[Samael Ashwood's POV]
"So,What I wanted to talk about is 'Dungeon Exploration Test' which is going to happen at the end of this week."
"Dungeon Exploration Test?! But how do you know about? When the teacher haven't even ntioned it yet?" Liliana asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
I gave her a knowing smirk, the kind that suggested I always seed to know more than I should. "Let's just say I have my sources," I replied cryptically. "The thing which make this test more special is expulsion rule—"
"You an if we fail the test, we get expelled?" Liliana finished, her expression suddenly serious.
"Exactly, Let ask you sothing. What is the current strength of our class, if we were to exclude us and Seraphina, Elara, Aiden, and Marcus?" I asked with a sight smile dancing on my lips, knowing full well that this would make them think.
Liliana furrowed her brow, pondering my question. "If we exclude the strongest among us, then... the rest of the class would be at a considerable disadvantage," she replied thoughtfully. "Most of them lack both the skill and the experience to handle serious threats. They're...below average."
"And how do you think they got in the most prestigious academy if they lack the skill and talent needed?" I continued, my voice steady as I t each of their gazes.
Sionna closed her book and looked at with a thoughtful expression. "Connections, wealth, or political ties, most likely," she said plainly. "It's not uncommon for nobles to secure a place for their heirs regardless of their abilities."
Lily nodded in agreent, her expression turning more serious. "So, if they're relying on their family nas and not their own strength, then they might not be prepared for a real challenge like the Dungeon Exploration Test."
"Exactly," I said, giving them a pointed look. "This test is a way to weed out those who aren't truly capable. They gave face to those with connections by giving them place in the class of Professor Chris Lincoln the strongest mage in the academy, and now they will give chance to student who are truly talented and those who deserves the spot in the S-class."
"So you an to say that students from other division of first year will also have to undergo the Dungeon Exploration Test alongside us?" Liliana asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
"Yes and No~" I interjected with a sly smile, relishing the suspense. "The students from other divisions will be participating, but their dungeon will be separate from us. As we are the 'elite' student even among first years, we'll be facing a more challenging dungeon designed to test our abilities thoroughly."
Liliana's eyes lit up with intrigue. "A separate dungeon for the elites? That sounds like a proper challenge. I'm all for it."
Sionna nodded thoughtfully. "It makes sense. If they want to truly assess our capabilities without favoritism, this approach ensures we're tested under comparable conditions."
Lily glanced at each of us, her expression serious but determined. "So, what's our strategy? How do we prepare for this test?"
"From what I know, There will be team of seven in this dungeon. Three defence mage, Two attack mage, One healing type mage, and One leader. And we are six already: , Lily, Liliana, Sionna, Raven, and Eveline. We need one more mber to complete the team, And Professor Lincoln will announce about this tomorrow." I said as I scratched my head thoughtfully.
"Do you have anyone in mind for that last spot?" Sionna asked, her analytical gaze fixed on .
I nodded slowly. "I've been considering a few options, but it depends on what our team dynamics look like. We need soone who can hold their own in combat, but also soone who fits well with the rest of us. Ideally, they should have so experience in dungeon explorations."
Liliana's eyes sparkled with mischief. "What about Jason? He's strong and has a good grasp of combat skills. Plus, he could use the experience."
I frowned slightly at the ntion of my half-brother. "He might be strong, but his ego is a liability. We need to work as a cohesive unit, and I don't want soone who might prioritize their glory over the team's safety."
Lily chid in, "What about Aiden? He's solid in battles and seems reliable. I've seen him work with his team before, and he supports his friends."
"That's true," I replied, considering Aiden's attributes. "He has potential, but I wonder if he can handle the pressure of being in our elite team. I'd want soone who can think on their feet."
"What about Seraphina? You are 'famaliar' with her~" Liliana raised an eyebrow at Liliana's suggestive tone.
"Seraphina, huh?" I mused, thinking back to the encounters I've had with her. "You know I almost killed her when she tried to control my mind a month ago."
"But you patched it up with her today right? You were paired with her in the combat assessnt. And we saw how she was smiling and being respectful around you after the assessnt," Liliana pointed out, her expression teasing.
I sighed, recalling the recent combat assessnt where Seraphina and I had indeed fought together, and she had shown a surprising level of cooperation and skill. "She did perform well today," I admitted reluctantly. "And yes, we managed to settle so differences."
Liliana grinned triumphantly. "So, Seraphina it is! Problem solved."
I chuckled at Liliana's certainty. "Let's not jump to conclusions just yet. I'll talk to her and see if she's interested. We need to make sure she's a good fit for our team dynamics."
Lily nodded in agreent. "It makes sense to choose soone who can work well with all of us, especially in a high-stakes test like this."
Sionna added thoughtfully, "If Seraphina is willing to cooperate and contribute effectively, she could be a valuable addition. We should consider her seriously."
"Alright then," I said with a nod, feeling a sense of determination settling over . "I'll talk to Seraphina tomorrow and gauge her interest. If she's on board, we'll have our team set for the Dungeon Exploration Test."
Liliana clapped her hands together. "Great! I'm looking forward to it. This is going to be exciting!"
"Okay, tell everything we talked about to Raven and Eveline, when they wake up. I am going for a walk around the academy." I said as I stood up and walked out of my room with my hands in the pocket.
As I stepped into the corridor, the vibrant energy of the academy filled the air, a mix of students bustling to and fro, chatting and laughing as they went about their day. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the stone walls, and I took a mont to breathe in the tranquility.
In the original novel, Ethan—the protagonist had to take help from Liliana—the heroine to pass the test, the rewards if they are sa as the novel then they might suit better for Sionna.
Water Fairy's Egg.
A rare familiar, best suited for water affinity mage. I know Eveline too have water affinity but she can't take care of a water fairy who is pure hearted and will not bond with just anyone. It needs soone nurturing, soone who understands its needs. Sionna would be perfect for that.
I continued walking, my mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming test and the implications it held for us. The weight of the responsibilities that ca with being a leader pressed down on , but I couldn't shake off the thrill that coursed through my veins.
As I rounded a corner, I caught sight of Seraphina leaning against a wall, her arms crossed and her gaze directed toward the ground. She seed lost in thought, her expression unreadable. It was a chance encounter I hadn't anticipated, but it might be the perfect opportunity to broach the subject of the team.
"Seraphina," I called out, my voice breaking her from her reverie. She looked up, surprise flickering across her face before it settled into a guarded expression.
"Samael," she replied, her tone neutral but her posture relaxing slightly. "What brings you out here?"
"I wanted to talk to you about sothing important," I said, stepping closer. The corridor was quieter here, the bustle of students fading into the background. "Follow to the library."
Seraphina nodded silently, falling into step beside as we made our way towards the library. The setting sun cast long shadows across the stone corridors, lending an air of quietude to our surroundings. As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the slight tension in Seraphina's posture, a wariness that hinted at lingering uncertainties between us.
We entered the library, its vast shelves lined with books and illuminated by soft, flickering lanterns. Finding a secluded corner, away from prying eyes and ears, I turned to face Seraphina, my expression earnest.
"Seraphina, I wanted to talk to you about the Dungeon Exploration Test," I began, choosing my words carefully.
"What is that?" Seraphina's question hung in the air, her curiosity piqued as she waited for my response. I took a mont to gather my thoughts, considering how much to reveal about the upcoming test and its significance.
"At the end of this week, at the end of this week," I started, eting Seraphina's gaze directly. "There's going to be a Dungeon Exploration Test for all first-year students. It's a significant event where teams of seven will navigate through a simulated dungeon environnt. We'll face various challenges—monsters, puzzles, and more—testing our abilities as a team."
Seraphina nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "And why are you telling this?"
"Because I want you to join our team for the test," I replied earnestly. "After today's combat assessnt, I've seen your skills firsthand. You're strong, capable, and I believe you can contribute effectively to our team."
A hint of surprise flickered in Seraphina's eyes, followed by a thoughtful expression. "You want to be part of your team?"
"Yes," I affird. "We're forming a team of seven, and your abilities would be a valuable addition. We need soone who can handle combat situations and work well with others under pressure. I believe you fit that role."
She tilted her head slightly, considering my words. "What exactly would my role be?"
"We're aiming for a balanced team," I explained, outlining the roles we already had and the need for each mber. "We have defense mages, attack mages, and a healer. You would play a crucial role in combat and support, depending on the situation."
Seraphina nodded thoughtfully. "I see. And what do you expect from ?"
"I expect you to contribute your skills and knowledge," I answered honestly. "We'll train together, strategize, and support each other during the test. It's about working as a cohesive unit."
After a brief pause, Seraphina spoke again, her tone steady. "I accept your offer, Samael. I'll join your team for the Dungeon Exploration Test."
Relief washed over , knowing we had solidified our team with soone as capable as Seraphina. "Thank you, Seraphina. I believe we can achieve great things together."
A small smile tugged at her lips. "Let's make sure we're well-prepared for whatever challenges co our way."
[Ding...]
"Well well, What do we have here? Two lovers secret spot~"
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[To Be Continued]
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Stone !, I can take it.
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