A/N: This chapter may serve as an info dump, but an important one.

______ ___ _

About three hours later, we finished today's training. All four of us were pretty exhausted, the three were all resting. I bid them farewell and left on my own.

Just as I stepped out of our training hall, my eyes caught familiar figures. Sis and Mc were walking beside them, being followed by their team members.

Then I realized it, they were probably doing a joint team practice, it happened in the novel too.

Guess, they are really serious.

Not that's my problem anyway.

____ __ _

The next morning, I woke up a little early since today was another day that would be interesting.

The first class was Aether Manipulation, which basically became a sub-course (basic version) of the Aether Manipulation Course I was taking. I meant its contents.

So, it went pretty easy.

The second class was SpellCasting, which mainly focused on learning spells both theoretically and practically. It went as usual, I just watched others learning elemental spells while practicing the spell I learned in the Aether Manipulation class.

And finally, the Ruins and Dimensional Cracks 101 is just about to start.

And after today, finally, the Ruins Exploration Course would start. I, just like the other students was waiting for it to happen.

After all, the real adventure starts only then.

"Good afternoon, students," Just then, the instructor Maunt spoke. "You have been learning about Ruins for about a month now. But, all of them were just theories and practices. Today, we will put your knowledge to the test."

A murmur of anticipation rippled through the classroom as Maunt continued. "Those who pass today's test will be eligible to attend the Ruins Exploration Course, which will be a practical application of everything you've learned so far. Those who fail will have to re-take the test after a week."

"What?!"

"Why didn't you tell us at the start?"

"Hehe, thankfully, I knew it beforehand. Thanks to my lovely senior sisters."

"Heh, it's just a test. I can ace it easily."

As murmurs and whispers filled the classroom, I remained calm, feeling somewhat nostalgic for my first life. Back in the time, my schoolmates were similar to these students. Fun - Yes, Studying - No.

Anyway, I am not exactly a top student, but I always try to manage everything in at least the required capacity.

As Maunt explained the details of the test, my mind focused on preparing. I had studied the ruins thoroughly, both in theory and in practice, so I felt confident in my abilities. This isn't Math, Chemistry, or Physics after all, haha.

The test consisted of two parts: a written exam covering theoretical knowledge of ruins and dimensional cracks, and a practical demonstration where we would explore a simulated artificial Ruin to apply our skills.

"Now, I will start the first part of the test. I have distributed the exam papers to each of you," Maunt announced, as he made the papers fly to the students. "You will have one hour to complete the written portion of the test. Remember to read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability."

I glanced over the questions, finding them challenging but manageable. I began to work through them methodically, drawing on the knowledge I had acquired over the past month and the knowledge of the novel.

'Hmm...'

[Question 1. What is a Ruin?]

This one should be the easiest. Ruin is just like a dungeon which often appears in fantasy novels. It is an independent space comprising challenges, monsters, artifacts, rewards, and mysteries.

[Question 2. Why should we, Awakeners explore Ruins?]

Hmm? Because we need to get stronger, haha.

But, the real reason is if the Awakeners don't explore the Ruins and clear them, a situation similar to many know a Dungeon Break will occur. It's called Ruin Awakening in this world. If a Ruin isn't explored and cleared for a certain amount of time, it will slowly merge with this world, becoming one with it.

As a result, the ruin will appear in the real world, causing the environment to change and monsters to roam freely in the real world.

This has happened many times in the past. Hidden Ruins that were left unexplored often and up being Awakened. It caused many huge disasters and loss of lives. So, it's the duty of Awakeners to explore and clear Ruins to prevent such catastrophes.

[Question 4...]

[Question 5...]

[Question 8. What are the grades of Ruins?]

I scribbled down the answer, recalling the information from my studies.

"There are five grades of Ruins, each indicated by a different color at their entrances," I wrote quickly. "The grades are as follows:

Bronze Ruins: These are the lowest-grade Ruins, typically indicated by a dull brown color at their entrances. They are the easiest to explore and clear, often containing basic challenges and monsters.

Silver Ruins: The next grade up, indicated by a shimmering silver color. Silver Ruins are slightly more challenging than Bronze Ruins and may contain stronger monsters and more complex puzzles.

Gold Ruins: Indicated by a gleaming gold color, these Ruins are even more difficult and dangerous. They often hold valuable treasures and artifacts but also pose a significant threat to Awakeners.

Platinum Ruins: These Ruins are rare and extremely dangerous, indicated by a shining platinum color. They are filled with powerful monsters, deadly traps, and complex puzzles. Only the strongest and most skilled Awakeners can hope to clear them.

Legendary Ruins: The highest grade of Ruins, indicated by a radiant rainbow hue. These Ruins are legendary in their difficulty and mystery, often containing ancient artifacts, powerful guardians, and untold secrets. Very few Awakeners have ever successfully explored a Legendary Ruin. Those who managed to come out of them have become legends themselves."

....

Let's continue...

The other questions also revolved around Ruins, how to clear them, and recommended ways to explore. What should one do in case an incident occurs or Ruin Awakens?

Thankfully, they were the questions all I knew about.

[Question 13. What are dimensional cracks?]

This one is a trick question.

How much should I write? Should I... Nah, it'll be troublesome if I do that.

Dimensional cracks are ruptures in the fabric of space-time that connect different dimensions or worlds. They often lead to Ruins or other mysterious locations, and they can be unstable and dangerous if not properly managed.

They started appearing roughly a hundred years ago. And they aren't like Ruins, they don't remain forever. They may disappear after some amount of time or even change locations.

They are extremely dangerous, the minimum requirement strength one needs to have is peak Stellar Tier.

I know many other things but this world doesn't know of yet. However, I don't need to reveal it.

___ ___ _

As I finished answering the questions, I glanced around the classroom. Some students were furrowing their brows in concentration, while others looked confident and relaxed. I rechecked my answers and nodded in satisfaction.

"Have you finished, student Adrian?"

"Huh? Ah, yes, professor." I replied to Maunt as I handed in my exam paper. He nodded and collected it, after giving a quick glance at my answers, he looked up and said, "Not bad, student Adrian. You answered them all. I noticed you rechecking your answers so I won't doubt you. You can now go sit back or leave the room.

The practical test will be held after lunch."

"Understood." After nodding, I headed to the door as I already planned to leave.

"Woah, he is already done?"

"It has been just twenty minutes, right? How did he answer them all?"

"Damn, I only finished four! How am I gonna finish all these?"

I could hear students whispering as I left the classroom, but I paid them no mind. I had a brief break before the practical test, and I intended to make good use of it.

Exiting the classroom, I headed to the cafeteria to grab a quick lunch. As I walked, my mind raced with thoughts about the practical test. Though it would be held in a stimulated artificial Ruin, I was still thrilled about it.

About five minutes later, I saw another figure entering the cafeteria. It was Aria. As expected she was the one after me. Truly worthy of being the Second. Hahaha...

Anyway, why is she walking in my direction? Did she read my thoughts?

Or she is just coming to the neighbor's table.

No, it doesn't seem that way...

"Is this seat free?"

Purple eyes focused on me as I heard her question.

"Yes," I replied shortly.

Aria sat down across from me, her gaze lingering for a moment before she started to eat. I couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious under her scrutiny, but I pushed the feeling aside and focused on my own meal.

"Are you ready for the practical test?" Aria asked, breaking the silence between us.

"Yeah, I think so," I replied, taking a bite of my food.

"Good," she said, nodding approvingly.

Huh? What are you nodding for? Heck, why are you even taking the initiative to talk? Weren't you cold and more anti-social than me?

Or is it because you want to talk because you lost to me in the test?

Yeah, probably.