There existed a subtle tension among the examinees, each vigilantly observing one another and forming alliances.
[It appears that everyone is present.]
A voice resonated, drawing everyone’s attention. A man had taken the stage. He had light blonde hair, golden eyes, and was dressed in a casually arranged uniform.
[My name is Albi.]
The examinees collectively took a sharp breath.
“Albi, the renowned wizard of Maan?”
Even Selia appeared astonished. Albi was a hero wizard who had earned a place in the Hero Records.
‘Is this the individual celebrated as a hero in contemporary times?’
Leo examined Albi closely, paying particular attention to his left eye. An aura emanated from that eye.
‘What is this source of power?’
Leo wondered, utterly amazed. Albi retrieved a piece of paper from his pocket.
[A total of 569 students have participated in this year’s Western Region entrance examination.]
He adjusted his glasses and continued speaking.
[The tests consist of combat and monster subjugation. Typically, these tests are taken one at a time. To be frank, this approach is…]
Albi magically set the paper on fire.
[Tedious.]
Murmurs of surprise rippled through the crowd in response to the unexpected statement.
[It consumes too much time and is inefficient. So I thought, why not combine them?]
“What did you say?”
Selia and the other examinees appeared perplexed.
[No more talk. We will commence the test immediately.]
Albi extracted an old book from his pocket.
[Hero Records Unfold. Albi’s World. Chapter: The Forest of Monsters.]
Whoosh—
A massive rune materialized on the ground, inscribed in a divine language incomprehensible to the inhabitants of this realm.
Flash—
A brilliant light enveloped everything. When it dissipated, the surroundings had transformed into a dense forest.
‘This is truly another world.’
[The test is to survive in that forest. All else is permitted. You may collaborate to defeat monsters or eliminate competitors. If you wish to withdraw, break the orb in your pocket.]
The Forest of Monsters—a genuine forest situated in the southern continent.
However, Leo understood that he wasn’t physically present in that forest. This was a world constructed from Albi’s memory.
‘It’s not an illusion either. What occurs here is entirely real.’
The actual significance of the Hero Records—an ability to recreate the trials of heroes.
‘The realm of heroes.’
This power was uncovered 3,000 years ago. Before that, the Hero Records were merely archives. Its discovery revolutionized the world.
Some argue that the era of genuine heroes commenced 3,000 years ago. Conquer these challenges, and you would inherit the powers of those heroes.
‘An extraordinary ability.’
Why the gods bestowed the Hero Records upon this realm.
‘A system for genuinely nurturing heroes.’
To avert another world-ending catastrophe.
The hero academies, including Lumeren, were also unique for this reason.
Lumeren for humans, Seirun for elves, Azonia for beastmen, and Demian for dwarves.
Each academy housed Hero Records of their respective races.
And Leo’s objective was to explore all of these records.
‘If it’s the Hero Records, it might reveal what happened to the sealed Erebos or Tartaros.’
Leo clenched and released his fists.
‘First, the examination.’
He glanced around. Selia was nowhere in sight, likely scattered upon entering this world.
‘Nevertheless, the Forest of Monsters.’
A renowned location that existed in the real world, situated in the midst of a vast desert in the southern continent.
The forest teemed with low-level monsters such as goblins, orcs, and the mightiest of them all, trolls. Yet, people had abandoned it due to the seemingly endless hordes of monsters.
‘The curse on this forest endures.’
Leo had visited this place before. It used to be the homeland of Luna, an elf and a friend of Kyle’s, and was an elven forest until 5,000 years ago.
However, under the curse of the Monster Queen Silatuna of Tartaros, the forest had succumbed to corruption.
5,000 years ago.
The expeditionary force had vanquished Silatuna but had ultimately failed to eradicate her.
The queen’s curse endured, even after millennia.
Leo chuckled, reflecting on Luna, who believed that one day her descendants would defeat Silatuna and reclaim their homeland.
‘It appears the vile witch’s curse has weakened.’
5,000 years ago, this forest was one of the most formidable threats on Earth.
A never-ending banquet of abyssal monsters.
The army of monsters that posed a threat to all living creatures had originated from this forest.
Compared to those times, it’s now a paradise.
‘For now, let’s concentrate on the examination. They did say the test area is a free zone, correct?’
Whether one chose to confront rivals or monsters, it was up to the examinee.
‘If anyone here possesses a modicum of intelligence, they wouldn’t opt to battle in this forest.’
Even though they might be low-level, there was no telling when or where a monster would emerge.
Engaging in combat under such conditions could lead to peril.
‘Nevertheless, there are probably individuals who are undeterred.’
Selia was a prime example.
A remarkably skilled individual who refused to be compared to other examinees.
Leo had incapacitated her with two swift moves a week ago.
However, that was solely because she had let her guard down.
Had she fought at full strength, even Leo would have faced a tough challenge.
‘Especially in genuine combat situations.’
Leo slung his sword across his shoulder and drew his blade.
‘Shall we start by searching for Selia?’
Collaboration was permitted.
Thus, working together temporarily would be more advantageous.
With that thought, Leo surged forward.
Whoosh-!
A gust of wind shot toward the spot where Leo had been standing.
Turning his head, he spotted a familiar girl wielding a staff.
It was Chelsea Lewalin, Abad’s sister, who had engaged in a psychic battle with Selia earlier.
“We’re competitors, aren’t we?”
“Yes, but why the sudden attack?”
“I didn’t expect you to evade it.”
Chelsea shrugged.
“You’re unusually composed for someone facing an examiner.”
“I’m well-prepared; that’s why.”
Chelsea appeared at ease.
Evidently, she was well-prepared, as wind blades hovered around her.
One would get injured if they approached carelessly.
‘It’s a magical technique that didn’t exist in the past.’
Leo stroked his chin.
If there was a field that had undergone incomparable changes compared to the past, it would be magic.
Aura and summoning spells had remained largely unchanged.
But magic was a different story.
Magic was both an academic discipline and a domain of power.
Every spell had been extensively researched and refined.
‘So, it seems the fundamental principles haven’t changed.’
Chelsea observed, narrowing her eyes at the composed Leo.
“You’re remarkably calm, even with me right in front of you?”
Chelsea was a wizard whose skills far exceeded the average level of those taking the Lumeren entrance exam.
“How about a proposition?”
“A proposition?”
“This test rewards those who survive longer, right? Why not cooperate? It would be advantageous for you as a wizard to have a front-line defender.”
Chelsea smirked at her suggestion.
“Thank you for the offer, but I’m good. I’m a ‘Battle Mage.’ I don’t require a front-line defender.”
Chelsea initiated her magic with a brief incantation.
“And I have no intention of collaborating with someone from Zerdingher.”
“I’m not exactly from Zerdingher.”
“Weren’t you sticking close to Selia Zerdingher? So, there’s no reason to collaborate. Beeee-!”
Chelsea stuck out her tongue.
It appeared that she had no intention of cooperating, given their rival family backgrounds.
“You won’t cooperate?”
“Absolutely not.”
Chelsea pointed her staff at Leo, a signal that activated her spell.
Wind scythes sped towards him at an astonishing rate.
Leo extended his sword.
Whoosh-!
Sparks flew.
“Did you block it? I didn’t detect any aura use from you.”
Chelsea became wary.
“It seems I need to be cautious; you must be using an aura that’s hard to detect!”
Chelsea mistakenly thought that Leo was employing aura.
However, Leo hadn’t actually blocked the Wind Scythe.
‘It’s potent and flashy but rather predictable.’
He had predicted the magic’s trajectory and deflected the attack with his sword.
Unless the magic possessed overwhelming power, it could be countered with physical force like this.
Of course, it wasn’t a simple technique.
One had to perfectly anticipate the path of the magical energy.
But for the great hero that Leo was, it wasn’t a particularly challenging skill.
“Wind Cyclone! Wind Arrow!”
Whoosh!
A cyclone swirled around Chelsea.
With her hair billowing in the wind, Chelsea remarked,
“How about surrendering before you get hurt? Defending against this attack won’t be easy.”
“I acknowledge the potency of your magic,” Leo shrugged.
“But your wind magic attacks lack variety.”
Chelsea’s expression tensed.
“Are you lecturing me on magic, a direct descendant of the Lewalin family?”
Irritated, Chelsea chuckled.
“Hmph. I won’t hold back anymore. I’ll make you fail with my power!”
As she swung her staff, the magic she had held in reserve was unleashed.
Wind scythes and arrows surged forward.
Wind magic was among the most visually discreet forms of magic.
To the extent that it was virtually invisible to the average person.
This is why it was considered potent offensive magic, alongside fire.
However, in Leo’s eyes, the flow of the wind’s magical energy appeared exceedingly clear.
With a smirk, Leo flexed his legs.
“I told you it’s straightforward.”
Snap!
Leo’s form vanished as if snuffed out.
The magic spells hesitated briefly, having lost their target.
‘Fast! Where did he go?’
Chelsea hastily employed mana detection magic.
As a self-proclaimed battle mage, her reactions were swift.
But there was an aspect Chelsea hadn’t anticipated.
Leo didn’t employ aura.
Consequently, there was no residual mana from aura surrounding Leo.
This allowed him to close the gap in an instant.
“Gasp?”
Observing Leo materialize before her, Chelsea tried to react urgently.
Thud!
“Ugh?”
Yet Leo’s fist landed on her abdomen swiftly.
Observing Chelsea lose consciousness and crumple, Leo muttered,
“Now, shall we have a discussion?”
He didn’t mind dealing with monsters like orcs.
However, at this moment, Leo lacked the firepower to confront large monsters such as trolls.
‘Just when a mage with formidable offensive capabilities appears. Collaboration would be beneficial, wouldn’t it?’
Leo severed the vines around him.
Snap!
He pulled on the vine to test its strength.
“Hmm, sturdy.”
Satisfied with the vine’s durability, Leo glanced down at the unconscious Chelsea and grinned mischievously.
Cliche Novel 
I hope this catches with previous translation soon
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