It was a sunny day, and the capital of Honoo buzzed with people. At the gates of Omuma University, around 200 applicants had gathered for the entrance exam. The director stepped forward, ready to explain the rules.

  Clearing his throat, he said, “Alright, let’s begin. Here’s the rule: show me your tarmo. Don’t hide it.”

  Some of those with tarmo similar to mine have way more than me. Damn, I’m at a bigger disadvantage than I thought. I’m not among the weakest, but I probably won’t make the top 25 here, Daike thought nervously.

  The director raised his voice, calm but serious: “You’re out. You, too. That girl over there, you’re eliminated as well…”

  “What is he doing?! Eliminating the ones with less tarmo? That’s… that’s unfair. They could be great fighters without having a huge amount. What’s wrong with this guy?” Daike’s mind raced. “He probably won’t pick me… but still, this makes no sense. Better stay quiet and avoid trouble.”

  Finally, he sighed and said, “And that red-haired boy in the back…”

  “Alright, that leaves 150 participants. I’ve removed the worst of the lot.”

  “Now, you’ll pair up. Each pair gets one crystal ball. To pass, you’ll need three in total, which means you’ll have to steal from two other pairs.

  Killing, causing fatal injuries, or taking limbs is forbidden. If someone is knocked unconscious, their partner is eliminated.

  If no pair steals a crystal within thirty minutes, one pair will be eliminated at random.

  The exam ends when 25 pairs pass or after three days.

  You have one hour to find a partner and reach the northern edge of the city, the Igbo Forest. If you aren’t there on time, you’re disqualified.” The director explained bluntly.

  So many rules… and unfair, just like the supposed first phase. At least killing is banned. Still, I need to find a partner, Daike thought.

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  A large crowd gathered around the applicant with double Daike’s tarmo—everyone wanted to team up with him, since he had the highest tarmo in the room.

  Did he pick someone with a similar level? No. Did he choose someone strong but with less tarmo? No. With an arrogant tone, he looked at a girl with a curvy figure and said, “I know many of you want to team up with me, but I’m not interested. I want that beautiful girl I’m looking at to be my partner.”

  Girls usually accepted pairing with him. He was blonde, looked wealthy, and exuded confidence. But…

  “What? The strongest guy here wants to team up with me? Hmm, but he seems like a pervert. Still, this might be my best option,” the girl thought.

  She approached and asked, “Alright, I’ll team up with you. What’s your name?”

  “I’m Arthur Neville, my lady. And you?” he replied, smiling arrogantly, almost romantically.

  “I… I’m Lyn Madow,” she answered timidly.

  What’s wrong with him? He doesn’t even care about a strong partner, just picked the hottest girl. Does he really have that much confidence?

  I don’t know who I should pick as my partner… some are already taken, and I’m still undecided, Daike thought.

  Suddenly, a boy approached him. About the same height, with bright blue hair, an axe strapped to his back, and a cheerful smile. “You look strong. Want to team up?”

  This guy thinks I’m strong? Why…?

  Daike activated his tarmo detection and thought, He has slightly less tarmo than me, but if he wants to team up, he must believe it’s not all about numbers. Alright, stop thinking—I’ll waste tarmo if I keep scanning.

  “I accept. Let’s team up. I’m Daike,” he said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

  “And I’m Otto. Haha, you decided fast. Let’s head to the forest before it gets late,” the boy replied, still smiling.

  Most pairs had formed, but four people were still undecided—three girls and one boy.

  One girl had far more tarmo than the other three, but the other two argued over who should pair with her.

  “I’ll go with her. I’m stronger; she’ll pick me,” one said.

  “No, it should be me. I’m better tactically, and I don’t want to pair with that weak guy,” the other snapped.

  “Ugh, shut up. I want to pair with this guy, not you clowns,” the strongest girl cut in.

  She was attractive—not overly curvy—but her decisiveness and confident tone drew attention. The boy she chose was no exception, and he grew nervous.

  “O-okay, let’s pair up,” he stammered.

  Pfff, stuck with this annoying girl, thought the tactical one.

  With that, the last pairs were set, and they headed to the forest, where the real exam would begin.