The Glory Academy’s test is always divided into two parts: a written test to assess the cadets’ general knowledge. Even if one is strong, it is essential to understand the basics—sometimes knowledge can be a more powerful weapon. The second part of the test is a practical test, which may vary depending on the chosen format. Sometimes, the practical test involves combat against another cadet, while other times, the soon-to-be cadets face monsters.
After all, the academy’s ultimate goal, the reason for its creation, is to train the younger generation to confront the constant threat of monsters that seek to swallow the continent whole.
On his way to the next test, Nero learned that the second part would involve facing a monster. To pass, a cadet must survive for an hour; killing the monster would be even better, with faster kills resulting in a higher overall score.
For Nero, this information couldn’t have been more welcome, as he was eager to test his theory of killing a monster and absorbing its energy to unlock the first star.
"Judging by the time limit, the monster we will be facing should be fairly strong," Nero concluded. If it were a weak monster, there wouldn’t be any need to mention the particular condition of [Survive for an hour].
Monsters are classified from F to S, with those ranked A and above labeled as named monsters, some powerful B rank can become named monster depending on the situatio. S-rank creatures are considered Disaster Class, and anything beyond that falls into the Apocalypse Class.
Nero was certain that the monster they would face in this test would likely be between E and D class.
There were a total of seven gyms lined up at Glory Academy.
Even from a distance, the newly constructed gymnasium was visible.
Given the sheer number of students arriving from various countries and the fact that most classes involved physical activity, this was only to be expected.
There it is.
Just like at the entrance, a woman sat at a table.
With slightly elongated ears, she was a daemon, and her presence was a fascinating sight for Nero, as it was his first time encountering someone from another race.
"Are you here to take the practical test?"
"Yes, I’ve already finished the written test."
"You completed it incredibly quickly!"
In response to her comment, he remained calm and showed her his student ID and ticket number.
She focused intently as she scribbled on a document with her pen.
"You can head to the first gym over there."
"Thank you."
"The test will begin once the minimum number of participants has gathered, so please warm up inside while you wait."
Acknowledging her instructions, Nero made his way toward the gym marked with the number one.
Screeeech!
As he pushed open the heavy iron door and stepped inside, he noticed that no one else was present.
It appeared he had finished the written test earlier than everyone else.
’What’s that? Is it related to the test?’
As he entered, he saw the center of the gym filled with rows of square stone blocks, their purpose unknown.
"Hmm..."
Without hesitation, Nero walked toward one side of the gym’s wall.
Swords, spears, axes, guns, bows—
The wall was lined with familiar weapons, and seeing them brought a sense of calm to his mind.
Naturally, he reached out and drew a sword from its sheath.
Srring!
It was a heavy longsword.
Just gripping it was enough to tell that it was a well-maintained blade, expertly sharpened at the edge.
The balance was excellent too.
He gave it a light swing before placing it back in its holder.
Suddenly,
Thud─!
Someone suddenly burst through the door with force.
"Huh? I’m not the first one here?"
A royal, the imperial princess who inherited the bloodline of the strongest man on the continent, Solomon Sameal’s daughter.
Her elegant long limbs and striking orange eyes born of her noble lineage were captivating. Nero knew it was her as soon as he saw her. She had flaming red hair like every member of the imperial family. A true beauty he must admit it, almost like his mother.
Even from here here Nero could feel heat coming from this girl.
This girl name is Elreth Samael.
Elreth’s eyes narrowed for a moment before scanning the boy who beat her first, she must admit his appearance was pleasing to the eyes. To think someone she had never heard of beat her, tere’s something unusual about this blue haired man, specially that eyes of his, even if the boy tried to close his eyes as soon as she walked in she had seen it, blood red eyes.
’’What is your name?" she asked arrogantly while crossing her arms.
Nero opened his eyes as he stared at her. Judging from her words and behavior, the princess is truly arrogant.
’’Shouldn’t you introduce yourself first?" he asked without a change in expression, he was acting as if the person before him wasn’t a princess. It is true that rules say everyone is equal upon becoming a cadet but that just that.
Elreth’s mouth twitched, she almost exploded but took a deep breath to calm down her emotions, not to let them explode.
Although, she knew he knew her identity, she introduced herself, hoping to see his reaction, although she known for her fiery temperament, she was someone who knows how to use her head and her intuition is pretty sharp and currently it was telling her that this person was interesting.
’’I’m Elreth Sameal.’’
’’Nero Adams.’’ he shortly said before closing his eyes and focused swinging his sword, testing it.
Elreth chuckled, as expected this man is interesting. Just as she was about to say something, another person walked in, forcing the princess to frown as if she had just chewed a bug.