Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Days in the West District were relatively safer than nights. During this time, as long as one kept a low profile, avoided meddling, didn't look or listen too much, and with a bit of luck, it wasn't particularly dangerous. Evan made the most of the daylight to travel, and as soon as the sun set, he would find an inconspicuous place to rest for the night, such as an empty house, a trash bin, or under a bridge. At night, Evan witnessed many shocking scenes: fierce gang fights, lewd acts in the open, and bloody pursuits and assaults. However, he remained silent, not looking, not listening, not thinking, trying to imagine himself as a lifeless stone. Even when a corpse fell beside him and blood splattered onto his shoes, Evan's shallow breathing didn't falter in the slightest.

On the evening of June 30th, despite Evan's disheveled appearance, he was fortunate to arrive at the factory designated as the exam site completely unscathed. The entire factory was surrounded by a wooden fence, and within a fifty-meter radius outside the factory was a stretch of wasteland, with small mounds visible not far away. At night, this factory was a hub for gang activity, becoming quite lively. If this place had been confirmed as the location for the Imperial Knight Academy's entrance exam, then action would be taken no later than tonight.

To avoid being caught in the crossfire, Evan quickly hid in a row of low, dilapidated wooden huts outside the wasteland. It was speculated that these huts were likely the former living quarters for the factory workers. Although they had been abandoned for twenty years and not even a complete wooden bed could be found inside, they were still suitable for shelter from wind and rain. Evan carefully chose the smallest and most rundown-looking hut among them, as generally, no one would want to approach such a place. This hut didn't even have a door, and half a person's height of garbage (likely produced by the gangs active in the factory) was piled up at the entrance, so it was estimated that no one would even glance here.

After dark, the previously quiet factory lit up with torchlight as usual. Some members of dangerous gangs from the East District appeared in the factory as they did every day, instantly making the factory—which was as large as three standard football fields from Evan's previous life—extremely lively. At nine o'clock in the evening, a team of black-clad individuals silently appeared around the factory, subtly forming an encirclement.

Leading them was a stern middle-aged man wearing the Empire's new-style military uniform with the rank of major on his shoulders. He observed the progress of the black-clad team's encirclement and then quietly asked his adjutant beside him, "Lieutenant, what's the situation inside the factory tonight?"

The lieutenant reflexively saluted and replied loudly, "Report, sir! Tonight, the Battleaxe Gang, the Giant Peak Society, and the Bloody Gang are holding an alliance meeting here. The leaders of the three major gangs and their most capable and loyal subordinates are present, totaling one hundred and twenty-seven individuals. All of them have the blood of Empire citizens on their hands and, according to Empire law, are to be executed by hanging."

Due to the selfish interests of certain powerful figures in the Empire, the gangs in the West District persisted despite repeated prohibitions, becoming a malignant tumor in Backlund. However, the true upper echelons would not allow this tumor to grow unchecked. Therefore, this year's Imperial Knight Academy entrance exam was set here. Of course, they wouldn't let the young adult candidates directly face these vicious criminals.

The major frowned. As a soldier dedicated to protecting the homeland, he truly despised these societal scum. Now, handing these gang members over to the rookies for practice was a way of putting them to use.

The major took out his pocket watch and checked the time: it was nine-thirty. He scanned the factory and decisively ordered, "Kill the three gang leaders! Kill the Professionals! Beat the rest half to death!"

"Yes, sir!" The black-clad individuals immediately drew their military sabers and, with a jumping ability impossible for ordinary people, leaped over the wooden fence, swiftly charging into the factory. Instantly, the entire factory descended into chaos.

The major had great trust in his subordinates, so just ten minutes later, he turned to look at another person whose entire body was concealed by a cloak.

"Mr. Black Raven, the rest is up to you." The cloaked figure, Black Raven, nodded slightly. A corner of his cloak lifted without wind, and a plume of smoke emerged from it, slowly beginning to envelop the entire factory. Before the smoke completely covered the factory, the black-clad individuals withdrew intact through the main gate. They reeked of blood, and many of their sabers were stained with it.

"One hundred survivors. Most have significantly reduced combat capability." The major was quite satisfied with this outcome.

"I wonder how many examinees will arrive on time tomorrow?"

"Someone has already arrived, sir." The lieutenant's abilities were particularly strong in perception, so he had detected Evan in the abandoned hut as soon as they arrived. Moreover, to prevent being accidentally injured by the examiners, Evan had prepared a white cloth covering his upper body, with several large characters written in ink: I AM AN EXAMINEE!

An interesting little fellow. This was the major's assessment of Evan after hearing the lieutenant's detailed description. A new student who, starting from the exam location given on that notice, actively sought relevant information, accurately assessed the dangers involved, set off early, and made thorough preparations—regardless of their actual combat prowess, this series of actions alone indicated a flexible and sharp mind. After all, the Imperial Knight Academy aimed to cultivate officers capable of acting independently, not ordinary soldiers who merely followed orders without initiative. However, even though the major held great appreciation for this examinee in his heart, he would not make contact with Evan before his official enrollment. This was due to considerations of exam fairness and academy regulations; personal preferences should not lead to special treatment for any examinee.

Night slowly receded with the passage of time. At 6:21 in the morning, the warm sun slowly rose, casting golden rays upon the earth. Evan also emerged from the ramshackle hut where he had spent the entire night. When his gaze fell upon the lieutenant, the major, and the dozen or so black-clad individuals standing ahead, a flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he momentarily froze. However, in the very next moment, he quickly realized that these people must be the examiners for this test. He immediately began walking toward them. However, he did not approach too closely, stopping while still some distance away. Then, he carefully retrieved his exam admission slip from his pocket. In truth, it was just a half-palm-sized piece of white paper with his name, home address, temporary address, and the registration number obtained during sign-up written on it. On this white paper, a bright red seal of the Imperial Knight Academy was stamped, making it particularly conspicuous.