[Raul PoV]
The following day, we arrived at a fortress city known as Fort Raidel.
Originally, this city was merely a marketplace where caravans would stop to rest and trade after an exhausting journey across the parched desert. Over time, however, the rest stop grew increasingly crowded, and many merchants established permanent settlements in the area. But this region is teeming with roaming desert monsters. With the rise in human population here, the threat of monster attacks grew significantly.
That is why the Empire established a garrison and a fortress here—to protect the citizens residing and trading in Fort Raidel.
Strictly speaking, this was not originally territory of the Aragon Empire. We acquired this region following a civil war in the Land of Kuwalid, which collapsed the previous rulers, the El-Arami dynasty.
The Clan leaders revolted against the Sultan because they deemed his rule tyrannical. Seven Clans rose up to overthrow the government. However, their strength was no match for the forces of the El-Arami ruling dynasty. The rebels then sought help from the Empire, offering several territories in exchange for successfully toppling their opponents.
The Empire agreed to the deal. They trained the rebels and provided them with magic artifacts, enabling them to fight the El-Arami forces until, ultimately, the rebels won the war. The entire El-Arami dynasty was then executed as a consequence of their crimes.
The Land of Kuwalid then implemented a rotating government system, where each Clan leader serves as Sultan every five years to ensure a more just and balanced administration.
However, as the developer of this game, I am aware of the conspiracy behind this rebellion. In truth, the Empire framed a member of the El-Arami dynasty to ensure they would be hated by the people of Kuwalid. The one who orchestrated this conspiracy was none other than my father—Duke Alvaro de Garcia. Thanks to this achievement, he was appointed Head of the Imperial Intelligence Agency by the previous Emperor, Victor de Aragon.
Upon entering Fort Raidel, we stopped at a field not far from the barracks housing the troops guarding the city. Instructor Torun stepped forward, seemingly about to explain the rules and the progression of the second stage of the exam.
"We will now conduct the second stage of the survival exam," the Instructor announced in a booming voice. "You will be divided into teams of two. Your task is to survive and cross the desert without a single one of you being eliminated."
The Instructor further elaborated on the rules of the second stage.
This exam has a time limit of only five days. If the time limit passes and the students have not reached the eastern edge of the desert, they will be declared failed. There is no quota for eliminated participants this time, unlike the first stage. Participants are also permitted to attack one another. However, considering the main focus of this exam is survival and reaching the finish line as quickly as possible, I suspect combat between participants won't be as intense as it was during the first exam.
Only students who reach the eastern edge are entitled to advance to the third stage.
"Those are the official rules for this second stage," the Instructor concluded. "Are there any questions?"
A blonde woman raised her hand.
"Are we allowed to form alliances?" Elena asked.
An alliance, huh? I don't think that's a good idea. Forming alliances will only slow down movement, and we would have to share logistics with them. Speed and a steady supply of food and water are vital in this second stage.
"You may. This time, you are allowed to carry your own weapons," the Instructor answered. "This is because there are quite a few monsters in this desert. But don't worry; most monster levels in this area range from Level 0 to Level 3. Only a few monsters are above that level."
The Instructor was right. In this desert, Level 3 and below are the most common monsters encountered. Academy students can only reliably defeat monsters from Level 0 to Level 3. Above that, they would struggle significantly. Level 5 monsters and higher could easily kill them.
"But do not worry; even if you are unlucky enough to encounter high-level monsters, the Limiter artifact will activate and teleport you away once your body reaches its limit."
At a glance, this artifact is incredibly useful. However, these ring artifacts shatter if hit by mid-tier magic or higher. That is why they are only used for student training and not in real combat.
"Are there any other questions?"
This time, a short-statured man raised his hand.
"Are we allowed to bring food and water supplies from here?"
"You may bring as many supplies as you wish, provided you do not bring Pocket Dimension artifacts," the Instructor replied.
As I mentioned before, carrying too much weight will only slow your journey and make you a target for other teams in need of supplies. The journey from the western edge of the desert to the eastern edge covers approximately 200 kilometers. That means students must cover 40 kilometers every day. If the journey were smooth, such a distance would seem easy. However, numerous monsters and the blistering heat will hinder progress.
"Are there any other questions?"
Hearing the Instructor's words, the students remained silent, indicating they understood the regulations for the second stage.
"Very well then. You may shop for logistics after drawing a number from this box to determine your partner," the Instructor said, gesturing to a box beside him.
"First student, step forward and draw your participant number!"
***
[Valeria PoV]
Ugh... the weather here is so hot I practically have to strip off my academy uniform.
After drawing participant numbers as instructed by Instructor Torun, the students began shopping for the necessities to face this second exam. I was just like them, currently walking around looking at shops selling camping gear for my upcoming needs.
However, I am currently in a foul mood. That's because a certain black-haired man is following me while I shop.
"Why do I have to be on a team with a pervert like you?"
I looked back. That man's flat, disinterested expression—as if he couldn't care less about anything—somehow made me even more annoyed.
"Hey, it's not my fault you picked the same number I have," he answered casually.
Yeah... somehow I'm just having terrible luck this time.
I stopped at a camping equipment store. There were several tents made of high-quality material that I could use for resting and protecting myself from the desert storms later.
"How much for this gear, sir?" I asked the shop owner.
"Ah, a fine choice, young lady. These are all top-quality camping supplies," the man said proudly. "The price is one Gulden and 60 Silver."
I took out my wallet and handed two gold coins to the seller. He then packed the gear so I could carry it in a backpack. After leaving that shop, I continued walking through the market looking for something else.
"Aren't you buying any gear like I did?" I asked the black-haired man walking beside me.
"Carrying that much weight will only slow me down," the man replied flatly. "I'll find natural places to rest and take shelter from storms."
I looked at his face and saw him looking at me with a look of pity. What on earth is this pervert thinking?
"Why are you looking at me with that strange expression?"
He then turned his gaze forward.
"Have you never gone shopping before?" the pervert asked back.
He was right. I have never gone shopping by myself once in my life. My daily needs were always taken care of by the servants who worked for my father. I never even left the academy unless there was an important event.
"That seller just ripped you off, you know," the black-haired man said. "The price for that gear isn't more than 80 Silver."
I stopped in my tracks. "Why didn't you tell me!? Now I look like a fool for being cheated by that jerk!"
"Hey, isn't there no real difference between 80 Silver and one and a half Gulden? That kind of money isn't a problem for wealthy nobles like us, right?"
Ughhh... I hate this man. Why does he always get on my nerves? Does he have some kind of personal vendetta against me?
Well... thinking back on it, I do slap him often whenever we cross paths. That's because seeing his face reminds me of that embarrassing incident during magic class.
"Ughhh... whatever!"
After buying the gear for the trip, we moved on to buy food for our journey. I noticed the pervert only bought a few bottles of water and carried very little food.
"Don't expect me to give you any food or water once the exam starts," I said firmly.
If he struggles later, it's his own fault for not preparing properly. You must always be ready for the worst-case scenario.
"I bet you'll lose all your supplies and gear in just a single day," the man countered confidently.
Tch, he's underestimating me. I truly have no idea what goes on in his head.
"Are you all ready?" Instructor Torun asked.
After preparing everything for the journey, the students gathered back at the field to begin the second stage of the survival exam.
"Alright! Teams 1-20 will exit through the south gate! Teams 21-40 through the north gate! Teams 41-60 through the west gate! And finally, Teams 61-70 will exit through the east gate! Is that understood!?" the Instructor shouted, directing the groups.
The pervert and I are in Team 35, which means we will start the exam by passing through the north gate.
"Ready, Instructor!" all the students answered in unison.
"Very well! With that, the second stage begins!"
The teams then marched toward their respective exit gates.
This time, I will not lose. I will be the first to reach the finish line—with or without this pervert.