Chapter 13: Valerian Academy Entrance Exam – Pocket Dimension
The moment Madam Valentine Scarlet, now officially Madam Scarlet, stepped onto the stage, the academy fell silent. Every
participant knew this woman was no ordinary instructor. She radiated strength, beauty, and authority all at once—the kind of
presence that could make even arrogant nobles sit up straight.
"My name is Valentine Scarlet," she began, her voice clear and commanding. "I will be your instructor for the top fifty
students this year. I expect you to behave, train hard, and—most importantly—learn what it truly means to grow stronger."
She paused, scanning the students with sharp, golden eyes that could see through excuses.
"And now, let me explain the academy entrance exam layout. There are 10,000 participants this year. You will all be sent to a
pocket dimension created by the academy. Within it, monsters roam freely, and you may earn points by defeating them.
Points may also be earned by eliminating fellow participants.
"Of course, if you die within the pocket dimension, you will be teleported outside. Only the top 1,050 survivors will be
admitted to Valerian Academy. Your performance will determine your fate. Good luck."
As soon as she finished, a massive rune magic circle appeared on the ground beneath us. The glow was soft at first, then
brightened until it bathed the entire courtyard in gold and crimson light.
I raised an eyebrow. Master-level rune work. In a few months, I could have created a circle this large myself. The thought
made me grin.
We all lifted into the air, transported above the island—the pocket dimension. The view was breathtaking: a vast island
surrounded by endless ocean, dotted with forests, mountains, rivers, and beaches. Everywhere you looked, danger and
opportunity awaited.
The rules were simple: choose a landing spot, survive, gain points, and don't die.
I surveyed the island. North, Leon Sundawn had already claimed a stretch of the northern beach. Perfect. We would never
cross paths this time. He could shine in his spotlight without interfering with my plan.
I smirked and headed toward the southern beach. Pulling out a beach outfit from my storage ring, I changed quickly. Golden
sun reflecting off my crimson-and-gold hair, golden eyes hidden behind sunglasses, my gauntlet glowing faintly. I looked like
a casual thug on vacation rather than a deadly elite Rune Wizard. Perfect.
Then I sat down, fishing pole in hand.
"Fishing?" you ask. "During the entrance exam?"
Yes. Let me explain.
The exam is designed for main characters and their peers to process Adept-level power. Everyone else? Author-law weaker.
If anyone tried to attack me, it would mean point delivery to me.
I didn't need points right now. Why hunt monsters or fight anyone? I could survive, relax, and only act when necessary. I
didn't want to climb too high—this wasn't my story. My story was different. I was here to train, observe, and survive, not steal
the spotlight.
Fishing pole in hand, I leaned back and let the sun warm me. The gentle waves lapped against the shore, a serene
soundtrack in the middle of a bloody battle arena. The world might be dangerous, but right now… it was mine to enjoy.
From afar, I could see other participants landing. Some sprinted into forests, others immediately began hunting monsters or
each other.
Jack Mesmaro immediately set off, glaring northward toward Leon. Typical. Full of rage, full of ego.
The royal elves floated gracefully to the treetops, scanning the island with calculating eyes. Arrogant as always.
Viara, the beastkin lunatic, bounded into the jungle like a predator, flexing claws and fangs, clearly itching for violence.
Luna Moonslayer didn't even glance at me. Relief. She was probably more focused on Leon anyway.
Sally Shadowless crept into the shadows, disappearing almost entirely from view. Assassin instincts already kicking in.
And Leon… shining golden hair, golden eyes, perfectly calm, radiating charisma. The crowd would never let him go
unnoticed. Which meant… I was free.
I cast a glance at the island and started my own quiet exploration. My southern beach base was ideal:
Open water for fishing (easy survival)
Forest nearby for rare monsters (optional points)
Natural barriers to block attention from more aggressive participants
Perfect.
I spent the rest of the day setting up camp, quietly testing my storage ring for supplies, checking my gauntlets, and thinking
about tomorrow.
The pocket dimension rules were clear: survival, not dominance. I could bide my time, grow stronger, and only act when
necessary. Main story characters would fight, monsters would die, points would be collected. I just had to stay alive, learn,
and have fun.
Before I settled down completely, I checked the horizon. Shadows moved in the forests. Monsters, no doubt. But nothing I
couldn't handle with sovereign war art or a little clever strategy.
Leaning back, I chuckled softly.
"This… this is going to be fun."
Golden sun glinted off my crimson-and-gold hair, the runes on my arms faintly glowing, and my gauntlet ready. I was the
fateless one, and this island… this trial… was just another day in my world.
I had a plan, I had the tools, and most importantly… I had time.
Tomorrow, the real entrance exam would begin. And I, Nero Crimsonflare, would survive with style, without anyone ever
guessing my true power.
For now… it was time to relax.