THE SYSTEM I MADE
Chapter 26
"Fractured paths"
First-term examination was set to begin. Principal Thaddeus Hawke along side Councilor Elara Winters, Councilor Gideon Ashcroft, Councilor Lysandra Voss, and Councilor Roderick Stormrider were sitted as there were screens created by magic that revealed what was caught by the small bird camera mechanics, they were able to see each group. Each team received their final instructions before heading to their designated dungeons.
Alex's team, composed of Grandmaster Kaidën Starweaver, Lara Flynn (AD), Lucien Ravenwood(E), and Alex Eldraine(F), stood by the entrance of their assigned dungeon. Kaidën, exuding confidence and authority, addressed his teammates.
"This is the first-term examination. It's compulsory, so failing this exam will be a disaster. The objective is for all of us to pass. As the leader, I'll make sure of it as long as everyone cooperates. I'll stay by Lara's side and protect her since she is our healer. Lucien, are you okay being the temporary leader up front?"
Lucien scoffed, a smirk playing on his lips. "Are you kidding me? Who do you think you're talking to? I'm the best of the best."
Kaiden's gaze briefly flickered to Alex. "My only worry and concern is Alex Eldraine," he thought, remembering a conversation with Damon Eldraine.
(Valorwood Academy: Grandmaster Dorm rooms)
The luxurious dorm room of the Grandmasters was bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. Kaidën sat in a plush chair, a book in hand, while Damon Eldraine stood by the window, staring out at the Academy grounds.
"....Well, my relatives went to different schools. I'm the only one here," Kaidën said, as they were having a conversation.
"I see," Damon replied, his tone serious.
"Did you hear the news? Your half-brother Alexander was enrolled at this academy too. Aren't you excited? The entire Eldraine family will be swarming the whole school," Kaidën said with a hint of sarcasm.
Damon now shifts his view away from the window as he looks at Kaidën, his expression neutral. "Don't get your hopes up. He's rather... disappointing. No matter how much he tried to get stronger, he was weak back at the Eldraine estate. I doubt the outcome will change in this school."
Kaidën's eyes narrowed slightly. "People can change, Damon. Perhaps this is his chance to prove himself."
Damon shrugged. "Perhaps. But until he does, I'll remain skeptical."
---
(The Dungeon exam begins!)
[Inside the Dungeon]
As they ventured deeper, Alexander's mind raced. Reincarnated as Alexander Eldraine, he still retained the memories of William, a former game developer. The familiarity of the dungeon layout triggered his analytical mind. He thought about how dungeons were structured in the games he used to create, and how that knowledge could now save his life.
"This feels just like one of the dungeons I designed. Dungeons are essentially tests—traps, puzzles, and monsters, all leading to the final boss. The trick is to think like the designer. If I were setting this up, I'd place traps where they'd be least expected and have the strongest monsters guarding the main pathways. And also the only way to clear a dungeon is to defeat the boss monster. So, that's our objective—find and defeat the boss. But anything might happen In a dungeon so I'll have to be on guard." He thought to himself as his team was still venturing through the dungeon.
Alex's thoughts were interrupted as they walked for ten minutes without encountering a single monster. The eerie silence of the dungeon made their footsteps seem unnaturally loud. Lucien, growing impatient, broke the silence.
"Where are these monsters already?" he grumbled, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "I'm eager to fight!"
Kaidën glanced at Lucien, his expression serious. "We must be careful, Lucien. In situations like this, something concerning is about to happen. Dungeons aren't just about fighting; they're about testing our ability to remain calm under pressure."
Lucien huffed, clearly unimpressed. "I'm not afraid of a few traps or monsters."
Just as Lucien said this, he stepped on a loose stone. A soft click echoed through the tunnel. Alex's reflexes kicked in. He pushed Lucien aside and fell through a trap door that had opened beneath him. The trap door slammed shut, sealing Alex away from the rest of the team.
"Alex!" Lara shouted, rushing to the spot where he had disappeared.
Kaidën's face tightened with concern. He turned to Lucien, his voice sharp. "You are already screwing up as a leader. In situations like this, you have to assess things before interacting. This isn't just about your pride or eagerness to fight. It's about teamwork and strategy."
Lucien's face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "I didn't see it coming. How was I supposed to know?"
Kaidën sighed, his frustration evident. "That's exactly the point. In a dungeon, you can't afford not to know. You need to anticipate and think ahead. Now, we're at a disadvantage because of your recklessness."
Lara's voice trembled with worry. "What do we do now? We can't just leave Alex down there."
Kaidën took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "We will find a way to regroup. For now, we need to focus and move forward. Alex can handle himself. He's stronger than he looks..."
"I hope, I really hope" he added as he starts rethinking what he just said.
(Underground Chamber)
Alex landed in an underground chamber, rolling to absorb the impact. He quickly assessed his surroundings, drawing his sword.
Alex attempts to find some hidden mechanic that might send him back at the place he was at before he was dragged to this mysterious underground Chamber.
"I guess I'm stuck here now," Alex said as he touched the damp, moss-covered walls of the underground chamber. He let out a sigh before a strange, wide smile spread across his face. "Well, that's perfect. For me, though it's just an exam I can use this opportunity to slay some monsters and increase my stats while simultaneously getting good grades."
He moved cautiously, knowing that his team would be trying to find a way to reach him. He needed to stay alive and find a way back to them. "I have to trust them to handle things on their end. For now, I need to survive."
He closed his eyes and spoke through his neural pathway communication. "AIDA, activate night vision mode."
"Affirmative, Night Vision mode has been activated," AIDA's mechanical voice responded in his mind.
The chamber around him lit up in a ghostly green hue, revealing the intricate details of the underground lair. "Hope the others will be okay without me," Alex muttered to himself as he began walking forward.
"A team that consists of four to five members is sent to separate dungeons and each dungeon has its own boss monster," he reasoned. "This means that my team and I have to slay this dungeon's boss monster. Once we get to the boss monster's room, we'll be able to regroup. I'm sure of that."
Suddenly, a guttural growl echoed through the chamber. Alex tensed and turned towards the sound. Emerging from the shadows were goblins clad in crude armor, brandishing knives and swords. Their beady eyes glinted with malice as they slow
with malice as they slowly advanced.
"Arrgh, these guys again," Alex groaned. "They're really annoying. Now I have to kill them all over again." He unsheathed his sword, its blade gleaming even in the dim light. He pointed it at the approaching goblins, a determined glint in his eyes. "The sooner I get rid of you, the better."
Alex pointed his blade at the goblins. "Look at them, my soon-to-be stat points are practically begging for it. Well then, let's play," he said with a grin.
Meanwhile, Lucien, Lara, and Kaidën continued deeper into the dungeon, still encountering no monsters. "You guys, did you sense that?" Lara asked, her voice tinged with concern as she looked ahead.
"Of course, what's with the look though? Aren't you excited we're finally going to get some action?" Lucien replied with a smirk.
As they walked forward, the darkness around them seemed to intensify. "Lucien, get ready. From this moment on, anything can happen. Lara, stay close to me," Kaidën instructed.
The dungeon exam had specific rules outlined by the academy's headmaster. One critical instruction was that if any team member activated a safety mechanism that transported a team member in danger or critical condition, the entire team would be stopped from continuing their raid. This rule was to promote teamwork among the future mages of the Eastern Nations.
The place was pitch black, rendering them nearly blind. "Everyone stick together. I'm sure there's a creature lurking somewhere in this darkness," said Kaidën.
"And by residing in this cramped, dark place, it likely means they ambush their targets. Which suggests they are inferior monsters, probably those that work in groups like goblins," said Lucien.
"Oh, I'm surprised you came up with that kind of speculation," Kaidën remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice.
"I'm surprised that you are surprised. And why are you even surprised? I'm the best of the best after all—heh," Lucien retorted.
"I don't like this place one bit, so...I'll just lighten it up a little," Lucien declared. "Light magic, Illuminate," he chanted, raising his hand. A ball of light materialized, floating up to the ceiling and illuminating the entire area.
The sudden light revealed an army of Crawlers—spider-like creatures—spread out across the chamber. They were everywhere, their many eyes reflecting the light in an unsettling manner.
"Alright, everyone, stay sharp. These Crawlers may be inferior monsters, but in numbers, they can be deadly. Lucien, stay at the front and use your light magic to keep them disoriented. Lara, stay behind me and be ready to heal if necessary." Said kaidën.
Lucien's face lit up with excitement. "Finally, some action! Let's show these Crawlers why we're the best."
As the Crawlers began to move, skittering towards them from all directions, the team braced themselves for the onslaught. Lucien's light magic provided a crucial advantage, disorienting the Crawlers and giving Kaidën and Lara the visibility they needed to strike effectively.