[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-power-of-runes":3,"chapter-power-of-runes-power-of-runes-chapter-11":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Power of Runes",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1106176,1443,"Chapter 11 11: Entrance Test (1)","power-of-runes-chapter-11",11,"\u003Cp>The Next Day\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive stadium buzzed with life. Students filled every corner—some chatting excitedly, others fidgeting with nervous energy, while a few stood tall, radiating quiet confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the entire human continent, towering holographic screens broadcasted the event, displaying live footage not just in Nexus City but in every major settlement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the Starlight Academy Entrance Exam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A momentous occasion that all of humanity eagerly awaited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the people, this wasn't just a test.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the birth of the next generation of Hunters—those destined to stand against the monsters and dungeons that threatened their world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, amidst the sea of eager twelve-year-olds, one figure stood out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't nervous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Everything is exactly as it was in the novel.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash's sharp gaze swept across the crowd. He exhaled the words, \"Now… where's Ray?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He scanned the endless rows of young applicants, but all he saw were unfamiliar faces. Dozens upon dozens of children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sigh, he gave up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Well, even if I didn't find him, I found someone familiar.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A short distance away, his eyes landed on a girl—silver-haired, blood-red eyes, a delicate beauty so pure and ethereal that she seemed almost untouchable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was an innocence in her expression that made people instinctively want to protect her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her beauty was comparable to Melissia's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe even greater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elysia Moonglow\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'But something is off.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the novel, Elysia had been a commoner who lost her parents at a young age. That tragedy had shaped her into someone cold and distant, a girl who kept everyone at arm's length.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The protagonist had spent countless efforts breaking through her emotional walls after falling for her at first sight, dedicating himself to softening her frozen heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So then…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Why does she look so shy and kind?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He watched as a group of boys hovered around her, trying their luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And instead of shutting them down with her signature icy glare, she smiled and rejected them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Politely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she had the same personality as in the novel, those guys would've been frozen stiff by now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Did my existence already create a butterfly effect?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'But I did nothing major... Did I?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'No… wait, wait, wait… why does she—'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His thoughts were abruptly cut off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire stadium fell silent as an overwhelming presence descended upon them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A weight crushed down on their minds—not through brute force but through insidious whispers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A subtle, persuasive pressure that slithered into their thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Give up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Be Alone\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turn around and leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forget this test. Go home. Sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What's the point of getting strong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why make friends'?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You are fine alone\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, They will die just like her\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash's jaw clenched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shut up, you bastard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His thoughts, his own mind, turned against him\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shit… I didn't think it would be this bad. Hearing your own thoughts turn against you…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his fists, his body resisting the urge to surrender.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first test mentioned in the novel, he thought, eyes darkening as he steadied himself against the invisible force pressing down on his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The persuasion became even strong,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whispers coiled around his thoughts, insidious and relentless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This path leads nowhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forget this pointless struggle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You're not meant for greatness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash's breathing grew ragged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heartbeat pounded in his ears, louder than the murmurs, louder than the stadium's distant hush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weight pressing down on his mind wasn't just suffocating—it was drowning him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sickening feeling curled in his gut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cold, creeping sensation, like fingers clawing at his very being, trying to peel away the thin layers of willpower holding him together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why am I even here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His knees trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn't it easier to give up?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His vision blurred at the edges, shadows bleeding into the light. Every thought felt foreign, tainted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind was not his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warmth spread across his chest, chasing away the cold tendrils of despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Rune of Stability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>**\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Description:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Grants the ability to maintain equilibrium despite conflicting and opposing energies in the body, ensuring seamless flow and control in volatile situations. (Passive)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Improves mana flow efficiency by 50%, ensuring smoother and more potent magical output. (Passive)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Calms the mind, preventing emotional turmoil and overpowering negative feelings, allowing one to maintain clarity and focus even in high-stress scenarios. (Passive)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>**\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The symbol etched into his soul flared to life, invisible to the world but burning like a silent beacon inside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The suffocating whispers receded—no, they were still there, still trying to twist his mind, but their grip was weaker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash took a breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His chaotic thoughts unraveled, untangling like knots being undone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers curled into fists, nails biting into his palm. The pain was sharp, grounding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his body no longer swayed. His breath evened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to regain the Clarity,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stadium came back into focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bodies littered the ground—children who had collapsed, unconscious. Others wavered on unsteady feet, glassy-eyed, succumbing to the whispers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few were already leaving, turning their backs, walking away as if the test had never mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash's eyes darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Everything's the same as in the novel.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exhaled, slow and controlled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, he raised his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Floating high above the stadium, a woman exuded an overwhelming aura—so potent that the very air trembled in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was ethereal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unnatural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost divine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long, flowing Black hair cascaded past her waist, framing a face so stunning it felt unreal. A slender yet exquisitely curved body, draped in a tight-fitting uniform that only served to highlight her inhuman perfection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked young—perhaps in her early twenties—but Ash knew better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vice Principal of Starlight Academy… Elva Quill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sharp, piercing gaze swept over the stadium.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, for a fleeting moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes met his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A smile tugged at her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Tch.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash immediately averted his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Why is she looking at me like that?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something about her felt off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was a mystery in the novel—an SS-Rank Hunter who had long since hit a wall, unable to ascend any further. She had been mentioned only a handful of times, always remaining in the background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, standing—or rather, floating—before him now…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was nothing like a background character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'…Did the novel not do her justice?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could think further, her voice rang through the stadium.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well now…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was smooth and velvety, carrying through the stadium with effortless clarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was entertaining.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She chuckled—low, melodic, almost teasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's always amusing to see how students react to the first test. Some crumble immediately. Some fight until the very last second. And then…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes briefly flickered toward Ash again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some… are simply unfazed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't like this attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Why does it feel like she's talking about me specifically?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elva smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Regardless, let's not waste any more time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining students, still dazed from the earlier ordeal, slowly straightened, trying to gather themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To those still standing…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She raised a hand, making a small, flicking motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pulse of mana spread through the stadium.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every collapsed student disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gasps erupted as the unconscious bodies vanished in the blink of an eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash, however, wasn't surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Teleportation magic.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elva turned back to the remaining students, a satisfied glint in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Congratulations. You've passed the first test.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, whispers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others relieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few were too exhausted to react at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But most of the boys—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were still staring at her like fools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bemused smile crossed Elva's lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She placed a finger to her lips, pretending to be in deep thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh dear. Are you all still too stunned by my presence to respond?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few of the boys turned bright red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others coughed and looked away in embarrassment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She chuckled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Listen up, children.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone suddenly sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you think staring at me like a bunch of lovesick puppies is going to earn you extra credit…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…You're sorely mistaken.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few students shuddered as an invisible weight pressed against their backs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash remained unfazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elva watched their reactions with amusement before giving a satisfied nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now then—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her playful demeanor returned in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's talk about the exam.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gracefully hovered down until she was just a few meters above them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What you just experienced was a simple test of willpower. It was not about strength, not about intelligence—just sheer, raw, mental fortitude.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tilted her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wonder… how many of you actually understood the meaning behind it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, one student—a boy standing near the front—hesitantly raised his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Um… was it to see if we're strong enough to resist enemy mental attacks?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elva smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's part of it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She took a step forward in the air, crossing her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But more importantly—it was to see whether or not you would surrender to yourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze swept across the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Every great Hunter faces battles. Some of those battles will be against monsters. Some will be against dungeons. Some—against other Hunters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned slightly forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But the hardest battles?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are the ones fought inside your own mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shiver ran through a few students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash, however, simply watched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'She knows how to command a crowd.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elva suddenly clapped her hands together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well! That's enough seriousness for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her playful tone returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Moving forward, we will be conducting a written test.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few groans erupted from the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elva grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? Not excited?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She placed a hand on her hip, feigning disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was under the impression that all of you were eager students—ready to prove yourselves in every aspect of the academy's rigorous training.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, a few nervous chuckles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elva's grin widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's what I thought.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She took a step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, for those of you panicking—don't worry. The written test will not contain advanced magical theory. After all, most of you don't even know the about Magic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some students sighed in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elva let the moment linger—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her smirk sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, but don't get too relaxed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She raised a finger, twirling a lock of her hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The test will be… well, let's just say… quite unexpected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash narrowed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'She's messing with them on purpose.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elva chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry. You'll find out soon enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without warning—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A beat of silence passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire stadium erupted into nervous chatter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash exhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'That woman…'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't know if it was just her personality, or if she had genuinely taken an interest in him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either way—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had a bad feeling about her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And bad feelings… usually turned out to be right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A\u002FN: Sorry for missing a chapter yesterday! I appreciate your patience and support. More chapters coming soon! 🙏📖🔥\u003C\u002Fp>",1823,"2026-06-03T11:25:58.029Z","2026-06-03T11:26:07.394Z",1,"novelbin.me","e5c5da4ae83ae160f5bd3c4753923a4d35afc045128d6f3223390e80c8db6f69","power-of-runes-chapter-12","power-of-runes-chapter-10",452,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fpower-of-runes-cover.jpg"]