Chapter 45
Once the test number is confirmed, the information recorded on the test ticket is automatically saved in the database.
The instructors in charge of the practical exam could freely access the information stored in that database.
“How many testees were eliminated in the qualification exam?”
“14.2%.”
“14.2%…. That was about the same as last year. They were screened reasonably.”
“Yet, there are still that many testees. There are quite a lot this year too.”
“Because it’s Geumgang Academy.”
Geumgang Academy, Practical Exam Management Office.
The instructors who didn’t enter the first practical exam room checked the situation of the testees and chuckled.
Despite the screening in the written and qualification exams, the number of testees still exceeded 10,000.
Although it was an annual occurrence, from the perspective of managing the practical exam, there was nothing to do but be amazed.
“So, how many candidates are taking the first exam?”
“…13,492.”
“About 4 to 5 times the number.”
Even just in the combat department at Geumgang Academy, there were over 10,000 students.
Therefore, at least 3,000 students were enrolled per grade.
The number of first-year incoming students scheduled for this year was roughly estimated to be around that, so it can be said that four to five times the admission capacity of examinees took the practical exam.
If it’s just in the combat system, but if you add non-combat and administrative systems, the number of examinees will increase even more.
Therefore, there was no choice but to give them various discriminative evaluations in detail.
The qualification exam was one of them.
“What’s the score distribution of the candidates?”
“About 34% are white. Among them, 60% only solved one question.”
“The majority of them will naturally be screened out during the exam. What about the other colors?”
“Grey 22.8%, yellow 17.7%, green 12.3%, red 8.4%, blue 3.6%, and finally black at 1.6%.”
“There are quite a few black candidates.”
“Even with 1.6%?”
“If that’s the case, it means there are around 200 of them, so it’s quite a number, isn’t it.”
“These guys are definitely going to pass.”
The qualification exam only tested qualifications; it did not solely determine the examinee’s success.
However, by solving all the questions carefully crafted by the instructors to provide discrimination, one could expect that those who obtained a black exam ticket had the ability to pass in the end.
Unless an unforeseen event occurred.
At that moment, someone spoke up.
“The first practical exam has started.”
Dozens of screens installed in the control room were projecting each exam room.
Through the screens, the instructors could see the examinees lining up in front of the iron gates.
[Squeak!]
“….”
Soon, they began pushing the iron gates.
The instructors watched them quietly, then one by one, they started to speak up.
“It won’t open?”
“I can’t open any of them.”
“They’re eliminated.”
“The mana control is sloppy.”
“They must have white exam tickets.”
The first practical exam of opening the iron gates.
The five gates were designed to open only when specific conditions were met.
At this point, the condition for opening the first gate did not require a high level of difficulty.
What the instructors demanded first was how well one could control their internal mana while enhancing their physical abilities.
They just needed to show that level.
Yet, the examinees shown on the screen were struggling, unable to handle their internal mana properly.
“Can they become hunters like this?”
Those who can’t even open the first gate don’t have the qualification to set foot in this world.
They would just die if they did.
The instructors clicked their tongues in disapproval.
[…th examinee. Pass with 1, pass.]
[Pass with 2.]
On the other hand, even the successful candidates who opened the iron doors failed to capture the instructors’ attention.
The first iron door was merely a test of basic qualities.
The second iron door was similar.
To demonstrate the qualities of a great hunter, one had to open at least up to the third door.
And it was at that moment.
[Crash!]
“…Where is that sound coming from?”
The instructors, upon hearing the loud noise, turned their heads towards a single screen.
In that screen, an examinee dressed in black was opening the iron door.
“…Is he opening it with sheer strength?”
“Who is that guy, really?”
The instructors were astonished to see him open the second iron door with pure physical strength alone.
However, they deduced and understood his identity through the attire he was wearing.
“If he’s wearing that attire, he must be from the Medical Dragon Clan.”
“If his surname on the black exam sheet is ‘Yong’… Ah, it’s this guy. Yong Haerang.”
One of the Ten Gates, the Medical Dragon Clan.
A person from a clan that minimizes reliance on weapons and instead employs combat skills based on physical prowess was expected to show remarkable abilities.
Nevertheless, even though he managed to open up to the fourth door without utilizing mana, it was still quite a surprising feat.
But unfortunately…
“Even if he were to manifest mana at the end, is opening up to the fourth door his limit?”
Yong Haerang, despite opening up to the fourth door, failed to open the fifth door.
It was an inevitable outcome.
“To open the fifth door, one’s internal mana must support it. Still, what he accomplished is quite remarkable.”
The amount of internal mana was considered an innate quality that was difficult to improve through effort alone.
It was an exceedingly valuable trait.
The purpose of the fifth door was to find examinees possessing such a quality.
In reality, no matter how exceptional a person may be, without a substantial amount of internal mana, they would be unable to progress beyond the fourth door.
“That kid is…”
“Upon investigation, he’s from the Black Magic Ogre lineage.”
“It seems even those from the clans within the Ten Gates find it challenging to open the fifth.”
As a result, while examinees like Yong Haerang occasionally emerged who could open up to the fourth door, those who could reach the fifth door had yet to appear.
And then it happened.
“Hmph, nothing special.”
“….”
Someone opened the fifth iron door.
The instructors all turned to look at the screen where the figure appeared.
“What is the name of that examinee?”
“I will look it up right now.”
A woman with flowing red hair.
As she turned around, her black exam badge was reflected on the screen along with her golden eyes.
“She is Min Arin from the Mado Minga!”
From Noble mtl dot com
“…So it was Mado Minga.”
“It seems that the granddaughter favored by the head of Mado Minga is that child.”
Mado Minga, one of the ten noble families.
The instructors confirmed her background and then showed signs of recognition.
It was widely known among them that she possessed significant talent and had applied to the Golden River Academy.
No, she was not the only one known in such a manner.
There were two more noble families.
[May I go now?]
[Examinee number…, 5. Passed.]
A woman blinked her green eyes, her face showing little emotion.
She was also from one of the ten noble families, wearing a black exam badge.
Cha Eun-sol of the Circulating Cha family.
“What. Is this the end?”
Similarly, another woman wearing a black exam badge pursed her lips.
With wavy gray hair and purple eyes.
Nam Yoori of the Yeonsung Nam family.
Her family was also part of the ten noble families.
“From Mado Minga to Circulating Cha, Yeonsung Nam… to produce talents like them, it’s truly remarkable.”
“I don’t know what they did, but it’s impressive indeed.”
Cha Eun-sol and Nam Yoori, along with Min Arin, were the examinees that the instructors paid attention to.
They admired and rejoiced purely at the talents of these three individuals.
The determination of the three noble families to create superior talents was intimidating, but their presence benefiting humankind and entering the Golden River Academy was something to be celebrated.
At that moment, another person who opened the fifth iron door appeared.
[The door is open.]
A shy woman.
The instructors turned their gaze towards her, with her rabbit ears.
“Test number 5784? Who is this?”
“Is she also from a prestigious family?”
“I’ll look it up right away!”
“Where did she come from?”
“Wait, with those rabbit ears….”
“For now, her name is Yeonha. She’s not from a prestigious family, but instead… huh?”
Although Yeon Ha lacked the attention compared to Min Arin, Cha Eun Sol, and Nam Yuri, she was undoubtedly also a subject of interest.
Being famous as the Seven-Colored Witch and having become a mentor at Geumgang Academy this year under Hong Yena, her presence drew attention.
“….”
The instructors’ gaze shifted to Hong Yena, who was quietly observing the practical exam in a corner.
When their eyes met hers,
“Oh, why are you like this?”
Hong Yena smiled faintly with a puzzled expression.
The instructors had nothing but praise to offer her.
“So, you’re a student of Instructor Hong Yena.”
“Where did they find such a person?”
“Now I understand how she showed such skills.”
As the instructors lifted her spirits, Hong Yena responded playfully.
“I suppose I have good luck with students. It’s all thanks to Haneul’s good work.”
Yeon Ha opened all the iron doors.
“Wow… what’s with her?”
“Who is she? Even the direct disciples of the Medical Association’s Iron Gate couldn’t open all the doors….”
“She’s the Seven-Colored Witch’s apprentice.”
Although everyone in the exam room seemed surprised by this, I had actually predicted the outcome before she opened the doors.
I could see her status window.
“If she couldn’t open the iron doors with those stats, it would be evidence of negligence in training. If that were the case, I would have been in trouble.”
Murmurs filled the room.
Listening to the commotion, I checked Yeon Ha’s status window.
[Personal Information]
Name: Yeon Ha (Female, 17 years old)
Title: Apprentice of the Seven-Colored Witch and 1 other [+Detailed Information]
Affiliation: Laon Middle School
[Gift Possession]
Division
[Physical Abilities]
Endurance: 30 → 54
Strength: 28 → 52
Resilience: 30 → 53
Agility: 32 → 56
Magic Power: 75 → 84
Luck: 20 → 27
Remaining Points: 0
The magic power figure was 84.
That pretty much said it all.
Even before the game story began, possessing a magic power figure like mine, Yeonha was a monster.
“If one of the stats exceeds 80, they are considered strong among active hunters, but she…”
I once again examined Yeonha’s magic power and clicked my tongue.
“Ugh, embarrassing…”
Yet, she seemed oblivious to how much of a monster she was.
Yeonha dashed over and, without letting go of the hand clinging to my shoulder from behind, tried to shield me.
I spoke to her.
“What’s there to be embarrassed about? Everyone thinks highly of you for that. Enjoy it with confidence, okay?”
“It’s not as easy as you make it sound. And she keeps staring at me so intensely, it’s uncomfortable.”
“She? Who’s she?”
“There, she’s the one.”
Yeonha let out a groan.
I turned my head towards where she gently pointed.
“…Yongha?”
“Yeah, that guy. He’s still watching us.”
Yongha was among the test-takers.
He stood with his arms crossed, showing his white teeth and looking at us.
“Weren’t you supposed to go to the second exam room?”
I never expected Yongha to still be lingering around the exam room.
I felt uneasy.
“You’re not staring at me, are you?”
“No, ever since I opened the iron gate, it feels like your gaze is following me.”
“Then you must be trying to acknowledge my strength and suggest we become sparring partners.”
“Spar partners? What’s that? Just the sound of it doesn’t feel right…”
“Maybe it’s not what you’re thinking?”
“Anyway, I find guys like him burdensome. His eyes feel like they’re devouring me!”
“Even if he devours you, I’ll devour him, so don’t worry about that.”
“What? What do you mean?”
“Just what it means.”
That only I can torment you…
Wait, no.
Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind.
“Why are you suddenly stopping mid-sentence? What does that mean?”
If I hand over Yeonha to Yongha as my sparring partner instead of me, then maybe I could feel at ease.
It seemed like a reasonable solution.
Making Yeonha a temporary measure until Kanghanbyeol appears.
“Sorry to Heaven, but surprisingly, not a bad idea.”
“What do you mean by that?”
I looked down at Yeonha, who was strangely persistent in questioning me.
The examiners called for me at that moment.
“Test-taker number 1532! Aren’t you coming!?”
Since Yeonha’s turn was over, it was now my turn.
I couldn’t stay like this forever.
“I’m going to take the test.”
“Tsk, without telling me… Good luck on the test.”
Grumbling.
Yeonha shot me a look of discontent.
Yet, she didn’t forget to cheer me on.
Encouraged by her support, I walked towards the iron gate.
“It looks huge from here.”
I didn’t realize how big it was from behind.
The iron gate was indeed massive and towering.
Standing in front of the iron gate, I felt like a tiny existence.
But to enter the world of hunters, I had to open this iron gate.
“Hoo.”
Preparing to manifest my mana.
I placed my hands on the iron gate.
And as I manifested my mana, I exerted force on the hand pushing the gate.
Kugugu.
The first iron gate was pushed open lightly.
Then, the second gate responded as well.
Kugugu.
The second gate moved.
From then on, more force was required.
It was astonishing to open the second gate with just my physical strength and mana.
Kugugu.
Yet, I didn’t give up.
I enhanced my physical abilities further.
As the third gate began to shake momentarily, it started to open.
Putting more strength into it there…
“It moved.”
The fourth gate showed a slight movement too.
Hearing the creaking sound of the gate, I took a deep breath and pushed the gate again.
Then, the fourth gate squeaked.
It was trying to open.
Kugugu.
If I exert more force here, maybe I can open the fifth gate too.
I drew out mana from within me, which I had rotated several times, enhancing my physical abilities as the azure mana danced around me.
“…Dammit.”
However, there were limits to raising physical abilities.
If I tried to infuse more mana, my muscles and nervous system could burst.
In the end, even if I opened all the gates, it would only be a loss for me.
There was no guarantee that I could open them all, and this test wasn’t just about this.
Ultimately, this was it.
“Too bad.”
Opening up to the fourth gate was already a great achievement.
Young Hanuel could open the fifth gate because his mana levels were high, but for me, with lower mana levels, the fourth gate was the maximum.
“If only my mana levels were a bit higher, I could have opened it.”
I did well.
Yet, the regret remained.
I attempted to collect my mana from within.
It was right at that moment.
Crackle!
A sudden sound reached my ears.
A sound akin to static.
Crackle!
The sound kept resonating.
Despite my efforts to push with all my might, trying to force open the fifth iron door that wouldn’t budge, I unknowingly found myself looking down at the floor, then raised my head.
“….”
In front of me, an iron door appeared.
And I could see mana sparking around.
‘Wall lightning? No, it’s not wall lightning.’
It wasn’t electricity.
It was a spark caused by mana with conflicting properties colliding due to their opposing natures.
Seeing that spark, a question arose in me.
‘Why are they conflicting?’
There was no reason for mana to conflict.
The mana swirling around me was the mana I had released.
For a conflict to occur, there needed to be mana with properties that repelled against mine.
However, atmospheric mana is fundamentally uncontrolled by anyone and doesn’t possess any specific properties.
There was no reason for my mana to conflict with atmospheric mana.
Furthermore, for my mana, which has a strong affinity for the light attribute, to conflict…
‘Ah.’
It dawned on me suddenly.
Just a while ago, Yeonha opened five iron doors by releasing a vast amount of mana externally.
Her mana had a high affinity for the darkness attribute that conflicted with the light attribute.
Her mana lingering in the atmosphere was now conflicting with mine.
‘So that’s it.’
Crackle.
The mana I had externally released to open the fifth iron door was continuously creating sparks by conflicting.
Crackle!
It was a situation where the mana could explode uncontrollably, regardless of my will.
Dangerous.
I needed to immediately stop the manifestation of internal mana and move away.
Crackle!
Even my instinct to dodge was heightened.
The current flowed down my spine.
I immediately controlled the forced manifestation of the instinct to dodge with my instinct control skill.
‘Maybe it’ll work…’
I wasn’t sure if it would go as I thought.
There was no certainty of success.
I understand when I try.
So, I decided to try.
Sizzle!
“Exam candidates! Quickly gather your mana! Otherwise, an explosion…!”
Boom!
Without raising physical abilities any further,
I recklessly manifested mana within my body, stimulating a contradictory phenomenon.
The sparks grew larger and faster.
It was noticeable to others as well.
Only then did the evaluators, taken aback, shout to stop me.
I ignored their voices.
Boom!
The sparks exploded.
I did not move from my spot.
“This level of explosion can be blocked by my endurance stats.”
But whether I can block an even stronger explosion, I do not know.
So, instinct to evade.
“If you don’t want to die, listen to me.”
I pleaded with my instinct to evade.
Was my wish granted?
Crackle!
The instinct to evade responded.
At that moment, a surge of strength emanated from my body.
The instinct sensing danger had lifted the restrictions on the power in my brain.
Grrr….
I immediately pushed the iron door.
The fifth iron door trembled.
Just a little more here.
Crackle!
Grrr….
It moves.
Ever so slightly, the fifth iron door began to move.
Grrr….
I gritted my teeth.
With legs firmly planted on the ground, I exerted all my strength to open the iron door.
Boom!
Mana exploded in the surroundings.
I paid no attention to the explosion and focused solely on opening the iron door.
And so…
“It’s done.”
Opening the fifth iron door, I stepped through to the other side.