Chapter: The Second Phase — Islands of Blood
The sharp chime of the watches cut through the air. One by one, heads turned, eyes narrowing as glowing lines of text unfolded before them. Even the faint chatter in the waiting rooms stilled.
Second Phase: Team Examination.
Participants will be divided into groups of one hundred ninety-nine.
Ten groups in total.
Each group will be sent to an island.
All islands are connected by a central 'Main Island.'
Points may be earned by slaying monsters in the terrain.
Participants may also claim points by defeating others.
If you defeat a participant with higher points, you gain double their total.
If you defeat a participant with lower points, their entire score will be deducted from yours.
Alliances, betrayals, and eliminations are permitted.
Each participant will be equipped with Academy Battle Gear.
Damage sustained will be recorded. Upon reaching 90%, you will be forcibly teleported to the main arena for medical aid.
Survive. Conquer. Claim victory.
In the waiting room, Sophia leaned forward, her eyes glinting with sparks of excitement.
"A point system and free-for-all… this is going to be interesting."
Lily's expression remained calm, though her gaze flickered briefly toward Azriel, who seemed completely unbothered. He reclined against the sofa like it was just another trivial detail.
"Team exam," Azriel murmured softly, almost amused. "What an ironic choice of words."
---
The participants had all gathered in the arena, their hearts pounding with anticipation. One by one, they were equipped with the Academy's battle armor sleek and devoid of any enhancements to strength. Its sole function: instantaneous teleportation when damage surpassed 90%. Nothing more, nothing less.
The arena fell silent as the Headmaster's figure materialized above them, suspended in the air like a shadow of authority. His presence alone bent the flow of mana around them, pressing down with the weight of centuries of power.
"As you all already know, the next phase of the exam will test not only your strength, but your strategy, cunning, and will to survive. Listen carefully."
"You will be divided into groups of 199 participants. Ten groups in total. Each group will be teleported randomly to one of ten islands. A main island connects all ten. To reach main island, 200 points are required. Anyone who didn't make it to the main island will fail the exam. Choosing to enter the island will deduct 200 points from your total. Your points are personal; they cannot be shared, transferred, or revealed to anyone. Your watch will display the map of your assigned island."
"Points will be earned by hunting monsters. Each monster's value and characteristics will be visible on your watch. Defeating a participant with higher points than your own grants you double their points. Defeating a participant with fewer points deducts their total from yours."
"This trial lasts seven days. The points you posses at the end of the exam in the main island will be taken into consideration to make the rankings of the first year. The participant with the highest points at the end will claim the title of THE APEX and gain a skill of their choosing from the academy archive below A Rank. Prepare yourselves. The exam begins in ten minutes."
And just as suddenly as he appeared, the Headmaster vanished, leaving only the echo of his words lingering over the tense crowd. Murmurs erupted among the participants. Some whispered strategies; others trembled at the scale of what was coming.
Azriel, as always, remained calm. His crimson eyes swept over Sophia and Lily. The faintest smirk tugged at his lips. He didn't need to speak. This was exactly the kind of chaos he thrived in.
Sophia's gaze sparkled with anticipation, her hands flexing instinctively, as if the lightning coursing through her veins was already impatient. Lily, silent as ever, simply adjusted the hem of her uniform, eyes focused, ready to follow her Young Master wherever he went.
Moments later, the teleportation platforms powered up. A soft hum filled the arena, lights flickering as each participant's armor synced with their watches. Then, with a brilliant flash, the students vanished, dispersed across the ten islands.
---
As the teleportation flash faded, the participants landed on their designated islands. The drop was brutal the Academy's system didn't soften the fall. Bodies hit the ground with a sickening thud. Azriel, however, adjusted midair, channeling chaos through his legs to control his descent. He landed perfectly, knees bending to absorb the impact, barely a ripple in his composure.
The same could not be said for most others. Many students screamed as injuries tore through them on their very first second in the trial. Some lay sprawled, dazed; others groaned, clutching limbs that refused to obey them.
Azriel's crimson eyes scanned the landscape. Dark clouds choked the sky, a storm brewing with jagged lightning cracking across the horizon. In front of him, a river ran clear and serene, a stark contrast to the chaos around it. The trees were towering, at least thirty meters high, dense and formidable.
With a small smirk, Azriel infused chaos into his legs and leapt effortlessly, landing atop a massive tree. From this vantage, the island stretched endlessly a vast, untamed jungle, teeming with opportunity and peril alike. He exhaled softly.
And he smiled, towards the first true grin of the Island who will soon be bathed in Blood.
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