Meanwhile, hearty laughter came from a manor in the capital.
“Leader, these examinees are putting their all into these exams. They’re slapping us in the face with their performances,” an older man holding a set of documents said to question Pu’er, BT006’s leader.
“If there are such talented examinees yearly, my old face will deteriorate.” Pu’er spread his hands and acted as if he did not care. Then he looked at Moss fighting the Magical Beasts and asked smilingly, “Do you guys feel something special about that knight?”
“Indeed, he reminds me of an old friend of ours. Still, there’s a gap between the knight’s Absolute Defense and our old friend. To be precise, this kid’s Absolute Defense skill is still somewhat lacking,” an older man opposite Pu’er smilingly said as he nodded.
“He’s pretty talented for a 16-year-old. Absolute Defense can last for 1 minute, which is excellent, but the cooldown time is a little long. However, this kid has a bright future ahead of him.”
“That kid is no ordinary knight. It’s most likely the result of his class evolution. I just don’t know what kind of lucky coincidences he has encountered. Since I am still interested, I want to understand if an opportunity arises.”
The others also joined the discussion with great interest.
“The other examinees are impressive too. I’m just looking forward to tomorrow’s additional test,” Pu’er smilingly said as his eyes sparkled.”
“Indeed, the spiritual power and beast taming exams should be fascinating.” An older man rubbed his hands together, his eyes full of anticipation.
“Leader Pu’er, the two additional exams are crucial to the examinees’ future growth, so I suggest we inform the top 10 institutes that any student who wants to attend their schools must first participate in these two exams.”
“But it’s two out of three.”
“Then we will test the examinees well, so we won’t have to worry too much.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll go make a call right now.” Pu’er laughed as he stood up and left.
…
The following day, much fewer examinees appeared to take the additional exams. After all, only a limited number of students could attend the top 120 institutes.
At that moment, Moss and the Guardians had just arrived at the exam area. They were walking and chatting when a staff member stopped them. “Students, please register yourselves here.”
“W-Why must we register? We already registered for the college entrance exams,” Alan asked in puzzlement as he tilted his head.
“According to the top 10 institutes’ requirements, any examinee who wishes to attend their institutes must take the three additional exams during this year’s college entrance exams,” the staff member patiently explained.
He even showed Alan the documents with a red seal from the top ten institutes as he spoke.
“How can they change the rules so easily? I spent plenty of effort picking two institutes.” Alan looked troubled.
“Alan, didn’t you tame a beast before? If you’ve put in a lot of effort, why do you have more energy than us?” Baylon said unhappily.
“Sir, I don’t have any tamed beasts either. What should I do?”
“You can register if you don’t have a tame beast. Then you can sign your name on the form after voluntarily giving up.” The staff member pointed at the form on the table as he spoke.
There was a long line at the form-filling office. After Moss and Mill registered themselves in the top ten institute registration forms, they walked toward the exam area.
“Moss, which test will you take first?” Mill asked in a low voice. Her smile exuded sweetness.
“I’d better take the spiritual power test first. I heard it’s quite challenging,” Moss smilingly said as he pointed at the spiritual power test area.
“Then I’ll go with you! I also think getting the tougher tests out of the way as soon as possible is better,” Mill said as she strode straight to the test area.
“Huh? Why is she in such a hurry?” Moss muttered and quickly followed suit.
Entering the test area, Moss saw strange machines and an examiner in each transparent room.
“There are so many cameras here,” Mill muttered as she frowned.
Moss pointed at the right side of the room and said, “The audience can see our performance through this.” There was a 10-foot-tall screen in the corner of the room. “Look at that. We can watch the other examinees’ performances through the screen while we wait for our turn.”
Then an announcement sounded from the room, “Examinees 024 and 025, please enter the exam area. Examinees 026, Moss, and 027, Mill, get ready.”
Mill shook when she heard her name. She patted her chest a few times and took a few deep breaths.
“Don’t be nervous. I will cheer you on.” Moss looked at Mill comfortingly.
As soon as he finished speaking, a familiar voice sounded behind him, “You’re finally here! It’s your turn soon, so you have to work hard!”
Moss did not need to look to know it was Alan and the others. He gathered the Guardians and suggested, “For this test, I suggest you refer to our training during the elite training program. Before the test, you should recall what our instructors taught us to stimulate your spiritual power.”
Another announcement sounded as he spoke. Moss and Mill entered the test area together. A moment later, the words “Level 5” appeared on the LED panel outside Mill’s test area. The other three Guardians immediately cheered when they saw it.
“I heard level 5 is very high among high school students!”
“Yeah, most high schoolers are only at level 3 to 5, while college students can reach level 6 to 8.”
“She has almost caught up to college students then. Mill’s spiritual power should have improved exponentially since the elite training program.”
Alan, Bass, and Baylon could not help but worry when they saw Mill proceeding with her next test while Moss got held up at the first test.
“Is the test that tough?”
“Yeah, is Moss having trouble?”
“Blah, blah, blah! Let’s stop the unpleasant thoughts now.”
The trio was getting increasingly anxious when the LED panel outside Moss’s test area showed the words “Level 7.”
Moss’s results not only sparked the atmosphere in the test area but also in the audience’s stands.
“Did I just see level 7 outside Moss’s test area?!”
“I-It’s true!”
“He’s already at a college student level! That’s ridiculous!”
“Based on that, the top three institutes will be fighting for Moss to attend their institutes!”
“Hey, there’s a commotion among the examiners in Moss’s test area!”