I Swear I'm Not a Demon Masquerading as a Human

In the Learning and Educational Hall of Ikerite University, natural light streamed in through the expansive glass wall on the day of the entrance exam. Lance arrived early at the exam venue on the seventh floor and sat quietly in the waiting area.

Although Talia couldn’t enter the exam area, she waited on the outdoor terrace downstairs. The spacious area was situated at one corner of the building's exterior, featuring wooden decking and benches for students and staff to rest. It was a place to enjoy the air and sunshine while taking in the beautiful campus scenery.

The terrace also faced a massive magical display screen that cycled through various campus announcements. According to the other people waiting there, the live broadcast of the entrance exams for the Knights' College and the Sages' College would soon be shown on screens all across the campus.

***

The seventh floor venue featured a massive atrium with an open and airy space. Several colossal magical devices stood tall, resembling a group of silent giants. Light played across the magical machinery, refracting into a dazzling array of ethereal, magnificent beams.

Constructed entirely from mithril and magic crystals, the components of these massive devices snaked across dozens of meters. They exuded a cold aura while looking truly spectacular. Many examinees, seeing them for the first time, couldn't help but marvel at the extraordinary products of magical engineering.

For the exam, Ikerite University would use this breathtaking Artificial Shadow Realm Activation Terminal, providing the candidates with an immersive combat simulation within a created Shadow Realm dimension. Only those who passed this test would proceed to the final tests that were conducted separately by the professors from the respective colleges.

While some candidates looked excited or anxious, others appeared remarkably calm, as if they were already intimately familiar with the strategies for conquering these dungeons.

Since this practical simulation served as a joint exam for both the Knights' College and the Sages' College, the waiting area was filled not only with candidates who had an air of scholarly refinement, but also with many who clearly excelled at physical combat. Of course, it was always possible that some of the latter were applicants to the Sages' College instead.

Lance had been waiting on a bench for quite some time, and he nervously rubbed his palms together. The live footage of the exam would be broadcast, meaning the university’s professors and any passersby on campus would all be watching.

Because of this, this event had a history of turning into a public humiliation campaign for some unfortunate souls. Many senior students would watch the incoming student entrance exams just for the entertainment value alone.

Fortunately, the magic screens displayed a rotating split-screen feed, so the odds of him being singled out among so many candidates were slim. Besides, he had always conducted himself in a steady, low-profile manner. He likely wouldn't attract any unwanted attention.

At least, that’s what he told himself.

At some point, the sound of light footsteps echoed through the venue, yet they seemed to carry clearly to the ears of the waiting examinees, rising above all other noise. The overwhelming presence radiating from this powerful figure naturally caused the previously bustling, spacious examination hall to instantly fall silent.

Lance’s train of thought was interrupted, and he glanced up toward the spot where everyone else was looking. A person emerged from the inner recesses of the venue. For a moment, the sound of their footsteps seemed to be the only thing filling the entire seventh floor.

As the newcomer drew closer, the crowd could finally see that the person was dressed in a classic black suit, a white shirt, and a gold tie. The buttons and collar of the suit featured diamond and cross-shaped holy emblem patterns.

He was a young man with brown hair, appearing to be under thirty, which was far younger than most had imagined. Yet, no one dared to underestimate him based on his age. The regalia he wore signified that he was not only a faculty member at Ikerite University, but also a high-ranking cleric within the Church of the Goddess of Fate.

His pace was unhurried as he walked to the front of the waiting area. He looked at the examinees and introduced himself, "I am Lawrence Clantel, today’s chief examiner and the Dean of the Sages’ College."

The young man’s eyes were gentle, and his demeanor was entirely non-threatening. This put many of the examinees, who had been feeling somewhat nervous, at ease. Contrary to the stern, imposing examiner they had briefly imagined, the Dean of the Sages’ College appeared remarkably approachable.

"The theme of this examination is wisdom and character," Lawrence continued in a calm, methodical manner. "In the vast majority of cases, as long as you follow the correct path to solve puzzles and advance the main objective while challenging the Shadow Realm, you will not be required to defeat enemies that far outclass you.

"However, should an accident or error occur along the way, the Shadow Realm could spiral into an extremely perilous situation. Enemies powerful enough to kill you instantly might appear, turning you into prey being hunted down by vicious hunters, and you could also face a gruesome, lingering death. Thus, successfully deciphering the puzzles and securing key clues within a Shadow Realm Challenge is of utmost importance."

At this point, Lawrence paused, his expression turning complex. "A truly tragic incident once occurred here at Ikerite University: a failed attempt at a Level 4 Shadow Realm Challenge. Of the seven students who participated, none survived."

His voice was not loud, yet his words reverberated through the entire atrium like a low, ominous rumble of thunder. For these teenagers, death was likely a concept that felt very distant. In fact, many among them had probably arrived at the university without the necessary mental resolve.

An eerie silence fell over the examination hall, and the eyes of many candidates betrayed their inner hesitation.

Lawrence remained silent for a few moments before continuing, "The root cause was the students' overconfidence. They had allowed the mission to veer off course and lacked the capability to handle the situation as it rapidly spiraled into madness.

"A lack of character and wisdom had caused this tragic event. That is why, this year, both the Knights' College and the Sages' College are placing special emphasis on a candidate's ability to maintain their mental fortitude and respond appropriately to the situation.

"The test you are about to face is a faithful recreation of a real Shadow Realm dimension. Each of you will independently face the exact same solo Shadow Realm Challenge. Clearing it successfully constitutes a passing grade."

After briefly outlining the exam procedure, Lawrence inserted a key that shimmered with a dark, crystalline luster into the Activation Terminal’s console.

The space directly in front of the magical device warped and darkened, gradually taking shape until it transformed into an ethereal gateway. Within its massive, mirror-like surface, countless twisted souls appeared to be swirling. It was virtually identical to the Void Gate that allowed entry into the real Shadow Realm.

Lawrence stood quietly in the center of the hall. Meanwhile, ancillary staff began guiding the examinees, directing them through the Void Gate and into the artificial dungeon. At the same time, the giant screen mounted on the atrium wall ceased displaying its usual visuals. Instead, it switched to showing scenes from the artificial Shadow Realm used for the entrance examination!

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