An announcement echoed through the area: 'Dear Candidates, there is 1 hour remaining until the Exam begins. Please do not leave the examination area! And ensure your documents are ready. For exam verification, please proceed to the Entrance Counter.'
Hearing the announcement, young Berwick slowly began walking towards the counter verification area. He observed the myriad participants around him – a diverse crowd ranging from old to young, Orcs to Dwarves, the confident to the apprehensive. Everyone had gathered for the Exam.Berwick took a moment to compose himself before joining the long queue forming at the counter.
The counter official made another loud announcement: 'Do not forget to take out your entry documents and Biological IDs! The Exam may consist of teams of 1-4 members! If you belong to a team, please state this when you reach the counter!'
Berwick took out his entry document and biological ID. He found himself staring at the photograph on his ID for a long moment. He reflected on the change: the photo showed a more cheerful, younger version of himself, whereas now his face held a seriousness and a mature solidity etched by his experiences."Wow, is that you in this photo?"
Berwick flinched slightly at the sudden voice. He turned to see a white, long-haired, blue-eyed boy who had somehow appeared right beside him. Berwick was surprised – how had the boy approached so stealthily without him noticing?
"Uh, yes… My former self," Berwick replied.
The boy expressed amazement again. "Wow, you don't look alike at all! Was this like, your childhood or something?"Berwick turned fully towards the boy. "Sort of. We could call it my state before training."
"Training?" The young man burst out laughing. Berwick thought internally, 'What an irritating type,' yet, strangely, he also felt a sense of trust and ease emanating from the boy.The young man extended his hand towards Berwick. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Alchio Zex. Just Alchio is fine."
Berwick slowly nodded and shook the offered hand. "Berwick… Nichiyobi Berwick."
Alchio's eyes widened in astonishment, and he shouted, "Nichiyobi?! The lineage of the famous Kurosaki Nichiyobi-?!"Before the curious gazes of the surrounding crowd could fixate on him, Berwick quickly covered Alchio's mouth, clearly disturbed by the outburst. "SHH! Be a little quieter!"
Alchio pulled away from Berwick's hand, still looking stunned. He lowered his voice, continuing excitedly, "But how can I be quiet? There's a Nichiyobi standing right in front of me!"
Berwick looked at Alchio with a serious and stern expression. His firm posture seemed to slightly intimidate the other boy. "Listen to me, Alchio. I don't particularly appreciate discussing my family, so could you please not bring this topic up?"
Alchio seemed to grasp the situation. His expression fell slightly, but he nodded seriously in agreement. "Uh, sorry… coughs Anyway, I was going to say, would you team up with m-"Before Alchio could finish, Berwick had already stepped forward and joined the queue.
"H-hey! You could at least listen!" Alchio quickly moved up beside Berwick, continuing in a whisper. "Psst… Hey! Team up with m-". "Not interested," Berwick cut him off flatly.
Alchio looked surprised. "What? But I heard the exam will be difficult! Besides, I'm strong, I can cover your ba-"Berwick interrupted him again without hesitation, clearly dismissing the offer. "If you're strong, then you can handle it alone, right?" He continued moving forward in the line.
Alchio was visibly annoyed but showed no sign of giving up. "Maybe! But sometimes even the strong need help, don't you agree?"It was now Berwick's turn at the counter. He took a deep breath and glanced back at Alchio, who was waiting eagerly for a final answer. "Listen to me. I don't work with anyone… The reason isn't arrogance or conceit. It's just a personal principle, understand?"
The official called out, 'Next!'
Alchio stared for a moment, then sighed in resignation. "Alright, I understand… In that case, I wish you success in the Exam."
Berwick gave a slight nod. "Thank you… I wish you success too."
'Next! Are you going to check in or what?!' the official prompted impatiently. Berwick turned forward, presented his entry document and biological ID to the reception, and proceeded into the Exam area.
Inside the designated area, young Berwick found a bench and sat down to make his final preparations. He put on the ring Master Tomo had given him. He checked the contents of the dimensional bag from Master Takeshi: a steel sword, some rations, potions, and a compass. Closing his eyes, Berwick focused, trying to recall the details of his Masters' conversation about the Exam.
One day before the Exam…
Having successfully completed all his training regimens, young Berwick felt a sense of freedom, yet he was buzzing with excitement and nervousness about the main exam still to come.Masters Tomo, Takeshi, and Kane were celebrating his achievement by throwing a small party for him. They were feasting and drinking, but questions still weighed on Berwick's mind. He turned to his mentors.
"Masters," he began, "I've asked this before, but you said you could answer after my training was complete. What is the purpose of the Exam? What does it involve, and why did I have to endure such rigorous training?"
Kane let out a deep sigh and started to explain. "Son, if we had told you earlier, perhaps you wouldn't have wanted to get involved in these matters at all… But since you've persevered, come this far, endured, strived, and achieved what you set out to do, we owe you the answer."
Tomo interjected pointedly. "Berwick, there is no such thing as failing this exam."Berwick looked at Tomo, confused. "What do you mean?"
Takeshi chimed in, prompting him. "Don't you understand? In an exam you cannot fail, what could possibly be the worst outcome?"Berwick considered this. The implication was stark. The only answer was death.
"So," Berwick ventured, "is it sort of like the Hunger Games or something?"
Kane chuckled. "The failing part, yes, but not quite like that, son. Listen up." He placed a chair backward in front of Berwick and sat down, leaning forward. "Exactly one thousand candidates will enter the Exam. The core concept is this: you'll be divided into 4 basic groups. Each group will be sent into different dungeon-like locations prepared by us in different universes. To pass the Exam, you will have two options."
Tomo took a sip of his beer, his eyes on Berwick. "Either destroy the Main Light Essences, which are located in specific places within the dungeon, or defeat the Dungeon Guardian – taking down regular enemies won't be enough. You have no other choices besides these two."
Takeshi added the crucial constraint, "And you have a limited time: exactly 3 days. If neither of these conditions is met within those 3 days…" Takeshi made a pushing motion with his hand, like pressing a button. "…it's as if a button is pressed, and that entire dimension will be erased, along with everyone still inside."
Berwick was visibly surprised and felt a wave of unease. However, remembering his past and his current resolve, he quickly composed himself. "Honestly," he said steadily, "I wouldn't even mind dying. Death doesn't scare me much. I'm practically at rock bottom in life anyway, just starting the climb back up." He silently reminded himself he had already faced death once before.
Kane nodded, apparently pleased. "I like your resolve, son! Don't worry. Even in your current state, you easily possess the power level of a 2 or 3-star Guardian. That represents immense potential for someone just entering this exam. Besides," Kane added with a grin, "are we just sitting around twiddling our thumbs here?! What did you think, that we were preparing you for some flimsy, insignificant test?!"
Berwick allowed himself a small chuckle.
Kane continued, "Also, be aware: everything except mass slaughter will be permitted within the exam. And everything that happens will be broadcast live across all universes, just like watching a major inter-universal sports match. We'll be watching you, son. Now, go and get some rest."
Return to the Present Exam Area…
Another announcement sounded: 'Valued Candidates, there are 15 minutes remaining until the start of our Exam. Please proceed to the area designated for your assigned groups and make your final preparations.'
Berwick stood up and stretched. He thought to himself, 'Someone will inevitably find a loophole in this exam. Thanks to my ability to read body language and detect lies, I can figure this out easily. Being alone is the best strategy for now. Even if I teamed up with good people, they would likely hold me back, preventing me from swimming in dangerous waters when necessary.'
He muttered aloud, "Alright then… Let's go." Berwick walked towards the waiting area designated for Group 3. He scanned the crowd briefly. Alchio caught his eye, waving cheerfully towards him, but Berwick deliberately ignored him.After a short wait, the giant screen positioned above the area flickered to life, displaying the face of the Proctor overseeing this examination site.
'Esteemed Guardian Candidates! Welcome, all!' The Proctor greeted them with enthusiasm. The assembled candidates responded with applause, whistles, and cheers.
'I see you are all burning with anticipation for the exam… Excellent… Excellent!' the Proctor continued. 'Now, with your permission, I shall explain the exam procedures! All 4 groups will be randomly teleported into different, specially prepared dungeons! Be aware, a dungeon might manifest as a labyrinth, a vast terrain, or even an entire city! Each individual candidate will be teleported to a unique, random location! Teams, however, will be teleported together to the same starting point! As for your objective! You will have 2 distinct objectives!'
Berwick thought, 'Of course, it's either defeat the main essence or the dungeon guardi-'
'Your objectives are: Either defeat the designated Dungeon Guardian, OR fight until only one team remains standing!'Berwick froze, staring at the screen in shock and disbelief. This directly contradicted what his Masters had told him.
The Proctor continued, 'Combat outside of designated teams is permitted, and measures taken for personal protection will be tolerated! Failure awaits those who cannot adapt!'A wave of murmurs and anxious chatter spread through the candidates. They looked around at each other, confusion and fear dawning on their faces.
'Furthermore,' the Proctor added sternly, 'you have only 24 hours! If neither of these two conditions – the defeat of the Guardian or the emergence of a single victorious team – is met within 24 hours, the exam will conclude in failure for all remaining participants!'This final announcement sparked open protest. Some candidates shouted in anger, others cursed, and a few even demanded to withdraw from the exam immediately.
Ignoring the commotion, the Proctor concluded, 'I wish you all heartfelt success!'
As the Proctor finished speaking, a swirling portal opened in the ground beneath their feet. With cries of surprise and fear, everyone plummeted downwards, entering the Exam Labyrinth.
Berwick opened his eyes to find himself in near darkness. The only illumination came from the faint, ambient glow of colorful crystals embedded randomly in the ceiling, floor, and walls around him. He muttered a simple incantation, and a soft light emanated from his hand, allowing him to see better. The place resembled a vast, natural cave system. He recalled the books on different universes he had studied during Master Tomo's training. This was likely one of the regions belonging to the 'Gem Kingdom'. Given the exam area's 30km radius, all 250 participants were probably scattered randomly throughout this massive cave.
Berwick immediately began analyzing the situation. "Okay, 250 people total. In a 30km radius, the probability of randomly encountering another person should be around six percent. Assuming the dungeon guardian is also randomly placed, the odds of finding it are similarly low. The fact that the 'main essence' objective is gone is problematic. Hopefully, I can avoid unnecessary conflict and locate the guardian quickly—"
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a girl's scream, echoing from roughly 200 meters away. His first instinct was that it might be a trap. However, his conscience pricked him, and he decided to investigate, albeit cautiously.
Berwick activated his Wind Steps magic, blurring into motion. He reached the source of the scream quickly. He saw a girl backed against a cave wall, clutching an injured shoulder. She was swinging her sword wildly, almost thoughtlessly, at a hulking creature – a Stone Eater. Its hide, like thick rock armor, easily deflected her frantic attacks.
The Stone Eater let out a guttural roar and lunged towards the terrified girl. Just as it was about to strike, Berwick dropped down from an overhang above. He landed a single, powerful punch directly onto the creature. The impact shattered its rocky exterior, and the Stone Eater collapsed, effectively pulverized.
The girl stared at Berwick, eyes wide with shock. He started to approach her slowly, but she reacted instantly, pointing her sword at him fearfully. Understandable, he supposed, since killing competitors was permitted.
Berwick raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Calm down. I came to help."
"Help?" she questioned suspiciously. "How do I know you won't just kill me later? There are plenty of psychos like that in these exams!"
Berwick replied drily, "Believe me, if I were that kind of psycho, I'd rather have let the monster finish off a foolish girl like you than bother killing you myself. Now, are you going to lower the sword, or shall I leave you to your fate?"
The girl glared at him, looking both offended and annoyed, but after a moment, she reluctantly lowered her weapon. Berwick walked closer. Her shoulder wound wasn't very deep. He performed a level 2 healing spell. The girl's skin knitted back together, the wound closing rapidly, though a faint scar remained.
"This is all I can do for now, but it'll suffice," Berwick stated. "You can get it properly treated at the infirmary after the exam is over."
"Uh… Thank you," the girl mumbled, looking somewhat ashamed and regretful now. Berwick noted her pink hair and purple eyes; they reminded him faintly of someone, though he couldn't place who.
"You're welcome," Berwick said curtly. "Anyway, I should be going." He stood up to leave.
The girl looked surprised and suddenly worried. "A Guardian awaits m-" she started, perhaps referring to the Dungeon Guardian.
"Wait!" the girl exclaimed. "Please take me with you!"
Berwick paused and shot her an evaluating look. "Why should I? I healed your wound. You seem capable enough to move on your own now."
"But I'll die out here alone!" she protested. "Would you really want to abandon a young and beautiful girl like me in a place like this?"
Berwick raised an eyebrow. "Why should I trust someone who immediately pulled a sword on me, even after I saved her life, and who seems more prone to pouting than thinking? How do I know you won't just stab me in the back the first chance you get?"
The girl hesitated, then met his gaze earnestly. "My older sister… she's a Guardian. I aspire to be like her. Even if I contemplated doing something so treacherous, I couldn't bring myself to stain my sister's honor."
Berwick studied her face and posture. Her body language seemed genuine; she wasn't lying. He let out a small sigh and started walking down the path again. "Alright, you can come. But if you slow me down, I will leave you behind. Understand?"
The girl's face lit up with excitement and relief. She nodded eagerly and quickly fell into step behind Berwick.
The two started moving through the cave together. The environment was eerily quiet, broken only by the sound of their footsteps. Berwick remained hyper-focused, scanning his surroundings constantly.
"Your conversation skills are really engaging, you know," the girl remarked sarcastically after a period of silence, clearly feeling the tension.
"I don't particularly like chatting when I'm focused," Berwick replied without looking back. "But if it will make you feel better, fine, let's talk. What's your name?" He continued walking, his eyes constantly moving, scouting the path ahead and planning a potential route.
"Akemi…" the girl answered, moving a little closer to him. "What's your name?"
"Berwick." He remained vigilant, the gravity of the situation leaving no room for relaxation.
"How old are you?" Akemi asked.
"I turned 18 two days ago. How old are you?" Berwick's counter-question seemed to annoy Akemi.
"You don't ask a lady her age! Haven't you ever been taught basic manners?" she retorted, adjusting her grip on her sword hilt while checking the arrows in her quiver.
"I'm not really in a position to debate etiquette right now," Berwick said dismissively. "Besides, I believe in gender equality, especially among potential Guardians. Let's just say I asked in case our paths cross again in the future."
Akemi sighed dramatically. "Really?! Ugh… sighs Fine. I'm 17."
"Hm, younger than me," Berwick noted absently.
After navigating more of the rugged cave paths, they emerged into a significantly wider cavern. This area was noticeably brighter than the tunnels they had just left. Berwick held up a hand, signaling Akemi to stop and be silent. He carefully scanned the large open space.
"Hey, wha-" Akemi started to whisper, but trailed off worriedly as Berwick suddenly crouched and leaped down from their ledge into the area below.
Berwick had spotted someone fighting further ahead. He moved swiftly towards the skirmish. He saw a scrawny individual desperately fending off multiple monsters. The fighter wielded daggers and moved with impressive agility, skillfully dodging the creatures' attacks despite their seemingly frail physique. Berwick was momentarily impressed. However, the fighter's own attacks were clearly too weak, having little effect on the monsters.
Not wasting a second, Berwick enhanced his speed with wind magic. He leaped into the fray beside the struggling fighter. Focusing his ether, he struck the nearest Stone Eater, shattering its face. He instantly spun, deflecting another monster's attack, then slammed his hand on the ground, casting a liquefaction spell that turned the cave floor beneath a third creature into sludge. Simultaneously drawing his steel sword from his magic pouch, he sliced the immobilized Stone Eater cleanly in half as if it were paper.
A Gem Hound lunged at Berwick from behind, but before it could reach him, an arrow whistled through the air and pinned the beast to the ground. Berwick glanced towards the source of the shot – Akemi, positioned on the ledge above – and gave her a curt nod of thanks. He then turned his attention to the scrawny fighter he had just aided.
"Are you okay?" Berwick asked.
The fighter carefully sheathed their daggers. Akemi jumped down from the ledge and joined Berwick's side.
"Yes… Phew," the fighter breathed out, relieved. "For a moment there, I thought I was dead. Thank you." They bowed deeply in gratitude.
"No need to be so formal," Berwick said. "Also, are you quite sure you want to sheathe your daggers already?"
The fighter looked up, surprised, first at Berwick, then down at their now-sheathed weapons. "Well, I don't sense any immediate danger right now." They looked back at Berwick.
"But we could be the danger," Berwick pointed out logically. "Is it really wise to stand so defenseless in front of complete strangers in a situation like this?"
The fighter tilted their head slightly. "Why would you think that? If you intended to attack me, I would assume you'd have done so when I was vulnerable during the fight. Besides," they continued calmly, "while my combat skills might be lacking in power, I excel in evasion and tactical awareness. So much so, that even revealing this vulnerability to you doesn't significantly weaken my position. Therefore, even if you did choose to attack now, I would most likely survive."
Berwick glanced pointedly at Akemi. "Unfortunately," he commented, "some people around here can't seem to grasp basic threat assessment. They'll jump at your head even moments after you save their life."
Akemi crossed her arms, pouting, and turned her head away pointedly.
Berwick turned back to the fighter. "But I must admit, I'm impressed. Thanks for being straightforward, uh…" He extended his hand.
"My name is Hyogaki. Hyogaki Kenichi." Hyogaki took Berwick's hand and shook it firmly.
"Berwick. Nichiyobi Berwick."
As soon as Hyogaki heard the surname, Akemi gasped beside Berwick, looking utterly shocked. She rushed closer. "W-What?! Nichiyobi?! You're from the Nichiyobi Line?! Why didn't you tell me?!"
Berwick looked at her, surprised by her reaction. "Why would I tell someone as untrustworthy as you? Besides, what is with this constant reaction? Isn't there anyone in the multiverse who doesn't recognize my family name?"
Akemi stamped her foot. "Ugh! Stop messing around already… Fine! If you demand proof of trust before you offer yours, then I'll tell you my surname too, and we'll be even! It's Akemi Hasegawa. Are you happy now?!"
Berwick's expression shifted slightly; genuine interest flickered in his eyes. He turned fully towards Akemi. "Hasegawa? What relation are you to Stella Hasegawa?"
Akemi stared back at him. "She happens to be my older sister? Why do you ask? And how do you even know my sister?! Are you some kind of pervert or something?"
Berwick's tone turned sharp with anger. "Ha! What pervert?! I know Master Stella! She played a significant role in my training! And another thing, stop comparing yourself to others!"
Akemi looked both furious and stung by his words. "H-h-how dare you call me a pervert! Y-you… you tall oaf!"
Berwick regarded her with an utterly emotionless, blank expression. "Was that supposed to be an insult? Are you quite certain you're Master Stella's sister?"
Akemi's face flushed crimson with rage. "AAA! THAT'S QUITE ENOUGH N-"
"Um, guys," Hyogaki interjected nervously, "I really don't want to interrupt your… fascinating chat, but…" He cautiously pointed a trembling finger towards something massive looming behind Berwick and Akemi.
Berwick and Akemi slowly turned around. They glanced at each other briefly, then their gazes fixed on the towering figure. A giant Golem stood before them.
Akemi broke the tense silence. "How about we put a pin in this discussion for now?"
"Agreed…" Berwick replied grimly.
The Golem locked its stony gaze upon them and let out a deafening roar. The cavern floor trembled slightly. The rookies' truly challenging battle had just begun.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the dungeon…
"Huff… huff… Huff…" Alchio gasped for breath, leaning heavily on his crystalline sword, which was coated in frost and monster ichor. "How… much longer can this possibly go on?"
He had just pulled his blade free from the latest monster carcass littering the ground around him. He was utterly exhausted, physically and mentally drained. The onslaught seemed endless. He'd kill one creature, only for another to seemingly teleport into its place moments later. He had barely any strength left. Controlling his ether, the source of his ice magic, was becoming increasingly difficult.
As a last resort, he summoned the energy to erect a thick wall of shimmering ice, creating a temporary barrier. He collapsed behind it, desperate for a moment to recover. On the other side, the monsters immediately began pounding and clawing at the ice. Although the wall was substantial, Alchio knew, with dawning dread, that it wouldn't hold for long.
He slid down against the cold surface, despair creeping in. "Am I… going to die here?"