Chapter 151: First Act 21: Into the Climax 4

As the preparations for the upcoming dungeon exams loomed on the horizon, students from various grades and departments converged near the entrance of the dungeon.

The air buzzed with anticipation and excitement as this bi-semester ritual approached, particularly igniting the fervor of the seniors who had experienced this challenging test before.

The prospect of delving into the mysterious depths of the dungeon stirred a sense of adventure in the students, and the atmosphere was charged with a mix of nerves and eagerness.

For the seniors, it was an opportunity to showcase their accumulated knowledge and skills, a chance to prove their mettle one last time before graduating.

In the gathering crowd, familiar faces exchanged glances, some sporting expressions of confidence while others wore a mask of uncertainty.

Despite the looming challenges, a sense of camaraderie prevailed.

The dungeon exams were more than just tests; they were a communal event that brought students together from different backgrounds, forging bonds of shared experiences and challenges.

The rules added an extra layer of intrigue to the occasion.

While students were free to form parties regardless of their grade levels, there was a crucial exception – the top students of each year level couldn't join forces.

This restriction aimed to level the playing field, ensuring that the brightest minds of the academy couldn't monopolize the exam.

It created an environment where students within their respective departments had a fair chance to prove their skills and progress without being overshadowed by the academic elites.

As the students milled about, sharing stories of previous dungeon adventures and strategizing for the upcoming challenges, a palpable sense of anticipation hung in the air.

As the day of the dungeon exams drew near, the number of students congregating near the dungeon's entrance continued to swell.

The professors and proctors responsible for overseeing the proceedings wore weary expressions as they attempted to control the growing crowd.

Managing such a large gathering proved challenging, and the voices of authority often fell on deaf ears as students chatted excitedly and made last-minute preparations.

The professors and staff, realizing the daunting task of maintaining order amidst the influx of students, couldn't help but feel the weight of exhaustion.

They tirelessly attempted to assert their authority, reminding students of the rules and guidelines for the upcoming exams.

However, with the sheer number of participants, it became an arduous endeavor, and some students occasionally disregarded their instructions.

"Professor Tyrion you're here?"

"Ah yes, the principal asked me to help"

"Ah really thank you so much us combat department professors can't handle all of them alone"

"Well, I can see that...." Tyrion said in a knowing voice as he looked at the sheer number of students participating.

"Though I am glad that the 4th years are not required to participate"

Amidst the chaos, a collective sigh of relief emanated from the professors and staff.

A small consolation was found in the fact that the fourth-year students were not mandated to participate in the dungeon exams.

The prospect of dealing with students who were essentially their peers, possessing a similar level of knowledge and skill, would have been an additional challenge.

The professors recognized that adding the fourth-year students to the mix would only exacerbate the already overwhelming number of participants.

Despite the noble intent of the dungeon exams to assess students' skills, leadership, and abilities across various categories, there lingered an unofficial undercurrent—a silent acknowledgment that these trials were designed to cull the weak from the academy.

The harsh reality inside the dungeons created a kill-or-be-killed environment, testing not only academic knowledge but survival instincts.

Though professors monitored and occasionally intervened, there were limits to what they could do. Not everyone could be saved.

However, the established norms shattered the previous year when a particular student defied expectation, bending the rules of the exams and unintentionally saving countless lives in the process.

The incident sent shockwaves through the academy, challenging the established narrative of despair within the dungeons.

The impact of this unprecedented event rippled through the current third-year students and a handful of fourth years who had participated.

Gratitude mingled with annoyance as they reflected on the fact that a first-year student had become an unexpected savior.

I glanced to the side, observing the empty cabinets and tables that were once neatly arranged with potions earlier in the morning.

As the exams drew nearer, a flood of students descended upon our booth, depleting our stock rapidly. This combined booth, shared with Euphemia, became a bustling hub of activity.

Speaking of Euphemia, I looked down to find her practically on the floor, her energy seemingly drained.

Her lack of patience was evident, as she engaged in verbal skirmishes with any student who dared to be rude.

Despite the chaos, her resilience and unwillingness to tolerate disrespect were traits I admired, even if they made the already demanding situation even more challenging.

"Good job," I complimented Euphemia as I handed her a glass of water. She looked up, acknowledging my gesture, and rose from her seemingly drained state.

"Thank you," she replied, taking a sip of the water. Her surprise was evident as she tasted something unexpected. "This is?"

"An energy drink"

"Energy drink? What's that a new potion?"

"Not a new potion, just a beverage with energizing qualities."

Euphemia took another sip, still surprised by the taste, but she eventually accepted it. Her curiosity about the concoction was palpable, yet she refrained from asking me directly, choosing instead to silently contemplate the drink.

'She'll probably reverse engineer it in her lab later'

"Anyway, that sure was a lot of students, huh?" I remarked.

"Yeah... I guess that second-year senior saved most of their asses."

"Oh, you knew?"

"Who wouldn't? It's one of the most popular rumors about Senior Evadne"

It had become a widely acknowledged fact that the surge in the number of second-year students was largely attributed to Senior Evadne's influence, a reality that explained the striking similarity in numbers between the first and second-year cohorts.

As I settled into a chair, Euphemia voiced her thoughts.

"But I guess we're gonna be seeing even more students next year, considering Tristan is also participating this time," Euphemia exclaimed, her expression a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

"... I guess we will" I replied casually.

Tristan's exceptional abilities were widely recognized, and the mere mention of his involvement in the upcoming exams hinted at an even greater influx of students.

"By the way, Adrian, what's with that ugly mask?"

Euphemia asked, her gaze shifting toward the peculiar mask I put on the side.

"Nothing really, I just found someone selling it and thought it was kinda funny so I bought it"

"..... is that so you sure have weird tastes"

'I don't want to hear that from you woman'

....

The ominous rumble of thunder echoed through the skies, accompanied by flashes of lightning that painted the heavens in stark brilliance.

The anticipation in the air was palpable as the atmospheric display heralded the commencement of a significant event.

A colossal lightning bolt struck with precision, illuminating the entrance of the dungeon in a spectacular display of energy.

And then, with a resounding bang, the principal descended from the heavens, her entrance as grand and theatrical as ever.

"Hello, everyone! Did you miss me?" she exclaimed, her voice carrying a mix of exuberance and whimsy.

With a demeanor that embraced both goofiness and a carefree spirit, she grinned broadly as her gaze fell upon the gathering of students.

The principal's arrival marked the initiation of the dungeon exams.