Xin ran towards the Martial Arts gym where they would battle it all out for their Newbie Exams. It was a traditional exam where individual's strength were measured and all who lost would be having a chance next time for entering the Newbie awakeners class.
As he burst through the gym doors, his footsteps echoed loudly in the hallway, creating a rhythm of urgency. "Hey guys! I'm late!" Xin shouted, his voice a mix of excitement and panic.
"Yeah, moron! You're late!" Anna shot back, her exasperation palpable.
He darted past the gym hallways, his heart racing as he spotted the examiners waiting at the front. Relief washed over him momentarily as he saw his teammates perched on the upper level of the gym. Without a second thought, he bounded up the stairs, eager to join them. However, Sir Drey, the team supervisor, greeted him with a playful punch on the head.
"Why are you late, huh?"
"Ouch! I'm sorry!" Xin replied, quickly kowtowing three times in a gesture of respect, hoping to appease the stern instructor. After a moment, he was granted pardon.
Renji, his teammate, merely clicked his tongue in dismay, maintaining his cool composure. "What did I miss?" Xin asked, scratching his head in confusion.
"Ah, nothing much. It still hasn't started," Renji replied, his voice calm and steady.
Xin took a deep breath, his worries subsiding. He couldn't bear the thought of being disqualified simply for being tardy. That would have been a crushing blow, sending him spiraling into despair.
As he stood there, however, Xin could feel the weight of scornful gazes upon him. Whispers circulated among the other students; he was labeled a welp, trash, and many claimed he lacked the strength to even punch effectively. The thought stung. Even the bravest among them wouldn't willingly accept a hit from him, illustrating just how underestimated he truly was. In truth, he struggled to compete with his peers, most of whom boasted far superior martial arts skills and stats.
But deep down, he was just a late bloomer and an S rank in growth. Some would underestimate him now but slowly, he would prove everything about him. That he was not the weakest anymore!
Finally, the teachers made their grand entrance, each one more formidable than the last. Xin's eyes widened as he took in the impressive lineup:
Kiyoshi, a Telekinesis and Spatial Awakened, who supervised Team 14.
Kiro, an Ethereal Awakener supervising Team 4.
Bergas, the Berserker leading Team 5.
Klien, a Lifestealer leading Team 2.
Juro, a Paladin Awakened, master of Team 1.
Arthur, a Holy Knight master of Team 8.
Braun, the Juggernaut supervising Team 12.
Clay, a Dragonoid teacher of Team 11.
Edna, a Witch leading Team 13.
Jezza, a Brawler leading Team 15.
Emil, a Healer leading Team 3.
Mike, a Brawler awakener that leads Team 10.
Each teacher waved to the assembled students, introducing their respective trios. Xin felt a swell of camaraderie and competition wash over him as he familiarized himself with the faces of potential friends and rivals.
The examiners then were shown and they came from different clans. There were from Warrior clans, Guardian clans, Assassin clans, Mage clans, Dark mages clans, and Shapeshifters clans. They all stood proud and got the banner representing their clans on the process. They all were on edge but confident.
The Newbie Exams has now started and the proctor was none other than Sir Mike. Who was a Brawler type that specialized in hard strikes. He has heavy weights on his legs and arms just like Xin but his was to the extreme. It was bulging on his tracksuit and arms.
Renji, in particular, radiated an air of mastery. Xin marveled at his teammate's skill with fire breath and lightning body technique where he mastered with great mastery. Notably, Renji carried a sleek sword on his back, its lack of a handguard hinting at his intention to use it in combat. "Could he really be planning to wield that?" Xin thought, intrigued.
In contrast, Xin himself was equipped with a broadsword strapped to his back, a weapon he had trained diligently with. Beside him, Anna wore metal bracer gloves, her chosen weapon ready to make an impact. Their weapon choices reflected their training, but Xin felt a lingering sense of inadequacy. While he was classified as a necromancer, he had opted against the typical reaper or scythe, considering them impractical for his fighting style.
Instead, he excelled in versatility, preferring a triple nunchuck, a staff, an odachi greatsword, or dual blades—each offering unique advantages. The idea of forging his weapons in the future filled him with determination. He could envision crafting the perfect tools for his style, blending power with grace.
The moment arrived when the proctor, Sir Mike, stepped forward. With heavy weights on his legs and arms, he resembled a titan. His voice boomed across the gym, commanding attention.
"We will proceed to the newbie exams! Each one of you will battle, and the winners will be called Newbie Awakeners!"
He outlined the rules clearly: "No killing, no crippling, and don't attack your opponent when incapacitated. Most importantly, give it your all!"
Excitement surged through Xin as Mike continued. "We will have elimination rounds, and every student will have a chance to prove their worth. Now, do your best and become what you dream of!" The energy in the room was electric, and Xin felt his heart racing in response.
"The Newbie Exams officially begin!"
As the first pair of combatants stepped onto the mat, Xin's focus sharpened. This was it, the moment he had been training for. He was ready to show everyone that he was more than their expectations and that he was not the weakest anymore. They will regret underestimating him and face slap everyone that would ridicule him with their eyes in scorn.
With that, he clenched his fist and readied for the upcoming battle where he has trained for. "I will give my best shot!"