Final Exams - [Unknown Attacker]

Kathleen emerged from the shimmering teleportation portal, she took her time to survey the unfamiliar surroundings she had arrived in.

With the altered exam format, Kathleen was uncertain as to what to do, unsure of what lays ahead. This meant she couldn't rely on her knowledge of the future, heightening the suspense and making her journey all the more unpredictable.

Taking in her surroundings, she discovered that she had emerged in a lush emerald forest, enveloped by towering ancient trees that stretched toward the heavens as far as her eyes could perceive.

Noticing the terrain around her, she deduced that she had not stumbled upon a rainforest. Casting a vigilant gaze in search of any magical beasts, she cautiously walked beneath the shade of a nearby tree.

"So, I've landed on the first floor of the dungeon, huh? Looks like this exam will stretch on for days. Based on my memories, this dungeon wasn't much different from the games and novels I've come across."

"That means I'll likely come across some moderately strong magical beasts. The academy must have adjusted the difficulty level to accommodate the weak first-year students."

"With only a few as powerful as myself, the 100th level of the dungeon will undoubtedly be a tough challenge, maybe even formidable for someone with my strength. Perhaps I should start searching for Sophie." Kathleen contemplated as she started moving, ready to explore.

She was unaware of the dungeon's specific nature since she never ventured inside one herself, but she still know a little bit about this dungeon, she understood that this place had the power to undergo remarkable transformations.

Her memories suggested that each floor could be vary drastically from one another, so while the first floor resembled a forest landscape, she couldn't assume that the second floor wouldn't surprise her with a vast sandy desert or any other unforeseen terrain.

Every floor within the dungeon had numerous paths to explore, including secret doors and concealed teleportation portals to next floors.

However, the most common method of progression involved confronting the formidable boss unique to each floor. Yet, locating the boss's room and uncovering the ways to descend further into the dungeon proved to be a challenge in its own right, particularly without the aid of a comprehensive map.

There are many beast in the dungeon, Once vanquished by the students, the defeated beasts would dissolve into thin air, leaving no trace of their carcasses. However, they would drop items as a consolation prize.

Of course, considering these were mere beginner levels, the items held little value for someone like Kathleen. Yet, there remained a glimmer of hope that she might stumble upon a secret chamber, brimming with untold treasures and, perhaps, even a coveted dungeon map.

Keeping her magical senses heightened to their fullest extent, Kathleen continued her journey amidst the colossal trees.

Abruptly, the ground beneath her began to tremble, sending a jolt of alarm through her magic senses. Reacting swiftly, she leaped into the air, escaping the very spot she had been standing on.

Casting her gaze downward, Kathleen saw the sight of the ground splitting open, cracks snaking across the surface.

Suddenly, a colossal centipede, measuring four meters in length and adorned with countless legs, revealed its menacing form as it emerged from the ground. Its mouth, filled with glistening saliva, widened with the intention to consume its prey.

However, to its surprise, its intended meal had already leaped into the air, causing the creature to retract its head. It didn't have eyes, nose, or ears, the centipede relied solely on its mouth and the senses of its body.

Landing the ground, Kathleen retrieved a gleaming silver sword from her spatial ring.

"A deep ground centipede? Even with my magical senses, these wriggling creatures are hard to find since they travel underground." She reflected silently. However, her countenance show no hint of fear or tension.

"Well, at the end of the day, it's just a 1-Star magical beast." Kathleen thought inwardly. However, the centipede abruptly burst forth from the ground behind her, launching itself onto her body.

However, little did it anticipate Kathleen swiftly turning around, unleashing a lightning-fast slash. In a blink of an eye, she vanished from sight, reappearing behind the bewildered centipede. As she turned around, the monstrous creature shattered into numerous fragments, descending in a shower of severed pieces upon the earth.

The centipede's flesh disintegrated into tiny particles of mana, merging with the earth. A good observer would notice something materializing in the very spot where the flesh disappeared.

Kathleen's gaze lowered, catching sight of the item that remained in the aftermath. Before her lay five mana stones, their low-level nature apparent. "Well, can't say I was expecting anything grand." she remarked with a hint of indifference.

The mana crystals turned into a luminous white energy that surged toward Kathleen a she absorbed them replenishing the little mana she lost.

She retrieved a scabbard from her spatial ring and securely tied it to her back, fully aware that the sword would become an important tool throughout the course of these exams.

After 10 days of relentless training, Kathleen experienced remarkable progress. Her speed, strength, and stamina had reached the pinnacle of the low-level 3-star.

Recognizing the limitations of her basic elemental techniques, she decided to invest some of her hard-earned contribution points in purchasing more advanced battle techniques from the mission hall. Although it meant spending a substantial amount, watching the power and potency of these techniques, she deemed it a worthwhile investment.

Having absorbed the five low-level mana crystals, she surveyed her surroundings before resuming her journey. The towering trees obstructed her view, making it difficult for her to discern the correct direction to proceed.

After walking for an hour, her gaze settled upon an expansive vacant land just a few hundred meters ahead. A smile graced her face, making her steps to fasten with renewed enthusiasm.

However, just as she prepared to advance, a surge of danger prickled at Kathleen's senses from behind, with her mana senses, she detected an incoming arrow.

Without hesitation, she turned around, her movements swift and fluid, drawing her sword in a seamless motion she deflected it with a well-aimed slash.

The arrow clattered to the ground, severed into two pieces, prompting Kathleen's brows to knit together in concern. She raised her gaze, following the path of her eyes until they settled upon a tree branch.

"Show yourself. Your concealment technique is too low level that I can easily perceive it." Kathleen uttered in a calm and direct manner, addressing the unknown figure stood upon the branch.

"Hehe, it wasn't the technique itself that fell short, but rather my mastery of it. Nonetheless, I must admit, it's quite impressive that you managed to uncover my presence." A mischievous voice accompanied by a playful chuckle resonated. Suddenly, a figure materialized out of thin air, standing upon the branch.

The newcomer revealed herself as a female, adorned with luscious pink hair cascading down her back. A mask concealed her visage, while she donned a simple yet sleek ninja attire.

Despite being unable to see her face, Kathleen couldn't help but be captivated by the woman's slender physique and ample bosom, seemingly on the verge of spilling out from her outfit at any given moment.

'Cough, cough. What is happening to me? Kathleen. Stay focused on the exam and don't let distractions sidetrack you.' She muttered to herself. Meeting the gaze of her assailant, she prepared to confront the individual directly.

"I may not know your identity, but in this exam, students are not required to resort to killing." She inquired, not wanting to conserve her mana.

"I'm well aware of that."

"Then why did you attack me?"

"Why? Simple. To eliminate competition for the treasures that lie in the upcoming floors of the dungeon."

"That's a foolish reason. All you're doing is eliminating the weaker participants, ultimately granting an advantage to those who are already progressing deeper into the dungeon." Kathleen voiced her opinion, seeking to avoid immediate conflict for the time being.

However, it became apparent that the individual standing before her had different intentions.

Without uttering a word in response, the pink-haired girl swiftly leaped down from the tree branch, gracefully landing on the ground. In her hands, she wielded a pair of daggers, each adorned with a distinct hue—one crimson red and the other a vibrant shade of azure.

"Sigh... You seem quite confident, but those daggers do pique my interest. It's enough to entice me into a battle with you. Besides, I'm rather curious to discover the true motive behind your attack." Kathleen remarked, a smile adorning her face as she assumed her combat stance.