“The rules are as I have stated. Now, in the half hour before the official start of the competition, you may choose whether or not to form teams and find your own teammates.”
As Herbert finished speaking, the more than three thousand enrolled students immediately erupted into chatter.
Previously, the condition that Lord Elvis had mentioned didn’t hold much appeal for most of them — after all, most were well aware that their chances of meeting that condition and becoming Lord Elvis’s student were practically nonexistent.
But now, with Herbert stating that the results of this competition would affect their class placements, available resources, and even their accommodation, the stakes suddenly became very real for everyone.
No one was foolish enough to ignore such tangible benefits.
So once Herbert’s words ended, many students immediately began strategizing how to maximize their gains.
Those who were already acquainted quickly gathered together and began discussing point distribution, while those from smaller, unfamiliar places who didn’t know anyone started seeking out others without teammates to form temporary squads.
After all, this was the Northern Wildwood.
Even though the instructors had cleared it out beforehand, it was still extremely dangerous.
And even if danger wasn’t a factor, given the strength of most present, it was impossible for many to kill even low-level Magic Beasts without a team, let alone mid-level ones.
They might instead become delicious prey for the beasts.
From every angle, forming teams was the rational and correct choice.
Yet Li Xian had no intention of teaming up.
To be honest, he had never been interested in this so-called assessment; he was only here to go through the motions.
But after Herbert’s speech, his mindset changed instantly.
Leaving aside the conditions, class placements, and resources—which Li Xian had zero interest in—accommodation was a different matter.
Once admitted to the Academy, they would likely stay here for quite some time.
That meant lodging would be a significant concern.
Think about it: wouldn’t it be better not to squeeze together with several big burly guys, but instead have a private dormitory with Sara… maybe even a deluxe suite?
Wasn’t that something to look forward to?
So, to secure better accommodation, winning this competition was a must.
As for forming a team, Li Xian thought that just he and Sara together would be enough.
Adding more people might even hamper his performance.
After all, pulling off a feat like instantly killing a high-level Magic Beast under everyone’s watch probably wouldn’t look very good…
Just as Li Xian was thinking this, someone suddenly tapped him on the shoulder.
“Brother, what do you say? Want to team up?”
He turned around to see Vick’s somewhat awkward smile.
Vick was scratching his head, clearly a bit embarrassed.
It made sense—after all, he had looked down on Li Xian for so long, even saying some now clearly rude things.
Now that he was asking to team up, even a rough guy like Vick felt a little uneasy.
Light stood nearby, wearing an awkward, sheepish grin.
Their strength was considered decent among the students, and they had no problem handling low-level Magic Beasts.
But mid-level Magic Beasts?
The first time they met Li Xian had already been a living example of their inability.
With their strength and poor coordination, they simply couldn’t handle mid-level beasts, and the points for mid-level Magic Beasts were five times those of low-level ones.
This wasn’t a matter of just killing five low-level beasts.
Remember, though this was the Northern Wildwood, the number of Magic Beasts was limited.
To kill Magic Beasts, the first prerequisite was actually encountering one.
Encountering even a single Magic Beast was already difficult.
If they had to retreat at the sight of a mid-level beast, or worse, be chased and forced to call for instructor aid, losing their competition eligibility—it was a losing proposition.
Undoubtedly, within the five-person team limit, situations like these would happen.
In fact, nearly every team, when faced with a mid-level Magic Beast, could only call for help.
Among all the students, those capable of killing mid-level Magic Beasts could be counted on one hand.
Vick and Light, knowing they had little chance against mid-level Magic Beasts, naturally wanted to find others to team with.
But most of the top talents already knew each other from the Imperial Capital.
Having only recently arrived themselves, unfamiliar with the city and people, their only viable options for teaming up were those two outstanding talents with whom they’d had some rather unpleasant exchanges.
Hence, their shameless approach to Li Xian.
Li Xian glanced at them, instinctively wanting to refuse.
But in the corner of his eye, a familiar figure appeared.
After hesitating for a moment, he finally nodded.
“Alright.”
Without waiting for their reaction, he strode off in a certain direction.
***
“Want to team up?”
A solitary figure squatted on the ground, staring blankly at the dirt.
Hearing the familiar voice, she suddenly looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and apprehension.
“It’s you…”
She seemed at a loss about how to face Li Xian, glancing at him hurriedly before lowering her head again, making it impossible to read her expression.
Li Xian scratched his head.
To be honest, he wasn’t quite sure why he suddenly wanted to team up with this girl.
He had already resolved not to get involved with her anymore…
Maybe it was because seeing her squatting alone like this just looked too pitiful.
Like how he once was.
“Karinya, we’re teaming up… it’s you?”
At that moment, on the other side, a blonde girl came bouncing over.
When she saw Li Xian’s face, her expression instantly changed.
Her face flushed bright red as she pointed at Li Xian, taking a few steps back, covering her mouth and stamping her foot twice.
“You… what do you want to do to Karinya?”
“…”
Li Xian curled his lips, not bothering to respond.
That matter wasn’t really his responsibility, and holding a grudge forever seemed petty.
“Ellie, don’t be like that…” Karinya seemed to feel the situation was getting awkward and spoke up, “In the end, that matter…”
She didn’t finish the sentence, because the root cause of everything was her friend standing right in front of her.
“I…” Ellie stammered, unsure how to reply.
She knew that matter was her own fault.
But something so shameful… whenever she saw Li Xian, it was like she relived that unforgettable day all over again.
After what happened, how could she possibly talk to this guy normally?