"It's not in your best interest to consider cheating on this test. This is a personal evaluation. Therefore, it is forbidden for men to enhance their abilities through women. This test will determine your shortcomings and the treatment you'll receive to improve future results. It also plays a role in class assignments. That said..." — Galahad clapped his hands.
The room was plunged into darkness. Then, a soft light lit up the space without being harsh — perfect conditions for a projection. I already knew what was going to happen. From memory, the test was pretty much the same every year.
They call it a test, but it's really just a routine evaluation — or rather, one that determines the treatment of a hundred students.
A personal evaluation, which means the use of the EST factor is prohibited. Everyone had to rely on their own power. In any case, I wasn't planning to use it — even though my two combat maids, my personal attendants, were present.
But for others, this wasn't exactly good news. After all, the EST factor granted:
Effects on an exposed man:
Temporary magic increase +50%
Temporary immunity to fear or mental charm
Accelerated muscle regeneration
And a x2 amplification of physical abilities, or more depending on the number or level of women involved.
Of course, what interested most people was the magic boost.
"When your name is called, step up to the platform and place your hand on this device. It will reveal your attribute, your current level, your rank, and determine the class you'll be placed in."
Everyone was lined up and paying attention. From afar, I could see my two personal attendants. Even though they weren't looking at me, anyone competent enough could tell I was under close surveillance. They were watching my every move — without making it obvious.
They had enrolled at the academy solely to continue their duties. One could say that, even though I wasn't supposed to benefit from the privileges of my family name, I still lived in comfort thanks to those around me.
That made me smile a little. After all, Zhen (贞) and Lie (烈) had been devoted to me since the first day we met. I cared for them deeply.
This stay at the academy might turn out to be a good experience for them. They never had the childhood they deserved… I hope they'll forget about me at times and just enjoy themselves.
Now that I think about it… When did they even register? I doubt it was a family request.
"Las Stanislas!" called Galahad.
The named Las timidly stepped out of the ranks, walking toward the platform under the inquisitive gazes of his peers and seniors.
As he walked, a conversation sparked among the second-year students who had come to observe. Sitting on chairs above, they had a clear view of the proceedings below.
"Stanislas? What family is that? Whatever the case, he's the first to go. I wonder what the outcome will be."
"I'd say he's as ordinary as he looks. I wonder what potential got him through the admission process."
The discussion grew animated — though everything was supervised, so their voices didn't carry far.
"I just hope he's not disappointing!"
"But what about Alden Khan? I heard he was given a special admission. What is he doing here?"
They were all mildly surprised.
"Maybe he just wasn't informed... or he didn't read the second letter."
Some started laughing at the idea. After all, it would be amusing to see someone — especially someone with such status at a young age — end up embarrassed.
As they laughed heartily, a voice brought them back to their senses. It was Laois, sitting on a couch, surrounded by four girls.
"Shut it. What makes you think you're in any position to mock him?"
His voice carried a trace of anger and indignation. He was disgusted that worms like them would speak so casually about a descendant of one of the Three Great Families.
"If you can't watch in silence... fuck off."
Most of those talking looked away, pretending to observe other students or starting new conversations awkwardly.
"Hmmmph."
"Lias, you shouldn't be so harsh on your classmates. Look, you're making them uncomfortable," said a female student who had just arrived.
But Lias paid no attention — neither to her, nor to what she had said. Still, she didn't give up. Standing beside him, she continued her speech.
"I really hope Alden takes the test. Since he's here, it'd be interesting."
Lias still ignored her.
Meanwhile, Stanislas had taken his test.
After placing his hand on the device, the tablet lit up slightly — so faint it was barely noticeable. Proof that Stanislas didn't exactly shine with magical energy.
Then, a holographic screen appeared behind Galahad, displaying all of Stanislas's stats: his elemental affinity, the limit of his magic reservoir, his magical compatibility, his EST factor compatibility, and even the types of ESTs recommended to him.
Everything was basic. The very archetype of an average guy. Which, in its own way, was kind of exceptional. Even people's opinions about him were… average.
After that, the test continued. Candidates were evaluated, and once their stats were displayed, their class was assigned.
Some individuals stood out with extraordinary results, which definitely stirred up excitement among the students on the upper levels.
Dieh was among those students.
"We're done here. Let's now move on to the introductions..." Galahad was speaking when he noticed a raised hand and paused.
"Alden?" he said, waiting a few seconds. "Do you have something to add?"
Deep down, Galahad was curious. He wanted to gauge Alden's potential. But it was a special admission. Regardless of what had been said before, if Alden was here just for show, Galahad couldn't force him or put him in a compromising position.
But he secretly hoped Alden would ask to take the test.
"I'd like to take the test."
My declaration drew a strong reaction. I could feel all eyes turning toward me.
Going all in, huh? I didn't even need to try that hard to shine.
Before Galahad could even respond, I was already walking up to the platform.
Whispers. More whispers.
Galahad stood before me.
"Place your hand on the terminal," he said, pretending to be indifferent.
"I hope you invested in a new one," I said, smiling slyly.
The moment I placed my hand on the terminal, a blinding light filled the room. It was so bright and intense that anyone keeping their eyes open risked going blind. A white light — gentle yet aggressive at the same time.
But that wasn't all. A wave of pressure crashed down, making the entire room tremble. Yes… I was in a good mood.
"What's happening? What's going on?!"
"Argh, I can't see!"
"Who is he? Is he a monster?"
While several students panicked, Zhen and Lie chanted an ancient prayer in unison:
"新世最强者,尊主阿尔登,驾临此地.
Xīn shì zuì qiáng zhě, zūn zhǔ Ā'ěrdēng, jiàlín cǐ dì."
"It's enough, student Alden, please stop!"
But Galahad's voice came too late.The terminal had been destroyed so completely that not even dust remained.