Chapter 145: The Mysterious Prize and the Graduation Exam

Chapter 145: The Mysterious Prize and the Graduation Exam

Year 1257 of the Starlight Calendar, the Month of Xia Long (June).

Shining City, Dragonheart Knight Academy.

The weather was scorching, with a gentle breeze blowing through the air.

The academy was buzzing with excitement, mirroring the heat of the day.

Today was the day of the first-ever graduation exam for the Dragonheart Knight Academy.

Early in the morning, the fourth-year students, who were about to graduate, gathered at the training ground, discussing the upcoming exam with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

"I wonder what the graduation exam will be like?"

"The academy is being so secretive, they won't tell us the details until we reach the exam site."

"Whatever it is, if it's held in the Underworld, it won't be easy."

"I've heard the Underworld is dangerous, filled with monsters. I hope the academy doesn't make the exam too difficult."

The students huddled in small groups, their chatter filling the air.

Outside the training ground, students from the other three grades watched with curiosity, hoping to gather some intelligence. After all, they would have to go through the same exam in the future.

"Xien!"

Xien finally managed to push through the crowd of younger students and enter the training ground. He was looking around for his friends when he heard a familiar voice calling his name.

Turning his head, he saw Rugar and Solano waving at him.

"Why are you so late?"

As Xien approached, Rugar playfully punched him on the shoulder.

Xien scratched his cheek and smiled. "The Dean called me in to talk about something."

Rugar's eyes lit up, and he wrapped an arm around Xien's shoulder, whispering conspiratorially, "Did the Dean tell you anything about the graduation exam? Share it with me, we're brothers, after all!"

Xien shook his head. "Don't get your hopes up. You know how strict the academy's rules are. The Dean wouldn't break them, even for me. He just gave me some encouraging words."

Rugar looked thoroughly disappointed.

"Come on, the Dean is too rigid. At least you're the top student in the fourth year. What's the harm in giving you a little heads-up?"

"Because Xien is the top student, the Dean trusts him to do well and won't break the rules to help him," Solano said with a gentle smile, revealing two dimples. She turned to Xien. "Xien, how are you feeling?"

"No problem!"

Xien raised his right hand and flexed his muscles confidently.

"I'm definitely going to get first place this time!"

Rugar said enviously, "I heard the top five students will receive a Grade 3 Dragon Blood Fruit and a mysterious prize."

The higher the grade of the Dragon Blood Fruit, the stronger its effects.

The lowest-grade, Grade 1 Dragon Blood Fruit, is reserved for apprentice knights.

First and second-year students, as well as some third-year students who haven't yet become knights, usually consume Grade 1 Dragon Blood Fruits.

Grade 2 Dragon Blood Fruits are for knights.

Only students who have become knights are eligible to consume this grade of Dragon Blood Fruit.

As for Grade 3 Dragon Blood Fruits, it's said that one can help a mid-level knight advance to a high-level knight.

In this graduating class, including Xien, there are eighteen mid-level knights.

If they could get a Grade 3 Dragon Blood Fruit, they would immediately advance to high-level knights.

How could anyone not be envious?

"That's great. I wish I could get a Grade 3 Dragon Blood Fruit too," Rugar said with a longing look.

Solano chuckled. "The top five spots will definitely be taken by the mid-level knight students. We should aim for the top fifty. The top fifty will still get a Grade 2 Dragon Blood Fruit."

"The effects of a Grade 2 Dragon Blood Fruit are much weaker," Rugar muttered.

But he was an optimist at heart and quickly shook off his disappointment, turning the conversation to the mysterious prize.

"What do you think the mysterious prize is?"

"I bet it's something from the base," Solano said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I've heard there are many magical items there, and the Dragon Blood Fruits come from there too."

"Could it be a legendary magical item?"

"That's unlikely. I've heard that only wizards can use magical items, not knights."

"Then maybe it's a potion?"

Rugar and Solano discussed eagerly, but Xien remained silent, his expression a bit strange.

Earlier, when the Dean called him in, he not only gave him some encouragement but also revealed the true nature of the mysterious prize.

Rugar was right; it was indeed a magical item.

It's called a 'Rune Construct,' a powerful magical item that knights can use.

The Dean also mentioned that all graduates would receive a Grade 1 Rune Construct, but the top five students would receive a more powerful Grade 2 Rune Construct.

It's said that when a high-level knight equips a Grade 2 Rune Construct, they can instantly achieve the combat power of a grand knight!

When Xien first heard this from the Dean, he was completely stunned.

The fact that a Rune Construct could make a high-level knight as powerful as a grand knight was simply mind-boggling!

If it weren't for the Dean saying it, he would never have believed it.

"Wizards' magical items are said to be incredibly powerful and mysterious. I didn't quite believe it before, but now it seems the rumors are true."

"If magical items are this powerful, how powerful must the wizards who create them be?"

Xien marveled inwardly.

The thought of joining the Knight Guard after the graduation exam and working alongside the legendary wizards was enough to make his heart race. It felt like a whole new world was beckoning to him.

"Xien, what are you daydreaming about?"

Rugar suddenly waved his hand in front of Xien, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Nothing," Xien replied vaguely, turning to look at the entrance of the training ground. "The Dean and the others are here."

The younger students at the entrance were quickly dispersed, and Moritz led a group of instructors into the training ground.

After a brief speech, the group left the academy and headed straight for the outskirts of the city.

Soon, Xien learned their destination for the day.

Many people knew that near Shining City, there was a forest heavily guarded by the army.

It was rumored that there was a mine inside, from which a large amount of ore was transported daily.

Xien had always wondered why a mine would need such heavy military protection, but now it all made sense.

The forest not only contained a mine but also an entrance to the Underworld.

After passing through the outer perimeter of the forest, the group quickly arrived at Camp 1.

When they saw the hundreds of clay golems moving back and forth, carrying ore, all the students couldn't help but widen their eyes.

"What are these?"

"They look like clay golems, made from clay, I think."

"Clay? That's amazing!"

"Wizards are truly incredible!"

Exclamations of wonder filled the air.

Some students couldn't resist reaching out to touch the clay golems as they passed by.

It was their first time seeing animated clay figures.

Moritz and the other instructors didn't stop them, just shaking their heads with a smile.

They, too, had been amazed the first time they saw the clay golems.

After passing through the camp, the group entered a cave.

Seeing the stone golems stationed along the way, the students were once again amazed.

After that, they emerged from a stalactite cave, boarded manta rays, and crossed a tranquil lake, landing on an island in the middle of the lake.

On the shore, sphinxes were waiting to guide them to the exam location.

The entire journey left the students in a state of awe, their minds filled with wonder at the strange and unfamiliar sights.

"This is the Underworld?"

Solano murmured, her pretty face full of amazement.

Xien and Rugar also looked around in amazement.

It was the first time in their lives they had seen such a bizarre and unique place, with its strange creatures.

Everything before them seemed to transport them to a fantastical new world.

No, that wasn't quite right.

Compared to the surface, the Underworld was indeed a whole new world.

Soon, led by the sphinxes, the group arrived at the entrance of a cave.

The entrance was enormous, over ten meters tall, wide enough for twenty people to walk side by side.

The ceiling of the cave was embedded with numerous glowstones, emitting a faint light that illuminated the area near the entrance.

Deeper inside, it was pitch black, the darkness looking somewhat eerie.

"Alright, we're here."

Moritz raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop. He turned and scanned the group, his expression serious.

"The exam will take place in this cave. Inside are complex tunnels, like a maze, and your task is to find the crystal orbs placed throughout the tunnels."

Moritz opened his palm to reveal a crystal orb.

The orb, about the size of an egg, was perfectly round and semi-transparent, with a faint blue hue. Inside, three glowing stars twinkled.

"Each crystal orb has a different score. For example, the one in my hand has three glowing stars, representing three points."

"The final score for the graduation exam will be the total points from the crystal orbs each student collects."

"The exam will last ten hours. When the time is up, everyone must leave immediately and stop collecting crystal orbs. Additionally, you are not allowed to take crystal orbs from others. Let me remind you, there are red-eyed crows in the cave monitoring the exam, so don't try to break the rules."

Chapter 145: The Mysterious Prize and the Graduation Exam

Year 1257 of the Starlight Calendar, the Month of Xia Long (June).

Shining City, Dragonheart Knight Academy.

The weather was scorching, with a gentle breeze blowing through the air. The academy was buzzing with excitement, mirroring the heat of the day. Today was the day of the first-ever graduation exam for the Dragonheart Knight Academy.

Early in the morning, the fourth-year students, who were about to graduate, gathered at the training ground, discussing the upcoming exam with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

"I wonder what the graduation exam will be like?"

"The academy is being so secretive, they won’t tell us the details until we reach the exam site."

"Whatever it is, if it’s held in the Underworld, it won’t be easy."

"I’ve heard the Underworld is dangerous, filled with monsters. I hope the academy doesn’t make the exam too difficult."

The students huddled in small groups, their chatter filling the air. Outside the training ground, students from the other three grades watched with curiosity, hoping to gather some intelligence. After all, they would have to go through the same exam in the future.

"Xien!"

Xien finally managed to push through the crowd of younger students and enter the training ground. He was looking around for his friends when he heard a familiar voice calling his name. Turning his head, he saw Rugar and Solano waving at him.

"Why are you so late?"

As Xien approached, Rugar playfully punched him on the shoulder.

Xien scratched his cheek and smiled. "The Dean called me in to talk about something."

Rugar's eyes lit up, and he wrapped an arm around Xien's shoulder, whispering conspiratorially, "Did the Dean tell you anything about the graduation exam? Share it with me, we’re brothers, after all!"

Xien shook his head. "Don’t get your hopes up. You know how strict the academy’s rules are. The Dean wouldn’t break them, even for me. He just gave me some encouraging words."

Rugar looked thoroughly disappointed.

"Come on, the Dean is too rigid. At least you’re the top student in the fourth year. What’s the harm in giving you a little heads-up?"

"Because Xien is the top student, the Dean trusts him to do well and won’t break the rules to help him," Solano said with a gentle smile, revealing two dimples. She turned to Xien. "Xien, how are you feeling?"

"No problem!"

Xien raised his right hand and flexed his muscles confidently.

"I’m definitely going to get first place this time!"

Rugar said enviously, "I heard the top five students will receive a Grade 3 Dragon Blood Fruit and a mysterious prize."

The higher the grade of the Dragon Blood Fruit, the stronger its effects. The lowest-grade, Grade 1 Dragon Blood Fruit, is reserved for apprentice knights. First and second-year students, as well as some third-year students who haven’t yet become knights, usually consume Grade 1 Dragon Blood Fruits. Grade 2 Dragon Blood Fruits are for knights. Only students who have become knights are eligible to consume this grade of Dragon Blood Fruit.

As for Grade 3 Dragon Blood Fruits, it’s said that one can help a mid-level knight advance to a high-level knight. In this graduating class, including Xien, there are eighteen mid-level knights. If they could get a Grade 3 Dragon Blood Fruit, they would immediately advance to high-level knights. How could anyone not be envious?

"That’s great. I wish I could get a Grade 3 Dragon Blood Fruit too," Rugar said with a longing look.

Solano chuckled. "The top five spots will definitely be taken by the mid-level knight students. We should aim for the top fifty. The top fifty will still get a Grade 2 Dragon Blood Fruit."

"The effects of a Grade 2 Dragon Blood Fruit are much weaker," Rugar muttered.

But he was an optimist at heart and quickly shook off his disappointment, turning the conversation to the mysterious prize.

"What do you think the mysterious prize is?"

"I bet it’s something from the base," Solano said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I’ve heard there are many magical items there, and the Dragon Blood Fruits come from there too."

"Could it be a legendary magical item?"

"That’s unlikely. I’ve heard that only wizards can use magical items, not knights."

"Then maybe it’s a potion?"

Rugar and Solano discussed eagerly, but Xien remained silent, his expression a bit strange. Earlier, when the Dean called him in, he not only gave him some encouragement but also revealed the true nature of the mysterious prize. Rugar was right; it was indeed a magical item. It’s called a ‘Rune Construct,’ a powerful magical item that knights can use. The Dean also mentioned that all graduates would receive a Grade 1 Rune Construct, but the top five students would receive a more powerful Grade 2 Rune Construct.

It’s said that when a high-level knight equips a Grade 2 Rune Construct, they can instantly achieve the combat power of a grand knight! When Xien first heard this from the Dean, he was completely stunned. The fact that a Rune Construct could make a high-level knight as powerful as a grand knight was simply mind-boggling! If it weren’t for the Dean saying it, he would never have believed it.

"Wizards’ magical items are said to be incredibly powerful and mysterious. I didn’t quite believe it before, but now it seems the rumors are true."

"If magical items are this powerful, how powerful must the wizards who create them be?"

Xien marveled inwardly. The thought of joining the Knight Guard after the graduation exam and working alongside the legendary wizards was enough to make his heart race. It felt like a whole new world was beckoning to him.

"Xien, what are you daydreaming about?"

Rugar suddenly waved his hand in front of Xien, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Nothing," Xien replied vaguely, turning to look at the entrance of the training ground. "The Dean and the others are here."

The younger students at the entrance were quickly dispersed, and Moritz led a group of instructors into the training ground. After a brief speech, the group left the academy and headed straight for the outskirts of the city. Soon, Xien learned their destination for the day.

Many people knew that near Shining City, there was a forest heavily guarded by the army. It was rumored that there was a mine inside, from which a large amount of ore was transported daily. Xien had always wondered why a mine would need such heavy military protection, but now it all made sense. The forest not only contained a mine but also an entrance to the Underworld.

After passing through the outer perimeter of the forest, the group quickly arrived at Camp 1. When they saw the hundreds of clay golems moving back and forth, carrying ore, all the students couldn’t help but widen their eyes.

"What are these?"

"They look like clay golems, made from clay, I think."

"Clay? That’s amazing!"

"Wizards are truly incredible!"

Exclamations of wonder filled the air. Some students couldn’t resist reaching out to touch the clay golems as they passed by. It was their first time seeing animated clay figures. Moritz and the other instructors didn’t stop them, just shaking their heads with a smile. They, too, had been amazed the first time they saw the clay golems.

After passing through the camp, the group entered a cave. Seeing the stone golems stationed along the way, the students were once again amazed. After that, they emerged from a stalactite cave, boarded manta rays, and crossed a tranquil lake, landing on an island in the middle of the lake. On the shore, sphinxes were waiting to guide them to the exam location. The entire journey left the students in a state of awe, their minds filled with wonder at the strange and unfamiliar sights.

"This is the Underworld?"

Solano murmured, her pretty face full of amazement. Xien and Rugar also looked around in amazement. It was the first time in their lives they had seen such a bizarre and unique place, with its strange creatures. Everything before them seemed to transport them to a fantastical new world. No, that wasn’t quite right. Compared to the surface, the Underworld was indeed a whole new world.

Soon, led by the sphinxes, the group arrived at the entrance of a cave. The entrance was enormous, over ten meters tall, wide enough for twenty people to walk side by side. The ceiling of the cave was embedded with numerous glowstones, emitting a faint light that illuminated the area near the entrance. Deeper inside, it was pitch black, the darkness looking somewhat eerie.

"Alright, we’re here."

Moritz raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop. He turned and scanned the group, his expression serious.

"The exam will take place in this cave. Inside are complex tunnels, like a maze, and your task is to find the crystal orbs placed throughout the tunnels." Moritz opened his palm to reveal a crystal orb. The orb, about the size of an egg, was perfectly round and semi-transparent, with a faint blue hue. Inside, three glowing stars twinkled.

"Each crystal orb has a different score. For example, the one in my hand has three glowing stars, representing three points."

"The final score for the graduation exam will be the total points from the crystal orbs each student collects."

"The exam will last ten hours. When the time is up, everyone must leave immediately and stop collecting crystal orbs. Additionally, you are not allowed to take crystal orbs from others. Let me remind you, there are red-eyed crows in the cave monitoring the exam, so don’t try to break the rules."

"Furthermore, crystal orbs are guarded by monsters. The higher the score, the more powerful the monster. Proceed with caution."

"Now, everyone take a light-sensing potion. Rest for ten minutes, then the exam begins."

Moritz waved his hand, and immediately, an instructor stepped forward to distribute the light-sensing potions. After taking the potion, the students immediately felt their vision become clearer, no longer dim and obscured.

"Amazing!"

"Is this a wizard’s potion? Incredible!"

"Finally, we can see clearly."

Many students marveled, while others began preparing for the upcoming battle.

Xien also started checking his weapons and equipment, making final preparations. Despite his confidence in his abilities, the fourth year had many elite students, and he had several strong opponents. He wouldn’t underestimate them.

Ten minutes quickly passed. As Moritz announced the start of the exam, the students began entering the cave.

"Good luck!"

"You too!"

After exchanging encouraging words, Xien, Rugar, and Solano parted ways at a fork near the entrance, each entering a different tunnel. As they ventured deeper, the number of forks increased, and the students gradually spread out. Soon, Xien found himself alone in the dark, silent underground passage, with only the faint sound of his footsteps echoing.

Xien cautiously observed his surroundings, subconsciously gripping the hilt of his sword. The air was cold and damp, making him, a first-time visitor to the Underworld, feel particularly uncomfortable. Fortunately, the light-sensing potion allowed him to see clearly.

After walking for a while, Xien noticed that every so often, a crow with blood-red eyes and a tough, scaly body was hanging upside down from the ceiling.

"Are these the red-eyed crows the Dean mentioned?"

Xien carefully tested a few times and found that the crows remained motionless, only staring at him intently. He confirmed his guess and continued past them without further concern.

After walking about a hundred meters, he came to a fork with three tunnels. The leftmost tunnel emitted a strange, rustling sound. Xien hesitated for a moment, then chose the left tunnel. Places with monsters were more likely to have crystal orbs.

After walking a short distance, a dense cluster of blood-red points appeared in the dim light ahead. Upon closer inspection, he saw pairs of cold, red eyes.

Squeak! Squeak!

A sharp, high-pitched sound filled the air as a group of rats suddenly burst from the darkness, charging at Xien like wild beasts.

Xien’s expression hardened, but he didn’t panic. He quickly retreated to a corner, leaning against the rock wall to prepare for the attack. The Dragonheart Knight Academy didn’t just teach how to train; it also imparted practical combat skills. In addition to daily sparring sessions, there were numerous real-world combat courses against wild beasts and monsters.

In terms of combat, Xien was no longer a novice.

He swung his sword, cleanly slicing a rat in half, then shoulder-checked another that tried to sneak up on him. His sword blade vibrated violently, cutting through the air and slicing forward.

Ripple Slash!

Hum!

A deep, resonant hum filled the air. A powerful force erupted, tearing apart a dozen rats and leaving a clear gap in the dense rat pack. The intensity of the attack momentarily stunned the frenzied rats.

Seizing the opportunity, Xien quickly adjusted his breathing and slashed down two more rats. He realized that these monsters weren’t much stronger than ordinary people; they just had more numbers. As long as he didn’t get surrounded, any knight could handle them easily.

A few moments later, Xien successfully cleared the rat pack. He stepped over the numerous rat corpses and hurried in the direction they had come from, soon seeing a stone pillar in the center of the tunnel. At the top, a crystal orb glimmered with three light points.

"Three points secured!"

Xien picked up the crystal orb, a look of excitement on his face. He took a deep breath and continued forward, feeling more motivated after his first success.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end