The Dungeon of Survival

Elviana stood among the gathered applicants in the vast courtyard of Royal Crest Academy, her golden eyes scanning the grand structures before her. The academy was as breathtaking as the rumors claimed—tall spires, intricate carvings, and a central tower that loomed over the entire campus. The air buzzed with anticipation as students whispered among themselves, waiting for the trials to begin.

 Suddenly, a murmur rippled through the crowd.

 "Wait… isn’t that the princess?" someone gasped.

 All eyes turned toward the academy gates, where a young woman walked with the grace of royalty. Her long, golden hair shimmered under the sunlight, flowing like molten gold with every step. The embroidered crest on her uniform left no doubt—she was Princess Alina.

 "What is Princess Alina doing here?" a student whispered.

 "Is she here for admission?" another asked in disbelief.

 "But she’s a princess! Shouldn’t she already be accepted?"

 A scoff came from the crowd. "Not in Royal Crest Academy. Even royalty has to prove their worth here. No special treatment, no exceptions."

 Elviana listened intently, excitement stirring in her chest. "If even a princess had to earn her place, then this academy was truly a battleground where only the strongest survived."

 As the whispers continued, Alina’s gaze suddenly locked onto Elviana. Their golden eyes met, and for a brief moment, the world around them faded.

 Alina studied her, taking in the quiet confidence in her stance—the way she carried herself with effortless power.

 "Interesting… golden eyes, just like mine. And her aura… it’s strong. This might be fun."

 A small, playful smile formed on Alina’s lips.

 Elviana frowned.

"Huh? Why is she smiling at me like that? Do I look weird or something?"

 She quickly looked away, trying to ignore the strange feeling settling in her chest. But deep inside, she knew—this trial would be more than just a test of skill.

The Magic Tower Master Arrives

Just as the murmurs about Princess Alina settled, a sudden shift in the atmosphere made everyone stiffen. The air grew heavy, charged with an unseen force.

"Look! The examiner is here!" someone shouted.

A tall man, draped in deep blue robes embroidered with ancient runes, stepped into the courtyard. His piercing gaze swept over the students, a smirk playing on his lips. His very presence sent chills down their spines.

 Whispers erupted.

"Wait… isn’t that…?"

"He looks just like the Magic Tower Master!"

"You idiot, he doesn’t just look like him—he is the Magic Tower Master!"

A wave of panic spread through the crowd.

"But why is the Tower Master here? Don’t tell me… is he going to test us?!"

"If he is… then we’re doomed. There’s no way we can pass if he’s the one testing us!"

Elviana’s heart pounded. Even with all her training, she knew what kind of monster the Magic Tower Master was.

"Do we have to fight him? Or is this some other kind of test? But if it’s really him… then this trial is going to be hell."

The Magic Tower Master placed his hands behind his back, his gaze gleaming with amusement as he observed the fearful students.

"Hmm… decent power levels. Hehehe, this is going to be fun."

Then, his eyes landed on Elviana.

"Ohhh? Now that’s interesting… Her aura is stronger than the rest. And the princess is here too. Along with other children from powerful families…"

A low chuckle escaped his lips.

"Hahaha… this will be even more entertaining than I thought. I can’t wait to crush their hopes~"

 His laughter sent a shiver down their spines, and in that moment, every student knew—this trial was going to be hell.

 The Trial Begins

 The Magic Tower Master looked at the nervous students and let out a chuckle.

"Why are you all so scared?" he asked, feigning innocence.

A student hesitated before answering. "Because… this trial will be hard… and you are our examiner."

The Tower Master smirked. "Oh? Is that all?" His sharp eyes gleamed with amusement.

"Don’t worry, little insects—ah, I mean, little children." He waved a hand dismissively. "There’s nothing to be afraid of! The trial will be very, very easy."

Inside his mind:

"Hehehe. Watching you struggle will be quite the entertainment."

 Some students sighed in relief—until someone spoke up.

 "So… that means we’ll all pass, right?"

 The Tower Master’s smirk widened.

 "No. Only those who prove themselves worthy will pass. The rest? You’ll fail and be sent home. If you’re weak, try again next year."

 Elviana clenched her fists, her golden eyes burning with determination.

 "Fine. I just have to prove myself. This is what I trained for."

Meanwhile, Princess Alina tossed her golden hair back, smirking.

 "This trial will be fun… but if I can fight the one I saw at the entrance, it will be even better."

The Magic Tower Master clapped his hands, regaining their attention.

"Now, let me explain the rules." His voice carried across the courtyard. "You will be teleported into a dungeon filled with monsters. Your task? Survive for one day. If at any point you wish to surrender, just say ‘I Surrender,’ and you will be transported back to the academy."

 A student hesitantly raised a hand. "Tower Master… what if someone dies?"

 The air grew heavier. The Tower Master’s smirk faded, replaced by an emotionless stare.

 "Then they will be dead. Nothing else." His gaze sharpened. "Any more stupid questions?"

 A tense silence followed.

 All the students, in their minds:

"But you just said the trial would be easy, you heartless old bastard!"

 The students swallowed their fear. "N-No, sir! No questions!"

 The Tower Master clapped his hands. "Good. No more useless chatter. Now, step into the teleportation circle. Your trial begins now."

 Some students hesitated, fear gripping their hearts. But Elviana was ready.

 Her first true life-and-death battle was about to begin.

As the last student stepped into the magic circle, the Tower Master grinned.

 In his mind:

"Hehehe, this will be fun to watch."

 A bright light swallowed them, and when it faded—

 The trial of survival had begun.