The Genius Mage Was Reincarnated Into A Swordsman Family

Chapter 145: Three Monsters (3)

**DING!**

[An extreme effort—Surpassing action was performed.]

[All stats increased by 2.]

The sharp, familiar chime echoed in Klaus’s mind, pulling him from the brink of exhaustion. His breath hitched as the system notification materialized before his eyes, accompanied by an unexpected surge of energy that coursed through his body. His strength, his stamina—everything—had suddenly amplified. It was as if the weight of the grueling test had been momentarily lifted off his shoulders. Klaus blinked in surprise, his lips curling into a small, victorious smile.

He hadn’t expected this hellish, rigged test to turn into an opportunity, much less a blessing in disguise. The increase in stats wasn’t just a lifeline; it was a powerful push forward, a sign that his relentless efforts were paying off.

Feeling the newfound power pulsing through him, Klaus clenched his fists, relishing the subtle hum of strength in his muscles. He straightened his posture, his steps becoming more confident as he forced his battered body to carry him the remaining distance. The forest thinned, sunlight breaking through the canopy as he reached the edge. He pushed forward, jogging out of the dense woods and into open ground, heading toward the coliseum.

***

Within the coliseum, the captains were engaged in casual chatter, sipping their drinks and idly watching the vast grounds below. None of them paid much attention to the forest’s edge. After all, they knew the test was designed to be impossible for trainees like Klaus. They weren’t expecting anyone to emerge anytime soon—especially not him.

But then, the unexpected happened. A ripple of excitement coursed through the crowd of spectators. Applause broke out, starting as a smattering and quickly growing into a thunderous wave that echoed across the coliseum.

"What’s going on?" Captain Victor asked, furrowing his brow as he glanced toward the noise.

"Wait... don’t tell me," Captain Estelle said, her eyes narrowing. She bolted upright, gripping the edge of her seat. "Don’t tell me someone actually finished the test."

"There’s no way," scoffed Captain Marcus, the youngest of the captains. Yet, despite his skepticism, he stood up, his gaze snapping to the coliseum entrance.

One by one, the other captains followed suit, abandoning their relaxed postures and turning their attention to the commotion. The previously lazy atmosphere was now charged with disbelief and tension. Conversations died as every eye focused on the figure jogging steadily into the coliseum.

The excitement quickly escalated into heated arguments as members of different armed groups tried to stake their claims on Klaus. To them, he wasn’t just a promising trainee—he was a potential game-changer.

Their spirited debates were abruptly silenced by a booming voice.

"SILENCE!" Captain Marcus barked, his tone cutting through the noise like a blade. The spectators fell quiet instantly, their eyes turning to the captain as he vaulted over the edge of the platform, landing in front of Klaus with a resounding thud.

Marcus’s piercing gaze locked onto Klaus, his face a mask of skepticism. "Show me your bracelets," he demanded, his voice cold and unyielding.

The tension was palpable as Klaus stood there, drenched in sweat and dirt, yet radiating an aura of power and composure that seemed to fill the entire coliseum. His expression was calm, almost indifferent, as he raised his arms to display the bracelets on his wrists.

Marcus’s hands trembled slightly as he inspected them, his eyes scanning the intricate runes etched into the metal. There were twelve distinct marks, each representing a checkpoint Klaus had touched. It was undeniable proof that he had completed the course.

The captain’s throat tightened as a wave of disbelief and dread washed over him. *How is he still standing?* Marcus thought, his mind racing. The test was designed to break even the most resilient trainees, yet Klaus stood before him, unwavering, as if mocking the very system they had rigged against him.

Klaus tilted his head, his piercing blue eyes narrowing as he observed Marcus’s reaction. "Why do you look so shocked?" he asked, his voice cold and sharp, cutting through the silence like a dagger.

Marcus flinched, the fear in his eyes now plain for all to see. He opened his mouth to respond but found no words, his thoughts a chaotic mess.

The crowd watched in stunned silence, their earlier enthusiasm replaced by a heavy, almost oppressive atmosphere. The captains on the platform above exchanged uneasy glances, their carefully laid plans unraveling before their eyes.

Klaus let his hands fall to his sides, his gaze sweeping across the coliseum. He knew what they had done. He knew the test was a trap. And yet, he had not only survived it—he had conquered it, standing taller than ever before.

This wasn’t just a victory. It was a statement.

And Klaus had made it loud and clear.