Academy Courtyard
The academy courtyard buzzed with anticipation as cadets gathered for the entrance exam briefing. The stakes were higher than ever—failure didn't just mean embarrassment; it meant being placed in Class 7: Vilon, the lowest tier of the Seven Heavens. Vilon students were tasked with porting supplies, performing minor healing, and other menial jobs for their more accomplished peers.
For those who succeeded, however, this was only the beginning. The entrance exam had three phases, each progressively more challenging. The first phase weeded out the weak from the strong. Only those who passed would advance to the second and third phases, where their abilities would truly be tested.
Isaac stood near the edge of the crowd, his expression calm yet unreadable. Around him, the faint breeze carried murmurs of nervous conversations.
At the front of the courtyard, a tall man in battle-worn armor stepped onto a raised platform. His presence commanded immediate attention, the air itself seeming to grow still in deference.
"Attention, cadets!" the man's voice boomed, silencing the crowd. "I am Instructor Varik, and I will oversee the first phase of your entrance exam. This test is simple: reach the minimum score of 100 points to advance. Those who fail will be placed in Vilon, where your role will be to support the real awakeners"
His words sent a ripple of anxiety through the crowd.
"The first phase," Varik continued, gesturing to a large magical projection behind him, "is dungeon diving. Specifically, a low-level forest dungeon filled with creatures ranging from goblins to lizardmen and kobolds. A rare creature—the Blood Hawk—also resides there, though only the bravest among you will seek it out."
Varik gestured to a large magical projection behind him, which displayed the map of the Forest Dungeon. The map revealed dense vegetation, winding trails, and zones marked with creature territories.
---
[Forest Dungeon Overview]
Common Enemies: Goblins, Lizardmen, Kobolds.
Rare Creature: Blood Hawk.
Time Limit: 1 week.
Objective: Reach at least 100 points by defeating enemies and retrieving their cores.
Points :
Goblins: 5 points each.
Lizardmen: 10 points each.
Kobolds: 15 points each (beware of traps).
Blood Hawk: 100 points.
---
"The task is straightforward," Varik continued. "Kill enemies, collect their cores, and earn points. The stronger the creature, the more points you'll gain. But remember: this is not a team-building exercise. You're on your own, and only your score matters."
Varik's gaze swept over the crowd, his voice sharp. "If you do not reach the minimum score of 100 points by the end of the week, you will fail. Those who fail will not advance to the second phase and will instead be placed in Vilon."
The murmurs resumed, louder this time. Some cadets exchanged nervous glances, while others whispered excitedly about their chances.
Varik's voice cut through the noise like a blade. "This test begins now. You will enter the dungeon immediately. Your survival and success are your own responsibility. Good luck—you'll need it."
A ripple of shock spread through the crowd as the announcement sank in. There was no time to prepare, no chance to strategize. The test had already begun.
Moments later, the cadets were herded toward a massive portal at the edge of the academy grounds. Its shimmering surface pulsed with an eerie light, the gateway to the forest dungeon.
Isaac stood at the back of the line, his expression impassive as the other cadets murmured nervously. Some carried basic weapons or gear, while others had nothing but their hands and their abilities.
As the line moved forward, the portal's hum grew louder. One by one, the cadets stepped through, vanishing into the light. When Isaac's turn came, he paused for a moment, his hand brushing the iron brass knuckles in his pocket.
"This is it," he muttered, stepping forward.
The world shifted as he passed through the portal.
---
Forest Dungeon
The Forest Dungeon was exactly as the map had shown: dense trees with sprawling roots, uneven terrain, and faint paths winding through the underbrush. The air was thick with the scent of moss and damp earth, and the distant sound of growls and rustling leaves set Isaac on edge.
His ever helpful System chimed in at the right moments
[Would you like to scan the terrain ?]
[Yes] [No]
He Pressed [Yes], scanning the area for signs of enemies. A faint glow highlighted several nearby points on his map—goblins.
Isaac crouched behind a tree, assessing his options. Goblins were worth 5 points each, but they often traveled in groups. Taking them out one by one would be the safest strategy. He'd focus on gathering enough points to pass the threshold first, saving his mana for tougher fights later.
He slipped on his brass knuckles, summoning a faint flame around his fists. The warmth steadied him as he prepared for the hunt.
"Not bad," came a familiar voice, shattering his concentration.
Isaac turned sharply, his eyes narrowing as he spotted Lyra leaning against a nearby tree. Her short white hair shimmered faintly in the dim light, and her ever-present smirk was firmly in place.
"Not exactly subtle, though," she teased, stepping closer. "Planning your grand strategy already?"
Isaac said nothing, his gaze shifting back to the map.
Lyra tilted her head, her smirk widening. "You know, we could team up. With my skills and your… stoic charm, we'd make a great pair."
"I work better alone," Isaac replied curtly.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Sure you do. But what if I told you I know where the Blood Hawk's nesting grounds are?"
Isaac's expression didn't change, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of interest.
"Thought so," Lyra said smugly. "It's in the southern quadrant, near the cliffs. Dangerous terrain, but worth it if you're feeling brave."
Isaac paused for a moment before shaking his head. "Still no."
Lyra blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Wow. Most people would jump at the chance. Either you're stupid, or you're really confident."
She tilted her head, her grin returning. "I think I like you, Isaac. You're not like the others."
Isaac turned and walked away without another word.
As he disappeared into the trees, Lyra pulled a small, silver bird-shaped charm from her pocket. Whispering a few words, she released it into the air. The charm shimmered, transforming into a tiny, glowing bird that flitted off in the direction Isaac had gone.
"Let's see what you're really planning," Lyra murmured, her voice filled with curiosity.
---
The Forest
Isaac moved through the forest, keeping low to the ground and scanning for movement. The faint glow on his map indicated a cluster of goblins nearby. He tightened his grip on his brass knuckles, the flames around his fists flickering to life.
"First, the easy points," he muttered, stepping into the shadows.
The test had begun, and there was no room for hesitation.