Omniscient Extra's ViewPoint: Supreme Adaptation-Chapter 23: Initiation Events

The arena was a vast proving ground with towering metallic walls embedded with shifting holographic projections.

These projections recorded the victories and defeats of past contenders.

A reinforced dome stretched overhead, acting as a dynamic screen capable of simulating various atmospheric conditions to alter the trials below.

The battlefield constantly changed through an advanced modulation system.

It could shift from smooth alloy plating to jagged rock formations, moving platforms, or deep chasms designed to test adaptability.

Observation platforms surrounded the arena, hovering at strategic points to provide instructors and elite students with a clear view of the trials.

A high control spire overlooked the field.

Inside, overseers monitored environmental conditions and analysed every movement with precision.

To the east, the Armament Hub contained automated dispensers stocked with weapons and combat gear for students who required them.

On the opposite side, a heavily secured vault protected relics of past champions and experimental augmentations.

Now, about 200 students had gathered in the vast arena, each looking around at the sheer scale of its dimensions.

Multiple drone bots flew in to collect their luggage, assigning each student a number to retrieve their belongings once the events had concluded.

Vorden stood at a corner after handing over his bag to one of the drones.

He subtly scanned the students spread across the expanse.

Realising this was a complete... umm... embarrassment, he exhaled sharply.

He was standing among men who looked old enough to be grandfathers, the kind who should be tending to their livestock or feeding peanuts to homeless children.

Of course, retirement existed.

However, they were only a small minority among the students—three, as far as he had seen.

Even so, it was enough to make him want to cover his face.

Ignoring the thought, Vorden decided to move carefully through the crowd, scanning his surroundings in search of the female lead, the main character, or any well-known figure from the world.

Unfortunately, with so many students packed into one space, it was impossible to spot anyone of significance.

Shortly after, a voice rang out—the same voice as the maiden's.

"Hello once again. I know many of you thought this would be some kind of grand celebration, but think again—you're wrong. There is no such privilege in this Academy, nor is there any pity for the weak. Weakness will leave you behind, and that is simply how it is, everywhere, until you decide to fight your way to the top.

"Now, moving on—though this should be obvious—you will all undergo three different tests: one of strength, one of agility, and one of durability. These trials will determine whether you are even worthy of being here. Fail, and you will be expelled before your first day has even begun."

Vorden sighed.

'Wow...'

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What a way to welcome students.

Many would see this as a life-or-death situation, given that this was the top Academy in the Kingdom.

No one in their right mind would want to be thrown out.

If you were expelled from here, you had no place in this world.

Game over.

He folded his arms, focusing intently on the voice, just as most of the other students did.

A few, however, were already talking amongst themselves, exchanging pleasantries as if this were some casual gathering.

Idiots.

The woman continued explaining the rules of the trials, but Vorden was more concerned with the nature of the tests themselves.

"You will all be divided into squads, each consisting of four members. If your team wins, you will officially be assigned as a squad within the Academy. This means you will be permitted to take on night shifts and missions once deemed ready. Now, let us begin Phase One of the trials."

A robotic voice echoed just as the woman fell silent:

"Phase One: The Grand Division (Team Selection). Before the trials begin, students will be randomly assigned into teams of four, and..."

As it spoke, more drone bots zipped through the air, distributing translucent cards no larger than a lottery ticket.

Each card displayed a squad number and a designated rank within the team.

Followers – those who must follow the squad leader's direction.

Squad Leader – the one responsible for guiding the team through the trials.

Vorden received his card and glanced at the squad number. 16.

Using this, he would be able to locate his assigned teammates.

However, something on the card made him grin so widely he looked almost menacing.

"...Finally, the boss, for the first time in my entire life of misery," he muttered, eyes fixed on his assigned rank.

He had been made Squad Leader.

Before he could relish the moment further, another announcement from the mechanical voice caused his smile to falter slightly.

"Do note that your current squad rank is only temporary. If you wish to keep it, your performance during the trials will determine whether you remain in your position."

This meant he would not only have to fight but also lead his team to victory if he wanted to keep his role.

That was fine.

He was more than ready to make it happen.

First, he had to find the other three members of his team.

Fortunately, they had already found him.

Vorden glanced up from the card in his hand as a boy approached with measured steps, his gaze steady but unreadable.

Tall and lean, his skin was pale, untouched by warmth.

His jet-black hair was swept back, revealing sharp features set in an expression of quiet detachment.

His dark eyes held nothing—no curiosity, no impatience—just a distant, vacant calm.

The boy glanced at his card, then met Vorden's eyes and spoke, his words came in a guttural murmur, low and edged:

"Number 16?"

Vorden gave a slight nod, mirroring the boy's stillness.

The boy studied him briefly, then extended a hand.

"Hi. I'm Damien, and you are?"

His tone was flat, almost mechanical.

Vorden took the handshake.

"Vorden. And what's your rank?"

Damien hesitated for half a second.

Only his eyes betrayed the pause.

"...Wraithbound. You?"

Vorden held back a reaction.

At least he wasn't weak.

He was very close to being a Lurker. This close... oh, wait... no way to demonstrate that.

In truth, Vorden outranked him, but admitting that might cause problems.

"Fang-Wrought."

Damien nodded once, and added:

"I hope you're not weak despite your rank. I despise them."

Vorden nodded.

He shared the sentiment.

Strength was the only thing that mattered.

"Are you a follower?"

"No. Squad Leader."

Damien exhaled, glanced at his card one last time, then put it away.

"Shouldn't we find the others?" he asked, already moving.

Vorden turned in the opposite direction.

They would regroup once the squad was complete.

Vorden spotted another boy standing awkwardly, his frame thin and his posture uncertain.

His black hair was unevenly cut, strands falling messily over his forehead.

Features were sharp but somewhat hollow—narrow cheeks, a straight nose, and dark eyes that flickered between fear and hesitation.

Tension lined his face, like someone expecting bad news at any moment.

In one hand, he clutched a flyer so tightly the edges had crumpled.

In the other, he held his squad card, glancing around as if searching for an escape rather than a team.

Vorden's instinct told him to walk the other way.

But in the end...

"Aish."

He sighed and approached, a silent prayer in his mind.

'Please don't let it be this fool. He doesn't look strong at all. In fact, we need a girl on the team. I can't take an all-boys team.'

...But his hope was instantly shattered.

Why???

Just whyy???

"Yes... I'm on the Squad. Number 16," the boy said, his voice carried a hint of shyness.

He looked down at himself, as though already convinced he was useless.

Vorden agreed.

But why?

Miserable again in this life, ay?

'Fuck!!!'

"What's your name and rank?" His voice came out flat.

"I'm Vorden, Squad Leader. Fang-Wrought rank."

He tucked his card into his jacket, not bothering to offer a handshake.

His patience had already worn thin.

The boy hesitated.

His fingers curled tighter around the flyer.

"...I'm Luminen. Veiled rank." His voice dropped lower, reluctant.

Vorden exhaled sharply.

Weak, then.

"Okay. Follow me."

He turned without another word, leading the way back.

Since he'd been unlucky enough to find a weakling, he could only hope Damien, the reaper looking-guy, had done better.

Preferably someone strong.

Preferably a girl.

When he reached the meeting point, he stopped.

His wish had come true.

A girl stood beside Damien, arms crossed, head tilted slightly.

Her hair, dyed pink, fell in straight layers to her shoulders.

She had a well-proportioned build, poised rather than delicate, and stood at around 5'7.

Her eyes found him immediately, sharp but amused, like she'd already made up her mind about him... Hehe.

'Cute boy...'

"Well," she said, flashing a smirk.

"So you're the Squad Leader. Heard a bit about you already. Name's Cherry, and I'm a decent girl, trust me."

Who else could be the Squad Leader if not him? The peasant behind? No.

A black headset rested snugly over her ears, sleek and high-end, with glowing runes embedded into the sides.

Strangely similar to the ones on Earth.

The faint sound of music leaked from them, fast-paced and almost chaotic.

Her voice carried a natural brightness, higher-pitched but confident, with a playful edge.

She tilted her head.

"Fang-Wrought rank, just like you. And your name?"

Vorden barely processed her words.

Damien must have already given her most of his introduction, except his name.

"Vorden."

"Nice name." Her smirk widened.

"Vorden, Burden—so similar. Hope you're not the latter."

Vorden nearly rolled his eyes.

She had just roasted him. Indirectly.

And now that she'd said it, he hated that he couldn't unhear it.

Vorden, Burden. The only difference was a single letter swap.

'Fuck. She makes me wanna choke her already.'

Behind him, Luminen shifted slightly, clearly uncomfortable.

Damien, however, had his gaze locked onto him. Or rather, onto Luminen.

Expression blank, he muttered under his breath.

"...This idiot again."