Chapter 9: Assignment test

"Attention, aspirants!" A strong voice resonated throughout the hall... the academy director had arrived.

All the murmurs in the hall quickly died down. The aspirants' once friendly gazes turned fierce as they looked at one another, as if they might devour each other at any moment. Just seconds ago, they were chatting happily as if they were lifelong friends, but now they seemed like sworn enemies.

This was essentially a grand competition to enter the prestigious academy. Each of them was ready to devour the other at any moment. Of course, that's how it should be, but... feeling two empty eyes like the abyss staring intently at me... it seemed Leslie didn't care about any of that... I ignored her piercing gaze.

"As you all know, our academy only accepts the best of the best, those most fit and determined to rise above the rest. Due to the high standards, we have established a test for all of you. Each of you has the ability and opportunity to gain entry to the academy."

The man with white hair and silver eyes had a rather youthful face and an athletic build, dressed in a white suit... The academy director was actually 200 years old, but he looked like a young man in his twenties.

Behind the director, a sort of screen appeared, created by illusion magic.

"The class assignment test is quite simple. The court mages will put you into a sleep state. When you open your eyes, you will find yourselves in an open space—a green forest, to be exact. The rules are straightforward: survive as long as you can."

[There are a total of 1,000 aspirants, and we have only 5 classes with a maximum of 20 students in each. This means that only 100 of you will have the chance to secure a spot in our academy.]

The moment those words left his mouth, the students' eyes burned with insatiable madness... baring their white teeth at the other aspirants. Now that I think about it... they actually look more like rabid, crazed dogs... The murderous intent filled the entire place, and instead of frowning in displeasure, the director flashed a broad smile, watching the students' reactions.

"Crazy," I thought to myself... These moments didn't play out as clearly as I visualized them. I always skipped the boring parts...

"Let's go over the rules."

"To determine if you're fit or not, a ranking of the top 100 will be created. The system to make it into the top 100 is quite simple. As you all know, in the illusionary world, there are low-ranking demons perfect for your current level."

[Rule 1: Every time you kill a demon, you will earn 10 points.]

[Rule 2: Besides killing demons, you can also kill each other. This will allow you to take all the points of the person you killed, adding them to your own.]

[Rule 3: Groups of up to 3 people are allowed. Any group with more than 4 members will be immediately disqualified.]

"There are only 3 rules. The test will last 4 hours from the moment you appear in the location. You'll be able to see how many points you have on the bracelet that will be given to you once the court mages put you to sleep. That's all for now. In a few minutes, the personnel in charge will guide you to the room where the test will take place."

Silence fell for a few seconds before giving way to murmurs again. Upon learning that they could form groups, the aspirants went even crazier than before...

"Who wants to be in my group?!"

"Please, let me go with you!"

"I'm really strong, trust me!"

"Only beautiful women allowed!"

Hundreds of voices began to clamor throughout the hall... On the other hand, I was sweating cold as a small white hand began to climb up my right shoulder... like a death sentence. The white hand reached my tie again: "Art, it'll just be the two of us... right?" Leslie's voice was as smooth as silk, but oddly hollow, and instead of a question, it sounded more like an absolute command...

Feeling the tickle in my ear... Don't get me wrong, I actually like crazy girls. Getting stabbed by this kind of woman isn't all that bad... Damn it, I think I'm even crazier than this woman, but yanderes are easy to handle. You just have to say sweet words and tell them what they want to hear. That's why I love Leslie's character. The problem is that too many eyes are on us, always watching Leslie's every move. And every time she gets close to me, the male students' gazes become more hostile...

Stupid envious idiots, I actually have a strong urge to grab Leslie by the waist and pull her close, but... now's not the time. I don't want them to jump me, and even worse, for Leslie to kill them... That would be a total disaster for me... and for everyone, ignoring their bloodshot eyes...

"Of course, just you and me!" Smiling at Leslie, she quickly let go of my tie and blushed like a tomato. "Hehehe," she giggled adorably while touching her cheeks.

Watching her in silence... I still can't understand what the hell I did to make her obsessed with me... We've only seen each other twice in two days, but she's already like this... I suppose it's because the protagonist is dead, but why me specifically? Thinking about it, my eyes widen...

Subtly glancing at my hands: "Could it be because I killed him?" It's a stupid idea, but the stupidest thing would be that a woman like her is talking to a nobody like me... "Somehow... I stole..." An emotion filled my body...

"All aspirants! Follow me to begin the class assignment test!" Behind the large golden curtains, a woman with silver hair and eyes of the same color appeared. She stood with a straight posture, dressed in a white gown as pure as snow... Her body's proportions were beautifully curvaceous... She was a goddess-level beauty... and another of the important characters in the game...