As the assessment competition drew nearer, everyone in the academy except the 1st through 3rd Grades became extremely busy, and the atmosphere was filled with tension.
The academy's Training Rooms and training halls were no longer enough, and several conflicts had even broken out on the training grounds.
Eichi was somewhat troubled as well. The academy did not have enough Training Rooms, and he could not secure a spot for himself.
So he could only leave the academy. There were Training Rooms available for rent outside, but they were more expensive than those in the academy.
"For this Cross-Country Race, 32 students from our class have signed up. Although everyone's chances of making the top ten are very slim, participation is what matters, because this is an excellent opportunity for real combat."
"It will greatly improve everyone's overall abilities."
"So we strongly encourage everyone to participate. Those who have not signed up need not worry; there will be another chance next time."
At the podium, the teacher gave his thoughts on the Cross-Country Race.
Eichi calculated silently. Thirty-two people from Class One had signed up, and about half the students from the other classes had registered as well.
There were roughly three hundred students in each grade. If half of them participated, across five grades—with the 7th and 8th Grades almost entirely participating—there would truly be around a thousand people.
A thousand people competing for ten spots. The competition was indeed fierce.
After class, everyone began discussing it. Although they knew they could not make the top ten, that did not stop them from talking about who might.
"The most promising contenders in this Cross-Country Race will definitely be the top ten from the 8th Grade."
"That has always been the case in past Cross-Country Races. The top ten