A Heavy Atmosphere
The academy had changed.
Four days had passed since the first-years were transported to the real academy, and while they had spent time adjusting, the weight of the upcoming Survival Exam loomed over them like an executioner's blade.
The once-lively corridors were silent. No more idle chatter or students boasting about their talents. Everyone had heard the rumors—this was not an ordinary test. It wasn't about scoring points. It wasn't even about winning. It was about survival.
In the cafeteria, groups of students huddled together, speaking in hushed tones. Some looked pale, their hands trembling as they forced down food. Others sharpened their weapons obsessively, unable to sit still.
Axton sat at a table with Elias and Seraphina, observing the tension in the room.
"The atmosphere's different," Elias muttered, picking at his food. "I mean, it was always intense, but this? It feels like we're about to be thrown into a battlefield."
Seraphina crossed her arms. "Because we are."
Axton remained quiet. He had been thinking about it all day. The academy was known for pushing students to their limits, but this exam felt like a culling.
He wasn't the only one who noticed it. Across the room, Corbin's group sat together, their usual arrogance replaced by quiet determination. Even the strongest first-years weren't confident.
Axton exhaled. If I want to survive, I need to prepare.
The Announcement
At sunset, a deep chime rang across the academy, signaling all first-years to gather at the massive training grounds.
Hundreds of students stood together, waiting in anxious silence. The instructors were lined up in front of them, their expressions unreadable. But at the center of it all stood Professor Salazar, his cold gaze sweeping across the crowd.
"The time has come," he announced. "The Survival Exam begins at dawn."
Axton felt the tension around him deepen.
"This is not a mere battle," Salazar continued, his voice unwavering. "You will be thrown into an environment where the academy will not protect you. No instructors. No assistance. Only your instincts, your strength, and your will to survive."
Murmurs spread through the students. Some looked pale.
Salazar's gaze sharpened. "The objective is simple: Endure. Find your way back. The unworthy will be left behind."
No further details. No explanations. Just that.
The first-years looked at each other, unease clear in their expressions.
Axton clenched his fists. This was it.
Final Preparations
That night, Axton sat alone in his dorm, staring at his System Interface.
The system had been eerily quiet since the academy changed. But now, it flickered to life.
[System Message: "Four days in, and you're still weak. But maybe… just maybe… you won't die immediately."]
Axton sighed. This thing was never encouraging.
His points had been piling up, and he had been saving them for the right moment.
That moment was now.
[Axton Backwoods - Status]
Level: Novice 4
Points Available: 300
Attributes Before Spending Points:
• Strength: 55 (+25)
• Agility: 50 (+20)
• Endurance: 54 (+25)
• Perception: 45 (+25)
• Dexterity: 37 (+15)
• Vitality: 37 (+15)
• Wisdom: 17 (+7)
• Intelligence: 18 (+8)
• Control: 16 (+10)
Specialized Stats:
• Lightning Affinity: 40%
• Lightning Mastery: Level 2
Skills:
• Lightning Spark – Level 2
• Lightning Dash – Level 2
• Silent Step – Level 1
• Thunderclap – Level 1
• Storm's Eye – Level 1
[System Message: "Sitting on points like a fool? About time you spent them."]
Axton rolled his eyes and tapped the System Shop. A translucent screen appeared before him, filled with options.
[System Shop - Available Purchases]
1. Basic Healing Potion (5 points) – Restores minor injuries.
2. Stamina Elixir (10 points) – Restores stamina instantly.
3. Perception Booster (25 points) – Increases sensory awareness for 30 minutes.
4. Temporary Strength Buff (50 points) – Enhances strength by 20% for one hour.
5. Lightning Surge Elixir (80 points) – Boosts Lightning Affinity temporarily.
6. Skill Upgrade Token (100 points) – Increases a selected skill by one level.
7. Mystery Spin (150 points) – A gamble that could yield powerful rewards… or nothing.
Axton frowned. He needed to be smart about this.
After a moment of hesitation, he made his choices.
Axton's Purchases:
• Perception Booster (25 points)
• Temporary Strength Buff (50 points)
• Skill Upgrade Token (100 points)
• Mystery Spin (150 points)
[System Message: "Feeling lucky? Let's see if you regret this."]
[Mystery Spin: Activated]
A glowing wheel appeared in his interface, spinning rapidly. The different sections flickered—some marked with powerful items, others with nothing.
Click. Click. Click.
The wheel slowed. Axton held his breath.
[Congratulations! You have received: Lightning Resistance Passive Skill!]
His eyes widened. That was… extremely useful.
[System Message: "Lucky bastard. You actually got something good."]
Axton smirked.
[Updated Status - After Spending Points]
Attributes (After Spending 75 points on stat increases)
• Strength: 60 (+25)
• Agility: 55 (+20)
• Endurance: 60 (+25)
• Perception: 50 (+25)
• Dexterity: 40 (+15)
• Vitality: 40 (+15)
• Wisdom: 20 (+7)
• Intelligence: 20 (+8)
• Control: 18 (+10)
New Skill Acquired:
• Lightning Resistance (Passive) – Reduces damage from lightning-based attacks.
As soon as the system confirmed his purchases and the distribution of points, a wave of energy surged through Axton's body. It wasn't just a slight improvement—it was as if his entire being was undergoing a transformation. Axton exhaled. His body felt stronger. Faster. The power surging through his limbs made him feel… ready.
His muscles tensed, fibers strengthening as his Strength and Endurance increased. His heartbeat quickened, not from exertion but from the sheer force coursing through his veins. The air around him felt different, more responsive, as if his body had synchronized with his heightened Perception.
Then came the real change.
A low crackle of electricity danced along his fingertips. Axton inhaled sharply as an unfamiliar sensation spread across his skin—Lightning Resistance. It wasn't an active skill like his offensive abilities. It was something deeper, something intrinsic. His body felt… lighter, almost as if the static energy in the air no longer clung to him with the same intensity.
He clenched his fist and, for a brief moment, summoned a Lightning Spark between his fingers. Usually, he'd feel a sharp sting, a slight recoil from the force of the energy. But now? The pain was gone. The electricity no longer bit into his flesh—it flowed naturally.
[System Message: "Getting comfortable? Don't think this makes you invincible."]
Axton exhaled, rolling his shoulders as the lingering energy settled within him. He wasn't sure just how effective Lightning Resistance would be in battle, but every advantage mattered.
He glanced at the time. Only a few hours left until dawn.
No more hesitation.
No more doubts.
The Survival Exam was coming.
And he would survive.