C147 The New Exam!

Chu Yi and Lee Zi's scores were tied for the top spot, a fact that was beyond dispute.

Everyone had witnessed the entire event, and both Lee Zi and Chu Yi had performances that truly merited first place.

Of course, many were aware that if not for the sudden emergence of other geniuses, they too might have achieved the same 360 points as Lee Zi and Chu Yi.

Still, there was a noticeable difference between them and Chu Yi and Lee Zi.

Especially since Lee Zi and Chu Yi had breezed through the twenty-fourth challenge with ease, while the other prodigies were nearly at their breaking point.

But it was clear to all that the first challenge was merely a test of speed, which, although somewhat related to one's actual strength, was not the most significant factor.

It represented only a very small fraction of one's capabilities.

The true extent of Chu Yi and Lee Zi's abilities would likely become more apparent in the next phase.

The upcoming tests usually focused on strength, or more accurately, the extreme limits of strength.

However, that was the old system. With the recent reforms to the college entrance exam, no one knew what to expect next.

As expected, a team of staff members took to the center of the square, dismantling the previous equipment and glass domes.

New devices were then wheeled into place.

Upon seeing these devices, many spectators wore curious looks of recognition.

"Some recognize that this time, the college entrance exam is truly starting from scratch."

Before, it was all about exams, just exams.

A real examination.

But now, it seemed to be a trial as well!

And this trial was not just an attempt, but a genuine test.

This time, the college entrance exam meant business.

"These must be holographic projection devices capable of conjuring up illusory creatures."

The crowd identified them immediately.

While such technology might be uncommon among the general populace, it was hardly rare in the eyes of the elite.

"The second phase of the assessment is combat!"

The Gold General, the exam official, once again took his place at the center of the square.

Facing the 499 candidates, he began to explain the next challenge.

In truth, this round was quite straightforward. Compared to the first, it was easily understood, requiring no intricate strategies.

To put it simply, it boils down to one word —

Reckless!

Yes, reckless indeed!

In this challenge, Illusory Creatures are summoned, and the examinees' task is to shatter them.

It's about shattering, not just defeating.

This distinction is crucial because these Illusory Creatures are generated by the virtual compass and therefore don't experience pain. In theory, as long as they have enough energy, they could fight indefinitely.

Naturally, the officials wouldn't allow that.

They infuse a certain amount of power into the Illusory Creatures, and the examinees must deplete this power entirely. Only then is an Illusory Creature considered to have been killed.

Defeating them is easy, but killing them is quite the challenge.

"This level also has its checkpoints."

"In the first checkpoint, one Illusory Creature appears, and at the second, there will be two."

"Destroying one Illusory Creature earns you ten points, and clearing a checkpoint also grants ten points."

With that explanation, it all clicked.

Basically, each creature is worth ten points, and the points double after each checkpoint.

That means the first checkpoint yields a total of twenty points, the second forty points, and so on.

"This time, we will assess in groups of twenty."

"Does anyone have any objections?"

The examiner's final question caught everyone off guard.

It looked like this creature, much like the previous small ball, was something they'd have to compete for!

As expected, this examination wouldn't be straightforward.

All fell silent, exchanging glances that conveyed a mix of emotions.

"So, what happens if we've nearly depleted an Illusory Creature's power, but someone who hasn't lifted a finger comes in and delivers the killing blow? Whose points are those?"

A prodigy raised the question.

It was a concern shared by all the students.

Indeed, these Illusory Creatures might not be exceptionally powerful, but they were notoriously difficult to kill, which could easily lead to the frustrating scenario just described.

A team could fight tooth and nail, wearing down the creature's power to a critical point, only to have someone swoop in at the last moment to steal the kill — a truly maddening outcome.

"Of course, the points belong to whoever makes the kill..."

This statement caused many faces to take on an eerie look.

It implied that strength alone might not guarantee more points; the ultimate victor would be the one who could deliver the final blow to the Illusory Creatures.

Many could already foresee that once the battle commenced, most would hold back, waiting for others to weaken the Illusory Creatures before swooping in for the kill.

But therein lay the problem.

If everyone thought this way and held back, who would be left to weaken the Illusory Creatures...

The Gold examiner observed the students, his eyes reflecting an increasingly peculiar glint.

If the students could instantly come to this conclusion, surely the chief examiners had considered it as well.

So...

"Then, let's begin..."

Just as the chief examiner was about to make the announcement, a voice interrupted.

"Wait a minute..."

This time, it was a genius who spoke.

He was one of the thirteen geniuses.

"Examiner, I have a grievance."

Had a commoner raised the issue, the examiner might have dismissed it.

But coming from one of the thirteen geniuses, it demanded caution.

They were all aware that the real purpose of this year's college entrance exam was to display the spirit, vitality, and future potential of the Terran Federation's youth.

And to do that, they needed the geniuses.

The final setup of the exam was designed to allow these geniuses to showcase themselves.

As for the ordinary commoner candidates...

"You were saying..."

The genius clearly understood the stakes of the exam and showed no fear.

"I think this is unfair to us."

"And of course, it's unfair to the members of our groups as well!"

With that, the other twelve geniuses chimed in.

Had it not been for Chu Yi and Lee Zi, they might not have been concerned.

But there was an issue!

Even though the first round was merely a test of speed, these geniuses recognized that Chu Yi and Lee Zi likely possessed strength comparable to their own!

And this was a critical point.

It's important to note that Chu Yi and Lee Zi each led their own group, while the others required three or even four in the same group.

This meant they would need three or four people just to vie for a single point.

Imagine, if they had been as fortunate as Chu Yi and Lee Zi during the first round of assessments, their scores would undoubtedly match those of the two!

However, if the second round mirrored the first, it would be incredibly disadvantageous for them.

Only 128 candidates could advance to the next Redmarsh City challenge round. This meant, on average, there would be a mere eight or nine per examination room.

But now, they were faced with thirteen prodigies, all forced to compete against one another, and that's without counting Chu Yi and Lee Zi.

Essentially, for every two people, one would be eliminated!

Furthermore, Lee Zi and Chu Yi had already gained significant advantages in the first round.

Their points were now at least triple that of the others. If the second round followed suit, there would be no need for a third; their spots could be decided then and there.

The examiner surveyed the thirteen geniuses, then turned to the other candidates.

"What do you all think?"

Silence fell among the examinees.

They were no fools.

This public foundational assessment was their chance to shine, an opportunity for school representatives to notice them.

As for reaching the third phase, the grand stage of Redmarsh City's national exam...

That was a thought far from their minds.

They had seen the formidable talents emerging from the noble families, guessing that more than half would not make it to that stage.

If they stood no chance, the commoners certainly weren't going to entertain the possibility.

Thus, they weren't particularly concerned about the final outcomes.

The commoner candidates' primary goal was to make an impression and to be recognized by the institutions.

So, this rule didn't affect them in the slightest.

Naturally, no one would voice agreement, nor would anyone dare to object.

To do so would be to incur the wrath of both the geniuses and their powerful backers.

Only a fool would make such a move.

"Does anyone object?" the Gold examiner asked, his tone suggesting a clear inclination.

Finally, he turned to Chu Yi and Lee Zi and inquired, "What's your take on this?"

The Gold examiner was particularly interested in the opinions of Lee Zi and Chu Yi. Lee Zi remained silent, her demeanor one of indifference. Chu Yi, on the other hand, spoke up deliberately, "It's inconsequential."

It wasn't a matter of being permissible or not. It was simply a matter of indifference. Yes, indifference was the word! To the world, these individuals were prodigies, but through the eyes of Lee Zi and Chu Yi, they were insignificant.

Thus, the rules could be changed on a whim. As long as one possessed the necessary strength, there was no need to fuss over such matters.

"What's your opinion?" Lee Guoqiang's resonant voice echoed beside him.

Lee Guoqiang was well aware that if the current rules were upheld, Chu Yi and Lee Zi would assuredly progress to the third phase of the assessment. But if the rules were to be altered... the outcome was unpredictable.

Chu Yi understood the implication behind Lee Guoqiang's question. If he objected, Lee Guoqiang would likely take a stand. However, that would mean Lee Guoqiang would risk alienating those influential families, a scenario Chu Yi did not wish to see unfold. Moreover, Chu Yi genuinely didn't mind.

"Rest assured, Principal. They—" Chu Yi glanced at the geniuses, his gaze as neutral as when he regarded any other student, "are all the same to me."

Lee Guoqiang fell silent for a moment before giving a slow nod of agreement.

At the square, the examiner announced, "Since there are no objections, we'll proceed accordingly. The order of the assessment will be randomized, and each group will include a seeded player. Please set it up."

This directive was aimed at the support staff behind him. The task was straightforward: simply assign the thirteen geniuses to different groups. Within minutes, the arrangement was complete.

"Now, those whose names are called, please step forward."

With the reshuffling, the previous examination numbers were rendered obsolete. Swiftly, the names of twenty individuals were called, and they made their way to the center of the square, among them a genius.

"The assessment will begin when the countdown concludes."

With those final words, the examiner departed from the square.

Suddenly, the square was once again enveloped by a transparent glass dome.

This barrier defined the limits of the assessment, ensuring that the students couldn't simply leave the area.

As the countdown reached zero, an Illusory Creature was unleashed.

It was a fearsome Illusory Creature, towering over ten meters high.

Its formidable presence washed over the examinees, leaving many of them ashen-faced.

"What's going on?!"

Previously, these students were concerned about overexerting themselves and leaving openings for others to exploit, but now...

This Illusory Demonic Beast possessed the strength of the Bronze Level!

Bronze, no less!

It was common knowledge that among all the examinees there, fewer than fifty could claim to have reached the Bronze Level.

And even among those, most had only just scraped by to attain that rank.

Faced with a Bronze Level Illusory Demonic Beast, they stood no chance.

Thus, their earlier strategies were rendered obsolete in an instant.