Chapter 48: War Zone

As Lin waited patiently, the final wave of monsters emerged. This time, instead of a mage monster, a boss-level adversary appeared. For Lin, however, the challenge remained the same. His skeleton warriors charged forward, swiftly dealing with the threat, plunging the battlefield into silence. Thus, Lin concluded the fourth round of the exams, merely waiting for the others to finish.

After a ten-minute wait, the announcer declared the fourth round complete. Out of 120 contenders, only five triumphed. This announcement echoed throughout the venue, reaching ears both inside and outside the tower. It was a testament to the exceptional talent of these five individuals, each proving themselves worthy of top-tier university admission.

The spotlight fell on the finalists as their rankings were revealed. Lin led comfortably with 3605 points, followed by Zuo Mei, Xia Xue, Wang Zihao, and Feng Xiu. As their statuses were restored, Wang Zihao quickly recovered from his weakened state after his berserk onslaught, ready once more for battle.

The anticipation for Xia Jing Academy was unanimous among the finalists. The announcer's voice cut through the tension, reminding them that entry into Xia Jing Academy was not guaranteed, even for the top five. Only those who excelled in the final round, accumulating at least 10,000 points, could secure their place.

The final test was dubbed the battle space, a realm where various monsters would spawn continuously. This challenge demanded a strategic balance of attack and pace, as monsters would grow in strength and number the faster they were slain. Points would escalate with each stage, rewarding the slaying of more formidable foes.

This structure placed Lin's lead in jeopardy. Previous efforts seemed at risk of being nullified, yet Lin understood that true strength would shine in this ultimate challenge. The final round was not just a test but a selection of geniuses capable of shouldering humanity's future.

As the countdown concluded, the finalists were transported to the war zone battle space, a vast plain marked by the dark earth and the stench of blood—a testament to countless battles fought. Rocks and boulders provided strategic cover in this grim landscape.

Lin, sensitive to the aura of death, immediately recognized the significant difference of this place from previous challenges. Here, the air was thick with the residue of true conflict, the ground stained with the remnants of fierce battles long past.

"Is this a preparation for the battlefield?" Lin pondered as the first wave of monsters approached, setting the stage for a test that was not just about skill but survival, in an environment that echoed the realities of war.