Don't confiscate my identity as a human race

In the courtyard test site, the light streaming through the glass dome became increasingly dazzling.

Teresa shook her head, feeling that something was off.

How could this young man radiate such a buoyant, cheerful demeanor while proposing such a plan?

Well, considering his performance in the previous round of tests, he was clearly a unique talent.

"So rest assured, as a law-abiding pioneer, I won't play you."

Lanci smiled and said to Hyperion.

He believed there should be more trust between teammates.

"Indeed."

Hyperion hesitated slightly before agreeing.

If this guy really was an actor, she would likely be out of her depth in the Royal Capital.

As a White Magician, he might not be powerful, but as a legal pioneer...

She held her tongue.

There was no time for extensive conversation.

As per the testing procedure,

Lanci and Hyperion were quickly escorted by Teresa to the front of the Void Gate.

"Both of you, be cautious of Examiner Felat Swensson,"

Teresa whispered on the side,

"Maybe I shouldn't say this... but he is a rather strict person."

Personally, Teresa saw Lanci and Hyperion as two outstanding students, so she hoped they wouldn't receive unfair treatment.

Even though, she couldn't help them in any substantive way.

"Thank you."

Hyperion nodded her head, thanking Teresa.

Just knowing who their examiner was already a help to her.

"Alright, it's time for the test."

Accompanied by Teresa's gentle voice, the Void Gate was activated in front of them as they stood in front of the Artificial Shadow World terminal.

But this time, a countdown appeared on the Void Gate.

Undoubtedly, the examiners needed to enter on time.

Without inquiring further, Lanci followed Hyperion into the Void Gate.

Even though he didn't know who Felat was, it seemed that Hyperion did, so he could just ask her later.

Inside the Void Gate.

It was the same as the previous time: a dark expanse where nothing could be seen.

The surroundings became much quieter than the seven-story courtyard, as if all sounds were blocked out.

The next second, splendid lights flared; he felt as if he were in an extradimensional space akin to a space-time tunnel.

Meanwhile, prompt characters appeared before his eyes.

[Shadow World: Infinite Illusion Valley]

[Level: Second-order]

[The number of challengers is 2]

[Welcome to Phantom Canyon, a combat training Shadow World exclusively developed by the Magic Engineering College.]

[The current exam is set so the challengers are in a situation where they have failed the mainline mission of the Shadow World and are in a desperate state.]

[You will face a fourth-order Hunter impersonated by the examiner in a random map. The examiner will not use Magic Cards but will use spells that match their rank.]

[There will be no life danger in the Artificial Shadow World.]

[Upon failure or death in the Shadow World, you will be automatically ejected from the Shadow World.]

[You may also choose to actively exit the Shadow World and be judged as a failure.]

[Note: According to the evaluations of student 001 Lanci Welfort and student 002 Hyperion Alansar in the last round of evaluations, the difficulty of this exam will adapt automatically.]

[Note: The starting distance between you and the Hunter is shortened to one-third.]

[Note: The rank limit of the Hunter has been adjusted to fifth-order.]

[Mission Goal: Please survive until the time limit expires while cooperating with each other.]

[Time remaining: 29 minutes and 59 seconds.]

[The map for this exam is: Elvin Plains.]

As the light fully brightened, they found themselves standing in an expansive steppe. The sun illuminated every inch of the land, warm and radiant.

In the distance, the sky was brilliantly blue, and a few clouds lazily floated along with the breeze. The grass of the plains danced in the wind, vibrant and full of life, like a sea of emerald.

"How high is your rating exactly?"

When Hyperion saw the "1/3 starting distance" and "Fifth-order Hunter," she couldn't help but ask Lanci.

But when she finally saw that the randomly chosen terrain was "Plains."

She finally couldn't hold back.

She was so angry that she wanted to laugh.

"I don't know! Didn't they say that the ratings are artificial this time? They didn't even announce it. And is this 'Plains' map really for the show?"

Even Lanci was dumbfounded.

For a moment, he couldn't tell whether someone had rigged the randomness, their luck was really bad, or if the person who designed the [Infinite Illusion Valley] at the Magic Engineering College was just insane.

He had heard before that the people at the Magic Engineering College were not normal.

Now he was getting a taste of it.

Generally speaking.

These three negative effects individually would still be acceptable.

But when they're all added together, the nature completely changes.

Remember, most prospective students are only second-order.

Like Lanci who just recently became a second-order.

Students like Hyperion, who are third-order, are the minority.

However.

No matter whether they are second or third-order, they are no match for a fifth-order enemy!

If they are caught, their examination is over.

With this vast plain terrain and the shortened distance, there's no chance for them to escape.

"Hehe..."

Hyperion was about to say something, but felt like everything was pointless now.

These "face-conscious", and simultaneously "shameless" nobles, every move they make is especially laughable.

Ever since Duke Alansar disappeared, she had been subjected to wrongful accusations and murder attempts, unable to differentiate between friends and foes.

Finally, she found some clues to her father's disappearance and a glimmer of hope.

Yet, it led her to something even deeper.

She, too, could feel that she was on the verge of a mysterious death in the Royal Capital.

The only lifeline now was for her to enroll in school following her father's last arrangements-

With the protection of High Priest Loren, the Goddess of Destiny, nobody dared to act rashly in the Sage Academy.

However.

Those who can't stand to lose.

End up not allowing her to join Ichrite Academy after all.

"You're not running?"

Hyperion turned her head, slightly lifted her gaze, and asked.

She noticed that Lanci beside her did not seem in a desperate panic to run either.

"If you give up now, you might suffer less."

"I can't."

Lanci said helplessly.

"Why not?"

Hyperion had a mocking smile on her face.

Unlike her, who was twisted by anger and killing intent, almost driven into a corner.

This boy did not seem to have a reason he absolutely had to pass the exam.

Lanci shrugged, and answered:

"If I don't pass, my dad would scold me when I get home."

"..."

Hyperion thought Lanci was joking.

But upon closer inspection.

She realized Lanci had been like this all along.

Although he would occasionally show surprise or doubt.

His inner depths never showed any ripples.

It's as if his heart rate was always in a state of drinking afternoon tea.