“Wow, this place is really huge!” Kazuki looked around in wonder at the bustling streets, and many shops of the Capital. Haru and Shiki had similar looks of astonishment, while Ari was acting mostly normal. Some of the city folk were giving Haru and Shiki strange looks, but for the most part, they were completely ignored.

     “So, where’s this school you guys keep talking about,” Shiki said, hands behind his head, looking around at all of the buildings.

     “Oh, it’s right up here. Today is the big day for entrance exams, so there should be a pretty big line.” Ari said.

     The group turned a corner.

     “That’s a lot of people!” Kazuki exclaimed, looking at the hundreds of potential students crowded around the massive school.

     “Yeah, how many people get accepted here again?” Shiki questioned, looking at the vast amount of applicants in shock. 

     “Around one percent,” Ari answered looking around excitedly.

     “One percen-” Shiki sighed, “Well, I guess it’s worth a shot.” He gestured towards the line of people.

     “Come on, we don’t want to be last!” She led the group to the line of applicants. They waited in line for around half an hour, before being greeted by one of the proctors.

     “Hello, welcome to Nōryoku High! I’m Akari, one of the examiners.”

     “Nice to meet you, I’m Ari.”

     “Kaori,” Akari called, “I need you to get Ari and her friends' examination cards.”

     “Yes, ma’am.” Kaori responded. She turned to look at Ari, “Could I get your first names please?”

     After everyone had their names written down, the receptionist asked for ID cards to copy into their exam cards.

     Everyone looked confused except for Ari. She casually walked up to Akari and handed her the ID.

     She printed the info on the ID to the exam card. “Now you’ll just walk through the door on the right. It’ll lead you to the area where everyone will be given directions for the exam.”

     Kazuki looked at the receptionist, “I lost my ID, what do I do?”

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     “Oh, well that’s easy. All you have to do is tell me what village you’re from or your first and last name. I’ll be able to print you one,” said Kaori with smile.

     “Oh, that's it? Well, I’m Kazuki Saito from Honakawa village.” She handed Kazuki the ID card. “Thank you, but how do I check my stats?”

     “You'll see if you make it into the school," she winked.

     “Ah, well thanks again.” Kazuki walked through the door and looked around at the other people in the room. There are already around a thousand kids in the room. Kazuki quickly scanned the room, and found Ari near the front of the door at one of the tables.

     “There are so many people in this room,” said Kazuki in shock. “I know right? There are about one hundred thousand people who apply every year,” exclaimed Ari.

     “Really? I feel like there should be more. There are only around... a thousand people in this room?” Kazuki glided his hand through his hair.

     Shiki and Haru came in after they got their ID and examination cards then sat down with Kazuki and Ari.

     Once all the examinees came through and sat down, Akari came in and began explaining the exam. “Welcome, everyone, to Nōryoku High. I am pleased to see you all and I can’t wait to dive into this exam.” She unfolded a piece of paper, “The exam will be a race where all participants will fight to make it to the end. It’s not only the participants you’ll be fighting, but also the many obstacles, and monsters. Each monster is rated on difficulty based on the material they are made of. Stone monsters will drop copper coins, iron monsters will drop silver coins, and obsidian monsters will drop gold coins. If you pass, you’re allowed to use these coins for yourself. Not only is passing the exam the only way to get into Nōryoku High, but it is the best way to get coins early on for amateurs like you guys.” Akari directed the attention of the students to the board that shows the monsters that will be in the exam.

     “That's it? This exam is going to be way too easy,“ said a guy wearing glasses.

     “Shut up, you think you’re cool just because you have glasses,” called another kid eating cheez bits from his seat.

     "You wanna go,” yelled another kid wearing a cape.

     “This place is full of idiots,” said Shiki, kicking his feet up on the seat in front of him.

     The room quickly fell into hysterics, Akari tried to quiet everyone down but her voice was lost in the chaos.

     Suddenly an overpowering noise boomed across the area. It was so loud that some of the kids were on the ground.

     “Pipe down all of you, or I can guarantee that no one is getting into our school this year!” A mysterious man in a black cloak, descended from the ceiling.

     “Students this is Dark Eagle, a teacher and examiner,” said Akari as she gestured towards the man.

     He floated to the ground, “Now listen up everyone these monsters may not be too hard to defeat, but if you get too cocky, you’ll certainly fail.”

     Akari started to speak again, “On everyone’s card, there’s a number on the back. They’re labeled from one to seven. Each indicate when this week you’ll be starting. Ones will start tomorrow, on Sunday, twos will start on Monday, and so forth. Everyone, make sure you get a good night’s rest to prepare for the exam.” She smiled at the kids, “Good luck!”