The next morning...

In the academy courtyard, the new students gathered, their faces filled with confusion.

An hour earlier, for reasons unknown, the supervisors had suddenly summoned them, ordering them to come immediately to the courtyard.

When the students asked why, the supervisors remained silent, as if telling them to wait for the answer here.

"Do you know why we were called?"

"I have no idea, buddy. I'm just as confused."

"Tsk! I really don't get why we had to come this early. I was sleeping so peacefully a moment ago."

"You're right."

The children continued chatting energetically. Most had already made friends, having shared rooms with several other students.

Even some children from other races seemed very close to the humans, creating a warm, lively scene.

"Merlin, do you know why?" Luna asked curiously as she walked up to him.

Merlin turned to her and shook his head. "I don't know, Luna. But I'm sure the academy wouldn't make us wait here for no reason, right?"

Of course, he knew—they were here for the test Linda had mentioned earlier.

Still, he didn't know what the test would involve, so it was better to admit ignorance in front of Luna.

At that moment, Ronald stepped onto the stage, his gaze calm and commanding.

"All right, everyone, please pay attention."

Instantly, the courtyard fell silent, and all eyes turned toward him.

Ronald nodded in satisfaction before continuing. "I know you're all confused about being called here, so let me explain. First, the reason you were summoned is to take a test prepared by the academy. The test will last for two full days and will take place at a location chosen by the academy. Do you understand so far?"

At this, the children exchanged shocked, puzzled glances.

"A test? Why all of a sudden?"

"I don't know either. Ugh! If I'd known, I wouldn't have stayed up so late last night! I'm exhausted!"

"Me too! Ugh!"

Many complained about the lack of sleep, while others simply looked bewildered by the sudden announcement.

Seeming to anticipate their reactions, Ronald reassured them. "Don't worry—the test won't start immediately. It begins later tonight, so you'll have time to prepare."

A collective sigh of relief spread through the group. Fortunately, the test was at night; otherwise, they wouldn't have been ready at all.

"Second, the test is centered around survival. You'll be placed in a safe, controlled environment, but many monsters—from level one to six—will also be present. Don't worry, you won't die. The academy will provide a device that can save you in case of a crisis. Do you understand?"

"Understood, Vice Principal!" they answered in unison.

Ronald looked satisfied and continued in a calm tone. "Third, this test is designed to train you and determine who is truly qualified. Remember—your results will decide whether you can continue at the academy."

His next words stunned them all.

"Vice Principal, what do you mean? Does that mean if we can't complete it, we'll be expelled?" One of the students asked, their voice heavy with disbelief.

Ronald nodded. "Yes. You will be expelled, and if you want to enter the academy, you'll have to take the test again next month."

At this, the expressions of the children immediately darkened.

Merlin, standing among them, looked momentarily surprised as well.

'Expelled? But Master didn't mention this before… Could she have done this on purpose?' His eyebrows furrowed deeply.

Of course, he wasn't worried. He was confident in his own abilities.

Even taking first place wasn't impossible—at least, among this batch, no one seemed threatening.

Still, he knew this would weigh heavily on the other students.

Glancing around, he saw their anger, frustration, and unease clearly reflected on their faces.

Unlike Merlin, they didn't have a system to rely on. Their chances of winning were slim.

"Don't be too discouraged yet. I haven't finished," Ronald's voice pulled them out of their thoughts.

He scanned the crowd before continuing. "The top one hundred will receive rewards from the academy. The rewards are a secret, but those who place first through tenth will receive even greater rewards."

When they heard the word "rewards," their faces brightened.

Rewards were a powerful motivator, and the academy had chosen them wisely to lift the students' spirits.

"Meanwhile, the bottom fifty will be expelled from the academy. Remember that—don't end up in the bottom fifty."

Relief washed over the children. They had feared a hundred students would be expelled, but it was only fifty.

That was far less than they had expected, and their chances of survival were real.

"Fifty, huh? With two hundred and forty students, that means we need to rank at least one hundred and ninety to be safe. Right, Merlin?" Luna asked, looking at him gently.

Merlin nodded slightly. "That's right, Luna. By the way, make sure you rank at one hundred and ninety or higher. If you fall below that, we won't be able to start our academy days together."

He patted Luna's head affectionately. With her abilities, he was confident she could easily reach the top ten.

Her talent was S-level, and her strength was on par with his.

It was impossible for her not to reach the top ten—or even higher.

Still, a little encouragement wouldn't hurt to keep her from slacking off.

"Hehehe!" Luna grinned as she hugged his right arm. "Don't worry—I'll pass this test. But I want a reward in return. Will you give it to me?"

"Oh? A reward?" Merlin raised an eyebrow, then nodded slightly. "Alright, I'll give you a reward if you make it into the top ten. Anything you want, as long as I'm able to grant it."

He pinched her nose, making her giggle.

"I'll hold you to your word, Merlin. Don't regret it, understand?" Luna's eyes sparkled with excitement.

She wasn't aiming for just tenth place—she would take first if it meant earning a reward from Merlin.

Merlin simply smiled and gave a small nod.

Unnoticed by them, the closeness between the two stirred jealousy among the other students.

The boys felt irritated and envious of Merlin—handsome and paired with someone as beautiful as Luna—while the girls envied Luna for having a partner as striking as Merlin.

But Merlin and Luna didn't care in the slightest, continuing to enjoy their time together.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.