After that event, nothing exciting happened again during the first test. After a buzzer that signified the end of the first test, Izana and the rest of the players reappeared in the main hall in the beginning. The hall once filled the brim now had a little space.
An old man walked towards the stage, his flowing grey hair matched with his robe creating a mystical aura that engulfed the entire hall causing everyone to go silent.
He walked slowly but steadily as if demanding attention from all, his luxurious cane struck the marble floor at rhythmic intervals creating a prolonged ring when struck, calming the mind, somewhat.
The hall was silent, breaths toned down some ceased as everyone waited for the man to reach the stage, this was respect the weak had for the strong, embedded in their entire being.
The man stood in the centre of the stage, his piercing green eyes a contrast to his grey hair, darted around as if scanning all the candidates, some faces he stared at longer than the others, Izana was one of those faces. It didn't take long for Izana to understand that he was part of the favourites to enter the school this year.
"My name is Forceus and i am the chief Examiner. Congratulations candidates for passing the first test. " His voice echoed in the hall, reaching the ears of every participant. "Now that the first test has come to an end time for the second test. " His statement caused dissatisfied murmurs in the crowd.
"Where are the rewards! " A loud voice came from the left part of the crowd, instantly the crowd shifted from the owner of the voice and created a circle around him. The owner of the voice was a tall, muscular youth with dirt brown hair and matching eyes. He wore a tight but expensive looking red top and brown trouser. He carried himself with an unnatural flair and looked down on others like they dont deserve to breathe the same air as him. But that wasnt the shocking part, he radiated an alarming pressure that shook the hearts of masses. Only one thought was going on in their minds. 'A genuine D ranker. '
"Sorry if I sound rude But, we who eliminated a lot of contestants are waiting for the reward. "
"There is no reward. I never said that there will be a reward for most eliminations, I just said survive. " Forceus replied calmly, his expression remaining neutral like he foresaw this coming.
"Now as I was saying before the interruption. " He turned to look at the brown haired youth before continuing. "The second test is called the mana measurement test. Sounds simple right? " He struck his cane on the ground once and the entire hall was enveloped by a white light before it became empty, leaving only silence.
The candidates appeared on one end of a massive, still lake. On the far horizon stood a mighty wall.
Forceus appeared above the candidates and proceeded to give a general outline of this test. "The goal of this test is to make it to the first checkpoint. The higher your mana level the higher your chances of reaching the checkpoints. If it was just normal walking then it won the a test. See that wall over there. " He pointed to the massive wall at the far end of the lake. "That wall releases a strong pressure that can only be withstood by mana. The closer you are to the wall the stronger the pressure. The first checkpoint is the halfway mark. If you reach it then you have qualified for the third test. If you reach a point where you can't move again then you are eliminated. " He paused and signalled for one of his assistant to demonstrate.
"There are more checkpoints and reaching them gives rewards. The wall is the final checkpoint. This test is to weed out those with weak mana levels. Oh yeah, if you fall into the water no matter were you are then you are eliminated, try Your best now let the test begin. "
The crowd rushed on the water trying to get to the first checkpoint quickly, some cautious reduced their speed and observed closely.
When they reached 15% of the lake the speed dropped considerably and eliminations started happening. At this point players tried different strategies to pass but none were working or they'll work for some time and leave you drained of mana causing elimination.
By the 25% mark, one third of the players had been eliminated.
"At least the amount of promising candidates isn't half bad. Remember last year's candidates. " Garam spoke while reminiscing about the previous year.
"I think 70% where eliminated at this point. The most since the beginning of the academy. " The gruff sounding woman replied with a laugh. "Do you think any one of these candidates will reach the wall Mr Forceus? " She asked a question on the mind of everyone sitting around the table.
"Hmm. This is a promising set so I think one student will reach and it may very well be that dirt brown haired kid. He may be arrogant but we can't deny his prowess at such a young age. " Forceus replied calmly as he directed his focus at the brown haired boy.
The rest of the people in the table nodded in agreement. "I also think that Raiden kid will shock us too. " A calm voice came from a veiled woman. The examiners were speechless because the woman hardly talks unless she is interested in something.
"Interesting. " Garam whispered as he looked at Izana.