Chapter 109
Dean Osamu allowed the students a few moments to absorb the information before raising his hand once more, drawing everyone's attention back toward the center of the arena.
"There is one final rule."
The arena gradually fell silent.
The massive projection of Sector One continued hovering above the students, displaying countless interconnected quest markers spread throughout the territory.
"The Mid-Term Examination officially begins the moment you enter Sector One and accept an Interconnected Quest."
A series of glowing pathways immediately appeared across the map.
"Not before."
"Not after."
"The moment you accept a quest, your examination period starts."
" and you may asked for your professors help on this as we both will allow consultancy, sponsoring, contract hiring but these outside help require payment and they can only provide rear support they can be of the front line"
Many students nodded, mentally preparing themselves.
Then Dean Osamu revealed another important detail.
"You must also remember that the sectors do not always follow normal time."
A ripple of curiosity spread through the crowd.
The Dean gestured toward the floating map.
"The deeper and more unusual the sector, the more unstable its temporal flow may become."
Several professors nodded knowingly.
Veteran explorers were already familiar with the phenomenon.
For newer students, however, it was a surprising revelation.
Dean Osamu continued.
"Outside the sectors, one day remains one day."
"But inside certain sectors, time may flow differently."
The map shifted again.
Various sectors illuminated with different colors.
"In some regions, time passes almost normally."
"In others, it becomes slower."
"Occasionally faster."
"Sometimes inconsistent."
A few students exchanged uneasy glances.
One of the Academy Elders quietly added a clarification.
"The most common occurrence is temporal expansion."
Dean Osamu nodded.
"A month spent inside a sector may correspond to only a fraction of that time outside."
The arena grew quieter.
"In some documented cases, one month of subjective experience became equivalent to only ten or fifteen days beyond the sector."
The students immediately understood the implication.
More training time.
More exploration time.
More opportunities.
But also greater risks.
Dean Osamu folded his arms.
"You may spend what feels like months solving a quest, adapting to local conditions, exploring ruins, or surviving hostile territories."
"Yet when you return, only a portion of that time may have passed in the outside world."
The projection shifted again, showing changing environments.
Dense forests.
Frozen wastelands.
Ancient ruins.
Volcanic plains.
Swamps.
Mountain ranges.
"The landscape itself can change as well."
"Climate patterns."
"Seasonal cycles."
"Environmental conditions."
"Magical concentrations."
"Migration routes of local creatures."
Students listened carefully.
Many were already beginning to realize why Interconnected Quests were considered so valuable.
Each quest was not simply a mission.
It was an opportunity to study an entire living ecosystem.
An evolving world.
A place where time, nature, and magical influence interacted in ways that often defied conventional understanding.
Dean Osamu's voice echoed throughout the arena.
"Do not enter a sector expecting the world to remain static."
"It will not."
"You are entering a living environment."
One of the Fourth-Year students raised an eyebrow.
"So a simple gathering quest can become something entirely different?"
Osamu nodded immediately.
"Correct."
"A peaceful area today may become dangerous tomorrow."
"A monster migration may alter an entire region."
"A natural disaster may create opportunities that did not exist previously."
"An abandoned ruin may reveal secrets after environmental changes expose hidden entrances."
The Dean paused briefly.
"This is why adaptation is one of the most important qualities an awakened can possess."
The students grew thoughtful.
Because the examination was becoming increasingly clear.
This was not a test of memorization.
Not a test of combat power alone.
Not a test of who possessed the strongest skill.
It was a test of judgment.
Adaptability.
Problem-solving.
Initiative.
And the ability to thrive in uncertainty.
Dean Osamu finally smiled beneath his mask.
"The rules are simple."
He pointed toward the glowing map of Sector One.
"Enter."
"Choose a quest."
"Determine your own worth."
Then his voice carried across the arena one final time.
"The Academy will not tell you how to succeed."
"That is for you to discover yourselves."
And with those words, the true Mid-Term Examination of Yamatai Academy officially began.
As quickly as it had appeared, the colossal arena vanished.
The towering banners, the enchanted stone coliseum, the twelve flags, the armored golems, and the countless spectator seats dissolved into particles of light. Within moments, the students found themselves standing once more inside the Academy's Main Hall as though nothing had happened.
Yet the atmosphere had completely changed.
The Mid-Term Examination had transformed from a simple academic evaluation into something far greater.
Students immediately began discussing plans.
Groups started forming.
Alliances were being negotiated.
Some were already arguing over potential quest routes while others compared skills and resources.
The smarter students understood one thing immediately:
The Interconnected Quest system rewarded cooperation.
No matter how talented an individual might be, having reliable allies increased survival chances dramatically.
Among the crowd, Lin Yue Meiying casually made her way toward Nille.
A bright smile rested on her face.
Many nearby students noticed immediately.
After all, Lin Yue Meiying was not an unknown figure.
Her recent placement on the Top 100 Bulletin Rankings had earned her considerable attention.
"Nille."
She stopped directly in front of him.
"Want to work together?"
The question was straightforward.
Several students nearby immediately paid attention.
Nille looked at her calmly.
Then nodded.
"I don't mind."
Lin's smile widened.
Before she could celebrate, however, Nille continued.
"But you need to clear quests on your own."
The statement caught her slightly off guard.
For a moment, she blinked.
Then she understood.
He wasn't rejecting her.
He was setting a condition.
A reasonable one.
Nille wasn't looking for followers.
He wasn't interested in carrying people.
Every person needed to contribute.
Needed to prove their own worth.
A few seconds later, Lin laughed softly.
"I understand."
She folded her arms confidently.
"You want me to earn my own keep."
Nille nodded.
"Exactly."
Instead of becoming offended, Lin seemed even happier.
"Then I'll form my own group."
She pointed toward several classmates already waiting nearby.
"We'll pursue our own quest route."
Then she smiled.
"And if our paths cross later..."
Nille finished the sentence for her.
"Then we can work together."
"Exactly."
After all, the Mid-Term Examination itself was called an Interconnected Quest.
The implication was obvious.
Different quest lines would eventually intersect.
Different groups would eventually encounter one another.
The students would influence each other's outcomes whether they intended to or not.
Lin nodded in satisfaction before suddenly stepping forward and giving Nille a quick hug.
"Good luck."
Nille looked slightly surprised.
Then simply nodded.
"You too."
A moment later, Lin hurried toward her waiting classmates, already discussing plans.
Meanwhile, the rest of the student body continued organizing.
Several wealthy students immediately approached professors and instructors.
Offers were being made.
Contracts negotiated.
Some students possessed enough family influence and resources to hire experienced personnel as temporary advisors or expedition guides.
Since the Academy had temporarily suspended regular classes for the examination period, many instructors and professors were available for consultation and field assistance.
The competition had already begun.
Several ambitious students even approached the Twelve Academy Elders themselves.
Although most were politely declined.
Others received cryptic answers that only confused them further.
Then something unexpected happened.
Instead of joining the crowd competing for instructors and professors, Nille calmly walked toward the two masked Deans.
The movement immediately attracted attention.
Students stopped talking.
Professors looked over.
Even several Academy Elders raised eyebrows.
Nille walked directly toward Dean Osamu Tsukuyomi and respectfully bowed.
The entire hall became noticeably quieter.
Then Nille spoke.
"Dean."
Osamu folded his arms.
"What is it?"
Nille remained respectful.
"I would like to hire your assistance."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
For several seconds, nobody reacted.
Then confusion spread throughout the hall.
Did a student just attempt to hire a Dean?
Many students wondered if they had heard correctly.
Even several professors looked amused.
Standing beside Osamu, Dean Asakura Setsuko suddenly laughed.
A genuine laugh.
One filled with amusement.
Because unlike everyone else present—
she understood something they did not.
She knew exactly why Nille felt comfortable approaching Osamu.
After all...
the two shared ancestral blood.
Though none of the students knew it.
Nille had always used his Filipino family name.
Very few people knew his Japanese lineage.
Even fewer knew how deeply that lineage connected to one of the Academy's most powerful figures.
The gathered students naturally began speculating.
Why would Nille approach a Dean directly?
How did he have the confidence?
Why did Dean Setsuko look amused instead of offended?
Was there something special about him?
The mystery only deepened.
Meanwhile, Osamu simply looked down at Nille.
Then he laughed.
"What will you pay me?"
The hall fell silent once more.
Many students assumed the Dean was joking.
Nille didn't.
He answered immediately.
"I'll pay you when I require your assistance."
Several students nearly choked hearing the response.
Even some professors looked surprised.
The confidence was unbelievable.
Yet Osamu's amusement only grew.
The masked Dean slowly nodded.
"I see."
Then his tone became slightly more serious.
"Very well."
The entire hall listened.
"You may request my assistance once."
A murmur spread throughout the crowd.
Once?
Just one time?
Osamu raised a finger.
"However."
The murmurs stopped immediately.
"The payment must correspond to the value of the assistance requested."
His voice remained calm.
"If you ask for something small, the price will be small."
"If you ask for something great..."
The Dean's spiritual pressure subtly filled the air.
"...the cost will be equally great."
The hall became completely silent.
Every student understood.
A favor from one of the Academy's Deans was not something that could be measured in ordinary currency.
Such assistance carried tremendous value.
Osamu looked directly at Nille.
"Choose carefully."
His voice carried an unusual weight.
"Because once you ask..."
"There will be no second request."
Nille met the Dean's gaze without hesitation.
Then bowed respectfully once more.
"I understand."
And for a brief moment, both Dean Asakura Setsuko and Dean Osamu Tsukuyomi smiled beneath his masks.
A reaction that only deepened the confusion of everyone watching.
The gathering gradually came to an end.
One by one, students began leaving the Academy's Main Hall. The excitement that had filled the chamber moments earlier now spilled into the surrounding courtyards, corridors, dormitories, and training grounds.
Everywhere Nille looked, plans were already being formed.
Some students hurried toward the library to research Sector One.
Others rushed to the marketplace to purchase equipment, supplies, potions, and artifacts before demand drove prices higher.
Several wealthy heirs were already surrounded by instructors, hired guides, and professional awakened willing to provide consultation services for the right price.
The Mid-Term Examination had not officially begun yet.
But the competition already had.
Groups were being formed.
Alliances negotiated.
Rivalries established.
The entire Academy seemed more alive than usual.
Nille quietly stepped aside and watched the flow of people.
Lin Yue Meiying could be seen in the distance discussing strategy with several classmates from Section A1. Occasionally she glanced in his direction before returning her attention to her group.
Elsewhere, Sofiya Volkov was already speaking with several students known for defensive and support-oriented abilities. The Ukrainian awakened appeared to be assembling a balanced team rather than relying solely on combat strength.
Lucien Moreau was doing exactly the opposite.
The French student was casually conversing with multiple groups simultaneously, somehow managing to recruit contacts without officially joining anyone yet. Several students later joked that Lucien would probably complete half the examination through negotiations alone.
As the crowd continued dispersing, the Twelve Academy Elders slowly departed from the stage as well.
Several professors remained behind, discussing possible quest routes and recent discoveries.
The three professors who had secretly accompanied the Rune Forge expedition exchanged subtle glances but carefully avoided discussing Sector 12.
Their contracts remained binding.
Not one of them intended to violate the agreement.
Professor Caelum Verdanis merely smiled to himself while pretending to listen to another instructor's theory regarding swamp ecosystems.
Dr. Asha Kiran Vel maintained her usual professional composure.
Professor Mei Ling Zhaolin quietly took notes regarding several medicinal plants she had encountered during the expedition.
Instructor Kaori Takamura simply remained silent.
The knowledge they had gained was too valuable to reveal carelessly.
Meanwhile, Nille finally turned away from the departing crowd.
The hall was becoming quieter.
The massive bulletin board still hovered above the stage, displaying student rankings and accomplishments.
Among them remained the mysterious student number:
07211977
Malignant Eliminations: 1241
Even now, students occasionally stopped to stare at the number before continuing on their way.
Rumors would undoubtedly spread throughout the Academy before nightfall.
Nille simply ignored it.
The ranking meant very little to him.
He had far more important concerns.
The surviving Dark Elves.
The newly established Rune Forge operation in Sector 12.
The mithril mine.
The unstable Path Frequency ability.
And perhaps most importantly—
the mysterious third halo.
His hand unconsciously moved toward his chest.
Nothing appeared unusual externally.
Yet he could still remember the pain.
The crushing sensation around his heart.
The dark bluish halo.
The cryptic voice.
The overwhelming presence that had emerged the moment he attempted to stabilize a permanent gateway.
Nyx remained silent.
So did Hyde.
Neither seemed eager to discuss the matter.
Which only made Nille more suspicious.
As he exited the Academy Hall and stepped into the sunlight, he noticed the campus had become unusually busy.
Students moved in every direction.
Carriages entered and exited the Academy grounds.
Merchant representatives were already setting up temporary stalls near the gates.
Information brokers sensed opportunity.
Artifact vendors anticipated increased demand.
Even the Academy security personnel appeared more alert than usual.
The Mid-Term Examination would undoubtedly send hundreds of students into the sectors simultaneously.
Preparation was essential.
Nille took a slow breath.
For most students, the examination represented opportunity.
For him, it represented responsibility.
There were people depending on him now.
Not just himself.
Not just his studies.
Entire lives.
An entire displaced race struggling to survive.
As he continued walking down the stone pathway leading away from the Main Hall, the wind gently stirred the leaves overhead.
The Academy behind him remained noisy and energetic.
Yet his thoughts had already moved elsewhere.
Toward the swamp.
Toward the ruined castle.
Toward the hidden mine beneath its foundations.
And toward the distant mountain ranges deep within Sector 12.
The place where even the strongest awakened avoided traveling.
The place where the concentration of magical energy became so dense that reality itself felt different.
A place that somehow continued pulling at the edge of his curiosity.
Nille sighed.
Then laughed quietly to himself.
"I should probably focus on one disaster at a time."
For some reason, Nyx immediately responded.
"A reasonable objective."
Hyde added a moment later.
"Probability of success remains uncertain."
Nille groaned.
"Thanks. Very encouraging."
For the first time in several days, all three shared a brief moment of calm.
The Mid-Term Examination had begun.
And although most students believed their greatest challenge lay within Sector One, Nille had a feeling his path would lead somewhere much farther away.