The presence of Dark Wizards during entrance exams is a common occurrence.
Almost every year, there are major or minor cases related to these rogue practitioners, and this year was no different. It's nearly impossible to distinguish between a wizard and a dark wizard at a glance.
In fantasy stories, dark wizards are often depicted with dark auras, ominous mana, or unique tattoo that screams "Look over here, I am a dark wizard!"
In reality, they blend into society perfectly.
By definition, a dark wizard is a wizard who practices illegal spells and rituals that violate the laws and norms of society. In other words, they are just a criminal.
Of course, what is considered illegal varies depending on the country and community. But regardless of where they operate, dark wizards are outlaws, defying the rules.
Inquisitors, the elite force tasked with hunting down these rogue wizards, returned from the three gates after completing their mission.
Their faces were stern, their postures rigid as they marched back into the stadium. Some of them were lined up, delivering their reports to their superiors with military precision.
"Reporting! No Dark Mage activity was found at Gate One. No casualties. Report complete."
One of the Inquisitors declared, his voice echoing through the hushed stadium.
Another Inquisitor stepped forward.
"Reporting! One Dark Wizard was found at Gate two. The culprit was missing. Five victims suffered mental magic attacks. No casualties. Report complete!"
This news sent a ripple of unease through the crowd. Mental magic was a dark and insidious art, capable of leaving permanent scars on the mind.
The third report was even more disconcerting.
His armor scorched and his face lined with fatigue, the third Inquisitor stepped forward.
"Reporting! One Dark Wizard was found at Gate Three. The culprit has been neutralized. Thirty-two victims suffered mental magic attacks. No casualties. Report complete!"
—Hmm, five vs thirty-two. Why do I suddenly feel frustrated, like when I lose a game?
Pretending to rest, Oz lay on the floor, his ears attuned to the conversation between the Inquisitors.
It was now 9:28 am. That meant it was almost 10 o'clock on the headmaster's watch.
Most of the participants had returned to the stadium, their faces a mixture of relief and exhaustion.
Those who had chosen Gates 1 and 3 mostly failed. In desperation, many tried their luck with Gate 2, hoping for a second chance.
Gates 1 and 3 were not designed to be completed by mere 14-year-old child. However, there were always a few who managed to overcome the trial.
If only they knew that the points awarded from the three gates were the same, they would have been surprised.
The bonus coins, however, were only found in Gate 2. It was the 'correct' gate, the one designed to reward those who had the insight to choose it.
For participants who directly entered Gate Two for the first time, they receive additional points. These points are awarded due to the insights they possess or simply by luck.
The inscriptions of snow, tree, and fire on the gate, hidden in plain sight, were the key to making the right decision
*Ding* *Dong* *Ding* *Dong* *Ding* *Dong*
The sound of bells echoed through the air once again, their chimes reverberating off the stone walls of the stadium. At the same time, a young girl stood on the podium once more, her white robes billowing as she spoke
[Okay, time's up!]
The headmaster snapped her fingers for the second time.
Some participants were ejected from the gates as if the gates were vomiting them out, their faces reflecting frustration and exhaustion.
[Don't worry, those who haven't finished the stage haven't failed. There are still three more exams to catch up. However, this doesn't mean your points are enough to be accepted, though.]
The entrance exam system of Mistheaven does not use an elimination mode for each exam but rather a point accumulation system, except if you are late to join the first exam.
For commoners, this entrance exam was a crucial opportunity to secure a job and improve their lives.
For nobles, it was a battlefield where they strategized and competed for authority.
"But it's not my problem. Everyone is a victim that can be played with. Muahahaha."
"Oz, your laugh is creepy..."
Sam commented on how terrifying Oz's laugh was.
His grin widened, revealing an unsettling excitement.
"Ahem, sorry."
[Regarding to the Dark Wizards incident, don't worry. I've already arranged free funerals if anyone dies. So, you can die in peace.]
What the headmaster said did not reassure anyone.
On the contrary, it made the participants even more worried, their eyes darting around nervously.
Except for Oz...
—Ah, I think I've fallen in love.
The headmaster's character, indifferent to others and enjoying making people suffer with her actions, was a form of the art of trolling.
Her lack of empathy and enjoyment of causing chaos were, in Oz's eyes, a twisted form of artistry.
Moreover, she's beautiful. If only she weren't older than him, he would definitely pursue her.
—No! Age is not a limitation!
—After all, physical appearance can be modified, just like mine! Muahahaha.
"Oz, now your smile is terrifying!"
Unknowingly, Oz was grinning.
His face was no less terrifying than a villain's expression in movies when executing their evil plans.
[Now I will explain the second exam. This exam will test your decision-making skills. This time, we will play a treasure-hunting game!]
*Poof*
In front of each student, five cards of various colors appeared: three green cards, one black card, and one white card.
[Participants will be randomly teleported to a maze. The maze consists of corridors and rooms. Your goal is to collect 3 white cards scattered throughout the maze!]
This is a type of treasure-hunting game combined with decision-making.
[If you find a yellow door, you are free to open it. If you find a green door, you must use a green card. Inside, there is a chance you might get a card of any color!]
In essence, it's a gacha. The outcome is random.
[In the Backrooms, there will be patrolling monsters. If you are touched by it, you will be eliminated and receive a score of 0. But don't worry—you can also use a green card to ward off the monsters!]
There are only three green cards, creating many dilemmas about whether to use them to open a door or save them for later in case a monster appears.
As the headmaster explained further, the participants became increasingly anxious.
The maze itself was a labyrinth of yellow-hued corridors and rooms with bizarre door placements, designed to disorient and challenge the participants.
[And what about the black card? If you use it on another participant, they will restart from the beginning and lose all their cards! Yay!]
—Ah, so cruel. I'm falling even deeper in love with her
[Also, magic use is prohibited while inside. If you get caught using magic, you will be disqualified.]
The catch is in the word 'caught.' In other words, you will be disqualified only if you are caught using magic.
*Murmur*
Many participants reacted to that statement. The academy, known for its magical teachings, had now imposed a rule that contradicted its usual practices.
[With that, the second exam officially begins. Good luck.]
The headmaster snapped her fingers, and suddenly Oz found himself in a vast yellow maze, filled with winding corridors, thousands of doors, and secret rooms.
What was once an empty, quiet basement is now buzzing with thousands of participants, all navigating the maze for the second exam.
Additionally, during this second exam, the academy had intentionally created a loophole: there were no rules against taking cards from others.
This could even grant bonus points, as collecting as many cards as possible is one of the criteria for 'resourcefulness.'"
"But I won't do that!"
"Why bother fighting other participants?"
Oz's goal from the start was to collect as many bonus coins as possible.
However, bonus coins could only be found behind green doors.
*Rawr*
From one of the corridors emerged a creature resembling a human but with a gaunt body and black skin.
It moved slowly, its appearance like a shadow cast on the walls.
In reality, it was just a phantom controlled by the academy staff
Oz carefully hid at a corridor intersection, wary of the phantom's presence.
"Vagabundus!"
At least he could still use Night Sorcery.
Unfortunately, the surveillance bird assigned to him could detect all other forms of magic.
From Oz's experience with the fog gate, the original spell created by his master had proven effective against those using phantom projections.
As expected, it worked again.
The person controlling the phantom became disoriented from the spell.
Although the phantom remained under their control, it wandered aimlessly, its movements becoming erratic.
Although Oz had a map of the maze, it was nearly impossible to pinpoint his exact location without matching the layout of rooms with the map.
Among several doors, Oz spotted a green one.
Behind green doors, there was usually a room containing either a card or a coin.
"Rapio Subtilis!"
Oz cast the spell from outside the room. The spell, though simple, was highly effective due to his master's expertise.
With over a millennium of experience, his master's spellcraft was unrivaled.
As he opened his hand, he found a white card.
"Ugh, a white card."
After discarding the white card, he continued to explore, opening several yellow doors and comparing the layout to the map.
Despite opening dozens of yellow doors, he encountered more phantoms than green doors.
When Oz finally found a green door, he felt like he want to hosting a quiz show.
"Viewers, this time let's see what's behind this green door!"
He cast Rapio Subtilis on the door, carefully opening his hand.
The suspense built as he peered inside.
"And it turns out to be a bonus coin! Congratulations!"
—Only 29 coins left.
After matching the layout of the corridors and the locations of the rooms with bonus coins, Oz finally pinpointed his location on the map.
"Now my task is easier."
During his journey, Oz had found 9 bonus coins.
With his physical abilities beyond those of an ordinary human, Oz sprinted without rest at full speed toward a room containing bonus coins.
A few times he encountered other participants and phantoms, but this time a phantom spun in disorienting circles.
—Oh? So one person can control more than one phantom?
These phantoms were different from those Oz had encountered initially.
They appeared to be stuck in a loop of spinning, a clear sign they had been affected by the Vagabundus spell
"Hand over your cards!"
A male voice called from Oz's left side, where he had been observing the phantom.
Turning, he saw a group of kids he recognized, their faces etched into his memory.
"Young master Bolkonsky?"
If he had met the driver from yesterday, these would have been the words that driver would have used.
"Oh? A commoner recognizes me."
Andrei, the leader of the group, looked pleased to be acknowledged.
—Ah, why do I have to meet them again?
"Initially, I wanted to take all your cards. But since you know who I am, I'll only ask for your green cards!"
—Should I give them Vagabundus again?
Ultimately, Oz chose the peaceful route and took out the three green cards from his pocket, handing them over with a slight smirk.
"Heh, so you are obedient after all. What's your name?"
"My name is Oliver Twist."
Andrei's expression turned genuinely happy as he received the three green cards from Oz.
His followers, watching with admiration.
"Oh, so you're Oliver. If anyone bothers you, just mention my name! Andrei De Bolkonsky!"
Patting Oz on the shoulder with a grandiose gesture, Andrei strode away with an air of self-importance, as if he had just saved a damsel in distress.
His four followers mirrored his pride, their gazes lingering on their boss with admiration.
*Rawr*
Due to the commotion they caused, the phantom that had been aimlessly spinning now stood directly in front of the group.
Andrei, displaying his supposed bravery, pulled out a green card from his cloak and charged at the phantom with exaggerated flair.
"Be gone, you evil creature!"
"… ?"
The phantom remained silent and confused, not reacting at all.
Eventually, it reached out and touched Andrei, sending him back to the stadium with a puff of smoke.
As Andrei reverted to smoke, two cards—one green and one white—fell from his hand.
—Ah, it seems he accidently picked up two cards, and it was the white one that came into contact with the Phantom.
"Boss!"
The four followers cried out, their voices tinged with panic as their leader vanished.
"Just wait, I'll avenge you boss!"
"Boss, your sacrifice won't be in vain!"
—Oi, your boss is still alive!
Amid the chaos, one of the followers managed to dispel the phantom using a green card.
The phantom dissipated with a howl, its form vanishing into mist.
"Oliver, we'll continue with the boss's orders. If you want, you can join us."
Said the thinnest boy, adjusting his glasses with a serious expression.
"Maybe another time, I still have some errands to run."
"Then be careful."
The four quickly turned and ran off, their forms disappearing around the next corner.
The sound of their footsteps faded, leaving Oz alone once more.
"They come and go like a storm."
Oz resumed his search. Although the number of participants entering the maze was approaching 10,000, the labyrinth's vastness made encounters rare.