ACADEMY OF SURVIVAL

"Hello, everyone, I'm Nola,"

A cheerful man said, looking at the multiple students in teams, like a swarm of moths.

"Today, I'll be breaking down the rules before heading out to your trial, called the House of Crows!"

Nola's tone dropped sinisterly at the last sentence.

"First off, look at that massive wall gate over there."

As Nola spoke, everyone including Micheal looked toward the direction, as well as the team, except for Tohira, who was sleeping with his head on Micheal's shoulder.

"Behind that wall is the Forest of Intermediary. Every one of you will journey to your final destination!"

Nola's tone dropped again, making Micheal feel even more creeped out, as he suspected it was likely death-related.

"Thought, I'm scared, This just makes me more thrilled!"

Micheal thought, grinning despite the fear lingering inside him.

"As soon as you make it to your destination, you will see someone waiting for you in your team's room for further information."

Nola concluded.

"Oh, I almost forgot. You all only have 48 hours to get to your destination!"

Nola said, pointing at the massive clock on the wall.

Micheal watched the clock, which had started moving, and he felt the stakes get even higher. The distance to their final destination was still unknown to them.

"And, of course, there are only exceptions to the rule!"

Nola said, as if hinting at something.

"So, without any further ado, let the trial begin."

Nola commanded with excitement, as the massive block wall split apart.

The ground shook simultaneously with it opening, and everyone looked shocked.

Without any further notice, Micheal saw Starter heading into the Forest of Intermediary. Micheal, who didn't know this place even existed in the academy world, just stood there, shocked.

"Alright, let's get this over with!"

Micheal heard Tohira's voice beside his ear, coldly.

"Was he really sleeping?"

Micheal thought, looking at Tohira fixing his sleeping mask.

As the rest of Team A rushed into the Forest of Intermediary through their designated lane, controlled by the controlled guards as they documented each teams that went by their designated lanes.

"We only have 48 hours to make it, so we have to move quickly."

Gin said, looking back at the crew as he led the way.

"Besides, we need to catch up to Nishi and Starter. Not to mention, there's probably even a trial waiting for us. Other teams might attack as well."

Bruse added, glancing at Gin, Tohira, and Micheal.

"Of course, we know that."

Christopher said, looking at Bruse.

Meanwhile, Micheal was still thinking about the exception rule Nola mentioned.

"Since this trial seems to require teamwork, if one of us reaches the destination first, does that mean the whole team passes the trial?"

Micheal thought, considering the idea.

Though Micheal wasn't sure about the idea, he looked at Tohira beside him.

"Do you think if one of us makes it there, our team will pass, even if we're still running behind?"

Micheal asked.

"That doesn't seem too far off. Besides, this trial looks like it's about teamwork rather than individual effort."

Tohira said, continuing to run beside Micheal.

As they continued, Bruse was now ahead of the team, far off, while Christopher and Gin also seemed to be far ahead. Meanwhile, Micheal and Tohira were still running, and they noticed Rodè was still behind, as far as they could see him.

"I guess the plan of sticking together is out the window."

Micheal thought, as it seemed like they were now in two-man teams or just alone.

As they continued running and became further apart from each other, Micheal and Tohira suddenly stopped when they saw a small dinning hall. It looked like a breaking point where they could eat, rest,and continue their journey as they see guards aprons walking in and out.

"I'll pass."

Tohira said, continuing to run.

"Besides, I'm sure there are more breaking points ahead!"

Tohira added.

"He isn't wrong."

Micheal, who had stopped, looked at the people cooking.

"Besides, this is a trial, and we need to be careful—anything could be a trap."

Micheal reminded himself.

"And so far, we haven't encountered any opposing teams yet. So, that's good."

Micheal thought.

"Which makes sense, since we're all time-bound in this trial."

Tohira and Micheal took a turn into a new lane and continued running.