Assistant Supervisor:
Line up!!!
Your numbers will be drawn at random…
Damon……7….Haruka…18….Haruna…32…..Haiven….56…Ares…..83…..Hikari……194……Inoue…….284…….Pietro……347………Rita……..412……
A man who appeared to be in his mid-forties, with a powerful build, dark skin, and short black hair, stepped onto the platform and spoke:
“First, allow me to introduce myself.
I am Ryoma Masato, a mid-stage Hektar and a Marshal.
It is my honor to supervise you in the final examination of the prestigious Last Twilight Academy.
“Allow me to begin with a general explanation of the rules.
“The rules of the first test are simple.
You only need to reach the top of this hill.
“But first, you must choose which path you will take.
“There are four slopes—or, more accurately, four paths that differ in their shape and degree of incline.
“The first path resembles a staircase because of the large number of protrusions along it, which greatly facilitate movement and reduce the likelihood of losing your balance and falling.
“The second path has fewer protrusions, and so on, until we reach the fourth path, which appears to be completely smooth.
In fact, you can barely see any protrusions on it.
“But beware.
Each path differs in the number of traps it contains, as well as how clearly those traps can be detected, according to its difficulty.
“Also, only the first one hundred students from all four paths will be considered winners, and at least one person from each path will pass.
“In other words, even if all one hundred successful students come from only three paths, and then a student from the fourth path finishes afterward, the student who ranked one hundredth will be considered a failure, while the student who ranked first on the fourth path will pass. Unless the difference between their finishing times exceeds five minutes, in which case they will also be considered a failure!”
His tone grew sharper, and the aura surrounding him intensified slightly as he continued:
“And remember the most important rule.
“The use of Alketra, Yurvana, or Vira is strictly prohibited.
Any violation will result in immediate disqualification!!
“And because this is the most important rule, supervisors have been stationed along all four paths to monitor for any violations.
“Furthermore, I, in cooperation with His Excellency Marshal Asuka Tetsuya, have deployed massive reconnaissance techniques covering the entire arena, capable of detecting any violation.
Even the slightest increase in Alketra will result in your immediate disqualification, and you will lose your chance to join the army forever!
“At that point, even an appeal from the head of your noble clan will be worthless. Only a royal decree bearing an official seal can change your fate!”
He then smiled mockingly and said with derision:
“So, if you’re confident you can obtain one, cheat as much as you like.
“And now, let the selection begin!”
Haiven’s expression tightened as he spoke in disbelief:
“I understand that the rule prohibiting Yurvana and Vira is intended to ensure fairness by equalizing everyone’s chances, but even though I don’t possess Yurvana, I still believe that people should be allowed to make use of their talents.”
Ares:
“It wasn’t always like this.
In the past, there was no law prohibiting the use of Yurvana or Vira during the final examination.
“But as you know, at our current age, there are many people who still don’t possess Yurvana, including many members of noble clans and even the royal clan.
“And so, nearly two hundred years ago, many noble clans demanded the enactment of a law prohibiting the use of Yurvana and Vira during the final examinations of academies.
“Since the royal Silva Clan was the ruling clan at the time, and there was a shortage of military personnel due to its major expansion into the northern region, which was flourishing during that period, the royal Silva Clan agreed to form a committee to review the proposal.
“In the end, they established a law completely prohibiting the use of Yurvana and Vira during the final examination. In exchange, a later round was created at the end of the examination to evaluate individual abilities.”
Haiven stared at Ares in shock.
“Since when did you become such a diligent student of history?!”
Ares smiled somewhat helplessly.
“It seems that spending so many years with a history fanatic like you has affected me somehow.”
Haiven slapped Ares on the shoulder jokingly and laughed.
“Good choice of hobby, my friend. I see a brilliant future for you in the Royal Library.”
Ares:
“Why do I feel like I was forced into it…”
……………………..
Most of the students began gathering at the second and third paths, while only a few headed toward the first and fourth.
As Ares observed the scene, he thought:
Just as expected.
Most of the students were deceived by the supervisor’s words and headed toward the second and third paths.
What a truly vicious trick.
It makes the first path look like a blooming paradise, while hiding thorns within because of the sheer number of traps.
And it makes the fourth path look like a blazing hell with light shining within it because of the small number of traps.
Then it makes the second and third paths appear to be somewhere in between, so that everyone believes they are the best choices.
And although it is certain that many people noticed the trick, what idiot would risk the first test and wager their future on the first or fourth path?
Ares:
“Haiven, we’ll take the fourth path.”
Haiven narrowed his eyes slightly and asked:
“Why the fourth one in particular?”
Ares explained the trick to him.
Haiven smiled slightly.
“So you figured it out.”
He straightened, his expression tightening slightly, and spoke firmly:
“But what’s the point of this test if I don’t win it on my own merit?
“Ares!!
“It’s not as though I didn’t notice that trick.
The difference between us was determination!
“As punishment for this hesitation, I’ll take the second path, Ares!!”
Ares’s eyes gleamed with a fighting spirit, and he smiled.
“Then I’ll see you on the other side, my stubborn rival…”
The two of them then headed toward their respective paths.
Looking toward the students gathered before the gates of the four paths, the head supervisor, Ryoma Masato, spoke:
“Remember, anyone who is disqualified will lose their chance to join the army forever.
“This is your final opportunity to turn back. Remember, anyone who withdraws now will still have a chance next year.”
…
He swept his eyes across the crowd from right to left, finding nothing but expressions filled with determination.
He smiled proudly.
“No one…
“I salute your courage.
“And now, let the three-hundred-and-twenty-fourth final examination of the Last Twilight Academy begin!
Go!!!