The sky was still blurry with fogs, and the earth was covered in dew while butterflies floated lazily, adding to this peaceful morning atmosphere.
In the middle of the wilderness, a massive glass dome glimmered faintly under the early sun. Its size was staggering—too large, in fact. From an eagle's perspective, the building resembled a giant egg, 40% glass. This was the Mekan Academy, one of the most prestigious schools for those aspiring to become Sapiens.
The continent was divided into three domains, each tied to ancient clans that had survived the ages. The Mekan Academy represented one of these clans, a beacon of knowledge, discipline, and... ruthlessness.
Three small suns peeked over the northern horizon, illuminating the field where students were lined up. Their uniforms were neat and clean, fitting snugly over humanoid forms, but the tails and pointed ears gave them away. Each tail was about a meter long, finned at both base and tip, and their ears pointed elegantly like a fairy's.
Though morning had barely begun, excitement—and chaos—bubbled among the students. Hot, crowded, noisy. An introvert's nightmare.
"Ahh… I just wanna go home," Rin muttered silently. She was a staff member on her first day, overwhelmed by the energetic crowd and the handsome boys and girls around her.
Before long, a figure appeared on the podium.
"Is that…" a student whispered.
"Yes. Fang Adramelek. One of the three strongest Sapiens in this academy!"
"I can't believe we get to see him so early!" another murmured.
The man standing on the podium was immense. Over three meters tall, his muscles bulged even beneath his sleeveless uniform. Scars etched his body, and one eye was missing entirely. His presence radiated intimidation. Yet, these students weren't ordinary—they had been selected because they could survive challenges like this.
Fang cleared his throat. "Hello, freshmen. I am Fang, your instructor for this month, before you officially join Mekan Academy." His tone was formal at first, then shifted, playful and ruthless.
"Those of you standing here today are the best of your generation!" he roared. "BUT! That was in the past! Way back in the past!"
The students exchanged confused glances.
"From this day forward," Fang continued, his voice booming, "you are all trash! Trash! Do you hear me? TRASH! Even lower than beast feces!"
Gasps and murmurs erupted. The rich kids in particular looked affronted.
"Why? Are you not happy? Good!" Fang laughed heartily, crossing his massive arms. "Little Cen, show them what I mean."
From above, something fell like a meteor.
One word—giant.
Another—wild.
The four-legged beast landed with a thunderous impact. Its head resembled a T-Rex's, with a sword-like horn jutting from its skull. Its body was striped yellow and blue, and bone-like blades jutted from its forearms.
It let out a roar so fierce that the trees trembled, the ground shook, and the students froze. Apex predator energy radiated in waves, testing their courage. Many staggered under the pressure.
Fang chuckled. "Alright, Cen. Looks like they understand now."
But Cen didn't stop immediately. It walked arrogantly past the students who had fallen shakily to the ground, snorting coldly. Only when it had finished inspecting the field did it retreat.
"Oh my, this kid," Fang sighed, shaking his head, then laughed again.
"Wetting the ground? Is that shit? Who knew a pretty lady like you could have such a big stinky mess? And you," he pointed at a particularly tall student, "actually crying? Are you going to puke from her stink? HAHAHAHA!"
He bared his sharp teeth in a grin. "Cen isn't even the strongest Monmo in this academy! And you all wet yourselves because of his roar? Out there, it's even more dangerous!"
The students seethed. "Oh, damn you!" one yelled.
"I'll kill you for embarrassing me like this!" another shouted.
"Wait until my father hears about this! You'll wish you were never born!"
"Waaaa… mom…"
"WAHAHAHAHAHA!" Fang laughed louder, enjoying their reactions. "Good! That's the spirit! You'll need it! But for now… why don't you run? HAHAHAHA!"
The students blinked. "Run?"
"Exactly what I said," Fang yawned. "I don't have time for chit-chat. Run."
"ARE YOU OUT OF—" one student began, but Fang interrupted.
"Cen," he said casually, "eat anyone who doesn't run."
"…What?" The students froze, horror dawning on them.
The beast roared again. And then, instinct kicked in.
"RUN! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!"
Chaos erupted. Students scattered, some tripping, others slipping in the mud.
"Damnit! Whose shit is this?!" one shouted.
"Isn't it supposed to target only those who don't run?! Why is it chasing everyone?!" another yelled.
Fang's laughter echoed over the screams. "Wet yourself, shit yourself—whatever you need! Just run perfectly! Hahaha!"
The field became a flurry of motion. Some students slid under Cen's massive claws, others vaulted over rocks. Those who had initially frozen began to strategize on the fly, dodging and weaving around obstacles.
"Five minutes," Fang called calmly. "Reach the main gate in five minutes, or you're expelled. Remember: Taguri. Low-tier beasts, common in the wilderness. Waste addicts. They'll latch onto anything smelly. Don't get caught!"
From the shadows, small, murky-blue creatures began emerging. Their jelly-like tentacles quivered, ready to ensnare anything that came too close. They weren't dangerous individually, but combined with the chaos, they became formidable.
"RUN! Run, idiots!" one student screamed, slipping on wet grass as tentacles clutched at his legs.
Even the most privileged students were no match for the pressure. Fang watched, cold and analytical, noting every reaction. His plan wasn't to harm—they were being tested, trained, and tempered. The wilderness showed no mercy; neither would he.
Minutes passed. Sweat poured, hearts raced, and the field became a battlefield of instinct and wit. Some students managed clever maneuvers, climbing, ducking, and sliding to escape the grasp of Taguri. Others panicked repeatedly, only to learn from each failure.
Fang's expression softened slightly, though he maintained his commanding presence. "Taguri test reflex, endurance, and strategy. You think raw strength will save you? It won't. Adapt, or fall behind."
By the end of the five minutes, the field was littered with exhausted, muddy, but alive students. Fang raised his voice once more. "Congratulations! You survived your first trial. Some of you by skill, some by luck. Take note—both are valuable in survival."
The students collapsed, catching their breath. Relief and exhilaration mingled. Though terrified and humiliated, they had learned something far more important than any lecture could teach.
Fang turned to Cen, signaling it back. The massive Monmo obeyed, disappearing behind the dome's walls. The Taguri returned to their starting points, satisfied with their morning harvest of panic.
Fang's gaze swept over the students one last time. "Today was just the beginning. Mekan Academy does not coddle. You will face more challenges, fiercer beasts, and harsher tests. This is the crucible. Endure it. Learn from it. Adapt, or be left behind."