Chapter 98: Entrance Exam: Practicals

"The Practical Exams will be divided into Three Tests and a Bonus Test at the end. The first part is called the Test of Strength." Orion announced.

"This is the Blooming Lotus of Protection," Orion stated as he gestured at the treasure. "It's a Tier 6 Artifact that produces 999 layers of barriers to protect its user, with each layer tougher than the last."

"Even though it's only Tier 6, this artifact could serve Tier 8 experts. It could even be considered as their favorite defensive tool."

"All of you will take turns attacking this artifact. To pass this part, your attack must reach the 50th layer at least. Of course, the deeper your attack reaches, the better. Your results will be recorded so do your best."

"Once we call your name, step forward and attack. We will begin with Carmin Arthur!"

The first participant stepped forward. Judging from the look on his face, he was extremely nervous. Nevertheless, he still summoned his weapon to prepare for his attack.

"Begin!" Orion announced.

With a courageous shout, Carmin exploded at his highest strength, he threw his spear with all of his might.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Layers upon layers of barriers shattered due to his attack. Many participants were surprised by the explosiveness of his attack but those who had good senses could tell that the attack was swiftly losing its momentum.

30th layer...31st...38th...40th!

Carmin was praying to all the gods he knew. He only needed 10 more layers to break and he will pass this test. The spear continued until it reached the 49th layer however, it stopped there.

It seems to have met a fearsome resistance that sapped all remaining momentum it has. It barely scratched the surface of the 50th layer before dropping down uselessly on the ground, much to Carmin's despair.

This is when Orion's cold and callous voice sounded in everybody's ears...

"49 Layers, Fail! Next!"

That sounded like a death sentence for everybody who heard it. The fact that the instructors didn't even bother comforting the participant who failed, didn't help either.

This spells the end of Carmin's trials. Since he already failed at the first part, there was no need for him to continue being here. A guard already dragged him out of the testing grounds while he's still stupefied at his failure.

All that hard work, anxiety, blood, sweat, and tears were rendered useless because he failed...that failure will certainly leave a scar on Carmin's mind.

It was cruel and merciless, yet nobody could do anything about it.

Carmin's results served as a warning for everyone else. This was no place to hesitate. So, the next participant made sure to give it their all.

Just like that, the test continued...

"51 layers, Pass!"

"60 layers, Pass!"

"62 layers, Pass!"

"45 layers, Fail!"

"70 layers, Pass!"

"10 layers, FAIL!"

Garrick Earthshaker is another strong participant in this batch. The young man marched towards the stage with a broad axe on his shoulders. His face was calm but it radiated power and confidence.

Once he arrived there, he received the signal from Orion. Garric hefted his axe, holding it with both hands. He stomped forward and an overwhelming force erupted from his body, causing several people to stagger in fright. His aura was akin to the awakening of a Prehistoric Beast.

With a mighty shout, he raised his axe and cleaved the lotus using everything he had. That was then followed by the sound of glass breaking continuously, signifying the continuous shattering of the lotus' barriers.

Garrick's attack carried far more momentum compared to Isabella's. His attack swiftly broke through the first 100 layers without stopping. It only slowed down when it reached the 150th layer. Nevertheless, it still carried great momentum which was enough to shatter more barriers.

And under the dumbstruck gazes of the crowd, Garrick's attack impacted the 200th layer, shattering it before losing gas and dissipating into nothingness.

"Garrick Earthshaker, 200 layers! Pass!"

The commotion that followed that announcement was explosive.

"Holy shit!"

"What the hell!"

"You're telling me that he's a Tier 3 just like us!? I don't believe you!"

"He wouldn't be participating here if he wasn't, you idiot! Do you think that he could fool the staff of the Starlight Royal Academy?"

"He's at Tier 3 Lv.6 and is an S-ranked Superhuman. He also possesses a Legendary Class which specializes in strength so this much is normal...for him at least."

"Yeah, us unlucky fools couldn't even begin to compare. How unfair!"

The audience was also discussing Garrick's mighty showcase.

"Darn! Kids nowadays are scary."

"Right? What even are they feeding him?"

"Looks can truly be deceiving. Who knew that such a lean physique hides that kind of monstrous strength?"

"That kid has to have Innate Divine Strength at least. How else can he even exert that much strength?"

Cedric was impressed too, he just doesn't show it. In his mind, he could tell that beyond Garrick's latent potential and good luck, he was also hardworking.

His senses wouldn't lie to him. Aside from experience, he could also see traces of hard work all over Garrick's body. Cedric knew that this guy did his best to hone his strength to such a degree, that he didn't slack off just because he got lucky.

Garrick's results were followed by a disappointment. The one who came after him barely penetrated 30 layers of barriers, causing the crowd to be disappointed and others to mock him.

Still, just like before, the instructors remained indifferent no matter how impressive or unimpressive it was. They continued calling out participants one by one to do the test.

And then...

"Next, Cedric Stormrider!"

It was finally his turn.

From the moment he was called, he already felt several pairs of eyes landing on him. Despite this, Cedric continued marching towards the stage undeterred.

When he arrived there, he didn't say a word. He merely bowed at the instructors before taking out his sword from the scabbard.

"Begin!"