"Hmph... Let's see how well you do, plebeian. Your fate will be the same as this loser."

The red-haired boy sneered inwardly, casting a condescending glance at Samuel, who stood defeated at one side.

Meanwhile, the golden-armored woman's eyes gleamed with interest. "Raizel... Hmm, interesting!" she murmured, observing him closely.

The other participants also turned their attention to him, eager to see how a boy from the slums would perform.

Raizel stepped forward, his expression calm, though his heart raced beneath the surface.

Unlike the others, he had no prior knowledge of his own raw strength. To avoid any regrets, he decided to give it his all from the very beginning.

Positioning himself a few meters away from the device, he steadied his breathing and adjusted his stance.

Feeling the weight of everyone's piercing gazes, he clenched his fist.

At that moment, his arm hardened like iron, the tension so intense that his sleeve stretched tightly over his muscles.

The two examiners exchanged knowing glances, their eyes narrowing in appreciation.

Without wasting a second, Raizel dashed forward, channeling his maximum agility and strength into his right arm.

With momentum on his side, his fist cut through the air with a sharp whoosh.

And when it connected—

"Bang!"

The impact echoed through the hall as numbers flashed on the monitor.

[ Combat Power: 177 ]

A stunned silence fell over the room.

Everyone's jaws dropped.

The red-haired young man nearly stumbled backward, his face twisting in disbelief.

"H-How?!" he stammered. "There's no way a mage can be this strong! What's your class, plebeian? Tell me!" His voice rose with frustration and shock.

Meanwhile, Raizel quietly exhaled, relieved that his raw strength had been enough. More than enough actually.

Then, he smirked at the red-haired boy.

"I don't think it's necessary to reveal that. Aren't I right, Examiners?"

The two men exchanged glances before nodding.

"Yes, the Apex Guild respects every player's privacy. If you don't want to disclose it, we won't force you," one of them replied calmly.

Raizel's eyes darted to the female examiner, as if seeking guidance.

Sage Camilla narrowed her gaze before speaking.

"I have no issue with you keeping your personal information private here. However, I must remind you to never hide anything from the teammates you're going to bond with. Because no amount of hidden talent or power will be enough in the future. Understand?"

Her tone was firm, almost harsh, but there was an underlying sense of consideration in her words.

Raizel met her gaze and nodded. "I understand."

He recognized the value in her advice, though whether he would ever find someone he could truly trust with his secrets remained uncertain.

One of the examiners then spoke up. "Should we lock in your score, young man? You've already passed."

Raizel shook his head. "No, I want to give my best."

The examiner smirked. "Alright, rookie, go ahead."

Without hesitation, Raizel grinned and rushed forward with renewed determination.

From the line, the black-haired girl and another female applicant watched him closely.

His confidence wasn't arrogance. He understood his limits, yet he never backed down from a challenge.

He was the type to face danger head-on.

[ CP: 191 ]

[ CP: 195 ]

Raizel's last two attempts barely made a difference. He could push further if he activated Red Berserker, but there was no need. He had already passed the test.

Satisfied, he stepped back.

Next in line was the black-haired girl.

Her posture was sharp as a blade, and her gaze was cold—like that of an assassin.

She struck the Strength Measurement Device with ruthless efficiency. Each blow was precise, her movements refined, making her attacks far deadlier than sheer brute force.

[ CP: 156 ]

Raizel watched her closely, impressed.

Her technique was flawless. It was clear she had been trained from a young age. She would be a tough opponent to face.

Her Combat Power was lower than his, but Raizel knew one thing clear that raw strength wasn't always the deciding factor in a battle.

Lastly, there was another female applicant who had barely failed with a score of 91.

She was heartbroken, sobbing in the corner. From her worn-out clothes and desperate expression, it was clear she came from a poor background, much like Raizel.

The examiners, however, remained unmoved, their discipline unwavering. They were here to do their job, not to console applicants.

After evaluating the five of them, the group was led into another room for the final test.

Surprisingly, the two failed applicants were also brought inside. Unlike the others who had failed, they weren't cast out just yet.

The reason for this was unknown, but they were about to find out soon.

The room was massive, designed like a realistic battlefield, complete with reinforced ground that mimicked an outdoor combat zone. The level of detail and precision was astounding.

Sage Camilla's voice rang out, firm and authoritative.

"For the next test, as many of you might have guessed, you will be battling against each other. This is the final assessment, and you are free to use all your abilities to defeat your opponents. But be mindful not to cause any serious injuries.

Your goal is simple: push your opponent out of the designated battle circle.

The first two to be knocked out of the circle will fail.

And for you two who failed the previous test, this is your last chance. If you can defeat an opponent and take their place, you will be granted entry into the Apex Guild."

She paused, her sharp gaze scanning their faces.

"Am I clear?"

Raizel and the others nodded, their expressions solemn.

The competition was ruthless and unforgiving.

Within a 20-meter radius, they had to rely on their wits and magical abilities to cast their opponents out of the circle.

Raizel, however, was confident. He just needed to stay sharp. Joining the Apex Guild was within reach.

On the other hand, the red-haired boy clenched his fists in frustration.

He wasn't sure if he could defeat Raizel or the black-haired girl. So naturally, his predatory gaze shifted to the other two—the ones who fidgeted nervously, like lambs awaiting slaughter.

Only three of them would pass. And for him to succeed, he had to defeat the weaker ones.

In his book, mercy and kindness had no place.

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