The Aethon Academy isn't the only prestigious academy designed to train young awakened into heroes.
Two other ones are comparable to it, namely:
The Veranis Academy and...
The Arcanis Academy.
Each academy specializes in different categories.
Regardless, the exam was used to determine where the students belonged amongst these academies.
The exam has two distinct sections: the practical and theoretical.
The practical side is a rift simulation where applicants would fight simulated rift creatures and, at the same time, each other. Every elimination gets you points, but rift creatures count for so much that most just team up and hunt them.
The theoretical side is quite literally what you picture when you think of an exam. You sit in an exam room and are handed papers to complete in a set time frame. This tests your knowledge on rift creatures, mana technology, spells, strategy, etc.
The test is incredibly hard, and the questions don't have set answers; you have to write your own personal opinions and perspectives alongside the theory.
So not only does this exam require physical ability, it requires intuition, theory, and a creative mind.
Most importantly, there is no true 'mark'. Your evaluation is dependent on the professors who are supervising the exam, and you don't get to choose an academy to go to. The professors choose for you after the exam.
Only the top 10 get to choose their academy and don't have to pay school fees.
Which I really needed since I had next to no money left.
In the novel, the protagonist got first place with ease. Then again, he was basically cheating since he was a regressor.
Like a hydrogen bomb vs a coughing baby.
Regardless, the outcome would be different this time since...
"We've arrived, your highness," The driver spoke waking me up from my nap.
Blinking, I looked out the car window.
The sight was impressive. In front of me was a large stadium that stretched all the way to the sky, towering above any nearby buildings, covered in golden carvings, and a sign that read.
[Exam applications close in 45 minutes]
My eyes widened. "How long did I sleep?!"
"About eleven hours, your highness."
'Guess I was more fatigued than I thought.'
I was currently in the Rendal County where the exam would take place, and the name of this stadium was The Rendalof.
The Rendals were a noble family that hosted the academy exams every year in their territory.
The County was big. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call this a city, but the stadium is what stood out the most.
Stepping out of the car, I took a deep breath and stretched out my... arm.
"Well, driver, it was fun, thanks for the ride," I said.
"The pleasures all mine, your highness."
'Man, this guy's like a robot.' He always answered in the same tone.
I then left, walking into the nearest entrance of the stadium.
Stepping inside, I found myself in a large hall filled with people moving toward stations that were set at the end of the hall. The sound of their conversations overlaps with one another, making the hall very lively.
'That must be where to apply.'
I walked toward a station and waited in line.
It didn't take long for me to reach the station; in fact, I was surprised at how quickly the line moved.
'Talk about efficiency.'
In front of me was a pretty young woman in a uniform who greeted me with a smile.
"Good afternoon, sir." Her voice was soft and pleasing to the ears.
"Afternoon." I greeted her.
"If you would like to apply for the Academy exam, you must fill out this form and place it into one of the boxes over there." She pointed to another section of the hall where multiple boxes were lined neatly across the wall.
It resembled ballot boxes.
I took the form.
The form itself was pretty simple; it asked my name, age, and rank.
I expected them to ask for more, like my place of birth, but that really was all.
'It's probably too soon to say they can find out if they want to anytime.'
I filled out the form and began heading to the boxes.
But something caught my eye.
Honestly, he stood out amongst the crowd.
'That face is unfair.'
I wasn't the only one looking at him.
Many women were staring in his direction, saying things like:
"Who is he?"
"He's so handsome."
"Do you think he'd say yes if I asked him out?"
"No."
I could hear some guys comment as well:
"Tch... what's so special about him?"
"He's not even that handsome."
I cringed.
'How do they say that out loud?' I resisted the urge to face palm.
Yes, the one they were looking at was the protagonist.
Liam Veld.
And he was...
Almost as handsome as me.
He had dark blue hair that stood out and a face that made him look like royalty. But what stood out the most was his eyes... he had emerald-like green eyes that seemed to shine as if the sun was reflecting off them... even though we were indoors.
It was strange seeing him in person. I knew this person's fate, how hard he tried, and how miserably he failed. Twice.
But that wasn't what was going through my mind at the time.
'Why aren't they looking at me?'
It didn't make sense.
'I'm significantly more handsome than that heroic dumbass.'
'Ahh...' I realised it then. 'It's the prosthetic that's throwing them off.'
"Hmm..." I nodded and turned, heading toward the boxes.