Estimated read time: 16 min
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Mefas Academy,
Today, everyone was taking the chanting test. The students were participating in the test one by one.
-->> "O Great Mana Lord, I am a Plant Attributor, please listen to my call and vanquish the evil, 'Bind'."
The chanting test was being conducted inside the auditorium. A girl began the test with her spell chanting. Instantly, a few thin plant stems emerged from the ground, wrapping around a target in front of her.
-->> "O Great Mana Lord, I am a Light Attributor, please listen to my call and vanquish the dark, 'Flash'."
Another student used their chanting. Through their spell chanting, a bright light filled the auditorium. This was a spell designed to produce brilliant light.
-->> "O Great Mana Lord, I am a Fire Attributor, please listen to my call and vanquish my enemy, 'Fireball'."
Duke's daughter Myra chanted with a sweet and clear voice. Instantly, three fireballs appeared in front of her hands. There were three targets in front of her, created by the teacher's plant spell. Myra's three fireballs hit the targets directly and burned them to ashes.
-->> "O Great Mana Lord, I am a Lightning Attributor, please listen to my call and vanquish my enemy, 'Lightning Shuriken'."
Edward used his spell chanting. From his hand, shuriken-shaped lightning was created. These shurikens were typically used by ninjas. They were sharp weapons with three, four, or five points, used to kill enemies from a distance. Edward's shurikens moved at such high speed that they instantly cleaved through the five targets lined up by Teacher Diara. Everyone praised him for his skill—it was no wonder, as this was not a basic spell but a medium-level one from the spellbook. Seeing this, Elin began to feel a bit angry.
-->> "O Great Mana Lord, I am an Ice Attributor, please listen to my call and vanquish my enemy, 'Freeze'."
Though Elin did not need such a large chant today, the teacher's instructions required her to use the full chant. So she completed her chant, freezing ten targets at once. They shattered into pieces within moments. A smile appeared on Elin's face, likely to show her brother the difference in their abilities.
One by one, everyone completed their chanting. Finally, it was Alex's turn. He had been sitting for a long time, observing the various spells. Everyone else's chanting tests were almost finished, leaving only Alex. He rose to approach the targets. Teachers had created the targets according to each class level: ten targets for Edward, Elin, and Myra; three targets for Class D; one target for Classes E and F. Alex moved toward the targets. Each student had to chant from a distance of five meters.
Alex approached the correct distance. Most students in the auditorium were watching him—not out of curiosity, but to laugh.
Dark attribute chanting was considered the most difficult. Apart from three or four basic spells, no other spells could be performed by any dark attribute user. Basic spells existed for every attribute, but for dark attribute users, only these basic spells were taught. A dark attribute user could spend their entire life mastering even these basics. But for Alex, it was different. Using the energy within his ring, he began chanting.
-->> "O Great Dark Lord, please listen to my call and dominate the world, 'Dark Ball'."
No one paid attention to Alex's chanting, so no one noticed it was unlike ordinary chanting. Yet, two ears missed nothing.
"What kind of chant is this?"
Elin thought. Everyone in the auditorium had their eyes on Alex. Dark energy was accumulating in his left hand, forming a ball about the size of a tennis ball.
Alex could control his spell's energy at will. At home, during training, he had used only a small portion of energy, so he had not seen the full power of the spell. Here, there was no fear of destroying anything. He focused his maximum energy on the chanting. When he launched his "Dark Ball" at the target, all his spell's energy began to dissipate into the air. This was not a mistake or flaw.
At that moment, the principal entered the auditorium. His arrival neutralized the entire area, preventing the use of energy. Anyone unable to use energy could not use a spell. Alex's failed attempt was forgotten by everyone due to the principal's presence. Teachers Diara, Azro, and Madam Helen also entered the auditorium with their students.
-->> Every year, the academy holds various tests for new students. These tests are not just for determining class titles—they also serve as tickets to enter the tower. Usually, the first real test begins one month after admission. Basic skills are taught in this period, but this year, the empire has changed all the plans.
The principal paused, looking around, and continued:
-->> The academy has organized a three-month test. In the first two months, everyone will be thoroughly taught the basics. The remaining one month will involve the real test.
Seeing the interest in everyone's eyes, the principal was pleased. This was indeed a new type of test. He had kept the academy closed for a week to prepare. After much effort, the empire approved his request and issued orders accordingly.
-->> "But Principal Madam, we haven't heard about this before?"
Teacher Azro's question brought the principal back to focus.
-->> "You haven't heard because the notice from the empire arrived only today," the principal replied.
The three teachers said nothing further. Since the order came from the empire, they had no choice but to follow. But what kind of test would it be? All three wondered.
The principal continued explaining:
-->> The three-month test is essentially a survival mission. Ten teams will be formed, evenly dividing students from all three departments. Three senior students, each from a different department, will be appointed as team leaders.
Each team's first mission will be to survive for two months in the Demonic Forest. The Hunter Association has designated zones in the forest based on the strength of demonic beasts. The first zone is relatively safe, with weak beasts. The second zone onwards is far more dangerous. The students' first test is to survive in the forest for two months. The principal did not elaborate on the third month. Students who choose not to participate will not be expelled. This way, they have no fear.
-->> Two tests are arranged. Students unwilling to participate in this three-month test are not forced—they can join a test six months later.
The principal's explanation clarified the rules. The students understood that opting out would not penalize them, but missing this opportunity would. Since the academy offered only one year of instruction, most students would want to participate. Still, the Demonic Forest intimidated some.
The principal's detailed explanation concluded the day's class. The academy would remain open for students not participating in the test, though this number would likely be very small. The test serves as training, with the main goal being basic skills to enter the tower. To access the first floor, students must pass the tower's test grounds. The principal's intention was to teach teamwork among the three energy types. Through this test, students would understand the importance of different energy users and learn how to cooperate. Seeing everything proceed according to plan, the principal's eyes shone with satisfaction. Students left the academy with many questions and curiosity.
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(Alex's perspective)
I hadn't hoped to return to the Demonic Forest. Three days ago, I had been shocked learning about this academy test. My parents had forbidden it, but I saw no easier way to increase my level. Staying under my family's protection wasn't an option. One day, I'd have to return to the real world, and for that, I needed to level up. Besides, I wanted to enter the tower quickly. Choosing this test was my decision, and my parents had little objection, though they provided some protective measures. I didn't think I would need them.
Our team was the smallest among the groups. One Pran, three Mana, and two Aura energy users comprised our team. I was fortunate—Duke's daughter Myra was in our team. I noticed she always stayed with Elin Von Weyexcul. Their attitudes were entirely different: one gentle, polite; the other cold-blooded, hot-tempered.
I had little experience with girls and didn't know how to approach them, so my previous dream seemed unreal. Otherwise, how could someone as beautiful as Megha agree to marry me? Well, I remained confused about that. Still, we would spend two months together, so something might happen naturally.
Three senior leaders from the tower were assigned to guide each team. They introduced themselves first. Luba, a Pran energy user; Mio, a Mana energy user; and Chain, an Aura energy user. I had never seen them before, but Mio seemed familiar—energy worked like a scent, and I could sense it from her body. Our eyes met, and she gave a small smile, as if recognizing me.
-->> "Our main mission for the next two months is to survive in the forest. That's not all—we must attempt to enter deeper zones. Only those reaching the fourth or fifth zones after two months will pass the test."
Chain, our main leader, explained further:
-->> "The Demonic Forest is no picnic. We are nine, and must stay alert at all times. The academy will not help us; we must rely on ourselves. A small mistake can be fatal. If anyone wishes to leave now, they may. Another opportunity will come."
When no one spoke, Chain continued:
-->> "For the next two months, we are one family. The academy has instructed us to forgo titles, so no one should belittle another. Mana users alone cannot win a group fight without Aura or Pran users. Trust the team completely. We'll demonstrate teamwork first."
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The nine-person team walked for a long time, but no demonic beasts appeared. The first zone was smaller than the others and contained only the weakest beasts. Chain and the other leaders searched for beasts to show proper teamwork. Eventually, a group of ten demonic dogs appeared. Originally ordinary dogs, they mutated under demonic energy. Each beast's level was measured from F to A. Demonic Dogs were level F—the lowest. Despite their weakness, new energy users would struggle to kill them alone. Chain wanted to teach the difference between fighting alone and with teamwork.
-->> "Watch carefully. Mana users attack from a distance first. If not all are killed, Aura users move in with sword or fist. Pran users stay behind, healing if necessary. This method ensures efficient group kills."
Chain demonstrated: Mio killed seven Demonic Dogs with a small fireball spell. Chain finished the remaining three with his sword. The team understood the strategy. Other teams, especially nobles with powerful attributes, struggled, unwilling to cooperate.
The first zone was large. Walking it took at least seven days. They couldn't walk continuously, so a tent was pitched in the afternoon. Snira, Myra, Eba, Mio, and Luba cooked; Zeyab and Dufez set up the tent; Alex and Chain guarded the perimeter. Chain intended for Alex to guard alone, but didn't dare after learning he had unlocked the Dark Attribute.
Alex scanned the surroundings. Chain didn't watch him closely but instructed:
-->> "Be careful. If a demonic beast appears, don't shout—use your stone energy."
Everyone had received a signal stone. Energy sent into one stone would alert nearby stones, guiding the team. Chain worried about Alex's safety, but could do nothing. The academy required familiarization with demonic beasts, so some encounters were inevitable.
Alex moved, hoping to encounter a beast. Training had not increased his level or stats—he needed experience points from defeating monsters or demonic beasts. He also had a skill, "Skeleton Army," allowing him to animate the bones of slain creatures. After walking for some time, he entered a thicket and saw a Narachra. Advancing, a demonic rat emerged—large, the size of a big cat, with glowing red eyes. Alex considered using his Gluttony skill to absorb it, but that wouldn't allow him to create a Bone Warrior. He also could not assess the spell's full power at the academy. Alone, he used a short chanting spell:
-->> "Dark Flame Blast."
Black flames shot from Alex's hand at the rat. The rat tried to attack him, but then:
Boom, boom, kaboom!
The blast was immense, but no one heard it—Alex was far away. The rat's body was incinerated to ash. Alex gritted his teeth:
-->> "Seems like I overused my energy."
-->> "Master, you have slain a demonic beast. You have reached Level 11 and unlocked your Skeleton Army skill. Do you want to summon the rat's skeleton?" the ring spoke.
Alex flinched. He had not yet gotten used to the ring speaking. Its voice often startled him during excitement. He smiled slightly, realizing his recent training had allowed him to create a new spell with minimal chanting.
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To Be Continued
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