Chapter 106: Chapter No.106 Selection Ceremony (3)
[Samael Ashwood's POV]
Lily chuckled softly at my response, though her eyes glinted with something more than amusement—determination. She, like the rest of us, knew that the Academy's selection wasn't just about strength. It was a test of wits, endurance, and cunning. And we had to be ready for anything.
I smiled with amusement in my eyes, Because I already knew all the trials from reading this novel in the past life. Main Character—Ethan actually performed quite mediocre, just the typical harem protagonist.
If not for Liliana the Main Heroine of the novel, who sired Ethan thus making him a dhampir. He would have struggled significantly in the trials. But now, knowing that the playing field was entirely different due to my presence and the changes I had made, I felt a unique mix of anticipation and confidence.
"THE FIRST PHRASE: TALENT EVALUATION; TIMING: AFTER THIRTY MINUTES; LOCATION: GROUND NO.76."
The announcement echoed through the selection grounds, its authoritative tone cutting through the murmurs and shifting crowd. The name of the ground—No.76—was etched into a large, weathered stone archway that loomed in the distance, marking the location where the first trial would take place. The moment it was mentioned, students began moving toward the designated area, their excitement palpable.
"Looks like we've got our first destination," Raven said, her eyes scanning the throngs of competitors as they began to disperse. "Let's head toward Ground No.76. We need to be ready for whatever comes next."
"Agreed," I said, taking a deep breath. "Stay alert and keep your wits about you. This isn't just about proving ourselves; it's about understanding how to maneuver through the challenges and anticipate the unexpected."
As we made our way through the crowd, I observed the other students' reactions. Some looked eager, while others seemed nervous or even overwhelmed. The diversity of emotions was a stark reminder of the high stakes involved. Each person had their own reasons for being here, and the pressure to succeed was evident on every face.
Sionna walked closely beside me, her anxiety still evident but tempered by my reassurance. Liliana and Lily flanked us, their expressions focused. Raven took the lead, her keen eyes constantly surveying the surroundings.
The path to Ground No.76 was marked by a series of magical runes embedded in the ground, glowing faintly with a blueish hue. The area itself was an expansive, open terrain surrounded by dense, dark woods. In the distance, I could make out the silhouette of a grand, ancient structure that seemed to serve as a checkpoint or perhaps a part of the trial itself.
As we approached the entrance to Ground No.76, the crowd began to thin out, and a sense of anticipation settled over us. The area was designated for the Talent Evaluation, a trial designed to assess each student's innate abilities and potential. I had read about this trial in the novel, where it was typically a straightforward test of magical prowess and personal skills.
However, with the changes in the story and the presence of unforeseen elements, it was bound to be more complex.
"Liliana, They might question you like, What are you doing on the continent of humans as pure-blooded Vampire such as you might arouse suspicion. and you too, Raven being a pure-blooded Demon, your presence here could raise eyebrows as well. We need to be prepared for any scrutiny."
Liliana smirked, her red eyes gleaming with mischief. "Let them question me. I have my answers ready. And if they dig too deep, they'll find more than they bargained for."
Raven shrugged. "Suspicion is a given. I'm not exactly blending in, but that's the point. Sometimes standing out can work in your favor. They won't expect us to play their games on our terms."
Sionna's voice wavered slightly as she spoke. "What if they ask too many questions? About... us?"
"Well, You have the pendant which can not be seen through and Lily is human which makes both of you less likely to draw suspicion," I replied, glancing at Sionna with reassurance. "The key is confidence. They only dig deeper if they sense fear or hesitation."
Sionna nodded, though I could tell the nerves were still there. I placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. "Just remember, you belong here as much as anyone else. Stay calm, follow my lead, and you'll be fine."
"But what about you? You are not even hiding your dragon aura," Raven blunt as usual, pointed out. "You're practically daring them to confront you."
I chuckled softly, unfazed by her comment. "Actually, I am looking forward to them asking me questions. I want them to scrutinize and challenge me. It'll give me a chance to gauge their reactions and understand how they handle unexpected elements. Besides, I'd rather make a memorable impression than blend into the background."
Raven raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my boldness. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But remember, sometimes making waves can attract unwanted attention. Just keep your cool."
I just chuckled but didn't reply further as only I knew what would happen and how beneficial it would be for me. I told them not to draw attention because they were not strong enough to withstand the scrutiny that might follow. My approach was strategic—making an impact could draw focus away from the others and set a precedent.
I trusted in my strength and cunning to navigate any challenges that arose.
As we approached the platform for the Talent Evaluation, the atmosphere grew even more intense. The trial ground, Ground No.76, was a vast, open space with a large, circular arena at its center, surrounded by an array of magical barriers and obstacles. The ancient structure I had seen earlier now loomed closer, its towering form casting a long shadow over the area.
The examiners stood at their stations, their robes flowing in the breeze, and their eyes sharp and discerning. Each of them held a small crystal orb, which seemed to pulse with a steady, rhythmic glow. This was likely used to measure the candidates' abilities and magical signatures.
'Are they really going to stand like that for the next thirty minutes until the first phrase starts?' I thought as I looked at the examiners and their crystal orbs. The anticipation in the air was almost palpable, and the students around us seemed to share a collective sense of nervous excitement.
"Seems like we have a bit of a wait," Raven said, glancing at the examiners. "Let's take this time to get a better feel for the area. I've got a feeling they might have some tricks up their sleeves."
I nodded in agreement. "Good idea. It's always best to be prepared for anything, especially with the unknown elements of this trial."
We moved away from the immediate vicinity of the examiners and began to explore the surroundings. The magical runes embedded in the ground were an intriguing sight—each one glowed with a faint, blueish hue, and I could feel their magical resonance as we walked over them. They seemed to form a complex pattern, one that might be significant to the trial.
Sionna and Lily kept close, their eyes scanning the area for any potential hazards or clues. Liliana, ever the enigmatic presence, seemed to be observing the interactions and reactions of other students more than the environment itself. Raven, true to her nature, was assessing the layout of the arena and the possible points of strategic advantage.
As we wandered, I couldn't help but think about the implications of my actions. Knowing the trials from my past life gave me a significant advantage, but it also made me cautious. The changes in the story had shifted the dynamics, and I needed to be prepared for anything that might deviate from the original script.
After a few minutes of exploration, the announcement for the start of the Talent Evaluation echoed across the grounds. The magical runes on the platform flared to life, and the examiners took their positions, ready to begin the evaluation.
I gathered my group back at the platform, taking a moment to reassess our approach. The initial phase of the trial was about to commence, and I needed to ensure that we were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
As the crowd of students began to line up for their turns, the tension in the air became almost tangible. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, and I could see the determination in the eyes of my fellow competitors.
"Remember," I said to the group, "stay focused and adaptable. This trial is just the beginning, and our true strength will be tested in the coming phases."
Liliana, Lily, Raven, and Sionna nodded in agreement, their expressions resolute. We positioned ourselves strategically, preparing for the trial's commencement.
The lead examiner stepped forward, raising his hand to signal the start of the Talent Evaluation. The magical barriers and obstacles around the arena began to shift and realign, revealing the various challenges and tests designed to evaluate the candidates' abilities.
The first student stepped onto the platform, their aura shimmering with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The trial had officially begun, and the real test of our abilities and strategies was about to unfold.
"Name: Arthur Sycamore!; Race: Human; Affinity: Low-Wind."
"FAIL!"
'So it began~'
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[To Be Continued]
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