SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 510: Final Trial [II]

Kaelen.

Althea.

Eryndor.

Selara.

All four directors had assembled.

Just their presence alone made the atmosphere thicken intensely.

They weren't there merely to adorn the platform. They attended because this marked the practical final exam, and they intended to oversee every student in their charge.

Kaelen advanced first.

He didn't have to elevate his voice. Silence fell over the hall the instant he started speaking.

"Good morning, first-year students."

His voice carried a chill, devoid of any formality.

"Passing today's practical exam means you'll advance to second-year status. You'll also have just one year remaining at the Academy."

Not a single word broke the quiet.

"You all know the fundamentals of today's test," Kaelen went on. "You'll get transported to an Academy hunting ground. There, hunt down a monster and return with it."

A short silence followed.

"One monster only. Not a bunch of weaker ones."

Those words crushed numerous optimistic dreams among the crowd.

"We aim to gauge your progress over this year. Thus, I urge you to target a beast truly deserving of your challenge."

The air grew heavier. Anxiety transformed into palpable strain.

Suddenly, Kaelen lifted a hand and snapped his fingers.

Mana rippled outward across the hall.

Dozens and dozens of bracelets materialized in the air simultaneously, hovering over the students like silvery stars poised to drop. Silver and slender, they bore subtle runes that glowed faintly along their surfaces.

Murmurs swept through the chamber.

Kaelen allowed only a moment's gaze before resuming.

"These were forged in collaboration with the Great Family Dvergar."

That name alone seized even greater focus. Everyone present grasped its immense significance.

"They'll teleport you to the Academy Gate upon detecting an imminent fatal strike. Failure awaits if triggered."

His tone stayed level. Yet its icy edge cut through the hall, causing several students to tense up.

"Stay vigilant without fail."

The bracelets lowered together, each gliding precisely to its assigned student. Trafalgar snatched his effortlessly and secured it on his wrist casually. Nearby, fellow students followed suit.

Kaelen pressed on.

"Group formation for hunting is permitted. We prize teamwork, synergy, and how varied classes mesh amid shifting circumstances."

This sparked varied responses. Certain students eased up. Others began scanning peers immediately, sizing up potential allies.

"Attacking fellow students is forbidden," Kaelen declared. "This isn't about racking up the highest kill count. Heed the rule."

His delivery chilled the room further.

Chills crept over the skin of many students.

Kaelen lifted his hand once more, unleashing a colossal projection over the gathering that expanded to command the whole hall. Whispers ceased instantly. Overhead loomed no mere doodle or vague diagram, but a comprehensive map of the hunting grounds, intricate enough to reveal its vastness instantly. Jagged mountain chains sliced one flank like razor fangs. Thick woodlands claimed the wide central expanse. A vast lake gleamed in the projection's glow, designated a monster-infested area, while a compact desert zone farther afield fractured the terrain into fresh peril. Each zone hinted at unique threats, beasts, and paths, compelling sharp minds to strategize on the spot.

"This marks the zone," Kaelen stated, tone unchanging in its frigidity and firmness. "Vast in scope. Mountains, woods, a monster-filled lake, and a minor desert area. Distinct creatures dwell in each."

No volume was required for his words to command attention. The map's enormity had paved the way. Eyes locked skyward, some plotting paths mentally, others assessing ideal landscapes. Veterans spotted the peril right away. A poor route could squander time, mana, and stamina prior to combat.

"Behold the map," Kaelen proceeded. "Memorize it in five seconds."

Tension peaked then.

No chaos erupted, yet the weight altered noticeably. Some stiffened rigidly. Others honed their concentration visibly. Five seconds proved laughable for such a chart, as all realized. Total recall was futile. Prioritizing key features—landmarks, shifts in land, quick paths to hazards, secure retreats—became essential. Hesitators lagged already.

Trafalgar raised his gaze, absorbing it in one sharp scan. Mountains leaped out first, followed by forests, lake, desert. Region borders etched into his mind naturally, plus popular trails and riskier ones few would brave. That sufficed. Here, predicting crowd flows rivaled monster locations in value.

Five seconds elapsed.

The projection dissolved.

Subtle frustration rippled through the hall, plain to sense. Annoyance etched some faces, unease others, regret a few for unmade choices. Kaelen remained utterly indifferent.

"Good luck."

Scarce had the phrase escaped when blinding light engulfed the hall.

Teleportation consumed the space in a flash. Academy, balcony, chatter, crush of hundreds—all vanished in mana torrent. Distortion reigned briefly: icy, buoyant drag via warped dimensions, body yanked heedless of ease.

Reality reformed, Trafalgar's boots thudding on firm earth.

The atmosphere transformed utterly. No more refined stone or confined air of the vast hall. Winds bore scents of soil, untamed mana, boundless expanse. Hunting grounds sprawled unbound by Academy structure. Familiarity evoked a past echo.

Trafalgar scanned the landscape, evaluating swiftly.

'Like that first run, eh,' he mused.

His hand rose, poised to call Maledicta, lips curving faintly.

'But now, first place is mine for sure.'