Sylvia clenched the map fragment in her hand, staring at the small piece before closing her eyes. The category of magic or its properties didn’t matter now. She focused on the texture of the map she had felt, recalling its structure and function.0

Gradually, the Primary Colors formed a shape. The stolen map, the one Sylvia had touched, began to regenerate from the fragment, slowly taking form. Though she had never done this before, the map was soon fully restored, identical to the original. Even the red circle moved just as it had before.0

“Reylie from the Red Garnet Adventure Team,” Sylvia muttered, her voice cold as she clenched her small fists tightly.0

“Iliade thrives on anger. Trials that do not kill only make Iliade stronger.”0

This must have been the growth Glitheon had spoken of. Sylvia had once believed in the legendary deeds of Reylie and Dozmu, as described in the fairy tales. But now, they would pay for their betrayal. She was certain they would cross paths again during the exam, and she would never forgive what they had done.1

“I won’t be fooled again,” Sylvia murmured, admitting to herself her inexperience.2

Sylvia realized her naivety but was slowly beginning to grasp the harsh realities of battle. She glanced at the sky and saw that the sun was already setting. Reaching into her pocket, she retrieved a mana stone and created a bat, linking her vision with its own. As the bat flew off, Sylvia observed her surroundings through its eyes.4

As Sylvia examined her map, she reflected on why Reylie had required three maps. Then, she recalled the Chairwoman’s remark just before the exam started—mentioning that a thousand examinees were far too many. At that moment, Sylvia finally understood the true significance of those words.0

“It’s not a destination,” Sylvia realized.0

The map didn’t indicate...0