Conclusion of the Whispering exams

The crowd in the arena buzzed with excitement, their cheers echoing through the grand stands.

Colorful banners waved, and the air was filled with the joyful chatter of spectators celebrating the conclusion of the Whispering Exams.

Families and nobles alike were on their feet, applauding and exchanging enthusiastic congratulations.

Suddenly, the array at the center of the arena began to glow, signaling the return of the participants from the mystical woods.

One by one, the students appeared, their figures materializing in the light.

Some stumbled out, exhausted and injured, while others held their heads high, their expressions a mixture of relief and pride.

"Help! Help! Oasis isn't waking up!" Mira's desperate scream cut through the noise.

She cradled Oasis in her arms, his body limp and unresponsive.

Her face was pale with fear, sweat dripping down her brow as she struggled to keep him upright.

In a flash, before anyone could react, Conri Bluemoon, the leader of the Bluemoon family, vanished from the noble stand and reappeared at the array.

He moved with a speed that left the crowd gasping.

Approaching Oasis, he placed a reassuring hand on Mira's shoulder.

"No worries, the Bluemoon family will take care of the boy," he said with a serious expression.

As he lifted Oasis, he noticed the boy's body was burning hot.

"No wonder Mira is sweating this much," he thought, concerned.

Without another word, he leapt back to his place in the stands, carrying Oasis effortlessly.

"Lancelot, take the boy to our manor in the inner city and immediately tell the alchemist to look at him,"

he commanded, his voice brooking no argument.

"I hope he's fine. I think he'll be okay,"

Sir Elias, standing on the other side of the stands, thought, his mind filled with thoughts of Oasis's rapid growth and potential.

"Alchemists, attend to the wounded!" Queen Elara Evergreen commanded, her voice carrying across the arena.

Immediately, a team of skilled alchemists moved through the crowd, tending to the injured participants with practiced efficiency.

Healing potions were administered, wounds were bandaged, and exhausted students were given restorative elixirs.

"The Whispering Exams have concluded, with many injuries caused by the hidden test in the exam."

Elder Aric Evergreen's voice echoed through the arena, drawing everyone's attention.

"That was part of the test?"

"It means it occurred at different locations in the woods since most of the students look injured and they weren't at our location when we faced the beast,"

Prince Aelric thought, glancing around at the other participants who bore signs of battle and fatigue.

"Only one group of participants managed to not only chase away the beast but also kill it through teamwork," Elder Aric continued.

"Everyone who was present and contributed to fighting the D-rank beast will receive 15 points each. Oasis, who managed to kill the beast, will receive 45 points."

The crowd murmured in astonishment, the participants who hadn't realized it was part of the test now understanding the full scope of their challenge.

"So that explains it," Prince Aelric thought, a look of realization dawning on his face.

"The D-rank Thunderclaw Bear appeared in three different places where there were more than 20 participants in each location."

"Only one group prevailed, while the other groups failed."

"However, inspectors controlled the situation to avoid any deaths. No participant was killed in the woods," Elder Aric explained.

Elder Aric's voice echoed through the arena as he continued his announcement,

"With that, we shall display the results of the Whispering Exam. 101 participants entered the woods, but only 67 managed to pass the exam."

The results were projected onto a large screen, and the crowd's murmurs grew louder as they read the names and scores:

1. Oasis from Mossy Hollow- 378 points (60 mystic beasts killed: 40 F-rank, 19 E-rank, 1 D-rank; 30 E-rank retreated)

2. Prince Aelric Evergreen - 289 points (57 mystic beasts killed: 45 F-rank, 12 E-rank; 25 retreated)

3. Yota from the Ironclad Clan - 280 points (77 mystic beasts killed: 67 F-rank, 10 E-rank; 19 retreated)

4. Agni Ignis - 265 points

5. Azalea Riverwind - 250 points

6. Amilia Frostveil - 240 points

7. Bazel Emberclan - 230 points

8. Zane Bluemoon - 220 points

9. Amiliana Frostveil - 210 points

10. Jorin Shadowfen - 200 points

"I hereby declare that all participants who passed shall start attending the Academy in three months' time. Those who failed may try again next year."

"The Whispering Exams are the entrance exams to our esteemed academy," Elder Aric announced, his voice resonating through the arena.

"The rewards for all who passed will be prepared and sent to each participant within a week, along with the academy rules and passes."

"Special merits for the top 10 will also be sent."

The arena buzzed with excitement and whispers as the results were displayed.

"Who is Oasis?" one participant asked, confusion evident in their voice.

"He was also in the top ten in the preliminaries, remember?" another participant replied. "He was the one who was transported."

"And who is Yota?" someone else wondered aloud. "I heard the Ironclad Clan is just a third-rate family."

"Yota must be exceptional then," another participant commented.

"To come from a third-rate family and rank third overall—impressive."

"Did you see how many beasts he killed? Seventy-seven!" an astonished voice added.

"Looks like the competition at the academy will be fierce," a participant mused, eyes scanning the names on the screen.

The conversations continued, filled with awe, curiosity, and excitement.

The results had revealed new stars and hinted at intense rivalries that would soon unfold at the academy.

As the crowd slowly began to disperse, the murmurs of anticipation lingered in the air.

Everyone looked forward to the new challenges and opportunities that awaited them at the academy.

Their minds already imagining the battles and friendships that would shape their futures.

As the day turned into night, the city of Verdantia was still alive with vibrant energy.

The Whispering Exam had concluded, and the results had sparked celebrations throughout the city.

Every street and corner buzzed with excitement as people gathered to revel in the festivities.

The inns were filled to capacity, their common rooms echoing with laughter and cheers.

Patrons clinked mugs of ale, toasting to the bravery and prowess of the young participants.

Stories of the exam spread like wildfire, with each retelling becoming more dramatic and exaggerated.

Adventurers, merchants, and townsfolk alike shared in the communal joy, their faces flushed with drink and delight.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, the more affluent and extravagant brothels were equally animated.

The rich and the powerful had gathered to indulge in the pleasures offered by these establishments, their laughter and music spilling out into the streets.

Inside, the courtesans entertained their guests with charm and grace, their performances a mix of dance, music, and whispered secrets.