Over the course of the first two weeks of January, the Academy had successfully transformed the majority of the first-year scholars into something that could be considered students.

This was accomplished in a relatively short period of time. Names had been memorized, a few lectures had been taught, and the tight framework of mandatory subjects had begun to wrap around them.

Some adapted immediately, while others took longer. In any case, they had fallen into the semester's rhythm. And now they were all imprisoned in the vast lecture hall, like livestock confined into quiet.

The space was enormous, almost erratically so. Tiered rows soaring in concentric arcs, tall enough to seat four hundred first-year students without ever feeling crowded.

Ruvian sat near the edge, third row from the back, back straight and expression relaxed. Not many knew what this was about. But as the editor of this novel, Ruvian did.

‘They’re about to give details about the Vazrun Island Test.’

That name had not been spoken in official channels yet. However, the timing was too good; the abrupt call for a general assembly, as well as the large number of instructors present, were most likely related to the announcement being dropped.

“That much was certain…”

And as Ruvian leaned forward slightly, he was already turning over the possibilities and recollection of what happened in the next arc in his mind.

The idle murmurs faded the moment the doors opened, conversations died immediately. Even the yawners straightened in their seats.

An academy instructor has entered.

Instructor Veliana Kareth. She moved with striking grace, her white uniform was pristine and strict. Blonde hair, tightly secured, outlined a pale face defined by the chilling assurance in her demeanour.

But it was her gaze that captivated the room. Deep red, as transparent as glass, and utterly inscrutable. She approached the podium without hesitation, her hands instinctively clasping behind her back in a formal posture.

When she spoke, her voice sliced through the hall: "Two weeks have flown by in the blink of an eye. I've been watching you. Your actions, your setbacks, and your decisions. Time slips by faster than anticipated, and before you know it, the semester will come to an end..."

She let the silence stretch for a breath, then continued. “Time, as some of you may now be learning, is not as generous as you assumed it to be. You all are now approaching the third week of your first year. That means the time for your test has arrived. In precisely three weeks, your initial significant assessment will commence.”

As she spoke, the massive manaboard behind her began to glow with a soft hum. Pale-blue light crawled across the surface before pulling together into a large, rotating projection of an island.

The holographic terrain shimmered into view—cliffs, ridges, dense forest patterns, elevation readings, glowing leyline currents... and at the center, bright and unmistakable, the name rose above it all.

[The Vazrun Island.]

A ripple ran through the room as everyone was starting to pay attention to the holographic projection.

“Vazrun Isle is one of several uninhabited islands under Velthia Academy’s jurisdiction. It serves as a controlled environment for practical assessments, ranging from survival training to live combat evaluations. Your upcoming expedition will take place here.”

A few chatters broke out, quickly silenced when the professor raised a hand. This text is hosted at novel~fire~net

“...The purpose of this expedition is simple: to assess your practical survival skills, combat abilities, adaptability, and teamwork under real-world conditions. Up until now, your training has been conducted in controlled environments, within the safety of the academy’s walls. And that will no longer be the case.”

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Ruvian watched as some students exchanged glances, some with excitement, others with apprehension. Professor Veliana pressed her fingers against the manaboard, and the display shifted again.

“To ensure fairness, you will not be participating alone. The academy has already organized your expedition parties, each composed of five scholars. And each party will include one scholar from each Class—A, B, C, D, and E.”

The moment the words left his lips, the atmosphere shifted. It was subtle, but Ruvian could sense it, the slight tension across the faces of those in the upper classes.

Class A and B scholars, the top-ranked students, visibly stiffened as realization settled in. They wouldn’t be paired only with their own elite peers. They would have to work alongside the lower classes.

Professor Veliana continued as if she hadn’t noticed the shift in energy. “These parties have been carefully structured by the academy’s higher administration. Each group is balanced according to combat ability, personal strengths, and potential synergy. The decision is final. You do not get to choose your teammates.”

‘Yup, there it is, the unspoken rule of Velthia Academy. It did not matter whether one is a noble or commoner. The academy would forge its students into anything by force if necessary.’

Ruvian remained still, his expression thoughtful.

This structure forced cooperation. It meant that even those at the bottom had a role to play. Ruvian exhaled quietly, tilting his head as he considered the implications.

He already knew how most of the higher-ranked students would react. There would be resentment from those in Class A, who would see this as a burden. The same for Class B. Perhaps even Class C.

‘To them, working with lower-ranked students meant carrying dead weight.’ His expression deepened.

He could already hear it in his mind. The dismissive sneers, the subtle irritation of his future teammates when they realized they had been saddled with a Class E scholar.

‘I hope I get a tolerable ally.’

Veliana raised a hand, and the manaboard shifted, unveiling the first list.

“Let's move on, now, I will announce your teams.”

Her voice rang clear, each name delivered with unshakable precision.

———Squad #1———

Julian Rozenberg (Class A)

Elias Vetrinel (Class B)

Dorian Lestair (Class C)

Marwen Theos (Class D)

Seth Holloway (Class E)

———Squad #2———

Caryla Arcanis (Class A)

Leyd Drexler (Class B)

Sorin Faustus (Class C)

Garrick Fenholt (Class D)

Odion Coss (Class E)

———Squad #3———

Loden Armand (Class A)

Rhett Varmina (Class B)

Endrick Bilock (Class C)

Wale Rhymes (Class D)

Violet (Class E)

———Squad #4———

Rosalin Varion (Class A)

Arrin Orello (Class B)

Talon Riger (Class C)

Freya (Class D)

Argus Wrenk (Class E)

———Squad #5———

Silvena D’Elvoire (Class A)

Neyla Qronm (Class B)

Diel Thorg (Class C)

Owen Sparro(Class D)

Corwin Dunley (Class E)

…

…

———Squad #69———

Yerin Solder (Class A)

Arlok Carnam (Class B)

Shima Lesla (Class C)

Horren Volc(Class D)

Ruvian Castelor (Class E)

Finally, his name came out.

‘There were 80 squads in total.’

The revelation of the expedition had caused a stir among the scholars, excitement and apprehension mixing in equal measure.

Her gaze swept across the gathered scholars, ensuring their attention before she continued.

“A list of permitted, recommended, and mandatory supplies will be provided to you shortly. You will be responsible for gathering your own equipment, so choose wisely. Any unauthorized items will be confiscated before departure.”

No doubt wondering what restrictions might be in place. Those from noble houses likely had entire arsenals at their disposal, but it seemed the academy intended to regulate what they could bring.

Which is a good thing they did.

Veliana continued, voice composed:

“The full briefing regarding the expedition will not take place here. Instead, it will be given during the voyage to Vazrun Isle. Until then, you are expected to continue attending your regular classes as scheduled.”

There were audible sighs, some relieved, some frustrated. A few scholars had likely hoped that preparations for the test would override their usual coursework.

“For those taking electives, be sure to check the First-Year Daily Board for your schedules. Adjustments have been made to accommodate this expedition.”

With that, she concluded, offering a final glance at the scholars before nodding.

“That's all. You are dismissed.”

Ruvian pushed himself up from the bench and joined the slow tide of students funneling out of the hall, drifting back toward their assigned classes as if nothing had changed.

The Vazrun Island arc had always been known as the starting point of chaos, and Ruvian planned to take full advantage of that.

He didn't want to play the hero. That role was already vacant. The story no longer had a clear leading actor to drag everyone toward salvation.

Which meant someone else had to take the reins.

If chaos was coming either way, then he might as well be the one to shape it.

“Since the world no longer had a protagonist to follow, then maybe it was his turn to step into the spotlight and go wild, I’ll make sure, the role fits him.” he said, barely amused.

PP= 2400

ME= 210