Finally, the day of the competition arrived. Excitement and tension hung in the air like static electricity. All the students had gathered in an open area of the school, a wide courtyard surrounded by tall, transparent buildings, from which you could see the laboratories and special classrooms in the distance. Different types of teachers were present, some in traditional robes, others in more modern attire, all watching with a mix of pride and expectation.
The school principal stepped onto a small podium in the center, and the students' murmurs gradually quieted. His presence commanded respect, and we all knew that what he was about to say was important.
"Welcome, students," he began firmly. "Today, you will participate in the school's First Official Test, also known as the Secret Realm."
Whispers ran among some of the younger students, while others simply prepared themselves mentally.
"This Secret Realm is not a simple simulator," the principal continued. "Here, you will encounter wild creatures, natural obstacles, and the dominant species: the Goblins, spread across various villages throughout the realm."
A holographic map appeared behind the podium, showing an extensive territory: forests, rivers, mountains, villages, and winding roads. Small red icons marked the locations of Goblins and their settlements.
"You will be teleported randomly to different parts of the Secret Realm," he said. "Your main objective will be to defeat as many Goblins as possible and overcome the challenges that each area presents."
Several students exchanged competitive glances. They knew this test would determine their initial positions in the school ranking.
"To ensure evaluation," the principal continued, "magical drones will monitor you at all times. They will record your actions, count your victories and achievements, and calculate the final score for the ranking of the test."
Some students rubbed their hands with excitement; others fidgeted nervously.
"You may form teams if you encounter other students," the principal explained. "You can cooperate, help each other, share strategies… even fight each other if you wish. But there is one rule you cannot break: no student may kill another student."
A heavy silence filled the courtyard. The idea that everything was allowed except killing classmates created a mixture of fear and excitement. Many were already planning strategies in their minds, thinking about how to reach the villages first, how to hunt Goblins efficiently, or how to use their races and powers to gain an advantage.
Mira crossed her arms, her glasses reflecting the holographic light, and murmured:
"It's going to be chaotic… as always."
Nolan, on the other hand, was bouncing from side to side, barely containing his excitement.
"My wolves! Today the wolves are going to hunt Goblins!" he shouted, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.
I remained calm, observing the holographic map and mentally evaluating my situation. My slimes, though not yet huge or particularly strong, now had the ability to form limbs thanks to their recent evolution. I knew I needed to plan how to move them strategically, how to spread them across different zones, and how to make the most of their ability to multiply and absorb resources.
"Remember," the principal concluded, "this Secret Realm is full of unpredictable dangers. Do not underestimate the creatures, the terrain, or your fellow students. Survival and efficiency will be key to your success."
With that, the students began lining up in front of the floating portals, which activated slowly. Each portal glowed with a different color, and the energy radiating from them was almost tangible. The principal raised his hand and, with a gesture, signaled the start of the test.
"Let the competition begin!"
A flash of light enveloped each student, and in an instant, we were all teleported to the Secret Realm. The air felt different, denser, charged with the energy of nature and the realm's inhabitants. The Goblin villages were not far, and I could hear distant shouts and the sounds of creatures moving among the trees.
My first thought was quick and calculating: locate a point where I could have my slimes multiply and start accumulating power before encountering the Goblins. I knew that every decision mattered, and that making use of every resource would be crucial.