Exactly five years ago, the world faced a strange disaster — every man suddenly turned into a half-monster.
And now, goblins are spreading fast for no clear reason.
I'm Arla, and today I'm joining the mass recruitment test, taking the Knight position.
The reason's simple — I don't have much mana, but my physical strength is pretty solid.
It won't be easy, but I'll do it!!!
---
Day 1 – Introduction Day
The Grand Leader of the massive program spoke out loudly with energy.
> "All of you surely know why I'm here and why we've gathered!
Before anything else, let me introduce myself — I'm TINA, a former mage famous for defeating a dragon with my team.
But that day… everything went wrong. Many of my teammates suddenly turned half-monster and lost their minds.
I couldn't even bring myself to finish them… they were my friends.
I'm sure many of you here also lost something — your families, lovers, people you cared about, all suddenly changed!"
"I, Tina, and my assistant who once fought beside me, have seen it all.
THAT'S WHY!!!!! With this program, we'll dig deeper and find a way to turn those who became monsters back into humans again!
Without further delay — THIS PROGRAM OFFICIALLY BEGINS!!!!"
Everyone felt fired up, eager to pass the test — especially Arla, who was dead serious about avenging her family, including her father and husband, who turned into monsters.
Arla (with burning spirit):
> "I HAVE TO PASS THIS TEST!!!!"
But while Arla was full of determination, a blonde girl with warm blue eyes suddenly appeared.
Without reading the room, Sara approached Arla cheerfully.
Sara (gently):
> "Hey there! Are you become knight too???? Oh— before anything else, let me introduce myself! I'm Sara, I'm from the southern region!!!"
Arla (surprised):
> (In her mind: She never planned to team up with anyone… and yet, suddenly she's got a 'friend.')
Arla (with a forced smile):
> "Oh, hi… I'm Arla. I'm taking the same job… hehe."
Sara (happily):
> "Then let's take this exam together!!! If I remember right, we can team up! And I also got some info about this test!"
Hearing that, Arla immediately focused — she wanted to know more.
Arla (curious):
> "Ohh… how did you get that info? Isn't this the first time this program's ever been held for the public?"
Sara (smiling):
> "Yeah, but based on what I've heard, the previous exclusive test wasn't that different from this one…"
After hearing that, Arla quickly decided.
Arla (enthusiastic):
> "Then let's team up!"
Sara (with a bright tone):
> "Okay! But for now, let's rest first. I'll tell you everything once night falls…"
Arla (expression flat):
> (In her mind: She's a bit disappointed that Sara didn't actually explain anything, but she couldn't force her either. So instead of wasting time, she decided to train for the upcoming test.)
Arla (with determination):
> "There are still 5 days before the test begins!!! Okay, first— basic training: agility, strength, speed, stamina!"
---
After several rounds of training…
Arla realized that although her strength and stamina were great, her agility and speed were still lacking.
So she went to consult one of the instructors — Keyla, a warrior famous for her agility back in her era, and once a member of Tina's rival team.
Arla (respectfully):
> "Excuse me, I'd like to ask— how did you train to get such amazing agility and speed?
I know most of it comes from having high mana, but in some cases, didn't you survive using only a small amount?"
Keyla (serious look):
> "Hahaha… seems like you know quite a bit.
And you're right, I survived a few times by using my mana wisely.
But before I tell you how, let me ask— have you ever felt pressure?
In life, when we're under pressure, humans usually do one of two things:
either freeze and do nothing, or fight their way out of it.
Which one do you think is better?"
Before Arla could answer, Keyla suddenly swung her hand—
Her palm moved fast, like lightning, aiming to slap Arla's face.
But before she could even think, Arla, trained as a knight, instinctively blocked the attack.
Keyla's hand stopped just a centimeter from Arla's cheek.
She smiled faintly.
Keyla (smirking):
> "Looks like you already know the answer — experience.
But tell me — where do you get experience if you've never gone through anything?"
Keyla (grinning wider):
> "That's life. Only those who survive their trials — big or small — and turn them into experience, are the ones who make it in this world!"
Arla finally understood what she meant.
Arla (flat expression):
> (In her mind: I just need to train harder and use my mana wisely… talking with her too long will drive me insane…)
Keyla (laughing):
> "Hey, relax! It's only the first day of introduction! No need to rush things, hehe."
Arla didn't respond — she just walked away, choosing to train and figure things out herself.
---
At the training ground
Arla (irritated):
> "Haa… No one's really serious today. Talking and arguing just drains energy.
I'll just train the usual way…"
---
Night falls.
A magic loudspeaker blared across the camp.
> "Attention everyone! It's dinner time! Head to the cafeteria now — and hurry up, food supplies are LIMITED!!!!"
Hearing that, Arla stopped training.
Her clothes were soaked in sweat as she headed toward the cafeteria — but her real goal wasn't food.
Arla (serious):
> "I should find Sara first. Food can wait…"
Before she could find Sara, Arla accidentally bumped into another woman.
Arla (shocked):
> "Ahh— sorry! I didn't mean to—"
As she apologized, she realized this woman wasn't wearing the same uniform as everyone else.
The woman glared in disgust.
Cindy (angrily):
> "Ugh… you just dirtied my clothes! Do you even know who I am!?"
Arla tried to explain, but Cindy cut her off immediately.
Cindy (arrogant tone):
> "My name is Cindy, daughter of a noble family from the western region!
And YOU— just ruined my outfit!!!
Honestly, I don't even know why I'm here!
If it weren't for my aunt convincing me, I'd never set foot in this filthy place!"
The commotion caught the attention of Tina's assistant, who quickly stepped in.
Assistant (firmly):
> "Enough! Stop it right now!
Everyone here is a future fighter — there's no place for petty arguments!"
Cindy, still angry, ordered her bodyguards to attack the assistant—
But before they could land a hit, they were thrown back effortlessly.
The assistant straightened up calmly.
Assistant:
> "My name's Mia. I'm Tina's assistant, and I'll be monitoring everything that happens here.
Don't let Tina hear about trivial nonsense like this.
Also, Cindy— weren't your clothes already sent to you?"
Hearing that, Cindy left with an annoyed face.
Arla sighed in relief and turned to Mia.
Arla (smiling):
> "Thank you, Mia. If it weren't for you, I might've had to pay for that."
Mia (kindly):
> "No problem. It's my job to make sure everything stays safe and organized.
Anyway, I have a lot more to handle, so I'll be going now."
Arla nodded and watched her leave.
Then, clenching her fists with determination—
Arla (determined):
> "I have to find Sara. There's not much time left…"