The old bus finally stopped in front of a massive iron gate. Beyond it stood a grand complex filled with barracks, training arenas, and various modern facilities that reflected preparations for war.
Gatez Academy.
This was where thousands of aspiring Gatez members gathered—those who sought to change their fate, survive, or even take revenge for the destruction brought by the gates.
Ezie stepped out of the bus, letting his eyes wander over the scene before him. The air here felt tense, filled with the ambition and anxiety of the candidates standing in long lines. Some spoke with confidence, while others simply looked down in silence.
Around 8,000 participants stood in the vast training field, surrounded by grandstands capable of holding 10,000 soldiers. These were no ordinary people. Everyone present had already passed a rigorous initial selection. But out of this number, only 50% would be accepted as Gatez trainees.
To achieve this, they had to pass three tests:
1. Physical Exam – A test of endurance and the body's ability to withstand extreme pressure.
2. Written Exam – Knowledge of gates, monsters, and battle strategies.
3. Additional Exam: Battle Against Monsters – A test to evaluate the candidates' mentality and determination.
While some participants looked nervous, others smirked with confidence. To them, this was not just an exam but a chance to prove themselves.
However, before the tests began, someone stepped onto the main podium, immediately drawing the attention of every participant.
A tall man with a face full of scars stood firmly, his hands clasped behind his back. He wore a black uniform with the Gatez emblem displayed on his chest. But the most striking feature was his right leg, made of sturdy metal alloy, producing a mechanical sound with every step he took.
Each step created a faint clanking noise, accompanying his voice that echoed across the field.
Gaze.
The lead instructor of Gatez Academy.
A war veteran, one of the few survivors of the first night of destruction. He lost his leg in battle but remained standing as a symbol of resilience.
His sharp gaze carried an aura of authority, silencing the entire crowd instantly.
Then, his voice thundered through the field.
"Listen up, all of you!"
The air around them seemed to grow heavier.
"You are nothing here."
"The world has fallen. No one cares how strong you were before."
"In this place, only those with true resolve will survive!"
His piercing gaze swept over the crowd, analyzing each participant's expression.
"You who stand here are the chosen ones. Out of tens of thousands of applicants, only 8,000 made it to this stage. But don't get too excited just yet."
"From the 8,000 here, only half will be accepted."
"And only a handful of you will become the pillars of the world's defense."
Gaze continued, explaining the Gatez ranks:
1. Trainee – New recruits who have passed the selection process.
2. Regular – Standard soldiers assigned to various missions.
3. Elite – Skilled fighters permitted to enter high-class gates.
4. Knight – Special forces with advanced equipment and combat experience.
5. Five Star – Unit commanders responsible for battle strategies.
6. Six Star – Living legends who have surpassed human limits.
7. Seven Star – Those whose names are written in Gatez history, the true symbols of power.
The atmosphere grew even more intense. Some participants swallowed hard, realizing just how difficult the journey ahead would be. But others smirked, as if this challenge meant nothing to them.
Ezie remained silent, keeping his expression unreadable. He knew surviving here would not be a problem.
Gaze continued his speech.
"The exams will be divided into three main stages."
"First, the written exam. This is not just about how smart you are, but also about measuring your understanding of the world that has changed. We have no use for idiots here."
Some participants scoffed, clearly underestimating this part.
"Second, the physical exam. The gates won't care how much theory you know if your body can't endure battle. This test will push you to your limits."
"And finally—the combat test."
The atmosphere immediately shifted.
"You will fight. Not against each other, but against real monsters."
Several faces turned pale.
"In this world, you only have two choices: survive or become prey. We want to see who has the mental fortitude to stay alive."
Whispers began to spread among the participants, but Gaze only smirked.
"If you're afraid, you can leave now."
No one moved.
"Good."
Then, he raised his hand and pointed toward the academy's main building.
"From this moment on, you are part of Gatez Academy. But only those who prove themselves worthy will become true members."
"If you just want to survive, walk away now."
"But if you want to change the world—prove it here!"
"And… welcome to Gatez Academy!"
The silence broke as some participants cheered, their spirits ignited.
Ezie remained quiet.
He was not here to be a hero or a legend.
He was here to find answers.
And so, the exams began.
---
Physical Exam
The first test was brutal.
The training grounds were filled with shouting instructors, closely monitoring every participant.
> "Run! Don't stop until you cross the finish line!"
> "Push-ups! At least 100 reps!"
> "Faster! Do you think monsters will wait for you to catch your breath?!"
They were forced to run 10 kilometers with heavy packs on their backs. They had to climb a 5-meter wall, navigate through electrified obstacles, and endure hand-to-hand combat simulations.
Many started collapsing during this test. Some were even disqualified due to injuries.
But Ezie?
He hid his true strength.
He wasn't the fastest, but he also wasn't left behind. He stayed in the middle, performing just well enough to pass, yet not well enough to attract attention.
However, a few candidates stood out:
Leon, a white-haired man who moved like the wind, effortlessly dominating the field.
Reyna, a petite girl with incredible reflexes.
Drax, a massive man who broke obstacles with his bare hands.
They were the rising stars of the group.
And Ezie?
He remained a shadow among them.
---
Written Exam
Unlike the physical test, this one challenged the participants' knowledge.
They were given questions about:
Types of gates and their threat levels.
Monster anatomy and their weaknesses.
Survival strategies in monster combat.
Many struggled, but Ezie easily answered every question.
However, he intentionally made small mistakes to keep his score average.
No one could know how much he truly understood.
---
Additional Exam: Combat Against Monsters
The final test was the most intense.
They had to fight goblins—small but vicious monsters, perfect for testing courage and battle instincts.
Goblins were fast and aggressive, with sharp claws and fangs.
Their most dangerous trait?
They could sense fear.
The battle began.
Some rushed in, showing off their strength.
Leon's blade cut down goblins in one swift stroke.
Reyna dodged attacks with ease, striking with deadly precision.
Drax crushed a goblin's skull with his bare hands, laughing as if enjoying the fight.
And Ezie?
He stayed in the middle. Not too weak, not too strong. He defeated his enemies with minimal effort, just enough to pass.
From 8,000 participants, only 4,000 remained.
Among them was Ezie—a hidden genius.
But his journey was only just beginning.