Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

Chapter 46 Magic Academy Exam (4)

The exam soon turned into a fierce battle. It wasn't the undead creatures inside the dungeon that were the real enemies. Once most of the participants had some points in their rings, the number of creatures down there diminished greatly.

So, how could they get more points? Fighting against other participants was the answer. Some didn't even have any points, but they had the chance of winning against someone who did and climbing back into the green rankings.

William walked through one of the dark hallways, and that's where he found a familiar face: Altair. The first thing William checked was the youth's ring, which had a red light.

"Altair," William said with a smile, "do you want some help getting points?"

Altair had always treated William well and, up to that point, had never given him a reason not to trust him.

"William," Altair said, checking William's ring, "so you are in the green zone. Ay, I'm in trouble here."

"There's no need to panic. We still have three hours, more than enough time for us to get you some points," William said.

After facing that noble, William had spent most of his time just walking around and avoiding others. He didn't want to lose his points and didn't need to earn more. But now he wanted to make sure he would have enough when the exam ended, so it was a good idea to get some more.

Altair stepped forward and put a hand on William's shoulder. "Would you really help me with this? I wouldn't know how to repay you..." he said with a deep sigh.

"We can talk about that later if we both get into the school. Come on," William said, gesturing with his hand, "let's find someone to take some points from."

Altair was at a loss for words but followed William nonetheless. He wanted to get into the school. It was his dream, and getting some help wouldn't make it any less important to him.

They soon found another one of those open areas that looked like arenas, and that's where they found a few people fighting each other.

There were a total of five people there, making it a messy and destructive scene. William and Altair crouched behind a stone pillar, watching the scene ahead with caution and care, trying not to make any noises that might attract unnecessary attention.

"That's our chance to sneak in and knock someone down," William whispered. "They won't even see it coming."

Altair nodded. "Understood. But who will we get first?"

With five different targets, it was difficult to single out the best one. William decided to wait and watch for a while before acting. He also formulated a plan in his mind. "I'll go behind someone, bear hug them, and you'll knock them down somehow."

Altair was the one who desperately needed points, so they wanted to get him the 'last hit.'

"Are you sure this will work?" Altair asked, doubt lingering in his voice. "Can you really hold them down like that?"

The plan was daring, relying on William's physical prowess, a stark contrast to the magic-focused strategies of the other applicants. But William had no doubts. Subduing these pampered nobles would be child's play.

"My part is no problem," William assured Altair, a confident grin spreading across his face. "But what about you? Can you knock them out without causing serious injury? Remember, we can't risk disqualification."

Altair nodded, his expression determined. "I can handle it."

The plan was set, but the timing was crucial. They had to wait for the perfect opportunity to strike.

The five participants in the arena were locked in a chaotic struggle, spells flying in all directions. One unleashed a torrent of fire, creating a blazing inferno that forced the others to scramble for safety. Their movements were restricted, their focus consumed by evading the flames.

Suddenly, another youth countered with water magic, dousing the flames and creating a thick cloud of steam. In that moment of confusion, the fire mage stumbled towards William and Altair's hiding spot, separated from the others.

"Now's our chance!" William hissed. "Let's go!"

He activated Swiftfoot, his body surging with enhanced agility. He shot out from behind the rock, a blur of motion. Before the fire mage could react, William had him pinned to the ground, his superior strength undeniable.

"Let me go!" the fire mage yelled, his voice laced with panic. His struggles were futile against William's superior strength.

The other participants in the arena paused their duel, their eyes widening in surprise at William's sudden appearance and the sheer speed he had displayed. Even Altair, despite their plan, seemed taken aback. He arrived moments later, panting slightly from the exertion.

"You can give all your points to him," William said to the captive mage, nodding towards Altair. "Or he'll have to...persuade you. The choice is yours."

The young mage remained silent, his focus consumed by futile attempts to break free. William's patience wore thin. They couldn't afford to linger; other participants might arrive at any moment.

"Do your thing, Altair," William said, hoisting the struggling mage higher.

Altair's hands glowed with a soft light as he swiftly formed the runes for a spell. Two shimmering gauntlets materialized around his fists, their magical energy crackling. William, though intrigued, kept his focus on their captive.

With a swift punch to the gut, Altair rendered the fire mage unconscious. A portion of mana flowed from the unconscious mage's ring to Altair's, its color shifting from a dull red to a vibrant green.

"Let's get out of here and find another target," William said, adrenaline coursing through him.

"Agreed," Altair replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

They vanished back into the maze of corridors, leaving the remaining four participants to their chaotic duel.

"Why didn't we take on the other four back there?" Altair asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"We need to use our numbers to our advantage," William explained. "Facing four opponents at once would have been reckless." The purpose of their alliance was to help Altair secure enough points to advance. Risking their progress for unnecessary battles went against their strategy.

Both their rings now glowed a reassuring green, but with two to three hours remaining, accumulating extra points was a wise precaution. However, their search for more targets proved fruitless. The corridors remained eerily empty.

They even returned to the arena where they had left the four participants, but it was deserted.

"Where is everyone?" Altair wondered aloud, his brow furrowed in confusion.

William quickly grasped the situation. "They've retreated to the forest," he said. "It's safer to hide there, and no one wants to risk losing their points so close to the end."

With renewed purpose, they navigated the maze-like corridors, emerging from the dungeon into the snowy forest. It was time to flush out those who sought refuge in the shadows. The hunt was far from over.

William, his senses honed from months of training in the wilds, led the way. But the steadily falling snow blanketed the forest floor, obscuring any trace of their quarry.

"The snow is covering their tracks," William muttered, frustration edging his voice. "This is going to be difficult."

Altair, though reassured by his green-glowing ring, couldn't shake a nagging worry. What if someone surpassed them in these final hours? The thought of being eliminated so close to the finish line was unsettling.

"Let's keep searching," he urged. "We still have time."

They pressed on, their eyes scanning the snow-laden branches and dense undergrowth. Suddenly, William froze, a faint sound reaching his keen ears.

"Shh," he whispered, silencing Altair. His enhanced senses confirmed his suspicions; someone was nearby.

He scanned the trees, his gaze drawn upwards. There, perched precariously on a high branch, a lone figure huddled amongst the leaves. Their eyes met, a silent exchange of surprise and apprehension.

"Get down here," William called out, his voice firm, "or I'll come up and get you."