Chapter 46: Test VII

The instructors led the successful candidates toward the arena entrance.

Unlike the previous tests, the final examination would take place in a much larger area. A massive energy barrier surrounded the arena, and several instructors stood along its perimeter.

Ben followed the other participants through the entrance.

The arena looked like an enormous open field. Its ground was covered in dark stone, and several tall structures stood at different points. Some resembled ruined buildings, while others looked like defensive towers.

A large screen hovered above the arena.

[Final Examination: Comprehensive Trial]

[Objective: Capture the Central Beacon]

[Time Limit: 60 Minutes]

[Participants: 100]

[Evaluation: Individual Performance]

The candidates began discussing the details.

"Capture the Central Beacon?"

"Does that mean we have to fight each other?"

"There’s a hundred of us. How are we supposed to do that?"

The instructor raised his hand, and the discussions gradually stopped.

"The final examination will take place inside this arena. A beacon has been placed at its center. Your objective is to reach it and activate it."

He paused before continuing.

"However, the beacon is protected by a defensive formation and several combat golems. You will need to overcome them before you can activate it."

The screen changed.

[Central Beacon]

[Defense: Three Combat Golems]

[Formation: Active]

[Activation Time: 30 Seconds]

The instructor continued explaining the rules.

"Once the beacon is activated, the participant who activates it will receive a high score. However, the examination will not end immediately. Other candidates may continue competing for additional points."

A candidate raised his hand.

"Are we allowed to attack other participants?"

"Yes. This is a competitive examination. You may interfere with other candidates, but you must not cause permanent injury or use lethal attacks. The instructors will intervene if anyone violates these rules."

The instructor’s gaze swept across the group.

"Your score will be based on your contribution to the objective, combat performance, judgment, and ability to adapt. Simply reaching the beacon will not guarantee a high ranking."

Ben studied the arena.

The objective was straightforward, but the rules made the situation more complicated.

A hundred candidates would be competing for the same target. Some would rush toward the center, while others might wait for their opponents to weaken the golems before making their move.

There would also be candidates who tried to eliminate the competition before approaching the beacon.

Ben glanced at the three combat golems displayed on the screen.

Their exact strength had not been revealed.

He would need to assess them after entering the arena.

"Participants," the instructor announced, "you will be divided into ten groups. Each group will enter the arena at a different starting point. The examination will begin once all candidates have been transported."

The candidates began moving toward the marked platforms.

Ben found his assigned location and stepped onto it.

A faint energy field surrounded his body.

Before the transportation began, he glanced toward the observation area.

Amanda and Maya were standing behind the barrier.

Amanda gave him a small nod.

Ben returned the gesture.

He had already passed the first four tests. Now, he only needed to complete the final examination.

The energy field brightened.

A moment later, the surroundings changed.

Ben appeared at the edge of the arena.

A wide field stretched before him, with ruined buildings scattered across the landscape. The central beacon stood far away, rising above the surrounding structures.

He could see several other candidates appearing at different locations.

A countdown appeared in the sky.

[00:10]

Ben looked toward the center.

Three massive golems stood around the beacon. Their bodies were made of dark metal, and glowing energy lines covered their armor.

They were much larger than the golem from the first examination.

Ben narrowed his eyes.

The countdown reached zero.

[Final Examination: Begin]

A loud announcement echoed across the arena.

"Candidates may now begin!"

Several participants immediately rushed toward the center.

Others remained near their starting points, watching the situation.

Ben did not move right away.

He observed the candidates and the terrain.

The first group had already reached the ruined buildings. A few participants were using the structures as cover, while others moved across the open ground.

A sudden explosion erupted near the center.

One candidate had attacked a combat golem.

The golem turned toward him and swung its massive arm.

The candidate barely dodged the attack, but the shockwave sent him tumbling across the ground.

Another participant rushed in from the side and struck the golem’s leg.

The attack barely left a mark.

Ben watched carefully.

The golems were stronger than the Bronze Realm candidates could handle easily. Even those in the Silver Realm would need to be careful.

The candidates had begun fighting one another as well.

A group of three participants blocked a narrow passage between the ruins. They seemed determined to prevent others from reaching the center.

Ben looked at the surrounding structures.

There was no need to rush.

He could use the ruins to move closer while avoiding unnecessary fights.

Ben activated Mist Walker.

A thin layer of mist spread around his feet, and his figure became slightly blurred.

He moved between the ruined buildings, keeping his presence concealed.

The first few minutes passed without incident.

Ben avoided the main paths and watched the battles from a distance. Several candidates had already been forced to retreat, while others continued attacking the golems.

Then he noticed something.

The defensive formation surrounding the beacon was not evenly distributed.

Several energy lines converged beneath the three golems, but a narrow gap appeared whenever one of them moved away from its position.

Ben studied the pattern.

The formation was likely designed to test observation and adaptability. A candidate who simply attacked the golems might waste too much time, while someone who understood the formation could find a way through.

Ben continued watching.

A candidate in a blue uniform approached the beacon from the eastern side. He moved quickly, dodging the golem’s attacks and slipping through a brief opening in the formation.

However, before he could reach the beacon, another candidate attacked him from behind.

The two began fighting.

The opening disappeared.

Ben shook his head.

The competition was already becoming chaotic.

He continued toward the center, using the confusion to his advantage.

When he reached the edge of the defensive formation, he stopped behind a broken stone wall.

The beacon was now clearly visible.

It was a tall, crystal-like structure surrounded by a circular platform. A faint energy barrier covered the platform, and the three golems stood at different points around it.

Ben focused on the formation.

He could sense the flow of energy through the barrier. The structure was complicated, but it was not impossible to understand.

The energy circulated between the golems and the beacon. Each golem acted as a stabilizing point.

If one of them moved far enough away, the formation would weaken.

Ben looked toward the nearest golem.

It was currently fighting two candidates.

The other two golems remained near the beacon.

Ben considered his options.

He could attack one of the golems and force it away from its position. However, that would draw attention and might expose his true strength.

Another option was to wait for the other candidates to create an opening.

He decided to observe for a little longer.

A group of candidates charged toward the nearest golem.

Their attacks forced it to step backward.

The energy barrier flickered.

Ben’s eyes narrowed.

There was his opportunity.

He moved.

Mist Walker concealed his movements as he crossed the open ground. He avoided the candidates who were still fighting and reached the edge of the platform.

The barrier had weakened, but it had not disappeared.

Ben extended his senses and studied the energy flow.

He could use his dimensional ability to distort the space around the barrier. However, doing so might reveal more than he wanted.

Instead, he searched for a natural opening.

The formation flickered again.

Ben stepped forward.

A faint ripple passed through the barrier.

He slipped through.

For a moment, the energy formation brushed against his body, but it failed to stop him.

Ben landed on the platform.

The nearest golem immediately turned toward him.

Its glowing eyes focused on Ben.

A heavy energy aura spread through the area.

Ben looked at the golem.

He had reached the beacon, but the final part of the examination would not be easy.