As Yuri awoke from his sleep, his mind ran wild. Today was the day he would finally take the entrance exam. He arrived early, 4 days ago and didn't have anything to do. He didn't like the idea of relaxing until the entrance exams, so he trained. He ate and honed his swordsmanship as much as he could. He wanted to make sure he was in optimal condition for the exams.

Sitting up, Yuri was excited for what awaited him later. He knew he was going to have a good day: being able to fight many different people, getting a reward from his system, and getting his affinity. There was so much he looked forward to that he could barely keep in his excitement.

Removing the thoughts from his mind, he moved on to getting out of bed and doing his regular morning routine. After finishing, he grabbed his bags and headed downstairs. He knew he had to be in peak condition, so he made sure to eat a nice breakfast.

While eating, Yuri thought about his strength. He knew he was strong for his age, but the problem was he didn't know how strong the other academy kids would be. He didn't spend time worrying about it, as he would find out soon enough.

Exiting the Inn, Yuri headed towards the academy. He wanted to be a little early, his father told him before he left that every new student had to check in before the exams started. As Yuri continued to walk through the city, he could see many kids around his age walking towards the academy as well. He didn't think there would be many people signing up for the exams. He knew the academy was well known and the only way to progress in one's journey was to attend, but the number of youth that were heading towards the academy was mind-boggling to him.

Taking his mind off the people around him, Yuri kept walking through the amazing city of Moonhaven. He eventually made it to the academy, looking around, he saw many designated lines for the check in. It was due to the crazy amount of people in attendance. After getting in line, he was there for what seemed like an eternity. The line was moving slowly, but eventually it was his turn to check in. He was asked a number of questions, then asked to put his hand on a crystal ball. He was told the device would calculate their age, height, and weight with accuracy.

After finishing his check-up, he was told to go to the waiting area and wait for everyone else to finish. The exams were set to start at 2 pm, he still had two hours before the exams would start.

Instead of standing, he went to a corner and sat down.

'Might as well take a little nap.' He said, as he dozed off, his eyes were closed, but he was still aware of his surroundings and person. He was always on alert, the habits he gained in the forest were ingrained in his daily life.

As he slept, he was woken up by a commotion. Both kids were fighting. About what? Yuri didn't know, but he didn't care. He laid back down, but before he could close his eyes, a murderous aura surrounded the waiting area. The air was thickened with tension, every kid in the courtyard was sent to their knees. The overbearing pressure was too much for them to handle. Yuri could barely withstand the pressure. He used every ounce of strength he had to stand up, as he finally lifted his head up enough. His eyes met the gaze of a woman. The pressure she exuded was stronger than anything he had ever felt.

In his past life, he fought many warriors, even though there weren't any powers or cultivation. Bloodlust was something that one could sense from an opponent, and the person in front of him exuded a pressure far stronger than anything he'd ever perceived.

The room was silent, the woman was tall and imposing. Her sharp and piercing eyes scanned the crowd with a gaze that could make anyone shiver. As she began to speak, her voice was calm yet carried weight.

"Welcome to Mysticadia Academy," she announced, her tone leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. "Today you will be tested. You will have to prove that you're worthy enough to enter the academy. We don't care where you are from, who your family is, or if you have money. The only thing that matters is that you have the potential and the courage to face the test. Prove to us that you are worthy, and you will be accepted."

When she set her gaze on Yuri, he felt like his soul was being searched. It felt as if she could see right through him, judging his every thought and intention.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Follow me," she commanded, turning on her heel. She strode towards the massive academy doors. After recovering, Yuri followed the woman as well as everyone else.

While walking, a sinister smile curled on Yuri's lips, and a glint of excitement danced in his eyes. The sheer power she exuded was intoxicating—a strength he yearned to possess. The thought of one day facing her in combat sent a thrill through his veins.

The crowd moved as one, following her lead, their footsteps echoing in the vast space. They entered a large room. It was similar to an auditorium but about two times bigger. The woman gestured for everyone to form a line. "The first test is to measure your potential talent. The board over there explains the talent levels and information on them," she explained.

-Red:

Implication: The individual has minimal talent and will struggle to progress.

-Orange:

Implication: The individual has some talent but will require significant effort and guidance to advance.

-Yellow:

Implication: The individual has average talent and can achieve a respectable level of cultivation with dedication.

-Green:

Implication: The individual has above-average talent and can progress with proper training.

-Blue:

Implication: The individual has significant talent and is likely to reach a high cultivation realm.

-Purple:

Implication: The individual has a rare talent.

-White: Implication: The individual has legendary talent, capable of reaching the highest realms of cultivation

Yuri watched as the first candidate approached the crystal. It pulsed with soft light, and as the candidate touched it, the light flared, revealing a spectrum of colors. The woman nodded, noting something on the paper in front of her.

'We won't be able to see each other's talent levels.' Yuri thought.

The process continued until it was eventually Yuri's turn. He stepped forward, his face void of any emotion. He placed his hand on the crystal, feeling a surge of energy course through him.

'Blue, not bad, I guess,' Yuri thought.

The woman made a note on the paper and looked at Yuri with a hint of approval. "Next," she called. Yuri walked down the steps and into one of the seats in the auditorium, waiting until everyone else was done.

Time went by as person after person got their talent checked, until eventually everyone finished.

Writing her last note on her paper, the woman looked towards the seated candidates in the crowd. "We'll now move on to skill evaluation. Follow me."

Yuri stood like everyone else and followed the woman through the halls of the academy. After walking for a while, they eventually ended up in a room. It was vast, with high ceilings and walls that pulsed with a strange energy. In the center, a large platform awaited.

After preparing the simulation machine, she started to brief the candidates. "This is a simulation room. When I say your name, step forward and enter," the instructor announced. "You will face a series of beasts and demonstrate your skill level. Don't worry, they're all going to be in the primary realm."

Yuri stood in line, waiting for his turn. He wasn't too worried about this test. He had spent two months fighting nothing but these creatures.

After waiting for a while, Yuri's name was finally called. He took a deep breath and stepped onto the platform. As the surrounding walls glowed brighter, the room shifted, transforming into a dense forest. The sounds of rustling leaves and chirping filled the air.

Yuri drew his sword, he felt a presence lunging towards him. Blocking the attack, Yuri jumped back and created some distance between himself and the beast. It was a shadow Panther.

The beast charged him once again. Yuri moved with practiced precision. He dodged its attack, rolling to the side as he slashed its neck. Turning towards the beast, he watched as it disintegrated into pixels.

As he was reflecting on the fight, his surroundings shifted. He found himself facing a new challenge. This time, it was two smaller beasts. They seemed more agile. Yuri couldn't remember their names, and he knew he hadn't faced them before, he was sure of it.

Forgetting their names, he focused on the fight in front of him. Yuri knew he was at a disadvantage. The two beasts darted around him, their movements almost a blur. One feinted, drawing Yuri's attention, while the other tried to catch him off guard. Before the agile creature could land its attack, Yuri's sword clashed against its sharp claws. As he had blocked, the beast that feinted lunged and grazed Yuri's arm. Both creatures then started circling Yuri, ready to time their next attack.

'So, they made it realistic. I can actually feel the pain.' Yuri thought as he took a deep breath and focused on their movements. He waited for the right moment, he watched as they circled him. When they both finally lunged simultaneously, Yuri moved with the utmost precision. He dodged the first attack and brought his sword down in a swift arc to sever the head of the first beast. The creature's body dissolved into nothing.

The second beast hesitated for a split second, giving Yuri the opening he needed. He swiftly appeared in front of the creature and thrust his sword right through its chest.

Relieved that it was over, Yuri stood ready for his next opponent. He was ready to fight and take their lives as well.