After the last class, every student focused on training. Even the usually quiet library was full, alive with the chatter of students eager to improve their ranks. In this academy, your rank is everything. High ranks grant chances to join prestigious guilds, and the top hundred rankers get invitations from the strongest guilds , including opportunities to meet high-ranked awakened.
As everyone trained, a rumor started spreading. And yes, it was about Fade:
"Hey, did you hear? That trash Fade declared an official duel with his bullies."
"Eh, is he trying to get himself killed?"
"Who knows, I just heard about it."
"Do you really think he'll win?"
"No, he'll lose. Probably get disabled this time."
"When is the duel?"
"I heard it's a month after the midterms."
Most students believed Fade would fail , all except one:
'According to the novel, he'll actually win this duel.'
The reason was simple: during the physical test, Fade would receive a fruit that would boost his strength.
"Isn't that too cliche?"
"Even if I get the fruit, it won't help me. I'm already at the peak of D-rank."
Midterm Exams – Written Test
A week later, in the exam hall:
'Hmm, these questions are decent. I can pass easily.'
I've always been good at studies, so I don't need cheats like the protagonist to pass. But I'm not skilled enough to top the written exams.
After an hour, I finished and walked out. Fade had already left the hall. Only a few students remained behind, still scribbling away.
Midterm Exams – Physical Test
The next day, I stood at the site for the physical exam. In front of me: a small portal. This was an E-rank dungeon, where students would kill monsters to earn points.
After half an hour, all students gathered, and Ms. Anna began her instructions:
"You must enter this E-rank dungeon. To earn marks, slay monsters or complete hidden missions inside. Defeat the boss for extra points. Teachers will monitor you, so your safety is assured. Enter one by one."
Students entered the portal. When I stepped through, I arrived on a lush mountain.
'I just need to kill 15 monsters to reach the top 100. That way, I get the benefits and stay out of the spotlight.'
After walking a few hundred meters, my first target appeared: a giant bear.
'A mature bear like this is E+ rank. Definitely mature.'
The bear noticed me and charged. It stood around 1.5 meters tall, with sharp claws and thick skin capable of deflecting low-level blunt attacks.
When it was three meters away, a sharp slashing sound echoed. By the time I looked back, the bear had collapsed , its head cleanly sliced in a single strike.
'I've gotten fast. Even without skill, slicing it with pure strength and speed is easy.'
In just half an hour, I killed 15 E+ monsters with single slashes each, moving as if on a casual stroll.
'One hour left. Let's check the boss. I won't kill it , just practice a bit on its body.'
In the middle of the forest, an open grassy field stretched before me, devoid of trees. There, a young girl fought the dungeon's boss monster. Determination burned in her eyes, and though her body bore injuries, she ignored them.
Each sword strike she delivered left deep wounds. The monster roared in fury, its eyes glowing crimson, a surge of bloodlust overtaking it. It lunged at her.
Lia panicked. This was her first encounter with a monster like this. The distraction allowed it to land a punch to her face, knocking her down.
Just as the monster prepared a follow-up attack, a shadow flashed, followed by a sharp slicing sound. The boss collapsed, limbs severed, though its head remained intact , clearly left alive intentionally.
A boy with black hair and black eyes stood near the body. Exhausted, Lia fainted before she could react.
'A little late, but that's fine. Let's finish this guy.'
I swiftly sliced off the monster's head and left the scene before the teachers arrived to collect Lia.