After the second test, everyone was given time to rest. The capital city was vibrant and loud, nothing like Kain's quiet village. Yet, amidst the chaos, Kain's heart was focused. The dream from the Inventor kept replaying in his mind: "They will destroy your world if you are so weak."
He couldn't let that happen.
Kain began training. Even though he had little interest in mana, he focused on building his body. His muscles ached, but he kept going. Each push-up, every swing of his borrowed sword, was a silent promise to protect what mattered. The other students trained too, but Kain was different — he wasn't gifted by birth, nor blessed by fame. He had fear, but he also had purpose.
While practicing alone, Kain noticed the same boy who had watched him during the first test — the one from the noble section. The boy stood a few meters away, staring again, silent and thoughtful.
The next morning, all students gathered inside the academy courtyard. The sun had just risen, and anticipation filled the air. Their teacher appeared once more.
"Everyone," the teacher said, voice loud and clear, "you will now face the third test. It is harder than anything before. You must survive in the Goblin Forest for three days. Your ranking will depend on how many goblins you slay, but remember — prioritize your safety."
The students looked at each other nervously.
"You will each be given a mana-imbued escape suit. If you're overwhelmed, the suit will automatically pull you out, but that means failure. Understood?"
Everyone nodded. The teacher led them to the academy's small armory. Kain, having no personal weapon, took a basic steel sword. It was dull compared to the shiny enchanted blades others carried, but it was solid, dependable.
Then they were led to a giant teleportation circle. One by one, they vanished into the forest.
Kain landed near a group of unfamiliar students. No one paid him any attention, and soon they dispersed into the trees. But then, from the shadow of a nearby tree, the noble boy stepped forward.
"I'm Kai," he said. "From the dawn family."
Kain blinked. "You've been watching me."
Kai nodded. "I see potential. You're not like the others. Want to team up?"
Kain hesitated. But Kai's calm expression and the quiet confidence in his eyes made him nod. "Alright."
Together, they ventured deeper into the woods. It didn't take long before a group of goblins surrounded them.
Kai moved fast, slicing through the goblins like wind. Kain joined in, managing to kill three goblins on his own. Blood sprayed, and his heart raced.
As they fought, something strange happened. One of the goblins froze, its eyes wide with fear.
Kain glanced at Kai. The pressure in the air had shifted.
Kai turned to him briefly and said, "Don't be alarmed. It's one of my blessings — Hunter's Eye. Anyone weaker than me will feel fear when I activate it. Their body becomes heavier, and their stats decrease slightly."
Kain was stunned. The goblins, once aggressive, were now hesitating. It was like Kai had become a natural predator — and they were prey.
After the fight, they rested beneath a tree. Both boys, though different in background, respected each other.
Far away, two academy teachers watched from a crystal orb.
"It's expected from someone of the dawn family," one of them said.
The other, an another teacher in a black hood with golden lining and with sharp eyes, leaned closer. "Kai is impressive... but look at the other one."
"You mean the village boy?"
"Yes," the teacher said. "He's not from any noble bloodline. No blessing. Yet he's holding his own with sheer willpower."
The younger teacher looked surprised. "Who is he?"
The teacher replied with a mysterious smile, "His name is Kain."
Then he turned, revealing his identity.
"Gerold de Vairon, head of the elite class."