I Am The Game's Villain

Chapter 422  [Event] [Semester-Exam At Vanadias] [10] The Exam

"Training early in the morning really sucks..."

I stifled a yawn, my eyes lazily drifting toward the sky above Teraquin Kingdom. The sunlight filtered weakly through the canopy of towering trees surrounding us, casting a soft, golden glow over the landscape. Though the sky wasn't entirely visible, obscured by the dense foliage, it still possessed its own tranquil charm. My gaze shifted forward, drawn to the grand silhouette of the royal castle looming in the distance—a masterpiece of architecture with its towering spires and majestic stone walls.

I had to admit, they'd chosen the perfect location to place their castle. "Is everyone gathered?" Professor Harvey's voice rang, snapping me back to the present. "Here is where we will conduct the training before the exam. You'll soon understand why this particular session is necessary. Once again, remember—the royals will be observing, and you may also encounter other high-ranking nobles. As the Elites of the Academy, I expect nothing less than exemplary behavior from each of you. It was expected of you within the Academy, and even more so here."

He let that sink in for a moment before gesturing for us to follow. We moved forward, passing through the grand castle gates, though this time we didn't take the familiar route toward the throne room where we had met the Queen. Instead, we were led around the castle, to the sprawling royal gardens behind it.

The gardens were breathtaking, a vast expanse of meticulously trimmed hedges, vibrant flower beds. At the far end of the garden stood a group of elven knights. Leading them was Toran.

"Good morning, Professor Zestella. Professor Raven," Toran greeted with a welcoming smile as we approached.

"Good morning, Toran," Professor Harvey replied. "Is everything prepared?"

"Yes, everything is ready," Toran confirmed with a nod before turning to address us. "Students, please take one of these tablets and secure them to your arm," he said, gesturing toward several buckets filled with sleek, rectangular devices.

We all approached the buckets, picking out the devices and fastening them around our arms. As I secured mine in place, I felt a brief, sharp prick on my skin, like a needle piercing through. I glanced down at the device and noticed that my face appeared on the screen, alongside various pieces of data. It wasn't painful, but the sensation was a bit unnerving.

"These tablets are a necessary part of the exam," Toran explained as we adjusted to the unfamiliar devices. "It's best you get accustomed to them now, as they will be essential for tomorrow."

"Are we finally going to know the details of the exam, Professor?" Celes, Professor Harvey's daughter, asked. Her voice held a note of impatience, her gaze fixed on her father.

The rest of us couldn't help but nod in agreement. We'd been kept in the dark about the specifics for far too long. Though, having played the game before, I already had a pretty good idea of what was to come.

Professor Harvey's usually stern expression softened as he turned to his daughter, a small, affectionate smile breaking through, much to her embarrassment. "Yes," he replied, his voice gentler than usual. "Tomorrow's exam will take place in the Forest Ashenor."

James Raven then stepped forward, his eyes scanning the us

"You will be separated into two teams—Red and Blue." He held up two sleek, futuristic tablets, each the same in design but distinctly different in color. "These tablets are identical in function. The only difference is their color. The rules of the exam are simple: scan as many tablets from the opposing team as you can. While you'll be evaluated individually, additional factors—ones we won't reveal—will also influence your score. You'll need to do more than just gather tablets if you want to pass."

Rodolf, crossing his arms, scoffed. "What is this? Some kind of hide-and-seek game?"

James Raven merely smiled in response, his expression unreadable. There was more to this test than he was letting on, and we all knew it.

Harvey, standing beside Raven, spoke up. "The training today will be straightforward. It's just to familiarize you with the tablets and get you accustomed to how they work. Trust me, these could save your life. I urge you to always keep them on your person."

He then looked to Toran, who stepped forward, taking command. "We'll start with basic stretches, and then—"

Toran's words faded into the background as my attention drifted. This so-called 'training' was just a cover to make sure we were physically prepared for the real test. James and Harvey hadn't lied about the risk of death or danger, but they were definitely downplaying just how deadly the exam could be. They left out the gruesome details on purpose.

I glanced over at John. We both knew the truth. We understood the dangers ahead far too well. And then there was Earth—or Jayce, or whatever name he went by now. He had to know the stakes too, even if he pretended otherwise. He probably played the Game as well huh?

I really didn't picture him as someone playing a dating-sim type of Game nor either by the way?

He probably lost it and started playing this game to at least have a girlfriend inside a Game.

I remembered back when Ephera rejected him. He was furious then, seething with anger and frustration. Had he really fallen so far since that day?

Earth, sensing my gaze, turned and flashed me a smile, as if we were old friends. As usual, he was surrounded by a group of giggling girls, reveling in their attention. I snorted in disdain. Despite everything that had happened, some things never changed. I could only hope that the upcoming exam would put an end to his smug attitude—preferably permanently.

"We'll start with a few laps around the castle," Toran announced, his tone almost patronizing, as if we were mere children.

I understood the reasoning behind it, but the others exchanged confused glances. This wasn't exactly the kind of training they'd expected for the so-called elite students of Trinity Eden.

"What a joke," Lykhor sneered, his footsteps echoing with arrogance as he brushed past Toran. "Training for the elite, really?"

Toran simply smiled. "By all means, Mr. Elaryon, take the lead."

Lykhor wasn't done, though. His eyes narrowed. "Where's Alvara?"

Toran's smile faded, replaced by a stern gaze. "The PRINCESS is occupied."

"Tell her that Lykhor needs to speak—"

"Hurry up, everyone! Tomorrow is your Exam!" Toran cut him off, raising his voice to the rest of us. "Don't forget!"

One by one, the group reluctantly began to jog, albeit confused and irritated. I joined in, but my mind wasn't on the laps. I had something else to settle—something I should've dealt with earlier.

I quickened my pace and headed straight toward Rodolf. "Rodolf," I called out.

He glanced at me, quickening his own pace in response. "Olphean? What do you want?"

Feigning ignorance.

"My sister's maid complained that you harassed her," I said. He was clearly trying to play dumb, and it grated on my nerves.

Rodolf frowned for a moment, then smirked as if amused by the accusation. "You've got guts to say things like that."

I didn't bother with the games anymore. "Tell me what you know about my brother's death."

His face remained impassive as he shrugged, as if the question meant nothing to him. "Who knows?"

That nonchalant response only stoked the annoyance in my chest. I hated it when people thought they could toy with me, but I forced myself to stay calm. My emotions had been volatile ever since that bastard Jayce came back again into my life.

"What do you want?" I asked. "Aside from dragging Cylien into your bed."

Damn, I really tried.

I had barely finished the sentence when his fist shot past my face. I dodged it by tilting my head, feeling the rush of air as it missed me by inches. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Wanna die, Olphean?" Rodolf growled, threateningly.

"I want answers," I shot back. "Why did you talk about it to Blaire if you didn't want to tell me anything?"

Rodolf let out a snort. "I'm not in the mood anymore. Come back in a week. Maybe I'll tell you."

Anger surged in me, but I fought it down. "We're talking about my brother," I said, struggling to keep my voice level.

Rodolf's eyes glinted with disinterest. "Do I look like I care?"

His apathy, his arrogance—it was like staring at a mirror image of that jerk Yanis, someone I had no patience for. But Rodolf? I cared no damn about him. As he sped up, I slowed my pace, letting him pull ahead. My fists clenched at my sides as I watched his retreating figure, my expression turning ice-cold. I'd get my answers. One way or another.