After three intense months of training at the Gatez Academy, the trainees had finally reached their final test. Their training wasn't just about theoretical lessons but also included physical conditioning, mana control, and intense battle strategies. Some showed exceptional talent, while others barely managed to survive the ruthless ranking system of the academy.
Ezie, still ranked at 500, had gone through it all silently—never standing out, never showing excessive emotion. However, the incident with Benz a few months ago had caused some people to start noticing him.
Today was the long-awaited day—the final test before the trainees officially became members of Gatez. Those who passed would receive an official ranking, either as regular members or, for the extraordinary ones, as Elite members.
On the academy's main training grounds, trainees from various groups gathered. Their lead instructor, Gaze—a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and an imposing stance—stood before them. His metal leg still made its usual clicking sound as he walked.
"Today, you will face your final test," Gaze announced in his deep voice. "This test will determine whether you are worthy of becoming part of Gatez. You will enter a Gate that has been managed by the association. Your objective is to hunt and defeat the monsters inside. Those who survive and meet the criteria will receive a ranking based on their abilities."
The trainees listened intently. They knew this was the last step before officially stepping into the real world as Gatez warriors.
---
The trainees were divided into several teams, each consisting of five to six members. The Gate they would enter wasn't of the highest class, but it was still dangerous for those unprepared. Inside, they would face packs of Forest Wolves, creatures known for their speed and pack-hunting tactics.
Ezie was placed in a team with Cylez, a girl named Lira from Group 3, and two others from Group 4. None of them knew each other well, but in this situation, teamwork was essential.
As they stepped into the Gate, they were greeted by a dark and silent forest. The air inside felt heavier, as if filled with an invisible pressure.
"Stay alert," Lira whispered. "Forest Wolves usually attack from the shadows."
It didn't take long before they spotted movements between the trees. A low growl echoed through the air.
"They're coming," Ezie muttered.
Suddenly, four Forest Wolves charged toward them at high speed. Their claws were sharp, their eyes glowing red with an eerie aura.
"Hold your ground!" Cylez shouted, raising his short sword.
Lira quickly activated Mana Shield, forming a protective barrier in front of them. One of the wolves slammed into the shield with full force, causing sparks of energy to scatter.
Ezie, who had been silent all this time, observed his enemies carefully. Then, with surprising speed, he dodged to the side and swung his dagger, slicing through a wolf's throat.
Blood splattered, and the creature collapsed with a final whimper.
Cylez and the others kept fighting, though it was clear that some of them struggled against the wolves' speed.
Minutes passed in a fierce battle. Some trainees were injured, but they managed to hold their ground.
When the last wolf fell, they finally took a deep breath.
"Damn, that was harder than I expected," Cylez said, wiping sweat from his forehead.
Lira looked at Ezie with curiosity. "I didn't expect you to move that fast," she said. "Usually, someone ranked low doesn't have reflexes that sharp."
Ezie just shrugged. "I only did what needed to be done."
---
After the test, the trainees returned to the academy for the final evaluation. All battle data had been recorded and analyzed by the instructors and Gatez officials.
In the academy's main hall, the trainees gathered in anticipation. Today, they would learn their results—whether they would become regular members or if any of them had shown enough talent to be promoted directly to the Elite rank.
Gaze once again stood before them. "Based on your test results, we have determined who will become regular members and who has shown enough talent to be placed directly into the Elite division."
Silence filled the hall.
"We will now announce the eight individuals who will immediately enter the Elite division."
The trainees held their breath.
"First, from Group 1—Leon."
No one was surprised. Leon, known as the leader of Group 1, had displayed exceptional strength from the start.
"Second, Reyna. Third, Drax."
Again, no surprise. The top three from Group 1 were almost guaranteed a spot in the Elite.
"Fourth, Velka."
The trainees murmured among themselves. Velka was strong in Group 1 but not as well-known as the first three.
"Fifth, Kazel."
A lesser-known name, but clearly someone with extraordinary potential.
"Sixth, from Group 2—Ethan."
The trainees were shocked. Few expected someone from Group 2 to be promoted directly to Elite.
"Seventh, Lira."
Cylez, standing beside Ezie, looked surprised. "Whoa, she was on our team. Damn, she made it to Elite?"
And then, the final name was announced.
"Eighth, Elric."
Ezie remained silent. His name hadn't been called, and that didn't surprise him.
"For those who weren't promoted to Elite, you will still be part of Gatez as regular members. You still have many chances to prove yourselves," Gaze continued.
Some trainees looked disappointed, but they knew their journey wasn't over yet.
Cylez patted Ezie on the shoulder. "I guess we're just regular members, huh? Well, not bad. At least we didn't get eliminated."
Ezie gave a small nod.
But deep inside, he knew this was only the beginning.
---
That night, the academy slowly returned to its usual routine. The newly appointed members began adjusting to their new roles.
But inside the dormitory, Ezie sat on his bed, staring at his hands.
Under the dim light, the wounds from the test were still visible.
But that wasn't what bothered him.
He felt something deeper—something he couldn't put into words.
A feeling.
That the world out there was far harsher than they had ever imagined.
And that one day, he would stand somewhere higher than anyone else.
Not as a regular member.
Not even as an Elite.
But as something beyond that.