Chapter 41: Act 1, Chapter 2: The Forest of Monsters

Chapter 41: Act 1, Chapter 2: The Forest of Monsters



In the academy, students had to comply with four mandatory tests within each semester.

These tests were designed to challenge and evaluate every aspect of a student's capabilities, ensuring they were well-prepared for the demands of their future careers.

Which the academy was really sensitive about, as they considered their final graduates as their very own products, to advertise in the world.

The first test was the placement exam.

This took place at the beginning of each semester and was designed to determine a student's overall strength and skill level.

Students showcased their abilities through various battles and practical evaluations, aiming to secure a high placement in the class rankings.

This test was considered the most important as it determined which class and ranking each student belonged to, setting the stage for their entire semester.

The second test was the written exam, occurring twice during the semester: once in the middle and once at the end.

These exams assessed students' theoretical knowledge across various subjects.

While students in the knight department didn't rely heavily on their written exam scores for their overall ratings, the grades still contributed significantly.

Understanding theoretical concepts was crucial for strategic planning and deepening their combat training, making these exams an essential component of their education.

'My written exam scores were around in the middle grade among my peers'

Making me quite above the average in terms of intellect in our department, as most knight department students tend to have below standard scores in the written exams.

The third test was the duo exam.

In this test, students selected a partner and were tasked with an adaptability exam.

The duo was left alone in a forest teeming with monsters, where they had to survive and accumulate points.

Points were awarded based on the number and rank of the monsters they killed.

Higher-ranked monsters yielded more points, reflecting the duo's ability to handle tougher challenges.

This test emphasized teamwork, adaptability, and strategic thinking, as partners had to rely on each other's strengths to succeed.

'But in the game, it was just a way to showcase and highlight the heroines though.'

The final and fourth test was the Grand Festival. Unlike the other mandatory exams, which required participation from all students, the Grand Festival was reserved for the top 10 students of each department and each year.

This event took place in a grand stadium, where students showcased their skills and strength in a series of one-on-one matches.

The festival was a highlight of the academy's calendar, drawing large crowds and significant attention.

It was not only a test of combat prowess but also a spectacle that demonstrated the academy's high standards and the exceptional talents of its students.

Competing in the Grand Festival was a prestigious honor, and those who performed well often garnered recognition and opportunities beyond the academy.

Together, these four tests formed a comprehensive evaluation system that balanced

theoretical knowledge, practical skills, teamwork, and individual excellence.

The third test was the duo exam, which formed the main scenario for [Act 1, Chapter 2: The Forest of Monsters]

In this test, students selected a partner and were tasked with an adaptability exam.

Right now, I was participating in on the said duo exams.

As the second chapter of the main scenario focused on the duo exams, I couldn't help but feel nervous yet excited at the same time.

'It's finally time.... I wonder just how I would fair against the monsters here with all the preparations I made beforehand'

At the start of the duo exams, all first-year students from each department were gathered on the western side of the forest situated within the academy grounds.

For reference, the second years occupied the north, the third years the east, and the fourth years the south.

The distribution of zones reflected the strength of the monsters in each area. From what I remembered, the fourth years faced around thirty A-rank boss monsters in their southern area, while our own area for first years only had around five monsters, two of which were high B-rank at most.

Given this disparity, we couldn't really complain about our situation.

Looking around, I could see that almost all the students, except for those in the general education department, were already gathered.

Some of them had already paired up with their partners.

I wondered if the seniors had informed them about the tests in advance or if they were simply

aware of this event through other means.

Well, it didn't really matter....

"Attention!"

A sudden burst of explosive magic shot into the air, grabbing everyone's attention.

A professor from the magic department stood on a small podium in the open field of our designated area, quickly organizing us into lines based on our classes.

All students stood silently, ready to listen to his explanations.

"Good morning to you all I am professor Alexander Gustavian, right now I know all of you -are-"

As for me, I didn't really need to pay close attention.

I was fairly certain that everything he was going to say would mirror the game descriptions I was already familiar with.

And, as expected, the moment he opened his mouth, what he explained was predictable.

The duo exams were straightforward in concept.

All we needed to do was survive in the forest behind us for three days straight and accumulate as many points as possible by killing the monsters within it.

[Endurance: D] [5/50]

[Luck: 0] [Invalid... Error!]

[Power: C] [0/60]

[Skill info....]

[Skill - Time dilation] [Proficiency (15%)]

[Effects: Movement slow: 50%]

[Note: Mana consumption 10 per sec]

[Skill: Basic swordsmanship] [Proficiency (55%)] [Effects: Sword attacks will now deal 30% more damage]

[Skill: Piercing strike!] [Proficiency (18%)]

[Effects: Piercing attacks will now deal 30% more damage]

[Mana Amplification] [Proficiency (25%)]

[Description: Your physical attacks will be reinforced with a layer of mana, increasing your

attack power.]

[Effects: Attack +75%]

[Special abilities]

[Crazy Magnet]

[Description: Evil people will have a certain liking to you]

[Overview: A person who's fated to be surrounded with happiness ??????????????????????]

[Available ability points: 14+27+5]

Looking at my status screen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction with the results.

While there hadn't been significant changes, the fact that there was progress was enough to reassure me.

I had around 46 available stat points to allocate, giving me the flexibility to level up any of my D-rank stats.

However, I hesitated to allocate points just yet.

Both agility and endurance were crucial for the upcoming exams, but depending on my

chosen partner, I might need to adjust my build in real-time.

Considering all the passive effects the blue mandrake has given me as well, I was also fairly

certain, that I stood a bit of a chance against any of the boss now.

"That is all... you may now proceed to find your partners. Remember, the exam starts exactly

at 12:00 noon," the professor announced, his reminders echoing across the open field.

With the professor's reminders concluded, students immediately began to move around, searching for partners.

Earlier, I had noticed groups forming, but now it seemed like many were still without one.

The atmosphere grew louder and more frenetic as students rushed to secure a partner before the exam commenced.

It was a mix of excitement, anticipation, and nervous energy permeating the air, a palpable sense of urgency driving everyone to find their ideal teammate.

As I pondered on whom I should choose as a partner, I realized that depending on the

situation and plan I had in mind, my decision could greatly impact our chances of success. After weighing my options for a while, I knew it just had to be her. Luck was essential to ensure everything went smoothly once I was inside the forest. While I

typically didn't put much stock in suspicions, rumors, or accidents, I couldn't ignore the undeniable influence of luck in this world.

There was a chance Lucas would choose her as his partner, but I had to make priorities were

priorities go, he can still complete this scenario without her so it doesn't really matter

'I'm sorry my dear protagonist, but this time, you'll have to choose another heroine.'

As I turned around to find that certain heroine, my foot stopped abruptly. Someone was standing right in front of me.

"''LUCAS~?' Can you be my partner?" her voice interrupted my thoughts, sending a jolt of

surprise through me.

That's right..... I completely forgot about this woman........

A trail of cold sweat trickled down my back as I saw her eyes, devoid of any light, staring at me

with intensity.

It was clear from her words that she wasn't going to let me slide for telling her a fake name

like Lucas.

I guess she found out, huh?

'haha...'

I forcefully hid a nervous laugh, trying to mask the rising tension within me, as Rose

Brilliance continued to stare at me as if she could see right through my facade. The air around us seemed to crackle with unspoken tension, and I couldn't shake the feeling

that she was moments away from unleashing her wrath upon me for lying to her.