Lucius stepped away from the Beast Insight terminal, turning his attention toward the rest of the golden students. He was also amused when he saw their expressions that were a mix of anger and frustration.
He then clasped his hands behind his back, beginning to mock all four students. "Well... what do you think of me now? Have I proved myself better than all of you here?"
Randor clenched his fists and jaw as he warned him. "Don't get too cocky, Lucius. This doesn't mean you're untouchable. A single display of skill doesn't make you invincible."
Lucius tilted his head and smirked, "Oh, really. Given that we are Evolists and our primary expertise lies in evolving beasts, the answer is undoubtedly yes. A single display of skill makes me deserve the top spot."
Sambria stepped forward, clearly annoyed by Lucius's words, but she admitted that what Lucius said was the truth.
Sambria began to smile at him disdainfully. "A Venom Spider with full D-Tier stats is pretty impressive, but let's see how you fare in real combat. Stats alone don't win battles, Lucius."
Lucius chuckled, turning his attention to her. "Sambria, what you said was true, but do you really think that your Leaf Stag can handle my Venom Spider on its own?"
Sambria was pretty angry, as what Lucius said was the truth. Meanwhile, Eric stood silently, gazing at Lucius. Unlike the others, Eric didn't show his emotions. He also didn't want to deal with Lucius.
Lucius took a step closer to Eric, studying him intently and asking, "No words, Eric? I expected more from someone who prides himself on being the 'intellectual' of the group."
Eric looked at Lucius and said, "Words are unnecessary. You have certainly made your point today and I don't want to comment on it."
Lucius smirked and landed his hand on his shoulder. "You are good. You really know where you are standing. I look forward to seeing you again, silent strategist."
Kaelix, who watched the arrogant Lucius, couldn't contain his rage any longer. He immediately spat, "Don't think this makes you better than me. You're still just a coward who hides behind tricks and words."
Lucius turned to him and smirked. "Better than you? Kaelix, I thought that was already obvious. But if you need a demonstration, I'd be happy to oblige."
Kaelix's face turned red with fury, his remaining fist trembling at his side. "You son of a bitch! I don't care about this anymore. I will show you—"
The examiner who saw the argument between them could not hold it anymore and immediately scolded them. "Enough! This is an evaluation, not a battlefield. Any grievances you have will be dealt with elsewhere."
Kaelix glared at the examiner, but he knew better than to push further. He stepped back reluctantly. Lucius followed, but he did something.
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He looked at the examiner and said, "Of course, examiner. I wouldn't dream of disrupting your precious evaluation, so please continue."
The examiner stood at the center and began, "We will now proceed to the next test: the rank placement test. This will determine the official ranking among you within the Golden Class."
He began to explain more about the test: "In this test, your evolved beasts will face off against each other. The beasts will fight freely, relying solely on their instincts and the abilities you've given them."
Before concluding, the examiner cautioned them, "Remember, this battle will only be between beasts without any commands from you, so accidents can happen. Make sure to protect yourselves."
Kaelix couldn't hide his grin after hearing it. He glanced at Lucius with smug satisfaction. "Accidents, huh? Well, I suppose some of us can't help it if our beasts are... too powerful."
Lucius, leaning casually against the wall, arched an eyebrow but said nothing. He already knew what Kaelix wanted to do but ignored it because he wanted it to happen."
The examiners looked at Randor and Sambria. "You two are currently ranked fourth and fifth. Randor, do you wish to challenge Sambria for her spot?"
Randor smirked as he nodded and confidently said, "I do. I want to challenge her for the fourth position."
Sambria frowned after hearing it, but she was already prepared for it. "You think you can take my spot, Randor? Let's see how your Rock Bear handles the Leaf Stag."
The examiner, who saw that both of them were ready, clapped his hands once, signaling the decision. "Then let's settle this now in the Golden Arena."
The group moved to the Golden Arena, a grand coliseum-like structure with high walls and a central battlefield.
The arena was surrounded by seating for spectators, though it was empty save for the examiner and a few staff members.
Randor and Sambria stepped forward to opposite sides of the arena, their beasts following closely from behind and soon entered the arena.
The massive Rock Bear growled and stomped its feet as it was ready to fight and the elegant Leaf Stag also entered as it was ready to battle, too.
The examiner then stood at the center platform and announced, "This match will determine the fourth rank. No interference. Let your beasts fight freely. Get ready."
Sambria stood tall, her arms crossed as she smirked at Randor. "You should've stayed in your lane, Randor. My Leaf Stag will run circles around that lumbering beast of yours."
Randor remained calm and looked at Sambria. "Talk all you want. Let's see if your speed can outlast my Rock Bear's strength."
The examiner stepped forward, raising his arm to signal the start. "Enough talk. Prepare your beasts. The battle for the fourth rank begins... now!"
Lucius leaned back casually in his seat, observing the battle between Randor and Sambria. He was checking on the battle between the Rock Bear and the Leaf Stag.
Lucius was quite curious about the power of other Evolists in the golden class. "Let's see just how strong you really are, Randor and Sambria of the golden class."