Exam (2)
The exam's rules were simple. Hunt the strongest monster within the allotted time to earn the highest score. Group actions were forbidden—only solo efforts counted.
But the true nature of the exam was far from simple. The challenge unfolded not in the academy's controlled ecosystem, but in the raw, unmanaged wilderness. Far from the academy lay a deep forest region untouched by human hands—a mysterious land teeming with hidden beasts and unknown threats lurking in the shadows. If student safety were the top priority, this trial would be reckless gambling. Instructors were stationed throughout the woods, sure, but they couldn't control every danger. It was the domain of unpredictable nature, where unforeseen disasters could strike at any moment.
Yet that very peril was the point of the exam. Better to face danger head-on, overcome it, and gain real combat experience than to grow like fragile greenhouse flowers. To learn vigilance through crisis and forge true survival instincts—that was the academy's demand for genuine growth.
"Everyone already finished preparing?"
Arnold stood at the assembly point, gazing at three silhouettes in the distance. Sunlight stretched their shadows long, each radiating a distinct aura.
"Yeah, all set. I'll prove it today, no doubt."
The first to catch his eye was Elisha, with her lithe figure and dazzling golden blonde hair. As his fiancée, she stood tall with unyielding resolve, refusing to yield to anyone.
"Watch me closely. Today, I'll show you I'm useful."
Elisha's voice brimmed with confidence. Her sapphire eyes gleamed fiercely, though a subtle tremor lingered beneath— a hidden anxiety born from her desire for his approval.
"In that case, I'll hunt an even stronger monster."
"My feelings for Master won't lose to anyone's!"
Beside Elisha stood Eily, Arnold's dedicated maid. Beneath her modest looks and plain uniform burned a resolve and passion hotter than anyone's.
"Oh, and just in case, I packed emergency rations for Master!"
"This is how a woman worthy of Master acts."
Eily proudly presented the lunchbox, meticulously wrapped in a spotless handkerchief that gleamed in the light.
"When you're tired wandering the forest alone, eat this and think of me."
She smiled shyly, prompting Elisha to snort and turn away.
"Results matter more than lunch."
Elisha snapped sharply, but Eily stood her ground firmly.
"Results are key, but what's the point without stamina? Or are you jealous? Because I'm the better woman to care for Master?"
"What did you say?!"
Their verbal sparring escalated, and Melina, watching from a short distance, wore a subtly tense expression.
"Can't let my guard down. Right, Rathus?"
Melina embodied the elf's natural grace and delicacy. Her long silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, and the bow in her hand reflected her unwavering will.
"I want to impress Arnold this time too. Think he'd see me differently if I prove my skills?"
Yet her fingertips trembled faintly. Competition in the human world was unfamiliar to her. Still, her feelings for Arnold matched anyone's fire.
"Nyaa~"
The white cat Rathus wagged its tail gently at her side, its soft mew soothing her like a warm embrace.
"Whew—"
Melina gripped her bow tight and steadied her breath. This exam meant more than a mere test to her. She was resolved not to back down.
"Yeah. This terrain favors me most. I won't fall behind those two."
She inhaled the forest's scent deeply. As an elf's homeland, nature was the perfect stage to unleash her true power—her smile carried confidence and bold determination.
"Time limit: until just before sunset."
Professor Adria oversaw the exam. Her sharp gaze and gruff voice seemed to weigh down the air.
"Hunt the strongest monster you can manage and bring back proof. Magic stone, body part—doesn't matter."
She explained the rules in a detached tone. The forest's quiet turned oppressive under her presence.
"Current time: exactly 2 PM. Begin now."
Her words rang out like a starting gun.
"......"
At her command, the students scattered into the woods, each stepping forward with solemn focus.
And—
"So, what do you think?"
Time passed, and in the serene forest, three women gathered. Warm sunlight filtered through the trees in a peaceful afternoon, but the tension among them was anything but.
Eily smoothed her black dress and white apron down to her knees, glaring at fiancée Elisha and elf Melina with steely eyes.
"So, winner takes the strongest monster kill?"
Eily nodded quietly at Elisha's faint agreement.
"Yes. Let's settle our unfinished rivalry today. Highest score wins. Losers stay away from Master for a full day."
"Meaning the winner gets Master all to herself?"
Elisha smirked, nose in the air.
"Better abandon any hopes of beating me, then."
Her lace-trimmed dress was elegant, but her eyes burned with intensity—fueled by competitive fire and passion for him.
"With stakes like that, I won't back down no matter what."
Melina brushed back her long golden hair and smiled slowly. Her fairy-like beauty seemed to overshadow them both.
"Intriguing. I'm in. Monster hunting? My archery's unmatched."
Her smile radiated grounded confidence.
"This dense, high-tree terrain is elf territory, right? Unlike you two who just talk big, I'll prove it with skill."
She punctuated her words decisively. Elisha stepped forward.
"Hmph, hunting wild beasts? I'm confident too. Way, waaay better than you two!"
Her blue eyes flashed like blazing flames, blending fierce will with cold hostility, adding gravity to the air.
"Think so? I've hunted strong monsters daily, even battered and bruised. At peak condition like now, can you top me?"
Eily planted hands on hips, narrowing her eyes suspiciously—mocking her rivals while provoking them. It tacitly sealed the bet.
"Fine, it's settled."
After a brief silence, Eily broke it first.
"Let's wager. Hunt the forest's strongest monster and bring proof. Winner gets the right to spend a full day with Master, no interruptions. Any objections?"
She scanned their faces. Elisha stepped up without hesitation.
"Deal. No whining after you lose."
She declared it boldly, as if defeat were impossible.
"No issue here. I'll take the strongest anyway."
Melina smirked too. The arrow nocked on her bow glowed faint green, flaunting her magic.
"Perfect. No regrets, then."
Eily tugged her apron with a smile. Their bickering intensified, words like daggers. Each coveted Arnold in her own way, desire woven into every exchange.
"Starting now!"
"Let's go!"
"No tears or begging later~?"
The three dashed into the forest in different directions.
"Eily, you can do this. A whole day alone with Master...!"
"Stronger than that maid or elf... No, I'll claim first place overall!"
"Familiar turf, but still tense? Nah, this thrill isn't fear!"
Each heart burned with readiness to seize a day with Arnold, no holds barred.