“Is everyone here?” One of the scholarly old men asked as he looked out over the ten or so teen boys and girls. “If everyone is ready, let’s get started. Form a line, and one after the other, you will come up on stage, choose your first monster card, and try to conquer it. Do not push yourself if you are unable to do so. I am sure most of you know this already, but you must not try to surpass your natural abilities, or else the backlash can kill you.”

Leo couldn’t help but nod his head at this. They hold these tests every year, and every year, he has heard of one or two people doing just that. But even if he knew this, he couldn’t help but think to himself: ‘Even if you tell me not to, I will have no other choice but to.’

Leo was not planning to push too hard because he knew he would be jumping to his death, but he did not mind having a headache or fever. While lost in thought, Leo’s gaze fell on the girl wearing a blue dress and orange hair that flowed down her back. Like flames over a campfire, it danced and flickered with each of her steps. She was Jasmine Kinde, and her eyes glimmered like green gems. She was the Village Chiefs daughter an one of the cutest girl in the village. Leo thought she was cute as well, but he knew his limits. He knew he was no match for such a girl. Plus, he knew the true girl behind the fake mask.

Up on the platform one of the old men greeted Jasmine: “State your name and age.”

“Jasmine Kinde, 15.” Jasmine was trying her best to act as if she was unbothered by what was happening, but in truth, she was very nervous. Her hands were clammy, and she knew if she did not start soon, sweat would probably start dripping down her back. But no matter what she had to keep up her image that she had worked so hard to build up. Once she passed the test, she could go to the capital and join Monster Academy.

The old man marked down Jasmine's details in a ledger. “Then Jasmine, my name is Elder Hill. Go over to Elder Lancaster and begin your test.”

“Yes.” Jasmine did her best to calm her emotions. She did not want to start walking all funny because of how nervous she was.

Off stage, Jack rubbed his hands together and turned to Leo. “She is as beautiful as ever.”

“You have been infatuated with her since you were five. But you know she has changed since those days. She no longer looks at us with friendly eyes. She sees us as nothing more than pests.” Leo knew the girl's true attitude towards the boys in the village. He had witnessed it by accident one day a few years back. He had been helping out in one of the fields when she walked by complaining.

- - -

Three years ago…

Leo was in the middle of harvesting potatoes. The sun was already high in the sky, making it extremely hot. He just happened to raise his head to see a young man and girl standing on the dirt path, splitting the fields apart.

“Jasmine, I have always thought that you were the prettiest girl in the village. Will you be willing to date me with marriage in mind?” Leo's eyes widened when he heard these words. He knew the young man standing there. His name was William, and he was one of the more handsome boys in the village. Leo had noticed many girls staring at him. He was not only good-looking but also lived in the center of the village. His family was decently well off for a villager.

He could see why he would ask Jasmine to be his mate, but… ‘Do you need to do it out in the open with me here!?’ Leo felt like he should find a hole to hide in. The last thing he wanted was to be caught spying when he was just trying to do his work.

“Are you serious?” A cold, mocking voice filled the air, causing Leo to look at Jasmine in surprise. “You failed to become a Card Master. You took the test twice and failed both times. I am the village chief’s daughter. Once I pass the test I will be heading to the capital. Which noble young master will not fall for me? I will soon marry into a rich noble family. I will not be tied down to this little village.”

Leo was shocked at the words coming out of Jasmine’s mouth. Not more than a year ago, the girl was running around playing in the mud, but now… He wondered why a girl her age was even thinking of such things. ‘I can’t blame her for wanting a better life, but still… isn’t that a bit too harsh to someone who had just confessed?’

- - -

It was since that day that Leo started to notice the difference between the old and new Jasmine. She was still very pretty, and she might be right that she may be able to gain the affection of some noble young master, but she was already acting as if it was already set in stone.

“I’m not stupid.” Jack scratched his head. He might be slow, but he understood he would never have a chance with that girl, and he also knew she had changed a lot. “I just find her pretty.”

“That I can’t deny.” Leo readily agreed.

“Look! The cards are coming out!” Jack pointed toward the stage.
A bluish eerie light began to shine from the C.A.R.D. From it, multiple lights shot into the air, filling up half the stage. Elder Lancaster looked at all the cards to make sure they were all there before turning his attention to Jasmine. “Now select a card. You will only be given one chance. Once you select a card, I will assist you in merging your conscious with the Chaotic Realm. It is there that you will do battle with the monster within the card. If you fail you will be able to try again next year. If you conquer the card, then you past the test and it will be the first card you will use when you enter the Academy. Now go child. Choose your card.”