PHASE ONE — RANKING
Candidates who satisfy every minimum requirement will be ranked according to their total Academy Points.
Higher point totals will result in higher Phase One rankings.
The rankings for Mythical-tier and Legendary-tier candidates will remain separate.
Additional Academy rewards may be granted according to final placement.
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IMPORTANT EXAMINATION NOTICE
The Academy Bracelet will record candidate actions throughout the examination.
Certain rules will be displayed only when they become relevant.
Candidates are expected to understand and obey all instructions provided by the Academy Bracelet.
Attempting to exploit unclear information, interfere with Academy systems, manipulate examination conditions, or bypass an objective through unauthorized methods may result in:
• Point deductions.
• Objective failure.
• Examiner intervention.
• Immediate disqualification.
The Academy is not responsible for losses resulting from poor judgment.
Candidates are advised to evaluate every situation carefully.
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PHASE ONE SUMMARY
Duration: Three Weeks
Core Objectives:
1. Explore the territory and register at five designated Watchtowers.
2. Encounter the required number of Legendary-tier and Mythical-tier candidates.
3. Defeat assigned monsters appropriate to the candidate's combat ability.
4. Acquire Academy Points from other candidates through combat or diplomacy.
5. Survive the examination while protecting accumulated Academy Points.
Completion Requirement:
Fulfil the minimum requirements of all five Core Objectives.
Additional Condition:
Continue exploring, encountering candidates, defeating assigned monsters, acquiring points, and surviving to increase your final Phase One ranking.
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[PHASE ONE WILL BEGIN UPON COMPLETION OF TRANSPORTATION.]
[ALL CANDIDATES ARE ADVISED TO PREPARE.]
[GOOD LUCK.]
[MIDVEST ACADEMY — FINAL SELECTION EXAMINATION]
[PHASE ONE: EXPLORATION, ENCOUNTER, AND SURVIVAL]
Candidate: Luna
Tier: Mythical Tier
Time Remaining: 20 Days, 14 Hours
Core Objectives
1. Exploration
Required Points: 0 / 500
Extra Points: +0
2. Meet Students
Required Points: 0 / 1,200
Extra Points: +0
3. Defeat Monsters
Required Points: 0 / 1,500
Extra Points: +0
4. Take Points
Required Points: 0 / 1,000
Extra Points: +0
5. Survive
Required Points: 0 / 800
Extra Points: +0
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Required Points Acquired: 0 / 5,000
Additional Points Acquired: +0
Total Academy Points: 0
Core Objectives Completed: 0 / 5
Phase Status: In Progress
Luna took another step before pausing to examine the ruined city more carefully. After several minutes of observation, she reached a decision — she would remain in the area, at least for now.
There were two reasons: first, the region was far too large to understand at a glance. Even with her ability to fly, properly exploring the ruined city would likely take several hours, since the buildings stretched far beyond what she had initially realized, streets disappeared beneath collapsed structures, and entire districts remained hidden behind enormous towers.
And that was only the city; beyond it lay forests, storms, mountains, and whatever waited beneath the distant mist. Leaving immediately would be foolish.
The second reason was much simpler: she needed somewhere to sleep.
Luna eventually found a relatively untouched building near the upper section of the city.
The structure was large but not excessive, with several open bedrooms occupying the upper floor, tall windows allowing sunlight to enter from nearly every direction, and a main living area spacious enough to comfortably accommodate several people.
It reminded her of an ordinary living room — simple, comfortable, and, most importantly, still standing.
Luna walked through the building while inspecting every room. The furniture was old but usable, the beds covered in dust though the frames remained intact, and there was no obvious damage to the walls, no monsters hiding beneath the floors, no strange creatures lurking inside the shadows. For the moment, it appeared safe.
She entered the largest bedroom before sitting elegantly upon the edge of the bed, the mattress sinking slightly beneath her weight.
"Hm... it could be worse."
Unfortunately, the building lacked several things she considered important — there was no hot water, no prepared food, no clean bedding, and no indication that any of the abandoned facilities still functioned.
Luna looked toward the large window. Her greatest concern wasn't comfort, but distance. If she established this building as her base, how often would she need to return? The territory was enormous, and traveling several days in one direction before returning would waste valuable time.
She sighed.
"It isn't as though the academy expects us to decorate a room and turn it into a proper home. This is a survival examination."
She paused, then frowned.
"But—"
The thought of spending three weeks without proper bedding, warm baths, or even a comfortable place to rest made her expression gradually darken.
"This academy... couldn't it have chosen a better system for Phase One?"
She stood, and the moment her feet touched the floor, her instincts flared. Luna froze, her head turning sharply toward the eastern section of the city. For several seconds there was nothing. Then—
"MWOOOOOOOOH!"
A deep roar thundered across the ruins, the sound shaking several nearby buildings as dust fell from the ceiling. Luna's ears twitched — she recognized that sound easily.
"A King Ape? Inside the city?"
Her expression became curious. Before she could properly gather her bearings, the roar echoed again.
"MWOOOOOOOOH!"
This time Luna narrowed her eyes.
"Is it warning me? Did I enter its territory?"
She glanced toward the ruined building surrounding her, then toward the direction of the roar.
"How cruel. A Mythical-level beast on the first day of the examination?"
Her lips curved into a small smile.
"Midvest Academy certainly doesn't waste time."