novelraw Chapter 18 : Exam (1)
Chapter 18 : Exam (1)
Chapter 18: Exam (1)
Eunrim Campsite.
The exam venue was a campsite located on the outskirts of Kowloon City.
Owned by Eunrim Estate, which had influence in Kowloon City, the area normally served as a recreational spot for citizens, complete with forest bathing areas and walking trails.
However, since the Sword Certification Exam followed a closed-door policy, access to the campsite was restricted today.
Murmur, murmur.
Despite the restriction, the parking lot was already full.
The “closed-door” rule only applied to ordinary people.
Martial artists who possessed Sword Certification were free to enter.
Sometimes, sects or organizations came to watch their applicants, and at other times, headhunters came seeking new talent.
As a result, complaints were already being exchanged in the parking lot.
“Parking here is a nightmare.”
“Didn’t they hold it at a stadium last time? Why a campsite today?”
“How would I know? Probably some big shot changing things on a whim.”
“Damn it.”
“Tch.”
People in all kinds of attire gathered and moved toward the assembly area.
Since anyone over thirteen could apply, the examinees ranged across all ages.
Groups in matching uniforms stood out, as did those dressed head-to-toe in flashy techwear—clearly trying to attract headhunters.
“Quite a lot.”
Thud.
Cheon Bigang stepped out of an unmanned taxi and stretched his stiff body.
Since today was the practical exam, he wore a tracksuit for ease of movement.
The written exam had been held the previous day, and thanks to memorizing Jo Wol’s prepared answers, he had barely passed the 60-point threshold.
At the campsite, a recreation stage had been set up, with staff stationed around it.
10 AM.
As over 500 people gathered, the host grabbed the microphone.
“Welcome, examinees! We will now begin the 207th Kowloon City Sword Certification Exam!”
Cheers erupted.
On a hill overlooking the examinees, tents had been set up where spectators and headhunters took their seats.
“Today’s practical exam will proceed in three stages. As emphasized before, all accidents and injuries during the exam are the responsibility of the participants. You may withdraw at any time!”
As the host explained procedures and the location of ambulances—
A black sedan drove in.
It stopped in front of the campsite office.
The moment the rear door opened—
“Ah! We are honored by the presence of Council Chairman Yang Woomin, who has come to observe today’s exam!”
Applause followed.
A short, plump man stepped out.
He was a pro-Emperor figure and one of the most powerful individuals controlling Kowloon City.
The crowd stirred.
Cheon Bigang overheard nearby conversations.
“Damn… I wondered why weapons were allowed today. It’s because that lunatic is here.”
“You should just give up today’s exam.”
“Why?”
“Don’t you know? When he observes, it turns into a bloodbath.”
“Seriously?”
“At the 196th exam—21 people died.”
“…!”
“The final examiner was a criminal serving life. Who do you think brought him?”
“…Yang Woomin?”
“Exactly.”
Some examinees removed their number tags and left.
About 100 withdrew.
Cheon Bigang muttered,
“Using an exam as an excuse to watch people die… insane.”
At that moment, a plain-looking man approached.
“Cheon Bigang. I’m Gu Pyo, sent by Branch Head Jo Wol.”
So she planted help.
“What do you want?”
“Yang Woomin interfered. The examiners were replaced at dawn.”
“So?”
“She suggests you withdraw.”
“No. I’ll take the exam.”
“…!”
Around 400 remained.
The host began explaining.
“First test: endurance running! 21 km! Teams of three must pass 10 checkpoints and finish within 30 minutes!”
Murmurs spread.
Too easy for martial artists.
“But—two conditions! First, all team members must finish.”
Nods.
“Second! You must steal a ‘pass token’ from examiners along the route!”
Groans.
In short—
Run, fight, steal.
Within 30 minutes.
Likely against criminals.
“A trap,” Gu Pyo muttered.
“I know. That’s why it’s interesting.”
Cheon Bigang stretched.
“We need one more.”
“…Me?”
“Yes.”
“No one else.”
“…Fine.”
Then—
Thud.
Someone bumped into him.
A blonde woman.
“Oops, sorry!”
Crop top. Exposed midriff.
Cheon Bigang frowned.
“Isn’t that shameless?”
“I’ve got abs. It’s fine.”
She leaned in.
“I’m Sa Yerin.”
Before he could respond—
“You! Found you!”
Two large men approached.
She hid behind Cheon Bigang.
“Help me, oppa.”
The men sneered.
“We’re the Wind Blood Twin Bears. She’s ours.”
Cheon Bigang pushed her forward.
“Take her.”
“…What? Twin Dogs?!”
They exploded in anger.
Sa Yerin laughed.
“Twin Dogs suits you better.”
They raised spiked maces—
But staff intervened.
“No fighting!”
They retreated.
“Remember—anything that happens is your responsibility.”
Soon—
Teams formed.
“Fine. You’ll do.”
“Yay! Teammate confirmed!”
“Sa Yerin.”
“Gu Pyo.”
“Cheon Bigang.”
They moved to the starting line.
“Ready!”
Bang!
The race began.
Hundreds surged forward.
The Twin Dogs followed closely behind.
Soon—
Masked examiners appeared.
“Examiners!”
“They’re running!”
The examinees chased them into the forest.
But—
Cheon Bigang continued straight.
“They’re bait,” he said. “Don’t waste energy.”
Sa Yerin nodded.
“Agreed.”
Then—
Whoosh!
A throwing blade flew toward them.
“Aaagh!”