Finally, it was time for the most anticipated part of the exams, the tournament.

Artix scored three consecutive wins against his opponents and managed to reach the top 125. One more win and he would be able to enter the top class.

His battles were against one freak and two elites. His battle with the two elites wasn't worth mentioning. It could be described with three words, one hit KO.

His battle with the freak was a bit more interesting.

**********

Artix and his opponent, David, stared at each other. The atmosphere on the platform was tense. Each was coming up with a battle scenario of his own. They were stimulating several outcomes inside their heads.

FWEET!

The referee's whistle was heard. David immediately condensed his avatar and so did Artix.

The two fought with their avatars in close combat. Although David's avatar was bigger, it was only infused with elemental laws. Thus, neither managed to grasp an edge over the other.

Artix knew that he would be on the losing end of this continued, so he took some distance and made his classic 'cover the platform with dust' move. He dispersed his avatar, removed David's locked gaze and activated Hide. All this before David managed to clear the dust.

David began to use his consciousness to search for Artix while being on guard at the same time. The platform was eerily silent.

The audience were holding their breath. They watched the platform intently waiting for the strike to arrive.

Five minutes passed, yet no attack arrived. David finally realized that something was wrong.

"He is trying to drain him," said a guy in the audience.

"I was thinking the same," agreed another one.

Infuriated, David condensed a huge sword and struck the platform at every corner. Dust covered the platform again.

After it settled, David emerged looking breathless. He could barely keep his avatar from disintegrating. David realised that he was tricked again.

He looked around but still couldn't find him.

"You coward!" Cursed David.

"This is called strategy," came Artix's voice from behind.

Without giving him a chance, a blade pierced his avatar and he disappeared.

**********

Artix went up the platform and looked at his fourth opponent. A boy named Benjamin was standing in front of him. He had short black hair and a pair of black eyes. He had a black horn on his forehead. He gave of a feeling of being one with his surroundings.

The battle started and both condensed their avatars. Benjamin's avatar was black. Artix immediately became serious.

They launched attacks at each other in close combat, but Artix was greatly at a disadvantage. Knowing that his previous tactic won't work on Benjamin, he started to dodge instead. While he dodged he condensed several arrows stealthily. When he had enough of them, he launched them at Benjamin.

Unfortunately, Benjamin knew of these arrows from the start. Although Artix infused them with Hide, Benjamin was naturally perceptive of his surroundings. Even if he didn't use his consciousness to look around, he would feel that something occupied that space. So, Benjamin managed to dodge them easily, pouring Artix's efforts down the drain.

Artix was gradually being cornered. Benjamin naturally knew of what happened in Artix's fight with Sarah. So, he planned to finish it, lest something unexpected happened.

He shot his spear towards Artix. Artix planned to dodge. But, the spear vanished and appeared in front of him in an instant giving him no chance to react.

Artix used an incredible amount of mana to use Aging on the spear and barely managed to escape.

Benjamin naturally wouldn't give him a chance to take a breather. He blinked and appeared in front of him with a spear in his hand.

Artix lost.

**********

Artix appeared outside.

'It seems like I won't be able to enter the top class this year,' Artix thought.

Depressed, he could only look for something to brighten his mood.

'How about watching Ronald's matches,' he thought.

Unfortunately, Ronald had ended his match for the day. So, he could only come back tomorrow.

In the next few days, Artix gathered with his friends who decided to watch Ronald's matches based on Artix's suggestion.

Through Ronald's matches, Artix managed to identify many of his shortcomings.

1. He doesn't know much about the other major laws.

2. He lacks knowledge about the other major laws.

3. He seriously has no clue about the spells that come with mastering the other major laws.

Artix was convinced that his three shortcomings were distinct, unique and independent!

Another minor shortcoming he discovered was his lack of battle experience and mastery over his weapon. But, a minor shortcoming like this wasn't worthy of his attention.

He decided to spend his vacation doing some research on the other laws to account for his shortcomings.

**********

The results came out on the 15th of January like they always did. Nervous, Artix took out his card to check his results.

1- Ronald Raldy, class 1.

2-....

3- Benjamin Miller, class 1.

4-....

....

11- Sarah Babington, class 1.

12-....

....

105- Artix Fergusson, class 2.

106-....

Although Artix expected it, he still couldn't help but be a little disappointed. Then he quickly shook his head.

'No, no, I can't expect them to help me again. I need to enter the top class myself!' Artix almost got out of character.

In the next three months, Artix studied the seven major laws. Naturally, he would focus mostly on death. Before he went to bed each night, he would think about that wonderful state. His sleep quality got deteriorated for some time. In the end, he asked Mr. Jacob about it.

"You felt freedom you say. But, have you thought about it. Why would you feel shackled in the first place?" Was the answer he got.

Artix felt like he grasped something, but didn't manage to get hold of it. In the end, he put the thought behind him.

'Whatever, I will take it slowly. No need to force it,' Artix thought.

Quickly the vacation ended and it was time for school again.

Artix looked at the signboard hanging on the door, '13-0002'.