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Chapter 13: The Academy Test
The duo walked in a particular direction, while curious students who had seen him in the evaluation center trailed slowly behind. Whispers spread quickly about the new boy who nearly broke the orb.
"Let's move to the test hall," said Lark.
The duo led Jefel toward the test hall.
---
Upon entering the hall, he saw a young lady with venomous eyes and dangerously beautiful features.
"You must be the boy who nearly broke the orb, aren't you?" she said with a smirk.
"I…" Jefel froze, shocked by both her beauty and how fast news traveled.
The woman caught his reaction and laughed sonorously, a sound that slithered into his mind and weakened his knees.
"Don't worry. I'm Rana—an instructor. I know what happens in this academy even before you step inside. And by the way, I like your aura. Wild… calling. Maybe we can fight on the bed."
Jefel's mind went blank, pulled under her spell, until a furious voice snapped him back.
"Stop this, Rana! He's just a child. Don't you feel any shame using your trait on him?"
Jefel blinked, and only then did he notice the system warnings flashing before his eyes.
Tink—
[System Alarm: Warning]
The notifications repeated endlessly.
What the fuck just happened!? Dread gripped him. The thought of being controlled without even noticing filled him with cold fury, rage bubbling beneath his skin—
Until Lucy's voice cut through, sharp with anger.
"Apologize to him. Right now."
"Oh? I didn't know you were his girlfriend." Rana smirked. "I could still be his chick, if he doesn't mind."
"Cut the crap. We're wasting time," Lark snapped.
"Fine, fine." Rana waved her hand, summoning a glowing portal. "Go ahead. But remember—since he rejected me, I won't be going easy on the boy."
"Shameless woman… Why do the beautiful ones always turn into manipulators or mutators," Lark muttered with a sigh, before leading Jefel—now more vigilant than ever—toward the portal.
---
The teleportation light faded. Jefel blinked and found himself standing inside an enormous arena of stone and steel, its towering walls etched with runes. Dozens of young cultivators sparred beneath the watchful eyes of teachers and robed examiners. The very air thrummed with energy—fiery auras, beastly roars, and spectral weapons flashing in and out of existence.
Lark's hand gripped his shoulder.
"This is the evaluation ground. Do not hold back."
Lucy smirked. "Don't get killed, newbie."
Jefel said nothing. His awareness—still sharp from his earlier breakthrough—spread through the arena like a hunting beast, mapping energy flows and weaknesses without effort.
Tink—
[System Notice]
Objectives:
—Defeat 3 Rival Examinees.
—Survive until the Examiner calls the end.
Rewards: Hidden.
Failure: Expulsion.
The examiner, a broad-shouldered man with golden eyes, raised his staff.
"New entry. Jefel. Step forward."
Murmurs broke out.
"Who's that kid?"
"He doesn't even look awakened."
"Another waste of time."
Jefel exhaled slowly, keeping his aura hidden—until the gong struck.
BOOM—
Three figures launched from the crowd. Rivals chosen to test him.
Ralen, spear-user, wind affinity.
Mira, dual blades, fire affinity.
Drez, hammer-wielder, stone affinity.
Their combined auras pressed down like a storm.
"You're dead, new blood," Ralen sneered.
They charged.
Jefel didn't waste time.
"Transform."
Tink—
[Predator Transformation Activated: 10 seconds]
Blue-silver streaks ran through his hair. His aura erupted like a feral beast. The shift shocked both Lark and Lucy.
"I've never seen anything like this," Lark muttered. "Is this the same naïve boy?"
Lucy gritted her teeth. "Damn it… this might even match me."
---
The clash was instant.
Spear light cut through the air—Jefel's body moved before thought. His arm snapped up, deflecting, his legs twisting with wolf-like agility.
Tink—
[Battle Instinct Autonomy: Activated]
He countered. Mira's twin blades, wreathed in fire, met his lightning-charged fist. Sparks exploded.
CRACK—
"Ahhhhhh!" Mira screamed, stumbling back, her eyes wide. "What!? His body… it's like iron!"
The ground shattered as Drez's hammer descended. Jefel didn't dodge. Lightning flickered across his skin, absorbing the shock.
Tink—
[Lightning Body: 2%]
BOOM—
Dust swallowed the field. The crowd gasped, certain it was over.
But when the haze cleared, Jefel still stood—grinning.
"Is that all?"
His aura surged—orange laced with silver, arcs of lightning snapping wildly. For a moment, ghostly warriors loomed behind him like shadows answering their king.
Mira's legs buckled. "Wha… what is this?"
Robin's voice echoed in Lark's head. Battle Heir… it drags everyone into its rhythm.
The rivals roared, refusing to back down. All three charged together.
Jefel's grin widened. His steps pounded like war drums.
"Predatory Beast Art—Devouring Fang Blitz!"
BOOM—
He blurred. Lightning arcs carved across the arena. Each strike landed like a predator tearing through prey. The spear bent. The hammer cracked. Flames collapsed under the storm.
One by one, the rivals crashed to the ground, groaning in defeat. The crowd froze, silent.
Tink—
[System Notice]
Reward Unlocked: Stone Affinity (+5%), Fire Affinity (+4% 🔥), Wind Affinity (+6%)
Jefel's aura dimmed slightly, his grin fading as the whispers returned.
"Impossible…"
"He crushed them in ten seconds."
"What is he…?"
From the examiner's stand, elders exchanged hurried whispers, their eyes sharp and wary.
But one voice cut through.
Lark smirked, arms folded. "Not bad, boy."
Lucy shivered, unable to look away. He's not just strong. He's terrifying.
And high above, hidden in the shadows, three robed figures watched in silence.
"Too dangerous."
"A weapon, maybe."
"Or a calamity."
The test wasn't just about strength. It was about judgment.
And now… the Academy's higher powers had set their eyes on the Battle Heir.
End of Chapter 13