The barrier flashed.

[Host has +2 Points. Current total: 12 Points.]

"TWENTY-TWO STUDENTS REMAINING!"

Just need to hang on a little longer. Just two more eliminations.

Another explosion, this time from Damion's direction. The protagonist had apparently gotten into a fight and had unleashed some kind of devastating technique that eliminated two opponents at once.

"TWENTY STUDENTS REMAINING! THE BATTLE ROYALE IS NOW CONCLUDED! ALL REMAINING STUDENTS, CEASE COMBAT IMMEDIATELY!"

A powerful wave of mana swept across the arena which was Professor Hendricks' way of enforcing the ceasefire. Lucas felt it wash over him, and suddenly his muscles locked up and refused to respond to his commands.

All around the arena, the twenty remaining students froze in place.

"Congratulations to those who made it through!" Hendricks' voice boomed. "You've all passed the first part of the combat examination. Take a moment to catch your breath. Healers will attend to your injuries, and then we'll proceed to Part Two: The Duels."

The paralysis released, and Lucas immediately dropped on his butt. His entire body was painful and felt like one giant bruise.

A team of academy healers rushed onto the field, moving between the remaining students. One of them, an older woman with kind eyes, approached Lucas.

"Goodness, child, what did you do to your hands?" she said, already casting healing magic. "It looks like you tried to fight the entire arena with your barehands."

"Just three people," Lucas said. "Plus a fire mage."

"That explains the burns then." She shook her head as warm, golden light flowed from her hands into Lucas's injured body. "You young people and your stubbornness."

The healing magic felt incredible. It didn't solve all his problems though. It only healed his wounds but he was still somewhat tired.

When the healer moved on to the next student, Lucas finally had a chance to look around and see who else had made it through.

Damion, of course had made it, he was the protagonist after all.

Zacard stood to one side and was casually cleaning his spear with a cloth he'd pulled from somewhere. Him getting through was also guaranteed.

Celeste and Lydia, had passed as well.

And thirteen others Lucas didn't know as well. They were mostly a mix of A-class and B-class students since S class students didn't have to participate in the exam.

In fact, out of everyone who passed aside for Lucas, Lydia and Celeste, there was only one student who wasn't in Class A or B who made it. It was someone Lucas knew really well.

It was Garrett Mills, his self proclaimed rival.

Professor Hendricks stepped onto the platform and a crystal board materialized behind him.

"These are your scores for the Battle Royale portion," he announced.

The board lit up with names and point totals:

1. Zacard Tosin - 42 Points

2. Damion Valorheart - 40 Points

3. Celeste Slevan - 28 Points

5. Althea Clarke - 20 Points

....

8. Lydia Astrolome - 14 Points

The list continued, with Lucas's name appearing near the middle:

11. Lucas Estellan - 12 Points

12. Gareth Mills - 10 Points

Not great, but not terrible either. He'd passed this part of the exam and that was the most important thing to him.

"These scores will carry forward to your final exam grade," Hendricks continued. "However, the duels in Part Two provide an opportunity to earn additional points and improve your standing."

A new display appeared on the crystal board, showing match-ups for the duels.

Lucas scanned the list until he found his name:

Lucas Estellan vs. Victor Stannard

"You've got two hours to rest and prepare," Hendricks said. "Eat something. Get more healing if you need it. The duels will begin promptly at 2 PM. Anyone who fails to appear for their match will be automatically disqualified from the entire examination. Are there any questions?"

Silence.

"Good. Dismissed."

The twenty remaining students began making their way out of the arena, some limping, others being supported by friends.

Lucas started walking toward the exit when a hand grabbed his shoulder.

He turned to find Lydia looking at him.

"That was impressive," she said. "Taking down Clarissa Tavn like that. Most people wouldn't have dared to do that to the fiancee of a duke's son."

"She shouldn't have come after me if she couldn't handle the smoke," Lucas replied.

"I guess, she shouldn't have." Lydia laughed and patted his shoulder.

Lucas could feel a cold glare on his back from across the room. It was Celeste.

Oh, god damnit.

Celeste had been so respectful and helpful in the past week that he had almost forgotten about her yandere tendencies.

It seemed Lydia could sense the stare too.

"Anyway, I just wanted to say... good luck in your duel. Victor Stannard is no pushover. He's an A class powerhouse and has already formed his core so be careful." She said before releasing his shoulder and walking away.

"Lucas! There you are!"

He turned to see Damion jogging toward him. Somehow, impossibly, the protagonist looked like he would love to go another three rounds of fighting.

"That was some good fighting out there," Damion said. "I especially liked the part where you charged straight through those fire spells. That took guts!"

"Or stupidity," Lucas said.

"Same thing sometimes!" Damion laughed. "Hey, a bunch of us are going to grab lunch before the duels start. Want to come?"

Lucas was about to reject the offer when his stomach growled loudly enough for both of them to hear.

Damion's grin widened. "I'll take that as a yes. Come on, Celeste and the others are waiting."

Lucas let himself be pulled along toward the dining hall because he was too tired to argue.

As they walked, began thinking about his next plans.

After this are the duels and after that, two days in the Arvsen Forest. From what little I've heard of the exam, it isn't usually so dangerous. It seems the Legion has really kicked the academy into overdrive.

They're going all out to get the students combat ready in case of a Legion attack.

Even after this exam, I've got Asmir's Keep to raid and then I'll possibly have to deal with Rayon Ylois and his halfbreed nonsense and potentially the two faced princess who I'm 79% sure is backing him.

All in all, it boils down to one thing. I need to get stronger, Much stronger. If I want to survive in this world, if I want to face the Legion, if I want to carve out my own destiny in this world.

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