187: Chapter 0187 The First Two Subjects

He spent 5 Energy Points for deduction, and instantly, a three-dimensional model of the rune combination appeared in his mind:

Superimposing the stable structure of the Sturdiness rune with the dynamic energy flow of the Hurricane rune could increase the impact resistance of mechanical components by 30%, but energy consumption would increase by 15%, requiring the balancing addition of the 'Energy Saving' sub-rune.

He quickly wrote the answer on the answer sheet; with this, he had completed the entire theoretical examination paper.

He secretly glanced around; his classmates were still writing furiously. He wondered how they were all doing on the test?

This scene made him recall his own college entrance examination back on Blue Star...

It was that college entrance examination that allowed him to transform from a mountain village boy into a high-level researcher for the nation, even having the fortune to participate in the later stages of the South Heaven Gate Project.

For a moment, he was filled with emotion, wanting to submit the paper, yet suddenly feeling a trace of unease.

He sighed, spending another 10 Energy Points to activate the Analysis function, re-analyzing and deducing the entire test paper using his Pay-to-Win ability.

A moment later, the Pay-to-Win prompt appeared in his mind:

"Deduction complete, answer accuracy 100%."

He breathed a sigh of relief, put down his pen, and stared blankly at the clouds outside the window...

The next morning, the examinees were led to the testing hall at the provincial capital's sports center.

Dozens of silver magical testing instruments were placed in the center of the hall, each flashing with a red rune lamp.

An official from the Ministry of Education stood on the stage, shouting into a sound-amplifying magical device:

"Attention examinees!

The physical attribute test includes Mental Energy, Strength, Agility, and Physique. The results of each test will serve as an important reference for admission to the Higher Academy!

Reaching the standard for Mental Energy (≥ 3 points) is the foundation; the higher the attributes, the more likely one is to gain favor from top academies!"

Li Size stood at the end of the line, watching the examinees in front of him test one by one:

Some had only 2.9 points of Mental Energy and were eliminated on the spot.

Others reached 5-6 points in Strength, drawing gasps of astonishment from those around them.

When it was his turn, he placed his hand on the Mental Energy testing instrument.

The instrument's rune lamp instantly lit up with a dazzling gold color, and the screen displayed:

"Mental Energy: 10 points, Strength: 9 points, Agility: 9 points, Physique: 9 points."

The tester's eyes widened; he confirmed the results three times before saying in disbelief:

"Li Size, your attributes... you have already reached the standard for a High-tier Wizard Apprentice!"

The surrounding examinees and teachers gathered around, their eyes filled with shock:

There were very few people in the entire Crimson Soul Duchy who became High-tier Wizard Apprentices before even taking the exam.

In the afternoon, Li Size followed the main group to the provincial capital's central square...

This area was surrounded layer upon layer by the elite Patrol Officers of the Monte Province of the Crimson Soul Duchy. The black police uniforms formed a solid mass, and the revolvers at their waists reflected the sunlight, creating an atmosphere so serious it was suffocating.

In the center of the square, a circular spatial gate with a diameter of 3 meters floated in mid-air.

Inside the gate were distorted purple light and shadows, and runes such as 'Stability' and 'Teleportation' were carved around it.

The person in charge from the Ministry of Education stood before the spatial gate and announced the rules loudly using the sound-amplifying magical device:

"Examinees!

No magical items or potions are allowed to be brought into the Secret Realm!

Only ordinary items are permitted!

Line up to enter the spatial gate; the main exam officially begins after entering the Secret Realm!"

The examinees began to queue; some nervously clutched the corners of their clothes, while others looked around excitedly.

Li Size stood in the middle, his hands tucked into his pockets, which contained 100 gold coins—his emergency fund prepared for the Secret Realm.

As he moved, the gold coins made a crisp clinking sound in his pocket.

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out:

"Li Size! Stop right there!"

He looked up and saw Gil wearing a black Patrol Officer uniform, with a 'Captain' badge pinned to his chest, looking at him smugly.

Gil walked up to Li Size, a mocking smile playing on his lips:

"Li Size, what are you carrying in your pocket? Take it out and let me see!"

Li Size frowned, pulled out the 100 gold coins:

"This is cash. The rules never said we couldn't bring gold coins."

Gil sneered and pointed at the gold coins: "This also counts as an item! No items that could affect fairness are allowed in the Secret Realm!

You must leave these gold coins behind!"

Li Size's eyes turned cold—he had clearly heard the examinees in front of him carrying gold coins in their pockets, and some even had ordinary swords and revolvers, yet these Patrol Officers turned a blind eye.

Why was he the only one forbidden from carrying even gold coins?

This was clearly an attempt at personal revenge!

How could he tolerate this bastard?

He raised his voice and said:

"Captain Gil, the examinees ahead were carrying swords and revolvers, why didn't you care?

Why are you only targeting me?"

The surrounding examinees and Patrol Officers all looked over. Gil's face turned somewhat ugly, but he forced himself to remain calm:

"What they are carrying are ordinary items. Your amount of gold coins is too large; it counts as a violation!"

Just then, the person in charge from the Department of Education at the square walked over. He was wearing a gray suit with the Department of Education badge pinned to his chest.

He looked at the gold coins in Li Size's hand, then at Gil, and finally consulted his superior via flying message. Frowning, he said:

"Captain Gil, the rules do not forbid bringing gold coins; after all, one needs to purchase supplies while inside.

However, Student Li Size, 100 gold coins are indeed too many.

Leave 20 gold coins here, and hand the rest over to us for safekeeping. We will return them to you after the exam ends."

Gil's face instantly flushed the color of pig liver; he wanted to say something but dared not.

The official's words had already set the tone.

Li Size nodded, left 20 gold coins, and turned to walk into the spatial gate.

Gil stood in place, watching Li Size's retreating figure, his fists clenched so tightly they creaked, but he could only watch him leave.

The purple light and shadows inside the spatial gate enveloped Li Size, and his body felt as if it were thrown into a vortex.

The surrounding air twisted into countless light bands, and a piercing sound of space tearing echoed in his ears.

After an unknown amount of time, his feet finally stepped onto solid ground, and the sight before him instantly made him hold his breath:

This was a city enveloped by a Demonic Energy barrier. The light blue barrier covered the sky like a thin veil, filtering the sunlight into a soft golden hue.

The architectural style of the city leaned towards the retro, with well-arranged stone houses. The rune lamps lining the streets flickered with a light purple glow, and occasionally, patrolling officials from the Ministry of Education walked by.

They wore black uniforms with the Crimson Soul Duchy badge pinned to their chests, and the weapons at their waists reflected the light.

On the distant city walls, several Magic Monster corpses were hung up, clearly intended as a warning to the examinees.

The official from the Ministry of Education on the square had already given a rough introduction: this medium-sized Secret Realm was nearly half the size of Monte Province.

The city was located in the center of the Secret Realm, surrounded by dense forests and steep mountains.