Inside the woods, four panic-stricken people were running at a fast speed while also dodging the obstacles in their way.
From time to time, they were glancing at their backs while also cursing inside their minds in frustration.
'Damn! Why the hell do we have to meet him?!'
'As long as we can escape this time! We can surely make it to the top 600!'
Just when the person running at the front thought of this. A high-pitched voice, full of unwillingness, sounded from behind.
"NOOOOO!!!"
"AHHH!"
Their legs didn't stop running. But the one in front still glanced to see the picture behind him. His eyes couldn't help but widen, his pupils dilated, and a strong sense of urgency emerged in his mind.
'Run! Run! Why can't I run any faster?!'
His friend's chest was pierced by a spear and a handsome blonde boy was looking at the disappearing body, contemptuously.
The blonde boy took out the spear while stylishly rotating it, then he looked in the direction of three people running with disdain.
"Do they think they can escape from me? What naïve fools?"
With a chuckle, the blonde boy chased them like a hunter chasing his prey.
His golden eyes were sharp like an eagle, not letting his prey escape his sight.
The blonde boy's speed was very fast. It didn't take long for him to catch up with them.
"AAAHH!"
Another scream sounded, and the one running at the end fell.
The other two gulped their saliva nervously, not even daring to look behind.
"Just face me or be eliminated honestly.'
The blonde boy shouted, hoping for a battle. But those two didn't respond. Instead, their running speed increased further.
Seeing this, the blonde boy clicked his tongue while muttering. "Cowards."
He was a little annoyed and wasn't in the mood to play this chasing game anymore.
"Let's end this."
As he said that, he ran at an extreme speed, instantly closing the distance between them.
Then, under the horrified gazes of the two, he swung his spear horizontally, directly beheading one of them.
With a calm expression, he turned to look at the last one who didn't run anymore. Instead, pulled out a sword and took a stance facing him.
"You are not going to run anymore?" The blonde boy asked, looking at the scrawny boy in front of him curiously.
The scrawny boy shook his head and said, "No, Prince Thomas, in my current situation, the chances of escaping are zero."
Thomas wasn't surprised that the scrawny boy in front of him knew his identity.
"So, what is the difference between facing me and giving up?" Thomas asked mockingly.
The scrawny boy didn't understand why Prince Thomas was asking so many questions. But, thinking that maybe he could waste some time talking and, if lucky, enter the top 600. So he also answered seriously.
"No, Prince Thomas, while facing you. I'll still think of a way to escape. Even if there's a little chance to survive for even a second longer. I'll keep trying."
"You are still thinking of escaping? What a fool! You are just a coward," Thomas said with a slight disappointment.
The scrawny boy felt a little angry, so even when he knew the difference in power and status between them, he still rebuked him.
"No Prince Thomas, there's a difference between cowardice and stupidity."
Thomas could pretty much read the scrawny boy's thoughts from his expression. But he didn't care about that. Instead, he asked with a little interest. "Oh, how so?"
"Bravery without sufficient strength is plain stupidity."
"I know the difference in power between us, so if I have the option to escape, I'd rather be a coward and try to survive as long as I can instead of fighting head-on."
Thomas looked at him plainly and asked, "So, if there wasn't such a difference in strength between us, then you would have fought bravely?"
"Yes," the scrawny boy answered instantly with a serious expression.
When he saw his eyes, Thomas knew that he was serious. But looking at his physique, he couldn't help but be doubtful.
"What's your name?"
The scrawny boy was a little taken aback when Thomas suddenly asked for him. But he still answered with a shutter.
"S-Sid, Sid Klemp!"
"So, Sid, if what you said is true, the vast majority of the candidates shouldn't be much different from your strength. If I let you go, you should be able to enter the Academy, right?"
When Sid heard this, his eyes brightened, and with some anticipation, he answered without hesitation.
"Yes, I will."
Thomas chuckled and said, "Well then, If I see you at the academy. I'll let you be my subordinate."
Hearing this, Sid was so happy that his mood couldn't be described. He immediately sheathed the sword and bowed.
"I will do my best, Prince Thomas."
Thomas nodded and was about to leave. But stopped and left behind a sentence. "Also, next time try being disrespectful to me or talking nonsense and playing word games, I'll chop you up. In reality."
Sid gulped his saliva nervously and lowered his head in shame.
Thomas chuckled seeing Sid's reaction, then with a high leap, he jumped from tree to tree and disappeared from Sid's sight.
After Thomas left, Sid's legs went weak and he couldn't help but fall to his knees.
"I survived."
He couldn't help but weep tears of joy. Talking with Thomas was very nerve-wracking for him. Now he was mentally exhausted.
"Thankfully, I still have a chance to enter the Academy."
"If what Prince Thomas said is true, and he takes me under. Then I will have a powerful backing at the academy."
"I have to survive till the Top 600 no matter what.'
With a firm expression on his face, Sid tightened his fists. Then, looking around, he mumbled with caution.
"I should find a place to hide first."
***
'Although that guy is too weak. He still has his way with words. He might be a little useful.'
Thomas thought while running towards the deeper area of the forest.