger universities, their discerning eyes seeking individuals who could truly embody the essence of combat brilliance. The battles within the Gates, though earnest in effort, fell short of the caliber these institutions sought.
On the flip side, representatives from the smaller universities sensed an opportunity. Amidst the sea of contenders, they identified potential gems—students showcasing above-average skills and strategic acumen. Discussions ensued, a subtle yet intense competition unfolding as each sought to lay claim to promising talents.
"I see potential in that one," whispered a representative, gesturing toward a student navigating the Medium Gate with calculated precision. "Perhaps not a prodigy, but certainly someone we can refine into a skilled warrior."
Meanwhile, Elysia, a maestro in her own right, found the proceedings increasingly tedious. The predictable patterns, lackluster techniques, and absence of genuine challenges left her yearning for a display of true combat artistry.
As the smaller universities' representatives engaged in verbal skirmishes over their chosen candidates, Elysia's gaze flickered with a blend of boredom and detached amusement.
The broadcasted fights, lacking the finesse she expected, failed to pique her interest. The disparity in skills and the absence of opponents capable of truly testing her abilities left Elysia yearning for a more engaging spectacle.
Amidst the negotiations between universities and the subtle competitions for promising students, she remained a silent observer, waiting for a challenge that would genuinely ignite the flames of excitement within her.
Drakon, standing tall and resolute, decided to take on the Hard Difficulty, a choice that garnered both understanding nods and approving glances from the university representatives.
The seasoned warriors among them recognized the wisdom in Drakon's decision, acknowledging the perilous nature of a Nightmare Difficulty— a challenge fraught with potential pitfalls that even the most accomplished fighters could struggle to overcome.
A representative, donned in the regalia of one of the esteemed academies, commented with a sagely tone, "He's pragmatic. Hard Difficulty allows him to showcase his skills without risking an unnecessary failure in the face of the unknown challenges that a Nightmare Gate might present."
Others around the table murmured in agreement, appreciating Drakon's strategic approach. The representatives understood the significance of choosing a difficulty that aligned with one's capabilities, ensuring a demonstration of prowess without succumbing to unnecessary risks.
As Drakon entered the Hard Gate, the expectations were tempered with anticipation. The artificial realm unfolded before the audience, revealing a terrain of formidable adversaries and challenging obstacles.
The university representatives, attuned to the subtleties of combat mastery, observed keenly, ready to discern the true essence of Drakon's skills.
Meanwhile, Elysia, her expression veiled in an enigmatic calm, followed the unfolding events with a modicum of interest. While Drakon's choice demonstrated practical wisdom, the true test lay in how he navigated the perils within the Hard Gate.
As the battles unfolded on the projection screens, a subtle undercurrent of expectation lingered, waiting for the defining moments that would ascertain Drakon's position among the aspirants for combat excellence.
Drakon, clad in his Dragon Scales, moved with a calculated grace through the Hard Difficulty Gate. The artificial realm unfolded with its diverse landscapes—twisting forests, craggy mountains, and ominous caverns. Each step revealed formidable adversaries, their roars echoing in the digital expanse.
His approach to combat was methodical, showcasing a seamless integration of martial prowess and the enhancements granted by his Dragon Scales. As monstrous creatures lunged at him, Drakon countered with a balletic blend of evasive maneuvers and precise strikes. His movements, almost choreographed, spoke of experience and honed instincts.
The university representatives, their eyes fixed on the projection screens, witnessed Drakon's finesse with a mixture of intrigue and admiration. It was evident that his combat style was well-crafted, leveraging the unique attributes bestowed upon him by his Dragonic heritage.
Navigating through the treacherous terrains, Drakon encountered a variety of foes—fiery salamanders, gargantuan spiders, and ethereal apparitions. Each encounter was met with a strategic blend of swordplay and Dragon Scales' defensive capabilities. The interplay of shadows and light cast by the artificial environment added a cinematic quality to his battles.
As Drakon progressed deeper into the Gate, the challenges intensified. Yet, he faced them with unyielding determination, his blade cutting through the denizens of the artificial realm. The complexity of his maneuvers hinted at a warrior well-versed in adapting to diverse combat scenarios.
Finally, the entrance to the boss room loomed ahead—a colossal gate guarded by spectral sentinels. Drakon, undeterred, faced the challenge head-on. The boss, a monstrous chimera with multiple heads, awaited within the darkened chamber.
The confrontation was an intricate dance of combat styles. Drakon's swordplay seamlessly melded with the defensive capabilities of his Dragon Scales. The battle unfolded in a flurry of strikes and evasions, each movement a testament to his combat proficiency.
The university representatives, observing the spectacle, exchanged impressed glances. Drakon's performance within the boss room showcased not only his physical prowess but also his strategic acumen. The tactical decisions made in the heat of battle spoke of a fighter capable of analyzing and adapting to dynamic situations.
Ultimately, Drakon emerged victorious, the final blow delivered with precision. The chimera's digital form dissipated, leaving behind a shower of radiant particles. As the boss room cleared, Drakon stood victorious, his silhouette illuminated against the fading remnants of the defeated adversary.
The projection screens relayed the conclusion of Drakon's journey to the onlookers. The university representatives, recognizing the significance of his triumph in the Hard Difficulty Gate, nodded in acknowledgment.
Drakon's performance had not only showcased his combat prowess but had also established him as a contender worthy of consideration among the elite combatants sought by prestigious institutions.
The virtual audience of students erupted into a mix of awe, excitement, and murmurs of admiration as Drakon emerged triumphant from the Hard Difficulty Gate in less than 5 minutes.
The screens projected his victorious stance, Dragon Scales gleaming, and the subdued glow of the digital environment casting a heroic aura around him.
Amidst the cheering crowd, whispers of amazement filled the air.
"Did you see that? He took down the boss like it was nothing!"
"I heard he finished the Hard Dungeon in record time. Unbelievable!"
"Is Drakon even human? That was unreal!"
Enthusiastic applause echoed through the virtual arena as students marveled at the speed and finesse displayed by Drakon. Some exchanged animated discussions, speculating on the strategies and skills that contributed to his remarkable feat.
"He's definitely going to get noticed by the big universities with this performance."
"Imagine what he could do in a Nightmare Dungeon. That's where the real challenges are!"
"Do you think Elysia can top that? I mean, she has to, right?"
As the buzz of excitement continued, comparisons between Drakon's achievement and Elysia's impending turn became a focal point of speculation. The anticipation was palpable, and students eagerly awaited the next contender to step forward and face the Gates.
The representatives of the prestigious combat academies, who had maintained a composed demeanor throughout, exchanged knowing glances.
Drakon's exceptional performance had undoubtedly set a high standard, and the competition for recruiting him intensified among the top-tier institutions.
In the midst of the chatter, Drakon, maintaining his composure, acknowledged the virtual applause with a nod. His presence in the simulated realm had left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of his peers, setting the stage for the next chapter in the University Exams—a chapter that promised even greater challenges and extraordinary displays of talent.
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