Chapter 12: Aimless
"That marks the end of the first test, and those who fell unconscious are henceforth eliminated from the entrance exam. The medics will provide you with three vials of rejuvenation potions," the principal announced before turning his attention to the remaining candidates.
He was especially focused on the boy with dark black hair and piercing blue eyes, who seemed to be in peak condition even after enduring all that pressure, while the others were barely standing.
[Soul Power Stat Increased: +1]
[Soul Power Stat Increased: +1]
[Soul Power Stat Increased: +1]
[Perception Stat Increased: +1]
[Perception Stat Increased: +1]
[Congratulations on completing the first test of the Hero Academy entrance exam. You deserve a reward.]
[Reward: Eye of Truth]
[Innate Ability: Eyes of Truth (Active)]
[Effects: Grants ability to see others' Status windows, Energy lines, Energy Signatures, increases Visual Comprehension, Increased Perception: +3]
"Another reward? Can you at least tell me what I did that others didn't to deserve these special rewards?" Sam wondered silently.
Of course, he never received an answer. He wasn't even sure if he should use these rewards.
He felt like he was cheating, and at the same time, he was suspicious of the whole system being too generous to him.
There was also this feeling that the rewards he was getting from the system were rightfully his.
These were complicated and contradictory emotions.
"The final test is simple. We are currently standing at the borders of the Luminous Forest. A few kilometers in is the Forbidden Forest. That's where your final test will take place," the principal said, pointing in a specific direction.
Upon hearing him, the awakeners' expressions instantly changed to one of disbelief, with some even showing fear.
"Is he crazy or something? He wants us to go into the Forbidden Forest? Did he forget why it's called forbidden?" one of the awakeners couldn't help but voice out.
"There are all kinds of dangerous beasts in that forest," another said, with a dissatisfied expression.
"I heard from the granny in my area that there are ghosts in the forest that will suck the life out of anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in its clutches," another awakener said, trembling.
Within minutes, the entire place had become a chatterbox, as they began to babble in fear, questioning why they should go into the Forbidden Forest.
"SILENCE!!!"
Like a thunderstrike, the principal's voice descended, combined with an overwhelming pressure that instantly silenced the students.
"Didn't I say this before? If you don't have the will to take risks, then this academy is not for you," Agor said, his expression filled with annoyance.
"I will now tell you about the test, and I will not tolerate any interruptions. Do I make myself clear?"
Seeing that no one dared to open their mouths, Agor smirked slightly. "The test is simple: it's a beast hunt, and points will be allocated based on the beasts you hunt."
He then began to explain the rules.
First, there was the point system: the awakeners would receive point for hunting beasts.
If the hunted beast was three levels below that of the hunter, no points would be awarded.
If the hunted beasts were within three levels below that of the hunter, then one point would be awarded for each beast.
If the level of the hunted beast was the same as that of the awakener, then two points would be awarded.
The reward points would increase by one for every level the beast was higher than the hunter.
"To prove your kills, you must bring the beast cores," Agor explained.
"Oh man, that means there will be some opportunistic awakeners trying to steal beast cores from others," Sam grunted, envisioning a possible scenario.
"Killing other awakeners is strictly forbidden. If anyone is found guilty, there will be severe consequences," Agor warned, raising his pressure slightly.
"You will be given bracelets imbued with magic. These will send us a signal if you encounter beasts too dangerous to handle or if you are killed so we can collect your bodies. You can also use them to send a distress call if you feel you need to be saved. However, if you are saved, you will be disqualified."
"Don't you think this exam is a little too harsh?" Jin asked, looking at Agor.
"Usually, the beast hunt is conducted in a secure and controlled part of the Luminous Forest. It has been a long time since the Forbidden Forest was freely used for the entrance exam."
"You should thank your grandson for that," the Hero King replied.
"He is the one who conjured a phenomenon that, in my opinion, transcends even the transcendent level. This is the best opportunity for the academy to assess your grandson's talent."
"Well, your daughter doesn't fall behind either, does she?" Jin asked, smiling slightly.
"I love my daughter, but the fact is she didn't conjure a transcendent phenomenon."
"Are you disappointed?"
"No, not really. It's just that neither of us expected someone like your grandson to appear, even though I kind of foresaw something like this happening," the Hero King sighed.
"I hope it's alright that I asked your grandson to look after my daughter, Uncle."
"Don't worry about it, Rowan. He needs a hobby anyway," Jin replied, lost in thought.
"What's wrong?" the Hero King asked, noticing the strange expression on Jin's face.
"It's my grandson. He is so... aimless. All he ever does is train, train, and train. He says he trains because he likes getting stronger, that he loves the feeling that comes with it," Jin said slowly.
As far as Jin could remember, Sam had always been quiet and reserved.
He was highly talented in both magic and martial arts, but he never took an interest in anything else, and this always concerned his family.
"My daughter is the same. All she does is train. In fact, it's become more intense after witnessing your grandson's display of talent. She says she wants to be the strongest hero ever."
"At least she has a clear goal, right?"
"I guess so."