Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 283: Mid-Term Exam [1]

"D rank..huh? Well, that's unusual. For first-year students to achieve a D rank, it's quite an achievement, well maybe that's why you choose him as your disciple, don't you Headmaster Hera?" Yato said Hera as he looked at Adrien, who had just gotten back to his place after his rank had been checked.

Hera had an emotionless expression on her face as she stared at Adrain, however, she couldn't help but let out a chuckle when she heard Yato's words.

"That's the not only reason, he is quite talented in fighting and he has potential that many envy He only needs proper guidance and that's where I came, I will help him until he achieves his true potential power." Hera proudly said as she glanced at Adrian. Her voice was devoid of any emotions but Yato could tell that she was trying to hide from Yato.

"What about Lucas? I heard you have taken him as your disciple." After a moment of silence, She asked about Lucas.

Lucas was also quite a talk in recent days, After all, he was a Yato disciple and he also had shown quite a formidable young man.

If talk about Lucas, there are many things to talk about but sadly that will take most of their time.

"Lucas? Hahaha, Well I have to say he is quite unlike the character, I haven't met someone like him in ages." Yato laughed as he said that.

"He's certainly a unique one," Hera replied, her gaze turning distant for a moment before refocusing on Yato. "But beneath that eccentric exterior lies a sharp mind and remarkable potential. He may not fit the mould of a traditional disciple, but I believe he has what it takes to achieve greatness."

Yato nodded thoughtfully, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "Indeed, he has surprised many with his unconventional approach to combat and problem-solving. It will be interesting to see how he develops under my guidance."

As they conversed, the other students waited anxiously for their turn to have their ranks assessed. The atmosphere was tense yet charged with anticipation, each eager to prove themselves in the upcoming practical exam.

***

"Student Rank 2, Emma Rivers, please step up"

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"Students Rank 3, Aric Stoneheart, please step up"

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"Rank 4, Isabella Evergreen."

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"Rank 5, Noah Black."

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"Rank 6, Lyra Morningstar."

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Rank 8, Evelyn Nightshade, step forward.

...and so like that, everyone's rank was measured.

Apart from Lyra whose rank was F, Aric, Isabella, Emma, and Evelyn were respectively assigned towards the <E> graded difficulty of the dungeon.

"Rank 1001, Lucas Darkheart, please step up"

Finally, it was my turn.

Not minding the stares coming from certain individuals, I walked up to Professor Lillian who was holding onto the orb

"Please put your hand on the orb"

Nodding my head, I slowly placed my palm on the orb.

-Vuuuuam!

As soon as I placed my hand on the orb, I felt a weird suction force coming from the orb. Soon after, without me needing to do anything, the mana inside of my body circulated.

A couple of seconds after the mana inside of my body circulated, a red hue enveloped the surroundings.

However, a couple of seconds after the red hue appeared on the orb, it was replaced by a green hue.

Just moments before the hue turned green, as soon as the ref hue enveloped the place, some of the people around me couldn't help but gasp in shock.

It had to be noted that red symbolized <D> rank. For me, to suddenly show up with <D> rank stats, would surprise everyone.

...however, the red hue soon turned green indicating that I was <E> ranked.

Because this wasn't the first time this event happened, everyone quickly recovered from the shock allowing me to sigh in relief.

...seems like the orb liked to play tricks on me.

Frowning slightly, the professor Lillian shook her head and said

"Student Lucas Darkheart, please make your way towards the E area"

"Alright"

Nodding towards the professor, I headed back towards where the students were gathered.

Fortunately, because the device was not very accurate, it could only measure a relative approximation of my rank. Meaning that people only knew that I was <E> ranked, but not whether I was <E-> <E> or <E+>.

...and I liked for it to be that way.

Sunny name was called a few moments later and he was also assigned to the E rank area.

As Sunny's name was called, he stepped forward with a determined look on his face. Despite the nerves and tension in the air, he seemed ready to face the challenge ahead.

With everyone's ranks assessed and assignments to their respective dungeon difficulties made, the anticipation in the air reached a fever pitch. Each student braced themselves for what lay ahead, knowing that the practical exam would test not only their combat skills but also their ability to think on their feet and adapt to unpredictable situations.

As we waited for further instructions, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through me. The prospect of delving into the depths of the Cave of Doom, facing off against formidable monsters, and proving my worth in the eyes of my instructors and peers filled me with a sense of exhilaration.

Glancing around at my fellow students, I could see a similar determination reflected in their eyes. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, we were all united in our goal to succeed and emerge victorious from this trial.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, the professor stepped forward once more, his voice cutting through the tense silence.

"Alright, students, listen up," he began, his tone firm and commanding. "You have been assigned to your respective dungeon difficulties based on your ranks. Your task is simple: navigate through the dungeon, reach the other side, and complete the practical exam.

Remember, your performance will be assessed based on both the time taken to complete the exam and the number of monsters defeated along the way."

With a wave of his hand, the professor gestured towards the towering portal that loomed before us, its swirling blue energy pulsating with a faint hum.

"You better watch out…in dungeons, no rules exist. What may seem like your teammate moments before can quickly turn and backstab you when you least expect it…such situations aren't very rare occurrences inside of dungeons"

With dungeons being places that had no cameras, situations where your ally would betray you as soon as the chance presented itself wouldn't be all that surprising. Especially if something tempted them into doing so-

As the professor's words flowed through everyone's ears, all the students present took a step away from the person near them. Their eyes were full of vigilance.

Human greed was boundless…You never know what would happen if you weren't alert.

Glancing at the students who were now wary of each other, a satisfied smile appeared on the professor's face.

"Enough of that. I'm going to go brief the other students now. You have five minutes to prepare yourselves"

Finished with what he wanted to say, turning off his tablet, the professor headed towards the next group.

As the professor left to brief the other students, a hushed silence fell over the group as we took a moment to process his warning. The tension in the air was palpable, each of us acutely aware of the potential dangers lurking within the depths of the dungeon.

With only five minutes to prepare, I quickly ran through my mental checklist, ensuring that I had everything I needed for the journey ahead. Sword at my side, potions securely stowed in my bag, and spells at the ready, I felt as prepared as I could be given the circumstances.

Glancing around, I could see my classmates doing the same, each of us steeling ourselves for the challenges acknowledgements. Despite the unease and apprehension, there was a sense of solidarity among us, a silent acknowledgement that we were all in this together.

As the minutes ticked by, the tension continued to mount, the anticipation reaching a fever pitch as we waited for the signal to begin our descent into the dungeon. With every passing moment, the weight of our impending task pressed down on us, driving home the gravity of the situation.

Finally, with a nod from the professor, the signal was given, and we moved as one towards the entrance of the Cave of Doom. With determination in our hearts and the echoes of the professor's warning ringing in our ears, we stepped through the portal and into the unknown.

As we entered the dungeon, the air grew thick with anticipation, each step forward bringing us closer to the trials that awaited us. With our fate hanging in the balance, we pressed on, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead and prove ourselves worthy of the title of Nova cadets.

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Note:- Sorry, I haven't been able to upload daily, because I wasn't feeling well and I was bed sick for the last three days...

I will try to upload 2 chap days starting from tomorrow and thank you for your support.