"A gladiator exam?"
"Wait, like, we're supposed to fight?"
"Against who? Monsters?"
The students were skeptical of Otto's words; after all, this had never happened since the academy had been founded.
Otto's smile widened slightly as his gaze swept over the crowd.
"Exactly as it sounds. You will fight against each other. The one who remains standing in the arena until the end… will receive the highest score."
A heavy silence followed.
"One victor?" Selina muttered.
"He's serious?"
"Of course he is," Selene replied lazily.
Otto continued in the same casual and almost expressionless tone.
"You may form teams if you wish. Cooperation, strategy, and adaptability will be considered when grading. However…"
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"If your team becomes the last one standing, you will still have to determine a single victor among yourselves. Whether you choose to fight or decide peacefully is up to you."
A faint murmur of unease rippled through the crowd.
