《9 Steps to Godhood》


 New Beginning

    Ryan slowly opened his eyes, groggily taking in his surroundings. He was lying in a garbage-filled area, a massive wound on his head throbbing in agony.


    "Ugh, it hurts," Ryan muttered to himself. "Who could be so immoral as to beat me up this badly and throw me in a garbage station?"


    As he struggled to sit up, Ryan''s confusion deepened. He looked down at his body and saw that it had changed. His mind reeled as he tried to comprehend what was happening.


    After a few moments, Ryan sadly accepted that he had transversed into a different world. He had read enough novels and been exposed to enough information to have a vivid imagination, but this was real.


    Ryan gingerly got to his feet, surveying his surroundings. He found himself in a filthy, rundown area filled with garbage and sewage. A foul stench filled the air, making his stomach churn.


    Ryan''s eyes scanned the ground, hoping to find something that would prove his identity or provide a clue about his situation. All he found were coarse, tattered clothes on his body.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    The realization hit him like a ton of bricks: he had left behind his relatives, his friends and easygoing lifestyle. Ryan had been on the path to financial freedom after getting a job, and now it was all gone.


    Along with physical pain , now he is suffering from psychological pain too.


    "Judging by the coarse fabric of his clothes and the squalid surroundings, Ryan estimated that he had arrived in the medieval period , a time when superstition and disease ran rampant."


    Tears pricked at the corners of Ryan''s eyes as he thought about his situation. He was in a strange, unfamiliar world with no idea how to get back home.


    Just then, Ryan heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see two well-built men standing before him, their eyes fixed intently on him.


    One of the men spoke up, his voice firm. "Yo, Ryan. Do you really think you can escape from Viscount?"


    Ryan''s confusion deepened. What Viscount? And how did these men know his name?


    The other man chimed in, his voice equally firm. "Even if you escape now, the poison will kill you in three days. Come back with us cooperatively, and we might be able to save you from a painful death."


    Ryan knew he had no choice. He was in a bad state, with a wounded head, a hungry body, and no training to take on the two men. He reluctantly agreed to follow them.


    As they led Ryan away, he couldn''t help but wonder what lay ahead. What was Viscount''s role in all this? And what was the nature of the poison that threatened his life?


    Ryan''s journey had just begun, and he had no idea what challenges and dangers lay in store for him.

 Past and Pain

    Ryan followed the two men out of the garbage-filled area and walked for an hour, eventually arriving at a sprawling slum. In the distance, he saw the city walls and passed through the city gate, where guards were checking other people''s identities but allowed the two men to pass through effortlessly.


    Inside the city gate, the area was significantly cleaner and more organized, with a steady flow of people and a sense of relative cleanliness. The residents of this area seemed more affluent than those living in the slums outside the city walls.


    After a while, Ryan passed through another wall, which he overheard someone refer to as the "inner city." This was where the wealthy and noble classes resided. The inner city was even cleaner and more grandiose than the outer city.


    Their destination was a magnificent mansion surrounded by lush gardens and patrolled by guards. As Ryan walked, his mind wandered back to his past life. He had been a recent graduate, having just landed a job and begun his journey toward financial freedom. He had dreams of finding a girlfriend, saving for a down payment on a house, and moving in with his parents to make them proud.


    Ryan was an average young man with humble ambitions. Like many of his peers, he enjoyed hanging out with friends, watching movies, listening to music, and following anime. His last memory was of driving with friends after a few drinks, only to collide with a truck on the road.


    Ryan''s thoughts turned somber as he reflected on the accident. He wished his friends had survived. At least he had an elder brother to take care of their parents.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    During the escort, Ryan tried to gather information about the place and its people from Sam and Rei. He get to know their names when there are talking among themselves.He learned that they worked for Viscount Andrew, and that the city was called Pearl City, located in the country of Uruk. However, he couldn''t glean any other useful information.


    After entering the mansion, they led Ryan to a training camp located in a nearby forest. Sam and Rei took him to the largest tent, where he saw many teenagers training under the supervision of adult instructors. The instructors wielded thin bamboo sticks, using them to correct the teens'' mistakes with painful-looking strikes.


    Inside the tent, Ryan saw a middle-aged man seated in a central chair, flanked by instructors dressed in identical attire. Rei stepped forward and announced, "Lord Viscount, we have captured the deserter who escaped from the camp."


    Viscount scrutinized Ryan, noting his dull and disoriented appearance. "What happened to him?" he asked Rei. "Why does he look like an idiot?"


    Sam explained, "Lord Viscount, this man appears to have lost his memory. I observed him during our journey here, and he seemed unfamiliar with the city and everything around him."


    Ryan''s eyes widened in shock as he thought to himself, Although they may be from an ancient time, it doesn''t mean they''re idiots.


    Viscount pondered the situation, then asked, "Is he genuinely suffering from memory loss, or is he feigning it to escape punishment?"


    Sam replied, "No, sir. From my observations, he truly seems to have lost his memory. He''s acting differently from the Ryan we previously trained."


    Viscount''s expression remained unreadable. "Even if he has lost his memory, it won''t excuse him from punishment. Give him 25 strikes. If he survives, train him as a new candidate. If he dies, dispose of the body."


    Rei and Sam acknowledged the order with a "yes, sir." They dragged Ryan out of the tent and into the center of the training ground, forcing him to kneel.


    Rei shouted, "Stop the training for a while! Listen up, everyone! This will be the outcome if you try to escape or fail to complete your mission!"


    With that, Rei raised a slightly thicker bamboo stick and struck Ryan''s back. The pain was excruciating, causing Ryan''s soul to momentarily leave his body. He felt numbness, followed by a burning, itching sensation. Tears and snot streamed down his face as he cried out in agony.


    The strikes continued, each one landing with precision and force. Ryan''s body began to lose sensation, his head feeling light as his soul struggled to remain connected. He knew he was dying.

 Hope

    As Ryan was being beaten and losing consciousness, he found himself in a dark, formless space with his soul floating within it. In this void, nine glowing objects resembling stars of varying sizes appeared before him, arranged in a line from smallest to largest. His intuition and instincts compelled him to touch the smallest star.


    As he made contact with the star, Ryan felt himself being pulled through a kaleidoscope-like tunnel filled with vibrant colors. When he emerged, he found himself sitting in a coffee shop, sipping coffee and wondering if his prayers had been answered. Had he traveled through time again after being beaten to death, or had one of the stars transported him to this new reality?


    Ryan''s mind replayed the image of the stars, and he realized that they were still present within his mind. His instincts warned him that touching the stars again would return him to the hellish world he had escaped.


    As Ryan sat in the coffee shop, pondering his next move, he overheard a conversation between a couple. The woman, Lindy, told the man, Eddie, to stop writing. Ryan recognized the scene from a movie and noticed that the characters looked identical to those in the film.


    Curiosity got the better of Ryan, and he wondered if he had somehow entered the world of the movie Limitless. He recalled that Eddie would soon meet his drug dealer friend. As Eddie left the caf¨¦, Ryan followed him, leaving the money in his pocket on the table.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Ryan''s suspicions were confirmed when Eddie met his friend, who looked exactly like the character from the movie. Ryan realized that he had indeed entered the world of Limitless.


    Ryan''s mind began racing with possibilities. To escape the problems that plagued him in the medieval world, he needed a smarter brain. The NZT pills from the movie, which allowed humans to unlock their brain''s full potential, could be the key to his survival. If he could obtain those pills, he might have a chance to overcome his challenges.


    As Ryan navigated his new reality, another puzzle emerged: who was he in this movie, He pulled out his wallet and found a card with his name on it - Ryan. The coincidence was uncanny. Was it fate that every body he took over would share his name?


    Ryan wasn''t in a rush to follow Eddie and his friend, knowing where Eddie worked as a writer. He devised a plan to feign memory loss again, but this time, he needed to make it more convincing. He walked into an alley and deliberately bumped his head against the wall. The pain was excruciating, but he forced himself to stay conscious, aware that losing consciousness would put his life at risk.


    Thanks to his previous experiences, Ryan had developed a tolerance for pain. His head felt heavy, but he pushed through the discomfort and walked out of the alley. He stumbled and fell, drawing attention from passersby. People panicked at the sight of him covered in blood and called 911.


    As Ryan regained consciousness, he found himself in a hospital ward. He silently thanked the kind-hearted citizen who had helped him. Just as he was about to call the nurse, he heard footsteps approaching. A doctor and a police officer walked towards him, and Ryan knew it was time to put his acting skills to the test. He hoped he wouldn''t falter like he had before.

 Past self

    As the doctor and police officer approached my bed, the doctor asked if I was alright to answer some questions. I pretended to be dazed, slowly responding to the doctor''s inquiries. "I feel a bit of pain in my head, and everything else is good," I said, "but why am I here? What''s wrong with me?"


    The doctor was taken aback by my question. "Don''t you remember being hurt in the alley?" he asked. I responded, "In the alley? Which alley? And when was I hurt?" I hugged my head, pretending to be in pain, and took a few deep breaths before telling the doctor, "I don''t know how I was hurt."


    The police officer then took over, asking me if I remembered my name. I replied immediately, "Ryan." When he asked where I lived, I stared blankly, and the doctor intervened, explaining that I seemed to have memory problems due to my head wound.


    The doctor told the police officer to wait until I was confirmed to be alright before asking further questions. The officer agreed, and the doctor turned to me, explaining that I would need to undergo some tests. I agreed to cooperate, and the doctor took me for a series of scans and tests.


    Later that evening, the doctor informed me that I had indeed lost my memory due to the head wound. He prescribed medication and recommended a brain specialist to help me regain my memory. The doctor also told me that the police would take me home the next morning, hoping that familiar surroundings might help trigger my memory.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    I thanked the doctor and returned to my bed, thinking to myself that everything seemed to be going smoothly. I just had to wait until the next day to go home and start making plans to obtain the NZT drugs as soon as possible.


    The next morning, Police Officer Jack arrived to take me home. As we prepared to leave, he told me about my previous life. "Hello, Mr. Ryan. Nice meeting you again. I forgot to introduce myself yesterday. My name is Jack, and I work in the LYPD. After investigating your information, we found that you lived in a rented apartment on Charles Street, worked as a waiter at a coffee shop near your house, and had a limited social circle. Sorry to say, but you don''t have any relatives; you were an orphan."


    As I listened to Jack''s summary of my past life, I thought to myself that my previous self had a somewhat tragic backstory, reminiscent of a protagonist''s design. I responded to Jack by saying, "Thanks, Jack, and sorry for the trouble. Can you take me home?" Jack agreed, and we left the hospital after completing the necessary paperwork. As I saw the hospital bill, I thought to myself that they wouldn''t let me go even after I lost my memory, and they had already deducted money from my account.


    After a short drive, we arrived at Charles Street, and Officer Jack dropped me off in front of my house. I stepped out of the car and thanked him, "Thanks for driving me home and for the information." Officer Jack reassured me, "Don''t worry, Ryan, it''s our job. We''ll do our best to catch the person who assaulted you."


    I responded with a polite, albeit awkward, smile. Officer Jack didn''t seem to notice anything out of the ordinary and drove off after I nodded in appreciation.

 Contact

    I entered the apartment building, noting that my unit was on the second floor. As I began to climb the stairs, I heard someone calling out to me. I turned to see an older man approaching me. "Ryan, when are you going to pay the rent? It''s already a month overdue," he said.


    I realized he must be the apartment owner. I apologized, explaining that I had been assaulted and lost my memory. I promised to pay the rent as soon as possible. The owner was skeptical, pointing out that I hadn''t paid on time even when I had my memory. However, he eventually agreed to give me another month to pay, warning me that he wouldn''t tolerate any further excuses.


    I thanked him and continued up the stairs to my apartment. Fortunately, I had the keys in my pocket. I opened the door and was greeted by a messy room. After cleaning up, I sat down to plan my next move. I started by searching for Eddie Morra, the writer, on the computer. After browsing through several results, I finally found a match and discovered the company he worked for.


    My plan was to visit the company the next morning and try to get Eddie''s address. As the afternoon wore on, I realized I was hungry and needed some funds. I recalled working at a coffee shop and hoped that my boss would lend me some money. I locked up my apartment and headed to the coffee shop.


    As I approached the shop, I saw a person waving at me while sweeping the front entrance. He asked where I had been, noting that I hadn''t shown up to work the previous day and had a wound on my head. I replied, asking "who are you, do I know you before and is boss was around." The sweeper seemed taken aback by my response.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Before he could say anything else, a middle-aged man emerged from the shop and introduced himself as Tom, the boss. He asked why I hadn''t come to work and what had happened to my head. I explained that I had lost my memory due to an assault. Tom was shocked and invited me inside.


    As we sat down, I discovered that the sweeper was not only a coworker but also a friend of mine, and we worked together as waiters. I then asked Tom, my boss, for a leave of absence for a few days, which he kindly approved. I then asked if I could borrow some money, explaining that I had spent all my funds on medical expenses. Tom hesitated for a moment before handing me some cash, telling me to return it as soon as possible.


    The next morning, I got ready to visit Eddie''s office. As I arrived, I saw Eddie entering the building with a stack of papers. I recalled from the movie that Eddie was about to submit his book, which he had completed in a day after taking the NZT drugs. I wondered how I should approach him or if I should try to contact the drug dealer directly. However, I didn''t have much information about the dealer. After some hesitation, I decided to try to contact Eddie, but I wasn''t sure how to go about it.


    I decided to be direct, considering Eddie''s increasing intelligence. As he exited the office building, I approached him and said, "Hey, sorry to disturb you, but it''s a coincidence we met here. Let''s get to know each other. My name is Ryan, what about you?"


    Eddie looked confused by the sudden encounter, but he responded politely, "My name is Edward Morra."


    I chose to be straightforward, avoiding unnecessary small talk. Dealing with intelligent people could be exhausting, and once I obtained the NZT drugs, I wouldn''t need to maintain any further contact with Eddie.


    "Listen, man," I said, "I overheard you discussing drugs with your friend yesterday. Can you introduce me to him? I''m interested in getting some, and don''t worry, I''m not a cop."

 NZT Drugs in Hand

    Eddie''s confusion grew as the conversation progressed. Was Ryan really around there he had when he met his friend Vernon, or was something fishy going on? Before Eddie could refuse, Ryan offered him money in exchange for an introduction to Vernon.


    Eddie hesitated, tempted by the offer. He could use the money, but should he really introduce Ryan to Vernon? Then he decided to introduce him to Vernon as he needed money to buy new drugs and Vernon was a free spirit with many clients from all walks of life.


    "Okay, I''ll introduce you to Vernon but you have to pay for my drugs too over there" Eddie said finally. "Do you have some time? We can go there right now."


    Ryan agreed, and they headed out to catch a taxi. As they arrived at Vernon''s house, Eddie rang the doorbell. Vernon answered, looking surprised to see Eddie.


    "Hey, Eddie, what brings you here?" Vernon asked. "And who''s your friend?"


    Eddie introduced Ryan, explaining that he was looking to buy some drugs. Vernon invited them in, offering Ryan a seat.


    As Vernon and Eddie stepped aside to discuss something, Vernon whispered, "Do you really know this guy? Is he a cop or going to cause trouble? I don''t want any complications."This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Eddie reassured Vernon, "Don''t worry, he doesn''t seem like a cop. He looks like someone who really needs the drugs."


    Vernon nodded, "Okay, I trust your judgment. By the way, how were the drugs I gave you yesterday?"


    Eddie replied, "They were amazing. It felt like my whole life had been transformed.Can I have some more."


    Vernon smiled, "I''m glad you liked them. You can have some more, but it''ll cost you."


    Eddie agreed, and Vernon handed him a packet of drugs. Meanwhile, Ryan received a packet of ordinary drugs and Eddie received an NZT drug.


    Ryan''s eyes widened as he saw the NZT drug. He was wondering how should he get the NZT from them. He had seen Eddie take it in the movie, and he knew its incredible effects.


    Ryan asked Vernon, "What''s that drug? Can I get some?"


    Vernon replied, "Those are new on the market. If you want some, I can give you some, but they''re expensive."


    Ryan didn''t hesitate, "Don''t worry about the cost. Give me some."


    Vernon nodded, "Okay, wait a minute." He returned with the NZT drug and handed it to Ryan.


    "The total cost will be $250," Vernon said.


    Ryan thanked Vernon and paid him $250, which covered the cost of Eddie''s drugs as well. As they parted ways, Ryan felt a sense of excitement and anticipation.


    As he rode back to his apartment, Ryan planned his next moves. First, he would use the NZT drug to make money in the stock market. Then, he would investigate the factory where the drug was made. Finally, he would learn chemistry and create a new version of the drug with no side effects.


    As Ryan arrived at his apartment, the owner stopped him and handed him some fruits. "Here, you don''t look well. Eat some healthy food."


    Ryan thanked him politely and headed upstairs. As he entered his room, he sat down at his computer chair, feeling confident and determined.


    He took the NZT drug and put it in his mouth. Suddenly, he felt a surge of knowledge and memories flooding his mind. He remembered everything he had forgotten, and his brain felt transformed.

 Vernon Death

    After experiencing the lingering effects of the NZT drug, Ryan logs into his internet banking account, maxes out his credit card loan, and starts reading about stock trading. While he quickly grasps the basics, he decides to dive into intraday trading for quick profits. By the end of the day, he slumps into his chair, exhausted, wiping the sweat from his forehead. He counts his gains¡ªhaving invested nearly $3,500, he has made a profit of around $500.


    "Not bad for a start," he thinks. "In a few days, I''ll have enough to buy a larger quantity of drugs from Vernon."


    Days pass, and Ryan continues making money, steadily growing his wealth. Eventually, he decides it''s time to visit Vernon to buy more NZT. Before heading out, he silently appreciates his decision to exchange contact information with both Vernon and Eddie. He calls Vernon and informs him that he wants to purchase a large quantity of NZT and advises him to stock up.


    Vernon, excited by the prospect of a hefty commission, readily agrees. "No problem, it''ll all be ready by tomorrow morning," he assures Ryan.


    The next morning, Ryan arrives at Vernon''s house and knocks on the door. Vernon opens it with a broad grin, ushering him inside.


    "Did you bring the money?" Vernon asks eagerly. "I got the drugs you asked for."


    Ryan nods and pats his backpack. "I have the cash right here. Let''s do the exchange quickly¡ªI''m in a hurry."


    Vernon chuckles. "Don''t worry, man. I''m just as eager to get my hands on that money."


    He brings out a box and places it in front of Ryan. "Check it¡ªeverything''s in there."


    Ryan carefully inspects the contents, ensuring everything is as promised. Satisfied, he hands Vernon the money and leaves. On his way out, he spots Eddie approaching.


    "Hey, Eddie," Ryan greets him. "Good to see you, man. You look different. But I''m in a rush¡ªwe''ll catch up later."


    After a brief exchange, Ryan leaves quickly, knowing that Vernon''s days are numbered. He remembers that Vernon is going to be murdered soon, and as one of the last people to contact him, he could come under police scrutiny.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    He hides the box of drugs deep in a forest before heading home. Now, all he has to do is wait for the case to be closed before making his next move. But first, he needs to take care of his rent, pay back the caf¨¦ owner, and quit his job by the end of the month.


    Ryan doesn''t have to wait long. Two days later, a police officer arrives at his door.


    "Mr. Ryan, we have some questions about your relationship with Vernon."


    Ryan keeps his expression neutral. "I was his friend. I only met him recently."


    "Where were you in the last two days? Can anyone confirm your whereabouts?"


    "I''ve been at home. I was injured, and my landlord can verify that." He hesitates before adding, "Why? Did Vernon do something wrong? Is he okay?"


    The officer''s expression darkens. "We regret to inform you that your friend Vernon was found dead in his house. We''re investigating, and the last two people who contacted him were you and Eddie Morra. Please remain in town until the case is closed. If you come across any information, let us know. Thank you for your cooperation."


    Ryan nods as the officer leaves.


    He knows he has to act normal in the coming days to avoid drawing suspicion.


    As the month ends, Ryan receives a call from the police station. They inform him that Vernon''s case is closed, and he is no longer a suspect. He is free to leave town.


    "I wasn''t truly free before¡ªworking at the caf¨¦, juggling stock trading. But now, it''s time to put my real plan into action."


    Ryan knocks on his landlord''s door. The older man opens it and immediately asks, "Did you bring the money? It''s the end of the month¡ªyou''re out of time. No more excuses."


    Ryan pulls out a stack of cash. "Here''s the full three months'' rent. Thanks for putting up with me."


    The landlord looks shocked as he takes the money. He clearly hadn''t expected Ryan to pay in full. Ryan smirks, enjoying his reaction, then walks away, leaving the man standing there, speechless.


    Next, he heads to the caf¨¦. He greets his coworkers before approaching his boss.


    "Hey, boss. Here''s the money I owe you," he says, handing over the cash.


    "There was no rush, you know," his boss replies, looking concerned. "Are you doing okay now?"


    Ryan nods. "I feel relieved now that I''ve cleared my debts. Everything''s fine. Thanks for helping me when I needed it."


    "You''re my employee. It''s my job to look after you," the boss says kindly.


    Ryan takes a deep breath. "Boss, I''m here to resign. After everything that''s happened, I need to find a serious job or start my own business. Wish me luck."


    The boss sighs but nods. "If that''s what you want, I''ll handle the paperwork. Good luck, Ryan."


    After collecting his final salary and finishing the paperwork, Ryan bids farewell to his coworkers, boss, and the caf¨¦. His past is now truly behind him.


    "Now it''s time to invest in drugs and find a permanent solution.

 Perfected NZT

    After leaving the house, Ryan first went to the forest. He retrieved a pack of drugs that would last him a month and buried the rest. He planned to earn enough money this month to buy his own house and lab. During this time, he aimed to learn all types of chemistry and drug-related knowledge to solve the NZT drug problem. He had been experiencing frequent headaches, feeling unwell, and noticing gaps in his memory, which motivated him to find a solution.


    After ensuring no one was around, he left the forest and returned home. There, he prepared a detailed schedule for the entire month.


    A month passed, and Ryan''s health had visibly deteriorated due to the side effects of the drugs. However, he remained confident that better days were ahead and that he could eventually eliminate the side effects and long-term impacts of NZT.


    First, he informed his landlord that he would be moving out in a few days. Then, he visited a real estate agency to purchase an ideal house. He expected people to treat him differently because of his poor appearance, but to his surprise, they didn''t. He mused that perhaps he wasn''t the protagonist of a story, or maybe reality was simply different from movies and novels.


    Ryan explained his needs to the agent, stating that he wanted to buy a villa. Although the agents seemed suspicious, as if they thought he was wasting their time, they still showed him a few properties that matched his requirements. He was particularly satisfied with a villa near a lake and surrounded by a forest. He urged them to expedite the paperwork so he could move in as soon as possible, promising a generous commission if they completed the process quickly. When they began discussing down payments and loan options, Ryan cut them off by presenting a check for the full amount. "Here''s the full payment for the villa. Can you get the paperwork ready soon?" he said.


    Seeing the money, the agents'' lifeless expressions immediately brightened. The saleswoman who had shown him around even suggested having dinner to thank him personally, as she stood to earn a significant commission. Although Ryan was tempted by the idea of an after-dinner "exercise," his body was in no condition due to the lingering effects of the drugs. Regretfully, he declined.


    After leaving the real estate agency, Ryan contacted a construction company specializing in building labs. He gave them the contract to construct a lab in his new villa, paying the full amount upfront and offering an additional sum to ensure the work was completed within a week. He also ordered the necessary lab equipment, which would arrive in the same timeframe.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    A week later, the lab was ready, and the machines and materials were in place. Ryan got to work immediately, despite his poor physical condition. He spent his days conducting experiments and acquiring knowledge in various fields: science, mathematics, medicine, espionage, criminal law, behavioral patterns, brainwashing, business, history, culture, arts, and warfare. He believed that knowledge was power and that this information might prove useful in the future.


    After two weeks of relentless effort, Ryan finally perfected the drug. It unlocked his brain''s potential without any side effects.


    In addition to his experiments, Ryan continued to earn money on the side, knowing it would be useful since he wasn''t planning to leave this world anytime soon. He also stayed in touch with Eddie, whose life seemed to fluctuate between highs and lows. Observing Eddie''s struggles, Ryan sometimes doubted whether he was truly the protagonist of his own story. He speculated that his "protagonist aura" would only manifest once he returned to the other world.


    Seeing Eddie''s hardships, Ryan offered him the perfected drug. He reasoned that Eddie would eventually obtain it on his own in the future, and by giving it to him now, Ryan was fulfilling a karmic debt. After all, it was because of Eddie that Ryan had these opportunities in the first place.


    Once Ryan started taking the perfected drug, his life transformed. His days began with exercise, as he had hired a retired Navy SEAL and specialists to design a full-body workout routine. He followed this with a healthy breakfast and then dedicated time to learning various martial arts: kung fu, boxing, karate, jujutsu, Muay Thai, and the use of swords, knives, and other cold weapons. He also trained with firearms, aiming to become a fully-fledged warrior. His training included techniques for enduring torture, resisting brainwashing, detecting lies, and mastering spy skills. In the afternoons, he immersed himself in reading about diverse subjects, and in the evenings, he attended lavish parties and enjoyed the company of women.


    Two years later, Ryan had completed his morning exercise. His body glistened with sweat, and he looked like a Greek god, with perfectly sculpted muscles, abs, back, and legs. Every part of his body was a weapon, and he had become a master of hand-to-hand combat, cold weapons, and firearms. He could read human expressions with ease and was well-trained in espionage, combat, medicine, and more.


    Alongside his physical transformation, Ryan never stopped acquiring knowledge. He had become proficient in science, mathematics, commerce, medicine, business, culture, and the arts. He was also a skilled actor, capable of convincingly portraying any emotion. His mastery of music and the arts further rounded out his abilities.


    Ryan had built a fulfilling life, but he knew it was time to return to the other world. As he prepared to face future challenges, he felt a connection to the smallest stars. Suddenly, he was pulled through a kaleidoscope-like tunnel of colors. When he emerged, he found himself being beaten, with only two strikes left before he would pass out. He realized that during time travel, only his consciousness moved through time, while his body remained in place. His body was badly beaten, and time seemed to pass instantaneously during the journey. He also noticed that his memories of knowledge were obscured, as if covered by a black cloth, and he would need to slowly uncover them.


    As he pondered this, the final strike landed, and he lost consciousness. "At least I''m alive," he thought. "I''ll have my revenge on everyone." These were his last thoughts before everything went dark.

 Viscount Worries

    After noticing that Ryan had passed out cold, Rei instructed the other instructors to medicate him and let him rest for two days. He then ordered them to begin training Ryan as a new trainee after the two-day period. Turning to the audience, Rei addressed all the trainees who harbored fantasies of escaping:


    "Listen well, all of you. This is a warning from the Viscount. The next time anyone is caught attempting to escape, they will be killed on the spot. Remember, you have all been poisoned. Do not think that escaping will grant you a good life. Without the antidote within three months, you will die. Only the Viscount possesses the antidote. Remain loyal to him, and perhaps one day he will grant you the permanent antidote."


    Having delivered his message, Rei left the scene to report to the Viscount. Upon hearing the report, the Viscount responded sternly, "I do not want such mistakes to happen again. If another escape attempt occurs, not only will the student be killed, but the instructors present at the time will also face execution. If you value your lives, ensure this does not happen again."


    With these chilling words, the Viscount left the tent, leaving behind an oppressive atmosphere. The instructors'' faces darkened as they absorbed the severity of the situation. They resolved to teach Ryan a harsh lesson for his actions and then dispersed to their respective classes.


    Meanwhile, Viscount Andrew departed the training ground, mounted his horse, and returned to his villa accompanied by his guards. Upon arriving at the entrance, a maid and the butler hurried to welcome him. The Viscount headed straight to his study, signaling the maid to leave. The butler, Leo, followed him into the study and closed the door behind them.


    After a few moments of silence, the Viscount spoke, "Leo, should we truly involve ourselves in the kingdom''s power struggles? We already know the third prince is likely to be elected as the new king."Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Leo replied, "Sir, the third prince is backed by the new nobles, who advocate for the liberation of serfs and the centralization of fiefdom management. If we do not act now, our ancestral property will be taken from us. The Thunder God Church, which holds significant influence in this kingdom, has declared neutrality in this struggle. The churches of the Goddess of Light and the Goddess of Nature lack the power to interfere in the succession. We have no choice but to take a stance."


    The Viscount hesitated, "But if we remain neutral, we might avoid the consequences."


    Leo countered, "That is not possible, sir. If you remain neutral, the old nobles will shun you, and the new nobles will not accept you. Should the first prince become king, you will face severe difficulties. Even if the third prince wins, you will be seen as an enemy by both factions. We must choose a side."


    Both men fell silent, contemplating the gravity of the situation.


    The Viscount then asked, "Leo, how is the mage sent by the prince behaving?"


    "Do not worry, sir. He knows his boundaries and does not interfere in official matters. He spends his time conducting experiments and studying. When he goes out for air, our guards accompany him, so we are aware of his activities. Even if he steps out of line, you are a third-rank Ultimate Knight, and with Captain Guard and myself as second-rank Official Knights, we can handle him without causing a disturbance."


    "Be patient with him. He was once the first prince''s man. Ensure his needs are met."


    As Viscount Andrew and Leo continued their discussion, the next morning arrived. Ryan woke up in a hospital bed, his body aching and tightly bandaged. A doctor approached him and said, "The Viscount has shown you mercy by providing medicine and granting you a day of rest. Your training will begin tomorrow. The other students will inform you of the rules, show you the cafeteria, and explain everything you need to know." With that, the doctor left.


    Shortly after, a shy-looking boy entered the ward and said, "You must be Ryan. Tough luck, man. You''ve made enemies of all the instructors and students. Because of you, the instructors have become stricter, and the death rate among trainees has increased. Don''t expect me to be nice to you. I''ll explain the rules, give you a tour, and answer any questions you have. After this, don''t talk to me again. I don''t want others to think I have anything to do with you."


    With that, the boy led Ryan out of the ward. Despite the pain that made even movement difficult, Ryan gritted his teeth and followed. He knew this might be his only chance to learn the rules and navigate his new environment.

 Confusion About Cheat

    After leaving the hospital ward, Ryan followed a teenager¡ªsince all the students here were teenagers¡ªand learned that his name was Fin. Fin cursed his bad luck, lamenting that he had to accompany Ryan to tour and worrying that he might be implicated in whatever trouble Ryan brought.


    As they walked around the training grounds, Fin began to explain their situation. "It''s common knowledge that you''ve lost your memory, so let me start from the beginning. You see all these teenagers? There are about 60 of us here, and we''re the second batch. The Viscount is training us to become assassins, spies, and the like¡ªpeople who can do his dirty work. Most of us were kidnapped from the slums, though a few, like you, came here hoping for a job at the Viscount''s estate. Bad luck seems to follow you closely, huh? As for me, I was kidnapped. If I survive this, I might actually thank the Viscount¡ªat least here, I get to eat my fill."


    Fin led Ryan to the sleeping quarters, a large bunkhouse divided into separate areas for boys and girls. There are beds arranged on both sides and Fin pointed to the bed that belonged to him.


    "Here''s the schedule," Fin continued. "We wake up at 5 a.m. sharp. If you''re late, you get a strike. Morning exercises start immediately¡ªjogging, bodybuilding, and so on until 7 a.m. After that, we bathe and have breakfast. You can eat as much as you want¡ªbread and milk. Then we have classes: geography, escape tactics, poisoning, infiltration, and more. After lunch, we spar with wooden weapons. It hurts, even though they''re just wood. In the evening, it''s weapons training, followed by supper. After that, we''re free to do whatever we want, but fighting is strictly prohibited. The Viscount doesn''t want us killing each other. Break the rules, and you''ll get ten lashes the first time. Do it again, and it''s execution."


    Fin paused, then added, "Every two months, there''s a survival exam. The bottom five are executed. I doubt even knights train as brutally as we do."


    Ryan frowned. "Knights? What are they? Are they the Viscount''s guards or part of the army?"


    Fin looked surprised. "Oh, right, you don''t remember. Knights and mages are the real path to nobility for people like us¡ªif we had the talent, that is. Knights can destroy a house with their bare hands, and mages can command fire, wind, water, and more. They''re the true way to rise in the world. But most of us don''t have that kind of potential, so we ended up here."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Ryan''s eyes widened. "How do you become a knight or a mage?"


    Fin hesitated before answering. "Knights and mages usually come from noble families. Becoming a mage requires high talent and attending a mage school to gain knowledge and pass tests. For the rest of us, it''s pretty much out of reach."


    Ryan thought to himself, *It seems the nobles have blocked the path to extraordinary power to ensure no one can threaten their rule.*


    As they finished their tour of the camp and returned to the bunkhouse, Fin gave Ryan one final piece of advice. "From now on, don''t talk to me. Here''s some advice: everyone here wants you dead. You''ll have to work ten times harder than the others if you want to survive."


    With that, Fin left to join the training, leaving Ryan alone in the sleeping area. Ryan sat on his bunk, deep in thought. *Why haven''t I become smarter? Why can''t I remember any skills? Why hasn''t my body changed? In other stories, the protagonist gets superpowers or becomes incredibly strong after traveling through time. Why is it so different for me?*


    He decided to review his so-called "cheat ability." There were nine stars in his mind, and after touching the smallest one, he had traveled to the world of the *Limitless* movie. This meant he could potentially travel to nine different worlds, but when he tried to touch the star again, nothing happened. It seemed he could only travel once. *What''s the point of traveling if I can''t bring back any powers? Maybe I''m missing something.*


    Then, something caught his attention. After eating a full breakfast, he noticed a tiny part of the star had lit up. It was so faint that he might have missed it if he hadn''t looked closely. *What does this mean? Will lighting up the whole star allow me to travel again? Or maybe it''ll grant me the powers I had in *Limitless*?* He didn''t have time to figure it out¡ªeveryone here wanted him dead, and he doubted he''d survive the next two-month exam. *This is hell-level difficulty. I guess this is the downside of being the protagonist¡ªalways stuck in impossible situations.*


    As the days passed, the bunkhouse filled with people returning for dinner. Ryan was about to head to the cafeteria when a group of boys blocked his path. The tallest one, who seemed to be their leader, glared at him with anger.


    "Ryan," he said, "because of you, our already difficult lives have become a living hell. I promise you, I''ll make you pay for it in the next exam. During sparring, I''ll break your bones one by one. Remember my name¡ªit''s Bill, and I''ll be your death."


    With that, Bill and his group walked away, the others cheering for him and casting looks of anger, hatred, and pity at Ryan. *I guess I''m really unpopular,* Ryan thought. He headed to the cafeteria, grabbed his dinner, and sat down. As soon as he did, everyone around him moved away, leaving him isolated. Ryan wasn''t surprised anymore. *What will come will come. I''ll just do my best.*


    He ate voraciously, noticing that his appetite had increased significantly. After finishing, he returned to his bunk, hoping for a good night''s rest. He knew he wasn''t fully healed yet, and he also knew that no one would go easy on him. Tomorrow would be another grueling day

 Kosmos

    The morning began with the ringing of bells at 4:30 a.m., signaling that the next bell at 5 a.m. would mark the time by which all students had to be ready. Failure to comply meant being struck with a thin bamboo stick, which peeled layers of skin and caused excruciating pain. When the bell rang, Ryan dragged himself out of bed, looking as though he hadn''t slept at all¡ªand indeed, he hadn''t. Despite forcing himself to adapt to this harsh environment, he couldn''t shake the modern habit of staying up late. He had managed only a light sleep, and now, groggy and exhausted, he watched as the others cleaned their beds, changed into their uniforms¡ªsimple brown shirts and pants with shoes¡ªand stood neatly beside their bunks, waiting for inspection. Ryan hurried to follow suit, dressing quickly and standing at attention by his bed.


    At 5 a.m., the instructors entered the bunkhouse to inspect the students. They checked to ensure everyone was awake, properly dressed, and had made their beds. When the instructor passed Ryan, he scrutinized him carefully, seemingly disappointed when he found no fault. The other students also looked displeased, as if they had hoped Ryan would fail. Satisfied with the inspection, the instructor barked, "Alright, everyone, follow me for morning exercises!" He led the group to a large open ground, where the girls were already being guided by another instructor. The students began running in formation, with one instructor at the front and another at the back.


    Ryan tried to keep up, positioning himself in the middle of the group, but it was nearly impossible. His wounds hadn''t fully healed, his body wasn''t physically developed, and he lacked the stamina and habit of running. He quickly fell behind, and as the last runner, he was struck with the bamboo stick each time he completed a lap. By the fifth lap, Ryan had been hit five times, his back stinging with pain. The instructor seemed to strike him harder than usual, and the other students watched with smug satisfaction.


    By the end of the running exercise, everyone looked tired, but Ryan looked like he was on the verge of collapse. After a 15-minute break, it was time for bodyweight exercises. Ryan knew he wouldn''t survive this unscathed. By 7 a.m., when the bell rang to signal the end of the exercises, Ryan was bruised, bloodied, and lying on the ground, gasping for breath. Tears welled in his eyes as he thought, *Maybe it would be better to end my life than endure this suffering.* But he steeled himself. The instinct to survive burned within him, and a flame of revenge ignited in his heart. He vowed to destroy the instructors who had tortured him, reduce the Viscount and his training ground to ashes, and obliterate every trace of their glory.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Forcing himself to get up, Ryan cleaned himself quickly in the bathhouse. Breakfast time was limited, and there was no luxury of freshening up properly. He knew he needed to eat to regain energy for the day ahead. After devouring a large portion of breakfast, it was time for cultural classes, followed by skill training.


    At eight o''clock, the bell rang again, and the students filed into a building specifically designed for teaching. On the way to class, Ryan observed that there were about 60 students in total¡ª42 boys and 18 girls. He overheard that the first batch had started training 12 days earlier and had already adapted to the grueling routine. Ryan realized that his escape attempt had likely been underestimated because the first batch had gone smoothly, and no one expected a child to defy nobles and adults by fleeing at night. He also learned that the night instructors responsible for guarding the grounds had been severely punished by the Viscount for his escape. The morning instructors, Charles and Stane, were the ones leading the exercises, and Stane had been the one striking him with the bamboo stick.


    Inside the classroom, the students took their seats on the floor, each already familiar with their assigned spots. Books and pens were neatly arranged in front of them. Ryan noticed only one vacant seat near the middle corner and sat there. The boy beside him shot him a look of disgust.


    A burly instructor entered the room and commanded, "Quiet, everyone! You''re a bunch of illiterates who would never have had the chance to see books or gain knowledge if not for the Viscount''s generosity. Be grateful for this opportunity. I''ll give you a quick review since you''ve probably forgotten everything from yesterday. Don''t think that neglecting your studies won''t have consequences. Your performance in the cultural tests will determine your rank, and the Viscount doesn''t want illiterates in his arsenal. Your lives depend on this, so pay attention."


    The instructor continued, "First, my name is Rus. I''m introducing myself so that our short-lived celebrity over here knows who I am." He pointed directly at Ryan. "As you all know, we live in a world called Kosmos. Our country, Uruk, is one of the four major nations on the Old Continent, alongside San Marino, Illyria, and Andorra, as well as a few smaller duchies. The Old Continent was named after the discovery of the New Continent 300 years ago. Since then, we''ve adopted a new calendar, and today is the 28th of March in the 328th year since the discovery. Our city, Pearl City, has been ruled by the Viscount''s family for generations. This is basic knowledge that everyone should know."


    With that, Rus launched into a glorified history of the Viscount''s family, clearly attempting to indoctrinate the students into unwavering loyalty. Ryan thought to himself, *I guess we can call this a brainwashing class to brainwashing class*

 Knowledge About Extraordinary

    After two long hours of listening to Instructor Rus drone on about how great the Viscount was and how we should all be grateful to him, the class finally ended with the sweet sound of the bell. Rus had also sprinkled in some historical knowledge about the countries, mentioning that King George VI currently ruled and that rumors were circulating about his declining health. A change in the throne seemed imminent, and if even common people were talking about it, there had to be some truth to the rumors. With that, Rus exited the classroom, and the students filed out.


    The next class took place in a different building, one designed for specialized training. As Ryan entered, he noticed various torture devices, glass containers filled with mysterious liquids¡ªlikely poisons¡ªand a large wall-sized blackboard. The room was intimidating, to say the least. Two men stood at the front: one well-built and the other with a sinister appearance. They waited near the board as the students arranged themselves into six lines of ten, organized by height so everyone could see clearly.


    The class began with the well-built man explaining the fundamentals of assassination and espionage. He covered how to focus on surroundings, turn everyday objects into weapons¡ªfrom knives to pieces of wooden furniture¡ªand how to lower a target''s guard. He also taught techniques for blending into a crowd, poisoning, gathering intelligence, and planning escape routes. It was a highly informative session, and the instructor demonstrated each technique with precision.


    Then, the sinister-looking man took over. "We''re not teaching you all this just so you can kill ordinary people," he said, his voice cold and calculating. "We''re training you to kill extraordinary individuals¡ªknights and mages. Don''t worry; we won''t send you after high-ranking ones. Even if you tried, you wouldn''t stand a chance. As knights and mages progress along their paths, they become less human and more¡­ extraordinary. Our goal is to prepare you to handle rank 1 and rank 2 extraordinary individuals¡ªapprentices and officials."


    He went on to explain the differences between the ranks. "Apprentice knights are those who have just begun their journey toward becoming extraordinary. At this stage, they focus on training their bodies to unlock their life seed, which allows them to advance to the official rank. They also learn weapon skills and horsemanship. Apprentice knights are stronger, more durable, and have greater endurance than ordinary people. They can take on up to five unarmed men at once."This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    "Apprentice mages, on the other hand, focus on meditation to enhance their mental power. They aim to compress this power into a mind crystal, which is necessary to become an official mage. During this stage, they also study various subjects like potion-making, inscription, and magical alchemy¡ªskills that will be useful later. However, apprentice mages are still physically similar to ordinary people and lack combat abilities at this stage."


    The instructor then described the official rank. "Official knights and mages have truly stepped into the world of the extraordinary. Official knights use life energy to temper their bodies, enhancing their organs, increasing bone and muscle density, and sharpening their senses. They push their bodies to the limits of human capability and can take on around 15 unarmed men at once."


    "Official mages, meanwhile, use their mind crystals to project mental power outside their bodies. They can perform weak telekinesis, moving objects weighing up to 20-30 kilograms, and command elemental attacks by manipulating the elements around them. Their senses are heightened, and they try to specialize in a specific field of study in this rank which will be helpful in advancement. At this stage, they are capable of destroying a house with their spells."


    "Rank 3 knights are known as Ultimate Knights, rank 4 as Inhumane Knights, and rank 5 as Energy Life Form Knights," the instructor explained.


    "As for mages, rank 3 are called Scholar Mages, rank 4 are Specialist Mages, and rank 5 are Spiritual Life Form Mages."


    He paused, his tone growing darker. "You only need to know these titles. Anything beyond that is unnecessary because, at those levels, they could kill you as easily as crushing an ant."


    The sinister man concluded, "The knowledge we''re teaching you here can help you kill even extraordinary individuals. While they are powerful, they haven''t transcended human limits. Their weaknesses are the same as any human''s, though the threat they pose is significantly greater. Pay attention¡ªthis knowledge might save your life one day."


    As the class ended, Ryan felt a sense of clarity. The mystery of extraordinary individuals had finally been unveiled, and he now understood what they were capable of. *Maybe I should try to become one,* he thought. The idea of gaining such power was tempting, especially in a place where survival depended on strength and cunning.

 Spar

    The class had been incredibly informative, filled with detailed lectures and practical demonstrations. By the time it ended, it was lunchtime, and everyone headed toward the cafeteria. As Ryan made his way there, Bill and his gang surrounded him once again.


    Bill sneered, "Hey, Ryan, next up is sparring class. Don''t worry¡ªI''ll make sure to give you some *special attention*."


    Ryan had been trying to mind his own business, but Bill''s constant harassment was getting on his nerves. Finally, he snapped. "Hey, Bully Bill, what''s your problem? Why pick on someone who doesn''t even remember how to wield a sword? If you''re such a tough guy, why don''t we settle this in the two-month exam? Let''s see how strong you really are. Or are you just all bark and no bite, only brave enough to bully the weak?"


    Bill''s face turned red with anger. "You think you can provoke me into leaving you alone? Fine, I''ll take your bait. But do you dare to fight me to the death during the exam? That''s the only way I''ll prove how much of a man I am. So, do you dare?"


    Ryan hesitated for a moment, but the hesitation quickly vanished. Even if he couldn''t beat Bill in the exam, he knew he''d likely die from his injuries afterward anyway. So why be afraid? With newfound resolve, Ryan replied, "I agree. Now, don''t bother me for the next two months. Stop barking in front of me and scram with your pack of dogs." With that, he pushed past Bill and his gang, entering the cafeteria to eat.


    As he ate, Ryan noticed his appetite had increased significantly. It wasn''t an illusion¡ªhe was genuinely hungrier than before. While eating, he thought deeply about his situation. *Everyone here wants me dead. That idiot Bill thinks he can impress the instructors by bullying me, but he doesn''t realize we''re all just disposable tools. Either we die here during training, or we die later while assassinating extraordinary individuals. There''s no way out¡ªeither we perish or spend our lives serving the Viscount. My luck is truly protagonist-level¡ªalways full of hardships. I wish I could be as awesome as the protagonists in those stories I''ve heard about.*


    He sighed and focused on his meal. The food wasn''t tasty, but it was nutritious. *Let''s just pray I survive the day.*


    After lunch, it was 1:00 p.m., and the bell rang, signaling the start of the sparring session. Everyone moved to the training ground, where the instructors were waiting. The students lined up in six rows of ten, organized by height. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    One of the instructors began explaining the purpose of the session. "Sparring isn''t just about sword skills or fancy moves. It''s about strategy, deception, strength, speed, and quick thinking. Any of these can give you the upper hand in a fight. If you land a solid hit with your weapon, your opponent will be in agony, losing focus, strength, and blood. But remember, anything can happen in a fight, so never let your guard down. Stay focused until your opponent is dead¡ªand even then, make sure they''re not faking it. Throw a heavy object or a blade at their head to confirm. Otherwise, they might land a final blow and take you down with them."


    As the instructor spoke, another instructor randomly paired up students for sparring matches. Each pair was given a wooden sword and wooden dagger, and the first five pairs stepped into white circles drawn on the ground. The rest of the students watched, learning from the matches and listening to the instructors'' critiques of each fight. It was an efficient way to learn, and Ryan could see the Viscount had put a lot of effort into designing this training program. The instructors were thorough and attentive.


    Soon, it was Ryan''s turn. His opponent was an average-looking boy who received encouraging looks from Bill and his gang. Even the other students and instructors seemed to be rooting against Ryan.


    Ryan assessed his opponent. *He looks overconfident. That''s his weakness. He''s forgotten the basic rule of staying cautious and not underestimating his opponent. He thinks he can beat me easily, but that''s going to cost him.*


    Ryan picked up his wooden sword and wooden dagger and stepped into the circle. From watching the previous matches, he had a rough idea of how to hold the weapons. When the instructor signaled the start of the match, his opponent charged at him, clearly underestimating Ryan.


    Ryan suddenly sprinted forward, swinging his sword with all his strength. The opponent blocked it easily, but Ryan immediately threw his dagger, catching both his opponent and the instructors off guard. The opponent dodged the dagger, but it disrupted his stance. Seizing the opportunity, Ryan dropped his sword and closed the distance. As his opponent focused on deflecting the dagger, Ryan landed a punch to his face. Though partially blocked, the hit still caused damage.


    Ryan followed up with a kick between his opponent''s legs, a sure hit that left the boy gasping for air and losing his grip on his weapons. Ryan didn''t let up, pummeling his opponent''s face and chest and kicking his sword hand. Just as Ryan was about to deliver another blow, the instructor stepped in to stop the fight.


    The instructor looked disappointed at the boy and then turned to Ryan. "In a fight, anything can be used to your advantage. Never underestimate your opponent. You did well, but don''t think you can rely on tricks every time. Your opponents will be more cautious next time." With that, the instructor dragged the boy out of the circle.


    Ryan took a moment to catch his breath before joining the audience to watch the remaining matches. The other students glared at him like he was dirt, but Ryan didn''t care. If he wanted to survive, he had to fight by any means necessary. The matches and explanations continued for two hours until the bell rang at 3:00 p.m.


    The instructors dismissed the class, and the students headed to the bunk area to rest. Ryan followed, realizing this was a break period before the next class. He remembered Fin mentioning that the next session would be weapons skill training. Sitting down to rest, Ryan prepared himself mentally for what was to come.

 A Good News

    As Ryan sat on his bunk, he couldn''t help but reflect on his situation. *Even though I''ve convinced myself that I''ll survive this training camp, I have no idea how to actually pull it off. The daily training is taking a toll on me, and the other teenagers here have a 15-day head start. They''ve already formed the habits needed to endure this place, while I''m still struggling to adapt. It''ll take me at least 7 to 10 days of forcing myself to get used to this routine. These kids grew up in the slums, where life was already a constant struggle. They''re used to fighting, blood, hunger, and hardship. Even though I have a more mature mind, I can''t underestimate them. Heroes often emerge from the toughest conditions. And to make things worse, my "golden finger" ability isn''t functioning properly. All I know is that it lets me travel to another world, but I have no idea what else it can do.*


    An hour passed as Ryan lost himself in thought. Soon, it was time for the weapons training class. The students left their bunks and headed to the training ground, where three instructors were waiting. A weapon stand filled with real swords and daggers stood nearby. Ryan guessed the extra instructors were there to prevent any accidents¡ªor perhaps to stop someone from pulling a stunt like he had earlier. The students lined up as usual.


    The instructor in the middle cleared his throat and began speaking. "By now, you''ve all learned the basics: how to hold a sword and dagger, the proper stances, and the fundamentals of combat. Today, we''ll focus on dagger techniques. Daggers are our primary weapon because they''re easy to conceal, quick to use, and effective in tight spaces like rooms or taverns. Swords are secondary. Pay close attention."


    As he spoke, the other two instructors moved to the sides, keeping a watchful eye on the students. The main instructor continued, "Now, everyone, take two daggers from the stand and stand two meters apart from each other."


    The students obeyed, selecting daggers that felt comfortable in their hands. Ryan tried a few before settling on two that felt right. He took his place, noticing that the other two instructors were now holding real swords instead of bamboo sticks. Their sharp gazes occasionally flicked in his direction, making him uneasy.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Once everyone was in position, the main instructor demonstrated how to use a dagger effectively. He showed how to hide it in sleeves, draw it quickly, apply strength, and use proper footwork. After covering the basics, he instructed the students to mimic his movements. For the next hour, the students practiced diligently, following his lead.


    "Alright," the instructor said after the hour was up. "I''ve shown you the basics of dagger combat, and you''ve practiced a few moves. Now, it''s up to you to keep practicing. Don''t be lazy¡ªyour lives depend on the effort you put in now."


    With that, he walked over to Ryan. "So, you''re Ryan," he said in a curious tone. "Where did you get the guts to try escaping from here?"


    Ryan was startled and immediately tensed up. The instructor''s presence felt oppressive, as if his very aura radiated danger. Ryan''s body instinctively reacted, tightening as though preparing for a threat. He hadn''t felt this way around the other instructors, even when they were close. But this man¡ªhis proximity alone was enough to make Ryan feel like he was standing on the edge of a cliff.


    Seeing Ryan''s tension, the instructor gave him a thoughtful look. "You''re very sensitive," he remarked. "But don''t worry, I won''t hurt you. You''re the Viscount''s property, after all. Being sensitive is good¡ªit can save your life. Just know that no one here will harm you directly. The two idiots who were on night guard duty have already been punished and removed from the camp. However, their friends might make things difficult for you within the rules. I can''t stop that."


    He paused, then added, "Enough chit-chat. Focus on practicing honestly. Don''t try any stunts. I know you''ve lost your memory, so you''ll need to work even harder to keep up. Only 40 of you will graduate. The rest will be killed¡ªfive every two months in the exams, and ten in the final exam. Stay alive, and make yourself useful to the Viscount."


    With that, the instructor walked away, leaving Ryan both relieved and uneasy. *He''s different from the others,* Ryan thought. *At least I got one piece of good news¡ªthose two night guards are gone.* Despite his lingering wounds, Ryan threw himself into practicing with the daggers, determined to master the techniques.


    When the bell rang, signaling the end of the session, the main instructor left. One of the other instructors supervised as the students returned their daggers, ensuring no one tried to sneak a weapon away. Ryan placed his daggers back on the stand, and the instructor scanned him carefully to make sure he wasn''t hiding anything.


    Afterward, the students returned to the bunkhouse to rest. An hour later, they headed to the cafeteria for dinner. Ryan followed, guessing that dinner was served early. He ate until he was full, then returned to his bunk. As the other students formed groups and chatted among themselves, Ryan lay down and closed his eyes, focusing on the stars in his mind. He needed to figure out how his ability worked¡ªand fast.

 Finally Access to Limitless Powers

    Ryan entered the mind space¡ªa place he called the inner realm of his consciousness¡ªand focused on the stars within it. He tried touching the other stars to see if he could travel to another world again, but nothing happened. Frustrated, he turned his attention to the smallest star, which he referred to as the "Limitless Star." He noticed it seemed brighter than before. *Is it just my imagination, or is it actually glowing more?* he wondered.


    If the star was indeed recharging itself, the question remained: how was it doing so, and what was the purpose? There were too many unknowns about this so-called "golden finger" ability. The biggest question still loomed: *Can I gain the powers I had in the Limitless world¡ªor any other world I might travel to? If so, when? It''s been three days, and I haven''t felt any changes.* Ryan racked his brain, trying to uncover new uses or clues about his ability.


    After a while, he began to feel a heaviness in his head. *Staying in this mind space must consume mental energy,* he realized. Reluctantly, he exited the space and returned to the real world.


    As he opened his eyes, he noticed the other students staring at him strangely. He suddenly remembered that when he was in the mind space, his body appeared dazed and vacant, as if his soul had left it.


    One of the students sneered, "Look at this idiot, spacing out like he''s in love with you," he said to his friend, pointing at Ryan. The friend, visibly disgusted, replied, "Don''t associate me with him. I don''t want anything to do with this fool." The others laughed, mocking Ryan.


    Ryan ignored their taunts. He was too tired to engage with them, his mind drained from the mental exertion. He lay down on his bunk, exhausted from the lack of sleep the previous night, and drifted off. Tomorrow would be another grueling day, and he needed all the rest he could get.


    Seeing Ryan ignore them and fall asleep, the others lost interest. Gradually, they stopped their teasing and began to settle down for the night.


    ---


    A week passed, and Ryan began to adapt to the brutal training regimen. He no longer came in last during the morning runs, could read basic words, and had learned to defend himself during sparring sessions. He was also becoming more proficient with both daggers and swords.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    However, the week wasn''t without its challenges. Every morning, Instructor Stane struck him during the runs, and he had to endure Instructor Rus''s relentless brainwashing. He also learned the names of the other instructors: Jack, the well-built one, and Oscar, the sinister-looking one, taught skills like poisoning. William and James oversaw sparring, while Oliver, Thomas, and Avery handled weapons training.


    Ryan discovered that Oliver, the head weapons instructor, was an official knight, while the others were apprentice knights and instructors Rus was a apprentice mage. This explained why Oliver''s presence felt so dangerous¡ªhe was the real deal.


    During the week, Ryan also observed several standout students who far outperformed him. Despite his progress, he still had a long way to go.


    But there was good news. Ryan finally figured out the purpose of the Limitless Star in his mind. It wasn''t his imagination¡ªthe star was indeed growing brighter. As it did, he noticed subtle improvements in his memory, comprehension, and physical fitness. He realized that the food he ate served as a kind of energy source, recharging the star. This explained his increased appetite and constant hunger.


    Based on the current rate, Ryan estimated it would take about eight months for the star to reach its maximum brightness. If the brightest form of the star represented the full power he had in the *Limitless* movie, then he would gradually regain his abilities as the star grew brighter. Once it reached its peak, he would have all the powers he had possessed in that world.


    However, there was a catch. While he could feel his physical and mental abilities improving, he couldn''t access the specific skills and knowledge he had gained in the *Limitless* world. It was as if they were hidden behind a black curtain¡ªpresent but unreachable. He wondered if learning similar skills in the Kosmos world might help him unlock those memories. Perhaps once the Limitless Star was fully lit, he would gain access to the other stars and their corresponding worlds.


    For the first time in a long while, Ryan felt a glimmer of hope for the future.


    The new day began like any other, with the grueling morning exercises. To Ryan''s relief, he managed to avoid any beatings today, putting him in a relatively good mood. He hoped the rest of the day would pass without incident. After finishing his bath, he headed to the cafeteria, where he loaded his plate with an extra-large portion of food. He ate as if his life depended on it¡ªbecause, in a way, it did.


    Once breakfast was over, Ryan made his way to the cultural class. However, as soon as Instructor Rus entered the room, he made an unexpected announcement: "Class is canceled today. Everyone, assemble on the training ground immediately. Viscount Andrew is here to inspect your progress."


    The announcement took Ryan and the other students by surprise. They quickly filed out of the classroom and headed to the training ground, lining up in their usual height-based formation. As Ryan took his place, he noticed Viscount Andrew standing at the front, flanked by guards¡ªincluding the ones who had captured him. Beside the Viscount stood a man who looked like a mage, deep in conversation with him. The head instructor, Oliver, and Instructor Rus stood nearby, while the other instructors were spread out around the area, keeping a watchful eye on the students.


    At that time, Viscount Andrew asked Instructor Rus, "How is the education progressing? Is the brainwashing effective?"


    Rus replied, "My lord, effectively brainwashing the students to be loyal and grateful to you is a long and gradual process. However, results will start to appear in three months, and the effects will solidify by the fifth month through repetitive teaching, as those words take root in the students'' minds.


    "

 Poison

    Once all the students and instructors had gathered, Viscount Andrew and his companions stopped their discussion and turned their attention to the group. The Viscount surveyed the students, noting the physical changes and improved demeanor in many of them. He seemed somewhat satisfied with what he saw.


    Instructor Rus stepped forward and addressed the students. "You should feel honored to stand in the presence of Viscount Andrew. He has lifted you from the misery of the slums, provided you with food, training, and knowledge. Remember his kindness and remain loyal to him."


    After this brief speech, Rus stepped back, and Viscount Andrew took his place. "As you all know, I am Viscount Andrew, the ruler of Pearl City. Due to recent changes in the kingdom, my life and this city are under threat. Each of you is being trained to become a dagger in the shadows, fighting against the enemies who endanger our home."


    Some students showed visible excitement at these words, believing they were part of a noble cause. Ryan, however, maintained a carefully crafted expression of enthusiasm while inwardly scoffing. *What a lame excuse. He''s glorifying his dirty work as some heroic mission.* He wondered how many of the students were genuinely excited and how many were simply pretending. Despite their lack of education, these teenagers had grown up in the slums, where survival instincts and cunning were essential. They were far from naive.


    The Viscount continued, "At the start of your training, you were all administered a special drug. This magic potion enhances the body''s capabilities, much like the potions used by knights. However, it requires a dose every three months for at least four years. Without it, your body will experience excruciating pain and may even fail due to the lack of essential ingredients. Perform well, serve me faithfully for four years, and you''ll be free to choose your path afterward¡ªwhether to continue working for me or pursue your own goals."


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    Ryan listened carefully, masking his thoughts. *We could all learn a thing or two from nobles about manipulation. He''s framing this poison as a benefit, and everyone here knows it, but what choice do we have? Life doesn''t offer many options.*


    As Ryan pretended to listen intently, the Viscount signaled for the students to return to their classes. He remained behind with the mage who had accompanied him, Head Instructor Oliver, and Instructor Rus.


    Once the students had left, the Viscount turned to Oliver. "Is everything running smoothly in the camp? Do you need anything?"


    Oliver replied confidently, "No, my lord. Everything is proceeding as planned. We will train these students into formidable hunters who will strike your enemies from the shadows."


    The Viscount frowned. "You said the same thing about the previous batch, but the results were disappointing. Out of 20 operations, only 10 targets were killed. Ten of our own died in counterattacks, five failed to escape, and only five completed their missions successfully."


    Oliver quickly responded, "But my lord, consider this: you traded 15 ordinary lives for 10 extraordinary ones. We''ve improved our teaching methods, added new skills, and brought in better instructors. This batch will undoubtedly outperform the last."


    The Viscount seemed somewhat pleased by this explanation. He then turned to the mage, Addison, who had been sent by the third prince. "Are you certain they won''t find an antidote for the poison?"


    Addison reassured him, "Don''t worry, Lord Viscount. The first prince is using this camp as an experimental site. If the results are favorable, he plans to establish similar training grounds across the country for his grand ambitions. He wouldn''t use an inferior product. While any official mage can prepare the poison, only a rank 3 Scholar Mage can create the antidote. We have them under control for life."


    The Viscount raised an eyebrow. "For life?"


    "No, my lord," Addison clarified. "The antidote can sustain them for up to four years. After that, the poison will have seeped too deeply into their bodies, causing organ failure. Even the antidote won''t save them at that point."


    The Viscount nodded, then asked, "Are there any other instructions from the first prince?"


    "Yes," Addison replied. "The first prince has informed me that agents of the third prince have arrived in Pearl City. They''re already searching for weaknesses, dirty deeds, or crimes that could undermine your position."


    The Viscount''s face darkened with anger. "Don''t worry. I''ll handle any loose ends and ensure the training yields results."


    Finally, the Viscount turned to Rus. "I want you to use your magic to fully brainwash the students. Leave no room for doubt or rebellion."


    Rus bowed. "Consider it done, my lord."


    After issuing a few more instructions to Oliver and Rus, the Viscount left the camp, his entourage following closely behind.

 Exam Details

    Aside from the unexpected visit from the Viscount and Instructor Rus growing brainwashing sessions, everything at the training camp proceeded without any major surprises or changes. However, as the days passed, tension in the air grew thicker. The two-month elimination exam was drawing near, and every student knew the stakes¡ªgive it your all as if there were no tomorrow, because for some, there wouldn''t be. Training intensified, and discussions among students became rare. They all understood that soon, they would be each other''s opponents.


    Ryan couldn''t help but feel anxious as the exam date approached. He had to face Bill in a death match, and Bill was an above-average performer in the class. No one knew the exact details of the exam yet, but it was confirmed that there would be a cultural test and a sparring session. The rest remained a mystery.


    The only source of comfort for Ryan was the steady improvement of his Limitless Star, along with his increasing brain capacity and physical fitness. It wasn''t much, but compared to an average teenager, it gave him a sliver of hope¡ªthe hope to survive.


    One evening, after finishing their weapons training, Ryan and the other students were preparing to leave for dinner when they noticed something unusual. Head Instructor Oliver, who normally left on time, was still standing there, ready to make an announcement. The moment everyone saw him, they knew what he was about to say.


    Once the students quieted down, Oliver began speaking.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    "As you all know, the two-month elimination exam begins tomorrow. It will be completed in a single day, and I will now announce the list of tests. Listen carefully.


    The first test will be the Athletics Exam, where we will assess your physical fitness, strength, and stamina through races, push-ups, pull-ups, and other exercises. Your performance will be ranked accordingly.


    The second test will be the Cultural Exam.


    The third test will be the Survival Exam. You will be left in a forest filled with dangerous animals, and your goal will be to reach the exit. Your ranking will be determined by the order in which you exit¡ªwhoever reaches the end first will be ranked first.


    The final test will be the Sparring Exam, where opponents will be assigned randomly through a name draw.


    And now, a little surprise¡­" Oliver''s voice grew colder.


    "If anyone dies during any of the exams, the number of required eliminations will decrease accordingly. For example, if five students were originally set to die, but one dies in the forest, only four more will be executed."


    He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle in.


    "That is all. Best of luck to you all."


    With that, he left, and the students, burdened with heavy hearts, returned their weapons before leaving the training ground.


    After hearing the exam details, Ryan''s mind began racing.


    "I can pass the Athletics Exam with above-average performance. The Cultural Exam should be easy¡ªI''ll likely score at the top. But the Survival Exam is a different story¡­ Many students who fear being eliminated might resort to murder, especially since there will be no instructors watching over us. And no one would be foolish enough to flee the exam either, because if they did, the poison in their bodies would kill them in a month once their three-month survival time limit expired."


    His thoughts shifted to the Sparring Exam.


    "At least it''s the last test. If I get injured in a death match, I might not perform well in the other exams. But still¡­"


    Ryan took a deep breath and muttered under his breath, "Thank you, God, for at least making it the last test."

 Exam Begins

    As the new day began, it felt like judgment day for the students. As usual, everyone got ready, and at the designated time, the instructors led them to the training ground. When all the boys and girls had gathered, they realized that every instructor was present¡ªa rare occurrence. The air was tense, and the atmosphere was far more serious than usual.


    Then, the head instructor, Oliver, stepped forward to deliver a speech.


    "Good morning, everyone. As you all know, today marks the first two-month interval exam. From the very beginning, this was never meant to be a simple skill-learning camp¡ªit is a rigorous training ground that teaches you how to survive in the dark and achieve greatness. But to accomplish great things, one must endure hardship, persevere, and make sacrifices. I hope the best among you prevail."


    With that, he stepped back.


    Next, Instructors Charles and Stane, who were responsible for the morning exercise classes, stepped forward. Stane spoke first.


    "The first exam will test your physical fitness. We will assess three key aspects: strength through push-ups, upper-body endurance through pull-ups, and overall stamina with a race. The exam will be straightforward¡ªeach test will be scored out of 60. The top performer will receive full marks, while the last-place student will receive only one point. Charles and I will serve as the head examiners, while the other instructors will assist in assessing the results."


    Charles then stepped forward to explain the first task.


    "For the push-up test, students will be divided into groups of six, with ten instructors overseeing them. You will have ten minutes to complete as many push-ups as possible. Your scores will be determined based on your performance within this time."


    Upon hearing the details, Ryan sighed in relief. At least I should be able to land somewhere in the middle, he thought.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    The students quickly formed groups of six and moved to their designated instructors. As they spread out across the training ground, the head instructor signaled the start of the test by activating the timer.


    Ryan, along with the others, dropped into position and began doing push-ups. Some students started with explosive bursts of energy, trying to get as many repetitions in as possible. Others took a more measured approach, pacing themselves to last the full ten minutes. Ryan chose a combination of both strategies¡ªalternating between bursts and steady movements.


    As the minutes passed, those who had exerted themselves too quickly collapsed, exhausted. Some students lacked the stamina to continue, while others managed to maintain a steady pace. Among them were a few exceptional individuals: Addison, the undisputed top performer in physical training, remained consistent. Adrian, the second-best, kept pace beside him. Then there was Ellis, a seemingly ordinary girl who, surprisingly, kept up with the two top contenders. These three were the elites of the camp, excelling in all physical exercises.


    Meanwhile, Ryan noticed Finn¡ªthe student who had given him a tour of the camp¡ªstruggling to keep up. Bill, who had started aggressively, was already lying on the ground, unable to continue. Ryan himself was beginning to feel the strain.


    As the timer hit ten minutes, the instructors marked down the students'' final push-up counts. The highest scorer would receive 60 points, while the others were ranked accordingly. Nearly every student lay sprawled on the ground, gasping for breath.


    Then, Instructor Oliver stepped forward again.


    "You will have a 20-minute break before the pull-up test begins. We don''t care how you spend this time¡ªdrink water, eat, or even sleep on the ground¡ªbut everyone must be ready for the next test."


    Ryan and the other students took the opportunity to rest. As time passed, they prepared for the pull-up test.


    At the far end of the training ground, a long pull-up bar stood waiting. The students positioned themselves beneath it, while the instructors took their places.


    At Oliver''s signal, the test began. Just like in the push-up test, each student approached the challenge in their own way¡ªsome starting strong, others taking a slower approach. Ryan, opting for consistency, followed a steady and controlled rhythm.


    As time passed, many students dropped from the bar, exhausted. Some gave up entirely, while others took brief breaks before resuming. By the end of the ten minutes, only the top three¡ªAddison, Adrian, and Ellis¡ªremained consistently pulling themselves up, sweat pouring down their faces. The rest had either collapsed or struggled to continue.


    Once the test ended, the instructors recorded the results. The students, even more exhausted than before, sat on the ground, breathing heavily.


    As Ryan rested, he noticed Bill and his group pointing at him. Bill spoke loudly, drawing the attention of both students and instructors.


    "Let''s see if he can survive the death spar in this exam," Bill sneered.


    The surrounding students turned to Ryan with a mixture of disdain and pity. Even some instructors glanced at him as if expecting some sort of entertainment.


    Ryan clenched his fists. He knew exactly what Bill was trying to do¡ªdraw attention to him and gain favor by stirring up drama. But Ryan had already made up his mind. I won''t go back on my words.

 Endurance and Cultural Test

    After the pull-up test and the short break, it was time for the third and final round of the physical fitness exam¡ªthe endurance test. The instructors gathered the students and began explaining the rules of the race.


    Instructor Charles stepped forward and addressed the group.


    "As you all know, the third test is designed to assess your endurance. The race will take place between two horizontal lines¡ªone here at the starting point and another 500 meters away. Your task is simple: run back and forth between these two lines as many times as possible within 30 minutes. The student who touches the line the most will be ranked first and awarded 60 points, the second will receive 59 points, and so on, with the last-place student receiving just one point. Each instructor will be responsible for supervising six students."


    As he spoke, he gestured toward the lines drawn on the ground. Once he finished the announcement, he stepped back.


    The students lined up at the starting position while the instructors took their places, holding pens and paper to record results. Then, Instructor Oliver signaled the start of the race and began the countdown.


    This time, no one started with an explosive burst of speed. Everyone paced themselves, knowing they had to endure the full 30 minutes.


    As time passed, exhaustion set in. Students were gasping for breath, sweat dripping from their faces. Ryan, too, was starting to tire. As he ran, his mind wandered. By the end of this exam, at least five students will be dead... He felt a pang of guilt but knew he was powerless to change anything. This damn world... He looked around at the other students¡ªyoung faces, too exhausted to continue, yet forcing themselves to keep running. They were fighting not just to pass an exam, but to survive.


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    By the halfway mark, the difference between the physically strong and the weaker students became evident. Ryan remained in the lower-middle ranks, just as he had in the push-up and pull-up tests. The elite students were far ahead, running laps around the others. Even the instructors had started taking notice of their exceptional performance.


    Bill, despite his questionable intelligence, was proving that his body was well-built for endurance. Meanwhile, Finn was struggling to keep up.


    As the final minutes passed, Instructor Oliver signaled for the race to stop. The instructors stepped back and stopped recording the scores.


    Then, Instructor Thane addressed the exhausted students.


    "The first round of exams is now complete. You may go freshen up, take a bath, and eat breakfast. The next exam will begin at 8:30 sharp."


    With that, the instructors left the training ground.


    The students, too tired to move, lay on the ground like lifeless bodies. After a while, they began leaving one by one or in small groups, heading to the dormitory to clean up.


    Breakfast was eaten in complete silence. The atmosphere was tense¡ªeveryone was too exhausted to talk. Among those who had performed the worst, fear was evident on their faces. Desperation was beginning to set in.


    Soon, it was time for the second part of the exam¡ªthe cultural test. The students arrived at the classroom on time, where the instructors were already waiting.


    Instructor Rus stood in the center of the room alongside Instructor Oliver and addressed the students.


    "Everyone, take your seats. The second test, the cultural exam, is about to begin. There are question papers and blank answer sheets at your desks. Once the timer starts, pick up your papers and begin writing. No talking, no looking at others'' work. Any violation of the rules will result in immediate failure for this round. No excuses will be accepted. The test duration is one hour. Am I clear? Good. Take your places."


    As soon as he finished speaking, the students hurried to their seats. Instructor Oliver then announced the beginning of the exam.


    The moment the timer started, students picked up their test papers and began reading the questions. Ryan took his as well, noticing that his name was already written in the top-right corner. He slowly scanned through the questions.


    Most of them were related to the history of the Viscount family, the fiefdom, and a few about the country. For Ryan, it was relatively easy¡ªthanks to his enhanced memory, adult self-control, and modern learning habits. But for most of the others, this test was even more difficult than the physical one.


    Their tense expressions said it all. They had spent most of their time training for combat and physical skills, neglecting cultural and academic studies. Even the elite students seemed to struggle. Seeing this, the instructors looked visibly displeased.


    As time passed, students scribbled furiously, their stress evident in every movement.


    Finally, Instructor Oliver announced the end of the exam.

 The Survival Exam Begins

    As the second exam ended, all the students let out a sigh of relief. However, their respite was short-lived, as they had to prepare for the third test of the day.


    After the instructors collected the answer sheets, Instructor Oliver stepped forward and addressed the students.


    "Now that the cultural and academic exam has been completed, it is currently 9:30 AM. You will be given a 30-minute break to mentally and physically prepare for the third exam¡ªthe survival test. Report to the camp entrance by 10 AM."


    With that, the instructors left, allowing the students time to rest and strategize. Some wandered off alone to clear their minds, others returned to the dormitory, while many gathered in small groups to discuss the upcoming challenge.


    A noticeable crowd had formed around Addison and Adrian, while a similar scene played out around Ellis. Many students were eager to form groups with them, hoping that aligning with the strongest competitors would increase their chances of ranking higher. However, the expressions on the elite students'' faces made it clear¡ªthey were annoyed by the attention. Confident in their own abilities, they saw no need to rely on others.


    Meanwhile, Ryan was deep in thought, contemplating how best to approach the survival exam.


    Not far from him, three boys moved discreetly to a more secluded area to talk. One was overweight, while the other two were short and thin. Among them, the thinner boy¡ªCam¡ªspoke first.


    "You two know why I called you here, right?"


    The shorter boy replied, "You said that you are going to help us pass so that we don''t die?"


    Cam nodded. "Exactly. You both understand that we three, along with three of the girls, are among the weakest in the class. If we don''t do something, our chances of survival are slim."The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    The overweight boy frowned. "But what can we do? We''ve been trying our best, and we still couldn''t perform well."


    Cam smirked. "That''s why I called you. Did you pay attention to what Instructor Oliver said? If one person dies during the survival exam, that''s one less person who has to die after the exams. For example, if five people die in the survival test, then no one else will be executed afterward."


    The overweight boy''s expression darkened. "Are you saying... we should kill other students?"


    Cam grinned. "That''s right. If we want to live, we need to eliminate at least five people."


    The shorter boy hesitated. "But we''re physically weaker than most of them. If we attack and they fight back, won''t we be the ones who die instead?"


    Cam''s eyes gleamed with calculation. "That''s why I called you two. If we act alone, we''ll fail. But if we work together, we can take down weaker students before they even see it coming."


    The other two exchanged glances before finally nodding. After a moment of hesitation, they agreed to the plan.


    Similar secret discussions were happening among the weaker students in other groups, as everyone prepared to survive by any means necessary.


    As time passed, the students gathered at the camp entrance, where the instructors were already waiting. Standing at the front were Instructors Jack and Oscar, who taught the skill classes, alongside Head Instructor Oliver.


    Instructor Jack stepped forward and addressed the group.


    "As you all know, the third round of the exam is the survival test. It will take place in the Viscount''s private forest, which is about 20 kilometers in size. While we have cleared out the most dangerous predators, the forest is still filled with wild animals, making it a treacherous environment.


    At the center of the forest, we have set up a tent where the instructors will be stationed. Your objective is simple: travel through the forest, retrieve a badge from the instructors at the tent, and return to the camp. This exam will take for nearly 2 hours so we hope everybody returns to camp in 2 hour''s"


    Instructor Oscar then stepped up with a sinister smirk.


    "Let me make one thing clear¡ªdon''t even think about trying to escape. Anyone caught attempting to flee will be tortured in the middle of the camp for a full month as an example. And in case any of you forgot, you''ve all been administered a special drug. Without a fresh dose every three months, your body will deteriorate, and you''ll die a slow, painful death. So don''t waste your time with foolish ideas."


    After saying this, he took a glance at the Ryan.


    Finally, Instructor Oliver spoke again, his voice cold and emotionless.


    "We only recognize the badge, not the person who retrieves it. The first student to return with a badge will receive 60 points. And as you all know... if anyone dies in this test, it means one less person has to be executed at the end of the exams."


    A heavy silence fell over the group.


    Those who had initially planned to form teams instantly abandoned the idea, now seeing their peers as potential threats. Everyone knew they had to fight and hide, mastering the art of assassination if they wanted to survive. No one underestimated their classmates anymore¡ªnot even the weakest students. After all, in the jungle, anything could happen.


    Instructor Jack then added one final rule.


    "You will be allowed into the forest with nothing but the clothes on your back. No weapons, no supplies. Be mentally prepared."


    At that moment, every student realized¡ªthis wasn''t just an exam. It was a battle for survival

 The Hunt

    After the announcement, the instructors stood at the entrance, randomly calling students forward. Each student was thoroughly searched for any hidden supplies or accessories before being allowed to enter the forest.


    Everyone knew that being among the first to enter wasn''t much of an advantage. Fighting at the start would only lead to unnecessary injuries, making survival even harder.


    When Ryan''s turn came, the instructors double-checked him, given his criminal record. They issued a strict warning, making it clear that they wouldn''t tolerate any reckless behavior. Without responding, Ryan stepped into the dense forest, blending into the shadows as more students followed behind him.


    Ryan carefully planned his approach. His goal was simple¡ªretrieve a badge from the center, avoid unnecessary confrontations, and make it back to the camp entrance undetected. He knew the real challenge wouldn''t be reaching the center but escaping with the badge.


    A single fight could mean injuries, losing the badge, or, in the worst case, death. He hoped to complete the exam without encountering anyone. He assumed most other students had a similar mindset, except for a select few who were confident in their ability to overpower others.


    The journey through the forest was grueling. Thick foliage, swarming insects, hidden snakes, and lurking wild animals made each step challenging. Meanwhile, deep within the forest, a group of three weaker students had devised a different strategy.


    Instead of heading to the center, they planned to hunt down weaker students. They knew exactly who the easiest targets were. Making use of their surroundings, they crafted primitive weapons¡ªlong, sharpened sticks¡ªand climbed trees to observe their classmates. Their plan was simple: ambush those who passed below.


    A separate group of girls who are weakest in the class had a similar plan but with a different approach. They intended to retrieve their badges first. Then, on their way back, one of them would fake an injury, luring students into a trap before ambushing them.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    No one wanted to engage in a fight unless they were sure their opponent had a badge.


    An hour passed, and students gradually reached the center, where instructors distributed the badges. Ryan, however, took a brief break before arriving. He knew he needed his full energy for the escape.


    When he finally reached the tent, he retrieved his badge¡ªa solid metal token about the size of a fist. It was difficult to conceal under clothing.


    Meanwhile, the weaker trio found their first victim. A lone student cautiously navigated the forest, glancing around for threats. However, he made a fatal mistake¡ªhe didn''t look up. He never expected someone would be hiding above the trees instead of moving towards the centre or the camp.


    Cam, the thinnest of the three, signaled his allies. The overweight boy jumped from a tree, landing with a loud thud. Startled, the student turned to face him, assuming he was trying to steal his badge.


    But he never saw the second attack coming.


    Cam leaped from above, a sharpened stick in his hands. With a swift thrust, the weapon pierced through the student''s back. As he staggered, realizing there were multiple attackers, he tried to flee, but the trio had already surrounded him.


    Stones rained down on him, bruising and disorienting him. Within moments, they finished the job, driving a stick through his head.


    Their first kill.


    Without hesitation, they worked to hide the body and erase the traces of blood. Since their ambush site was along the main route back to the camp, they couldn''t move the body far, so they simply covered it with foliage and covered the blood on the ground with dirt and soil.


    At the same time, the girls executed their own plan. One of them feigned an injury, tricking an unsuspecting student into approaching for their badge. The moment he got close, they attacked, swiftly eliminating him before rushing toward the camp.


    While the girls retreated, the boys wanted at least two more kills.


    Unaware of the trio''s presence, Ryan soon approached their hunting ground. However, something felt off.


    His instincts screamed that something was wrong. He scanned his surroundings carefully and noticed subtle details¡ªa slightly disturbed rope hanging from a tree, drag marks in the dirt.


    Then it clicked.


    Someone was hiding above.


    Instead of continuing forward, he casually altered his path, acting as though he had chosen a different route on a whim.


    The trio initially thought he was just another unsuspecting prey. But before they could act, they noticed something unsettling¡ªRyan had stopped.


    He was analyzing the area.


    Then, without hesitation, he turned and took a different route, deliberately avoiding their trap.


    One of the trio tensed. "He knows."


    Cam frowned. "If he figured it out, others might too. We should stop hunting after hunting another student."


    Realizing their ambush had been compromised, they plan to abandon their hunt after killing another student as time passes by for the end of the exam.


    The survival exam


    was far from over, and the real battle was only just Beginning.

 The Hunter Becomes the Hunted

    Ryan took an alternate path toward the camp entrance, leaving the trio to wait for their next target. They didn''t have to wait long.


    Soon, a girl appeared, walking cautiously in their direction, completely unaware of the ambush. The trio recognized her¡ªshe had performed above average in class, meaning she was physically fit and would be slightly more difficult to take down. However, they were all trained fighters, and with time slipping away, they didn''t want to wait for an easier target.


    As she passed beneath their hiding spot, she ended up directly below the fat man''s tree. He signaled Cam, the thin one, to create a distraction while he would sweep down for the kill.


    Everything was going according to plan.


    Just as Cam jumped down, the girl instinctively turned and saw him standing behind her with a sharpened stick. She immediately tensed, her mind racing for an escape route. Fighting wasn''t an option¡ªher opponent was armed.


    But then, she heard the rustling of branches above her.


    Her instincts screamed danger. Without hesitation, she rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding whatever was coming from above.


    The fat man crashed onto the ground where she had stood just moments before. He looked frustrated that his sneak attack had failed. Cam cursed under his breath¡ªwhy couldn''t the fat man move more silently?


    With their ambush compromised, the short man also jumped down, and the three of them began encircling her.


    Still kneeling on the ground, the girl watched as the short man joined his two companions. She immediately realized she was in grave danger.


    Her mind raced. Running won''t work. They''ll throw stones and injure me. Even if I hide behind a tree, they''ll catch up. My only chance is to injure at least one or two of them before escaping. They won''t expect me to fight back.


    Without hesitation, she scooped a handful of dirt into her left hand while discreetly pulling out her metal badge with her right, pretending to surrender. She held it up, signaling that she was willing to give it up¡ªafter all, that''s what they were after, right?


    What she didn''t know was that their goal wasn''t just her badge. It was her life.


    The trio exchanged glances but continued closing in. The girl could see they weren''t going to back down. I have to act now.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    As they stepped closer, she suddenly hurled the metal badge with all her strength at Cam. Caught off guard, he barely had time to react before it struck him square in the chest. He collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.


    The short man and the fat man immediately lunged at her.


    She ducked just in time and flung the dirt into the short man''s eyes. He yelped, dropping his weapon as he clutched his burning eyes. Wasting no time, she shoved him toward the fat man, who instinctively stepped back to avoid hitting him.


    The fat man hesitated. With the short man in the way, he couldn''t properly swing his weapon. Instead, he threw a punch at the girl. She ducked again, and his fist whiffed past her face.


    Now they were too close for him to effectively use his stick.


    He tried to kick her, but before he could, she lunged forward, clawing at his throat with her nails. Her fingers dug into his flesh, ripping a small chunk of skin and muscle. Her nails cracked from the force.


    The fat man howled in pain, clutching his bleeding neck.


    The girl knew this was her only chance. Ignoring her own injuries, she turned and sprinted toward the camp.


    But just as she took her first few steps, a sharp pain erupted in her stomach.


    She stopped in shock, looking down. A sharpened stick had pierced through her abdomen.


    She turned her head slowly, eyes wide with disbelief. Behind her stood Cam, holding the stick with one hand while his other clutched his chest.


    How?


    She had been sure she injured him badly. She had seen the metal badge hit him directly.


    Then she realized her terrible luck.


    Cam had kept the badge of a previous victim in his chest pocket. Her thrown badge had struck it, reducing the impact. While it hurt and momentarily knocked him down, it wasn''t as severe as she had hoped.


    She had been quick, intelligent, and brave. But luck had not been on her side.


    Her body weakened as blood poured from her wound. She collapsed, her vision fading, until finally, she drew her last breath.


    The trio stood over her lifeless body.


    Cam rubbed his sore chest, still wincing from the impact. The short man blinked rapidly, his vision still slightly blurred from the dust attack. The fat man, however, was in the worst condition. Blood continued to trickle from his neck wound.


    The short man approached the girl''s corpse. He prodded it twice with his weapon, ensuring she was truly dead. When she didn''t react, he let out a sigh of relief.


    Cam bent down and retrieved her badge. With their job done, they prepared to leave.


    But then, something changed.


    The short man and Cam made eye contact. A silent understanding passed between them.


    The short man tightened his grip on his short dagger-like stick and moved toward the fat man, his expression calm.


    "I''m going to help you up," he said.


    The fat man, exhausted and in pain, didn''t suspect a thing. He let the short man put an arm around his waist for support.


    Then, just as Cam stepped in to help from the other side, the short man suddenly thrust his weapon into the fat man''s neck.


    The fat man gasped, eyes wide with shock. He clutched his throat, blood gushing from the fresh wound. He tried to speak, to ask why, but no words came out.


    He collapsed, drowning in his own blood, eyes still filled with disbelief.


    Cam and the short man watched in silence.


    Then, without a word, they turned and walked toward the camp.


    The game wasn''t over yet.

 Aftermath of Survival Exam

    As thin man Cam and short man Ashton walked toward the camp entrance, they silently recalled their earlier plan. Everything they had discussed had gone as expected, except for one crucial change¡ªafter the trio had initially split up, Cam and Ashton met again, this time without the fat man. It was during this secret meeting that they decided to eliminate him.


    Cam''s words from that moment echoed in Ashton''s mind.


    "Why did you call me here alone, without the fat man?" Ashton had asked, suspicion in his voice.


    Cam had smirked. "Do you realize where we rank? The fat man is ranked above both of us, and I rank above you. That means you''re just one step away from the bottom, slightly above one or two girls. You know what that means? If you want to survive this exam, you need to kill at least three people. If we only manage to kill two, then we''ll have to kill the fat man to make up the difference."


    Ashton hesitated. "Why him? Why not you?"


    "Good question," Cam admitted. "But think about it logically. If you kill me, the fat man will see you as an easy target and take you down next. But if we take him out together, we secure our place. Besides, you and I are nearly equal in strength. Killing you wouldn''t benefit me, but eliminating the fat man would ensure our survival."


    The plan was simple¡ªif they didn''t meet their kill quota, they would turn on the fat man. If they only managed to kill one person, then Ashton would be the next sacrifice. Cam suspected Ashton might become wary after hearing the plan, but he had already accounted for that.


    Additionally, if all three of them returned alive while many others had died, suspicion would inevitably fall on them. But if one of them "disappeared," the doubts would vanish along with him.


    As they reached the camp, they split up, arriving at different times to avoid drawing attention.


    ---


    Ryan had already reached the camp entrance, where he noticed many students had arrived before him. He quickly submitted his badge and stood quietly, waiting for the exam to conclude.


    Time passed. More students emerged from the forest, battered and exhausted.


    At the two-hour mark, Instructor Oliver raised his hand, signaling the end of the exam. He performed a headcount¡ªout of sixty students, six were missing. Without hesitation, he gestured to five instructors, ordering them to search the forest and recover either the missing students or their bodies.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Minutes later, the instructors returned, carrying six lifeless bodies.


    The wounds told the story: five had died from combat, and one had succumbed to poisoning.


    A heavy silence fell over the camp. The students had expected injuries¡ªperhaps even one or two deaths¡ªbut the sheer number of casualties left them horrified. Mistrust filled the air.


    Even the instructors seemed surprised by the brutality of the students. However, since the rules had been set beforehand, they couldn''t intervene or punish anyone for the killings.


    Ryan, too, was taken aback.


    "We can''t treat each other as ordinary teenagers," he thought grimly. "Most of these people grew up in the slums, fighting for food, shelter, and survival. They''ll do anything to stay alive."


    His mind drifted back to the ambush he had narrowly avoided. He silently thanked his instincts for steering him away from unnecessary danger.


    Instructor Oliver dismissed the students, announcing that they had until 4:00 PM to rest and eat before the next exam¡ªsparring¡ªbegan. It was currently 12:30 PM.


    ---


    An Uneasy Atmosphere


    Ryan headed to the cafeteria with the others, but he quickly noticed a change in the camp''s atmosphere.


    Previously, students had formed groups, chatting and laughing. Now, those groups had grown smaller, their members wary of one another.


    The top-ranked students were dangerous because of their superior combat skills. But the lower-ranked students were just as dangerous¡ªthey had the strongest motive to kill.


    Even Bill, once loud and confident, had fallen silent. His group, once lively, had lost a few members.


    After lunch, the students retreated to their bunks to rest. As time passed, they gathered again at the sparring grounds.


    All the instructors were present, standing in the center of the field.


    Instructor Oliver, who specialized in sparring and weapon skills, stood alongside Instructors Thomas and Avery. Stepping forward, Oliver addressed the students.


    "The rules for the sparring exam are simple," he began. "With 54 students remaining, we will begin with 16 matches of 1 vs 1. The 16 winners will then fight in 8 matches, while the 16 losers will also have their own 8 matches. From there, we''ll proceed to 4 vs 4 battles, then 2 vs 2, and finally, a last round of 1 vs 1. Your ranking will be determined by the number of matches you win."


    He paused, scanning the students.


    "All matches will be fought using wooden weapons. A fight will end if a student lands a fatal blow or dominates their opponent with continuous attacks. Those are the rules."


    Just as the sparring exam was about to begin, an unexpected voice rang out.


    "Sir, I challenge Ryan to a death match!"


    The crowd turned in shock.


    Bill had stepped forward, encouraged by an instructor. His gaze was fixed on Ryan.


    "He promised to fight me to the death," Bill declared.


    Oliver frowned. He already knew about this challenge but wasn''t sure if he should allow it. Too many students had already died, and he didn''t want another unnecessary death.


    But before he could refuse, several other instructors voiced their approval.


    "Let them fight," one of them said. "Both have agreed to it. There''s no reason to stop them."


    Ryan narrowed his eyes. Is it really necessary to risk your life just to impress others?


    But then, he realized something.


    For someone like Bill, who came from the slums, this was about survival.


    The poor didn''t lack courage¡ªthey lacked opportunities.


    Unbeknownst to Ryan, earlier that afternoon, Morning Instructor Stane¡ªthe same instructor who had repeatedly struck Ryan during training¡ªhad met with Bill. He had made a tempting offer:


    "Kill Ryan, and I''ll personally teach you knight skills. I''ll help you advance to knighthood."


    Bill had originally been hesitant. He had seen the bodies pile up in the exam and, despite his bravado, had been shaken by the reality of death.


    But when the chance for power dangled in front of him, he couldn''t resist.


    Ryan exhaled slowly.


    So that''s how it is¡­


    Oliver, sensing the pressure from his fellow instructors, hesitated for a moment.


    Then, he made his decision.


    "Very well," he said, his voice firm. "The death match will proceed."


    Ryan clenched his fists.


    Bill, standing across from him, tightened his grip on his weapon.


    The fight for survival had just begun.

 Duel to Death

    Since this was a death match, Instructor Oliver provided each fighter with a real sword and a dagger.


    As Ryan stepped toward the ring, his mind raced. How should I approach this fight? A single wound could be fatal, leading to blood loss, pain, exhaustion, and eventual death. This wasn''t some grand story where warriors clashed blades endlessly before unleashing their ultimate technique.


    This was real. A fight between mortals.


    No special techniques, no superhuman endurance¡ªjust skill, strategy, and survival.


    Ryan knew he had to end the fight in one or two strikes.


    But there was a problem.


    He couldn''t rely on the unorthodox moves that had worked before. By now, everyone knew about his unpredictable fighting style. Bill might have even prepared counters. If Ryan wasn''t careful, he could easily fall into a trap.


    As Ryan stepped into the ring, his eyes met Bill''s.


    Confidence.


    Bill looked sure of himself. But why? Where did that confidence come from?


    All around them, students and instructors watched with eager anticipation. Most of them wanted Ryan dead.


    Not because of any deep hatred¡ªthough some certainly held grudges¡ªbut because his death meant one less competitor.


    In this brutal system, every student knew that as long as someone else died, their own survival chances increased. For the instructors, it was simple entertainment.


    Bill might have been overconfident, but Ryan was confident too.


    Unlike Bill, who underestimated his opponent, Ryan''s confidence came from his gold finger ability. It didn''t grant overwhelming physical strength, but it enhanced his memory, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and reflexes. His intelligence had sharpened significantly, and thanks to Limitless Star, even his body had improved.


    As both fighters took their stances, Instructor Oliver raised his hand.


    "Begin!"


    At the signal, Ryan and Bill moved cautiously toward each other.


    Then, in an instant, they accelerated.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Blades clashed with a loud clang! Bill''s eyes widened in shock as he felt the power behind Ryan''s strike.


    He''s this strong?!


    Ryan, however, remained calm.


    Quickly adjusting, he took a step back, lowered his sword to absorb the impact, and immediately swung horizontally¡ªaiming to cut open Bill''s stomach.


    But Bill reacted fast, stepping back just in time.


    Then, in a completely unexpected move, he threw his dagger straight at Ryan!


    Ryan''s eyes widened. Since when did the instructors teach this?!


    He realized immediately¡ªBill had learned this from him. Ryan had used similar dirty tricks in the past, and now they were being used against him.


    With no time to think, Ryan barely managed to block the incoming dagger with his own. But the sudden move threw him off balance.


    Before he could recover, Bill was already rushing toward him, sword raised.


    A direct retreat wasn''t possible.


    Instead, Ryan dropped to the ground, barely dodging the blade.


    But Bill was relentless. His sword swung down again, aiming for Ryan''s shoulder.


    Ryan blocked it¡ªbut in that instant, he made a split-second decision.


    He let go of his sword.


    Reaching up, he grabbed the handle of Bill''s sword with his right hand.


    Bill gasped as Ryan suddenly yanked him forward.


    His footing broke. His balance shattered.


    And Ryan didn''t hesitate.


    With a swift thrust, he drove his dagger into Bill''s neck.


    Blood spurted out as Bill''s body collapsed.


    Ryan immediately jumped backward, avoiding any desperate counterattack.


    Bill twitched violently on the ground, his life fading away.


    The entire camp was silent.


    The students and instructors stared, stunned by Ryan''s quick thinking and ruthless efficiency.


    Some instructors were impressed, but most looked disappointed.


    Not because Ryan had fought poorly.


    But because he had survived.


    The students, too, felt frustration.


    Why couldn''t they both have died? If they both died means there''s one less students have to die in future.


    Ryan stood there, panting, staring at the first person he had ever killed.


    Bill''s body twitched, his eyes filled with terror and pain. Even as death took him, Ryan could see it¡ªthe desperate will to live.


    He clenched his fists.


    This was what it meant to fight for survival.


    To grow stronger, he had to face death head-on.


    Bill''s body finally stilled.


    Instructor Oliver stepped forward and declared, "Winner¡ªRyan!"


    An instructor quickly dragged Bill''s corpse away, and the matches continued as if nothing had happened.


    As the fights progressed, Ryan noticed something¡ª


    The students weren''t giving it their all.


    Unlike the morning exam, where they had fought for their lives, here, they felt safe. The fear of death had paralyzed them instead of pushing them forward.


    The instructors noticed it too, their expressions darkening.


    They had hoped to ignite the students'' bloodlust with this match, but it had the opposite effect. Still, they couldn''t kill too many students recklessly¡ªthe Viscount needed soldiers.


    As the first round ended, the second round began.


    When Ryan''s turn came, his next opponent looked terrified.


    Ryan understood. After watching the death match, his opponent wasn''t focused on winning¡ªhe was focused on surviving.


    For a brief moment, Ryan considered throwing the match.


    But he didn''t.


    He fought. He won.


    As the tournament progressed, Ryan learned different fighting styles, tactics, and weaknesses.


    By the end, his record stood:


    Three wins, two losses.


    He had won against mentally broken opponents and lost when exhaustion caught up to him.


    But it didn''t bother him.


    Winning too much would draw unwanted attention.


    As the final matches concluded, exhaustion was evident in everyone.


    The students were physically and mentally drained. Even the instructors looked fatigued.


    Instructor Oliver stepped forward and addressed them all.


    "With today''s matches, the first two months of exams have ended. Seven students have died."


    His voice was calm.


    "Next month, three more will die¡ªthose who perform the worst."


    Tension spread through the students.


    "Do your best. Your lives depend on it. But remember¡ªafter hardship comes glory. Pain is temporary. Victory is forever. Disperse."


    With that, the instructors left.


    The students returned to their bunks in silence.


    Dinner was eaten quietly. No celebrations. No chatter.


    The next day would bring more training, more fighting, more survival.


    But one thing had changed.


    Friendship among the students was fading.


    In this place, the only way to stay alive


    ¡ª


    Was to be the best.


    Because in the end¡ª


    Anything could happen.

 A Secret Meeting

    A Secret Meeting


    While Ryan and the other students ate dinner, Instructor Oliver and Instructor Rus sat in the Viscount''s study alongside Mage Addison and the Viscount''s butler.


    Oliver was reporting the results of the exam. The Viscount listened without any visible reaction before asking the most important question.


    "Is this batch better than the previous one?"


    Oliver nodded. "Yes, sir. It performed better. With the introduction of new skills, courses, and the ever-present threat of death, the students are giving everything they have just for a chance to live."


    The Viscount smirked slightly. "Then should we increase the number of students? Raise the death rate? That way, we might uncover even more talent."


    Oliver hesitated before replying, "Sir, that would be a stretch. If we add too many students in the next batch, it will become difficult to manage them properly."


    The Viscount leaned back. "We''ll decide that later. For now, are there any exceptionally talented students with the potential to kill a Rank 2 Extraordinary?"


    "Yes, sir," Oliver said. "A few students performed remarkably well¡ªAddison, Adrian, and Ellis. They ranked at the top of the class. And then there''s Ryan¡­ He''s different. His quick thinking gives him a chance to kill an Extraordinary by surprise."


    The Viscount seemed pleased. He turned to Mage Addison. "What do you think? Does this training meet the First Prince''s expectations for his secret army?"


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Mage Addison replied, "The results are promising. This batch is better than the first. The real test will be on the battlefield, but I will report the truth. Your contribution will not be forgotten."


    A pleased smile crept onto the Viscount''s face before it turned serious again.


    "Can you request the First Prince to stop the Third Prince''s inspectors from entering Pearl City? They''re coming for an inspection."


    Mage Addison chuckled. "Don''t worry. You are one of the First Prince''s men. Nothing will happen to you. The inspectors may arrive, but they won''t find anything. And even if they do¡­ they won''t be able to send their report back to the capital."


    The Viscount looked delighted at those words.


    Then, turning back to Oliver, he gave one final order.


    "For the next exam, there will be no deaths. But for the final exam¡ªthirteen must die. This way, the students will train at full capacity, and only the best will survive."


    With that, the meeting ended.


    As a new day began, the students continued with their grueling training.


    By now, it had become a habit.


    Ryan even thought to himself, If I don''t do these exercises, I might start feeling uncomfortable.


    Despite the passage of time, the aftermath of the previous exam still lingered. The camp was unusually quiet¡ªas if someone had pressed a mute button. The only sounds were the occasional murmurs and the clashing of weapons.


    That evening, during sparring and weapons training, Instructor Oliver made an announcement.


    "From now on, the students who consistently rank in the top five in exams will have the opportunity to become knights under the Viscount."


    The students erupted with excitement.


    Even Ryan had to fake enthusiasm to avoid standing out.


    Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months.


    Ryan grew stronger and smarter thanks to his Limitless Star ability. He learned new skills, improved his weapon techniques, and mastered survival tactics.


    And he was taking it all very seriously.


    He knew that once he left the camp, these skills would be the foundation of his survival.


    But deep down, a shadow loomed over his progress¡ªthe poison.


    No matter how strong he became, as long as the poison remained in his body, true freedom was impossible.


    But before seeking freedom, he had to survive.


    Soon, the time for the second exam arrived.


    The format remained the same, but this time, there was a slight change in the rules.


    Instructor Oliver announced, "In this exam, no one will die, even if they rank last. This is a mercy granted by Lord Viscount."


    The students were shocked.


    For the survival phase, instructors would be stationed throughout the forest to prevent students from killing each other. If anyone was caught fatally wounding another student, they would be executed.


    The students cheered.


    No one had to die this time!


    But in their excitement, they forgot one simple truth.


    Even if they survived this exam, they might not survive the next.


    Still, they chose to celebrate the present rather than fear the future.


    And so, the second exam passed peacefully.