As the second exam ended, all the students let out a sigh of relief. However, their respite was short-lived, as they had to prepare for the third test of the day.

After the instructors collected the answer sheets, Instructor Oliver stepped forward and addressed the students.

"Now that the cultural and academic exam has been completed, it is currently 9:30 AM. You will be given a 30-minute break to mentally and physically prepare for the third exam—the survival test. Report to the camp entrance by 10 AM."

With that, the instructors left, allowing the students time to rest and strategize. Some wandered off alone to clear their minds, others returned to the dormitory, while many gathered in small groups to discuss the upcoming challenge.

A noticeable crowd had formed around Addison and Adrian, while a similar scene played out around Ellis. Many students were eager to form groups with them, hoping that aligning with the strongest competitors would increase their chances of ranking higher. However, the expressions on the elite students' faces made it clear—they were annoyed by the attention. Confident in their own abilities, they saw no need to rely on others.

Meanwhile, Ryan was deep in thought, contemplating how best to approach the survival exam.

Not far from him, three boys moved discreetly to a more secluded area to talk. One was overweight, while the other two were short and thin. Among them, the thinner boy—Cam—spoke first.

"You two know why I called you here, right?"

The shorter boy replied, "You said that you are going to help us pass so that we don't die?"

Cam nodded. "Exactly. You both understand that we three, along with three of the girls, are among the weakest in the class. If we don't do something, our chances of survival are slim."

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The overweight boy frowned. "But what can we do? We've been trying our best, and we still couldn't perform well."

Cam smirked. "That's why I called you. Did you pay attention to what Instructor Oliver said? If one person dies during the survival exam, that's one less person who has to die after the exams. For example, if five people die in the survival test, then no one else will be executed afterward."

The overweight boy's expression darkened. "Are you saying... we should kill other students?"

Cam grinned. "That's right. If we want to live, we need to eliminate at least five people."

The shorter boy hesitated. "But we're physically weaker than most of them. If we attack and they fight back, won't we be the ones who die instead?"

Cam's eyes gleamed with calculation. "That's why I called you two. If we act alone, we'll fail. But if we work together, we can take down weaker students before they even see it coming."

The other two exchanged glances before finally nodding. After a moment of hesitation, they agreed to the plan.

Similar secret discussions were happening among the weaker students in other groups, as everyone prepared to survive by any means necessary.

As time passed, the students gathered at the camp entrance, where the instructors were already waiting. Standing at the front were Instructors Jack and Oscar, who taught the skill classes, alongside Head Instructor Oliver.

Instructor Jack stepped forward and addressed the group.

"As you all know, the third round of the exam is the survival test. It will take place in the Viscount's private forest, which is about 20 kilometers in size. While we have cleared out the most dangerous predators, the forest is still filled with wild animals, making it a treacherous environment.

At the center of the forest, we have set up a tent where the instructors will be stationed. Your objective is simple: travel through the forest, retrieve a badge from the instructors at the tent, and return to the camp. This exam will take for nearly 2 hours so we hope everybody returns to camp in 2 hour's"

Instructor Oscar then stepped up with a sinister smirk.

"Let me make one thing clear—don't even think about trying to escape. Anyone caught attempting to flee will be tortured in the middle of the camp for a full month as an example. And in case any of you forgot, you've all been administered a special drug. Without a fresh dose every three months, your body will deteriorate, and you'll die a slow, painful death. So don't waste your time with foolish ideas."

After saying this, he took a glance at the Ryan.

Finally, Instructor Oliver spoke again, his voice cold and emotionless.

"We only recognize the badge, not the person who retrieves it. The first student to return with a badge will receive 60 points. And as you all know... if anyone dies in this test, it means one less person has to be executed at the end of the exams."

A heavy silence fell over the group.

Those who had initially planned to form teams instantly abandoned the idea, now seeing their peers as potential threats. Everyone knew they had to fight and hide, mastering the art of assassination if they wanted to survive. No one underestimated their classmates anymore—not even the weakest students. After all, in the jungle, anything could happen.

Instructor Jack then added one final rule.

"You will be allowed into the forest with nothing but the clothes on your back. No weapons, no supplies. Be mentally prepared."

At that moment, every student realized—this wasn't just an exam. It was a battle for survival