Professor Moore raised his voice.
"That's why I have decided those capable should enter the first level of Battle Royal!"
A collective gasp rippled through the dome as Professor Moore's words hung in the air. The gathered students couldn't believe what they were hearing. The Professor had asked them to enter the first level of Battle Royal!
But how could they do it so suddenly, with no preparation whatsoever??! They had to pack food, clothes, and other essentials!
It was true that those who passed the test could enter the first level anytime, however, according to the academy's rules, students were only supposed to enter after a year!
This was to reduce casualties by equipping them with all the knowledge about the first level that the academy could offer! After all, the structure of all the levels of Battle Royal remained consistent, unlike the preliminary test, so this information was invaluable!
Not to mention, those who took part in the preliminary test were still consolidating the strength they gained there, and had yet to consume the treasures they acquired!
Lastly, once they entered the Battle Royal, they wouldn't be able to return for ten days! And Professor Moore was asking them to do something so dangerous?!
Moore heard the students' whispers and watched their reactions. A frown creased his brows as he raised his voice.
"Silence! When did the students of Elite Class become so cowardly? I only said that those capable should enter the first level of Battle Royal instead of wasting time, and you are scared? Is this what the academy has been teaching you in my absence?"
His words echoed throughout the dome, making everyone sweat. They all shuffled back, seeing him angry. It was Max who responded on everyone's behalf.
"No, we are not scared, Professor. It's just not advisable for us to enter the first level so abruptly without any preparations."
Austin agreed with his words.
Moore looked at the youths who stood next to him, and his expression softened. These were his students! So confident and poised! Unlike the others who were scaredy cats!
When he turned to the other students standing before him, his gaze narrowed.
"So, only two students can speak in this class, huh? Tsk, what about the rest?"
The students felt flustered. As the main female characters, Elena and Jenny should have spoken next, since Max had taken the lead, but Charles beat them to it.
"Professor, no matter how strong we are or how much we know about the Battle Royal, everyone knows that it is a dangerous and unpredictable place. But we are not scared. We were simply startled by your words."
Skyler muttered after him.
"He is right. So, how about the professor tells us why he's asking us to enter the first level of Battle Royal? Perhaps knowing the reason will help the students decide?"
Hearing them, Zack's heart trembled. He couldn't believe the extra characters, who shouldn't even be present in the academy, were actively interfering in the story! Adding insult to injury, they were also stealing the protagonist and his team's spotlight!
He knew today was the day a major event was going to happen! Many students from First Year Elite Class A would enter the first level of Battle Royal without the academy's permission soon. So, Max and his team should be the ones driving this event!
Moore chuckled at Skyler's words.
"What a shame, I already have two good disciples. You two are promising talents."
He whispered, giving Zack another tiny panic attack. Unlike him, Skyler and Charles strangely felt satisfied that the professor was regretting choosing Max and Austin.
Moore smirked as he formed a voice-concealing barrier around them before gathering everyone's attention.
"I understand what you are saying. The Battle Royal is a dangerous place."
He paused for a second.
"But what if I told you that those students who follow my suggestion and enter the First Level of Battle Royal now will receive a map that will guide them to locations where they could potentially find treasures, and even to the Gate leading to the next level of Battle Royal? I am certain those students will be able to clear the first level within a week!"
A pin-drop silence descended upon the dome. It took the students a few seconds to digest his words, and when they did, a wave of commotion erupted. Shock was a gross understatement of what the students felt.
It didn't matter if it was the first level or the 51st—how the hell could someone clear a level of Battle Royal in just a week when the shortest time recorded to clear a level of Battle Royal in Eldoria was one month?
Moreover, how could there be a map that would guide them to the potential locations of treasures in the first level and also to the Gate leading to the next level?
It was simply unheard of!
Many of the students present hailed from wealthy families. If the professor's words held any truth, wouldn't they have already known about it from their families?
Even Skyler and Charles were curious to know if the professor was telling the truth.
Max and Austin exchanged glances. They both knew trouble was brewing when they saw Moore, but they didn't predict that he would say something so shocking.
This time, the students didn't hesitate for even a second. They began questioning the professor's words, their skepticism evident.
Moore's eyes crinkled with amusement when he had the students' full attention. He had deliberately created a voice-concealing barrier to ensure what he was doing stayed private, especially from Doris, that nagging old woman, and the other powerful figures staying within the academy.
He couldn't afford to be caught now, not before he finished what he started! The consequences would be severe.
'I will face the punishment later. It's not like this is the first time I am doing something that would get me beaten up. Haha.'
He clapped his hands, and the sharp, resounding sound echoed in the air.
"Listen up!"
The dome fell silent.
"I'm not lying. What would I even gain from that, huh? I'm giving you all a chance to get stronger, to write your names in the history of Eldoria as the ones who cleared a level of Battle Royal in just one week. It's your call. Take it or leave it. I'm not forcing anyone."
With a wave of his hand, Moore retrieved many maps from his storage ring, the scrolls hovering in the air under his control. He then pulled out a small pouch and from it, several storage rings. They too joined the maps in the air, floating effortlessly.
"This is what will be given to those who agree to do what I asked. I found the real map of the first level in the Battle Royal. It was a coincidence that I stumbled upon it. But it took me an entire night to make copies of it, acquire storage rings and fill them with food and daily necessities you will need for a week. I know some of you are strong enough to go without eating. Still, I put enough food and clothes in the storage rings."
He stared at them solemnly.
"Now choose. Would you like to walk out of this dome and pretend this never happened, or would you like to grab the chance I am offering and get stronger?"
There was silence. As expected from the protagonist, Max was the one who stepped forward first, his golden eyes serious.
"Professor, I would like to accept. I want to get stronger. No, I need to get stronger. I always feel like if I don't, I will regret it."
Moore shook his shoulder with a grin.
"I knew my student wouldn't disappoint me! I will give you one storage ring and one map."
He waved his hand. Immediately, the best storage ring and a scrolled map, floating in the air, landed in Max's hand.
Austin snickered and agreed next.
"If he is going, how can I stay behind? I'm going too, even if no one else goes!"
After him, Jenny and Elena also stepped forward, declaring they would also enter the first level of Battle Royal. This gave many students the confidence to follow suit. But there were still many students who didn't.
Charles glanced at the ash-brown haired young man standing beside him.
"What about you?"
Skyler's lips curved upward.
"Same question, buddy."
Charles wore a serious expression on his face. He wasn't sure if his decision was right. They had joined the academy just yesterday, and they were already getting into danger. But he also wanted to get stronger.
"I am weak compared to the rest. But this is a good opportunity. I will enter the first level."
Skyler nodded with a hum.
"Okay. I will follow as well. But what about Riruru? She won't be able to come with us. Only I will get teleported to the first level."
They both approached the professor, and Moore was quite surprised to see them.
"You two want to go as well? You do know that you are very weak compared to others? There is no one forcing you, remember."
Charles exhaled softly.
"Professor, you said this chance is for all. I hope you won't go back on your word."
Skyler agreed with him.
"I just have one very important request. I want someone trustworthy to take care of Riruru while I am gone."