Several Hours Earlier
On the eastern side of the Southern Forest, sunlight pierced through the dense canopy like towering pillars of gold, cascading in perfect harmony. The scene carried an overwhelming sense of awe and stillness—
a hushed calm, soft as oblivion itself, masking danger beneath a fragile veil of false serenity.
The moment the starting whistle echoed, the groups surged forward in a silent race suspended between anticipation and pursuit.
The black-haired young man, his eyes deep and hollow like an abyss, moved forward beside his partner—a girl whose restless expressions betrayed her wandering focus.
"Let's begin right away. I don't want to waste time."
Lucas said firmly as he stepped over dry leaves scattered across the forest floor.
Beatrice followed a few steps behind him, unusually quiet, her gaze drifting between the scattered shafts of light filtering through the branches.
"You're listening to me, aren't you?" he asked.
"Hm? Ah—of course."
"You—"
"If you're worried I'll slow you down, don't be. Go ahead and do whatever you think is best."
Lucas exhaled sharply, irritation simmering beneath the surface, before replying in a clipped tone.
"I know you won't be a burden. I've seen your skills myself when you fought Klein. But I don't like your style."
The words struck Beatrice as strangely familiar—and unsettling. They reminded her of someone else. A faint smile curved her lips as she murmured,
"Oh… I see."
She then added lightly,
"Are you still upset about the way I treated Gilbert too? I didn't realize your friendship was that deep. Unexpected—it almost makes me jealous."
Lucas stopped abruptly. His eyes widened slightly as he turned to face her.
He stared at her mocking expression, not a trace of seriousness in sight, his irritation sharpening into open hostility.
"Do you realize you're exactly the type of person I despise?"
With the same calm smile, she answered,
"So you're the honest type. I don't dislike that."
The rustling of nearby bushes abruptly cut through the tension.
William Astria emerged from between the trees, waving casually.
"Well, well… here you are. The young lord of the Hertford Duchy, and a lovely lady I'm seeing for the first time today. Looks like we're opponents."
His tone was strangely friendly. Even Oscar Stanhope, standing behind him, seemed far less hostile than expected.
Lucas let out a sharp breath.
Two more who aren't taking this test seriously…
Then he spoke in a low, cold voice,
"Kindness won't help you here, second son of House Astria."
In the next instant, he lunged forward at full speed.
"Haha… provoking you really is fun, Lucas."
William replied teasingly as he deflected the attack, a smile never leaving his lips.
The clash began smoothly—sharp strikes meeting solid defenses.
Beatrice, however, remained motionless, silently analyzing their movements.
Watching them like this… it's clear how much effort they put into reaching this level.
Their techniques are nearly flawless, and they're evenly matched.
But… that alone won't be enough.
She only moved when Lucas momentarily lost his balance, tripped by thin tree roots hidden beneath fallen leaves.
In that instant, she appeared beside William with uncanny lightness, striking sharply—not to seriously injure him, but to disrupt and surprise.
Lucas clenched his teeth.
What the hell is this lunatic doing?!
He retreated several steps—then suddenly understood her intent.
That movement just now…
So that's why Klein struggled against her back then.
William stepped back and smiled.
"So you've finally decided to move, miss?"
"You caught my interest. Your skill is impressive—worthy of a duke's son. But don't tell me that's all you can do."
She then glanced at Lucas.
"Sorry for stealing your prey. I'll leave the other one to you."
Despite his annoyance, Lucas recognized this as the most efficient way to finish the test quickly and earn extra points.
After a brief silence, he replied coldly,
"This is the only time I'll tolerate interference like that."
Beatrice studied him for a moment, then smiled.
"My apologies. No need to be so upset—I'll make it up to you later. How about a duel between us? I could guide you properly if you want to improve."
"Do you take yourself for a fencing master? A sword saint?" he snapped.
"I don't need you."
She turned her attention back to William, continuing her assault, her smile tightening.
What a stubborn man… Fine. Let's focus.
"You're more skilled than you look," William remarked while parrying.
"Your concentration doesn't waver, even while holding a conversation."
Her eyes narrowed in irritation.
"Are you judging me by my appearance? That's a mistake you'll regret."
She knocked his sword aside with a powerful blow that nearly sent it flying. William was forced to leap backward to regain his stance.
Lucas walked away from the two battling behind him, facing his new opponent—clearly flustered and riddled with openings. He paid him little attention, his thoughts drifting to a past conversation.
"So that's what you meant back then, Gil…
This woman plays more than she fights."
Elsewhere, deeper within the eastern forest…
Where light barely pierced the thick canopy, a battle had already been raging for several minutes.
Yet nothing was unfolding as Athena had expected.
Despite her agility and natural strength, she found herself struggling to keep up with Elliot.
His movements were sharp, precise—cold, like someone who had lived his entire life on the battlefield.
His skill is truly remarkable…
He's on my sister's level. This won't be easy.
"Hey! Is this the time to space out?!"
Iklis shouted as he yanked her aside, narrowly avoiding a strike.
Huh?! How—
He vanished from my sight for a moment… when did he move?!
She turned just in time to see Iklis deflect Elliot's blade aimed at her back.
"Is this all you've got?" Elliot said coldly, locking eyes with Iklis.
Iklis leapt back, returning the same piercing stare.
That aura… those movements.
I'll need to look into this man later.
Athena felt disoriented as her opponent was suddenly taken from her. For the first time, an unfamiliar heaviness settled in her chest.
Since when did I become this weak?
…Or is he simply stronger than I am?
No. This isn't the time for thoughts like that.
"Someone stronger always exists," she whispered.
She tightened her grip.
Losing here doesn't matter…
but I won't forget this feeling. I refuse to accept it.
As clashes echoed through the forest, the top-ranked students chose direct confrontation.
Elsewhere, teams adopted an entirely different strategy.
On the western side of the forest, the sounds weren't just clashing swords—but careful footsteps and rustling leaves concealing traps laid in advance.
Some teams lured opponents into camouflaged pits, forcing surrender once immobilized. Others stole the flag while their enemies chased carefully planted decoys.
Controversial methods among students—but ones seasoned warriors understood all too well:
"In war, victory doesn't always belong to the strongest—
but to the smartest… or the most ruthless."
As the sun dipped lower and the wind grew stronger, the test time came to an end.
Teams gathered in the open clearing where the instructor and assistants awaited.
Scattered voices, labored breathing, and hushed conversations filled the cooling air.
At the far end of the path leading to the gathering area, Beatrice walked calmly. Dry leaves clung to her loose hair. Her expression was composed as ever—yet something in her gaze had subtly changed.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out.
"Beatrice!"
Athena ran toward her, breathless.
Her face paled as she spoke,
"Everyone's supposed to be here… but I don't see my brother or his teammate. Did you see them on your way here?"
Beatrice offered a faint smile.
"No. I separated from my partner after our match.
I walked here alone—I wanted some quiet.
But don't worry… your brother should arrive soon. Not all teams are here yet."
Despite her words, Athena's face remained pale.
Whispers spread.
Students rushed toward the center, where Assistant Louis spoke quietly with a staff member, a report clutched in his trembling hand.
Someone murmured,
"Two students fell from the cliff near the waterfall… their bodies haven't been found yet… the chances of survival are—"
Athena froze.
"Who fell?" she asked, her voice barely steady.
"I don't know yet," Beatrice replied softly.
Her tone was flat—but something hidden lingered in her gaze.
Athena rushed forward, gripping Louis's arm.
"Who are they?! Tell me—now!"
He hesitated, then answered quietly,
"Raymond Baskerville… and Gilbert Klein."
The world collapsed.
"My… brother?"
The word broke inside her.
"How did this happen?! Where did they fall?! Which side?! Why hasn't anyone gone to search yet?! Tell me—I'll go myself!"
The instructor tried to calm her, but reason no longer reached her.
Beatrice stepped forward.
"You're not going alone. I'll go with you."
She turned to the instructor.
"Tell us the exact location. Results can wait. Lives cannot."
Silence fell.
The wind swept through the clearing like a warning.
After a moment, the instructor gestured for an assistant to accompany them.
Athena ran ahead. Beatrice followed—steady and composed.
She pressed a small pocket watch in her hand, lifting it slightly, her expression darkening.
Kail… if you don't hurry…
that person… likely won't last much longer.