Surviving as the Third-rate Extra: I Can Plunder Talents
Chapter 50: The Island Exam [4]

Chapter 50: The Island Exam [4]

—Island Exam Raid Groups by Year & Division—

[Year II, Division A: Class Zenith]

Group 1 Leader: Alana Sol Astraea

Active Members: 20

Eliminated: 0/20

Group 2 Leader: Rahkeid van Elargrave

Active Members: 20

Eliminated: 0/20

[Year II, Division A: Class Mu]

Group 3 Leader: Oriel von Draken

Active Members: 20

Eliminated: 0/20

Group 4 Leader: Zion von Agnus

Active Members: 19

Eliminated: 0/20

[Year II, Division B: Class Alpha]

Group 1 Leader: Rosanna Quinn-selah Al Divinia

Active Members: 20

Eliminated: 0/20

Group 2 Leader: Maya Hel Infinitum

Active Members: 20

Eliminated: 0/20

Year II, Division B: Class Omega

Group 3 Leader: Vaeron Imperius Al Divinia

Active Members: 20

Eliminated: 0/20

Group 4 Leader: Ravelle Au Regina

Active Members: 20

Eliminated: 0/20

...

The Island Exam began at approximately 12:00 in the afternoon, marking the certain movement of the first to the next seconds for the next fourteen days.

The sixteen (16) raid groups—from both first and second years combined—were transported to different starting points within the island, showing the prowess of the high-level mages overseeing the exam.

But before it started, the students were relieved due to two things handed to them after the series of negligible questions and no proper answers—(1) a cutting-edge artifact in the form of bracelet that would monitor their [status] as long as they’re not inside a dungeon, which also would occasionally update their progress in terms of the exam’s Point System, and (2) the general map of the Ranaya Island in the form of pamphlets.

One could say that it’s a consolation for not receiving any supplies, which was arguably better navigation-wise.

Additionally, the students were given lunch an hour before, so they would have to worry about the food for dinner, at least on Day 1 of the exam.

Moreover, square-shaped objects with overlapping eye-like symbols were deployed, hovering throughout the vast island. These were surveillance artifacts that would monitor suspicious movements and any possible unwelcome guests, such as unexpected appearances of high-level beasts.

Apart from the [Hero Academy] professors and their deployed high-level mages, coupled with numerous additional exam facilitators, dozens of personnel from the Kingdom of Grisha were also stationed for this event. After all, due to the academy’s reputation of being prestigious, many students were in fact from outside the Holy Empire.

One of them was a first-year student, daughter of the King of Grisha, Himesha. She’s a petite girl with usual shoulder-length obsidian hair, fair-hued skin, and amber eyes.

This student, who approached a senior upon realizing their group was transported in the same region of the island, asked hesitantly, "S-senior, can we join you?"

Since the first and second years could not attack each other, teams would likely be formed. In this kind of survival exam, the more people you have, the advantageous it would be, especially in terms of survival skills and shared tasks.

Himesha approached the second-year student, whose expression was aloof as if her thoughts were distant. It was her mere instincts, that this woman was in charge of this specific group.

But the woman didn’t muster a response, though her gaze landed on another second-year female student, "You should ask her."

It was a succinct answer before the figure vanished within the island at a speed not normal for even average heroes.

"H-Hey, Alana! What-?!" The female student screamed, unable to understand the sudden responsibility given to her by their supposed chosen group leader.

In other words, Alana left her group in the air without any warning.

Seeing this, Himesha and her groupmates looked at each other with conflicting expressions.

"What’s going on? Isn’t the True Hero candidate the leader of Class Zenith, Group One?"

"Isn’t leadership the most significant characteristic a True Hero candidate should have? Why did she leave her group hanging?"

"Don’t tell me she’s going to hunt... alone? No way, right?"

Ignoring the murmurs of her groupmates, Himesha approached the other senior Alana pointed to. But the atmosphere became increasingly awkward that her words couldn’t come out of her mouth.

"We’ll only agree with teaming up if you avoid being clumsy and do something that’ll compromise our location. Will that be fine?" The second-year student from Class Zenith, one of Alana’s genuine companions in the future, named Kamion, spoke thoughtfully.

Himesha turned her head, gazing at her groupmates who nodded their heads. With that, Year II Group 1 and Year I Group 1 were assimilated into each other, forming a formidable force.

*

The Ranaya Island was divided into five regions, each one pertaining to the cardinal direction with corresponding geographical formations. Then, in its center, known as the central region, was a deep rock valley, where a lone labyrinth was conquered by the Adania Empire’s main forces years ago through a thorough expedition.

Running in this direction at superhuman speed was the Class Zenith’s True Hero candidate, Alana Sol Astraea.

It was because of one significant lesson she was taught as a member of the Astraea Hero Bloodline, which was personally implanted to her by her now deceased brother, the former True Hero who perished alongside the late Demon King.

- "The demonkind and those who worship unorthodox deities will always be attracted not to the labyrinths but to the mysteries buried beneath them."

’Their purpose is likely in that abandoned labyrinth, and everyone on this island is a potential sacrifice.’ Alana crafted a solid deduction.

After all, the Hero Bloodlines... or even those outside of these seven families founded by the Founding Hero, were aware that whenever the demonkind was involved, there would always be inevitable human sacrifices.

Her footsteps didn’t make any sounds as she galloped from tree to tree, rock to rock, and cliff to cliff.

She was moving at a pace with no room for hesitation while sensing her surroundings for any possible dangers.

But even with her quick speed, the distance from one region of the island to its center was at least 15 to 20 kilometers. It would take time, and that’s without any interference.

Coming to an abrupt stop, Alana glanced at the figure standing on the way.

Was it a blatant confrontation?

Or a possibility she hoped was not true...?

"What are you doing here... Caelen?"

Caelen was the youngest Head Counselor of the Hero Academy, in his late twenties.

Being someone from the Caelthorn Family—one of the Seven Hero Bloodlines—he was skilled enough to become a True Hero. However, just as it seemed to be [Fated], only members of the Astraea Family were selected by the Goddess of Light as Her champions since the era of the Founding Hero.

But that would change if the one in front of him at this moment... were to mysteriously die in this exam.

"You see. I can’t understand the Goddess. Why did it have to be your brother? Why has it always been from the Astraea Family? What’s even the point of the Hero Ascension Trial if it seems you’re going to be the fated True Hero? Don’t you think the Goddess is merely playing favorites?"

"...?"

Alana was momentarily at a loss for words. Indeed, a clear intention was seen behind Caelen’s words. But then, even she was not aware why the Goddess of Light was so favorable to the Astraea Family.

Why is it always the Astraea?

"How can we... mere humans question the Goddess’ will?" She said, simultaneously drawing a twin-headed scythe from the void.

Seeing this, Caelen smirked.

"My cousin, how dare you pull a divine weapon in front of me?" He said, proceeding to do the same as something was pulled from the crack as he extended his hand mid-air.

It was a lance and a shield, both exuding a dark crimson aura—an undeniable sign that it was the manifestation of divine corruption.

"Since when did you become affiliated with the demonkind?"

"Would you care if I told you?"

"No."

In a flash, both of them vanished as the nature surrounding them trembled.

*

In the central region of the island, at the entrance of the ruins of an abandoned labyrinth known as [Atlan Sphere], as per the records, dozens of suspicious men and women donning dark cloaks arrived through dark portals.

One of them abruptly asked as they began to traverse deep into the expansive, dilapidated abode, "How about Caelen?"

Besides the man walking in front, a response echoed, "Don’t worry. He’s now engaging the True Hero candidate. It’ll buy us some time."

"It would be better if he could get rid of that monstrous bastard." One voiced his genuine thoughts.

"That’s indeed a welcoming outcome, but our current objective takes precedence. But we’ll see." This time, it was the dreamy voice of the demonkind leader.

With his words, the ones following him smiled... until he continued,

"Unfortunately, it’s not that simple."

In any case, it didn’t matter what fate Caelan would have.

"Let’s make haste. We will welcome the arrival that will pioneer the ancient era, along with hundreds of youth."

His resolve prompted the followers to shout,

"For the Glory of Demon God! For the Extinguishment of Light!"