A few hours before...
Zane and a few participants worked together to chase away a group of goblins, breathing heavily from the exertion.
The forest was quiet except for their labored breaths and the occasional rustle of leaves.
"Ha ha ha, if it isn't the little pup of the Bluemoon family," a voice called out from the woods, dripping with mockery.
The voice approached slowly, each step echoing with arrogance.
"You court death," Zane retorted, his eyes narrowing as he tried to pinpoint the source of the voice.
"Ha ha ha, I'm the mighty Agni, the genius of the Ignis family!" Agni Ignis appeared, his aura radiating confidence as he sauntered towards Zane and the group.
"You bunch are sweating just from chasing some goblins," Agni taunted, a prideful smirk plastered on his face.
His expression was one of utter disdain, his eyes gleaming with self-assured superiority.
"I, the mighty Agni, have managed to kill about five of these weaklings ever since this exam started. Ha ha ha!"
Zane clenched his fists, ready to lash out, but before he could respond, another figure stepped into the clearing.
"You two, stop acting like toddlers," the new arrival commanded.
It was a boy around ten years old, with an air of authority that immediately drew attention.
"If it isn't the young prince, Aelric Evergreen," Agni said, his tone mocking but also tinged with a grudging respect.
"You're still arrogant as always."
Prince Aelric Evergreen met Agni's gaze evenly.
"Better to be arrogant with reason than to be boastful without merit," he replied calmly.
Whispers spread through the group of participants.
"That's Prince Evergreen. He's so cool," a girl murmured, her eyes wide with admiration.
"He's always so composed," another girl whispered, her cheeks flushed.
"Wish I could be like him," a boy muttered, green with envy.
As the group continued to murmur and gossip, more figures started to emerge from the forest.
These were the children of the great noble families of Verdantia, each one a renowned genius in their own right.
"Wow, all the geniuses of Verdantia have gathered in one place," one participant whispered in awe.
"I wonder who is the strongest."
Suddenly, the thud of a beast echoed through the clearing, growing louder and more intense.
The participants fell silent, their eyes widening in fear.
Thud... thud... thud...
Three Thunderclaw Bears emerged from the shadows, their massive forms dwarfing the participants.
The air grew tense as everyone took in the sight of these formidable E-rank beasts.
Agni broke the silence with a confident laugh.
"This is just some E-rank beast. Ha ha ha," he said, stepping forward with an arrogant swagger. "I'm taking one!"
"Fire Magic: Hell Blaze!" Agni shouted, his body glowing with a fierce, fiery aura.
He charged at one of the bears, his movements fluid and powerful.
Flames erupted around him as he launched his spell, engulfing the beast in a roaring inferno.
The bear roared in pain, the fire scorching its fur and skin.
Two other children from the great families took on the remaining beasts.
Azalea Riverwind, her long hair flowing like a waterfall, cast "Water Magic: Tidal Surge," sending a massive wave crashing into her target.
Kieran Pecunia, his posture precise and calculated, unleashed "Earth Magic: Stone Shatter," causing the ground to erupt in a series of jagged spikes that pierced the bear.
Agni's battle was fierce, taking eight spells to finally bring down the Thunderclaw Bear.
His body was a blur of fiery motion, each spell launching with devastating impact.
Azalea defeated her beast with seven moves, her water magic dancing around the bear like a graceful ballet of destruction.
Kieran took nine moves, his earth magic creating a chaotic battlefield of stone and debris.
"Not surprising for the geniuses of Verdantia," one participant commented, awe evident in their voice.
Just as the scene seemed to calm, another bear appeared, moving aggressively towards Prince Aelric Evergreen.
The participants watched in horror as the beast charged.
"Verdant King's First Form: Leaf Cutter," Prince Aelric spoke calmly.
In an instant, he drew his sword and moved with incredible speed, slicing the bear cleanly in half with one precise strike.
The other nobles watched in stunned silence, their faces reflecting a mix of respect and astonishment.
Agni's confident smirk faltered slightly, Azalea's eyes widened, and Kieran's usually calm expression turned serious.
"He did it in one move," Zane murmured, barely able to believe what he had seen.
"He's on a different level," Amiliana whispered, her admiration for the prince clear.
As the dust settled and the last bear fell, the genius children of Verdantia looked at each other with newfound respect.
Each recognizing the incredible talents and strengths they all possessed.
As they continued talking about their victory and catching up, the ground began to shake slightly.
The sounds of trees being broken apart echoed through the clearing.
Within a few breaths, another bear appeared, larger and more imposing than the previous four.
Its presence radiated a menacing aura, and it let out a thunderous roar, filling the air with an overwhelming sense of bloodlust.
Everyone started shaking, feeling an icy fear creep into their hearts.
"A D-rank beast? Why is it here? Everyone is in danger," Prince Aelric thought, his calm demeanor giving way to concern.
"Everyone, protect each other and form a defensive formation immediately!" he commanded, his voice urgent.
"We are dead if we don't work together!"
"Amiliana and Amilia, seal its movement!" the prince ordered, addressing the Frostveil twins.
"Agni, Mira, and Bazel, attack it with your strongest fire spells after its movement is sealed!"
Prince Aelric directed, commanding Agni of the Ignis family, and Mira and Bazel from the Emberclan to use their fire spells.
The Frostveil twins stepped forward, their expressions focused and determined.
They raised their hands in unison, their auras shimmering with power.
"Moonlight Technique: Fourth Form - Niflheim!" they chanted together.