Monday, May 25, 675, the last day of the midterm exams and the final hours the students would spend on Jeju Island.
At 7:30 AM, a fresh breeze rustled the leaves of the trees, creating a beautiful sound. The flowing water of a river added undeniable beauty and elegance to the scene.
However, within this apparent tranquility, a hell of endless hardships and challenges lay hidden.
The first-year students suffered many misfortunes during their time on Jeju Island, yet the number of those eliminated was relatively small.
Eighty students were eliminated for various reasons, including near-death experiences fighting against waves of monsters and exposure to poison that could have been fatal.
Forty-five students died at the hands of Edward at the start of the midterm exam, and Edward himself was killed by Yuta in the second quarter of the exam.
Therefore, the number of The number of students who were eliminated was 126 out of 560, leaving only 434 students concentrated in the center of Jeju Island, as far away from the Origin Tree as possible, driven by their instinct.
The students were eager to leave Jeju Island. They had endured many hardships for a long time, even though being away from Jeju Island for about two and a half days felt like eleven days and nights of struggle against monsters and an environment that seemed to be their natural enemy.
With only a few hours left before their departure, they felt relieved as they talked amongst themselves.
Meanwhile, the inhabitants of all five continents were discussing what had happened during the exam.
Meanwhile, on the North Continent, near the Hua Yu Clan,
a young man of eighteen years old with long, jet-black hair that reached his waist and wide, dark eyes like two abysses sat wearing the Gu Masters' garb. There was a belt around his waist with three stars, a sign that he was a Rank 3 Gu Master.
He wandered aimlessly through the forest of Yungai Mountain to the north, simply gathering his scattered thoughts to direct his Primal Sea energy toward a Rank 3 Moon God Gu.
A three-meter-long, crescent-shaped blade shot from his palm toward a Hundred Beast Master-rank boar hurtling toward him at breakneck speed.
"Kk ... However, if I were in a previous world, fighting a monster of the rank of a Hundred Beasts King would have been foolish and a death wish, nothing more.
"But I killed him with complete ease, and I'm still only a Rank 3 Intermediate. It's truly an achievement."
His expression returned to a cold one as he looked at the pig's carcass. He skinned it and took its horns using a sharp dagger, while the Moon God Gu cut the horns, which were several meters long.
After several minutes, Xiao Haoran had skinned the pig and taken its horns. The thick skin was worth 100 Spirit Stones, but considering the Spirit Stones and the fact that they belonged to a Hundred Beasts King, the price of the skin and horns doubled to 650 Spirit Stones for the skin and horns, making the total worth 456 Spirit Stones.
That means the skin and horns of a Hundred Beasts King were worth 1106 Spirit Stones, and it was impossible for him to let something like that go to waste unless he was a fool.
After he finished skinning the pig's carcass, he left the place immediately. Leaving behind the pig's carcass, it was a giant pig's carcass that he couldn't possibly fit inside his Gu storage unit anyway.
Secondly, the scent of blood would attract other monsters that he wouldn't be able to defeat if they surrounded him. So it was best to leave it and go.
"That's enough for today... It seems to be the last day of the midterm exam for that Verslekin Academy," Xiao Haoran muttered as he leaped swiftly and agilely through the branches of a tree.
After several minutes, Xiao Haoran reached the gate of the Hua Yu Clan.
He entered the clan to find the streets completely empty, which led him to conclude one thing: "They're in the clan center watching the end of the midterm exam."
"Wasting my time watching someone else's evolution... wasting precious time."
Afterward, Xiao Haoran went to sell the pigskin and tusks, completely ignoring the event that had shaken the entire human world as if it were nothing.
............
On the Southern Continent At the T clan's residence, renowned detective Tae Hoon and his daughter Tae Chung Ah sat in their usual spot, watching the final moments of the midterm exam.
Tae Chung Ah was amazed by the skills her generation had attained. She spoke in amazement about the abilities and strength of the students at the Versleken Academy. "The students at Versleken Academy are skilled and terrifying monsters, especially several of them," she said.
"The daughter is the Magic Emperor, Gia Guilford, the son is the former Magic Emperor, Beatrice, and the daughter is the Magic Master, Belgord Kethali."
"In addition, there's the son of the strongest human and head of the De Molière family, Ruichi, his relative, Gray, and the heir to the Hua Jian Yi Mountain Sect."
A smile spread across Tae Hoon's face as he looked at his daughter, who was excited, her eyes brimming with the determination to become the strongest.
"Even so far, Father, there were monsters among the common people."
A look of feigned surprise crossed Tae Hoon's face as He looked at Tae Chung-ah.
"Who are these commoners you admire?"
"They're Previca, Tom Fragelsen, and Armin Siegmurt, all first-year students in the same class, except for Jia, who studies mythology."
Tae Hoon looked at Tae Chung-ah for a few seconds before speaking calmly, "Didn't you forget someone?"
A look of confusion crossed Tae Chung-ah's face as she looked up at her father, raising her cheek. "Who do you mean by 'forgotten someone'...?"
Tae Chung-ah's eyes widened as she understood what her father, Tae Hoon, meant by that person.
Her expression shifted to a mixture of annoyance, hatred, and contempt. "You mean Yuta Ka?"Seral, the son of Marquis Yamerzas, was demoted from Baron to Marquis a few months ago, right?
"He's talented. He's defeated the sons of major dukes, the heir to the Mount Hwa sect, and faced three gods simultaneously. He's a terrifying entity."
"Yet, he's still someone who follows the path of the Demon. This means the Orthodox faction loses another rising talent, and the Demon faction gains another terrifying one. Haaaaaa!"
A sigh of frustration escaped Tae Chung-ah's lips involuntarily.
This made Tae Hoon chuckle softly as he looked at him, which slightly annoyed her with his sarcasm. "You're wrong in your description of Yuta. He's worse than just following the path of the Demon, my dear Tae Chung-ah."
The frustration vanished from her face, replaced by surprise and great confusion. "What do you mean he's worse than that? He killed Edward Brezek in front of every single person on all five continents, without exception, and without "Attention, and I said before that he has a deeply rooted, demonic nature."
Tae-hoon took a sip of tea while listening to her words, but he wasn't at all bothered by her rude and impolite reaction.
However, Tae-chung Ah was still only 18 and knew nothing about the world, so her reaction made sense to him, and there was no need to be upset by it.
"In this world, there is white and there is black, there is good and there is evil. When you encounter good people, you won't have much trouble, but when fighting evil people, you must always be wary of treachery and betrayal."
"But there are those who are more dangerous and difficult to understand, buy, or deal with. They are the gray ones, for whom the concept of good or evil is merely a means to achieve their goals, nothing more. They will do anything to achieve their personal interests."
"That's why Yuta has a deeply rooted, demonic nature. He is gray, not evil, because even villains and scoundrels have principles."
"But this type of entity has no principles." "What kind of principles and morals do they have? That's why you should be wary of them, my dear daughter, Tae Chung-ah."
Tae Chung-ah was taken aback by Tae Hoon's statement and clenched her fist in a sign of respect. "Thank you for your advice, Father Tae Hoon."
............…
Meanwhile, in the control room at the Freslakin Academy,
Director Soliver and his deputy, Carter Pleasures, who had previously been with the officials of the Heavenly Immortal Academy before the start of the academic year, were organizing things before the arrival of the students.
The two academies had been scheduled to merge within a year, but the decision was postponed for several reasons, including an academy competition, the celebration of the thousandth anniversary of the victory over the Demon Realm, and several other undisclosed reasons.
The professors responsible for teaching the three classes—Regular, Elite, and Legendary—both current and future, were monitoring everything happening on Jeju Island.
"This year's students are impressive. Eighty students have been eliminated." "It's an achievement in itself," Yoshika Kiyotowa said, clearly impressed.
"Hahahaha, the students this year are absolutely amazing, especially that student, Yuta Casseraal. He killed and got rid of Edward, who killed 45 students, with such ease. It's truly an impressive achievement," Assistant Principal Carter Pligers said, impressed by the skills of the new students.
The Soliver Principal's expression was sharp and bulging after hearing Carter praise Yuta.
After all, Yuta had threatened him with his daughter and other things, so it was only natural that he would hate them.
But because of the Heavenly Division, he was powerless to do anything to him, and this only made him angrier and more resentful.
However, he decided to play along with his assistant, Carter Pligers, and not show that he had a grudge against a student at the academy, Versleken, because it would be a serious blow to his reputation.
"Yes, you're right. After all, he's ranked number one as the best and strongest first-year student."
"They'll be back tomorrow soon." "So, the students at Vrsalkin Academy seem eager to leave that hell, don't you think, Carter?"
"Right. After all, they faced death at every turn. It's only natural they'd be eager to leave the examination center."
Meanwhile, Bao Xin Yi, the instructor of the Legends Class, and Kaito Ishikawa, the instructor of the Elite Class, were discussing a merger between Vrsalkin Academy and the Heavenly Immortals Academy.
These two academies had been doing this for thousands of years.
Each academy would send its best students to the other for a full year.
This allowed them to learn to coexist in different environments and get to know people from different worlds.
This event, which occurred every 100 years, kept Vrsalkin Academy students at the forefront of agriculture.
Because the fantasy world of 3525336 df was inhabited only by users of the Datien Roots, there was nothing to make users of Mana and Gu flourished within it.
However, due to the two different worlds, a change occurred in the spiritual structure of those who entered it. Although it was extremely painful, it granted students the ability to live in places devoid of mana or natural energy.
"I heard about Yao Changji from the 3525336 df world. There are many rumors about him defeating several Demonic Path Masters."
"And he is considered the pride of the Orthodox faction in his world," Bao Xin Yi said calmly as she looked at the information of the students in the Legends class she supervised.
Meanwhile, Kaito Ishikawa remembered Yuta's words several weeks ago after hearing Yao Changji's name.
Flashback
"Have you heard about Yao Changji, Kaito Ishikawa?"
Kaito kept looking at Yuta while kneeling on one knee.
Understanding, Yao Changji was a beloved and chivalrous man in the eyes of the inhabitants of his world.
Kaito Ishikawa remained silent for several minutes before answering Yuta's question. "Yes, I've heard of Yao Changji, the heir to the Yao clan. He's a well-known figure, helping everyone and dedicating most of his time to defeating and subduing the Demonic Warriors of Faisal."
A mocking smile spread across Yuta's lips as he looked at the kneeling Kaito. "You know, the more poisonous the frog, the more beautiful and innocent it is. The most lethal beings are often the most beautiful, not the ugliest."
Kaito's expression shifted to confusion as he looked at Yuta, who was seated on his throne, gazing back at him.
"Do you mean that Yao Changji is pretending to fight a Demonic Arts heir when he himself is the heir?"
"Yes, that's right. Yao Changji is an old, cunning fox who could make anyone appear as a Demonic Arts heir.""To gain benefits and achieve personal interests."
"He reminds me of Gu Chang-ji from the novel *I Am a Villain Within a System* or *I Am a Predestined Villain*."
Kaito didn't understand Yuta's last words, nor did he try to. However, he deduced one thing: they would face a dangerous enemy.
Just as dangerous as the Scorpion Organization, which lurks and manipulates the world in the shadows without anyone realizing it.
Yao Chang-ji is the same; he manipulates his world without anyone noticing, and this is something they must be wary of while they are inside Yao Chang-ji's world when they go there next year.
End of Flashback
Kaito snapped out of his thoughts and turned his gaze to the student list, checking the progress of the students:
[Number Name/Title Date of Birth]
01. Yuta Caseral. 23/07/659
02. Beatrice Azwasen. 18/06 /663
03. Ruici de Moliard. 03/04/659
04. Lucy Kathali. 12/12/659
05. Gray de Moliard. 14/03/659
........
..... ..
...
........
........
09. Tom Tom Fragelsen. 11/01/659
10 Armin Siegmurt. 22/02/659
11. Bervika Al-Aslahan. 28/03/659
12. Hua Jian Yi 15 / 10 /659
......
...
.....
...
.....
....
18. Christian Yorgam 10/11/658
19. Nicholas Yorgam 04/02/659
20. Kazuhiro Kenzaiel 03/05/659
21. Leon Britten 12/08/659
22. Inuyasha Britten 12/08/659
Kaitoa's gaze was calm as he checked each student's progress, his eyes finally settling on Yuta Casseraal and Beatrice Azwasen.
They were the monsters who held sway over an elite class with an iron fist. Iron and immense talent, the likes of which the world has never seen.
Ringing... Ringing... Ringing
Kaito opened his phone to find a message from Yuta that surprised him somewhat.
[Mr. Yuta]
[The ceremony will begin shortly. Only the arrival of guests remains before the ceremony begins. One of the honorable ones will lose his honor, and the world will be shocked by this breathtaking scene.]
Kaito turned off his phone and then turned his gaze towards the portals that monitor everything happening inside Jeju Island.
He found that everything seemed normal and there was nothing suspicious.
"The calm before the storm, the peace before the war. It seems that a massacre will occur between the guests and 434 students, and 132 professors have been placed to monitor the students and clear out the cells above the student level. That means there are 566 people there, it seems."
.......
Grey sat down while looking at Ruichi, who was sheathing his sword with a weary smile.
"Not much time left. A few hours and the midterm exam will be over." "Isn't she right?"
"Yes, you're right. We've persevered these past few days, and sleeping in bed for days without lifting a finger would be better than any reward the academy could offer, unless it's a vacation."
Ruichi's gaze was filled with surprise as he listened to Gray's words, then he burst out laughing at Gray's constant complaining.
"Hahahaha, Gray, you're really something else!"
Gray looked at Ruichi with slight annoyance, then laughed silently as if nothing had happened.
Meanwhile, Gia slowly opened her eyes, exhaustion gnawing at her body.
"Oh, my head! It hurts so much!" Gia groaned from the pain that gripped her immediately upon waking.
However, the pain subsided after a few minutes, and she went to the nearest stream to wash her face, only to find that her black hair had turned white and her light purple eyes had become... Two scarlets
And Mazda was bewildered by the fact that she had risen to the rank of Sacred Ruler in just 11 days.
She had surpassed the rank of Grand Master to become a Sacred Ruler in an incredibly short time, in a way that was strange and incomprehensible even to her.
Especially since rising to the rank of Master Ruler was extremely difficult, to the point that those who reached it could be counted on one hand.
Jia's face was filled with astonishment, yet deep down, she felt that she hadn't even reached 0.000001% of the power within her.
She turned her gaze blankly towards the lake and placed her sword at her waist.
A feeling came over her that something was amiss, which she didn't immediately understand until several minutes later.
Her intuition told her that something was wrong, that this excessive calm concealed some disastrous consequence.
Although she had never acted on intuition in her entire life.
To She has nothing to lose by taking precautions in case something unexpected happens; nothing in this world is perfect, and even a small chance of an attack on students is still possible.