The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

As the students grappled with the situation, their minds still trying to comprehend the perplexing first test, a surge of natural energy enveloped their bodies, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The previously engulfed white speck dust emerged, coalescing into tiny, distinct forms before their eyes.

The students stood frozen, their astonishment heightened by the sight of these miniature beings effortlessly floating and maneuvering mid-air. The young woman among them found herself particularly captivated, her gaze transfixed by the enchanting display unfolding before her.

Meanwhile, Desmond's expression twitched with a mix of surprise and curiosity as he observed the miniaturized version of himself, crouched mid-air and mimicking the fiery breath of a dragon. The tiny Desmond fixed his gaze upon his larger counterpart and let out a miniature roar, his form as black as the night. Remarkably, despite his diminutive size, he retained the complete likeness of a human.

Gradually, the miniature figures ascended, gradually gaining altitude until they soared back towards the black crystal tower from whence they came. Some students reluctantly reached out, trying to catch the elusive miniatures, only to discover that they were intangible, mere illusions devoid of physical substance.

One by one, the miniatures were absorbed into the embrace of the blue crystal energy, radiating a blinding brilliance that momentarily dazzled the onlookers. As the light subsided, a soft glow of black enveloped the blue crystal, casting an eerie aura around it.

Suddenly, a crisp snap resonated through the air, drawing the attention of the students back to Jessy and the white-robed figures. "Congratulations," she exclaimed, her voice filled with an air of triumph. "You have successfully passed the first test and have been verified as human."

"Now, let me explain the rules for the next test," Jessy declared, her words infused with a melodic quality. As she spoke, her lips began to move in an incantation, rapidly gathering energy before releasing it with a resounding burst. "Control Element: Air Rejuvenate!" she shouted, commanding the winds to obey her will.

To the astonishment of all, a gentle whirlwind materialized beneath the unconscious bodies of the failed students, delicately lifting them off the ground. With awe-struck eyes, the remaining students watched as the winds guided the limp figures toward a shimmering portal, ensuring not a single body touched the earth.

Desmond, positioned not far from the portal, marveled at Jessy's mastery over the elements. Stroking his chin thoughtfully, he observed the process, estimating that only around 500 students remained out of the initial 700. The odds of all of them gaining entry into the prestigious academy seemed slim indeed.

Applauding Jessy's display, the sound of his claps resonating through the air, he addressed the dwindling crowd. "Impressive. She has gathered the winds to form a concentrated vortex capable of carrying a burden as heavy as a human being," he mused, his mind busy calculating the odds of success for the remaining hopefuls.

With a resounding clap, Jessy regained the attention of the assembled students. As she began to elucidate the rules of the next test, a surge of energy surrounded her and the white-robed figures, shaping into a colossal character that floated effortlessly in the air.

"Firstly," the massive inscription materialized, each stroke imposing and grand, easily readable even from a distance, "the academy strictly prohibits the act of taking another's life." The words hung in the air, a reminder of the importance of preserving life and fostering cooperation.

"Secondly," the colossal letters continued to materialize, their ethereal glow captivating all eyes, "each of you will regain possession of your miniature form. Your task is to safeguard your own miniature and collect the miniatures of your fellow students to successfully navigate this test."

"The minimum requirement to pass this test is to obtain two miniatures, with no maximum limit," Jessy clarified, her voice carrying the weight of authority. "In other words, you only need to acquire one additional miniature from your peers. However, it is crucial that you also protect your own miniature, for even if you possess two miniatures, failure will be the outcome if your own is compromised."

"With the rules stated, the test will span three days, during which meals will be teleported to random locations for your sustenance. These meals will come packaged within a water bubble, and all you need to do is infuse your energy to dissolve the bubble and access the nourishment within."

"If at any point you find yourself unable to continue or endure the test, simply infuse your energy into your miniature, and your body will be automatically transported back to this very place."

As Jessy concluded her explanation, the black crystal tower shuddered, emanating waves of inky energy that surged towards the students.

"Now, you may enter the portal on my left side," she directed, gesturing towards a narrower path adorned with a smaller portal situated at its end.

Desmond's brow furrowed upon hearing Jessy's words. The abundance of loopholes and the academy's reluctance to address the students' inquiries left him dissatisfied. They were being herded like sheep, their questions and concerns disregarded.

"What measures will the academy take to prevent students from tormenting one another, prohibiting surrender or theft of miniatures?" Desmond pondered, skepticism evident in his thoughts.

Observing the blank expressions mixed with nervous anticipation among the other students as they waited their turn to enter the portal, Desmond shook his head in dismay. Even Elizabeth's group, he noticed, appeared resigned, lacking any semblance of inquiry or resistance.

His attention then turned to a familiar face—a tall boy with vibrant purple hair, someone who had harbored a grudge against him since their time together on the journey. "Ah, it's him," Desmond mused, curious about how the boy would fare with his limited energy. Considering his formidable physique, his chances might be slightly higher.

When the time came for Desmond to step forward, he voluntarily took a step back, allowing others to enter ahead of him. Elizabeth, Matson, and the other familiar faces proceeded into the portal before him.

As Gibson prepared to enter, he locked eyes with Desmond, silently exchanging a fist bump as a veiled threat, goading him to proceed. "This guy always looks for trouble, even though I've defeated him multiple times," Desmond thought, his brows furrowing.

The notion of ending Gibson's life fleetingly crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it, recognizing that Gibson stood a good chance of being accepted into the academy.

"I already have enough problems with the empire's assassins, and now it seems the demons have set their sights on me," Desmond contemplated, realizing the mounting perils he faced.

After attentively observing Gibson and the remaining students venture through the portal, only Desmond and the black-haired girl remained. The girl had been lingering on the periphery, much like him, waiting for their turn to enter.

Curiosity piqued, Desmond cast a curious gaze in her direction. However, before he could utter a word, Jessy abruptly ordered him to go first.

"Hmm, does she have connections within the academy?" Desmond wondered aloud as his body approached the smaller portal. Casting a fleeting glance back, he noticed Jessy still fixated on him, while the black-haired girl regarded him with a cold, piercing stare.

"Intriguing," Desmond muttered, a mischievous grin playing upon his lips as he crossed the threshold and entered the portal.