[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-online-game-starting-with-sss-ranked-summons":3,"chapter-online-game-starting-with-sss-ranked-summons-online-game-starting-with-sss-ranked-summons-chapter-168":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1650427,2114,"Chapter 168 Academy of Mera(2)","online-game-starting-with-sss-ranked-summons-chapter-168",168,"\u003Cp>The academy appeared ahead, an architectural marvel of gothic grandeur. Towering blocks of dark stone stretched toward the sky, their peaks vanishing into wisps of enchanted mist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arched windows, tall and narrow, displayed stained glass depictions of legendary warriors and scholars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enchanted lanterns lined the outer walls, glowing with an eternal blue light—never flickering, never dimming—illuminating the massive, iron-wrought gates standing like silent sentinels before the main entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arthur had prepared for many things. The sheer number of applicants was not one of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The streets were flooded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two entire streets were packed with young teenagers eager to apply, their voices a chaotic symphony of nerves and excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The line stretched endlessly, expanding through the outer gates of the academy and spilling down the roads like a river of restless energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young warriors in polished armor, mages in dark robes clutching spellbooks, archers with their bows slung over their backs—all waiting for their chance to prove themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thousands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There had to be at least a thousand people attempting to enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exhaled, shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn't expected this level of competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He should have, but the sheer magnitude of it still caught him off guard. Arthur shook his head before stepping into the line, exhaling slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept his posture relaxed, but his mind was already working. He needed to observe. Needed to see how the test was conducted before it was his turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already heard about it from the bartender at the inn, but seeing was different from hearing. Seconds turned into minutes, minutes into hours, the line creeping forward at a painfully slow pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, finally—he was close. Only ten or so applicants stood between him and the entrance. From here, he could see the process clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first crystal—used to test talent. The second crystal—used to confirm age. Arthur narrowed his eyes, watching the exchange unfold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Next!\" the examiner said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young man, broad-shouldered with sharp features, stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked to be in his mid-twenties—too old to be applying for any student position at the academy, let alone year one. Instantly, whispers spread through the line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph, does he really think he can fool the system?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a joke. No way he's fourteen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's going to embarrass himself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arthur remained silent, his sharp gaze fixed on the examiner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man was composed, expression unreadable as he gestured toward the first crystal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Place your hand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The applicant obeyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crystal shimmered, colors shifting from red to orange, then slowing to a soft yellow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The examiner nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"C-Grade Talent. Pass.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd's murmurs grew louder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?! C-Grade?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Doesn't matter. The next test will expose him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, no way he fits the age requirement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Place your hand on the second crystal,\" the examiner instructed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The applicant hesitated but then complied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A number materialized in glowing white script.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"14.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air in the crowd shifted instantly. Arthur could feel the collective disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This has to be a joke.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's cheating!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's no way—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The examiner's cold gaze cut through the accusations like a blade. He lifted his head slightly, his voice calm but deadly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't want to hear another word.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The murmurs ceased immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The examiner let his gaze linger over the crowd before returning his focus to the applicant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You pass the first set of exams. Proceed through the gate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man said nothing, but a smile bloomed on his face as he walked forward with excited steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others in line, however, remained stiff, still processing what had just happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arthur smirked. If anyone thought they could outwit the academy's system, they were fools. The crystals were not things that could be tricked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment someone placed their hand, their fate was sealed—fact over speculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless they were irregulars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Next!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young girl, barely reaching Arthur's shoulders, approached the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She placed her hand on the first crystal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It flickered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yellow\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light Green.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The glow stabilized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A-Grade Talent. Pass.\" Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another wave of murmurs surged through the line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An A-Grade talent?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's going to be a monster in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The examiner barely reacted, but his face showed slight interest and approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Place your hand on the second crystal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She obeyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"14.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pass. Proceed through the gate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arthur exhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This process was simple. Efficient. Ruthless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The line moved forward again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\"Next!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was his turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arthur stepped forward, keeping his expression neutral.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The examiner barely spared him a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hand on the first crystal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arthur complied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crystal flickered—And the entire courtyard seemed to hold its breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crystal flickered in myriad colours, swirling chaotically as if struggling to decide on a final hue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep crimson, electric blue, shimmering gold—one after another, they flashed and pulsed. It was unnatural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A murmur spread through the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This never happens…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is his talent so high that the crystal can't even evaluate it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's impossible. No talent should be beyond detection.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, a scoffing voice cut in.\"I think it's the opposite. He simply has no talent, so the crystal doesn't know what to display! Hahaha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughter rippled through a small group, but it was quickly stifled by the serious look on the examiner's face as he analysed the phenomenon in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arthur's expression remained impassive, but internally, he was exhilarated. A notification hovered in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ding! Your talent is currently being evaluated!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ding! Permission Required. As an SSS-Rank Talent holder, you have the right to reject, accept, or modify the result of the evaluation.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Modify.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ding! Enter the grade you would like to show]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arthur thought for a moment before settling on \"A.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An A-Grade talent was exceptional, second only to the monstrous S-Rank talents that the kingdom kept close watch over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was enough to garner respect and resources but wouldn't paint a target on his back the way an S-Rank would.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he confirmed the change, the crystal let out a high-pitched crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—Shatter!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crystal split into countless fragments, scattering across the table in a glittering mess.Gasps filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What the—?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It broke?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That crystal has been used for decades! How did he break it just by touching it??\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1038,"2026-06-06T12:00:36.159Z",1,"novelbin.me","213eeef08a88d3692e2dcf2d29838d8d18f043461a8facbc34a735092c723453","online-game-starting-with-sss-ranked-summons-chapter-169","online-game-starting-with-sss-ranked-summons-chapter-167",601,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fonline-game-starting-with-sss-ranked-summons-cover.jpg"]