Chapter 105
Kairan, the examiner for the entrance exam, stepped in, and immediately, the noise among the children faded away in an instant.
“It’s the examiner! The examiner!”
Well, aside from Balak, who was next to Kraush, of course.
“The entrance exam consists of three parts.”
Kraush vaguely recalled the entrance exam from the previous cycle.
‘They added one more since then.’
It used to be only two parts.
“The first test will check the level of your aura.”
Kraush recalled how he had barely scraped by without falling short at that time. After all, he had bought elixirs with the last of his funds and trained like his life depended on it. He had just managed to squeeze through.
“The second test will be sparring between applicants. Each applicant will spar three times against three opponents: one above their level, one of similar level, and one below.”
This part was the same as last time.
“Finally, the third test is a mock battle against the examiner. By the way, those who pass the first and second tests will be considered enrolled students.”
The students began to murmur.
If that were the case, was there even a need to take the third test?
“The reason for the third test is simple; it’s an exam to enter the newly established Special Class.”
Special Class.
Kraush became intrigued as this was something he had never heard of before.
This change was clearly a result of the current cycle’s transformations.
“The Special Class will operate independently of the departments that applicants desire to join, and it will be a program aimed at early development of exceptionally talented students. Additional recruitment will continue, and there may be further placements after admission based on circumstances.”
With a brief explanation, Kairan slowly smiled.
“Of course, if the Special Class fills up during the entrance exam, there won’t be any additional recruitment.”
In an instant, the students’ motivation flipped.
It was clear that everyone hoping to enter Rahelrn Academy had their own goals.
But they quickly realized that entering the Special Class would change their lives entirely.
For nobles, it was an unparalleled honor.
For commoners, it was an unparalleled opportunity.
And all the no-name applicants shared a common trait:
They all wanted to prove they were the strongest here.
That combative nature was palpable.
‘Looks like this was created because talent was overcrowded.’
Kraush figured out the reason behind the establishment of the Special Class.
At the same time, he understood that he needed to be a part of that class.
After all, the Sky Generation would surely gather there.
“The condition for the third test is simple: defeat the examiner. I believe many will be able to accomplish that.”
Kairan added, although she clearly did not believe that herself.
Her demeanor seemed to exude a sense of malice typical of an entrance examiner.
“Now, let’s start the first test.”
As soon as she spoke, the other prepared examiners stepped forward.
They swiftly set up dozens of one-person tents, almost as if they had practiced beforehand.
Simultaneously, magicians affiliated with Rahelrn Academy displayed words in the sky.
“Enter the tent marked with your name above and place your hand on the Aurora Stone inside.”
It was a straightforward exam.
However, about half of the students would likely fail this test.
‘The number of enrolled students is ultimately limited.’
Meanwhile, the students’ names began to appear one by one.
Those called displayed serious expressions as they entered the tents.
With no less than four digits of applicants for the no-name category, even with dozens of tents set up, the first test took quite a while.
“Kraush, you’re going to aim for the Special Class too, right? I’m aiming for that too, so let’s go for the same class!”
Thanks to that, Kraush had to endure Balak’s incessant chatter.
“If we make it to the Special Class, we’ll get to meet Anix and Elfin!”
Anix Graiza, the archer.
And Elfin Emilia.
Two of the Triumvirate of Staron were first-generation students.
As the examiner had mentioned earlier, the Special Class was meant for early development, so it looked like the students would be attending the academy alongside first-generation students.
“I wonder how strong the examiner is. I’m looking forward to it.”
Kraush glanced at Kairan.
‘I wonder if there’s anyone who can actually beat her.’
While her fame wasn’t widely known,
Kairan, the Pirate Empress, was a formidable figure whose name resonated across the vast sea, very close to a forbidden area.
She had likely brought back materials from the ocean that could number in the thousands.
‘And she’s the only vice professor whose skills rival those of full professors.’
She chose to be a vice professor because she deemed it inappropriate to run the classes herself.
In other words, it meant she had the strength comparable to that of the professors.
‘This is definitely malicious.’
From the moment Kairan, a figure on par with a professor, was assigned as an examiner, a sense of malice was palpable.
‘She won’t let anyone pass the Special Class.’
That was how Kraush interpreted it.
A fleeting smile appeared on Kraush’s face.
He was genuinely curious about how far he could go against someone of Kairan’s caliber.
Kairan, the Pirate Empress, although she thought it was a grandiose and embarrassing title, her skills definitely warranted such a nickname.
Today, she was watching over the first test as an examiner for the students.
“Professor Kairan.”
At that moment, she noticed the assistant examiner approaching her.
The first test was still going on.
Had something happened?
As Kairan glanced at him, he appeared troubled and hesitant to speak.
When Kairan raised an eyebrow at him, he finally opened his mouth.
“Um, well, one of the Aurora Stones has cracked.”
“One of the Aurora Stones has cracked?”
Kairan’s eyes widened in surprise.
The Aurora Stone was the most suitable tool for measuring the total amount of aura.
When aura is infused, it displays a glow based on the amount of aura possessed.
That’s why Aurora Stones typically wouldn’t flinch at any aura output.
But for them to crack?
“It couldn’t have been because the applicants used it too much, could it?”
Kairan’s eyes went wide open in disbelief.
“So, that means there’s someone with an aura that exceeds the capacity of the Aurora Stone.”
“Yes, exactly. It’s clearly beyond the standard level.”
He nodded and informed her of who had caused the crack in the Aurora Stone.
“……Mary Diana.”
Kairan swallowed hard.
The candidate who once aspired to be a princess and had committed the psychotic act of attempting to assassinate royalty.
‘I’ve heard she was born with a talent from a celestial body…’
Could it be that she possesses an aura strong enough to crack an Aurora Stone?
It was clear now why the Empire had retracted her execution.
If she had targeted anyone other than the fourth princess—whose claim to the throne was nearly nonexistent—she would have been executed immediately.
‘A monster has appeared.’
She clicked her tongue quietly and instructed him to replace the Aurora Stone.
‘The second test could be problematic.’
After all, would there be anyone strong enough to match someone who could crack an Aurora Stone?
For Mary Diana, during the second test, all three of her opponents might turn out to be weaker than she.
Just as she was contemplating the second test here and there,
Flash!
Out of nowhere, a bright light erupted from the tent where the assistant examiner had gone to replace the Aurora Stone.
The students gasped and started murmuring in surprise at the sudden light.
Crash!
The sound of something shattering echoed loud and clear.
Upon hearing that sound, Kairan felt momentarily dazed.
Then, she shook off her stupor and hurriedly headed toward that tent, forgetting even her position as the head examiner.
As Kairan rushed inside the tent, she found the assistant examiner standing there with a blank expression.
The moment he caught eyes with Kairan, he started trembling and said,
“P-Professor Kairan, I definitely replaced the Aurora Stone.”
Hearing that, Kairan shifted her gaze.
Eventually, laid out in front of her was a shattered Aurora Stone.
‘Replacing means…’
That the new Aurora Stone had been unable to withstand the infusion of a simple aura and had shattered.
Kairan’s eyes trembled.
She herself could inflict cracks in the Aurora Stone, given her power.
But to shatter it?
That was something she could not guarantee even for herself.
Who on earth had pulled this off?
As she raised her head, she stood there, stunned, looking at a figure with black hair intermingled with shades of blue.
That color.
She certainly remembered.
After all, he was one of the most bothersome figures at Rahelrn Academy.
It was the same color as Charlotte Valheim’s hair.
The boy, with sharp eyes, lowered his hand that he had raised.
“Shall we do it again?”
Then he looked at the shattered Aurora Stone with a regretful expression.
The moment she saw his arrogant demeanor, she realized.
‘Kraush Valheim.’
He was one of the key individuals to watch out for, and the youngest direct descendant of Valheim.
There was no mistaking it.
“……Enrolled students can exit now.”
“Good to know. I thought if we went on, I might break another one.”
At his subsequent words, Kairan stiffened.
It implied that breaking the Aurora Stone wasn’t just a mere accident.
Watching him stroll out leisurely, Kairan swallowed hard.
Having called Mary Diana a monster, she now had to apologize.
The real monster was standing right there.
Leaving behind the stunned Kairan, Kraush walked outside and looked at his hand.
‘Honestly, I didn’t think it would break.’
The moment he saw the Aurora Stone, memories came rushing back.
The feeble glow of aura that had looked so pathetic in his eyes.
And the assistant examiner who had silently indicated his disdain also felt unpleasant in hindsight.
Perhaps that was why.
When he saw the Aurora Stone, his curiosity piqued.
He wondered if the world’s erosion would be recognized as aura.
‘If that’s the case…’
Let’s push it to the max.
With that thought in mind, Kraush summoned the engulfing erosion to the fullest.
Thanks to his Heavenly Killing Star, the output of the engulfing erosion had significantly increased.
Kraush then infused the maximum amount of aura into the Aurora Stone without affecting his own body.
And the result?
Crash!
With a flash, the Aurora Stone shattered.
In an instant, Kraush was unparalleled in terms of output.
There was no way the Aurora Stone could withstand the force he had injected into it.
The moment Kraush, who had shattered the Aurora Stone, looked up from outside the tent, a hush fell over the area.
Everyone, from the applicants to the students already attending the academy, was staring at Kraush.
They had all heard the light and shattering sound erupting from the tent.
[“What the hell just happened?”]
Hearing the voice of Crimson Garden echoing from the brooch he held, Kraush scratched the back of his head slowly.
Then, breaking the silence, he spoke.
“What are you looking at?”
That was a remark entirely in line with a Valheim.
While everyone remained speechless, Kraush nonchalantly returned to his spot.
“Wow, Kraush! How strong have you become!”
This time, it was Balak who jumped with excitement.
“Wow! Everyone else is too chicken to speak.”
Unlike the others, Balak didn’t hesitate, which made it easier for Kraush.
When Kraush paused to turn his body, he suddenly froze.
Stiff!
The reason was simple.
Among the dozens of tents, the name ‘Arthur Gramarte’ had changed to something else.
‘Arthur.’
Kraush quickly turned to that direction.
However, before he could glimpse Arthur Gramarte, the name slowly faded out, replaced by another name.
While Kraush had been busy shattering the Aurora Stone, Arthur had almost simultaneously finished the first test.
Their timing had been off.
As Kraush realized that, he hurriedly looked around.
Yet, there were too many people, and he couldn’t spot Arthur.
‘He hasn’t enrolled yet.’
For some reason, Arthur had enrolled around the same time as him.
Kraush frowned.
The current Arthur was not the one he knew.
Arthur hadn’t experienced the regression cycle.
So now, he was an unpredictable variable.
Kraush lifted his head to search for Sigrid.
But unlike earlier, only the crowd around Sigrid remained, and she was nowhere to be found.
Kraush suspected that Sigrid had rushed to meet Arthur the moment she saw his name.
Earlier, he had even spotted Mary in her robe, taking the test.
Looking around again, Mary was also out of sight.
‘Alright then.’
Kraush stopped looking for them.
Whatever happened, it was only natural for them to gather.
So there was no need to rush.
‘I’ll just follow my own path.’
Unaware that, like him, Arthur had also retained memories.
While chasing after Arthur, Kraush merely revealed his fangs toward those in his way.
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