The so-called Spatial Rift gave birth to Magical Beasts with unique abilities continuously. The exact reason was still unclear, but people guessed that the reason behind this was probably related to the reason for the world's mutation.
Humans who had a class could accumulate a certain number energy to level up and obtain greater power after killing them.
Every Spatial Rift would inevitably have a mighty monster, which was the rift's boss. Defeating it would give them a chance to obtain the loot from the boss.
The value of the loot was very high. It could be used to make weapons, potions, or special medicine.
The levels of Spatial Rift ranged from the lowest 1-Star to the highest 12-Star. As the stars rose, the ranks of the monsters and bosses would increase accordingly, too.
In theory, the lowest level 1-Star Spatial Rift would have level 10 monsters at the highest. Of course, most of them were weak level 1 or 2 monsters. They were used to test the strength of newbies and were most suitable to increase actual combat experience.
...
Varius knew what Ryan was thinking. After all, he had just said that he wanted to let Ryan see his strength. This test would be a perfect opportunity.
There was nothing Varius could not do. However, before he could say anything, seeing that the students were discussing too loudly, the teachers came out one after another to manage the discipline.
Varius could only stare at Ryan and swallow what he was about to say.
When the students' discussion gradually quieted down, the headmaster continued, "Students, this upcoming test allows you to form a team, and it also allows you to carry 1-Star equipment s. Please report your weapons and teammates to your teachers one hour before the test begins tomorrow.
"Those without equipment or teammates can also come to their teachers to apply for teams or equipment. The teachers will distribute essential equipment and assign the students who applied to be teammates.
"Alright, that's all for today's notice. As for the specific rules of the exam and the specific information of the Spatial Rift, we will inform you one hour before the exam. Please don't be late tomorrow.
"School is adjourned!"
With a wave of the headmaster's hand, the students cheered.
Everyone went around excitedly, looking for a suitable team member and discussing the equipment they would bring tomorrow.
It was very common to form a team to complete tests in this world. After all, the risk of fighting a Magical Beast was not small. Very few people would choose to go solo to cultivate a sense of cooperation from a young age.
At such a time, Varius, the famous number one student in the grade, should have a lot of people around him. All kinds of students should be interested in forming a team with him.
However, things were now different from before. No one came looking for Varius, and he was treated like an invincible person.
At this moment, a chubby hand hooked onto Varius' shoulder.
Varius was too familiar with this feeling. He turned his head and realized that Ryan was indeed hooked on him.
"Varius, let's form a team together this time. Don't worry, with me around, and we'll definitely pass. I'll bring some 1-Star tools from home. Even if we're not the main fighters, we'll still have no problems in surviving the 1-Star Spatial rift."
Ryan's tone was a little lacking in confidence, but his attitude was unyielding.
It was unknown whether he was skeptical about bringing out the tool from home or whether the two of them would pass successfully.
The evaluation method for potions and equipment items in this world also used stars as the grades. From the lowest 1-Star grade to the highest 12-Star grade, the quality of the items contained within the same star grade was not small, and every upgrade would allow the quality of the items to have a qualitative leap.
For example, the 1-Star equipment mentioned by the headmaster was the standard equipment for low-level professionals. Many people could only use 1-Star or 2-Star equipment in their lifetime. The standard equipment used by city guards was 1-Star equipment.
After all, not everyone needed to go out and fight Magical Beasts in the current era. The construction of the city and the vigorous development of various professions allowed a large number of people who were unwilling to fight to engage in production in the city. If their job doesn't involve combat, 1-Star equipment would be enough to deal with most scenarios.
The 1-Star tools that Ryan mentioned was already a mid-grade item that ordinary people would not usually use. Even though Ryan's family sold weapons, 1-Star tools were not something Ryan, a high school student who had just awakened his class, could casually take out. However, this might be necessary since Ryan's awakened class was the family's Mechanic profession.
He formed a team with Varius. With the combination of a Battle Master and Mechanic , the attack power of this team was insufficient. It would be difficult for them to pass the test; hence the other students would not join such a burdensome team.
If they did not use the 1-Star tool, there was a real possibility that they would not be able to pass the test.
Varius looked at Ryan's expression and did not know what to say. Just as he was about to comfort him, a commotion occurred.
Varius and Ryan turned their heads and looked at a place that was even more crowded than the surrounding area.
There, the students had formed a human wall. A golden sword kept flying up and down in the air at the center of the crowd.
Someone's voice sounded: "Carl, can you form a team with me? I'm a Guardian Knight. I can fight and protect. Let me protect you!"
"Carl, form a team with me. I am a Priest. With me in the team, there won't be any casualties."
"Carl, look at me! I'm a Energy Master. I can use my Energy to massage you!"
Seeing this scene, Ryan's expression changed.
The students were surrounding Carl.
Compared to him and Varius, Carl, who had awakened as a Swordmaster, was much more popular.
Even though Carl has a reputation as a troublemaker, he still has many fans.
Varius also saw this scene, but he did not say anything unnecessary. He knew that no matter what he did now, it was useless. After all, the impression of a weak class was not something that he could easily change by himself.
He put his arm around Ryan and walked out of the school.
As he walked, he said, "Ryan, don't worry. Carl won't be able to cause any trouble to us."
"Huh?"
Ignoring Ryan's surprise, Varius continued, "Wait until tomorrow. Let us speak with facts!"
...
Early the following day, the second grade students were gathered at the field of Green Mountain High School.
The test would take place in this field. Unlike yesterday, the five tents had been replaced by five black crystal ball.
The first-year students sat in the audience seats on one side of the field. They were going to watch their seniors fight for the first time, and the process of these battles would become an essential lesson for their growth in the future.
At the top of the audience seats were the teachers and the school's top management. Although this was just a small test, it was still the first step of the educational reform. Thus, they had an obligation to participate.
The assembled second grade students were discussing animatedly. Varius stood among them and quietly listened to the gossip of the two students beside him.
"I heard that the 1-Star Spatial Rift chosen for this test is difficult!"
"It can't be? This is the first attempt at reform. Shouldn't we be given a simple realm to practice our skills first?"
" Isn't this to respond to the call to get close to actual combat?"
"How did you know?"
"My uncle told me."
Varius had heard many similar discussions today.
Since this will be the graduation test the students would take after their Awakening Ceremony, almost all students were desperate for relevant information.
Almost all students received the news that today's test would be tough. It made them both excited and afraid. They were excited to show their skills and use their awakened class to impress other students and school leaders, yet they were fearful of their first battle with a Magical Beast, which might be more dangerous than they had imagined.
Driven by these complicated emotions, the news about this test's difficulty had spread wide.
"Varius!"
Ryan waved his hand and walked over to Varius somewhat excitedly.
Varius could not help but be stunned when he saw Ryan's appearance today. He then smiled and said, "Ryan, why are you dressed like a ranger today?"
Ryan was wearing a helmet that covered his face alongside a small chestplate. His joints and neck were also protected by tough leather.
He was wearing two straps, a small energy gun, and a short dagger on his waist. The straps on his back had five to six magazine of the energy gun. There was also a big bag on his shoulder, which made a constant clunking sound when he walked. It was full of items.
Ryan came close to Varius. When he heard Varius' question, he smiled confidently. It seemed that the equipment on him gave him a sense of security.
"Hey, I found this in my warehouse yesterday. My mother said that this is the early-stage equipment of an elder who was a proficient hunter during my grandfather's generation.
"We are not sure if anyone would team up with us. Our options are limited. If I wear this, at least it can increase my self-defense ability. If we encounter low-level enemies, I can act as rearguard and deal damage."
As he spoke, Ryan stretched out his chubby hands and patted the armor on his body.
"Moreover, I hung magazines at every place within my reach, so it doesn't prevent me from doing my job."
Then he glanced at Varius and felt that Varius' equipment seemed familiar.
"Varius, what's with your equipment? Why do you look like a scout?"
In Ryan's eyes, Varius was wearing a suit of mixed armor made of leather and iron.
Most of the armor was made of tough leather, while a portion of the important parts was steel .
Varius was also carrying a standard spear on his back, and his waist slung a dagger. It was all the standard equipment of a scout.
Varius nodded generously and directly admitted Ryan's guess.
"This is the equipment of the scouts. I borrowed Dan's old equipment."
Ryan took a closer look at it and realized that although Varius' equipment looked well maintained, there were signs of wear and tear anywhere. The equipment had been well used.
"How did you…"
Ryan wanted to ask why Varius wore this equipment. However, he suddenly understood halfway through his sentence.
Varius probably only had this kind of equipment available. If he said it out loud, it would probably embarrass Varius. Thus, he could only stop midway and remain silent with an uncomfortable expression.
When Varius saw Ryan's expression, he thought for a moment and guessed his friend's intentions.
He was a little helpless because Ryan's guess was correct. He only had this equipment left.
However, he didn't care about these things.
Equipment was just a worldly thing. Now that he had the Soul Devouring System, he could continuously gain new skills. If he wanted equipment, he would always have the chance to buy it.
However, as of now, he couldn't persuade Ryan not to care about these things. No matter what he said, Ryan would probably think he was forcing himself to be strong.
Fortunately, there was no need for Varius to persuade him. Soon, Ryan adjusted himself.
Ryan seemed to have thought of something and hurriedly said to Varius, "Varius, what is you class anyway? You never mentioned it to me"
Moss nodded. He did forgot to tell Ryan.
"Should we find another person to join us? Otherwise, we both might fail!"
Varius looked at the armor that he was showing off confidently just a second ago, but he felt a little uneasy when it came to the rumors. He could not help but shake his head.
It seemed that Ryan was frightened by the sudden news he heard from others. Now that the test was about to begin, all other students must probably have found a team. Moreover, even if any students were without a full team, they might still not join him and Varius.
Varius said to Ryan, "Ryan, don't overthink. At this juncture, no one will be willing to join our team. When the time comes, we'll face it. No matter how difficult this test is, it's still a test, nothing more. Don't overthink."
Varius' words were reasonable. Ryan sighed and regained his composure.
The two chatted for a while before the bell rang.
Ring ring ring.
Everyone became alert and looked in the direction of the black crystal.
A group of teachers stood on the left and right side of the crystal, prepared to open it.
The headmaster walked to the crystal and said, "Hello, students. The test is about to begin. Please check your equipment and potions. If there are any deficiencies, you can report them to your teachers. "Next, let me explain the specific rules of the test."
Hearing the headmaster's words, everyone could not help but focus their attention.