I’m the God and This World Is Doomed

Instructor's Observation—Day Two of the Exam

The instructors stood on the viewing platform, their eyes scanning the massive crystal screens that displayed live footage of the students. Some were gathered in groups, setting up defenses and strategizing. Others were engaged in combat, either against monsters or fellow candidates. A few were struggling, barely making it through.

And then there was him.

Kael folded his arms, eyes twitching. "This is a joke, right?"

Evan, the ever-lazy genius, smirked and leaned back against the railing. "Which part? The fact that our students are fighting for their lives while that guy is having a picnic with rabbits?"

Headmistress Emilia sighed, rubbing her temples. She had been dealing with these two for years, and every time they were together, her stress levels doubled. "Can you both stop bickering for once and focus?"

Kael scoffed. "I am focusing. I'm just struggling to comprehend how Serian is casually walking through this exam like it's a nature hike while everyone else is fighting tooth and nail to survive."

One of the magic instructors, a woman with sharp eyes and a calculating expression, nodded in agreement. "His approach is… unique."

"Unique?" Kael threw his hands in the air. "He's getting free points just by existing!" He jabbed a finger at the screen where Serian was currently receiving another gift from the wildlife—a bundle of herbs from a squirrel. "That is not normal!"

Evan chuckled. "Hey, Kael, why don't you go ask the trees to give you some points?"

Kael shot him a glare. "Shut up, Evan."

The battle instructor, a tall, scarred man named Aldric, hummed as he watched the fights. "Well, setting Serian aside, we have some promising fighters this year."

The screens shifted to different groups of students.

Yulian and Serize were still going at it, clashing swords with intense focus. Their movements were fluid, precise, and filled with the sheer determination of young nobles proving their worth.

Sienna Redgrave was seen sparring with another candidate, her burning fists lighting up the dark forest as she pushed herself beyond her limits.

Edward Rutherford, the youngest of the famed Rutherford family, was seen tagging along with Serian. The poor boy looked like he had aged five years just by being around Serian.

"Edward's doing well," one of the instructors observed. "He's got solid technique."

"Yeah, but look at him," Evan said, amused. "He's questioning his entire existence just by being next to Serian."

Kael grumbled. "I don't blame him."

Headmistress Emilia sighed. "Speaking of Serian… Have any of you figured out what his ability is?"

The instructors exchanged glances.

"He doesn't seem to be using magic," the magic instructor said.

"He's not wielding a weapon either," Aldric added.

"He did kill a monster with a book, though," Evan pointed out with a grin.

Kael threw his hands up. "That doesn't count! That was just brute force! The mana core shattered because he hit it at the right angle!"

Evan shrugged. "Still impressive. Not many people can do that."

Another instructor, a tactical specialist, leaned forward. "What about his interaction with nature? It's clear that the wildlife responds to him differently. That bear offered him food, for crying out loud."

Kael pinched the bridge of his nose. "At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if the forest itself decided to crown him its ruler."

Evan smirked. "Wouldn't that be something?"

The headmistress, despite her growing headache, couldn't deny that Serian was fascinating. "Regardless, he's performing exceptionally well—whether he realizes it or not. His point total is one of the highest recorded in academy history."

"That's the problem," Kael muttered. "I don't think he even cares about the points."

They watched as Serian lazily walked through the forest, completely unconcerned while Edward frantically explained how the point system worked.

Evan snickered. "Look at that. Edward is losing his mind while Serian just nods like this is the most pointless conversation in the world."

Kael groaned. "He does think it's pointless! That's the issue! He wasn't even planning to earn points!"

"Then how does he have so many?" another instructor asked.

Silence.

Then Evan grinned. "Pure existence."

Kael slammed his head against the railing. "I hate this."

The instructors continued watching as the exam progressed. Some students formed alliances, while others fell apart due to poor planning. There were a few moments where students had to make difficult decisions—abandon a weak teammate or risk failure.

Some showed heroism. Others showed ruthlessness.

"That one's got good leadership instincts," Aldric commented, pointing at a student directing a small group to set up a defensive formation.

"That one's a lost cause," the magic instructor muttered, watching a student wander aimlessly, already exhausted and close to passing out.

Then, on another screen, a group of students tried to ambush Serian.

"Finally, let's see how he handles conflict," Kael muttered, eyes narrowing.

Serian stopped walking as the students surrounded him. One of them, a noble by the looks of it, sneered.

"We've heard about you," the boy said. "All you do is walk around, and the forest hands you everything. That's not fair."

Serian tilted his head. "Why?"

The noble clenched his fists. "Because we have to fight for it!"

Serian simply blinked. "Then fight."

The noble looked confused. "...What?"

"If you believe in fighting, then fight," Serian said calmly. "If you believe in surviving, then survive. I do not understand your complaint."

The noble's eye twitched. "You—!"

Before he could attack, a large bear suddenly appeared behind Serian, standing protectively. The noble paled and immediately backed off.

Evan burst out laughing. "Oh my gods. He doesn't even need to fight! Nature is his bodyguard!"

Kael groaned. "I give up."

The noble hesitated before turning and storming off with his group, muttering about how unfair life was.

Serian just watched them go before continuing his peaceful walk.

Edward sighed beside him. "You're making enemies without even trying."

Serian blinked. "I did not do anything."

Edward threw his hands up. "Exactly!"

Back on the platform, the instructors had mixed reactions.

Aldric smirked. "I don't care what anyone says. That boy is interesting."

The magic instructor nodded. "He is. But whether that's a good or bad thing remains to be seen."

Emilia rubbed her temples. "For now, let's just continue watching. The exam isn't over yet."

Evan grinned. "I can't wait to see what Serian doesn't do next."

Kael groaned. "I hate you."

*****

Edward hummed to himself as he set up his tent, carefully securing the ropes and adjusting the fabric. The small fire crackled beside him, casting flickering shadows across the clearing. He glanced to the side, expecting to see Serian doing the same—only to realize something.

Serian didn't have a tent.

Edward frowned and turned to look at him. "Hey... Where's your tent?"

Serian, who was calmly watching a squirrel nibble on a berry, tilted his head. "Tent?"

"Yeah. You know, the thing that keeps the rain and wind off you at night?" Edward waved a hand toward his own tent.

Serian blinked. "I have trees."

Edward opened his mouth, closed it, then sighed. Of course.

As if responding to Serian's words, the branches above shifted. Thick layers of leaves moved into place, forming a natural canopy. Vines curled around the branches, creating a soft, hidden nest for Serian.

Edward stared. "...Seriously?"

Serian climbed up effortlessly, settling onto the sturdy branches. Some squirrels chattered happily and snuggled against him. He leaned back, completely at ease. "See?"

Edward just shook his head, rubbing his temples. "You're unbelievable."

The night was quiet for a while. The fire crackled, the wind rustled the leaves, and the distant howls of monsters echoed from deep within the forest. Edward stretched his legs out and poked at the fire with a stick. Then, suddenly, Serian spoke.

"Vincent."

Edward looked up in surprise. "Huh?"

Serian was still perched on his tree, gazing down at him. "Your brother, Vincent. He is the executioner."

Edward rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah... That's him."

Serian blinked slowly. "You are like him?"

Edward let out a dry laugh. "Not at all." He sighed and leaned back against a log. "Vincent's… cold. He's strict, serious, and never shows any emotion. He always follows the Holy Order's rules, no matter what. To him, everything is either right or wrong. No in-between."

Serian listened quietly, his expression unreadable.

Edward chuckled bitterly. "Honestly, I don't think he even sees me as a proper warrior yet."

Serian tilted his head. "Do you want to be like him?"

Edward was silent for a moment before shaking his head. "No… Not exactly. I want to be strong, yeah. I want to be like my siblings—great hunters, warriors that people respect. But I also want to be myself."

Serian nodded. "I see."

Edward looked at him curiously. "What about you? What do you want to be?"

Serian stared up at the night sky, his violet eyes reflecting the stars. "I want to see a bigger world."

Edward blinked. "That's it?"

Serian nodded. "That is enough."

Edward chuckled. "Man, you're something else."

The conversation faded into a comfortable silence. The fire crackled, the wind was cool, and for a moment, everything felt peaceful.

Then—

"Oi! I'm coming in!"

A familiar voice rang through the clearing, and before Edward could react, Sienna barged into their camp, carrying a bag over her shoulder.

Edward blinked. "Uh… Sienna?"

She dropped onto the ground near the fire and stretched her legs. "Yeah, yeah. Don't mind me. I'm just here for the night."

Edward raised an eyebrow. "You're what?"

Sienna huffed. "I'll give you a few points in exchange. Take it or leave it."

Edward shrugged. "Fine by me."

Sienna sighed in relief and started unpacking some food. But then—

"Hello."

She froze. Slowly, she turned her head upward.

Serian was sitting on a branch, his long silver hair draped over his shoulders, his violet eyes staring down at her. A squirrel sat on his lap, munching on a berry. He looked completely at ease, like some kind of forest spirit.

Sienna jolted in shock. "What the—?! Why are you up there?!"

Serian blinked. "I sleep here."

Sienna gawked. "But—what if it rains? What if there's a storm?!"

Serian simply said, "Worry later."

Sienna groaned and rubbed her face. "You're impossible."

Edward snorted. "Took you long enough to figure that out."

Sienna grumbled but eventually settled down. Edward added more wood to the fire, and soon, the three of them sat in a comfortable silence.

Serian, from his perch in the trees, watched the fire flicker. The world was vast. There were still many things he did not understand.