Chapter 62: Combat Test

After the conclusion of the rounds of interviews, they ushered all the candidates through a portal into a vast, empty land. It was, of course, a dungeon, but it was mostly devoid of monsters. The academy had tamed the dungeon and constructed various buildings and facilities within it for training purposes. The combat test would take place in this subspace.

Apart from the twenty-odd candidates, all five examiners and various other individuals were present to observe the test. Surprisingly, June was among them. Warden noticed her presence with a wave of his hand, but she dismissed it with a slight twitch of her eyebrow.

"We'll conduct this combat test in three parts," said the nitpicky man, one of the elder examiners. "First, you'll face cursed creatures in the untamed section of this dungeon. We'll divide all twenty of you into five groups, with each elder leading a group. Professors and instructors will also accompany each group. Please step forward when your name is announced."

To his relief, the nitpicky elder didn't call his name for her chosen four. Instead, the charming woman, who looked too young to be an elder, selected him. She also chose Gene De Rossi, another spell-sword, and a shield warrior who was most likely the tallest woman Warden had ever laid eyes upon. Even with the memories he lost, he didn't think he had seen a woman taller than him.

Two other professors or instructors joined as helpers. Warden found June had joined the elderly woman as a helper. With the party of seven ready, a portal manifested before them.

"The professors first," the charming elder ordered, "then the contestants."

Warden noticed Gene's expression, a mix of overwhelming curiosity and apprehension. Anyone could tell he lacked experience. He now wielded a two-foot-long staff with an emerald gem glowing at its head.

"Come on, mate," Warden nudged him before they received a reminder to step in. The other two contestants had already entered. Gene nodded as he jumped into the portal, followed by Warden.

The new environment wasn't a vast expanse of nothingness but rather a thick wilderness with an acidic scent in the wind. There wasn't any light other than what they had brought with them. Surrounded by thick-rooted trees that were wider than they were tall, the environment had a nasty edge to it.

"You guys have two hours to impress me," the charming elder said, pulling a chair from her spatial cube to sit down. "You can choose to team up or go alone; all I want is results."

The two turned to Gene for his decision.

"Um, let's go together," Gene said timidly.

"Great," the professor responded. "Devlin, follow that brat; don't let him get killed early. I'll take care of the rest."

As the two parties separated, the professor introduced herself. "I'm Professor Manala, of the mage class, silver rank," she announced. "Since Elder Vess decided to give you free rein in the test, I won't impose any unnecessary guidance. I'll merely accompany you and offer assistance where needed."

"We're under your care, Professor Manala," the tall woman, addressing the group, said. "I'm Jez'arin, my class is [Shield Maiden]. I can defend against blows from any Iron rankers."

"Warden," he introduced himself simply. "A warrior with destructive power. I believe I can eliminate any iron-rank creatures."

"Um, I'm an [Elementalist]," Gene said hesitantly. "I don't have much combat experience, but everyone says I'm strong. Oh, you can call me Gene."

Warden had no doubts about that. They all introduced themselves and shared information about their strengths as they moved into the wilderness to complete the test.

It appeared they didn't have to move long to encounter their first prey. Their movement seemed to have alerted the creatures in their slumber as soon over a dozen stone golem-like creatures crawled up from the ground.

"Form up," Warden shouted, likely the quickest to notice the change after the professor.