Chapter 28 (2/2)

Hearing his words, the three others concurred, with a glint in their eyes. “That’s highly possible.”

Their deductions followed logic. One had to understand that the four of them had been painstakingly nurtured ever since they were young, and countless riches had already been spent on them. No one knew how much medicinal cuisine and ferocious beasts they had taken, or how many hours they had spent in assiduous training.

Those whose attributes might surpass theirs while at level 9 before their first transition could only be either the individuals from the renowned extraordinary factions or those from the royal family, as well as the students who were nurtured by the Empire’s core pillars.

Normally, that would be the case. If Fang Xingjian had not possessed the number one sword talent, even if he practiced for 24 hours a day, it would have been impossible for him to surpass any one of the four.

‘Hmph, consider yourself worthy this time, since you surpassed us in this test of physical prowess. It won’t be so easy the next round. Second place must be mine this time around.’ Barbara held a cold smile on her face as she looked at Fang Xingjian. She was the proudest and most self-confident out of the four of them. Thus, losing to Fang Xingjian had brought a feeling of unwillingness in her heart.

Kaunitz gazed at Fang Xingjian, thinking, ‘This fellow’s potential was better than what I had imagined.’ However, thinking of how he had defeated Fang Xingjian in every single spar for the past few months, he could not even consider Fang Xingjian being able to surpass him.

‘Hmm, why don’t I recruit him to my family soon? Based on the potential he showcased, he’s already many times stronger than many people from our clan. Father would surely consent to this arrangement.

‘After this, I can get him to practice the three basic sword techniques of The School of Sword Arts with me, and I will be able to obtain Sword Specialist sooner!’

As for Boris and Ferdinand, they were both extremely shocked that Fang Xingjian had surpassed them in the first round. However, since young they had been nurtured to become the elites of the elites, and had never lacked self-confidence. At least until now, in their eyes, the true opponents were the geniuses hailing from the three other academies.

After a while, more and more participants arrived at the academy’s entrance. Needless to say, however, that they were not able to attract Kaunitz and the other’s interest and attention.

Lambert and Ogden had managed to rush through in the last ten seconds, after which the gate to the academy had been closed by the staff.

One participant heaved and panted heavily, crawling outside the academy gates. His face was filled with despair as he glanced in the direction of the Royal Academy. Both his hands clutched tightly at the railings as he wailed, “Sir, please, please let me enter! I was only late by a few seconds! This is the last year I’m able to participate in the Prefectural Selection! Please let me enter!”

Another middle-aged guy coughed as he shouted, “Sir, I had the flu today, and I was unable to exhibit my full potential. Please give me another chance!”

“Sir, I beg you!”

“I beg you!”

Looking at the increasing number of students outside crying in agony, a bizarre expression appeared on the faces of the examinees, Fang Xingjian, Kaunitz, and the others.

All these failures were people who had participated over ten times, but had yet to pass. And among them, there were even people whose hair had already turned white. Their eyes were filled with hopelessness.

Eldest Martial Brother Ogden and Second Martial Brother Lambert locked gazes for a moment, feelings of thankfulness swimming in their eyes.

Just last year, they had been the same as all those outside the gate.

Hogan clapped his hands and said, “Alright, you don’t need to concern yourselves with the failures outside of our city gates. Come with me now and prepare for the second round.”

After this, the examinees who had passed the first test followed behind Hogan, walking towards the depths of Kirst’s Royal Academy.

Fang Xingjian estimated the number of people around him and noticed that there was a total of only around three hundred people who had passed the first round.