Trista walked forward and declared, “This is where you’ll be taking your combat assessment. This will be where we part ways.”
“There will be staff members who will take you through the assessment. They will also tell you the rules of the assessment.”
“Meanwhile, Instructor Jacques and I will be out here waiting for the good news.”
The group of students entered the Federation’s Comprehensive Training Center under the lead of the staff.
They arrived at a huge ring-shaped arena.
The outer ring was lined with rows of seats.
The middle of the ring was an empty field, and in the center of this field, stood a huge iron gate.
Obviously, this was a colosseum. It was an appropriate venue to hold a combat assessment in.
“This will be the venue of your combat assessment.”
“You can choose the type of Daemon you wish to face.”
“Be it its strength, species, or tier, it’s all up to you.”
“The strength of the Daemon you choose is closely associated with your assessment results. Also, your performance in combat is one of the core criterion in the assessment.”
“That is to say, if you’ve only managed to defeat a Daemon that is level 1 and stage 1, then you’ll receive a low score.”
“The stronger the Daemon you defeat, the higher you’ll score in this assessment.”
“Alright, that’s all from me. The examiner will lead you through the next part.”
A burly middle-aged man with a megaphone in his hand announced to the students.
Based on his attire, he seemed to be the leader of the Federation’s Comprehensive Training Center.
Once he had made his announcement, he left the site.
He had left it to the examiner to explain the remaining details.
The examiner said to the students, “When you take the assessment later, make sure to pick a Daemon that you can handle. You must not, I repeat, you MUST NOT choose a Daemon that is beyond your strength. Otherwise, if any accidents happen, including your demise, our training center will not be held responsible.”
“I hope that you do not overestimate yourselves. Don’t pick an enemy that’s beyond your capabilities all so you can get a good score in the assessment.”
“Remember, your life matters more than the assessment. After all, what’s the point in showing off if you lose your life in the process?”
“Also, do take note that we have the right to intervene in your battle. Should we feel that your life is at stake, we will immediately jump in to slay the Daemon. Should that happen, you will get zero marks in your assessment.”
“With the long-winded explanations out of the way, we shall now begin the combat assessment.”
After hearing the rules of the assessment, the students found it hard to calm themselves down.
They had not expected the risk of death in the assessment. For these students that have been sheltered their whole lives, this was an unbelievably terrifying thought.
Buckling under fear, some worried students left the arena. Perhaps realizing that they were unable to meet the Advanced Beastmaster Academy’s criteria, they decided to leave on their own volition.
“Let’s welcome the first student to the stage. Please choose the type of Daemon you wish to fight, and their rank.”
The examiner said loudly.
Following that, a tall student walked out and said to the examiner, “I choose the 5-star bronze-tier Daemon, Verdant Wind Beast.”
Following that, the tall student walked into the arena. At the same time, the Daemon that the student had chosen, Verdant Wind Beast, also appeared from the opposing end.
The tall student noticed the Daemon’s fierce expression, and he could not help but tremble.
This was his first time facing a Daemon, and one laced with killing intent, at that.
The tall student subconsciously took two steps back.
However, he soon steadied his emotions and regained self control.
He struck a battle stance at the Verdant Wind Beast before him.
Soon after…
The Verdant Wind Beast charged at the student.
In response, the student summoned his Battle Beast.
Saber-toothed Tiger.
His Battle Beast was at Stage 1 Level 5, and it was equal to the Verdant Wind Beast in strength.
The two beasts began to fight.
However, the Verdant Wind Beast’s strikes were fierce and sharp.
Saber-toothed Tiger gradually lost its ground.
Meanwhile, the student began to show a worried expression.
His Battle Beast was about to lose.
Losing meant that he would lose his chance to enter the Federation’s Advanced Beastmaster Academy.
He let out an indignant roar.
Sensing its master’s will, the Saber-toothed Tiger began to retaliate.
It let loose an explosive burst of strength and slammed into the Verdant Wind Beast.
The Verdant Wind Beast dropped onto the ground, and sensing the opportunity, the Saber-toothed Tiger immediately seized the offensive.
It chomped down on Verdant Wind Beast’s neck.
While struggling, the Verdant Wind Beast lost its life.
Realizing his victory, the student leaped with excitement.
He had won.
He had successfully defeated his opponent.
Although his Battle Beast was in a bad shape, he had won the match.
“5-star bronze-tier Verdant Wind Beast, killed. You have passed the assessment.”
“Low-grade talent.”
The examiner’s voice rang out as he gave his assessment of the student’s performance.
Although he was only assessed to be a low-grade talent, the student also shouted with joy.
He had taken a big step towards successfully entering the Federation’s Advanced Beastmaster Academy.
Watching how the tall student had displayed his strength, the other students soon became restless. They wanted to show their strength and enter the Federation’s Advanced Beastmaster Academy.
Following the examiner’s orders, the students took their assessments one after another.
While some students had successfully defeated their opponents, some were not so lucky.
The defeated students left the Federation’s Comprehensive Training Center dejectedly.
They no longer had any chance of attending the Advanced Federation’s Beastmaster Academy.
The remaining students all had excited expressions on their faces.
Most of them had low-grade qualifications.
Only two of them had obtained medium-grade qualifications, though it was mostly due to their Battle Beasts’ quality.
“Alice, please choose the Daemon’s type and their rank.”
The examiner’s voice rang out once more.
Realizing that it was Alice’s turn to enter the arena, everyone cast their gazes on her.
They wanted to see just how powerful the students from big families were.
“I choose the Level 5, Stage 2[1] Onyx Gold Ape.”
Alice’s cold voice rang out.
The students were dumbfounded by what they heard.
“Did I hear wrongly? Did she actually choose the Onyx Gold Ape?”
“No, you heard correctly. She has indeed chosen a Level 5, Stage 2 opponent.”
“Isn’t she a little too crazy? We’re talking about a Level 5 Stage 2 Daemon, and it’s the extremely powerful Onyx-gold Ape!”
The students below the stage were all shocked by Alice’s craziness. They could not believe what they were hearing as they discussed amongst themselves.
Even the examiner had a look of disbelief on his face.
He asked Alice again, “Are you sure you want to choose a Level 5, Stage 2 Onyx-gold Ape? The Onyx-gold Ape is very powerful. I hope you’ve thought through this properly.”
Alice replied firmly,
“I’m sure.”
The students below the stage were also shocked by Alice’s decision.
‘She chose it on purpose. How bold of her!’
[1] Equivalent to a 5-star silver-tier Battle Beast, but I’m not sure why the author suddenly changed the ranking system for the Daemons.