Chapter 55: Entrance Exam

Three days until the entrance exam. The number of monsters I’d crushed since arriving in China had already surpassed two thousand. Even though they were beast-like monsters, their types varied wildly—many were massive, frenzied versions of apes, wolves, bears, and boars.

What I realized during combat was the insane usefulness of my 【Unique Skill】—Divine Eye! It lets me see a few seconds into the future. In close combat, it’s practically invincible.

I can predict every move my opponent makes—dodging attacks becomes effortless, countering is a breeze. I’d been relying on magic all along, so I never even noticed this ability was this powerful.

Still… if I could stop time, I’d be even stronger in close quarters…

All ten of my martial artist职业 boards were maxed out! My职业 rank was—

Martial Artist Lv99

Martial Arts Rank S → SSS Title: "Punch King"

Earned “Skill” Agility (I) ×11

Reached “SSS” rank, unlocking my third “Title.” “Punch King,” huh… but honestly, without a weapon, it’s still hard to say punches are effective against monsters.

I’d already decided my next职业 would be “Monk,” so I pulled out the职业 board from the sub-space and touched it.

Checking my职业 skills…

Qigong Martial Arts Rank F

Qigong Martial Arts… hmm, kinda promising, actually. The “Vermilion Bird” entrance exam is in three days. I’ll push my Monk level as high as I can before then!

I kicked off the ground and soared into the air, scanning the skies at high speed for beast-like monsters!

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Dalian, China — Entrance Exam Day—

A crowd had gathered at the government facility in Jinzhou District.

“Wow, pretty popular, huh…”

Joining the supernatural group "Suzaku" gets you treated like a quasi-government employee—well, technically part of the Chinese military, but whatever—and you’re guaranteed a pretty stable life. In a world this insane, if the government actually promises "stability"... honestly, that sounds kind of appealing... kind of...

Seems like you can join even if you're foreign-born, as long as your abilities are recognized... so there are a few foreigners scattered around.

"Numbers will be handed out! After grouping by number, each of you will go into your assigned room and take the exam."

The number I got was B-186.

"A and B, take the building across! C and D, handle this side! Split up now!"

Split into four groups by number and led into rooms. A ridiculously vast open hall, with several devices scattered about.

I’ve studied Chinese again, just like before. With the skills “Calculation Acceleration” and “Telepathy,” I shouldn’t have any trouble communicating.

"First, get tested! If you don't have a supernatural profession, just go home! Line up in a row if you understand!!"

Lined up in order, one by one, they were "examined."

"Monk Lv28"

"Warrior Lv40"

Staring at it, the "鉴定" level seemed too low—only showing profession and level, nothing else. Amidst that—

"Magical Warrior! Lv21"

A collective murmur ripples through the crowd. Probably because an elite class just appeared. Praise and envious stares pour in from every side.

Higher-tier jobs are rare, of course—but most of them require you to have gone through multiple professions, which means you end up with skills from several different trades.

That meant their stats were inevitably high, so “Suzaku” actively recruited them. Everyone here seemed to know that already.

"Next! B-186, step forward!!"

Looks like it’s my turn...

I stepped into the center of the room and stood in front of the examiner seated in the chair. An old man with white hair, probably in his seventies. Ability manifests regardless of age... huh.

You're... a monk, right? Level three.

Oh wow, a ripple of murmurs broke out here too.

Even if the level’s low… an upper-class job? …Man, that’s so jealous-making!

"Monk, not as popular as a mage or warrior, but still pretty popular... yeah..."

Voices buzz around me... Seriously, I’d already maxed out the “Monk” job board before this recruitment test even started.

Monk Lv99

Qigong Martial Arts F → C

Obtained "Magic" Enhancement Magic (I) ×3

Qigong Martial Arts has reached职业 rank "C." What surprised me was acquiring Enhancement Magic. Is that necessary for Qigong Martial Arts...? Honestly, still not clear.

I’m currently on my second “Monk” class. Man, magic warriors are popular, huh? Maybe I’ll try becoming one next time.

"Next up, arm strength! Hit this gauge as hard as you can!! Start with B-1!"

One by one, I punched them in line. What should I do...? If I go all out, the machine might break. But if I’m too weak, I’ll fail.

Guess I had no choice but to “imitate” the force of the guy beating someone right in front of me. My turn came up, so I tried hitting a little harder than the last guy.

“Hmph!”

Bzzt! The sound cut my turn short.

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The researcher, watching from a spot a little away from the instruments, spoke in disbelief.

"Look at this. What do you think?"

That monk guy… was he Japanese, or something?...

Two researchers were exchanging opinions while looking at the displayed data.

"Guess it’s weaker than I thought. Even if the level’s low, he’s an upper-tier monk—had higher expectations…?"

"The previous participant was the weakest in this group, so this one’s next."

You can’t get in the Vermilion Bird if your strength is too low, no matter how high your rank! Just as they were talking, a tall woman behind them muttered.

"Looks like an interesting one…"