"Is the test starting now?!"

It was confusing, yet it made perfect sense. On the battlefield, you don’t get a chance to mentally or physically prepare for anything.

Danger can come from any direction at any moment—you just have to be ready to face it.

It seems like this is one of the downsides of an adventurer's broad privileges.

Of course, some of the kids immediately started questioning why the test had begun so suddenly. They were shouting at the top of their lungs, their faces twisted in frustration.

"Why do we have to go now? This makes no sense! Are you kidding me?!"

He barely paid them any attention, just laughing as he looked at their faces… thinking to himself, Since when do insects speak?

Before long, they started gathering into small groups. Naturally, weak teams survive by sticking together—moving alone would be suicide.

I was sitting at a distant table, avoiding interaction. Most of them would probably try to use me and toss me aside once I was no longer useful. Or worse, sacrifice me at the first opportunity to save their own skin.

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For now, I think moving alone is my best option…

As I was observing them, analyzing the situation, a young man approached me.

He had red eyes, matching red hair with a few black streaks, and was dressed in samurai-style clothing, a sword resting on his right hip.

"Hey there! Are you new?"

"I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t new."

"Want to join my squad? We’re missing a few members, and we’ll help each other out during the entrance test."

"No, thanks. I’ll go alone."

"You won’t make it. We all know the test is hard, and you’ll need us to succeed."

"I said, I’ll succeed."

He seemed a bit annoyed but eventually walked away. He looked about nineteen—probably a decent guy. Maybe he’d survive the test if he found the right people.

But judging by the girls around him… that didn’t seem like a good team at all.

We followed the test proctor to a forest outside the kingdom’s walls. The trees were towering, so massive that they seemed to pierce the sky itself

"Welcome to the Giant Spirit Tree Forest! This time, the test will be split into two parts. The first will be… a Battle Royale!"

The moment I heard those words, I immediately distanced myself from the crowd. Of course, this wouldn’t be easy. He wanted to weed out the weak—but without dirtying his own hands.

This was most likely just a way to thin the numbers. If they accepted this many people every test, it would become a problem for the kingdom.

Naturally, people started asking questions. Battle Royale? What does he mean? Are we supposed to fight each other? These thoughts rushed into their minds as they instinctively took defensive stances against those around them.

"Yes, you’re wondering why you have to fight each other… An adventurer must be wary of the people around them before worrying about the monsters in front of them."

Their thoughts were cut short by a piercing scream.

A girl stood among them, her chest split open, blood dripping onto the grass beneath her.

Someone had already drawn a dagger and made their move.

That was the spark that ignited the chaos.

Screams erupted, weapons clashed, and the sharp-minded ones immediately bolted into the jungle.

"Yes, dear adventurers! Best of luck to you all…"