(Elaine Vaelthorne's POV)
The morning air was crisp and charged with mana.
I stood at the edge of the vast testing grounds, gazing across the enormous field where thousands of students had gathered for the Academy Entrance Exam.
The sheer scale of it was overwhelming.
Aspiring hunters, warriors, and mages filled the area, their conversations buzzing with anticipation, tension, and excitement.
Some were stretching, checking their weapons.
Others stood in tight circles, forming temporary alliances.
And then there were those who stood alone, radiating a presence that made others hesitant to approach.
I didn't need to search long before I spotted a familiar figure moving gracefully through the crowd.
Golden blonde hair. Emrald-green eyes,Regal posture.
Her blue combat suit, issued by the academy, fit perfectly—accentuating her sharp, disciplined movements.
Princess Evelyn Aurelian.
My childhood and best friend.
A noble-born warrior carrying the blessing of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and War.
She noticed me instantly, a small smirk forming as she approached.
"Elaine," she greeted, her tone calm but sharp. "Are you ready for today?"
I met her gaze and nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be."
A soft laugh escaped her lips. "Good. I'd expect nothing less."
Before we could continue, another presence joined us.
Dark red hair. Pale silver eyes.
Dressed in a modified combat suit, with intricate black embroidery resembling arcane symbols.
Morganna Draven.
The daughter of a powerful duke and avatar of Hel, Goddess of Death.
Where Evelyn exuded discipline and leadership, Morganna's presence was eerie, almost otherworldly.
She smiled, her voice smooth. "Ah, how lovely. My two favorite people."
Evelyn rolled her eyes. "We both know you don't do favorites, Morganna."
Morganna let out a soft chuckle. "True. But I must admit, this exam is shaping up to be quite… fascinating."
I crossed my arms. "You mean because of the so many avatars in single exam?"
Her eyes glinted with amusement. "Yeah, that also includes."
She said. "You know people are calling this year, golden year."
Elaine raised an eyebrow "Golden year?"
Morgonna replied her expression full of amusement "This year more then dozens of people are chosen as avatar by different deities. Even more then chosen in past ten years."
Evalyn spoke " Like us."
" They say something big is coming and questioning reason behind plans of deities." Morgonna said.
The three of us stood slightly apart from the crowd, our conversation shifting to something far more important.
The gods.
Or rather—the constellations and deities who had chosen their champions.
Evelyn adjusted the straps on her combat suit.
"Athena choose me because" she said, voice steady." She wants me to lead, to act with reason and precision."
I nodded.
"The Moon Huntress chose me. To" I lifted my hand, channeling a small wisp of lunar energy that flickered before fading. "Protect, and to guide those who walk in the dark and help others, leting life flow in plants and animals."
Morganna smirked.
"And I?" she whispered. "I was chosen by Hel, Goddess of Death. Where you bring life, Elaine… I ensure it ends."
Evelyn gave her a disapproving look.
"You say that like you enjoy it," she muttered.
Morganna laughed. "Oh, darling, I do."
I sighed but didn't press further. Morganna had always been… eccentric.
But her power was undeniable.
I let my gaze sweep across the training ground, taking in the most dangerous individuals present.
"The competition this year is fierce," I murmured.
Evelyn nodded. "I've already spotted several prodigies."
Morganna tilted her head, intrigued. "Do tell."
We began listing names.
Sylara Ilthariel – The High Elven Princess, Avatar of Gaia. Her earth, nature and spirit magic made her an impenetrable fortress in battle.
The Vampire Twins – Lunara and Veylen Nightshade – Each wielding deadly control over shadows and blood, commanding supernatural speed and devastating magic.
Kieran Azurios, the Mermaid Prince – A direct descendant of Poseidon, his water magic and trident combat were nearly unmatched.
Rael Thunderfang, the Beastkin Prince – Chosen by Fenrir, his thunder-infused claw attacks and raw power made him a terrifying close-range fighter.
Dain Drakonis, the Dragonkin Prince – An arrogant warrior wielding dragon martial arts and fire magic, carrying the blessing of Agni, God of Fire.
Every single one of these people would be a major player in the future.
But there was one name I hadn't mentioned yet, nor Evelyn.
One that made my heart ache.
One that I couldn't ignore.
I took a deep breath before speaking.
"There's also… him."
Evelyn immediately knew who I meant.
Her expression tightened.
Morganna's eyes flickered with interest.
"Ah, yes," she mused. "The exiled heir of House Vaelthorne."
I clenched my fists. "Don't call him like that. He's still my brother."
Morganna gave me a sympathetic smile. "Of course, dear. But we can't ignore what's happened."
Evelyn sighed staring at morgonna as if asking her to shut up. "Elaine… don't be sad. He is Not gonna change because of some abyssal constellation's blessing. Even if he did I don't think he is beyond saving, you know right."
I looked away. "I know."
I didn't need the confirmation.
I had felt it the moment it happened.
When he rejected our goddess choosing unknown instead.
When the Moon Huntress turned away from him and chose me instead.
I had inherited the blessing meant for him.
And yet—
Even though he had chosen abyss, even though he had abandoned his noble heritage—
He was still Alistair.
Still my brother.
And despite everything, despite our paths diverging—
I refused to believe he was beyond saving.
***
A sudden horn blast echoed across the testing grounds.
Silence fell.
Thousands of students turned their attention forward as a towering figure stepped onto the elevated stage.
The Headmaster.
Magnus Everhart.
An S+ Rank warrior.
The strongest instructor in the academy.
His presence alone was enough to make the air heavy with pressure.
His gaze swept across the crowd.
And then—
He spoke.
"Welcome, future awakeneds."
"Your trial begins now."
The testing grounds fell into complete silence.
Headmaster Magnus Everhart stood before thousands of aspiring students, his sharp gray eyes surveying us like a predator scanning prey.
The sheer weight of his presence made even the most arrogant nobles stiffen.
This man was S+ Rank.
A warrior who had no divine blessing, yet stood among the strongest in the world through sheer mastery of mana and combat.
And right now, he was here to judge us.
Magnus's voice was calm, but carried across the entire field.
"The entrance exam is simple."
He raised his hand, and the ground beneath us rumbled.
Magic circles flared to life beneath every student, glowing with arcane energy.
"Survive. Conquer. Prove you belong here."
Before anyone could react—
The magic circles activated.
****
A Shift in Reality.
In the blink of an eye, everything changed.
One moment, I was standing in the open-air testing grounds—
The next, I was somewhere else entirely.
I landed on solid ground, my boots sinking slightly into damp soil.
Around me, towering black stone pillars stretched toward the sky, remnants of what seemed to be an ancient ruin overtaken by nature.
The air was thick with mana.
The wind carried the distant roars of beasts lurking beyond sight.
And scattered all across this landscape—
Thousands of students.
All of us had been dropped into a massive, open battlefield.
A glowing system notification appeared before my eyes.
Ding!
[Grand Arcanum Academy Entrance Exam – First Trial]
[Objective: Survive and collect points.]
[Duration: 24 Hours]
[Points are awarded for:]
– Defeating monsters (Low → High depending on rank)
– Defeating other examinees (+Stealing their points)
– Discovering hidden relics (+Bonus score)
– Holding strategic locations (+Defense points)
[The Top 230 scorers will advance.]
---
I clenched my fists.
So that's how they're doing it this year…
The exam wasn't just about killing monsters—it was a competition.
A race for survival and dominance.
And there were only 230 spots.
Which meant—
If someone didn't score enough?
They would be eliminated.
I glanced around, quickly spotting Evelyn and Morganna a short distance away.
Both had landed nearby.
That was good.
But something else was far more important.
Where Was He?
Alistair.
He had to be here.
Somewhere.
I turned, scanning the field, but the number of students was overwhelming.
Hundreds, maybe thousands, had been dropped in different locations.
Some were already forming alliances.
Others were wandering alone.
And some?
They were preparing to eliminate the competition early.
I exhaled slowly, steadying myself.
Focus, Elaine.
First, survive. Then, find him.
I refused to let this academy turn us into enemies.
A distant roar shattered the silence.
Massive shapes emerged from the dense ruins ahead.
The first wave of monsters had arrived.
TO BE CONTINUE...