C142 A Brand New Assessment Rule

If the first day of the college entrance exams was merely a warm-up, the second day marked the true start of the excitement. While the Theory Examination was underway alongside the Martial Arts Examination, it was the latter that captured the majority of the attention.

Today, it could be said, was just a minor peak within the Martial Arts Examination, with the real climax reserved for when the geniuses from each city finally clashed in the arena. There were no battles today, but the public tests would showcase some of the most exceptional talents and prodigies. Whether these extraordinary individuals would reveal their full capabilities remained a mystery.

Overall, this day represented a prelude to the grand spectacle yet to come. Television networks had already begun their live coverage, sparking endless online debates and discussions.

The 12th Martial Arts Stadium in Redmarsh City had opened its doors, though entry was tightly controlled. With the future hopes of humanity being assessed, the risk of monster race spies infiltrating and causing havoc was taken very seriously. Consequently, only individuals of certain stature, along with media personnel from various television networks and journalists, were granted access.

Even among journalists, it was typically those from smaller local sites or ordinary reporters from major websites who were allowed inside. Given that Redmarsh City hosted fifteen different examination venues, and even among these, not all garnered equal attention.

Seventeenth High School certainly stood out as a prominent institution, yet it was just one of three key high schools in the area. With over forty such elite schools scattered throughout Redmarsh City, Seventeenth High School still managed to rank impressively within the top ten.

However, this ranking was somewhat relative, as many high schools were considered comparable to Seventeenth High School. Except for the few at the very top, the rest of the key high schools could all be seen as part of the leading group.

Thus, in comparison to the truly elite high schools of Redmarsh City, Seventeenth High School didn't draw as much focus as one might expect.

Besides Redmarsh, there were cities like Grassvale and Fairmoor, along with many other top-tier cities.

As you can imagine, the spotlight rarely fell on this area.

Yet, despite the odds, many were still brimming with excitement.

For them, it was their debut on television.

Overnight, the Martial Arts Stadium had been transformed. It now resembled a small plaza.

This plaza was densely packed with all sorts of equipment, all of which would be used in the upcoming public assessment.

"I heard from the old man that this time, our examination site has a record-breaking 11,477 candidates," someone mentioned.

"Out of those, only 2,447 passed the initial closed-door test."

"Ultimately, based on their scores, the top 500 were selected for this public assessment."

This meant that out of every 23 candidates, only one had made it this far.

But making it this far didn't guarantee acceptance into one of the prestigious martial arts universities.

Of course, nothing was set in stone.

With the public assessment underway, some universities were already scouting for talent.

They would keep an eye on the students they were interested in and monitor their progress.

If a student continued to excel, they would likely be offered a place. If not, they might be passed over.

There were also exceptionally gifted students who had breakthrough performances at this stage, prompting some institutions to extend early invitations.

Indeed, if these prodigies stood out enough, hiding away would only draw more attention from additional schools, leading to even fiercer competition for their commitment.

However, early acceptance was rare.

After all, being selected during this public phase indicated extraordinary potential.

Such talents would naturally aspire to showcase their abilities on a much grander stage...

Chu Yi gave Lee Zi a peculiar look and said, "The public assessment will be quite selective this time, probably only choosing about eight or nine individuals."

Lee Zi was aware of this.

It was the second phase of the Martial Arts College Entrance Examination, with the third phase to follow.

The third stage was the battle for the entire city of Redmarsh. Within the city's fifteen examination venues, a total of one hundred and twenty-eight top geniuses would be selected. These prodigies would compete in the Challenge on Redmarsh's grand stage, vying for titles such as the top scholar and other prestigious rankings. This was the platform that all geniuses, even the most exceptional ones, eagerly anticipated.

Redmarsh might be just one city within the Adirang Region, but it is important to remember that it is the capital of the region. It stands alone in its political significance and rivals only Grassvale and Fairmoor in economic stature. Thus, even though it's the stage for a city's final exam, many regard it as more resplendent than those of larger regions, making those one hundred and twenty-eight spots extraordinarily coveted.

"Considering there are fifteen examination venues and only one hundred and twenty-eight individuals will advance to the third stage, that averages out to about eight or nine people per venue." However, the decision on how many geniuses progress to the third stage isn't based on averages. It's a matter of ranking according to the comprehensive scores achieved. It's possible that some venues won't advance a single candidate, while others might see thirty to fifty spots filled. Such a scenario is not out of the question.

"Therefore, this stage is not just about fulfilling the principal's expectations; we also need to demonstrate a portion of our capabilities." Indeed, just a portion. Chu Yi, for one, doesn't see the need to exert his full power on such a stage. He reserves his peak performance for the national and international exams, or when he feels it's time to showcase his exceptional abilities.

Lee Zi nodded thoughtfully, contemplating the appropriate level of strength to display. Soon after, several leaders of Redmarsh City made their appearance at the center of the small plaza. As is typical, they delivered speeches. And predictably, following their lengthy remarks, the previously listless students suddenly found themselves reinvigorated with a surge of energy.

Could one battle make them famous? The future hinged on the results of this very test!

At last, a formidable figure strode to the center of the small plaza. This was a Gold Level General, charged with overseeing all aspects of the assessment. Clearly not one for idle chatter, he cut straight to the chase.

"We will now begin the first test."

With those simple words, the examiner stepped aside, making room for what was to come. A transparent shield swiftly rose around them.

"The first test will likely measure speed and reaction time," someone mused, "but it appears to be different from previous ones."

Lee Guoqiang's voice reached Chu Yi's ears.

"Principal..."

Chu Yi and Lee Zi offered a respectful bow.

Lee Guoqiang returned a slight smile, though his expression soon turned grave.

"This equipment..."

"It doesn't look like just a straightforward test..."

Indeed, while previous exams had focused on speed and reaction, they hadn't required such an elaborate setup. But now...

Something seemed off.

"We'll find out soon enough."

Before long, the installation of the devices was complete.

"Will the students with the first twenty numbers please step forward."

These top twenty students weren't necessarily the ones who had ranked highest in the earlier assessments. Their numbers had been assigned based on the initial school registration order. However, some prodigies had bypassed the preliminary tests, and their numbers were listed at the end, irrespective of school affiliation.

Quickly, twenty students gathered at the plaza's heart.

"I'll briefly go over the assessment rules," the examiner announced, gesturing to the twenty machines nearby.

"Shortly, these will eject dyed cannonballs. Among them, there will also be scoring objects."

He lifted his arm, displaying three small spheres.

"These are your scoring objects. White balls are worth ten points, reds thirty, and blacks fifty."

"Your task is to catch these balls amidst the onslaught of dyed cannonballs."

"The more points you collect, the higher your rank will be in the overall standings."

"However, if you're hit by any of the dyed projectiles, you'll forfeit your chance in this assessment."

Chu Yi had grasped the concept.

The test was simple: dodge the hits and grab the balls for points.

The more points you accumulate, the better your final score will be.

Yet...

"Does that mean there are restrictions on attacking each other?"

The question didn't come from Chu Yi, but from a rebellious-looking youth tucked away in a corner.

Chu Yi was aware that these individuals were the prodigies of high school. Some hadn't even attended high school, having been groomed directly by their own families as heirs.

They were unquestionably geniuses, and among them were likely the crème de la crème!

Indeed, the geniuses drawn to this college entrance exam were the pride of their respective families!

Previously, the exam couldn't coax those families into revealing the talents they had secretly cultivated.

But this time, the federal government's offer was too generous, compelling the family patriarchs to take action.

To achieve outstanding results, many geniuses had forsaken their futures, prematurely advancing their own levels of cultivation.

The examiner glanced at the young student and stated with unwavering calm, "The rule is that students are not permitted to attack each other."

A rule?

Chu Yi's gaze sharpened.

"However, given that you're all students with incomplete mastery over your powers, it's inevitable that some issues may arise."

"As such, if you 'accidentally' strike someone nearby, it won't be a significant problem."

Chu Yi smirked.

Talk of 'rules' and 'accidents' sounded good, but they were deceiving!

Essentially, this was a blatant indication that attacks were allowed, provided they were covert. Open aggression, on the other hand, was off-limits.

Nonetheless, Chu Yi was now intrigued.

If the exam were as straightforward as yesterday's run and punch routine, it would be dreadfully dull.

But now...

Chu Yi's grin widened.

Naturally, several students shared Chu Yi's mischievous smile, though the majority were tense with anticipation.

They were unsure whether the points available were plentiful or scarce.

If abundant, then everyone would be too preoccupied with gathering points and evading dyed cannonball assaults to even consider attacking others.

If there are only a few balls...

There's bound to be a significant number of collisions...

"Alright, has everyone got it?"

The examiner surveyed the twenty students before him.

At that moment, the students, tense with anticipation, nodded. Their gazes met with an air of rivalry.

Once they stepped onto the field for the assessment, they would all become adversaries.

"Let's get started then..."

With those words, the examiner lifted the cover.