Aside from the unexpected visit from the Viscount and Instructor Rus growing brainwashing sessions, everything at the training camp proceeded without any major surprises or changes. However, as the days passed, tension in the air grew thicker. The two-month elimination exam was drawing near, and every student knew the stakes—give it your all as if there were no tomorrow, because for some, there really wouldn't be tomorrow. Training intensified, and discussions among students became rare. They all understood that soon, they would be each other's opponents.
Ryan couldn't help but feel anxious as the exam date approached. He had to face Bill in a death match, and Bill was an above-average performer in the class. No one knew the exact details of the exam yet, but it was confirmed that there would be a cultural test and a sparring session. The rest remained a mystery.
The only source of comfort for Ryan was the steady improvement of his Limitless Star, along with his increasing brain capacity and physical fitness. It wasn't much, but compared to an average teenager, it gave him a sliver of hope—the hope to survive.
One evening, after finishing their weapons training, Ryan and the other students were preparing to leave for dinner when they noticed something unusual. Head Instructor Oliver, who normally left on time, was still standing there, ready to make an announcement. The moment everyone saw him, they knew what he was about to say.
Once the students quieted down, Oliver began speaking.
"As you all know, the two-month elimination exam begins tomorrow. It will be completed in a single day, and I will now announce the list of tests. Listen carefully.
The first test will be the Athletics Exam, where we will assess your physical fitness, strength, and stamina through races, push-ups, pull-ups, and other exercises. Your performance will be ranked accordingly.
The second test will be the Cultural Exam.
The third test will be the Survival Exam. You will be left in a forest filled with dangerous animals, and your goal will be to reach the exit. Your ranking will be determined by the order in which you exit—whoever reaches the end first will be ranked first.
The final test will be the Sparring Exam, where opponents will be assigned randomly through a name draw.
And now, a little surprise…" Oliver's voice grew colder.
"If anyone dies during any of the exams, the number of required eliminations will decrease accordingly. For example, if five students were originally set to die, but one dies in the forest, only four more will be executed."
He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle in.
"That is all. Best of luck to you all."
With that, he left, and the students, burdened with heavy hearts, returned their weapons before leaving the training ground.
After hearing the exam details, Ryan's mind began racing.
"I can pass the Athletics Exam with above-average performance. The Cultural Exam should be easy—I'll likely score at the top. But the Survival Exam is a different story… Many students who fear being eliminated might resort to murder, especially since there will be no instructors watching over us. And no one would be foolish enough to flee the exam either, because if they did, the poison in their bodies would kill them in a month once their three-month survival time limit expired."
His thoughts shifted to the Sparring Exam.
"At least it's the last test. I have to pass the hurdle named Bill, either he die or me"
Ryan took a deep breath and muttered under his breath, "I have done my best in training, results can known tomorrow. I will gladly accept my fate for whatever to come ."