Chapter 11: The Entrance Exam Rules – The Trial Begins
The entire academy intercom system activated, and a deep, commanding voice echoed across the halls.
"Attention, all first-year students. The rules for the Aether Academy Entrance Exam are now being announced."
A massive holographic projection appeared in every dorm room, training center, and common area, displaying the details of the exam format.
Entrance Exam Rules – The Four-Man Trials
🔹 Rule 1: Team Formation
Each student must form a team of four. Teams must be finalized within the next 24 hours or students will be automatically assigned to random teams. Students who fail to form a team will be expelled immediately.
🔹 Rule 2: The Exam Type – Survival Challenge
The exam will take place in a vast, simulated combat zone with different terrains—mountains, forests, ruined cities, and other challenging environments. Teams will be dropped randomly across the battlefield and must survive for 48 hours. Elimination Method: Students can be eliminated through combat, exhaustion, or environmental hazards.
🔹 Rule 3: Ranking System
Teams earn points by completing objectives, defeating other teams, and surviving difficult terrain. The top 50% of teams will pass, while the bottom half will be expelled. Hidden Bonus Challenges exist within the battlefield that can boost rankings.
🔹 Rule 4: Special Conditions
Only two weapons per team—meaning some members must fight unarmed or rely on strategy. Limited rations and no external help—teams must find food, shelter, and resources in the battlefield. The battlefield changes dynamically, meaning safe zones can suddenly become dangerous.
🔹 Rule 5: The Final Hour
At the last hour of the exam, a final King of the Hill event will trigger. A single high-value target will appear, granting the highest score bonus. The final battle will determine the top-ranked teams and set the stage for future rivalries. Student Reactions – The Chaos of Team Formation
The moment the announcement ended, panic erupted throughout the academy.
"Four-man teams?! I thought this was a solo test!""We have to survive for 48 hours? That's insane!""Only two weapons? That means half our team fights barehanded!"
Rei's Team Strategy – Finding a Fourth Member
Inside Dorm Room 302, Rei, Souta, and Akari reviewed the rules carefully.
Souta leaned back, grinning. "Survival? This is gonna be fun."
Akari sighed. "It's not just survival. It's a warzone. Everyone's going to be fighting over resources."
Rei nodded. "More importantly, we need a fourth teammate."
Souta raised an eyebrow. "You got anyone in mind?"
Rei thought for a moment. "We need someone who complements our weaknesses."
Souta is a close-combat speedster, but he lacks endurance for long fights. Akari is an evasive counterfighter but struggles in team combat. Rei is the strategist, but physically the weakest.
"We need a balanced fighter. Someone with strength and adaptability."
Elsewhere – Rivals Form Their Teams
🔹 Kazuki Renjou's Team – A powerhouse squad, filled with the strongest brute-force fighters.🔹 Lina Veras' Team – A team focusing on stealth and precision, aiming to avoid direct fights.🔹 Kenji Arata's Team – An aggressive squad built for high-speed combat and overwhelming offense.🔹 Elias Krow's Team – A defensive team specializing in durability and attrition.
The Unexpected Fourth Teammate
Just as Rei and his team debated their options, a shadow fell over them.
A tall figure stepped forward, arms crossed.
"You need a fourth?"
Rei looked up. His eyes narrowed. "You…"
The newcomer smirked. "I don't like alliances. But… I like winning."