Chapter 39: Miscalculation
The future scholars lingered for a little while, cautious not to tick off Professor Albert. The way he had disqualified one of them so casually made it clear that he didn’t care about where they had come from.
For those who had come from the Upper Sector, that realization came as a shock. It was the first time that relying on their households would not save them when they found themselves in a bind.
They were on their own.
In order to earn the highest possible score, they eagerly began looking among the gathered participants for the strongest allies they could find.
With the examination lasting a week, there was no need to rush. Especially since the professor hadn’t mentioned any rewards for being the first to reach the Eternia Bastion.
Soon afterward, those from the Middle and Lower Sectors followed their example, beginning to search for parties willing to accept them.
Naturally, the weaker participants flocked to those who seemed more experienced. Enrolling in the academy would set them up for life, so no price was too great if it meant earning their protection.
"Excuse me, do you think I can join you?"
"Adding dead weight to our party? Sure... though from the moment you enroll until graduation, you’ll act as our errand boy!"
Albeit humiliating, it was the only way the low-level participants stood a chance of qualifying.
Though at that moment, all eyes were anxiously throwing glances toward a single individual ever since Albert announced the start of party formation.
A ring of awe had formed around Elizabeth Starlight. Nobody dared to approach the Ice Queen of the Starlight household, though there was no shortage of whispers and gossip.
"According to the rumors, she has long since gained a class. Nobody knows what her real level is."
"Does it matter? Just her household’s name is enough to know she’s going to rank among the top competitors."
"With her here, standing out is practically impossible!"
"Forget about the examination! Just spending time with her inside the forest would be enough! Maybe if the stars align, she might even come to like me!"
"Idiot! Why would she ever team up with a no-name like you? To her you are no different than a background character."
Their admiration was palpable. Some couldn’t believe they had been born at the right time to compete against the rising star.
Leonard found their fondness puzzling. Even if Elizabeth was a well-known figure, the reaction from the participants bordered on the thin line of an unhealthy obsession.
"Although she is surrounded by admirers, she seems lonely. It must be exhausting having everyone stare at your every step. Fortunately, we aren’t celebrities like her." He remarked in relief.
"Certainly! If I were in her place, I would have surely lost a lot of weight from stress!" Winston nodded in agreement and patted his belly.
Just then, one party exclusively containing members from the Upper Sector stepped forward. It was led by William, who had spiky black hair with red tips and green eyes. He also wore a friendly smile.
"Elizabeth Starlight, it’s a pleasure to meet you." He bowed slightly. "I assume that you know me, so I will cut to the chase. We are forming a party consisting of the strongest participants in the examination. Our aim is to earn the top rank in the competition. Would you like to join?"
The whispers intensified, and those from the Lower Sector almost fell into despair.
It wasn’t enough that those from the Upper Sector held the advantage. But now the strongest were planning to team up as well!
At this point it became clear how the examination was going to play out.
Elizabeth blinked slowly, processing the invitation. The Void was dangerous even for her, and she was going to benefit from teaming up with others.
"I am sorry. I can’t." She shook her head, shocking the onlookers.
Still watched by their gazes, she strode forward, leaving the protection of the dome and heading toward the Eternia Bastion alone.
’I must not rely on others. I must prove myself to my father.’ She thought.
"A shame. Having her by our side would have made things easier." William let out a sigh, the party similarly dejected.
Nevertheless, they didn’t let it get to them and exited the dome soon after.
"What are we going to do?" Winston looked at Leonard. A duo like them wasn’t considered a proper party.
Theoretically, they could proceed with just the two of them, but there was a reason even those from powerful households were forming parties. It was better to find at least one more teammate.
Before he was able to talk, a voice echoed from behind.
"Can we talk?"
The two glanced toward the source. Harley stood a bit farther away from them.
"Why is it that you always want to talk after our engagement was broken off?" Leonard met her gaze unfazed. "There is nothing to be said. You have made your disdain for me quite clear."
Harley grew somber for a moment. Then she noticed how many participants were present and raised her chin.
"Don’t think too highly of yourself. I just want to know what happened back at the Haunted Catacombs. After you entered the death zone, you were supposed to die, yet you survived... How?"
Leonard snorted, not surprised that she merely wanted to interrogate him about his abilities.
"We got lucky, that’s all." He replied, unwilling to share anything.
Her eyes narrowed.
"In that case, I want to join your party." She declared.
"W—What?!" Winston blurted out, unable to hold it in any longer.
"Did I stutter?" Harley crossed her arms. "You are reluctant to share, and that’s fine. Whatever the truth is, you two are more capable than you appear, and I believe we will mutually benefit each other if we are in the same party... After all, I recently broke past Level 10 and gained a class!"
Leonard wasn’t impressed.
"Where are those that follow you like obedient dogs? Team up with them instead."
"They are too weak and will only hold me back." She stomped with her leg.
Slowly, his expression darkened.
"What is the reason for this sudden switch-up? Do you really think I will agree to let you join us? Frankly, I don’t trust you. I can’t after your mockery and insults. You and your family have made your stances clear."
Even if she wasn’t directly to blame, she had indirectly caused Martin to push Leonard into a death zone. The wisest choice was to keep a distance.
Harley paused for a moment, her eyes sorrowful.
Honestly, she deserved the hate. Before Leonard had officially awakened his Bloodline, the world had already deemed him a disappointment and discarded him. While she, along with her family, hadn’t bothered to offer a helping hand, breaking off the engagement instead.
"I... am sorry, okay? It’s not like I wanted any of this." She whispered, biting her lower lip, and glanced at the ground. "My mother said there was no other way. She promised—"
BOOM!
Her words were cut short as an explosion erupted from the professor’s dome, shaking the ground. The protective shield fractured, allowing the corruption to seep in.
"What happened?! Did a powerful monster find us?!" The participants cried out in horror.
Professor Albert gritted his teeth. He could not fathom how this had happened. The academy should have cleared the perimeter of the biggest threats.
He was about to order an urgent evacuation, only to witness the portal they had entered the Void through vanish in an instant.
There was only one group capable of this...
"It’s an ambush by Void Believers!"
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