The examiner’s eyebrows moved ever so slightly upwards for a mere fraction of a moment, then returned to his stony expression as if even the Tyrant Gorilla couldn't move it the tiniest bit.
“You have finished your exam with 37 hours and 19 minutes left. Hand over your trophies for inspection to ensure you did not take them off a monster already claimed by another contestant. Should you pass, the two of you will be tied for second quickest to finish the exam.”
We handed over the trophies we got – the Tyrant Gorilla’s pelt for me and whatever cracked chitin plates we managed to pick up or pry from the beetle’s carcass for Durreg, including the intact horn. The examiner walked away to a nearby building to conduct the inspection; probably using a magic tool or spell of some sort.
“I thought we would be here first… Who could have possibly beaten us, and what did they hunt?” Durreg asked me.
“I don’t know, but we’ll find out soon enough anyways. I’d like to meet them and see what they’re like. More importantly–” I said, trembling in excitement, “–I can’t wait to get home and figure out what evolutions and class opportunities I got!”
The fight with the Tyrant Gorilla gave me enough experience to reach the maximum level for the Draco Sapiens evolution, and it unlocked a few new class options for me!
“Yes, I got that impression the first 37 times you said that.” He said, rolling his eyes.
I could tell he was just as excited as I was about it, if not more, the hypocrite.
“It’s a shame I only just evolved and got my class half a month ago, or we’d be waiting for my improvements as well.”
The examiner was walking back to us, our trophies in each hand and properly bagged this time.
“There are no issues with your trophies. By the authority granted to me by Headmaster Iltani, I am officially passing you through the entrance exam. Welcome to the Hall of the Elites, freshmen.” The examiner finally cracked the smallest hint of a smile.
I couldn’t resist it anymore, so I asked the examiner the burning questions on my mind.
“Can you tell us who beat us for first place, and what they hunted? Also, what happens to adventurers who get lost or run out of time?”
The examiner remained quiet for a moment, then put his hands behind his back as he answered.
“The first to complete the exam is Freshman Anbu. He successfully hunted the Rank B monster Abyssal Megalodon, which is found in the waters of the second layer. That monster, like the Abyssal Tyrant Gorilla you hunted and the Abyssal Quetzalcoatl, is one of the three Apex Predators of the second layer. As for the adventurers who fail due to time restrictions, getting lost, or being overwhelmed by monsters, they are to be rescued by the senior student from the Hall assigned to them. Given the chaotic nature of the layer though, their safety is not guaranteed. If and when you become seniors in your time at the Hall, you will also be assigned to watch over the examinees of the entrance exam and rescue them when needed, alongside your duties of evaluating them. Naturally, those who need aid fail the exam.”
The examiner’s eyes then narrowed considerably towards us.
“Of course, the only reason I am telling you this is that you two passed the exam and are expected to commit to this duty in the future. If I hear talk about the existence of this layer of insurance, there will be consequences, and expulsion from the Academy will be the least of them. Are we clear on that?”
The two of us nodded, then the examiner relaxed.
“Now that we’re done here, the two of you should go to the dorm. Everyone who finishes their exam, regardless of the result, goes to wait for the rest. You can enjoy your quarters, refreshments, and the company of other examinees until the duration of the exam is concluded.”
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He then turned around and walked away towards the entrance to the first layer, waiting for the next examinee to come back with their trophy.
“Looks like you’re going to get what you wished for rather soon, Kiara.” Durreg said, walking towards the dorms.
Hopefully we can meet this Anbu soon enough.
***
As we approached the academy outpost near the dungeon’s entrance, we saw a bunch of blocky one-story buildings, seemingly erected by earth magic, with the exception of a three-story building that had the words ‘DORMITORY’ written on it in big, plain, easy-to-read letters. As we reached the doors and swung them open, we found a surprisingly luxurious lobby waiting for us. Unlike the rugged exterior, the interior was covered with square ceramic tiles. The walls were painted and decorated with a few flowerpots and paintings. Standing in front of a painting and staring at it with a dispassionate frown was the same man that the examiner was yelling at during the beginning of the exam.
Now that I am taking a closer look at him, he seems like a completely ordinary adventurer with sub-par gear. Attached to his hips were a short spear and a buckler, as well as what seems to be a wand. Or a tree branch; his gear looks like the bottom of the barrel stuff. In his hands were bags containing razor sharp teeth that were covered with serrated edges, each about as large as my thumb.
“Hello. My name is Durreg, and this is my cousin, Kiara. We finished the exam in second place, and it seems that you took the first place. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?” Durreg smiled politely with a hand extended towards Anbu.
Anbu turned to face us, and stared at Durreg’s outstretched hand for a few moments, then looked towards us again.
“I am sorry, my hands are full, so I cannot shake your hand.”
I giggled, and Durreg gave me the dirtiest look he could for a moment before turning back towards Anbu and retracting his hand.
“My apologies, friend. I wasn’t being considerate.”
“Yeah, you weren’t. The guy’s carrying monster loot more valuable than many adventurers will see in their entire lives and you want him to lay it down for a handshake.” I scoffed.
Durreg’s eyebrows twitched again.
“Kiara, this is not the time for you to act like a child. You need to learn how to greet others prop–”
“yOu NeEd To LeArN tO gReEt OtHeRs PrOpErLy, oh get over yourself, Durreg. You’re not older than me by so much as a month so don’t you dare act like you’re my dad.”
Durreg finally snapped and the two of us started to bicker yet again, as Anbu watched us silently. Soon enough, we settled down and remembered that Anbu was right next to us. Durreg blushed in embarrassment.
“I am sorry you had to see such behavior from us; I hope we didn’t offend you with that shameful display.”
Anbu looked at us with his neutral expression – something I am beginning to suspect he does a lot – then spoke again.
“You haven’t offended me. On the contrary, I think that the two of you are good people. However, let me give you a word of advice. I suggest that the two of you cease any association with me. If others see you speaking to me, you may become outcasts in the academy. Even the instructors may show prejudice against you.”
He then turned around and walked away towards the stairwell, likely heading to his own room.
“I am happy to meet the two of you. My name is Anbu. I hope that you get what you are looking for in the Academy. For those reasons, I hope that our future encounters are limited.”
Leaving us with these words, he disappeared from view. Puzzled by Anbu’s behavior, a silence fell over us as we digested his words.
“What a strange fellow. What would it take for someone to be hated so much that mere association with them could bring consequences?” Durreg wondered.
“I don’t know, and I don’t care. It irks me that the guy just gave up on trying to speak to anyone because some people don’t like him, and it irks me even more that this guy decided on his own that we shouldn’t talk to him because other people won’t like it.” I huffed.
“Well, he clearly has a history if he’s saying things like that. I suspect he’s talking from personal experience.”
“Yeah, well I don’t care who says what. I talk to whoever I want, whenever I want, for whatever reason. Anyone who doesn’t like it can pull my boot out of the rear. Once I get another one, anyway.” I said, staring at my bare feet and mangled pants.
“I get the feeling that you’re going to drag us into yet another mess. Don’t worry, I know better than to try and argue some sense into you.” Durreg sighed, then turned to the painting that Anbu was staring at.
On the painting was a man in shining gold armor, with golden hair, and golden eyes. He carried a large golden spear with a golden banner attached to it, which he pointed to the sky as its point reflected the glimmer of a golden sun; the light shining on famished peasants that were covered in dirt. On the placard beneath the painting, there was a description and title for it.
Descent of God-King Katu
This painting portrays the arrival of the God of Heroes to the lands of Kengir, founding the glorious Kingdom of Heroes and bringing salvation to the land.