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Chapter 5 – The Final Push
The morning sun over Dragonstone City burned with a golden hue, its light spilling over the stone-paved streets. Jason Walter awoke to the faint chime of his Niva system, reminding him that this was the last day of the combat test.
> [Niva Notification]
Warning: Combat Test ends in 12 hours. Required Level: 5. Failure will result in test repetition.
Jason sat on the edge of his bed, running his fingers through his hair. "Level 5…" he muttered. He was close, but not close enough. Yesterday's battle had pushed him to Level 4, earning him 60 points and his first skill — Magical Eyes of Twilight — but now the pressure was heavier than ever.
The ability had already proven useful. Last night, he'd tried it on several recruits and was able to see the faint outlines of their stats and magical affinities. But today, it would have to do more than just give him insight — it would have to be his weapon.
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When he stepped outside, the air was alive with tension. Every recruit was moving with urgency. Some were already sprinting toward the training zones to hunt monsters. Others gathered in small teams, strategizing how to climb the final stretch before nightfall.
From a distance, Jason noticed Lucy Shiba. She was leaning against the city wall, arms crossed, her crimson scarf fluttering slightly in the wind. Her eyes, sharp as blades, followed him. For a brief moment, their gazes locked — hers held a subtle smirk, as though she was silently saying:
> Welcome to the real game, Jason Walter.
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The hunting grounds were more dangerous today. Word had spread that stronger monsters had been released to give participants a final chance to level up faster.
Jason activated Magical Eyes of Twilight. His vision shifted instantly — the once-normal forest path now pulsed with glowing streams of energy, revealing mana flows and weak points on every creature in sight.
A sudden growl came from the shadows. From between the trees emerged a Level 3 Razorfang Beast, its fur bristling and eyes locked on him. Jason gripped his sword tighter, heart pounding, but something in the back of his mind whispered: You've done this before.
The fight was fast and brutal. Jason ducked under a swipe, striking its leg where the mana glow was weakest. The beast howled, stumbling, and he drove his blade into its exposed chest.
> [You have defeated a Level 3 Razorfang Beast!]
+40 Points
+Exp: Enough to reach Level 5!
Jason exhaled, a grin spreading across his face. He'd done it. The system chimed again, confirming his success.
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By nightfall, every recruit gathered in the Main Hall of Homen. The vast, open chamber was lined with glass ceilings, revealing a breathtaking view of the night sky. Stars glittered above like an endless ocean of light.
Nicole Sonya stood at the center, her tall figure commanding the room's attention.
"Today marks the end of your first combat trial," she said, her voice echoing through the hall. "Those who have reached Level 5 have proven themselves capable of continuing the program. Those who have not…" She paused, letting the silence sink in. "You will repeat the test until you are ready. There are no shortcuts here."
Jason stood among the crowd, shoulders squared, Level 5 glowing proudly on his Niva display. Across the room, Lucy Shiba's lips curved upward in the faintest hint of approval before she looked away.
Jason didn't know what awaited him next — but something told him this was only the beginning.
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